Patents by Inventor Robert D. Watson

Robert D. Watson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11937037
    Abstract: A housing has a bud portion abutting an elongated stem portion. The bud portion is to fit within an ear. The bud portion has a primary sound outlet at its far end that is to be inserted into an outer ear canal, and abuts the stem portion at its near end. A speaker driver is inside the bud portion. Electronic circuitry inside the housing includes a wireless communications interface to receive audio content over-the-air and in response provides an audio signal to the speaker driver. A rechargeable battery as a power source for the electronic circuitry is located inside a cavity of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Kurt R. Stiehl, Arun D. Chawan, Michael B. Howes, Jonathan S. Aase, Esge B. Andersen, Yacine Azmi, Jahan C. Minoo, David J. Shaw, Aarti Kumar, Augustin Prats, Robert D. Watson, Baptiste P. Paquier, Axel D. Berny, Benjamin W. Cook, Jerzy S. Guterman, Benjamin Adair Cousins
  • Publication number: 20240007863
    Abstract: A device providing temporary pairing for wireless devices may include a memory and at least one processor configured to receive a request to temporarily pair with a wireless device. The at least one processor may be further configured to pair with the wireless device, wherein the pairing comprises generating a link key for connecting to the wireless device. The at least one processor may be further configured to connect to the wireless device using the link key. The at least one processor may be further configured to initiate a timer upon disconnecting from the wireless device. The at least one processor may be further configured to automatically and without user input, delete the link key when the timer reaches a timeout value without having reconnected to the wireless device using the link key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Natalia A. FORNSHELL, Aarti KUMAR, Robert D. WATSON, Ariane COTTE, Bob BRADLEY, Marc J. KROCHMAL, Kang SUN, Chen GANIR, Sarang S. RANADE, Akshay MANGALAM SRIVATSA
  • Patent number: 11800002
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to communicate audio data from either an active wireless device or a requesting wireless device to one or more audio reproduction devices that are simultaneously communicatively coupled to both the active wireless device and to the requesting wireless device are disclosed. Responsive to a request from the requesting wireless device to transmit audio data to the one or more audio reproduction devices, the active wireless device determines whether to transmit audio data from the requesting wireless device based at least in part on an audio status of the active wireless device and a set of predetermined arbitration criteria that prioritizes among applications and operating system processes that generate the audio data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Watson, Ganesha Adkasthala Ganapathi Batta, Anthony Guetta, David John Shaw, Craig Dooley, Chris Saari, Gregory Novick, Nathan De Vries, Sriram Hariharan, Patrick Ian Bernhard, Dana McLaughlin, Jeffrey Chandler Moore, Patrick Lee Coffman, Jonathan Anderson Bennett, Deepak Iyer, Albert Riley Howard, Jr., Jason Conn
  • Publication number: 20230328420
    Abstract: A method performed by a programmed processor of an in-ear headphone that is to be worn by a user. The method obtains, over a wireless communication link and via a first wireless connection that uses an accessory profile, a first request, from an audio source device, to start a measurement process. In response to obtaining the request, the method 1) establishes, over the link, a second wireless connection that uses an audio distribution profile between the headphone and the source device, 2) obtains, via the second wireless connection, an audio signal for driving a speaker of the headphone to output sound, 3) responsive to the outputted sound, determining a fit parameter, and 4) transmitting the fit parameter to the source device via the first wireless connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Kang Sun, Sriram Hariharan, Robert D. Watson, Sarang S. Ranade, Kevin Durfee
  • Publication number: 20230251822
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting a wearing status of a wearable device, the wearing status indicating whether a user is wearing the wearable device and sending wearing status data to a companion communication device to control a behavior of the companion communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Robert D. WATSON, David John SHAW, Arun Dhyaneshwar CHAWAN, Matthew GILLETTE, Ganesha Adkasthala GANAPATHI BATTA, Jeffrey Chandler MOORE, Patrick Ian BERNHARD, Baek San CHANG, Patrick Lee COFFMAN, Jonathan Anderson BENNETT, Anthony GUETTA, Jahan Christian MINOO, Keith Walter RAUENBUEHLER
  • Patent number: 11706555
    Abstract: A method performed by a programmed processor of an in-ear headphone that is to be worn by a user. The method obtains, over a wireless communication link and via a first wireless connection that uses an accessory profile, a first request, from an audio source device, to start a measurement process. In response to obtaining the request, the method 1) establishes, over the link, a second wireless connection that uses an audio distribution profile between the headphone and the source device, 2) obtains, via the second wireless connection, an audio signal for driving a speaker of the headphone to output sound, 3) responsive to the outputted sound, determining a fit parameter, and 4) transmitting the fit parameter to the source device via the first wireless connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kang Sun, Sriram Hariharan, Robert D. Watson, Sarang S. Ranade, Kevin Durfee
  • Patent number: 11683632
    Abstract: An automatic speech recognition (ASR) triggering system, and a method of providing an ASR trigger signal, is described. The ASR triggering system can include a microphone to generate an acoustic signal representing an acoustic vibration and an accelerometer worn in an ear canal of a user to generate a non-acoustic signal representing a bone conduction vibration. A processor of the ASR triggering system can receive an acoustic trigger signal based on the acoustic signal and a non-acoustic trigger signal based on the non-acoustic signal, and combine the trigger signals to gate an ASR trigger signal. For example, the ASR trigger signal may be provided to an ASR server only when the trigger signals are simultaneously asserted. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sorin V. Dusan, Aram M. Lindahl, Robert D. Watson
  • Patent number: 11671809
    Abstract: Methods for aggregating Bluetooth profiles for faster connection and configuration are disclosed, including transmitting, subsequent to establishing a connection, a request message to a peer device that indicates support of a fast connection protocol for Bluetooth profiles configuration and receiving a response message from the peer device that indicates the peer device supports the fast connection protocol. After pairing with the peer device, a first list of profile descriptors for a plurality of Bluetooth profiles supported by the device may be transmitted to the peer device and a second list of profile descriptors for a plurality of Bluetooth profiles supported by the peer device may be received. A configuration of a plurality of Bluetooth profiles base, at least in part, on a comparison of the first list of profile descriptors to the second list of profile descriptors may be determined and transmitted to the peer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Akshay Mangalam Srivatsa, Ariane Cotte, Craig P. Dooley, Duy N. Phan, Ganesha Adkasthala Ganapathi Batta, Hyundoo Shin, Kang Sun, Matt I. Gillette, Michael Jason Giles, Robert D. Watson, Sean P. Wilson, Sriram Hariharan, Sujatha Viswanathan, Todd Wheeler, Yilok L. Wong, David John Shaw, Sarang S. Ranade
  • Patent number: 11630636
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting a wearing status of a wearable device, the wearing status indicating whether a user is wearing the wearable device and sending wearing status data to a companion communication device to control a behavior of the companion communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Watson, David John Shaw, Arun Dhyaneshwar Chawan, Matthew Gillette, Ganesha Adkasthala Ganapathi Batta, Jeffrey Chandler Moore, Patrick Ian Bernhard, Baek San Chang, Patrick Lee Coffman, Jonathan Anderson Bennett, Anthony Guetta, Jahan Christian Minoo, Keith Walter Rauenbuehler
  • Patent number: 11593062
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting a wearing status of a wearable device, the wearing status indicating whether a user is wearing the wearable device and sending wearing status data to a companion communication device to control a behavior of the companion communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Watson, David John Shaw, Arun Dhyaneshwar Chawan, Matthew Gillette, Ganesha Adkasthala Ganapathi Batta, Jeffrey Chandler Moore, Patrick Ian Bernhard, Baek San Chang, Patrick Lee Coffman, Jonathan Anderson Bennett, Anthony Guetta, Jahan Christian Minoo, Keith Walter Rauenbuehler
  • Publication number: 20220295169
    Abstract: A housing has a bud portion abutting an elongated stem portion. The bud portion is to fit within an ear. The bud portion has a primary sound outlet at its far end that is to be inserted into an outer ear canal, and abuts the stem portion at its near end. A speaker driver is inside the bud portion. Electronic circuitry inside the housing includes a wireless communications interface to receive audio content over-the-air and in response provides an audio signal to the speaker driver. A rechargeable battery as a power source for the electronic circuitry is located inside a cavity of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Kurt R. Stiehl, Arun D. Chawan, Michael B. Howes, Jonathan S. Aase, Esge B. Andersen, Yacine Azmi, Jahan C. Minoo, David J. Shaw, Aarti Kumar, Augustin Prats, Robert D. Watson, Baptiste P. Paquier, Axel D. Berny, Benjamin W. Cook, Jerzy S. Guterman, Benjamin Adair Cousins
  • Publication number: 20220232333
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for performing a role swapping operation between a pair of non-tethered wireless ear buds after detecting a triggering event. Further, state information can be coordinated between devices, including in connection with performing a role swap between buds in a pair of wireless, untethered ear buds, where one wireless ear bud is in a primary role and is responsible for a connection with a companion device, and another wireless ear bud in the pair is in a secondary role.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Sriram HARIHARAN, Ganesha Adkasthala GANAPATHI BATTA, Tad J. DREIER, Christopher S. WIEBE, Ashley N. SAULSBURY, Duy N. PHAN, David J. SHAW, Robert D. WATSON, Augustin PRATS
  • Patent number: 11382017
    Abstract: A device providing inter-device call continuity facilitated by a wireless audio output device may include a processor configured to initiate, over a peer-to-peer connection with a second device, a communication session between the second device and a third device. The processor may be further configured to establish, over the peer-to-peer connection with the second device, an audio link corresponding to the communication session. The processor may be further configured to determine, based at least in part on the audio link, that a connection quality of the peer-to-peer connection satisfies a connection degradation condition. The processor may be further configured to request, over a wide area network connection, for the communication session with the third device to be handed-off from the second device to the first device, and to establish, over the wide area network connection, the communication session with the third device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Luciano M. Verger, Ajoy K. Singh, Albert R. Howard, Jr., Ariane Cotte, Christopher M. Garrido, Faraz Faheem, Gregory R. Burns, Ian J. Baird, Imran Ahmed, Nicholas J. Circosta, Robert D. Watson, Rohan C. Malthankar, Ryan A. Williams, Sergey Sitnikov, Srinivasan Nimmala, Thomas Chathoth Abraham, Vikram B. Yerrabommanahalli
  • Patent number: 11363363
    Abstract: A housing has a bud portion abutting an elongated stem portion. The bud portion is to fit within an ear. The bud portion has a primary sound outlet at its far end that is to be inserted into an outer ear canal, and abuts the stem portion at its near end. A speaker driver is inside the bud portion. Electronic circuitry inside the housing includes a wireless communications interface to receive audio content over-the-air and in response provides an audio signal to the speaker driver. A rechargeable battery as a power source for the electronic circuitry is located inside a cavity of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Kurt R. Stiehl, Arun D. Chawan, Michael B. Howes, Jonathan S. Aase, Esge B. Andersen, Yacine Azmi, Jahan C. Minoo, David J. Shaw, Aarti Kumar, Augustin Prats, Robert D. Watson, Baptiste P. Paquier, Axel D. Berny, Benjamin W. Cook, Jerzy S. Guterman, Benjamin Adair Cousins
  • Patent number: 11297453
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for performing a role swapping operation between a pair of non-tethered wireless ear buds after detecting a triggering event. Further, state information can be coordinated between devices, including in connection with performing a role swap between buds in a pair of wireless, untethered ear buds, where one wireless ear bud is in a primary role and is responsible for a connection with a companion device, and another wireless ear bud in the pair is in a secondary role.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Sriram Hariharan, Ganesha Adkasthala Ganapathi Batta, Tad J. Dreier, Christopher S. Wiebe, Ashley N. Saulsbury, Duy N. Phan, David J. Shaw, Robert D. Watson, Augustin Prats
  • Publication number: 20220086613
    Abstract: Methods for aggregating Bluetooth profiles for faster connection and configuration are disclosed, including transmitting, subsequent to establishing a connection, a request message to a peer device that indicates support of a fast connection protocol for Bluetooth profiles configuration and receiving a response message from the peer device that indicates the peer device supports the fast connection protocol. After pairing with the peer device, a first list of profile descriptors for a plurality of Bluetooth profiles supported by the device may be transmitted to the peer device and a second list of profile descriptors for a plurality of Bluetooth profiles supported by the peer device may be received. A configuration of a plurality of Bluetooth profiles base, at least in part, on a comparison of the first list of profile descriptors to the second list of profile descriptors may be determined and transmitted to the peer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Akshay Mangalam Srivatsa, Ariane Cotte, Craig P. Dooley, Duy N. Phan, Ganesha Adkasthala Ganapathi Batta, Hyundoo Shin, Kang Sun, Matt I. Gillette, Michael Jason Giles, Robert D. Watson, Sean P. Wilson, Sriram Hariharan, Sujatha Viswanathan, Todd Wheeler, Yilok L. Wong, David John Shaw, Sarang S. Ranade
  • Publication number: 20220030346
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for determining when to wirelessly communicatively couple together a pair of untethered wireless audio output devices and for determining when to erase a connection history stored on one or both of the wireless audio output devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Robert D. WATSON, David John SHAW, Ganesh Adkasthala GANAPATHI BATTA, Chandrahas Aralaguppe CHANDRAMOHAN, Gregory Robert BURNS, Benjamin Huth BYER
  • Publication number: 20210377650
    Abstract: An automatic speech recognition (ASR) triggering system, and a method of providing an ASR trigger signal, is described. The ASR triggering system can include a microphone to generate an acoustic signal representing an acoustic vibration and an accelerometer worn in an ear canal of a user to generate a non-acoustic signal representing a bone conduction vibration. A processor of the ASR triggering system can receive an acoustic trigger signal based on the acoustic signal and a non-acoustic trigger signal based on the non-acoustic signal, and combine the trigger signals to gate an ASR trigger signal. For example, the ASR trigger signal may be provided to an ASR server only when the trigger signals are simultaneously asserted. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Sorin V. Dusan, Aram M. Lindahl, Robert D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20210294565
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting a wearing status of a wearable device, the wearing status indicating whether a user is wearing the wearable device and sending wearing status data to a companion communication device to control a behavior of the companion communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Robert D. WATSON, David John SHAW, Arun Dhyaneshwar CHAWAN, Matthew GILLETTE, Ganesha Adkasthala GANAPATHI BATTA, Jeffrey Chandler MOORE, Patrick Ian BERNHARD, Baek San CHANG, Patrick Lee COFFMAN, Jonathan Anderson BENNETT, Anthony GUETTA, Jahan Christian MINOO, Keith Walter RAUENBUEHLER
  • Publication number: 20210289346
    Abstract: This document describes techniques for detecting and providing user notification of mismatched devices. A device mismatch of a pair of wireless devices may be detected. A wireless indication of the device mismatch may be provided to another wireless device. That wireless device may provide a user notification that the pair of wireless devices are mismatched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Jason Giles, Ariane Cotte, Sriram Hariharan, Robert D. Watson, Sarang S. Ranade, David C. Graham