Patents by Inventor Trevor J. Ness

Trevor J. Ness 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).

  • Publication number: 20240103285
    Abstract: A head-mountable device including a frame, a display positioned in the frame, a processor, and a facial interface connected to the frame. The facial interface can include a sensor electrically coupled to the processor. The sensor can collect biometric information from a nasal region of a user and generate a signal based on the biometric information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Javier Mendez, Grant H. Mulliken, Trevor J. Ness, Samuel G. Smith, Xinsheng Chu
  • Publication number: 20240103644
    Abstract: A tracking system includes a stylus comprising a light emitter, a head-mounted device comprising an optical sensor configured to detect the light emitter, and a processor communicatively coupled to the optical sensor and configured to determine a position of the stylus based on detection of the light emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Killian J. POORE, Stephen E. DEY, Trevor J. NESS
  • Publication number: 20240094547
    Abstract: A head-mounted display configured to be worn on a face includes a housing, a facial interface coupled to a rear portion of the housing and configured to engage with the face, a component chamber defined in the housing, and a fan located in the component chamber and configured to create air flow from the face through the facial interface and the component chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: David J. Dunsmoor, Jason C. Sauers, Sivesh Selvakumar, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20240090818
    Abstract: A head-mountable device including a housing, a display positioned in the housing, a processor positioned in the housing, and a retention band connected to the housing, the retention band comprising a sensor configured to monitor a brain activity of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Javier Mendez, Samuel G. Smith, Grant H. Mulliken, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 11886650
    Abstract: A tracking system includes a stylus comprising a light emitter, a head-mounted device comprising an optical sensor configured to detect the light emitter, and a processor communicatively coupled to the optical sensor and configured to determine a position of the stylus based on detection of the light emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Killian J. Poore, Stephen E. Dey, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20240004435
    Abstract: A biometric button assembly may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The biometric button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The biometric button assembly may further include a biometric sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The signal may correspond to a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint. A flexible conduit may transmit the signal to the processor. A portion of the flexible conduit and a seal may be positioned between the button assembly and the enclosure that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, James G. Horiuchi, Michael K. McCord, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20230368626
    Abstract: A connectible component is connected to a housing. A sensor of the housing is utilized to detect an identity element of the at connectible component. The connectible component is identified utilizing the at least one sensor. In some implementations, identification of the connectible component may identify whether or not a connectible component is connected to the housing. In other implementations, identification of the connectible component may identify the type of connectible component that is connected. In such implementations, the housing may house an electronic device and the electronic device may be configured based on the type of connectible component that is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik G. de Jong, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20230359037
    Abstract: A display system includes a controller and a head-mounted display. The head-mounted display includes a display, a head support coupled to the display for supporting the display on a head of a user to be viewed by the user, and sensors coupled to the head support for sensing an environment from the head-mounted display unit in low light. The sensors include one or more of an infrared sensor for sensing the environment with infrared electromagnetic radiation, or a depth sensor for sensing distances to objects of the environment, and also include an ultrasonic sensor for sensing the environment with ultrasonic sound waves. The controller determines graphical content according to the sensing of the environment with the one or more of the infrared sensor or the depth sensor and with the ultrasonic sensor, and operates the display to provide the graphical content concurrent with the sensing of the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Killian J. Poore, Trevor J. Ness, Stephen E. Dey, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Publication number: 20230350349
    Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing at least partially defining an interior cavity divided into at least a first volume and a second volume, a pressure-sensing component positioned within the first volume, a speaker positioned within the first volume, a processor positioned within the second volume, a battery positioned within the second volume, and a barometric vent that allows air pressure equalization between the first volume and an external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Shannon X. Yang, Willam C. Lukens, Mandeep Gill, Jeanny Wang, William S. Lee, Stephen P. Jackson, Rex T. Ehman, Colin M. Ely, Nikolas T. Vitt, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20230341498
    Abstract: A head-mountable device can include multiple microphones for directional audio detection. The head-mountable device can also include a speaker for audio output and/or a display for visual output. The head-mountable device can be configured to provide visual outputs based on audio inputs by displaying an indicator on a display based on a location of a source of a sound. The head-mountable device can be configured to audio outputs based on audio inputs by modifying an audio output of the speaker based on a detected sound and a target characteristic. Such characteristics can be based on a direction of a gaze of the user, as detected by an eye sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Killian J. POORE, Stephen E. DEY, Trevor J. NESS
  • Patent number: 11797057
    Abstract: A biometric button assembly may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The biometric button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The biometric button assembly may further include a biometric sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The signal may correspond to a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint. A flexible conduit may transmit the signal to the processor. A portion of the flexible conduit and a seal may be positioned between the button assembly and the enclosure that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, James G. Horiuchi, Michael K. McCord, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 11768518
    Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device with a head securement element that is integrated with a light seal module, which provides effective and comfortable engagement with a face of the user. By providing the head securement element with a light seal module, both head securement and face engagement can be customized or otherwise selected for achieving the desired fit for a given user. Accordingly, the head securement element (e.g., band, arms, and the like) can be primarily or exclusively secured to an HMD module via a light seal module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yoonhoo Jo, Paul X. Wang, Heidi Williamson, Trevor J Ness
  • Publication number: 20230288711
    Abstract: A head-mounted display includes a display assembly and a head. The head support includes a first hinge portion coupled to a first side of the head-mounted display and a second hinge portion coupled to a second side of the head-mounted display, which are movable between a first and second states. The head support also includes a first elongated portion coupled to the first hinge portion and a second elongated portion coupled to the second hinge portion, which are rigid and movable with the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion, respectively, between the first and second states. A strap portion is flexible, elastic, and extends between the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion. The first elongated portion and the second elongated portion, when in the second state, extend along a rearward side of the display assembly toward each other and do not overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Gallaher, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Julian Jaede, Samuel G. Smith, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 11740316
    Abstract: A head-mountable device can include multiple microphones for directional audio detection. The head-mountable device can also include a speaker for audio output and/or a display for visual output. The head-mountable device can be configured to provide visual outputs based on audio inputs by displaying an indicator on a display based on a location of a source of a sound. The head-mountable device can be configured to audio outputs based on audio inputs by modifying an audio output of the speaker based on a detected sound and a target characteristic. Such characteristics can be based on a direction of a gaze of the user, as detected by an eye sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Killian J. Poore, Stephen E. Dey, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 11740591
    Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing at least partially defining an interior cavity divided into at least a first volume and a second volume, a pressure-sensing component positioned within the first volume, a speaker positioned within the first volume, a processor positioned within the second volume, a battery positioned within the second volume, and a barometric vent that allows air pressure equalization between the first volume and an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Shannon X. Yang, William C. Lukens, Mandeep Gill, Jeanny Wang, William S. Lee, Stephen P. Jackson, Rex T. Ehman, Colin M. Ely, Nikolas T. Vitt, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 11733518
    Abstract: A display system includes a controller and a head-mounted display. The head-mounted display includes a display, a head support coupled to the display for supporting the display on a head of a user to be viewed by the user, and sensors coupled to the head support for sensing an environment from the head-mounted display unit in low light. The sensors include one or more of an infrared sensor for sensing the environment with infrared electromagnetic radiation, or a depth sensor for sensing distances to objects of the environment, and also include an ultrasonic sensor for sensing the environment with ultrasonic sound waves. The controller determines graphical content according to the sensing of the environment with the one or more of the infrared sensor or the depth sensor and with the ultrasonic sensor, and operates the display to provide the graphical content concurrent with the sensing of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Killian J. Poore, Stephen E. Dey, Trevor J. Ness, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 11733529
    Abstract: A head-mounted device includes a device housing and a facial interface. The facial interface has an upper portion and a lower portion. A headband is connected to a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the device housing and extends around a head of a user to support the device housing with respect to the user. The headband is configured to apply a moment to the device housing in a direction that urges the upper portion of the facial interface toward a head of user so that a first loading that is applied to the head of the user by the upper portion of the facial interface is higher than a second loading that is applied to the head of the user by the lower portion of the facial interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Gallaher, Samuel G. Smith, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20230251496
    Abstract: A head-mountable device can include modules that provide fit adjustment capabilities when assembled together. By providing head-mountable devices with modular features, certain modules can provide fit adjustment capabilities without requiring other modules to be custom designed or available in a wide variety of sizes and/or shapes. For example, a light seal module that provides engagement of a user's face and transmits light from a display element can be coupled to an HMD module. The coupling module that couples the light seal to the HMD module can be provided in a wide variety of sizes and/or shapes to allow a user to select an appropriate one for optimal alignment of an HMD module. Additionally or alternatively, a light seal module can be provided with manual and/or automated adjustment capabilities to achieve the desired fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Paul X. WANG, Yoonhoo JO, Trevor J. NESS, Samuel O. SCHNEIDER, Adam Y. KOLLGAARD, Scott M. LEINWEBER, Jeremy C. FRANKLIN, Heidi WILLIAMSON
  • Publication number: 20220300041
    Abstract: A biometric button assembly may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The biometric button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The biometric button assembly may further include a biometric sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The signal may correspond to a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint. A flexible conduit may transmit the signal to the processor. A portion of the flexible conduit and a seal may be positioned between the button assembly and the enclosure that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, James G. Horiuchi, Michael K. McCord, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20220269221
    Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing at least partially defining an interior cavity divided into at least a first volume and a second volume, a pressure-sensing component positioned within the first volume, a speaker positioned within the first volume, a processor positioned within the second volume, a battery positioned within the second volume, and a barometric vent that allows air pressure equalization between the first volume and an external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Shannon X. Yang, William C. Lukens, Mandeep Gill, Jeanny Wang, William S. Lee, Stephen P. Jackson, Rex T. Ehman, Colin M. Ely, Nikolas T. Vitt, Trevor J. Ness