Patents Assigned to Apple, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20240107434
    Abstract: The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods to share channel maps between devices for channel selection for connections. A device may perform channel scanning operations for determining channel conditions and generating channel maps, and may provide the channel maps to other devices. The other devices can reduce channel scanning operations based on receiving the channel maps from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lokanath Penukonda, Dongwoon Hahn
  • Publication number: 20240103618
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for correcting the gaze direction and the origin (entrance pupil) in gaze tracking systems. During enrollment after an eye model is obtained, the pose of the eye when looking at a target prompt is determined. This information is used to estimate the true visual axis of the eye. The visual axis may then be used to correct the point of view (PoV) with respect to the display during use. If a clip-on lens is present, a corrected gaze axis may be calculated based on the known optical characteristics and pose of the clip-on lens. A clip-on corrected entrance pupil may then be estimated by firing two or more virtual rays through the clip-on lens to determine the intersection between the rays and the corrected gaze axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Julia Benndorf, Qichao Fan, Julian K. Shutzberg, Paul A. Lacey, Hua Gao
  • Publication number: 20240107500
    Abstract: Techniques are described herein for low power page scanning through identifier sensing. An example method includes a first computing device determining that an operation of a first core of the first computing device during a first duration corresponds to a paging message scan by a second core of the first computing device scheduled during a second duration. The first computing device can determine the operation of the first core prevents transmission of a paging message response for establishing a connection with a second computing device via a short range transmission protocol. The first computing device can determine a third duration for the paging message scan such that the operation of a first core does not prevent the transmission of the paging message response. The first computing device can cause the second core to scan for a paging message during the third duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xianbo Chen, David J. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20240103904
    Abstract: Techniques are described herein for effectuating a transaction by an intermediary. An example method can include receiving a first message from a second device, the first message comprising a request for a first item, wherein the first message is received by a backend process executing on the first device. A second message that includes a request for a first information associated with the first item, can be transmitted. A third message comprising the first information associated with the first item can be received. A fourth message comprising a request to initiate a transaction for the first item can be transmitted to a third device. A fifth message can be received from the third computing device, the fifth message comprising a confirmation of the transaction based at least in part on the fourth message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed M. Soliman, Ayman F. Naguib
  • Publication number: 20240102678
    Abstract: Described herein are techniques for optimizing operation of a refrigerant climate control system using an energy management device. In an example process, the energy management device may receive an energy optimization signal that describes a characteristic associated with an electrical energy source. The process may also include the energy management device generating a control signal for a refrigerant climate control system to use the electrical energy source based at least in part on the characteristic of the energy optimization signal. The process may also include the energy management device providing the control signal to a controller of the refrigerant climate control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Gregorich
  • Publication number: 20240102711
    Abstract: The present application relates to techniques for operating a refrigerant climate control system in one of a plurality of operating modes. In an example process, sensor data is received. The sensor data may correspond to a current state of a refrigerant in a receiver of the refrigerant climate control system. The process may also include receiving an energy control signal requesting operation of the refrigerant climate control system. The process may also include determining an operating mode of the refrigerant climate control system based on a signal type of the energy control signal and the current state of the refrigerant in the receiver. The process may also include instructing the refrigerant climate control system to operate in the determined operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Gregorich
  • Publication number: 20240102818
    Abstract: In some implementations, a computing device can proactively determine a destination and request traffic information for routes from a starting location to the destination. In some implementations, a computing device can identify some routes between a starting location and a destination as non-recommended routes and recommend other routes. In some implementations, a computing device can rank routes between a starting location and a destination based on automatically-determined user interest. In some implementations, a computing device can determine a user is familiar with a route and adjust the information presented to the user about the route accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Coleman, Brian J. Andrich, Daniel R. Delling, Dennis Schieferdecker, Ethan T. Bold, Hengbin Luo, Michael Wegner, Rami Khawandi, Lili Cao, Hyo Jeong Shin, Richard B. Warren, Ronald K. Huang
  • Publication number: 20240103715
    Abstract: In some implementations, at least a partial view of a jog wheel user interface (UI) element is displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI). The jog wheel UI element is operable to manipulate one or more secondary elements. In response to a touch input for controlling the jog wheel UI element, a rotation of the jog wheel UI element is animated concurrently with manipulation of the secondary element(s). In some embodiments, the jog wheel UI element is rotated at an initial rotational speed based on the touch input, continues rotating after cessation of the touch input, and is reduced until it reaches zero. In one embodiment, a distance between the contact of the touch input and the jog wheel UI element is used to determine a degree of rotation of jog wheel UI element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fleischhauer, David Karp, Itrat U Khan, Kenneth C Meehan
  • Publication number: 20240107405
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for implementing prioritized return of a UE to NR RAT from a GSM/UMTS RAT through RAT reselection based approach. An embodiment operates by determining whether the UE is camped on a first radio access technology (RAT), and in response to a determination that the UE is camped on the first RAT, stores a list of frequencies and a plurality of cell reselection parameter values corresponding to the first RAT. The embodiment determines whether the UE is camped on a second RAT and whether one of a plurality of trigger conditions is satisfied, and in response to a determination that the UE is camped on the second RAT and that one of the plurality of trigger conditions is satisfied, performs measurements on one or more frequencies of the list of frequencies. The embodiment performs cell reselection to a cell of the first RAT based at least in part on the measurements and the plurality of cell reselection parameter values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Parvez SHEIKH, Bernd H. KEMMER, Prasad P. ASHTEKAR, Deepak DASH, Nitin KUPPELUR
  • Patent number: 11943279
    Abstract: Improved approaches for media listening amongst different users are disclosed. For example, methods, systems or computer program code can enable users to have a remote listening experience in real time. Advantageously, a remote user at a remote client device can in effect listen to a particular digital media asset that is being played at a local client device of a local user. Media information and/or user profiles can also be provided about themselves and shared with other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Wormington, Camille Hearst, Steve Saro Gedikian
  • Patent number: 11941551
    Abstract: This is directed to systems and methods for integrating hotel services in a single application available to a portable electronic device. Using the single application, a user can access and control hotel services before arriving at the hotel, upon arriving at the hotel, in the hotel room, in the local vicinity, and after leaving the hotel. Such services can include, for example, checking-in and checking out, purchasing in-room dining or in-room entertainment, making reservations at local restaurants or local attractions, scheduling hotel guest reminders, and controlling room setting either within the room or outside of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kaiann Drance, Stanley Carl Ng, Courtnee Westendorf
  • Patent number: 11942090
    Abstract: An example process includes at an electronic device with one or more processors and memory: while the electronic device is in a locked state and in communication with an external accessory device: receiving a natural language input; determining whether the natural language input corresponds to a secure task request; in accordance with a determination that the natural language input corresponds to a secure task request: determining whether one or more states of the external accessory device satisfy a set of authentication criteria; and in accordance with a determination that the one or more states of the external accessory device satisfy the set of authentication criteria: initiating, by the electronic device, a secure task corresponding to the natural language input; and providing an output indicative of the initiated secure task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Webber, Trungtin Tran, Nikrouz Ghotbi, Naresh Kumar Chinnathambi Kailasam, Sue Wen Chiao, Tyler C. Leppek, Brandon J. Newendorp
  • Patent number: 11942722
    Abstract: Connector inserts having reliable contacts, as well as connector receptacles having improved magnetic circuits for use in electronic devices having a thin form factor. These and other examples can provide connector receptacles that can be easily aligned to an opening in an electronic device, as well as connector inserts and connector receptacles that can be readily manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Bradley J. Hamel, George Tziviskos, Hao Zhu, Jean-Marc Gery, Paul J. Hack
  • Patent number: 11942806
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed at a method and system for recharging batteries for wireless electronic devices. According to one embodiment, a battery charging and monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a host machine providing a plurality of charging slots and a plurality of wireless devices coupled to and powered by a plurality of batteries. The host machine is adapted to communicate with the plurality of wireless devices through a plurality of wireless links to monitor the plurality of batteries coupled to the wireless devices. According to another embodiment, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device is adapted to couple with at least a rechargeable battery and to negotiate with the rechargeable battery for an agreed range of power parameters. The electronic device is further adapted to accept power from and to provide power to the rechargeable battery at the agreed range of power parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Aaron Ludtke
  • Patent number: 11943559
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to providing live video. An example method includes, at a computer system, while in an editing mode for a presentation, receiving, via one or more input devices, a request to insert an object onto a first slide of the presentation, wherein the request includes associating the object with a source for live video; and while in a presentation mode for the presentation, displaying, via a display generation component, the first slide including concurrent display of the object and one or more visual elements, wherein: in accordance with a determination that the object is associated with a camera, the object includes a live video stream from the camera; and in accordance with a determination that the object is associated with a non-camera external device, the object includes a live video stream that mirrors a portion of a display of the non-camera external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Underwood, Gary W. Gehiere, Michael W. Greiner, Amy W. Hung, Scott G. Marnik, David A. Turner
  • Patent number: 11941783
    Abstract: Methods and systems include receiving, at de-ringing circuitry of a display pipeline of an electronic device, scaled image content based on image data. The de-ringing circuitry also receives a fallback scaler output. The de-ringing circuitry determines whether the image data has a change frequency greater than a threshold. In response to the change frequency being above the threshold, the de-ringing circuitry determines a weight. Based at least in part on the weight, the de-ringing circuitry blends the scaled image content and the fallback scaler output based at least in part on the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh B. Chappalli, Vincent Z. Young
  • Patent number: 11943699
    Abstract: An example method for wireless communication includes: configuring a wireless device to access a wireless network using a set of at least three components carriers (CCs); dividing the at least three component carriers into groups of component carriers based on whether the component carriers share a span pattern and a starting span for monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) of each component carrier; determining a number of non-overlapping control channel elements (CCE) to monitor for each group of component carriers; and configuring the wireless device to monitor the non-overlapping CCEs based on the determined number to monitor for each group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Oghenekome Oteri, Chunxuan Ye, Dawei Zhang, Haitong Sun, Hong He, Wei Zeng, Weidong Yang, Yushu Zhang, Sigen Ye, Chunhai Yao
  • Patent number: 11943575
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system can have first and second loudspeakers selectively operable in a single-channel mode or in a multi-channel mode. In the single-channel mode, the first and the second loudspeakers are configured to simultaneously reproduce a substantially identical signal. In the multi-channel mode, the first loudspeaker reproduces a first-channel signal and the second loudspeaker reproduces a second-channel signal. The first-channel signal and the second-channel signal can constitute respective portions of a multi-channel signal. Such loudspeaker systems can also have a mode selector configured to select one of the single-channel mode and the multi-channel mode. In some embodiments, such selection can occur in response to one or more detected proximities of another loudspeaker system. Multi-zone loudspeaker systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Vincenzo Giuliani, David Jeon, Gabriel Sanchez
  • Patent number: 11943576
    Abstract: A contextual audio system configured to adjust audio playback in response to positional data. The contextual audio system may include a wearable audio device and, optionally, a sensing device. In some embodiments, the sensing device and the wearable audio device are the same. Generally, the contextual audio system employs different types of data to determine a user's location and/or activity (both of which are examples of “context”) and adjust audio output of the wearable audio device portion of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Jay K. Blahnik
  • Patent number: D1019218
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Gady, Gabriel J. Lamb, Seung Chae Kang, Angela M. Estepa, Jake A. Nelson, Adrian E. Magrina