Patents Assigned to Apple
  • Publication number: 20110197147
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating a shared workspace where images may be shared between projected displays. In one embodiment, electronic devices each may include a projector that produces a projected display and a camera that detects gestures made with respect to the projected displays. The electronic devices may interpret gestures on the projected displays to identify image sharing commands for sharing images between the projected displays. The electronic devices may be connected through a communication link that allows the electronic devices to share image data for producing images on any of the projected displays included within the shared workspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Anthony Y. S. Fai
  • Publication number: 20110193751
    Abstract: Certain embodiments may take the form of an electronic device having a metal housing encapsulating operative circuitry for the device. The electronic device includes an attachment member coupled to the metal housing at an attachment point. An antenna is coupled to the attachment member and communicatively coupled to the operative circuitry in the metal housing via the attachment point to enable the electronic device to communicate wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Golko, Daniel W. Jarvis, Felix Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20110194124
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that facilitates driverless printing. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to a computer-readable storage medium which stores a data structure that facilitates driverless printing, wherein the data structure specifies the following capabilities which are supported by a printer: resolutions; color spaces; bit depths; input slots; face-up/face-down input orientation; output bins; face-up/face-down output orientation; duplex printing support; media types; copy support; supported finishings; and print quality. Note that this data structure enables a client to generate printer data for the printer without the need for the client to maintain printer-specific software or printer-specific configuration information for the printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Sweet, Howard Miller
  • Publication number: 20110194611
    Abstract: An effective method for dynamically selecting the number of I, P and B frames during video coding is proposed. Short-term look-ahead analysis of a video sequence yields a variable number of B frames to be coded between any two stored pictures. The first picture of a group of frames (GOF) may be coded as a B picture. Motion speed is calculated for each picture of the GOF with respect to the first picture of the GOF. Subject to exceptions, as long as the subsequent pictures exhibit motion speeds that are similar and motion vector displacements that are co-linear with those of the first picture in the GOF, they may be coded as B pictures. When a picture is encountered having a motion speed that is not the same as that of the first picture in the GOF, the picture may be coded as a P picture. In some embodiments, a sequence of B pictures that terminates in a P picture may be called a “group of frames” (GOF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Adriana Dumitras, Barin Geoffry Haskell
  • Publication number: 20110195187
    Abstract: This is directed to a liquid vaporization process for depositing an oleophobic ingredient on a surface of an electronic device component using a PVD process. A raw liquid material that includes the oleophobic ingredient can be placed in a liquid supply system coupled to a vacuum chamber. The liquid supply system can be pressured by an inert gas to prevent undesired chemical reactions between the oleophobic ingredient and air. The liquid, including the oleophobic ingredient, can vaporize upon reaching the vaporizing unit, and the oleophobic ingredient can be deposited on the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Naoto Matsuyuki
  • Publication number: 20110193788
    Abstract: A first graphical object on a user interface of a device can be transformed to a second graphical object on the user interface. The second graphical object can be manipulated by a user on the user interface using touch input or by physically moving the device. When manipulated, the object can be animated to appear to have mass that responds to real-world, physical forces, such as gravity, friction or drag. The data represented by the second graphical object can be compressed or archived using a gesture applied to the second graphical object. Graphical objects can be visually sorted on the user interface based on their mass (size). The visual appearance of graphical objects on the user interface can be adjusted to indicate the age of data represented by the graphical objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Brett Bilbrey, Todd Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20110194123
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a printer that facilitates driverless printing. This printer includes a discovery component which is configured to communicate with a client to facilitate selection of the printer by the client. This discovery component is also configured to provide capability information for the printer to the client. The printer also includes a transport component which is configured to receive printer data from the client, and a page-description-language component which is configured to print the printer data received from the client. Note that the capability information provided to the client enables the client to generate the printer data for the selected printer without the need for the client to maintain printer-specific software or printer-specific configuration information for the selected printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Sweet, Howard Miller
  • Publication number: 20110195271
    Abstract: A cast metal part has a veneer made of cosmetic metal applied thereto so that the cast metal part has a cosmetic surface. A method for producing a cast metal part with a cosmetic surface comprises applying a veneer of cosmetic metal to a surface of the cast metal part. The cast metal part can be a die cast part, such as die cast aluminum or zinc. The veneer can be thin gauge highly cosmetic aluminum. The veneer of cosmetic metal can be applied to the surface of the cast metal part by placing the veneer into a casting mold used for forming the cast metal part, and casting molten metal onto the veneer in the casting mold. The veneer of cosmetic metal can also be applied to the surface of the cast metal part by solid-state welding, e.g., diffusion bonding, the veneer and the cast metal part together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen ZADESKY, Duco Pasmooij
  • Publication number: 20110193854
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for synchronizing the data signals transmitted through a synchronous bus in a display device. One embodiment includes manipulating the clock signals and/or data signals transmitted by a display controller in the display based on the location on the bus where a data signal is to be transmitted. For example, a pre-emphasized clock signal having a higher initial voltage level may be used for a data signal transmitted farther on the bus from the display controller. The pre-emphasized clock signal may compensate for propagation delays associated with transmitting the data signal through the bus. Further, a de-emphasized clock signal may be used for data signals transmitted to a section on the bus closer on to the display controller, and neutral clock signals may be used for data signals transmitted to a section that is of intermediate distance from the display controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Yongman Lee
  • Publication number: 20110196610
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing and presenting schematic maps, which are maps that present information in a format that presents only information that is most relevant to a given situation in order to provide a simple and clear representation sufficient to aid a user in guidance or orientation. The schematic maps as described herein can be formatted based on the attributes of a display on which they are presented so that the map layout and presentation can be optimized for the particular display. The schematic maps can be “distorted” to better illustrate important maps areas in greater detail and using a relatively larger display area while deemphasizing less important map areas by illustrating them in less detail and using a relatively smaller display area, and thus the schematic maps can be devoid of adherence to a particular scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jaron Waldman, Moran Ben-David
  • Publication number: 20110193517
    Abstract: Portable devices having multiple power interfaces are described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, a portable electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a processor, a memory coupled to the processor for storing instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to perform one or more functions, a battery coupled to provide power to the processor and the memory, and a battery charging manager coupled to charge the battery using power derived from a plurality of power sources including a solar power source. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Sander, Daniel A. Warren
  • Publication number: 20110196888
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for correlating digital media with complementary content. Multiple digital images, that are associated with image information including either a time of capture or a geographic location of capture, and additional information describing events that occurred either during these times or geographic locations of capture are received. The image information and the additional information are compared to identify related events and images, which are associated with each other. Upon detecting input to provide the multiple digital images for presenting, the additional information describing the identified events are provided with the identified digital images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Eric Hanson, Joshua David Fagans
  • Publication number: 20110195612
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for assembling a plug with a low profile for use with an electronic device are provided. In some embodiments, a 4-pin plug may include a diameter similar to the diameter of a 3-pin plug. In some embodiments, the fourth pin may be coupled to the plug such that a portion of the fourth pin may be coupled to any suitable device on an internal surface of the plug. In some embodiments, the fourth pin may dive into the plug at the same depth as one of the other three pins of the plug. The pins within the plug may be coupled (e.g., soldered) at the ends that may emerge underneath an overmold to any other suitable device to form electrical connections. The plug may be used to transmit audio or transfer data to a user of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Kurt Stiehl
  • Publication number: 20110196517
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for performing audio processing operations, such as crossfading between two audio streams, by storing information on multiple memories. In one example, such a method may include storing a first portion of information associated with an audio processing operation on a first memory. A second memory may be activated, upon which a second portion of the information associated with the audio processing operation may be stored. The audio processing operation may be performed using a processor with the information stored on the first memory and the second memory. When the audio processing operation has completed, the second memory may be deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Aram Lindahl
  • Patent number: 7995041
    Abstract: Displays with touch sensing circuitry integrated into the display pixel stackup are provided. Circuit elements, such as touch signal lines, such as drive lines and sense lines, grounding regions, in the display pixel stackups can be grouped together to form touch sensing circuitry that senses a touch on or near the display. An integrated touch screen can include multi-function circuit elements that can operate as circuitry of the display system to generate an image on the display, and can also form part of a touch sensing system that senses one or more touches on or near the display. The multi-function circuit elements can be, for example, capacitors in display pixels that can be configured to operate as storage capacitors/electrodes, common electrodes, conductive wires/pathways, etc., of the display circuitry in the display system, and that may also be configured to operate as circuit elements of the touch sensing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Shih Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 7994730
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing stable and accurate low noise DC reference voltage are described. In the described embodiments, a feedback controlled DC reference voltage supply provides a stable and well controlled sense current. The sense current is in turn used to produce a stable and well controlled light output from a light emitting diode (LED).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Quan Tan, Wing Kong Low, Thai La
  • Patent number: 7996666
    Abstract: There is provided a method for altering a sequence in which programs and content are loaded upon startup of an electronic device. A user may change the loading sequence by selecting a program or content before the loading sequence has finished. In addition, the altered loading sequence may be saved and utilized when the electronic device is powered on again. There is also provided a tangible, machine-readable medium for performing the described method. Finally, there is provided an electronic device having a memory device for storing a loading program that defines a loading sequence, a processor for loading programs and content based on the loading sequence, and a user interface for delivering user input to the loading program to alter the loading sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shayer, Szu-Wen Huang, Jesse W. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 7995606
    Abstract: A method for administering transmission of a first type of packets and a second type of packets over a serial bus. In one embodiment, the method comprises: if there is a packet of a second type to be sent, then concatenating the packet of the second type to a plurality of packets of the first type and sending the plurality of packets of the first type followed by the concatenated packet of the second type; and if there is no packet of the second type to be sent, then concatenating a bogus ack packet to the plurality of packets of the first type and sending the plurality of packets of the first type followed by the concatenated bogus ack packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jerrold V. Hauck, Prashant Kanhere, William S. Duckwall
  • Patent number: 7995334
    Abstract: A methodology for connecting device components with circuitry located at different levels and orientations relative to one another is described. First circuitry can be located on a multi-plane rigid circuit board where the multi-plane rigid circuit board can include at least one flexible member sharing a common substrate with the multi-plane rigid circuit board that extends from a body portion of the multi-plane rigid circuit board. The flexible member can include traces used to convey power and/or data and an interface coupled to the power and/or data traces. The flexible member can be deflected or twisted to connect first circuitry on the body portion of the multi-plane rigid circuit board to second circuitry associated with another device component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Joshua D. Banko, John P. Ternus
  • Patent number: 7996578
    Abstract: Data processing systems which operate in different modes, including a mode which supports providing an output of images through a port on the systems. In one embodiment, a data processing system includes a processing system, a cellular telephone transceiver, and a port which is configured to provide, as an output from the handheld data processing system, data representing movie video images. Methods and machine readable media are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua de Cesare, Keith Cox, Kenneth C. Dyke