Patents Assigned to Apple
  • Patent number: 11088797
    Abstract: Embodiments of efeMTC synchronization signals for enhanced cell search and enhanced system information acquisition are described. In some embodiments, an apparatus of a base station (BS) is configured to generate a length-x sequence for an efeMTC synchronization signal, the length-x sequence configured for repetition in frequency domain within 6 physical resource blocks (PRB). In some embodiments, to generate the length-x sequence, the BS may be configured to select any one index of the set of root indices {1, 2, . . . , 63}, excluding the root indices 25, 29 and 34, to correspond to a different physical-layer cell identity (PCID). In some embodiments, the BS may be configured to encode RRC signaling to include a System Information Block (SIB) comprising configuration information for transmission of the efeMTC synchronization signal, and transmit the length-x sequence as the efeMTC synchronization signal in frequency resources according to the SIB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Talarico, Qiaoyang Ye, Debdeep Chatterjee, Seunghee Han, Dae Won Lee
  • Patent number: 11089480
    Abstract: This application sets forth techniques for provisioning electronic subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) to mobile wireless devices that do not include functional bootstrap provisioning profiles to obtain access to a cellular wireless network. Connectivity to a cellular wireless network can be allowed for provisioning one or more eSIMs to a mobile wireless device using hardware device identifiers for authentication and a limited purpose provisioning connection when the cellular wireless network supports provisioning connections without the use of a provisioning profile for access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xiangying Yang, Anish Kumar Goyal, Chandiramohan Vasudevan, Vikram Bhaskara Yerrabommanahalli, Raj S. Chaugule, Li Li
  • Patent number: 11087558
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing augmented reality content created on a first electronic device and viewed at a second electronic device. In some embodiments, the first electronic device determines its physical location, receives input representing user-generated augmented reality content, displays an augmented reality environment including the user-generated augmented reality content overlaid on a live view of the physical location, and sends the user-generated augmented reality content to an external storage repository. The second electronic device can then receive the user-generated augmented reality content, determine whether it is at the physical location, and display the user-generated augmented reality content when it is at the physical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kuhn, Justin D. Stoyles
  • Patent number: 11087937
    Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and provides finger support and key definition as the user feels the top surface of the keycaps and flexible layer. The flexible layer therefore smooths the top surface of the keyboard, supports fingers during key travel, prevents ingress of contaminants, fluids, or debris into the keyboard, and provides a surface that can be used as a touch interface that coincides with the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 11085788
    Abstract: In some implementations, a navigation service can provide a plurality of navigation instructions for a user to traverse a route to an intended destination. The navigation service can also identify at least one portion of the determined route that requires additional guidance based on one or more factors. For each portion of the route that requires additional guidance, the navigation service may generate one or more additional guidance instructions to be inserted within the plurality of navigation instructions, forming an enhanced set of instructions for traversing the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Saraogee, Mrinmayee Hingolikar, Sofia Boutahar, Justin Strawn, Kieran K. Gupta, Eric Grundstorm, Christopher Tremblay, Ilya Sandler
  • Patent number: 11087759
    Abstract: At an electronic device with a display, a microphone, and an input device: while the display is on, receiving user input via the input device, the user input meeting a predetermined condition; in accordance with receiving the user input meeting the predetermined condition, sampling audio input received via the microphone; determining whether the audio input comprises a spoken trigger; and in accordance with a determination that audio input comprises the spoken trigger, triggering a virtual assistant session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen O. Lemay, Brandon J. Newendorp, Jonathan R. Dascola
  • Patent number: 11088973
    Abstract: A first messaging app, in one embodiment receives text and detects that the text includes a URL that refers to audio or audiovisual media content in a catalog of media content, and the messaging app obtains metadata about the media content and transmits the metadata to a second messaging app. Both the first and the second messaging app can operate, through interprocess communication, with its own music extension app that displays a user interface within a view hosted by the respective messaging app.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Alsina, Samuel M. Weinig, Chance Graham, Taylor G. Carrigan, Nathan de Vries, Timothy P. Horton
  • Patent number: 11089453
    Abstract: Transient user profiles are generated and broadcast to nearby recipient devices. In some implementations, a transient user profile is generated from a master user profile that includes user information. The master user profile can be stored in encrypted form on the user's mobile device or on a network-based computer system where it can be accessed upon authentication. The master user profile can include information provided by the user or retrieved from other network-based computer systems. The master user profile can include information that is labeled with security tags that indicate the class of users that may receive the user information. From the master user profile, a transient user profile can be generated in response to a sharing event and broadcast to other nearby recipient devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mehul K. Sanghavi, Michael Froimowitz Greenzeiger, Ravindra M. Phulari
  • Patent number: 11087430
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media to data drive a render graph are described. A render graph system defines one or more nodes for a render graph and one or more render targets associated with the nodes. The nodes includes one or more functions to define and resolve target handles for identifying render targets. The render graph system defines one or more connections between the nodes and render targets. The connection between the nodes and render targets form the render graph. The render graph system stores the render graph as a data file and converts, with a render graphics API, the data file into a render graph data object. The render graph system performs a frame setup phase the setups the render graph for a frame based on the render graph data object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cody J. White, Randal W. Lamore, Pal-Kristian Engstad, Ivan Gavrenkov, Matthew Stoll, Yang Zhou
  • Patent number: 11089502
    Abstract: A user equipment (UE) and associated method performs a voice call with a network, including exchanging voice packets, determines an uplink data transmission to be performed concurrently with the voice call and stores the uplink data transmission in a buffer. A base station and associated method performs a voice call with a UE, determines a downlink data transmission for the UE is to be performed concurrently with the voice call and stores the downlink data transmission in a buffer when the UE is a predetermined type. A UE and associated method associates with a first access point (AP), determines first performance characteristics of a connection with the first AP, determines second performance characteristics of a potential connection with a second AP, declares a radio link failure when the second performance characteristics exceed the first performance characteristics to trigger a handover procedure from the first AP to the second AP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Samy Khay-Ibbat, Tarik Tabet
  • Patent number: 11088862
    Abstract: An automated environment can include multiple controller devices capable of communicating with multiple accessory devices. The controller devices can automatically elect one of their number as a coordinator device for the environment and can automatically perform a new election if an incumbent coordinator becomes unavailable or resigns. The election processes can be transparent to any users. An elected coordinator can perform various operations to facilitate management of the automated environment, including routing of communications between controllers and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anush G. Nadathur, Srinivas Rama, Matthew C. Lucas, Nathan E. Carroll, Kevin P. McLaughlin, Thomas A. Dilligan, Arun G. Mathias
  • Patent number: 11088718
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a housing of an electronic device includes applying a mask to a portion of a ceramic green body to define a masked portion and an unmasked portion, applying a pigment to the ceramic green body to color the unmasked portion, and sintering the ceramic green body to remove the mask and form a ceramic housing. The ceramic housing may comprise a first portion corresponding to the masked portion and having a first color, and a second portion corresponding to the unmasked portion and having a second color different from the first color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Dale N. Memering, Kazuya Takagi, Naoto Matsuyuki, Theodore A. Waniuk
  • Patent number: 11086387
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing near field communications during a low power express mode of an electronic device are provided that may make credentials of a near field communication (“NFC”) component appropriately secure and appropriately accessible while also limiting the power consumption of the NFC component and of other components of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Gordon Y. Scott, Andrew C. Chang, Scott A. Williams
  • Patent number: 11087710
    Abstract: A display includes a plurality of pixels grouped into a plurality of lines of pixels. Each line of pixels of the plurality of lines comprises a group of pixels of the plurality of pixels that are coupled to a common scan line as well and that are coupled to different data lines to individually activate each pixel of the group of pixels. The display also includes a common voltage (VCOM) driving circuit configured to receive a waveform and drive the waveform to the display as a VCOM having a value tailored to an individually activated pixel of the group of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Yu Hou, Yang Li, Hao-Lin Chiu
  • Patent number: 11088749
    Abstract: Devices for and methods of beam refinement using a beam refinement reference signal (BRRS) are generally described. A UE receives BRRS information indicating a BRRS position of at least one OFDM symbol in a first or last symbol pair in a subframe. The BRRS replaces the xPDCCH, the last two symbols of data (an xPDSCH or xPUSCH), or is TDMed with a GP. The data and BRRS are allocated to the UE or to different UEs. The BRRS information is provided via an indicator in the DCI or higher layer signaling. The UE refines either the current Rx beam or directly refines a candidate Rx beam and uses one or multiple symbols, as indicated by a BRRS format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wenting Chang, Yushu Zhang, Gang Xiong, Yuan Zhu, Huaning Niu
  • Patent number: 11086463
    Abstract: A multi-modal touch controller configured to operate in different modes. In some examples, the multi-modal touch controller can be operated in a first mode corresponding to a guarded self-capacitance scan. In some examples, the multi-modal touch controller can be operated in a second mode corresponding to offset-compensated mutual capacitance scan. In some examples, the multi-modal controller can be operated in a third mode corresponding to a mutual and self-capacitance scan. The multi-modal touch controller can advantageously allow one touch sensing chipset to be used across different types of guarded touch sensor panels and across different modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph H. Krah
  • Patent number: 11086935
    Abstract: A memory management system which can effectively determine whether, when, and to what extent, to modify a graph database based on changes in a paired relational database storing various data like media assets, such as photos and videos. The media assets are associated with data objects, such as moments, events, and people. The memory management system also includes one or more knowledge graph metadata networks (or more simply “knowledge graphs”). The knowledge graph(s) store information which is related to the data stored by the relational databases. The memory management system detects changes in the data and data objects stored by the relational database(s). The memory management system can translate detected changes into modification instructions for the knowledge graph. The memory management system can also determine that it is unnecessary to modify the knowledge graph due to a detected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Bessiere, Patrick H. Kelly, Guillaume Vergnaud, Eric Circlaeys
  • Patent number: 11089247
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for image data processing. In certain embodiments, an image processing pipeline may be configured to receive a frame of the image data having a plurality of pixels acquired using a digital image sensor. The image processing pipeline may then be configured to determine a first plurality of correction factors that may correct each pixel in the plurality of pixels for fixed pattern noise. The first plurality of correction factors may be determined based at least in part on fixed pattern noise statistics that correspond to the frame of the image data. After determining the first plurality of correction factors, the image processing pipeline may be configured to configured to apply the first plurality of correction factors to the plurality of pixels, thereby reducing the fixed pattern noise present in the plurality of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Cote, D. Amnon Silverstein, Suk Hwan Lim, Sheng Lin, Haitao Guo
  • Patent number: 11083383
    Abstract: Cardiac monitor devices are described. An exemplary cardiac monitor device can take the form of an armband that can be worn by a user. The cardiac monitor device can be paired with an electronic device so that the user can access information of his or her heart activity. In one embodiment, the cardiac monitor device can include a body that can be worn at a limb of the user. The body can carry different electronic components. The electronic components can include an electrode configured to come into contact with a location of the limb and configured to measure a first electrical potential at the location. The electronic components can also include an antenna configured to capacitively couple with the body of the user to generate a second electrical potential. The electronic components can further include an amplifier configured to amplify the potential difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Chia Chi Wu, Sheng-Yang Tsui, Shu Yu Lin
  • Patent number: D927502
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Molly Anderson, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Marine C. Bataille, Jeremy Bataillou, Abidur Chowdhury, Markus Diebel, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Julian Jaede, Duncan Robert Kerr, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Mikael Silvanto, Joe Sung-Ho Tan, Clement Tissandier, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer