Apple Patents

Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, tablets and personal computers, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac. It also produces the iPod, Apple Watch and Apple TV, as well as the operating systems and applications that support these devices. The company also sells digital content and applications through its iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store, iBooks Store and Apple Music.

Apple Patents by Type
  • Apple Patents Granted: Apple patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Apple Patent Applications: Apple patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Patent number: 10805056
    Abstract: A wireless local area network station (STA) changes a receiver operating mode (ROM) and saves power by influencing when a ROM-conforming access point (AP) transmission takes place. The STA evaluates candidate delay regimes after a negotiation exchange with the STA. The STA then instructs the AP of a selected delay regime which the AP is permitted to use when transmitting data according to the changed ROM. The ROM can involve a change in the system bandwidth demodulated by the STA and/or the number of spatial streams demodulated by the STA. The delay regime can allow the AP to transmit with little or no delay based on the changed ROM, or the delay regime may require a fixed time delay before the AP transmits according to the changed ROM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Guoqing Li, Christiaan A. Hartman, Joonsuk Kim, Su Khiong Yong, Yong Liu
  • Patent number: 10803281
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display and a fingerprint sensor displays a fingerprint enrollment interface and detects, on the fingerprint sensor, a plurality of finger gestures performed with a finger. The device collects fingerprint information from the plurality of finger gestures performed with the finger. After collecting the fingerprint information, the device determines whether the collected fingerprint information is sufficient to enroll a fingerprint of the finger. When the collected fingerprint information for the finger is sufficient to enroll the fingerprint of the finger, the device enrolls the fingerprint of the finger with the device. When the collected fingerprint information for the finger is not sufficient to enroll the fingerprint of the finger, the device displays a message in the fingerprint enrollment interface prompting a user to perform one or more additional finger gestures on the fingerprint sensor with the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Byron B. Han, Matthew E. Shepherd, Imran Chaudhri, Gregory N. Christie, Patrick L. Coffman, Craig M. Federighi, Matthew H. Gamble, Brittany D. Paine, Brendan J. Langoulant, Craig A. Marciniak, Donald W. Pitschel, Daniel O. Schimpf, Andrew R. Whalley, Christopher R. Whitney, Jonathan R. Dascola, Lawrence Y. Yang
  • Patent number: 10802968
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing memory requests from a functional unit in a computing system is disclosed. The apparatus may include an interface that may be configured to receive a request from the functional. Circuitry may be configured initiate a speculative read access command to a memory in response to a determination that the received request is a request for data from the memory. The circuitry may be further configured to determine, in parallel with the speculative read access, if the speculative read will result in an ordering or coherence violation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sukalpa Biswas, Harshavardhan Kaushikkar, Munetoshi Fukami, Gurjeet S. Saund, Manu Gulati, Shinye Shiu
  • Patent number: 10801886
    Abstract: The sensitivity of one or more single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) in a SPAD detector is modulated over time. The sensitivity of all of the SPADs may be modulated, or the sensitivity of one section of the SPADs can be modulated differently from another section of the SPADs. Various techniques for modulating the sensitivity are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shingo Mandai, Andrew Kenneth John McMahon, Cristiano L. Niclass, Thierry Oggier, Tal Kaitz, Moshe Laifenfeld
  • Patent number: 10802703
    Abstract: Methods for sharing user-configurable graphical constructs, e.g., for use with a portable multifunction device, are disclosed. The methods described herein allow for sharing user-configurable graphical constructs that contain independently configurable graphical elements and graphical assets. Further disclosed are non-transitory computer-readable storage media, systems, and devices configured to perform the methods described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eliza Block, Giovanni M. Agnoli, Aurelio Guzman, Kevin Lynch, Christopher Wilson, Eric Lance Wilson, Paul W. Salzman, Vera Carr
  • Patent number: 10805646
    Abstract: An encoder is configured to compress point cloud geometry information using an octree geometric compression technique that utilizes a binary arithmetic encoder, a look-ahead table, a cache, and a context selection process, wherein encoding contexts are selected based, at least in part, on neighborhood configurations. In a similar manner, a decoder is configured to decode compressed point cloud geometry information utilizing a binary arithmetic encoder, a look-ahead table, a cache, and a context selection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandros Tourapis, Jungsun Kim, Valery G. Valentin, Fabrice A. Robinet, Yeping Su, Khaled Mammou
  • Patent number: 10802592
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of magnetic virtual springs for haptic systems. In an embodiment, a haptic system comprises: a magnetic housing having a surface with a surface profile; a mechanical spring system disposed in the housing, the mechanical spring system including one or more mechanical springs; a mass disposed within the housing and mechanically coupled to the mechanical spring system, the mass including or coupled to a magnet, the surface profile causing a magnetic force component to be generated in at least one direction that varies with the magnet position, the magnetic force component combining with a mechanical force component provided by the mechanical springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jere C. Harrison, Xin Alice Wu, Sheng Liu, Yi-Heng Sen
  • Publication number: 20200319675
    Abstract: Methods, structures, and apparatus that are able to detect the presence of a connection to a contact of an electronic device and are also able to detect the presence of moisture at the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Beckham, Gabriel Sanchez Barba, Isikcan Yilmaz
  • Publication number: 20200319603
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for providing enhanced configuration features includes receiving, by a computing device, indication that a wearable device has started a pairing process with a second electronic device and obtaining images corresponding to the wearable device. Moreover, the method includes analyzing, by the computing device, the images to determine one or more aspects of the wearable device and configuring the wearable device using the one or more aspects of the wearable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Reed E. Olsen, Andreas E. Schobel, Tyler D. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 10798623
    Abstract: A mobile terminal device may include a measurement circuit, a critical scenario identification circuit, and a measurement report control circuit. The measurement circuit may be configured to measure one or more received radio signals to generate one or more measurement results. The critical scenario identification circuit may be configured to perform a comparison between a first set of the one or more measurement results and predefined criteria associated with handover disruption. The measurement report control circuit may be configured to select a selected reporting configuration from a default handover speed reporting configuration and an accelerated handover speed reporting configuration based on the comparison, wherein the accelerated handover speed reporting configuration produces a lower expected handover latency than the default handover speed reporting configuration and to transmit a second set of the one or more measurement results according to the selected reporting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tian Yan Pu, Juergen Kreuchauf, Habib Djandji, Thorsten Clevorn
  • Patent number: 10795438
    Abstract: A system may include one or more finger-mounted devices such as finger devices with U-shaped housings configured to be mounted on a user's fingers while gathering sensor input and supplying haptic output. The finger devices may have power receiving circuitry configured to receive power from a power source. The power source may be incorporated into an electronic device such as a battery case, a head-mounted display, or a wireless charging mat or stand. The power source may supply power through terminals that form ohmic contacts with mating terminals in the finger device or may transmit power wirelessly using capacitive coupling or inductive charging arrangements. A finger device may have hinge structures that allow portions of the device to rotate relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Paul X. Wang
  • Patent number: 10798239
    Abstract: A connection manager manages connections for associated user devices by determining whether an incoming connection has been answered at a user device, and if so then generating and transmitting silencing commands to associated user devices using first and second wireless communication modes, with one mode being faster. Connections can comprise phone calls, and modes can comprise push and Bluetooth® messaging. The connection manager can instruct device outputs to provide connection alerts, limited to visual alerts when an associated user device is active, listen for associated user device communications, and instruct device outputs to stop providing alerts when a silencing command is received. Further, a connection manager can receive a signal regarding a headset status, route an outside connection from a phone to the headset when the headset is active or to another device when the headset is not active, detect a change in headset status, and reroute the connection accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Rauenbuehler, Nicholas M. Fraioli, Christopher S. Linn, John J. Iarocci, Keith Stattenfield
  • Patent number: 10795818
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for ensuring real-time snoop latency are disclosed. A system includes a processor and a cache controller. The cache controller receives, via a channel, cache snoop requests from the processor, the snoop requests including latency-sensitive and non-latency sensitive requests. Requests are not prioritized by type within the channel. The cache controller limits a number of non-latency sensitive snoop requests that can be processed ahead of an incoming latency-sensitive snoop requests. Limiting the number of non-latency sensitive snoop requests that can be processed ahead of an incoming latency-sensitive snoop request includes the cache controller determining that the number of received non-latency sensitive snoop requests has reached a predetermined value and responsively prioritizing latency-sensitive requests over non-latency sensitive requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Harshavardhan Kaushikkar, Per H. Hammarlund, Brian P. Lilly, Michael Bekerman, James Vash, Manu Gulati, Benjamin K. Dodge
  • Patent number: 10795451
    Abstract: A configurable, force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device is disclosed. The input structure has a metal contact layer, a sense layer positioned below the metal contact layer, and a drive layer capacitively coupled to the sense layer. The input structure may also have a compliant layer positioned between and coupled to the sense layer and the drive layer, a rigid base layer positioned below the drive layer, and a set of supports positioned between the metal contact layer and the rigid base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Morrell, Ron A. Hopkinson, Peter M. Arnold, Mikael M. Silvanto, William F. Leggett
  • Patent number: 10796294
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for managing peer-to-peer transfers. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for initiating and managing transfers. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces corresponding to completed transfers. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for providing visually distinguishable message object appearances based on message designation. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for activating accounts for accepting and sending transfers. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for exchanging accounts for use in a transfer. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for splitting transfers between two or more accounts. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for generating and displaying a transfers history list. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for voice-activation of transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Van Os, Cas Lemmens, Mischa McLachlan
  • Patent number: 10797534
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission system has a wireless power receiving device that is located on a charging surface of a wireless power transmitting device. The wireless power receiving device has a wireless power receiving coil and the wireless power transmitting device has a wireless power transmitting coil array. Signal measurement circuitry coupled to the coil array may make measurements while the control circuitry uses the inverter circuitry to apply excitation signals to each of the coils. Foreign objects on the coil array such as metallic objects without wireless power receiving coils can be detected using foreign object detection. When multiple wireless power receiving devices are present on the wireless power transmitting device, steps may be taken to isolate measurements from the coils associated with each wireless power receiving device. Foreign object detection may then be performed on these modified measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Behrooz Shahsavari, Weiyu Huang, Sneha Kadetotad, Baboo V. Gowreesunker, Jacob Mattingley
  • Patent number: 10798511
    Abstract: Processing input audio channels for generating spatial audio can include receiving a plurality of microphone signals that capture a sound field. Each microphone signal can be transformed into a frequency domain signal. From each frequency domain signal, a direct component and a diffuse component can be extracted. The direct component can be processed with a parametric renderer. The diffuse component can be processed with a linear renderer. The components can be combined, resulting in a spatial audio output. The levels of the components can be adjusted to match a direct to diffuse ratio (DDR) of the output with the DDR of the captured sound field. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Juha O. Merimaa, Jason Wung, Martin E. Johnson, Peter A. Raffensperger, Joshua D. Atkins, Symeon Delikaris Manias, Mehrez Souden
  • Patent number: 10796648
    Abstract: A light emitting assembly is described. In one embodiment, one or more light emitting diode (LED) devices and one or more microcontrollers are bonded to a same side of a substrate, with the one or more microcontrollers to switch and drive the one or more LED devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kapil V. Sakariya, Andreas Bibl, Kelly McGroddy
  • Patent number: 10797596
    Abstract: A zero static loadline switching regulator can include a controller having an integrating outer control loop that receives a first feedback signal corresponding regulator load and a reference signal and generates an intermediate feedback signal therefrom. The control circuit can also include an inner control loop that receives the intermediate feedback signal and a second feedback signal corresponding to a load on the regulator and generates an error signal used to control switching devices of the regulator. The control circuit can also include a transient response circuit configured to boost the error signal, for a predetermined time period after and responsive to a load transient. The error signal may be boosted to an intermediate value between its saturation level and its full scale level. The intermediate value may be predetermined or may be determined responsive to the magnitude of the load transient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Li, Adrian K. Ong
  • Patent number: 10795730
    Abstract: In general, embodiments are disclosed for tracking and allocating graphics processor hardware resources. More particularly, a graphics hardware resource allocation system is able to generate a priority list for a plurality of data masters for graphics processor based on a comparison between a current utilizations for the data masters and a target utilizations for the data masters. The graphics hardware resource allocation system designate, based on the priority list, a first data master with a higher priority to submit work to the graphics processor compared to a second data master. The graphics hardware resource allocation system determines a stall counter value for the data master and generates a notification to pause work for the second data master based on the stall counter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kutty Banerjee, Benjamin Bowman, Terence M. Potter, Tatsuya Iwamoto, Gokhan Avkarogullari
  • Patent number: 10795490
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multitasking using touch-sensitive devices are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a method includes: playing video content in a full-screen mode on a touch-sensitive display of an electronic device. While playing the video content in the full-screen mode, the method further includes: receiving a request to display a home screen on the touch-sensitive display. In response receiving the request, the method also includes: (i) displaying the home screen; (ii) resizing the video content to fit within a reduced area of the touch-sensitive display; and (iii) displaying the resized video content overlaying the home screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Imran A. Chaudhri, May-Li Khoe, Nicholas Zambetti, Lawrence Y. Yang
  • Patent number: 10795488
    Abstract: A switching circuit is disclosed. The switching circuit can comprise a plurality of pixel mux blocks, each of the pixel mux blocks configured to be coupled to a respective touch node electrode on a touch sensor panel, and each of the pixel mux blocks including logic circuitry. The switching circuit can also comprise a plurality of signal lines configured to be coupled to sense circuitry, at least one of the signal lines configured to transmit a touch signal from one of the respective touch node electrodes to the sense circuitry. The logic circuitry in each pixel mux block of the plurality of pixel mux blocks can be configured to control the respective pixel mux block so as to selectively couple the respective pixel mux block to any one of the plurality of signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph H. Krah
  • Patent number: 10795460
    Abstract: An input device for providing input to a computing device. The input device includes a body, a visual element, and a processing element in communication with the visual element. The processing element dynamically changes a graphic displayed by the visual element to correspond to presentation data corresponding to the input device as presented to the computing device. The dynamic changes in the graphic provide indication to a user regarding the current state of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Stringer
  • Patent number: 10798567
    Abstract: Embodiments of an Evolved Node-B (eNB), shared spectrum controller and methods for communication in shared spectrum are generally described herein. A mobile network shared spectrum controller may operate as part of a domain of a mobile network. A public shared spectrum controller may operate externally to the mobile network domain. The mobile network shared spectrum controller and the public shared spectrum controller may operate cooperatively to perform operations of a shared spectrum controller, such as management of secondary usage of shared spectrum by a group of eNBs. The mobile network shared spectrum controller may obfuscate at least a portion of network configuration information from the public shared spectrum controller to enable maintenance of confidential information within the mobile network domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Biljana Badic, Markus Dominik Mueck, Srikathyayani Srikanteswara, Joey Chou
  • Patent number: 10795572
    Abstract: A device receives a user input that corresponds with a sequence of characters. In response to the user input, the device displays simulated handwritten text that includes varying the appearance of characters in the simulated handwritten text based on variations in handwritten text of a respective user. In response to receiving the user input and in accordance with a determination that a first criterion is met, a first character in the sequence of characters has a first appearance that corresponds to the appearance of the first character in handwritten text of the respective user. In accordance with a determination that a second criterion is met, the first character in the sequence of characters has a second appearance that corresponds to the appearance of the first character in handwritten text of the respective user. The second appearance of the first character is different than the first appearance of the first character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Gobera Rubalcava, Ryan S. Dixon
  • Patent number: 10795541
    Abstract: Techniques for processing task items are provided. A task item is electronic data that represents a task to be performed, whether manually or automatically. A task item includes one or more details about its corresponding task, such as a description of the task and a location of the task. Specifically, techniques for generating task items, organizing task items, triggering notifications of task items, and consuming task items are described. In one approach, a task item is generated based on input from a user and context of the input. In another approach, different attributes of task items are used to organize the task items intelligently into multiple lists. In another approach, actions other than the generation of notification are enabled or automatically performed, actions such as emailing, calling, texting, and searching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gruber, Alessandro Sabatelli, Alexandre Aybes, Donald W. Pitschel, Edward D. Voas, Freddy Allen Anzures, Paul D. Marcos
  • Patent number: 10795427
    Abstract: A method from managing power state transitions in a computing system is disclosed. A processor may initiate a change in power state from a first initial power state to a first new power state and, in response to initiating the change, send an initial notification to a system integrated circuit using a first communication channel, and deactivate the first communication based on responses to the initial notification. The processor may enter the first new power state in response to the deactivation of the first communication channel, and send a final notification to a management controller using a second communication channel. The management controller may send a message to the system integrated circuit upon receiving the final notification. The system integrated circuit may then transition from a second initial power state to a second new power state based on the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Hardik K. Doshi, Gopal Thirumalai Narayanan, Siddharth P. Shah, Joseph J. Castro, Craig S. Forbell, Christopher M. Aycock, Varaprasad V. Lingutla
  • Patent number: 10796445
    Abstract: An electronic device: displays, on a display of the electronic device, a reticle element in a first appearance state overlaid on a media capture preview of objects in a field of view of an image sensor of the electronic device, where the media capture preview changes as the objects in the field of view of the image sensor change; detects a plane in the media capture preview; and, in response to detecting the plane, displays, on the display, the reticle element in a second appearance state overlaid on the media capture preview, where the reticle element corresponds to an indication of a portion of the extent of the plane while displayed in the second appearance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Giancarlo Yerkes, Aitor Aldoma Buchaca, Na Wong, Oliver Montague Dunkley
  • Patent number: 10797771
    Abstract: User Equipment (UE) and base station (eNB) apparatus and methodology for adjusting receive beamforming. A beam refinement reference signal (BRRS) is transmitted with the same transmit beam direction on which data is to be transmitted. While receiving the BRRS, the receiver varies its receive beam direction and measures a signal characteristic of reception of the BRRS to determine a refined receive beam direction. The refined receive beam direction is used to receive the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wenting Chang, Yushu Zhang, Yuan Zhu, Huaning Niu, Jong-Kae Fwu
  • Patent number: 10797358
    Abstract: In general, techniques are disclosed for efficiently transferring power from a portable power bank to an electronic device. More particularly, a disclosed power bank incorporates a switching mechanism capable of routing battery voltage (novel) or a stepped-up voltage (e.g., from a boost regulator) directly to a common portion of an output connector. In addition, electronic devices as described herein also incorporate a switching mechanism to allow them to accept direct battery output (novel) or a stepped-up voltage at a common portion of the device's connector (e.g., a USB connector). When used in combination, the disclosed portable power bank can transfer power to the electronic device with no more than half the loss attributable to voltage conversion operations of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: XunGuang Xu, Jieli Li, Zifeng Shen
  • Patent number: 10794986
    Abstract: A method comprising: receiving a radio map of an indoor venue using survey data collected by a survey device positioned throughout the venue, the radio map including a boundary; receiving harvest data from a mobile device, wherein at least some of the harvest data are obtained by the mobile device while the mobile device is positioned at locations that are outside of the boundary; determining, based on the harvest data, a trajectory of the mobile device, wherein at least some of the trajectory resides outside of the boundary; identifying one or more locations on or proximate to the trajectory; and extending the radio map using the survey data and the one or more identified locations, wherein the extended radio map is defined at least in part by an extension of the boundary to encompass the one or more identified locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jahshan Bhatti, David Benjamin Millman, Brian Stephen Smith, Jasvinder Singh
  • Patent number: 10796629
    Abstract: A flat-panel display device and method to compensate for a voltage drop by supply voltage in the flat-panel display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kasra Omid-Zohoor, Marc J. DeVincentis, Paolo Sacchetto, Sinan Alousi, Yafei Bi
  • Patent number: 10796863
    Abstract: An input device, such as a keyboard, includes one or more keys that each includes a keycap operable to move within an aperture of a frame to activate a switch and fabric disposed over the frame and keycap. A first region of the fabric is bonded to the keycap and a second region of the fabric is bonded to the frame. The first region may be an embossed region and the second region may be an unembossed region. The fabric may dampen sound from within the keyboard, such as noise related to movement of the keycap, activation of the switch, and so on. The fabric may also form a barrier that restricts passage of contaminants into the aperture and/or other portions of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Benjamin A. Cousins, Melody Kuna, Sean S. Corbin, John M. Brock, Robert S. Murphy, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10795001
    Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a laser light source, which is configured to emit at least one beam of light. A beam steering device is configured to transmit and scan the at least one beam across a target scene. In an array of sensing elements, each sensing element is configured to output a signal indicative of incidence of photons on the sensing element. Light collection optics are configured to image the target scene scanned by the transmitted beam onto the array, wherein the beam steering device scans the at least one beam across the target scene with a spot size and scan resolution that are smaller than a pitch of the sensing elements. Circuitry is coupled to actuate the sensing elements only in a selected region of the array and to sweep the selected region over the array in synchronization with scanning of the at least one beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Cristiano L. Niclass, Alexander Shpunt, Gennadiy A. Agranov, Matthew C. Waldon, Mina A. Rezk, Thierry Oggier
  • Patent number: 10797125
    Abstract: A display may have display driver circuitry. Signal routing lines may supply multiplexed signals from the display driver circuitry to demultiplexer circuitry. The demultiplexer circuitry may provide corresponding demultiplexed signals to the pixels over signal routing lines. The demultiplexer circuitry may have demultiplexer circuit blocks such as 1:N demultiplexer circuit blocks. Each of the demultiplexer circuit blocks may have the same area and layout. The demultiplexer circuit blocks may run across the width of the display. A first portion of the demultiplexer circuit blocks may extend in a straight line parallel to an edge of the active area. A second portion of the demultiplexer circuit blocks may be arranged in a staircase pattern that angles away from the first portion of demultiplexer circuit blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ho Yu, Abbas Jamshidi Roudbari, Shin-Hung Yeh, Sungki Lee, Ting-Kuo Chang, Yu Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 10796207
    Abstract: By providing 3D representations of noteworthy locations for comparison with images, the 3D location of the imaging device, as well as the orientation of the device may be determined. The 3D location and orientation of the imaging device then allows for enhanced navigation in a collection of images, as well as enhanced visualization and editing capabilities. The 3D representations of noteworthy locations may be provided in a database that may be stored local or remote to the imaging device or a programmable device processing images obtained from the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Erik Solem, Jerremy Holland
  • Patent number: 10796470
    Abstract: Various customization options are provided for customizing a 3D avatar of a head. Features of the head and assets corresponding to the features can be customized using blend shapes. An amount of storage for the plurality of blend shapes is minimized by determining overlapping blend shapes that can be reused for a plurality of different assets. Further, techniques are provided for dynamic changes to an avatar in accordance with selected features and assets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas V. Scapel, Alexandre R. Moha, Guillaume P. Barlier, Thomas Goossens
  • Patent number: 10795027
    Abstract: A user equipment (UE) and method of providing local fine timing assistance are generally described. Prior to storing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-cellular time relationship in the UE and, when the network is unable to provide fine timing assistance, a GNSS receiver transmits a request to a modem. The modem, in response, periodically or as scheduled transmits a pulse and pulse timing information (PTI) including a pulse transmission time (PTT) based on cellular network time. The receiver determines a GNSS-cellular time relationship and obtains a GNSS satellite positioning signal and GNSS fix using the PTI. For pulses after the initial pulse, the PTI includes a time difference between the PTT and a PTT of the preceding pulse. The receiver determines a time difference between the PTT and GNSS fix. The modem is configured to terminate pulse transmission in response to receiving a termination request from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Raghvendra Gupta, Rajshekhar Oruganti
  • Patent number: 10798647
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to techniques for network slice selection. A network slice selection function of a cellular network may receive a network slice selection request from a radio access network node of the cellular network. The network slice selection request may be received by the radio access network node from a wireless device. A core network slice (and possibly a radio access network slice) of the cellular network may be selected for the service request. A network slice selection response may be provided to the radio access network node, indicating a control plane entry point address for the selected core network slice. The selected radio network slice may also be indicated in the network slice selection response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Haining Wang, Huarui Liang, Haijing Hu, Dawei Zhang
  • Patent number: 10796309
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display and a biometric input sensor is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Van Os, Pablo F. Caro, George R. Dicker, Anton K. Diederich
  • Patent number: 10797889
    Abstract: A digital letter of approval (DLOA) is used by a subscription manager (SM) server to determine whether a device is compliant with requirements for an application to be provisioned. If the device is compliant, the application is provisioned to the device or to an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) included in the device. To increase the security of the device DLOA, the device DLOA is linked to the eUICC, in some embodiments. The linkage may be based on one or more platform label fields in the device DLOA. A database is consulted, in some embodiments, to confirm a relationship between the device and the eUICC identified in the device DLOA. In some embodiments, the eUICC signs the device DLOA and the device DLOA with eUICC signature is sent to the SM server. In some embodiments, the device provides a device signature on the DLOA independent of the eUICC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Xiangying Yang
  • Patent number: 10795750
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a novel architecture for debugging devices. This architecture includes numerous devices that without user intervention automatically detect and report bug events to a set of servers that aggregate and process the bug events. When a device detects a potential bug event, the device in some embodiments generates a description of the potential bug event, and sends the generated description to the server set through a network. In addition to generating such a description, the device in some embodiments directs one or more of its modules to gather and store a collection of one or more data sets that are relevant to the potential bug event, in case the event has to be further analyzed by the server set. In the discussion below, the generated bug-event description is referred to as the event signature, while the gathered collection of data sets for an event is referred to as the event's data archive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Henri S. Berger, Eisuke Arai, Amit K. Vyas, David S. Choi, Franco Travostino, Abhinav Pathak, Daniel Lertpratchya, Albert Liu, Anand Ramadurai, Olivier Mardinian, Vividh Siddha
  • Patent number: 10798482
    Abstract: A multi-way speaker array is disclosed that includes rings of transducers of different types. The rings of transducers may encircle the cabinet of the speaker array such that the speaker array is rotationally symmetric. The distance between rings of transducers may be based on a logarithmic scale. By separating rings of transducers using logarithmic spacing, denser transducer spacing at short wavelengths is achieved while limiting the number of transducers needed for longer wavelengths by spacing them in larger and larger logarithmic increments. Transducers with overlapping frequency ranges may be used in the speaker array to avoid initial dips or shortfalls in directivity for corresponding beam patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Gordon R. Dix, Michael B. Howes, Gary P. Geaves, Tom-Davy William Jendrik Saux
  • Patent number: 10798739
    Abstract: A method is disclosed where a user equipment (“UE”) is operating in a carrier aggregation mode and connected to a first cell operating on a licensed band and a second cell operating on an unlicensed band. The method may include the UE performing a carrier sensing operation on the unlicensed band, determining, from the carrier sensing operation, a duration that the unlicensed band will be occupied, refraining from transmitting data to the second cell on the unlicensed band for the duration that the unlicensed band will be occupied and setting a transmitter in communication with the second cell to a low power mode for the duration that the unlicensed band will be occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tianyan Pu, Prateek Sharma, Sami M. Almalfouh, Ping Wang, Wei Zhang, Sreevalsan Vallath
  • Patent number: 10798420
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for performing lossless compression of single-channel images (e.g., grayscale images). A first technique involves pre-processing an isolated (i.e., one) single-channel image for compression. In particular, the first technique involves calculating predicted pixel intensity values (within the single-channel image) based on neighboring pixel intensity values (also within the single-channel image). Bit values of the error margins of the predicted pixel intensity values are separated into two different byte streams according to a particular ordering, whereupon the byte streams are separately compressed (e.g., using a Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW)-based compressor) and joined together to produce a compressed single-channel image. A second technique involves pre-processing a group of single-channel images into one single-channel image for compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lars M. Lindberg, Ali Sazegari, Paul S. Chang
  • Patent number: D897746
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Gady, Seung Chae Kang, Gabriel J. Lamb, Adrian E. Magrina, Indhu V. Solayappan, Moritz Wilsberg
  • Patent number: D898040
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Dye, Aurelio Guzmán, Jonathan P. Ive, Christopher Wilson, Eric Lance Wilson
  • Patent number: D898068
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Lee Coffman, Raymond Sepulveda
  • Patent number: D898069
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Lee Coffman, Chun Kin Minor Wong
  • Patent number: D898762
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Lee Coffman, Raymond Sepulveda, Chun Kin Minor Wong