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).
  • 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: 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: 20240104967
    Abstract: A personalized eye model is used to generate synthetic gaze features at ground-truth eye poses Gg. Corresponding synthetic gaze poses Gs are estimated from the synthetic gaze features using an average eye model. A linear regression is applied between Gg and Gs to generate a gaze correction function. The gaze correction function represents differences between the synthetic gaze Gs of the subject eye at the display and that of the average eye model Gg at the display, but does not contain security- or privacy-sensitive information. Further, the personalized eye model cannot be recovered from the gaze correction function, and thus the gaze correction function can be stored unencrypted and available for use during a cold boot of a device prior to login. On a cold boot of the device, the gaze correction function may be accessed and used with an average eye model to improve gaze-based interactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Heideklang, Hua Gao, Hao Qin, Tom Sengelaub
  • Publication number: 20240103905
    Abstract: Techniques are described herein for effectuating a transaction by an intermediary. An example method can include instructing a device to monitor a status of a first item, and to transmit a first request for a target item based at least in part on the status of the first item, the target item being a same item type as the first item. Receiving, by the from the device, the first request for the target item. Determining a first source device of a plurality of source devices to which to transmit a second request for the target item. Transmitting, to the first source device of the plurality of source devices, the second request for the target item based at least in part on the determination. Receiving a confirmation of the second request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed M. Soliman, Ayman F. Naguib
  • Publication number: 20240103916
    Abstract: Techniques are described herein for effectuating a transaction by an intermediary. An example method can include receiving, from a second user device, a first request for a target item, the second user device being associated with the target item. A second request for first information associated with the target item can be transmitted to a third device based at least in part on the first request. The first information associated with the target item can be received from the third device, the first information including a first parameter describing the target item. The first parameter can be compared with a threshold parameter. A third request can be transmitted to the third device associated with the target item, a third request for the target item. A confirmation of the third request can be received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed M. Soliman, Ayman F. Naguib
  • Publication number: 20240104958
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing eye model matching in a device are disclosed. When a user activates a device and the presence of the user's eye is detected, an image of the user's eye is captured. An eye model matching process is then implemented to determine a stored eye model (e.g., an eye model stored after enrollment of the eye on the device) that best matches the eye in the captured image. Determination of the best matching eye model may be based on matching between properties of the user's eye in the captured image (such as cornea and pupil features) and properties of the user's eye determined by the eye model. The best matching eye model may then be implemented in, for example, an eye gaze tracking process. In certain instances, the best matching eye model satisfies a threshold for matching before being implemented in the downstream process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Hao Qin, Hua Gao, Tom Sengelaub, Jie Zhong
  • 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: 20240104778
    Abstract: Methods for performing a camera calibration process for outward-facing cameras on devices such as head-mounted display devices are disclosed. Using cameras with overlapping fields of view, relative rotational parameters of the cameras with respect to one another may be determined using an optimization technique such as a two-view bundle adjustment algorithm. A statistical analysis of the relative rotational parameters of the cameras, determined for a plurality of moments in time, may then be made to provide updated relative rotational parameters for recalibration of the cameras. A camera calibration process, such as those disclosed, may not depend on tracking points of interest over multiple moments in time, but rather on a convergence of the relative rotational parameters determined for respective moments in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tianheng Wang, Stergios Roumeliotis, Shuntaro Yamazaki, Oleg Naroditsky
  • Publication number: 20240104691
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an image processing circuit able to perform image fusion on received images in at least a first mode for fusing demosaiced and downscaled image data, and a second mode for fusing raw image data. Raw image data is received from an image sensor in Bayer RGB format. In the first mode, the raw image data is demosaiced and resampled prior to undergoing image fusion. On the other hand, in the second raw image mode, the image processing circuit performs image fusion on the raw Bayer image data, and demosaics and resamples the generated fused raw Bayer image. This may ensure a cleaner image signal for image fusion, but consumes more memory. The image processing circuit is configured to support both modes of operation, allowing for fused images to be generated to satisfy the requirements of different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Maxim SMIRNOV, David R. POPE
  • Publication number: 20240106161
    Abstract: Connector structures that can help to reduce corrosion of contacts in a connector receptacle and can reduce liquid ingress into an electronic device that houses the connector receptacle. An example can increase an effective width between adjacent contacts. This and other examples can force dendritic growth to occur in a location where it can be at least partially cleared by the insertion of a corresponding connector into the connector receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mahmoud R. Amini, Eric B. Wankoff, Nikhil S. Pansare, Ibuki Kamei, Samira Chizari, Peter J. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20240107167
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for a camera module is provided. The actuator assembly includes a transversal actuator for motion of an image sensor of the camera module in one or more directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera module. The actuator assembly also includes an axial actuator for motion of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis of the camera module. The actuator assembly further includes a carrier retaining a portion of the transversal actuator and a portion of the axial actuator. The carrier moves with the image sensor in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera module and is static relative to motion of the image sensor in the one or more directions parallel to the optical axis of the camera module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Seyed Mohammad Javid Mahmoudzadeh, Aurelien R Hubert
  • Publication number: 20240106899
    Abstract: When a mobile device comes within a proximity of one or more accessories, the one or more accessories can generate an indication for sending to the mobile device. The indication can be based on a state of the one or more accessories and can include state information. The indication can be used to communicate state information about the one or more accessories to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Johnson, Amber N. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20240107247
    Abstract: Examples can provide circuits, methods, and apparatus that can determine a quality of a seal formed using an audio device, can inform a user of the quality of the seal, and can help the user to improve the quality of the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Publication number: 20240107249
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a structure with a substrate, an electronic device, and a molding compound layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, where the substrate includes a first opening. The electronic device is disposed on the first surface of the substrate and includes a second opening aligned with the first opening of the substrate. Further, the molding compound layer is disposed on the second surface of the substrate and includes a third opening aligned with the second opening of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kyusang KIM, Ali N. Ergun, Anthony D. Minervini, Bilal Mohamed Ibrahim Kani, Kishore N. Renjan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20240106158
    Abstract: Connector receptacles and connector receptacle interfaces that can detect a connection to a corresponding connector insert, can detect liquid in the connector receptacle, and can limit damage to the connector receptacle caused by the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Wankoff, Peter J. Cameron, Mahmoud R. Amini, Daren L. Rimando, Sotirios Lyrintzis, Makiko K. Brzezinski, Adam H. Herzog, Mohammed Nasser Khamis Al Jashmi, George Tziviskos, Aaron N. Miletich, Collin Greene, Jason S. Sloey, Sydney Puckett
  • Patent number: 11943791
    Abstract: The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods for lower-layer activation and release of dynamic downlink positioning reference signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Seyed Ali Akbar Fakoorian, Wei Zeng, Dawei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11940594
    Abstract: Textured cover assemblies for electronic devices are disclosed. The textured cover assemblies may be placed over a display and may provide anti-glare and anti-reflection properties to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Mingxia Gu, Janos C. Keresztes, Jun Qi, Jungwook Park, Victor H. Yin, Yanming Li
  • Patent number: 11937904
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include wearable devices and techniques for detecting cardio machine activities, estimating user direction of travel, and monitoring performance during cardio machine activities. By accurately and promptly detecting cardio machine activities and automatically distinguishing between activities performed on different types of cardio machines, the disclosure enables wearable devices to accurately calculate user performance information when users forget to start and/or stop recording activities on a wide variety of cardio machines. In various embodiments, cardio machine activity detection techniques may use magnetic field data from a magnetic field sensor to improve the accuracy of orientation data and device heading measurements used to detect the end of a cardio machine activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Ochs, Mariah W. Whitmore, Mark P. Sena, Julia K. Nichols, Erin Paeng, Vinay R. Majjigi, Karthik Jayaraman Raghuram, Hung A. Pham
  • Patent number: 11937938
    Abstract: Sleep conditions such as moderate-to-severe sleep apnea can be assessed using a multi-night assessments. A respiration signal (e.g., acquired from a sensor strip) can be processed via a computing device. The respiration signal can be segmented and the segments can be classified to identify one or more apnea/hypopnea events. In some examples, some of the segments can be normalized such that each segment input for classification can be of the same size. The identified one or more apnea/hypopnea events can be used to estimate a nightly parameter indicative of a severity of (or presence of) sleep apnea. The nightly parameters from a multi-night period can be used to estimate a multi-night parameter indicative of the severity of (or presence of) sleep apnea. In some examples, quality checks can be performed to filter out some data (e.g., to exclude data from entire nights or exclude a portion of data from individual nights).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Travis Bianchi, Alexander Mark Chan, Fredrik J. Sannholm, Lifeng Miao, Siddharth Khullar
  • Patent number: 11938922
    Abstract: A motion control system that includes a support motion control system and a body motion control system. The body motion control system includes passive motion control components and active motion control components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Akhil J. Madhani, Robin A. Auckland, Giles D. Wood, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Xingchen Fan, Jonathan L. Hall, Paul J. Keas
  • Patent number: 11941175
    Abstract: Contact or movement gestures between a first body part and a second body part can be detected. Sense circuitry can be configured to sense a signal at the sense electrode (e.g., configured to contact the second body part) in response to a drive signal applied to the drive electrode (e.g., configured to contact the first body part). Processing circuitry can be configured to detect contact in accordance with a determination that one or more criteria are met (e.g., an amplitude criterion and a non-distortion criterion). Additionally or alternatively, processing circuitry can be configured to detect a movement gesture in accordance with a determination that one or more criteria are met (e.g., a contact criterion and a movement criterion).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Beyhs
  • Patent number: 11940931
    Abstract: A turnstile OS primitive is provided that enables support for owner tracking and waiting. The turnstile primitive enables a common framework that can be adopted across multiple different types of synchronization primitives to provide a common service for priority boosting and wait queuing. A turnstile can also provide a mechanism to enable a turnstile to block on another turnstile, allowing multi-hop priority boosting within a chain of multiple blocking turnstiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jainam A. Shah, Jeremy C. Andrus, Daniel A. Chimene, Kushal Dalmia, Pierre Habouzit, James M. Magee, Marina Sadini, Daniel A. Steffen
  • Patent number: 11941319
    Abstract: A computer system causes output of audio information from a first application to a set of one or more audio output devices in accordance with a first audio output mode previously selected for the first application using a system audio output setting control. After, the computer system receives a request to play audio from a second application different from the first application. In response, the computer system causes output of audio information from the second application to the set of one or more audio output devices, including, in accordance with a determination that a second audio output mode, different from the first audio output mode, was previously selected for the second application using the system audio output setting control, causing output of the audio information from the second application via the set of one or more audio output devices in accordance with the second audio output mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, Charles C. Hoyt, Cyrus D. Irani, Christopher J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 11941235
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to managing weather information. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for managing weather information are described. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for displaying daily weather information are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Caroline J. Crandall, Ian V. Bambao, Dylan O. Boelte, Wyatt R. Mitchell, Ricky Lee Richards
  • 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: 11941191
    Abstract: Button functionalities for user interfaces, e.g., for use with a portable multifunction device, are disclosed. Exemplary button functionalities are described for an electronic device with a display, a rotatable and depressible input mechanism, and/or a button. Different device features may be accessed, depending on whether the rotatable and depressible input mechanism or the button is activated, and further depending on whether the activation represents a single press, a double press, or an extended press on the rotatable and depressible input mechanism or the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Patrick Foss, Anton M. Davydov, Dylan Ross Edwards, Imran Chaudhri, Alan C. Dye, Jonathan P. Ive, Stephen O. Lemay, Kevin M. Lynch, Lawrence Y. Yang, Dennis S. Park
  • Patent number: 11941214
    Abstract: Touch sensor panels/screens can include metal mesh touch electrodes and routing in the active area. In some examples, the touch sensor panel/screen can include row electrodes and column electrodes disposed over the active area of the display. In some examples, the routing traces for the row electrodes and/or column electrodes can be disposed in a border region and some of the routing traces for the row electrodes and/or column electrodes can be disposed in the active area. In some examples, some row electrodes can be shaved down to create an offset from the edge of the active area to accommodate routing traces in the active area. In some examples, the row electrodes can be formed in a first metal mesh layer and some routing traces in the active area can be formed in a second metal mesh layer, different from the first metal mesh layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashray Vinayak Gogte, Christophe Blondin
  • Patent number: 11941108
    Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a system are presented in which the apparatus includes an interface control circuit that may be configured to receive a message including a cryptographic keyword and a policy value. The policy value may include one or more data bits indicative of one or more policies that define allowable usage of the cryptographic keyword. The apparatus also includes a security circuit that may be configured to extract the cryptographic keyword and the policy value from the message, and to apply at least one policy of the one or more policies to usage of the cryptographic keyword in response to a determination that an authentication of the message succeeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Paaske, Weihua Mao, Shu-Yi Yu
  • Patent number: 11941042
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for presenting operations in a presentation. A technique is provided for allowing a user to insert media items on consecutive slides. During a presentation mode, the media items are determined to be two instances of a same media item, and matched such that the media item plays continuously across multiple slides. Another technique is provided to allow a user to utilize a user input to override a linearly-defined set of actions within a presentation. Another technique is utilized to temporarily select a visually obstructed object in a graphic editing interface such that the visually obstructed object may be manipulated during the temporary selection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Flider, James E. Tilton, Robert S. Moyer
  • Patent number: 11941818
    Abstract: Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that determine a 3D location of an edge based on image and depth data. This involves determining a 2D location of a line segment corresponding to an edge of an object based on a light-intensity image, determining a 3D location of a plane based on depth values (e.g., based on sampling depth near the edge/on both sides of the edge and fitting a plane to the sampled points), and determining a 3D location of the line segment based on the plane (e.g., by projecting the line segment onto the plane). The devices, systems, and methods may involve classifying an edge as a particular edge type (e.g., fold, cliff, plane) and detecting the edge based on such classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Vedant Saran, Alexandre Da Veiga
  • Patent number: 11941764
    Abstract: A computer system displays a representation of a field of view of the one or more cameras, including a representation of a portion of a three-dimensional physical environment that is in the field of view of the one or more cameras. The computer system receives a request to add a first virtual effect to the displayed representation of the field of view of the one or more cameras. In response to receiving the request to add the first virtual effect to the displayed representation of the field of view of the one or more cameras and in accordance with a determination that the first virtual effect requires a scan of the physical environment, the computer system initiates a scan of the physical environment to detect one or more features of the physical environment and displays a user interface that indicates a progress of the scan of the physical environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Harding, James A. Queen, Joseph-Alexander P. Weil, Joanna M. Newman, Ron A. Buencamino, Richard H. Salvador, Fernando Garcia, Austin T. Tamaddon, Omid Khalili, Scott W. Wilson, Thomas H. Smith, III
  • 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: 11941785
    Abstract: An electronic device may include scaling circuitry to scale input pixel data to a greater resolution. The directional scaling circuitry may include first interpolation circuitry to receive best mode data, including one or more angles corresponding to content of the image and interpolate first pixel values at first pixel positions diagonally offset from input pixel positions of the input pixel data based on the best mode data and input pixel values corresponding to the input pixel positions. The directional scaling circuitry may also include second interpolation circuitry to receive the best mode data and the input pixel values and interpolate second pixel values at second pixel positions horizontally or vertically offset from the input pixel positions based at least in part on the best mode data and the input pixel values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jim C Chou, Yun Gong
  • Patent number: 11941667
    Abstract: Embodiments set forth techniques for managing advertisement auctions on a client device. The method can include the steps of (1) receiving, from a server device, a plurality of objects, where each object is associated with a respective digital asset, and each object includes, in association with the respective digital asset (i) a server-derived digital asset vector, (ii) a server-derived predicted tap-through rate, and (iii) a bid amount. In turn, and for each object of the plurality of objects, the client device (2) generates a respective estimated cost per impression for the object based on the information provided by the server device as well as information derived by the client device. Subsequently, the client device (3) identifies, among the plurality of objects, the object associated with the highest respective estimated cost per impression, and (4) causes an advertisement for the respective digital asset associated with the identified object to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kanishka Bhaduri, Bernard H. Everson, Jeremy M. Bunyard, Boon C. Hwang
  • 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: 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: 11937944
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device includes a body, a housing component, a band operable to attach the body to a body part of a user, and a force sensor coupled to the housing component. The force sensor is operable to produce a force signal based on a force exerted between the body part of the user and the housing component. A processing unit of the wearable electronic device receives the force signal from the force sensor and determines the force exerted on the housing component based thereon. The processing unit may use that force to determine a tightness of the band, determine health information for the user, adjust determined force exerted on a cover glass, and/or to perform various other actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Steven J. Martisauskas, Erik G. de Jong, Andrzej T. Baranski, Serhan O. Isikman, Steven J. Banaska, Todd K. Whitehurst, Ming L. Sartee
  • 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: 11943191
    Abstract: Techniques for live location sharing are described. A first mobile device and a second mobile device can communicate with one another using an IM program. The first mobile device can receive a user input to share a location of the first mobile device in the IM program. Sharing the location can include causing the second mobile device to display a location of the first mobile device in an IM program user interface on the second mobile device. Duration of sharing the location can be user-configurable. The second mobile device may or may not share a location of the second device for display in the IM program executing on the first mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Garcia, Eugene M. Bistolas, Justin Wood, Lawrence Yuan Yang, Scott Lopatin, Richard R. Dellinger
  • 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: 11938376
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to sharing workout content on electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D'Auria, Julie A. Arney, Jae Woo Chang, Edward Chao, Nathan De Vries, Michael D. Ford, Colin G. McKinstry, Rex C. Ross
  • 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: 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: 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: D1019121
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Molly Anderson, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Marine C. Bataille, Jeremy Bataillou, Markus Diebel, M. Evans Hankey, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Julian Jaede, Duncan Robert Kerr, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Joe Sung-Ho Tan, Clement Tissandier, Eugene Antony Whang
  • 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
  • Patent number: D1019449
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Molly Anderson, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Jeremy Bataillou, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan Robert Kerr, Marc A. Newson, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Mikael Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer
  • Patent number: D1019686
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor Gerard Carrigan, Aled Williams
  • Patent number: D1019701
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mikio Inose, Marcel van Os