Patents by Inventor Adam L. Schwartz

Adam L. Schwartz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20170168604
    Abstract: An example processing system for a capacitive sensing device includes sensor circuitry coupled to first and second pluralities of sensor electrodes. The sensor circuitry is configured to, in a first sensing operation, drive the first plurality of sensor electrodes at a first sensing frequency and the second plurality of sensor electrodes a second sensing frequency to acquire first changes in capacitance and second changes in capacitance, respectively, wherein the first and second sensing frequencies are substantially orthogonal. The sensor circuitry is configured to, in a second sensing operation, drive the first plurality of sensor electrodes at the first sensing frequency and the second plurality of sensor electrodes a third sensing frequency to acquire third changes in capacitance and fourth changes in capacitance, respectively, wherein the first sensing frequency and the third sensing frequency are substantially orthogonal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Adam L. SCHWARTZ
  • Patent number: 9646192
    Abstract: A method, device and system for generating an enrollment template are provided. The enrollment template is generated by collecting a placement image representing a portion of a biometric object such as a fingerprint. The placement image is localized on the fingerprint by comparing the data in the placement image to data in a floor map representing a larger image of the fingerprint obtained by swiping or rolling the fingerprint over a sensing area of a partial placement sensor. As additional placement images are obtained more information is provided for the enrollment template. The additional placement images are also localized to one another utilizing the floor map. The enrollment template is generated based on a grouping of each placement image to its neighboring placement images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Yi-Hsun E. Cheng, Adam L. Schwartz, Kuntal Sengupta
  • Publication number: 20170102800
    Abstract: An example processing system for a capacitive input device includes sensor circuitry configured to drive a plurality of sensor electrodes with capacitive sensing signals over time to acquire capacitive values of a plurality of capacitive frames. The processing system includes a determination module configured to analyze a first capacitive frame of the plurality of capacitive frames to identify a force event by detecting that a rate of change of a first capacitive value in the, first capacitive frame exceeds a first threshold. The determination module is configured to determine a change in capacitance between the first capacitive value and a baseline value, and analyze a second capacitive frame of the plurality of capacitive frames acquired after the force event to adjust the baseline value responsive to a difference between the baseline value and a second capacitive value in the second capacitive frame falling below a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Shubha RAMAKRISHNAN, Adam L. SCHWARTZ
  • Patent number: 9588629
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device that includes a zero-dimensional button that detects whether an input object is proximate to a sensing region. However, different input objects may provide similar responses which may prevent the input device from accurately determining whether the user actually intended to activate the button. In one embodiment, the input device drives a capacitive sensing signal onto a sensor electrode in the capacitive button and measures at least two resulting signals. The input device then derives capacitance values based on the two resulting signals and uses a ratio between the capacitance values to classifying the interaction with the input object. This ratio enables the input device to distinguish between events that have similar capacitive responses and would otherwise be indistinguishable if only one resulting signal were measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joel C. Jordan, Adam L. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20160370909
    Abstract: A method of operating a force-sensitive input device having an input surface comprises declaring a first press action upon detecting an amount of force applied to the input surface that exceeds a first no-press force value by at least a first press threshold value, determining a maximum force value applied to the input surface during the first press action, and setting a release threshold value for a subsequent release action based on the determined maximum force value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Ying WANG, Adam L. SCHWARTZ
  • Publication number: 20160358003
    Abstract: A device and system for automatically tracking a baseline input into a biometric sensor is provided. The device and system include a processing system with an amplifier having an input terminal and an output terminal for producing an output signal based on the input signal received by the input terminal. The processing system further includes at least one signal conditioning element coupled to the input terminal of the amplifier and configured to condition a compensation signal, and the processing system further includes a control circuit that adjusts one or more signal conditioning parameters of the at least one signal conditioning element based on the output signal of the amplifier. The at least one input signal received by the input terminal includes a combination of the at least one compensation signal and a signal from a first set of one or more receiver electrodes of the biometric sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Guozhong Shen, Ozan Erdogan, Adam L. Schwartz, Bob Lee Mackey, Mandar Kulkarni, Ty Lien, Nan Wang
  • Publication number: 20160328079
    Abstract: A force-sensitive input device and related method and processing system are disclosed. The input device comprises a first substrate mounted to a housing and defining a touch surface extending along first and second dimensions. The input device further comprises a second substrate disposed within the housing on a side of the first substrate opposite the touch surface. The second substrate comprises a first sensor electrode disposed along a periphery of the touch surface in the first and second dimensions, and a second sensor electrode disposed along the periphery of the touch surface and at least partly circumscribing the first sensor electrode in the first and second dimensions. The input device further comprises a processing system configured to perform capacitive sensing using the first and second sensor electrodes to determine a deflection of the first substrate relative to the housing in response to force applied to the touch surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Adam L. SCHWARTZ, Hsiao-Lan HSU, Chieh- Feng TU
  • Publication number: 20160292490
    Abstract: A method, device and system for generating an enrollment template are provided. The enrollment template is generated by collecting a placement image representing a portion of a biometric object such as a fingerprint. The placement image is localized on the fingerprint by comparing the data in the placement image to data in a floor map representing a larger image of the fingerprint obtained by swiping or rolling the fingerprint over a sensing area of a partial placement sensor. As additional placement images are obtained more information is provided for the enrollment template. The additional placement images are also localized to one another utilizing the floor map. The enrollment template is generated based on a grouping of each placement image to its neighboring placement images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Yi-Hsun E. CHENG, Adam L. SCHWARTZ, Kuntal SENGUPTA
  • Patent number: 9330632
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device with display screens that periodically update (refresh) the screen by selectively driving common electrodes corresponding to pixels in a display line. In general, the input devices drive each electrode until each display line (and each pixel) of a display frame is updated. In addition to updating the display, the input device may perform capacitive sensing using the display screen as a proximity sensing area. To do this, the input device may interleave periods of capacitive sensing between periods of updating the display based on a display frame. For example, the input device may update the first half of display lines of the display screen, pause display updating, perform capacitive sensing, and finish updating the rest of the display lines. Further still, the input device may use common electrodes for both updating the display and performing capacitive sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Petr Shepelev, Adam L. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9324301
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device with display screens that periodically update (refresh) the screen by selectively driving common electrodes corresponding to pixels in a display line. In general, the input devices drive each electrode until each display line (and each pixel) of a display frame is updated. In addition to updating the display, the input device may perform capacitive sensing using the display screen as a proximity sensing area. To do this, the input device may interleave periods of capacitive sensing between periods of updating the display based on a display frame. For example, the input device may update the first half of display lines of the display screen, pause display updating, perform capacitive sensing, and finish updating the rest of the display lines. Further still, the input device may use common electrodes for both updating the display and performing capacitive sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Petr Shepelev, Adam L. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20160077636
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device that includes a zero-dimensional button that detects whether an input object is proximate to a sensing region. However, different input objects may provide similar responses which may prevent the input device from accurately determining whether the user actually intended to activate the button. In one embodiment, the input device drives a capacitive sensing signal onto a sensor electrode in the capacitive button and measures at least two resulting signals. The input device then derives capacitance values based on the two resulting signals and uses a ratio between the capacitance values to classifying the interaction with the input object. This ratio enables the input device to distinguish between events that have similar capacitive responses and would otherwise be indistinguishable if only one resulting signal were measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Joel C. JORDAN, Adam L. SCHWARTZ
  • Publication number: 20150302829
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device with display screens that periodically update (refresh) the screen by selectively driving common electrodes corresponding to pixels in a display line. In general, the input devices drive each electrode until each display line (and each pixel) of a display frame is updated. In addition to updating the display, the input device may perform capacitive sensing using the display screen as a proximity sensing area. To do this, the input device may interleave periods of capacitive sensing between periods of updating the display based on a display frame. For example, the input device may update the first half of display lines of the display screen, pause display updating, perform capacitive sensing, and finish updating the rest of the display lines. Further still, the input device may use common electrodes for both updating the display and performing capacitive sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Petr SHEPELEV, Adam L. SCHWARTZ
  • Publication number: 20150302830
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device with display screens that periodically update (refresh) the screen by selectively driving common electrodes corresponding to pixels in a display line. In general, the input devices drive each electrode until each display line (and each pixel) of a display frame is updated. In addition to updating the display, the input device may perform capacitive sensing using the display screen as a proximity sensing area. To do this, the input device may interleave periods of capacitive sensing between periods of updating the display based on a display frame. For example, the input device may update the first half of display lines of the display screen, pause display updating, perform capacitive sensing, and finish updating the rest of the display lines. Further still, the input device may use common electrodes for both updating the display and performing capacitive sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Petr SHEPELEV, Adam L. SCHWARTZ
  • Patent number: 8111583
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the direction of a sound source is disclosed. The method includes determining time differences of arrival of the sound at N locations and using the differences to determine the angular direction of the source. The apparatus indicates the angle of arrival and additionally indicates the type of the sound source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Adam L. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8014486
    Abstract: Methods and systems of generating a frequency switching local oscillator signal are disclosed. One method includes generating a reference clock signal, and clocking a counter with the reference clock signal. The counter controls selection of a one of a plurality of analog values stored in at least one of a plurality of periodic signal generators. The frequency switching local oscillator signal is generated by selecting an output of a one of the plurality of periodic signal generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: NDSSI Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Adam L. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7733979
    Abstract: A method an apparatus for controlling a transmission signal power level of a transmitter is disclosed. The method includes receiving a root-mean-squared target power level. A duty cycle of a transmission signal is determined that indicates power on and power off periods over a predetermined sensing interval. A transmission signal power level is sensed. The transmission signal power level is adjusted to be approximately equal to the target power level divided by the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: NDSSI Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Adam L. Schwartz, James Christopher Arnott
  • Patent number: 7672396
    Abstract: Methods of reducing spectral leakage due to I-Q imbalance within a transmitter are disclosed. The method includes the transmitter receiving a data stream of coefficients of a multi-carrier modulation signal. The data stream is pre-processed by processing a set of the coefficients that correspond with selected notch frequencies to reduce the effects of I-Q imbalance of the transmitter, wherein at least a portion of the set of coefficients corresponds to non-symmetrical notch frequencies. The pre-processed data stream is multi-carrier modulated. The multi-carrier modulated pre-processed data stream is I-Q modulated before transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: NDSSI Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Adam L. Schwartz, Sujai Chari
  • Publication number: 20090245447
    Abstract: Methods and systems of generating a frequency switching local oscillator signal are disclosed. One method includes generating a reference clock signal, and clocking a counter with the reference clock signal. The counter controls selection of a one of a plurality of analog values stored in at least one of a plurality of periodic signal generators. The frequency switching local oscillator signal is generated by selecting an output of a one of the plurality of periodic signal generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Adam L. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20090103591
    Abstract: Methods and systems of frequency hopping communication are disclosed. One method includes a receiver obtaining a frequency hopping sequence, wherein the frequency hopping sequence defines a time sequence of reception through each of a plurality of frequency hopping bands. For each of the plurality of frequency hopping bands, the receiver estimates an interference level and assigns a band weight to the frequency hopping band based on the estimated interference level. The receiver receives a signal that includes symbols occupying the plurality of frequency hopping bands according to the frequency hopping sequence, and demodulates the symbols producing a stream of estimated bit values and corresponding bit value confidence levels. The bit value confidence levels of each of the estimated bit values are adjusted according to the band weight of a corresponding frequency hopping band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Sujai Chari, Adam L. Schwartz, Daryl Arnold Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20090052687
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the direction of a sound source is disclosed. The method includes determining time differences of arrival of the sound at N locations and using the differences to determine the angular direction of the source. The apparatus indicates the angle of arrival and additionally indicates the type of the sound source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Adam L. Schwartz