Patents by Inventor Aidan N. Zimmerman
Aidan N. Zimmerman 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).
-
Patent number: 11031164Abstract: Embodiments describe a receiving element that includes a ferromagnetic structure axially symmetrical around a central axis disposed along a length of the ferromagnetic structure. The ferromagnetic structure includes a groove region defining two end regions on opposing sides of the groove region, where the groove region has a smaller length than the two end regions. The receiving element also includes an inductor coil wound about the groove region of the ferromagnetic structure and in between the two end regions.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Blake R. Marshall, Florence W. Ow, Joel N. Ruscher, Liquan Tan, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Reza Nasiri Mahalati, Hao Zhu, Qigen Ji, Madhusudanan Keezhveedi Sampath, Nan Liu, Robert Scritzky, Gianpaolo Lisi
-
Patent number: 10984969Abstract: Systems and methods for providing illumination to illuminable portions of keys associated with a keyboard are described. A key disposed on a flexible substrate includes a light guide positioned below a keycap. The light guide includes one or more light extraction features to produce a substantially uniform light distribution of light from a light emitting element at an illuminable portion of the key. In one embodiment, a light emitting element is positioned on the flexible substrate and is optically coupled to the light guide. In another embodiment, a light emitting element is positioned below the flexible substrate and is optically coupled to the light guide via an optical interface.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Aidan N. Zimmerman
-
Publication number: 20210096657Abstract: An external device, such as a head-mountable device, can be operated with a ring input device worn on a finger of a user. Such devices can be operated to provide inputs that are received and acted upon by the external device. The inputs can be provided as rotating, tilting, and/or sliding at least a portion of the ring input device with another finger of the user. The ring input device can provide feedback to the user as confirmation that the inputs are being received. A feedback system can also be operated to limit or otherwise provide a force on the finger and/or another portion of the hand to simulate sensations perceived by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Gabriele D'AMONE, Muhammad F. HOSSAIN, Ivan S. MARIC, Aidan N. ZIMMERMAN, Stephen E. DEY
-
Publication number: 20210080746Abstract: A head-mounted device includes a first device portion and a second device portion. A first coupler portion of the first device portion is connectable to a second coupler portion of the second device portion to define a connected position in which the first device portion is connected to the second device portion and a disconnected position in which the first device portion is disconnected from the second device portion. A second adjuster portion of the second device portion causes a first adjuster portion of the first device portion to move a first optical module and a second optical module in response to movement of the first device portion and the second device portion from the disconnected position to the connected position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Inventors: Anna V. Mirabella, Wey-Jiun Lin, Jia Tao, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Jason C. Sauers, Anthony S. Montevirgen, Andrew Gallaher, Phil M. Hobson, Yoonhoo Jo
-
Publication number: 20210080680Abstract: An electronic device such as a head mounted device may have a display that displays an image for a user. Head-mounted support structures may be used to support the display and to support lenses. The head-mounted support structures may have one or more lens barrels or other support members. Each lens may have an optical surface and a side surface. Adhesive may be used to attach the lenses to the head-mounted support structures. A first portion of the adhesive may bond each lens to a first respective portion of a support member and a second portion of the adhesive may bond each lens to a second respective portion of the support member. The adhesive may be a non-silicone adhesive that fractures in bulk rather than failing at interfaces with the lens and support member. The elastic modulus of the adhesive may help avoid cracking and plastic deformation during drop events.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Forrest C. Wang, Jan K. Quijalvo, Kuldeep P. Lonkar, Nathan Morris, Todd R. Farr
-
Publication number: 20210063744Abstract: An optical module for a head-mounted device is configured to present content to a user. The optical module includes an optical module housing assembly, a display assembly, and an eye camera. The optical module housing assembly has a first end and a second end. The lens is connected to the optical module housing assembly and positioned at the first end of the optical module housing assembly. The display assembly is connected to the optical module housing assembly and is positioned at the second end of the optical module housing assembly. The display assembly is configured to cause the content to be displayed to the user through the lens. The eye camera is connected to the optical module housing assembly and is positioned at the second end of the optical module housing assembly. The eye camera is configured to obtain images through the lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Jan K. Quijalvo, Anna V. Mirabella, Wey-Jiun Lin, Jeremy C. Franklin, Forrest C. Wang, Marinus Meursing, Blake N. Trekell, Aidan N. Zimmerman
-
Publication number: 20200355919Abstract: A head-mounted display includes an optical assembly and an actuator. The actuator includes a movement mechanism configured to adjust a position of an optical component within the optical assembly, a locking-release mechanism configured to modify operation of the movement mechanism upon detection of a dynamic event, and a dampening mechanism configured to control positional changes of the optical component during the dynamic event.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Jia Tao, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Phil M. Hobson, Jeremy C. Franklin, Ivan S. Maric, Jason C. Sauers, Jan K. Quijalvo, Eric N. Vergo
-
Publication number: 20200285279Abstract: Accessory devices for portable electronic devices are described. An exemplary accessory device can include a first segment coupled to a second segment via a first hinge assembly. The accessory can include a third segment coupled to the second segment via a second hinge assembly such that the second segment is positioned between the first and third segments. The accessory device can be arranged between a closed configuration and a configuration of a stand that supports the portable electronic device at a viewing angle. At the support configuration, the second segment can be at an acute angle relative to the first segment to shift the center of gravity of the system towards the middle. The third segment can be suspended above the first segment and be inclined outwards. The hinge assemblies of the system can be sufficiently stiff to withstand the weight of the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Aidan N. ZIMMERMAN, Bradley J. HAMEL, Christopher J. STRINGER, Markus DIEBEL, Sung-Ho TAN, Mikael M. SILVANTO, Kevin M. ROBINSON, Daniel L. MCBROOM, Michael D. MCBROOM
-
Publication number: 20200264711Abstract: A user input system including a stylus and an electronic device. A user may manipulate the stylus across an input surface of the electronic device and the movement may be detected using axially-aligned electric fields generated by the stylus. The stylus may also include a force-sensitive structure that can be used to estimate a force applied to the electronic device by the stylus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: Aidan N. ZIMMERMAN, Wingshan WONG, Kevin ARMENDARIZ, Nathan BOHNEY, Christopher PASMA, Mahmoud AMINI, Brenton A. BAUGH, Ryan P. BROOKS
-
Patent number: 10741342Abstract: This application relates to illuminated dome switches and a dome switch assembly having a first contact carried by a switch base and a dome shaped structure coupled to and supported by the switch base, the dome shaped structure comprising a material that is flexible and capable of internally transmitting visible light. The switch assembly can include a second contact coupled to the dome shaped structure and arranged opposite the first contact, and a light source configured to emit visible light, the light source in optical communication with the dome shaped structure such that at least some of the visible light emitted by the light source passes into the material and is subsequently emitted by the material in a generally uniform manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Qiliang Xu, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Chia Chi Wu
-
Patent number: 10725515Abstract: Embodiments describe a receiving element that includes a ferromagnetic structure axially symmetrical around a central axis disposed along a length of the ferromagnetic structure. The ferromagnetic structure includes a groove region defining two end regions on opposing sides of the groove region, where the groove region has a smaller length than the two end regions. The receiving element also includes an inductor coil wound about the groove region of the ferromagnetic structure and in between the two end regions.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Blake R. Marshall, Florence W. Ow, Joel N. Ruscher, Liquan Tan, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Reza Nasiri Mahalati, Hao Zhu, Qigen Ji, Madhusudanan Keezhveedi Sampath, Nan Liu, Robert Scritzky, Gianpaolo Lisi
-
Patent number: 10684708Abstract: A user input system including a stylus and an electronic device. A user may manipulate the stylus across an input surface of the electronic device and the movement may be detected using axially-aligned electric fields generated by the stylus. The stylus may also include a force-sensitive structure that can be used to estimate a force applied to the electronic device by the stylus.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aidan N. Zimmerman, Wingshan Wong, Kevin Armendariz, Nathan Bohney, Christopher Pasma, Mahmoud Amini, Brenton A. Baugh, Ryan P. Brooks
-
Patent number: 10664012Abstract: Accessory devices for portable electronic devices are described. An exemplary accessory device can include a first segment coupled to a second segment via a first hinge assembly. The accessory can include a third segment coupled to the second segment via a second hinge assembly such that the second segment is positioned between the first and third segments. The accessory device can be arranged between a closed configuration and a configuration of a stand that supports the portable electronic device at a viewing angle. At the support configuration, the second segment can be at an acute angle relative to the first segment to shift the center of gravity of the system towards the middle. The third segment can be suspended above the first segment and be inclined outwards. The hinge assemblies of the system can be sufficiently stiff to withstand the weight of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aidan N. Zimmerman, Bradley J. Hamel, Christopher J. Stringer, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan, Mikael M. Silvanto, Kevin M. Robinson, Daniel L. McBroom, Michael D. McBroom
-
Patent number: 10649528Abstract: A fabric-based item such as a fabric glove may include force sensing circuitry. The force sensing circuitry may include force sensor elements formed from electrodes on a compressible substrate such as an elastomeric polymer substrate. The fabric may include intertwined strands of material including conductive strands. Signals from the force sensing circuitry may be conveyed to control circuitry in the item using the conductive strands. Wireless circuitry in the fabric-based item may be used to convey force sensor information to external equipment. The compressible substrate may have opposing upper and lower surfaces. Electrodes for the force sensor elements may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces. Stiffeners may overlap the electrodes to help decouple adjacent force sensor elements from each other. Integrated circuits can be attached to respective force sensing elements using adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2019Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Daniel D. Sunshine, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Daniel A. Podhajny, Maurice P. May
-
Publication number: 20200142501Abstract: A keyboard may be provided that has keys overlapped by a touch sensor. The keyboard may have key sensor circuitry for monitoring switching in the keys for key press input. The keyboard may also have touch sensor circuitry such as capacitive touch sensor circuitry that monitors capacitive electrodes in the touch sensor for touch sensor input such as multitouch gesture input. The keyboard may include an outer layer of fabric that overlaps the keys. The fabric may have openings that are arranged to form alphanumeric characters. Light sources may emit light that passes through the openings and illuminates the alphanumeric characters. The touch sensor may have signal lines that are not visible through the openings. The signal lines may be transparent, may be covered by a diffuser, or may circumvent the openings so that they do not overlap.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Chia Chi Wu, Qiliang Xu, Zheng Gao, Daniel D. Sunshine, Aidan N. Zimmerman
-
Patent number: 10635186Abstract: Electrical equipment such as a tablet computer cover, a laptop computer, or other equipment may include a keyboard. The keyboard may have an array of key members. The key members may have key symbols that are illuminated with light from light-emitting diodes. Each key member may be supported by a corresponding key member support structure. A fabric layer such as a woven fabric layer having warp and weft strands formed from polymer or other materials may be sandwiched between each key member and corresponding key member support structure. Opaque masking material may be formed on peripheral portions of each key member support structure. Each key member may have a symbol formed from coating layers such as a white ink coating for light diffusing, a patterned black ink coating with a symbol-shaped opening, and a clear overcoat.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul Xiaopeng Wang, Markus Diebel, Aidan N. Zimmerman
-
Patent number: 10514772Abstract: A keyboard may be provided that has keys overlapped by a touch sensor. The keyboard may have key sensor circuitry for monitoring switching in the keys for key press input. The keyboard may also have touch sensor circuitry such as capacitive touch sensor circuitry that monitors capacitive electrodes in the touch sensor for touch sensor input such as multitouch gesture input. The keyboard may include an outer layer of fabric that overlaps the keys. The fabric may have openings that are arranged to form alphanumeric characters. Light sources may emit light that passes through the openings and illuminates the alphanumeric characters. The touch sensor may have signal lines that are not visible through the openings. The signal lines may be transparent, may be covered by a diffuser, or may circumvent the openings so that they do not overlap.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Chia Chi Wu, Qiliang Xu, Zheng Gao, Daniel D. Sunshine, Aidan N. Zimmerman
-
Publication number: 20190354179Abstract: A fabric-based item such as a fabric glove may include force sensing circuitry. The force sensing circuitry may include force sensor elements formed from electrodes on a compressible substrate such as an elastomeric polymer substrate. The fabric may include intertwined strands of material including conductive strands. Signals from the force sensing circuitry may be conveyed to control circuitry in the item using the conductive strands. Wireless circuitry in the fabric-based item may be used to convey force sensor information to external equipment. The compressible substrate may have opposing upper and lower surfaces. Electrodes for the force sensor elements may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces. Stiffeners may overlap the electrodes to help decouple adjacent force sensor elements from each other. Integrated circuits can be attached to respective force sensing elements using adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Daniel D. Sunshine, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Daniel A. Podhajny, Maurice P. May
-
Patent number: 10437331Abstract: A fabric-based item such as a fabric glove may include force sensing circuitry. The force sensing circuitry may include force sensor elements formed from electrodes on a compressible substrate such as an elastomeric polymer substrate. The fabric may include intertwined strands of material including conductive strands. Signals from the force sensing circuitry may be conveyed to control circuitry in the item using the conductive strands. Wireless circuitry in the fabric-based item may be used to convey force sensor information to external equipment. The compressible substrate may have opposing upper and lower surfaces. Electrodes for the force sensor elements may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces. Stiffeners may overlap the electrodes to help decouple adjacent force sensor elements from each other. Integrated circuits can be attached to respective force sensing elements using adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Daniel D. Sunshine, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Daniel A. Podhajny, Maurice P. May
-
Publication number: 20190278349Abstract: Embodiments describe a receiving element that includes a ferromagnetic structure axially symmetrical around a central axis disposed along a length of the ferromagnetic structure. The ferromagnetic structure includes a groove region defining two end regions on opposing sides of the groove region, where the groove region has a smaller length than the two end regions. The receiving element also includes an inductor coil wound about the groove region of the ferromagnetic structure and in between the two end regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Blake R. Marshall, Florence W. Ow, Joel N. Ruscher, Liquan Tan, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Reza Nasiri Mahalati, Hao Zhu, Qigen Ji, Madhusudanan Keezhveedi Sampath, Nan Liu, Robert Scritzky, Gianpaolo Lisi