Patents by Inventor Benjamin G. JACKSON

Benjamin G. JACKSON 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: 20250392849
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20250286946
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2025
    Publication date: September 11, 2025
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 12413880
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20250251855
    Abstract: An example electronic device includes a front display, e.g., on a front side of the electronic device, and a side display, e.g., on a lateral side of the electronic device. While displaying a control user interface on the side display, the electronic device detects an input at the side display. In response to detecting the input, the electronic device displays a portion of the control user interface on the front display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2025
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Inventors: Gemma A. Roper, David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor, Megan M. Sapp, Samuel L. Iglesias
  • Patent number: 12335426
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 12327014
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display. The electronic device detects an input along a device edge. In response to detecting the input and in accordance with a determination that the input meets one or more criteria and is detected at a first input location, the device displays a user interface at a first display location on the display that corresponds to the first input location. In response to detecting the input and in accordance with a determination that the input meets the one or more criteria and is detected at a second input location, the device displays the user interface at a second display location on the display that corresponds to the second input location. While the user interface is displayed, the device detects another input and, in response, the device adjusts a parameter for a function represented in the user interface in accordance with the other input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Gemma A. Roper, David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor, Megan M. Sapp, Samuel L. Iglesias
  • Patent number: 12293028
    Abstract: An electronic pointing device such as a computer mouse may be used in gathering user input from a user. The electronic pointing device may be provided with a light source that illuminates a portion of a surface that is overlapped by the mouse and a light sensor configured to monitor movement of the electronic pointing device across the surface based on reflected light from the illuminated portion. The electronic pointing device may have an array of sensors on a housing sidewall configured to gather information on the location of a finger of the user in an area that is laterally adjacent to the electronic pointing device. The sensors may be optical sensors based on light-sources such as light-emitting diodes or lasers and light detectors. Capacitive sensors may also be used in gathering user finger input in the area laterally adjacent to the electronic pointing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Benjamin G. Jackson, Richard G. Huizar
  • Publication number: 20240295959
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display. The electronic device detects an input along a device edge. In response to detecting the input and in accordance with a determination that the input meets one or more criteria and is detected at a first input location, the device displays a user interface at a first display location on the display that corresponds to the first input location. In response to detecting the input and in accordance with a determination that the input meets the one or more criteria and is detected at a second input location, the device displays the user interface at a second display location on the display that corresponds to the second input location. While the user interface is displayed, the device detects another input and, in response, the device adjusts a parameter for a function represented in the user interface in accordance with the other input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Gemma A. Roper, David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor, Megan M. Sapp, Samuel L. Iglesias
  • Patent number: 11803243
    Abstract: A haptic device for an electronic device includes an actuation member formed from a shape-memory alloy (SMA) material that changes shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in response to an applied electrical current. In some cases, the haptic devices described herein also include a restoration mechanism that restores the actuation member to its original shape or to a similar shape. The change in the shape of the actuation member and the restoration of the shape of the actuation member may produce a haptic output at the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20230345155
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20230300234
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11743623
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Patent number: 11695864
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11670962
    Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing, a display positioned at least partially within the housing, a transparent cover coupled to the housing and at least partially covering the display, a battery, and a coil coupled to the battery and configured to, during a battery charging operation, supply a first current to the battery and, during a haptic output operation, receive a second current from the battery to produce a haptic output. The electronic watch may further include a ferromagnetic element positioned at least partially within the housing and movable relative to the housing. The second current may cause the coil to produce a magnetic field, and the haptic output may be produced as a result of an interaction between the magnetic field and the ferromagnetic element that causes the ferromagnetic element to move relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Steven J. Taylor, Thayne M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20230042447
    Abstract: The method includes: displaying first graphical elements associated with first plurality of output modalities within an XR environment; while displaying the first graphical elements, detecting movement of a physical object; and in response to detecting the movement of the physical object: in accordance with a determination that the movement of the physical object causes the physical object to breach a distance threshold relative to a first graphical element among the first graphical elements, selecting a first output modality associated with the first graphical element as a current output modality for the physical object; and in accordance with a determination that the movement of the physical object causes the physical to breach the distance threshold relative to a second graphical element among the first graphical elements, selecting a second output modality associated with the second graphical element as the current output modality for the physical object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: William D. Lindmeier, Benjamin G. Jackson, Tony Kobayashi, Brenton A. Baugh, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Israel Pastrana Vicente
  • Publication number: 20220350411
    Abstract: A haptic device for an electronic device includes an actuation member formed from a shape-memory alloy (SMA) material that changes shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in response to an applied electrical current. In some cases, the haptic devices described herein also include a restoration mechanism that restores the actuation member to its original shape or to a similar shape. The change in the shape of the actuation member and the restoration of the shape of the actuation member may produce a haptic output at the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20220150347
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11240365
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11231784
    Abstract: Touch-based input devices, such as a stylus, can provide feedback in the form of shear forces applied to the user. A stylus can produce shear forces that act on a user to provide unique tactile sensations. For example, a shear device can be included at a grip region of a stylus to provide shear sensations at the user's hands (e.g., fingers). The shear forces can be unaligned forces that urge one part of the user's hand in one direction and another part of the user's hand in an opposite direction or that tend to maintain the other part of the user's hand in a stationary location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11184708
    Abstract: A wearable audio output device in a physical environment includes an input device and one or more microphones. While ambient sound from the physical environment is being detected by the microphone(s), the wearable audio output device: while in a first mode, provides a first audio output including one or more pass-through audio components selected so as to increase audio pass-through of the ambient sound; detects an input via the input device; in response to detecting the input, and in accordance with a determination that the input is a first type of gesture, transitions from the first mode to a second mode; and, while in the second mode, provides a second audio output including one or more cancellation audio components selected so as to increase audio cancellation of the ambient sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, David C. Graham, Thomas S. Hulbert, Dustin A. Hatfield, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Shota Aoyagi