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).
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Publication number: 20250392849Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2025Publication date: December 25, 2025Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
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Publication number: 20250286946Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2025Publication date: September 11, 2025Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
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Patent number: 12413880Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2023Date of Patent: September 9, 2025Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
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Publication number: 20250251855Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2025Publication date: August 7, 2025Inventors: Gemma A. Roper, David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor, Megan M. Sapp, Samuel L. Iglesias
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Patent number: 12335426Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2023Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
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Patent number: 12327014Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2024Date of Patent: June 10, 2025Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Gemma A. Roper, David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor, Megan M. Sapp, Samuel L. Iglesias
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Patent number: 12293028Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2023Date of Patent: May 6, 2025Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Benjamin G. Jackson, Richard G. Huizar
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Publication number: 20240295959Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2024Publication date: September 5, 2024Inventors: Gemma A. Roper, David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor, Megan M. Sapp, Samuel L. Iglesias
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Patent number: 11803243Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2022Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
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Publication number: 20230345155Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
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Publication number: 20230300234Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
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Patent number: 11743623Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
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Patent number: 11695864Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2022Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
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Patent number: 11670962Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Steven J. Taylor, Thayne M. Miller
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Publication number: 20230042447Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: William D. Lindmeier, Benjamin G. Jackson, Tony Kobayashi, Brenton A. Baugh, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Israel Pastrana Vicente
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Publication number: 20220350411Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
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Publication number: 20220150347Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
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Patent number: 11240365Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
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Patent number: 11231784Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor
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Patent number: 11184708Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: 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