Patents by Inventor Blake Francis

Blake Francis 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: 20230400918
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hands-free scrolling are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting an eye movement or gaze of a user relative to content displayed on a display screen of the computing device, the content being arranged along a y axis of the display screen, determining that the user has viewed a portion of the content provided on the display screen and where along the y axis the eye movement or gaze is directed; and automatically scrolling the content on the display in response to the eye movement or gaze of the user in relation to the y axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Blake Francis, Stephen Mattison, David Chiu
  • Patent number: 11775060
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hands-free scrolling are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting an eye movement or gaze of a user relative to content displayed on a display screen of the computing device, the content being arranged along a y axis of the display screen, determining that the user has viewed a portion of the content provided on the display screen and where along the y axis the eye movement or gaze is directed; and automatically scrolling the content on the display in response to the eye movement or gaze of the user in relation to the y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Athena Accessible Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Francis, Stephen Mattison, David Chiu
  • Publication number: 20230259164
    Abstract: An extended reality headset is configured to position and stabilize the headset on a face when worn. For example, the headset can include an external frame with first and second side pieces coupled to a display structure and configured to provide lateral stabilization. In some examples, the headset can include a front head-engaging structure front head-engaging structure that is rotationally coupled to the external frame via a pivot point. The headset can also include a rear head-engaging structure coupled the external frame. In some examples, the rear head-engaging structure can include a tensioning mechanism to adjust the headset to fit various head shapes. Additionally, the headset can include a flexible strap coupled to the front head-engaging structure and the tensioning mechanism. In some examples, applying tension to the flexible strap by the tensioning mechanism can cause the front head-engaging structure to rotate along the pivot point, providing a secure fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Quintin Morris
  • Patent number: 11675422
    Abstract: A device includes a display and an internal strap coupled to the display, the internal strap being adjustable to secure the device to the user. The device also includes a deformable material coupled to a portion of the internal strap and configured to contact the user when the device is secured to the user and a backing layer disposed against the deformable material, the backing layer including an aperture therein. The device further includes a switch coupled to the backing layer and configured such that at least a portion of the switch is insertable in the aperture of the backing layer, wherein the deformable material is configured to deform when the device is secured to the user, thereby causing the switch to be positioned in a first position when the device is secured to the user and a second position when the device is removed from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Coleman Skelton, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Patent number: 11669127
    Abstract: An extended reality headset is configured to position and stabilize the headset on a face when worn. For example, the headset can include an external frame with first and second side pieces coupled to a display structure and configured to provide lateral stabilization. In some examples, the headset can include a front head-engaging structure front head-engaging structure that is rotationally coupled to the external frame via a pivot point. The headset can also include a rear head-engaging structure coupled the external frame. In some examples, the rear head-engaging structure can include a tensioning mechanism to adjust the headset to fit various head shapes. Additionally, the headset can include a flexible strap coupled to the front head-engaging structure and the tensioning mechanism. In some examples, applying tension to the flexible strap by the tensioning mechanism can cause the front head-engaging structure to rotate along the pivot point, providing a secure fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Quintin Morris
  • Publication number: 20230004186
    Abstract: An extended reality headset is configured to position and stabilize the headset on a face when worn. For example, the headset can include an external frame with first and second side pieces coupled to a display structure and configured to provide lateral stabilization. In some examples, the headset can include a front head-engaging structure front head-engaging structure that is rotationally coupled to the external frame via a pivot point. The headset can also include a rear head-engaging structure coupled the external frame. In some examples, the rear head-engaging structure can include a tensioning mechanism to adjust the headset to fit various head shapes. Additionally, the headset can include a flexible strap coupled to the front head-engaging structure and the tensioning mechanism. In some examples, applying tension to the flexible strap by the tensioning mechanism can cause the front head-engaging structure to rotate along the pivot point, providing a secure fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Quintin Morris
  • Publication number: 20220382366
    Abstract: A device includes a display and an internal strap coupled to the display, the internal strap being adjustable to secure the device to the user. The device also includes a deformable material coupled to a portion of the internal strap and configured to contact the user when the device is secured to the user and a backing layer disposed against the deformable material, the backing layer including an aperture therein. The device further includes a switch coupled to the backing layer and configured such that at least a portion of the switch is insertable in the aperture of the backing layer, wherein the deformable material is configured to deform when the device is secured to the user, thereby causing the switch to be positioned in a first position when the device is secured to the user and a second position when the device is removed from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Coleman Skelton, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Publication number: 20220261073
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hands-free scrolling are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting an eye movement or gaze of a user relative to content displayed on a display screen of the computing device, the content being arranged along a y axis of the display screen, determining that the user has viewed a portion of the content provided on the display screen and where along the y axis the eye movement or gaze is directed; and automatically scrolling the content on the display in response to the eye movement or gaze of the user in relation to the y axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Blake Francis, Stephen Mattison, David Chiu
  • Patent number: 10441880
    Abstract: A handheld controller with spring-biased third-finger button grip detection is disclosed. The handheld controller can include a third-finger button on the handle and having a lever arm pivotally connected to the controller's main body so the third-finger button is movable between depressed position and released positions. A button-biasing member is pivotally connected to another portion of the main body and has a second lever arm that presses against the first lever arm to bias the third-finger button toward the released, extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Blake Francis Anderson, Daniel James Blasé, Benjamin Elliot Tunberg Rogoza, Yi-yaun Chen
  • Patent number: 10386922
    Abstract: Handheld controllers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the controller includes a main body and a sensor assembly at least partially disposed in the main body. The sensor assembly can include a control surface (e.g., a button) configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger. A sensor portion can be disposed between the control surface and a rear member. The sensor portion can comprise a foam layer, a backing layer and a sensor layer between the foam layer and the backing layer. The foam layer can be compressed toward the control surface to minimize an air gap between the sensor layer and the control surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Julian James Hammerstein, Jason Andrew Higgins
  • Patent number: 10343059
    Abstract: Handheld controllers having flexible thumbstick guards are disclosed herein for use with a handheld controller having a thumbstick or other pivotal control member. A representative guard has a tubular neck that sealably connects to a shaft portion of the thumbstick, and a skirt that sealably connects to an interior portion of the handheld controller around the control opening. The guard has a flexible joint portion interconnecting the neck and the skirt to allow the neck to move relative to the skirt upon pivoting the control member relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Elliot Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Yi-yaun Chen, Jason Andrew Higgins, Peter Wesley Bristol, Mark Shintaro Ando, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Patent number: 10149039
    Abstract: An audio headphone to couple to a strap for a head-mounted display is disclosed. The audio headphone includes a headphone speaker, a strap connector, and a four-bar linkage coupled to the strap connector to provide movement of the headphone speaker with respect to a user's ear. The four-bar linkage comprises a first member coupled to the strap connector via a first joint, a second member coupled to the first member via a second joint, a third member coupled to the second member via a third joint, and a fourth member coupled to the third member. The fourth member has first and second sides that are coupled to the first member via a fourth joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jared I. Drinkwater, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Patent number: 9857596
    Abstract: Head mounted displays are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a head mounted display includes a front display module and a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes first and second connector arms coupling the strap assembly to the front display module. The head mounted display further includes a flex circuit for providing power and control to an electronic component coupled to the strap assembly. The flex circuit can deflect to allow the strap assembly to move relative to the front display module without damaging the flex circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Jared I. Drinkwater, Robin Michael Miller, Lesley Ribble Magrath, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Patent number: 9801295
    Abstract: Remote control units with lanyard attachment mechanisms are disclosed. A handheld remote control assembly can include an anchor member, a lanyard coupled to the anchor member, and a device to be carried by the lanyard. The device includes a body and a receptacle formed in the body, the receptacle configured to receive the anchor member therein. A housing can removably cover the receptacle to secure the anchor member in place, and a notch in the housing receives a portion of the lanyard therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Glen Jason Tompkins, Peter Wesley Bristol, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Publication number: 20170230740
    Abstract: An audio headphone to couple to a strap for a head-mounted display is disclosed. The audio headphone includes a headphone speaker, a strap connector, and a four-bar linkage coupled to the strap connector to provide movement of the headphone speaker with respect to a user's ear. The four-bar linkage comprises a first member coupled to the strap connector via a first joint, a second member coupled to the first member via a second joint, a third member coupled to the second member via a third joint, and a fourth member coupled to the third member. The fourth member has first and second sides that are coupled to the first member via a fourth joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Jared I. Drinkwater, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Publication number: 20170189802
    Abstract: Handheld controllers having flexible thumbstick guards are disclosed herein for use with a handheld controller having a thumbstick or other pivotal control member. A representative guard has a tubular neck that sealably connects to a shaft portion of the thumbstick, and a skirt that sealably connects to an interior portion of the handheld controller around the control opening. The guard has a flexible joint portion interconnecting the neck and the skirt to allow the neck to move relative to the skirt upon pivoting the control member relative to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin Elliot Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Yi-yaun Chen, Jason Andrew Higgins, Peter Wesley Bristol, Mark Shinataro Ando, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Publication number: 20170189799
    Abstract: A handheld controller with spring-biased third-finger button grip detection is disclosed. The handheld controller can include a third-finger button on the handle and having a lever arm pivotally connected to the controller's main body so the third-finger button is movable between depressed position and released positions. A button-biasing member is pivotally connected to another portion of the main body and has a second lever arm that presses against the first lever arm to bias the third-finger button toward the released, extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Blake Francis Anderson, Daniel James Blasé, Benjamin Elliot Tunberg Rogoza, Yi-yaun Chen
  • Publication number: 20170192506
    Abstract: Handheld controllers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the controller includes a main body and a sensor assembly at least partially disposed in the main body. The sensor assembly can include a control surface (e.g., a button) configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger. A sensor portion can be disposed between the control surface and a rear member. The sensor portion can comprise a foam layer, a backing layer and a sensor layer between the foam layer and the backing layer. The foam layer can be compressed toward the control surface to minimize an air gap between the sensor layer and the control surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Julian James Hammerstein, Jason Andrew Higgins
  • Publication number: 20170131555
    Abstract: Head mounted displays are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a head mounted display includes a front display module and a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes first and second connector arms coupling the strap assembly to the front display module. The head mounted display further includes a flex circuit for providing power and control to an electronic component coupled to the strap assembly. The flex circuit can deflect to allow the strap assembly to move relative to the front display module without damaging the flex circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: OCULUS VR, LLC
    Inventors: Jared I. Drinkwater, Robin Michael Miller, Lesley Ribble Magrath, Blake Francis Andersen
  • Patent number: D829263
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventor: Blake Francis Andersen