Patents by Inventor Brett Bilbrey

Brett Bilbrey 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: 9251506
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide a scenario desktop for recording a current event scenario and a content desktop for presenting information about a previously recorded event scenario. When a first event scenario is detected on the mobile device, the scenario desktop is presented on the mobile device. The scenario desktop exists in parallel with a default primary desktop of the mobile device. An information bundle is created for the first event scenario, including one or more documents accessed through the scenario desktop during the first event scenario. Access to the one or more documents is automatically provided on the mobile device during a second event scenario related to the first event scenario. The access is provided through the content desktop existing in parallel with the primary desktop and the scenario desktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Benjamin, Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 9247611
    Abstract: There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source with a light sensor to provide a desired light output. In particular, in one embodiment, there is provided a light control system. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor that share a common light pathway. Additionally, the light control system includes a controller electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor. The controller operates the light source and the light sensor alternatively during a periodic cycle having a frequency of approximately 60 Hz or greater to achieve a desired visual effect based on ambient lighting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Duncan Kerr, Brett Bilbrey, Brandon Dean Slack
  • Patent number: 9137254
    Abstract: Certain embodiments may take the form of a method of operating an electronic device to find and determine an identity of other local devices. The method includes transmitting electromagnetic signals from a first electronic device to find devices within a prescribed distance of the first device and receiving electromagnetic response signals from a second electronic device within the prescribed distance from the first electronic device. The method also includes identifying the second electronic device using information received in the electromagnetic response signals. Additionally, the method includes determining if the second electronic device is aware of other electronic devices and, if the second electronic device is aware of other electronic devices, obtaining identifying information of the other devices from the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Bilbrey, Aleksandar Pance, Nicholas Vincent King, Todd Benjamin
  • Patent number: 9124852
    Abstract: A low-cost portable digital video player receives proprietary compressed data from a source such as a personal video recorder (PVR), and displays the data on an integral display. A rewritable non-volatile memory of the player stores the data and a media decoder of the player transforms and decompresses the data. According to one embodiment the decoder transforms the data to a non-proprietary format, prior to storing the data. According to a second embodiment, the memory stores the data in the proprietary format, and decoder transforms and decompresses the data in response to an instruction from a user input device, and transfers the decoded data to a display. A cradle for the player provides communications to the PVR, a power supply and optionally further storage capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Mantrose Group Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 9069426
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow measurement of a user's interaction with the housing of an electronic device. Some embodiments may measure the electrical characteristics of a housing of an electrical device, where the housing is capable of being temporarily deformed by the user's interaction. By measuring the electrical characteristics of the housing, such as the housing's capacitance, the user's interaction with the housing can be measured in a manner that is independent of the user's electrical characteristics and/or in a manner that may allow the pressure applied to the housing to be quantified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Kerr, Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 9036939
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for processing sequences of video images involve receiving, on a computer, data corresponding to a sequence of video images detected by an image sensor. The received data is processed using a graphics processor to adjust one or more visual characteristics of the video images corresponding to the received data. The received data can include video data defining pixel values and ancillary data relating to settings on the image sensor. The video data can be processed in accordance with ancillary data to adjust the visual characteristics, which can include filtering the images, blending images, and/or other processing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alexei V. Ouzilevski, Fernando Urbina, Brett Bilbrey, Jay Zipnick
  • Patent number: 8988396
    Abstract: One particular implementation conforming to aspects of the present disclosure takes the form of an input device for a computing system. The input device includes a input surface on which one or more input characters are shown and one or more sensors to detect which input character is pressed or selected by the user. In one example, the input device may include one or more piezo-electric sensors that detect an acoustic pulse created when the user taps on the input surface to indicate a selected input. Each character of the input surface of the input device creates a different acoustic pulse signature when tapped such that, upon detection and receiving of the acoustic pulse at the piezo-electric sensors, the input device or computer system may compare the received pulse to a database of stored pulse signatures to determine which character on the surface of the input device was tapped by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mushtaq A. Sarwar, Omar Sze Leung, Aleksandar Pance, Brett Bilbrey, Andrew Ross Richardson
  • Publication number: 20150077373
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Paul Alioshin, Brett Bilbrey, David Thomas Amm
  • Patent number: 8963666
    Abstract: Connectors and methods of coupling electronic devices and cables are provided. In one embodiment, a connector has a first coded magnet on a first surface of a first device. The first coded magnet has at least two different polarity regions on the first surface. A second coded magnet on a second surface of a second device is also provided. The second coded magnet is configured to provide identifying information regarding the device on which it is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Bilbrey, Aleksandar Pance, Peter Arnold, David I. Simon, Jean Lee, Michael D. Hillman, Gregory L. Tice, Vijay Iyer, Bradley Spare
  • Patent number: 8915633
    Abstract: There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source to match a white point of ambient light. In one embodiment, a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the light source to provide a visual effect. A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor and configured to determine the intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed and dynamically adjust the output of the light source to match the determined intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Duncan Kerr, Brett Bilbrey, Brandon Dean Slack, Reese T. Cutler
  • Publication number: 20140351726
    Abstract: A first graphical object on a user interface of a device can be transformed to a second graphical object on the user interface. The second graphical object can be manipulated by a user on the user interface using touch input or by physically moving the device. When manipulated, the object can be animated to appear to have mass that responds to real-world, physical forces, such as gravity, friction or drag. The data represented by the second graphical object can be compressed or archived using a gesture applied to the second graphical object. Graphical objects can be visually sorted on the user interface based on their mass (size). The visual appearance of graphical objects on the user interface can be adjusted to indicate the age of data represented by the graphical objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Brett Bilbrey, Todd Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8890815
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that incorporate chromatic sensors in a mouse to vary the operation of the mouse. Some embodiments may include a method of modifying the programming of a mouse that includes sampling, with the chromatic sensor, an optical property of a surface upon with the mouse is operating (such as color of the surface), and then dynamically modifying the programming of the mouse based upon the sampled optical property. In this manner, the operation of the mouse, such as tracking resolution, may be customized based upon the properties of the surface upon which the mouse is operating. Other embodiments may include utilizing the mouse with the chromatic sensor as a scanner to display images on a housing of the mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Bilbrey, Michael F. Culbert
  • Patent number: 8890668
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Paul Alioshin, Brett Bilbrey, David Thomas Amm
  • Publication number: 20140325458
    Abstract: Techniques for managing user interactions with items on a user interface are disclosed. In one aspect, a representation of an opening is presented in response to touch input. A display object is moved over the opening, and the display object is processed in response to the moving. In another aspect, touch input pinching two opposite corners of a display object followed by touch input flicking the display object is received and the display object is deleted in response to the inputs. In another aspect, touch input centered over a display object is received and the display object is deleted in response to the input. In another aspect, touch input corresponding to swiping gestures are received and a display object is securely deleted in response to the gestures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas V. KING, Todd BENJAMIN, Brett BILBREY
  • Patent number: 8839150
    Abstract: A first graphical object on a user interface of a device can be transformed to a second graphical object on the user interface. The second graphical object can be manipulated by a user on the user interface using touch input or by physically moving the device. When manipulated, the object can be animated to appear to have mass that responds to real-world, physical forces, such as gravity, friction or drag. The data represented by the second graphical object can be compressed or archived using a gesture applied to the second graphical object. Graphical objects can be visually sorted on the user interface based on their mass (size). The visual appearance of graphical objects on the user interface can be adjusted to indicate the age of data represented by the graphical objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Brett Bilbrey, Todd Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20140247361
    Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a method for providing security for access to a goal including storing a first image and receiving a second image comprising polarized data. The method also includes comparing the first image with the second image to determine if the first image and the second image are substantially the same. In the event the first and second images are not substantially the same, the method includes denying access to the goal. In the event the first and second images are substantially the same, the method includes determining, utilizing the polarized information, if the second image is of a three-dimensional object. Further, in the event the second image is not of a three-dimensional object, the method includes denying access to the goal and, in the event the second image is of a three-dimensional object, permitting access to the goal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mushtaq A. Sarwar, Brett Bilbrey, Peng Zheng
  • Publication number: 20140218853
    Abstract: There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a housing for an electronic device as an input/output (I/O) device. In one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing configured to function as an integrated housing and I/O device and one or more sensors obscured by a panel of the housing. The one or more sensors being configured to sense via the panel of the housing. The electronic device further includes a processing unit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to interpret electrical signals generated by the one or more sensors. One or more output devices are communicatively coupled to the processing unit and configured to provide an output in response to the one or more sensors generating an electrical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Kerr, Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 8797451
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having an integrated camera. A panel is positioned in front of at least a portion of the camera and is operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 8797999
    Abstract: User equipment may be used in forming communications links between users. A virtual communications channel may be maintained between users while adjustments are made to the type of communications traffic that is being conveyed over the link, the nature of the physical channels being used in the link, link bandwidth and other link attributes, user requirements, and other factors. Monitoring circuitry may be used to monitor factors such as the location of a device and other operating parameters. As circumstances dictate, the operation of the device may be adjusted in real time, while maintaining the virtual communications channel intact. User devices may automatically advertize their presence and may automatically detect nearby devices. Content items may be shared using online services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Todd Benjamin, Brett Bilbrey, Anand Sethuraman
  • Publication number: 20140197432
    Abstract: A device such as a multicolor light emitting diode that emits different colors of light and that may combine the different colors emitted by individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may include a common anode terminal that may be connected to each anode of the individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may be a five terminal multicolor LED. Additionally, the multicolor LED may include two anode terminals, in which the first anode terminal may be a common anode terminal connected to three of the individual color LEDs and the second anode terminal may be connected to an anode of a white LED. In this embodiment, the multicolor LED may be a six terminal multicolor LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Duncan Kerr, Brett Bilbrey, Michael F. Culbert