Patents by Inventor Christopher T. Mullens

Christopher T. Mullens 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: 11371953
    Abstract: This application relates to an electronic device that includes a processor and a display assembly overlaid by a protective cover. The display assembly can include a touch detection system capable of detecting a touch event at the protective cover. The touch detection system can include a capacitance detector capable of detecting a change in capacitance and a location corresponding to the change in capacitance, and an applied force detector capable of detecting an amount and a location of a force applied to the protective cover that is associated with the touch event. The electronic device can include a moisture detector capable of detecting an amount of moisture present at the protective cover, where when the amount of moisture is greater than a threshold amount, the processor determines a position of the touch event based on detection signals provided by the capacitance detector and the applied force detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ihtesham H. Chowdhury, Eric N. Nyland, Scott A. Myers, Christopher T. Mullens, Bingrui Yang
  • Publication number: 20210181137
    Abstract: This application relates to an electronic device that includes a processor and a display assembly overlaid by a protective cover. The display assembly can include a touch detection system capable of detecting a touch event at the protective cover. The touch detection system can include a capacitance detector capable of detecting a change in capacitance and a location corresponding to the change in capacitance, and an applied force detector capable of detecting an amount and a location of a force applied to the protective cover that is associated with the touch event. The electronic device can include a moisture detector capable of detecting an amount of moisture present at the protective cover, where when the amount of moisture is greater than a threshold amount, the processor determines a position of the touch event based on detection signals provided by the capacitance detector and the applied force detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Ihtesham H. CHOWDHURY, Eric N. NYLAND, Scott A. MYERS, Christopher T. MULLENS, Bingrui YANG
  • Patent number: 10976278
    Abstract: This application relates to an electronic device that includes a processor and a display assembly overlaid by a protective cover. The display assembly can include a touch detection system capable of detecting a touch event at the protective cover. The touch detection system can include a capacitance detector capable of detecting a change in capacitance and a location corresponding to the change in capacitance, and an applied force detector capable of detecting an amount and a location of a force applied to the protective cover that is associated with the touch event. The electronic device can include a moisture detector capable of detecting an amount of moisture present at the protective cover, where when the amount of moisture is greater than a threshold amount, the processor determines a position of the touch event based on detection signals provided by the capacitance detector and the applied force detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ihtesham H. Chowdhury, Eric N. Nyland, Scott A. Myers, Christopher T. Mullens, Bingrui Yang
  • Publication number: 20190064998
    Abstract: This application relates to an electronic device that includes a processor and a display assembly overlaid by a protective cover. The display assembly can include a touch detection system capable of detecting a touch event at the protective cover. The touch detection system can include a capacitance detector capable of detecting a change in capacitance and a location corresponding to the change in capacitance, and an applied force detector capable of detecting an amount and a location of a force applied to the protective cover that is associated with the touch event. The electronic device can include a moisture detector capable of detecting an amount of moisture present at the protective cover, where when the amount of moisture is greater than a threshold amount, the processor determines a position of the touch event based on detection signals provided by the capacitance detector and the applied force detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Ihtesham H. CHOWDHURY, Eric N. NYLAND, Scott A. MYERS, Christopher T. MULLENS, Bingrui YANG
  • Patent number: 9952957
    Abstract: A method for dynamically modifying a characteristic for an electronic device. The method includes activating by a processor a first profile having a first characteristic setting and a first state for an input/output (IO) device. Once the first profile is activated, receiving an input by a sensor and communicating the input to the processor. The method then includes activating by the processor a second profile having a second characteristic setting and a second state for the IO device. The second profile modifies a component of the IO device to include a second characteristic setting and a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Mullens, Jesse Michael Devine, Marco Sebastiani, Nima Parivar
  • Patent number: 9729685
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining information of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan R. Kerr, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Steve P. Hotelling, Christopher T. Mullens, Martin P. Grunthaner, Michael A. Cretella, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160373563
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining information of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan P. IVE, Duncan R. KERR, Matthew D. ROHRBACH, Steve P. HOTELLING, Christopher T. MULLENS, Martin P. GRUNTHANER, Michael A. CRETELLA, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9448809
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to providing peripheral device functionality is described herein. In one embodiment, a method of operating a host computing device is described. The method includes communicatively coupling with a keyboard and querying the keyboard for a descriptor. Receiving the descriptor from the keyboard, wherein the descriptor includes data representative of a language, layout, and key mappings for the keyboard. Storing the data from the descriptor at the host and publishing strings for proper translation and interpretation of input received from the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nima Parivar, Jesse Michael Devine, Christopher T. Mullens
  • Publication number: 20160147629
    Abstract: A method for dynamically modifying a characteristic for an electronic device. The method includes activating by a processor a first profile having a first characteristic setting and a first state for an input/output (IO) device. Once the first profile is activated, receiving an input by a sensor and communicating the input to the processor. The method then includes activating by the processor a second profile having a second characteristic setting and a second state for the IO device. The second profile modifies a component of the IO device to include a second characteristic setting and a second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher T. MULLENS, Jesse Michael DEVINE, Marco SEBASTIANI, Nima PARIVAR
  • Patent number: 9262182
    Abstract: A method for dynamically modifying a characteristic for an electronic device. The method includes activating by a processor a first profile having a first characteristic setting and a first state for an input/output (IO) device. Once the first profile is activated, receiving an input by a sensor and communicating the input to the processor. The method then includes activating by the processor a second profile having a second characteristic setting and a second state for the IO device. The second profile modifies a component of the IO device to include a second characteristic setting and a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Mullens, Jesse Michael Devine, Marco Sebastiani, Nima Parivar
  • Patent number: 9109952
    Abstract: An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed along the periphery of the display, such that access to the sensors is provided via discontinuities in a gasket used to couple the display to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Christopher T. Mullens, Ching Yu John Tam, Brian Q. Huppi
  • Patent number: 9069339
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining a current status of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Cretella, Jr., Venu Madhav Duggineni, Michael Man-Cheung Eng, Ronald Keryuan Huang, Christopher Moore, Christopher T. Mullens
  • Patent number: 8952895
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems of motion-based device operations are described. A mobile device can coordinate operations of a motion sensor and a proximity sensor. The mobile device can determine a gesture event using the motion sensor. The mobile device can determine a proximity event using the proximity sensor. The mobile device can use the gesture event and proximity event to confirm one another, and determine that the mobile device has moved in proximity to a target object following a specified gesture. Upon confirmation, the mobile device can perform a specified task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Moore, Christopher T. Mullens, Gregory Novick, Ronald K. Huang, William Matthew Vieta, Xiaoyuan Tu
  • Publication number: 20140121855
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining a current status of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. CRETELLA, JR., Venu Madhav DUGGINENI, Michael Man-Cheung ENG, Ronald Keryuan HUANG, Christopher MOORE, Christopher T. MULLENS
  • Publication number: 20140077094
    Abstract: An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed along the periphery of the display, such that access to the sensors is provided via discontinuities in a gasket used to couple the display to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Christopher T. Mullens, Ching Yu John Tam, Brian Q. Huppi
  • Publication number: 20140067293
    Abstract: An electronic device that includes an integrated circuit and a memory is described. This integrated circuit monitors power sub-states within different operating modes of the electronic device. These power sub-states are associated with configurations of the electronic device and average power-consumption rates. Then, the integrated circuit stores information specifying a power-sub-state history of the electronic device in the memory, where the power-sub-state history includes amounts of time the electronic device was in one or more of the power sub-states. The stored information can be used to improve a power usage model for the electronic device and/or to modify a user experience, such as changing a performance of the electronic device or a time until a battery needs to be recharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Nima Parivar, Christopher T. Mullens, Kelsey Y. Ho
  • Patent number: 8624695
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining a current status of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Cretella, Jr., Venu Madhav Duggineni, Michael Man-Cheung Eng, Ronald Keryuan Huang, Christopher Moore, Christopher T. Mullens
  • Patent number: 8581193
    Abstract: An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed along the periphery of the display, such that access to the sensors is provided via discontinuities in a gasket used to couple the display to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Christopher T. Mullens, Ching Yu John Tam, Brian Q. Huppi
  • Publication number: 20130191625
    Abstract: A method for dynamically modifying a characteristic for an electronic device. The method includes activating by a processor a first profile having a first characteristic setting and a first state for an input/output (IO) device. Once the first profile is activated, receiving an input by a sensor and communicating the input to the processor. The method then includes activating by the processor a second profile having a second characteristic setting and a second state for the IO device. The second profile modifies a component of the IO device to include a second characteristic setting and a second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Mullens, Jesse Michael Devine, Marco Sebastiani, Nima Parivar
  • Publication number: 20130145061
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to providing peripheral device functionality is described herein. In one embodiment, a method of operating a host computing device is described. The method includes communicatively coupling with a keyboard and querying the keyboard for a descriptor. Receiving the descriptor from the keyboard, wherein the descriptor includes data representative of a language, layout, and key mappings for the keyboard. Storing the data from the descriptor at the host and publishing strings for proper translation and interpretation of input received from the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nima Parivar, Jesse Michael Devine, Christopher T. Mullens