Patents by Inventor Connor A. SMITH

Connor A. SMITH 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: 20250138697
    Abstract: A computer system optionally displays a user interface object that reveals content based on whether the content is private or shared. A computer system optionally displays a user interface object that includes shared content based on whether participants have entitlement to the content. A computer system optionally displays a sharing indicator that indicates that the respective content is shared with one or more other participants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Connor A. SMITH, Joseph P. CERRA, Willem MATTELAER
  • Patent number: 12272005
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to selective display of avatars corresponding to users of electronic devices in a multi-user communication session. In some examples, when immersive content is shared in the communication session, the avatars remain displayed when presenting the content in the three-dimensional environment. In some examples, when perspective-limited immersive content is shared in the communication session, the avatars cease being displayed when presenting the content in the three-dimensional environment. In some examples, when content presented in a full-screen mode is shared in the communication session, the avatars remain displayed when presenting the content in the full-screen mode in the three-dimensional environment. In some examples, when object-bounded content is shared in the communication session, the avatars remain displayed when presenting the object-bounded content in the three-dimensional environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Miao Ren, Connor A. Smith, Hayden J. Lee, Bruno M. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20250031002
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for presenting audio associated with events associated with spatialized audio effects or non-spatialized audio effects in three-dimensional environments are disclosed. The spatialized and/or non-spatialized audio effects correspond with displaying, via a display generation component, a three-dimensional environment from a viewpoint of a user. While displaying the three-dimensional environment from the viewpoint of the user, the computer system detects an event. When the computer system detects an event which corresponds to a spatialized sound effect, the computer system presents the sound effect as emanating from a location in the three-dimensional environment associated with the event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: Matthew B. HAWKINS, Danielle M. PRICE, Connor A. SMITH, Anish KANNAN
  • Publication number: 20250029328
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for presenting content in a shared computer generated environment of a multi-user communication session. In some examples, an electronic device displays an indication that a location in the shared computer generated environment corresponding to the electronic device is further than a threshold distance from a respective location associated with the multi-user communication session. In some examples, an electronic device presents a representation of a user of a multi-user communication session moving away from a point of reference of the multi-user communication session. In some examples, the electronic device presents content associated with a user of a multi-user communication session moving away from a point of reference of the multi-user communication session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: Connor A. SMITH, Ronak J. SHAH, Joseph P. CERRA, Shih-Sang CHIU, Kevin LEE
  • Publication number: 20250013344
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to methods for application-based spatial refinement in a multi-user communication session including a first electronic device and a second electronic device. While the first electronic device is presenting a three-dimensional environment, the first electronic device receives an input corresponding to a request to move a shared object in the three-dimensional environment. In accordance with a determination that the shared object is an object of a first type, the first electronic device moves the shared object and an avatar of a user in the three-dimensional environment in accordance with the input. In accordance with a determination that the shared object is an object of a second type, different from the first type, and the input is a first type of input, the first electronic device moves the shared object in the three-dimensional environment in accordance with the input, without moving the avatar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Connor A. SMITH, Christopher D. MCKENZIE, Nathan GITTER
  • Publication number: 20250013343
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for managing locations of users in a spatial group within a communication session based on the display of shared content in a three-dimensional environment. In some examples, a first electronic device and a second electronic device are in communication within a communication session. In some examples, the first electronic device displays a three-dimensional environment including an avatar corresponding to a user of the second electronic device. In some examples, in response to detecting an input corresponding to a request to display shared content in the three-dimensional environment, if the shared content is a first type of content, the first electronic positions the avatar a first distance away from the viewpoint, and if the shared content is a second type of content, the first electronic device positions the avatar a second distance away from the viewpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Connor A. SMITH, Willem MATTELAER, Joseph P. CERRA, Kevin LEE
  • Publication number: 20250004622
    Abstract: Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for manipulating and/or annotating objects in a graphical environment. In some implementations, a device includes a display, one or more processors, and a memory. In some implementations, a method includes detecting a gesture being performed using a first object in association with a second object in a graphical environment. A distance is determined, via the one or more sensors, between a representation of the first object and the second object. If the distance is greater than a threshold, a change in the graphical environment is displayed according to the gesture and a gaze. If the distance is not greater than the threshold, the change in the graphical environment is displayed according to the gesture and a projection of the representation of the first object on the second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Connor A. Smith, Fatima Broom, Luis R. Deliz Centeno, Miao Ren
  • Publication number: 20240428488
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for presenting content in a three-dimensional environment by one or more electronic devices in a multi-user communication session. In some examples, a first electronic device and a second electronic device are communicatively linked in a multi-user communication session, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to display a three-dimensional environment, respectively. In some examples, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are grouped in a first spatial group within the multi-user communication session. In some examples, if the second electronic device determines that the first electronic device changes states (and/or vice versa), the user of the first electronic device and the user of the second electronic device are no longer grouped into the same spatial group within the multi-user communication session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Miao REN, Shih-Sang CHIU, Connor A. SMITH, Joseph P. CERRA, Willem MATTELAER
  • Publication number: 20240402868
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic devices, including user interfaces for real-time communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Jesse CHAND, Shih-Sang CHIU, Wesley M. HOLDER, Stephen O. LEMAY, William A. SORRENTINO, III, Rajat BHARDWAJ, Giancarlo YERKES, Jason D. RICKWALD, Rupert BURTON, Kaely COON, Connor A. SMITH, Joseph P. CERRA, Tommy ROCHETTE
  • Publication number: 20240404206
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer system changes visual appearance of visual representations of participants moving within a simulated threshold distance of a user of the computer system. In some embodiments, a computer system arranges representations of users according to templates. In some embodiments, a computer system arranges representations of users based on shared content. In some embodiments, a computer system changes a spatial arrangement of participants in accordance with a quantity of participants that are a first type of participant. In some embodiments, a computer system changes a spatial arrangement of elements of a real-time communication session to join a group of participants. In some embodiments, a computer system facilitates interaction with groups of spatial representations of participants of a communication session. In some embodiments, a computer system facilitates updates of a spatial arrangement of participants based on a spatial distribution of the participants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Shih-Sang CHIU, Rajat BHARDWAJ, Stephen O. LEMAY, Connor A. SMITH, Joseph P. CERRA, Kevin LEE
  • Patent number: 12148078
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for presenting content in a three-dimensional environment by one or more electronic devices in a multi-user communication session. In some examples, a first electronic device and a second electronic device are communicatively linked in a multi-user communication session, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to display a three-dimensional environment, respectively. In some examples, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are grouped in a first spatial group within the multi-user communication session. In some examples, if the second electronic device determines that the first electronic device changes states (and/or vice versa), the user of the first electronic device and the user of the second electronic device are no longer grouped into the same spatial group within the multi-user communication session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Miao Ren, Shih-Sang Chiu, Connor A. Smith, Joseph P. Cerra, Willem Mattelaer
  • Patent number: 12112011
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to methods for application-based spatial refinement in a multi-user communication session including a first electronic device and a second electronic device. While the first electronic device is presenting a three-dimensional environment, the first electronic device receives an input corresponding to a request to move a shared object in the three-dimensional environment. In accordance with a determination that the shared object is an object of a first type, the first electronic device moves the shared object and an avatar of a user in the three-dimensional environment in accordance with the input. In accordance with a determination that the shared object is an object of a second type, different from the first type, and the input is a first type of input, the first electronic device moves the shared object in the three-dimensional environment in accordance with the input, without moving the avatar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Connor A. Smith, Christopher D. McKenzie, Nathan Gitter
  • Patent number: 12113948
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for managing locations of users in a spatial group within a communication session based on the display of shared content in a three-dimensional environment. In some examples, a first electronic device and a second electronic device are in communication within a communication session. In some examples, the first electronic device displays a three-dimensional environment including an avatar corresponding to a user of the second electronic device. In some examples, in response to detecting an input corresponding to a request to display shared content in the three-dimensional environment, if the shared content is a first type of content, the first electronic positions the avatar a first distance away from the viewpoint, and if the shared content is a second type of content, the first electronic device positions the avatar a second distance away from the viewpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Connor A. Smith, Willem Mattelaer, Joseph P. Cerra, Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 12099695
    Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for managing locations of users in a spatial group within a communication session based on the display of shared content in a three-dimensional environment. In some examples, a first electronic device and a second electronic device are in communication within a communication session. In some examples, the first electronic device displays a three-dimensional environment including an avatar corresponding to a user of the second electronic device. In some examples, in response to detecting an input corresponding to a request to display shared content in the three-dimensional environment, if the shared content is a first type of content, the first electronic positions the avatar a first distance away from the viewpoint, and if the shared content is a second type of content, the first electronic device positions the avatar a second distance away from the viewpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Connor A. Smith, Willem Mattelaer, Joseph P. Cerra, Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 12101197
    Abstract: Various implementations present a representation of a communication session involving multiple devices in different presentation modes based on spatial transforms between a physical environment and the representation of the communication session. For example, a representation of a communication session is presented based on the position of a first device within a first physical environment and a second spatial transform between the first physical environment and the representation of the communication session, in accordance with a determination to switch the first presentation mode to a second presentation mode. Then the representation of the communication session is presented based on the position of the first device within the first physical environment and the first spatial transform in accordance with a determination to switch the second presentation mode back to the first presentation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lee, Connor A. Smith, Luis R. Deliz Centeno
  • Publication number: 20240283669
    Abstract: Avatars may be displayed in a multiuser communication session using various spatial modes. One technique for presenting avatars includes presenting avatars such that an attention direction of the avatar is retargeted to match the intent of the remote user corresponding to the avatar. Another technique for presenting avatars includes a pinned mode in which a spatial relationship between one or more avatars remains displayed in a consistent spatial relationship to a local user regardless of movements of the local user. Another technique for presenting avatars includes providing user-selectable presentation modes between a room scale mode and a stationary mode for presenting a representation of a multiuser communication session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Connor A. Smith, Bruno M. Sommer, Jonathan R. Dascola, Nicholas W. Henderson, Timofey Grechkin
  • Publication number: 20240256032
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device selectively de-emphasizes a three-dimensional environment in which content is presented. In some embodiments, an electronic device modifies the boundaries of content in a user interface. In some embodiments, an electronic device shares content with users in a three-dimensional environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Wesley M. HOLDER, Christopher D. MCKENZIE, Israel PASTRANA VICENTE, Connor A. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20240220031
    Abstract: Techniques for displaying a virtual object in an enhanced reality setting in accordance with a physical muting mode being active are described. In some examples, while the physical muting mode is active, a system obtains a first set of context data for one or more physical elements in a physical setting and causes display of a virtual object representing the one or more physical elements in a first position using at least a portion of the first set of context data. After the virtual object representing the one or more physical elements is displayed in the first position, the physical muting mode is deactivated. In response to detecting the deactivation of the physical muting mode, the system causes display of a transitional motion of the virtual object representing the one or more physical elements from the first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Clément Pierre Nicolas BOISSIÈRE, Shaun BUDHRAM, Tucker Bull MORGAN, Bruno M. SOMMER, Connor A. SMITH
  • Patent number: 11968056
    Abstract: Avatars may be displayed in a multiuser communication session using various spatial modes. One technique for presenting avatars includes presenting avatars such that an attention direction of the avatar is retargeted to match the intent of the remote user corresponding to the avatar. Another technique for presenting avatars includes a pinned mode in which a spatial relationship between one or more avatars remains displayed in a consistent spatial relationship to a local user regardless of movements of the local user. Another technique for presenting avatars includes providing user-selectable presentation modes between a room scale mode and a stationary mode for presenting a representation of a multiuser communication session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Connor A. Smith, Bruno M. Sommer, Jonathan R. Dascola, Nicholas W. Henderson, Timofey Grechkin
  • Patent number: 11947733
    Abstract: Techniques for displaying a virtual object in an enhanced reality setting in accordance with a physical muting mode being active are described. In some examples, a system obtains context data for one or more physical elements in a physical setting, wherein the context data includes first context data and second context data that is different from the first context data. In some examples, in response to obtaining the context data for the one or more physical elements in the physical setting, a system causes display of a virtual object that represents the one or more physical elements using the first context data without using the second context data, in accordance with a determination that a physical muting mode is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Clément Pierre Nicolas Boissière, Shaun Budhram, Tucker Bull Morgan, Bruno M. Sommer, Connor A. Smith