Patents by Inventor David H. Bloom

David H. Bloom 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: 20240103643
    Abstract: A computer system can include an input device having a housing defining an internal volume. The housing can include a grip portion and a base portion defining an aperture. The computer system can also include a tilt sensor disposed in the internal volume, a position sensor disposed at the aperture, and a processor. The processor can be electrically coupled to the position sensor, the tilt sensor, and a memory component storing electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a first input from the tilt sensor, receive a second input from the position sensor, determine, based on the first and second inputs, if the base is in contact with a support surface and an angle of the base relative to the support surface. The processor can also output a signal based on the angle if the base is in contact with the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Megan M. Sapp, Brian T. Gleeson, Steven J. Taylor, David H. Bloom, Maio He, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Kristi E. Bauerly, Geng Luo, Bart K. Andre
  • Publication number: 20240103645
    Abstract: A computer input system includes a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an internal volume and a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume. A processor is electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to a hand based on a touch input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly. The mouse can also have a circular array of touch sensors or lights that detect hand position and provide orientation information to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, David H. Bloom, Steven J. Taylor, John B. Morrell, Maio He, Hamza Kashif
  • Publication number: 20240103656
    Abstract: An input device, such as a mouse, can include a housing defining an exterior grip portion and an internal volume, a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume, and an emitter electrically coupled to the sensor assembly. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a first touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a first signal including information regarding an angular position of the grip portion. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a second signal including information regarding a direction of a force exerted on the housing from the second touch input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, David H. Bloom, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11921926
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to content-based tactile outputs. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with content-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with end-of-content tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with moving a user interface in response to different types of input are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with adjustable item-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with input velocity-based tactile outputs are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, David H. Bloom, Gary Ian Butcher, Alan C. Dye, Dylan Ross Edwards, Jules K. Fennis, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Matthew J. Sundstrom
  • Patent number: 11914780
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20230345155
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Patent number: 11743623
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20230012223
    Abstract: An electronic device with a first off-display input region detects a first portion of an input on the input region. In response to the first portion of the input: when the first portion of the input meets first criteria without a characteristic intensity of the first input increasing above a first intensity threshold, the electronic device provides a first output that indicates a current state of a first attribute of the electronic device without altering the first attribute. The electronic device detects a second portion of the input. In response to the second portion of the input: if the second portion of the first input meets second criteria that require the characteristic intensity of the input increases above the first intensity threshold, the electronic device performs a first operation that alters the first attribute of the electronic device; and otherwise, the electronic device forgoes performing the first operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, David H. Bloom, Miao He, Peter C. Tsoi
  • Publication number: 20230004227
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to content-based tactile outputs. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with content-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with end-of-content tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with moving a user interface in response to different types of input are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with adjustable item-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with input velocity-based tactile outputs are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Camille MOUSSETTE, David H. BLOOM, Gary Ian BUTCHER, Alan C. DYE, Dylan Ross EDWARDS, Jules K. FENNIS, Brian T. GLEESON, Miao HE, Matthew J. SUNDSTROM
  • Publication number: 20220382376
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 11507215
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at an electronic device with a display, an input region that is distinct from the display, and one or more tactile output generators for generating tactile outputs. The method includes: detecting a press input on the input region with a finger; and in response to detecting the press input on the input region: in accordance with a determination that the input region is not separated from the finger by an interstitial material, generating a first tactile output; and in accordance with a determination that the input region is separated from the finger by a first interstitial material, generating a second tactile output that is different from the first tactile output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, David H. Bloom, Miao He
  • Patent number: 11435888
    Abstract: Systems are provided that include electronic equipment and electronic devices. A system may include electronic equipment such as a thermostat or other equipment in a vehicle or home, vehicle navigation equipment, networking equipment, computer equipment, equipment with speakers for playing audio, and other electronic equipment. An electronic device such as a portable electronic device may be placed in the vicinity of electronic equipment by a user. In response to detecting that the electronic device is adjacent to the electronic equipment, control circuitry in the electronic device can automatically display content of the electric device such as a user control interface for the electronic device or information related to operation of the electronic equipment. The system may monitor the position of the electronic device relative to the electronic equipment and can dynamically update the displayed content based on the current device position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Adam S. Meyer, David H. Bloom, Peter M. Arnold
  • Patent number: 11435830
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to content-based tactile outputs. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with content-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with end-of-content tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with moving a user interface in response to different types of input are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with adjustable item-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with input velocity-based tactile outputs are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, David H. Bloom, Gary Ian Butcher, Dylan Ross Edwards, Jules K. Fennis, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Alan C. Dye
  • Patent number: 11416076
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 11231784
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11184708
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11137830
    Abstract: A control device for an interactive computing system includes a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and a biasing actuator. The first elongated member and the second elongated member are pivotably coupled at a pivot axis. The biasing actuator is coupled to the first elongated member and the second elongated member to provide an output torque between the first elongated member and the second elongated member about the pivot axis. The control device is configured to receive user input for controlling a virtual device displayed by the interactive computing system to visually resemble a physical device. The biasing actuator is controllable to provide tactile feedback to simulate physical behavior of the physical device. The control device is movable freely in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Brenton A. Baugh, Steven J. Taylor, Madeleine S. Cordier
  • Publication number: 20210200318
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: David H. BLOOM, Benjamin G. JACKSON, Steven J. TAYLOR
  • Publication number: 20210165520
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at an electronic device with a display, an input region that is distinct from the display, and one or more tactile output generators for generating tactile outputs. The method includes: detecting a press input on the input region with a finger; and in response to detecting the press input on the input region: in accordance with a determination that the input region is not separated from the finger by an interstitial material, generating a first tactile output; and in accordance with a determination that the input region is separated from the finger by a first interstitial material, generating a second tactile output that is different from the first tactile output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, David H. Bloom, Miao He
  • Patent number: 11009955
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor