Patents by Inventor David P. Winkler
David P. Winkler 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).
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Patent number: 9633804Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Google Technoogy Holdings LLCInventors: Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alamech, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler
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Patent number: 9451072Abstract: A phone call is made from an initiator phone to a receiver phone (200). The receiver phone determines how many people are near the receiver phone, and generates a response based on how many people are near the receiver phone. This response can be, for example, a message that is sent to the initiator phone and can be displayed at the initiator phone, indicating either that no one is near the receiver phone or that multiple people are near the receiver phone. The number of people that are near the receiver phone is monitored, and when just one person near the receiver phone is detected, various different actions can be taken. A message can be sent for display at the initiator phone indicating that there is only one person near the receiver phone, or the receiver phone can prompt the user to call back the initiator phone.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: Lawrence A Willis, Gabriel B Burca, Aaron Dietrich, Justin Eltoft, John J Gorsica, John C Johnson, Thomas Merrell, David P Winkler
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Publication number: 20160227022Abstract: A method and apparatus operate a user portable wireless communication device on a wireless wide area network. The user portable wireless communication device can include a first side and a user input located on the first side, where the user input can include a user actuation input. The device can include a second side orthogonal to the first side and a side touch sensor on the second side. The device can also include a controller coupled to the user input and the side touch sensor. The controller can be configured to detect whether a user is touching the side touch sensor, configured to enable the user actuation input when the user is touching the side touch sensor, and configured to disable the user actuation input of the user input when the user is not touching the side touch sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, David P. Winkler
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Patent number: 9401984Abstract: A method and apparatus operate a user portable wireless communication device on a wireless wide area network. The user portable wireless communication device can include a first side and a user input located on the first side, where the user input can include a user actuation input. The device can include a second side orthogonal to the first side and a side touch sensor on the second side. The device can also include a controller coupled to the user input and the side touch sensor. The controller can be configured to detect whether a user is touching the side touch sensor, configured to enable the user actuation input when the user is touching the side touch sensor, and configured to disable the user actuation input of the user input when the user is not touching the side touch sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: Rachid M Alameh, David P Winkler
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Patent number: 9282587Abstract: A method and apparatus of an electronic device for managing notifications is disclosed herewith. The method includes identifying a plurality of notifications associated with one or more electronic devices. The method further determines context data of the plurality of notifications based, at least in part, on their association with at least one remote device. The method then determines an order of display of the plurality of notifications based on the context data. The method further provides the plurality of notifications based on the order of display.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Google Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: David P Winkler
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Publication number: 20150235787Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alamech, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler
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Patent number: 9063591Abstract: An active stylus or a method performed by an active stylus for interacting with a mobile device, wherein the mobile device has at least one sensor (e.g., a thermocouple junction), and wherein the stylus has at least one signal source (e.g., an analog heat source) that produces at least one signal (e.g., at least one analog temperature signal), wherein the at least one signal is configured to be detectable by the at least one sensor of the mobile device. The stylus also has at least one signal adjustment mechanism for changing the at least one signal and also has at least one transmitter (e.g., thermocouple junction) configured to transmit the at least one signal for receipt by the at least one sensor of the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLCInventors: Rachid M Alameh, John Henry Krahenbuhl, Thomas Y Merrell, Jiri Slaby, David P Winkler
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Patent number: 9048042Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLCInventors: Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alameh, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler
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Patent number: 8963885Abstract: A mobile device or a method performed by a mobile device for interacting with a stylus, wherein the stylus has at least one sensor (e.g., a thermocouple junction), and wherein the mobile device has at least one signal source (e.g., an analog heat source) that produces at least one signal (e.g., at least one analog heat signal), wherein the at least one signal is configured to be detectable by the at least one sensor of the stylus. The mobile device also has at least one signal adjustment mechanism for changing the at least one signal and also has at least one transmitter (e.g., thermal active touch screen display) configured to transmit the at least one signal for receipt by the at least one sensor of the stylus.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLCInventors: Rachid M. Alameh, John Henry Krahenbuhl, Thomas Y. Merrell, Jiri Slaby, David P. Winkler
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Patent number: 8947382Abstract: An electronic device can include detectors for altering the presentation of data on one or more displays. In a wearable electronic device, a flexible housing can be configured to enfold about an appendage of a user, such as a user's wrist. A display can disposed along a major face of the flexible housing. A control circuit can be operable with the display. A gaze detector can be included to detect a gaze direction, and optionally a gaze cone. An orientation detector can be configured to detect an orientation of the electronic device relative to the user. The control circuit can alter a presentation of data on the display in response to a detected gaze direction, in response to detected orientation of the wearable electronic device relative to the user, in response to touch or gesture input, or combinations thereof. Secondary displays can be hingedly coupled to the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: David P. Winkler, Michael J. Erpenbeck, John C. Johnson
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Publication number: 20140162482Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLCInventors: Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alameh, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler
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Publication number: 20140141816Abstract: A method and apparatus of an electronic device for managing notifications is disclosed herewith. The method includes identifying a plurality of notifications associated with one or more electronic devices. The method further determines context data of the plurality of notifications based, at least in part, on their association with at least one remote device. The method then determines an order of display of the plurality of notifications based on the context data. The method further provides the plurality of notifications based on the order of display.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Motorola Mobility LLCInventor: David P. Winkler
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Publication number: 20130222270Abstract: An electronic device can include detectors for altering the presentation of data on one or more displays. In a wearable electronic device, a flexible housing can be configured to enfold about an appendage of a user, such as a user's wrist. A display can disposed along a major face of the flexible housing. A control circuit can be operable with the display. A gaze detector can be included to detect a gaze direction, and optionally a gaze cone. An orientation detector can be configured to detect an orientation of the electronic device relative to the user. The control circuit can alter a presentation of data on the display in response to a detected gaze direction, in response to detected orientation of the wearable electronic device relative to the user, in response to touch or gesture input, or combinations thereof. Secondary displays can be hingedly coupled to the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: David P. Winkler, Michael J. Erpenbeck, John C. Johnson
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Publication number: 20130135220Abstract: An active stylus or a method performed by an active stylus for interacting with a mobile device, wherein the mobile device has at least one sensor (e.g., a thermocouple junction), and wherein the stylus has at least one signal source (e.g., an analog heat source) that produces at least one signal (e.g., at least one analog temperature signal), wherein the at least one signal is configured to be detectable by the at least one sensor of the mobile device. The stylus also has at least one signal adjustment mechanism for changing the at least one signal and also has at least one transmitter (e.g., thermocouple junction) configured to transmit the at least one signal for receipt by the at least one sensor of the mobile device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: Rachid M Alameh, John Henry Krahenbuhl, Thomas Y. Merrell, Jiri Slaby, David P. Winkler
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Publication number: 20130135262Abstract: A mobile device or a method performed by a mobile device for interacting with a stylus, wherein the stylus has at least one sensor (e.g., a thermocouple junction), and wherein the mobile device has at least one signal source (e.g., an analog heat source) that produces at least one signal (e.g., at least one analog heat signal), wherein the at least one signal is configured to be detectable by the at least one sensor of the stylus. The mobile device also has at least one signal adjustment mechanism for changing the at least one signal and also has at least one transmitter (e.g., thermal active touch screen display) configured to transmit the at least one signal for receipt by the at least one sensor of the stylus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, John Henry Krahenbuhl, Thomas Y. Merrell, Jiri Slaby, David P. Winkler
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Publication number: 20120068952Abstract: A user computer device is provided that comprises a temperature sensitive touchscreen having a temperature sensitive user interface comprising multiple thermal energy emitter/detector devices, such as thermocouples. The multiple thermal energy emitter/detector devices are capable both of detecting thermal energy and emitting thermal energy. The temperature sensitive user interface generates thermal patterns that may be transferred to other thermally sensitive electronic devices or that may be used to authenticate the user computer device. The user computer device also can detect and thermally communicate with a thermal energy docking station and, based on thermal recognition, activate applications displayed on the temperature sensitive touchscreen. Further, the user computer device can auto-bias a temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface in order to better assure proper operation of the temperature sensitive user interface in all operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.Inventors: Jiri Slaby, Rachid M. Alameh, John Henry Krahenbuhl, Thomas Y. Merrell, Martin R. Pais, David P. Winkler