Patents by Inventor Duncan R. Kerr

Duncan R. Kerr 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: 12277003
    Abstract: An example method is performed at a device with a display and a biometric sensor. While the device is in a locked state, the method includes displaying a log-in user interface that is associated with logging in to a first and second user account. While displaying the log-in user interface, the method includes, receiving biometric information, and in response to receiving the biometric information: when the biometric information is consistent with biometric information for the first user account and the first user account does not have an active session, displaying a prompt to input a log-in credential for the first user account; and when the biometric information is consistent with biometric information for the second user account and the second user account does not have an active session on the device, displaying a prompt to input a log-in credential for the second user account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Raymond S. Sepulveda, Chun Kin Minor Wong, Patrick L. Coffman, Dylan R. Edwards, Eric Lance Wilson, Gregg S. Suzuki, Christopher I. Wilson, Lawrence Y. Yang, Andre Souza Dos Santos, Jeffrey T. Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, John B. Morrell
  • Publication number: 20250103268
    Abstract: A computing system comprises one or more processors, memory, a first housing that includes a primary display, and a second housing at least partially containing a physical keyboard and a touch-sensitive secondary display that is distinct from the primary display. The computing system displays a first user interface on the primary display, the first user interface includes one or more user interface elements. The computing system identifies, from the one or more user interface elements, an active user interface element that is in focus on the primary display. The computer system, in accordance with a determination that the active user interface element that is in focus on the primary display is associated with the application executed by the computing system, displays, on the touch-sensitive secondary display, a second user interface that includes a first set of one or more affordances corresponding to the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, John B. Morrell, Lawrence Y. Yang, Eric Lance Wilson, Adam S. Meyer
  • Patent number: 12219631
    Abstract: A wireless communication device may wirelessly control an object, such as a physical device, directly or through interaction with a virtual representation (or placeholder) of the object situated at a predefined physical location. In particular, the wireless communication device may identify an intent gesture performed by a user that indicates intent to control the object. For example, the intent gesture may involve pointing or orienting the wireless communication device toward the object, with or without additional input. Then, the wireless communication device may determine the object associated with the intent gesture using wireless ranging and/or device orientation. Moreover, the wireless communication device may interpret sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the wireless communication device to determine an action gesture corresponding to a command or a command value. The wireless communication device may then transmit the command value to control the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Foster, Duncan R. Kerr
  • Patent number: 12190714
    Abstract: An electronic device displays a user interface that includes a first adjustable control and a second adjustable control and detects movement of a first contact across a touch-sensitive surface in a drag gesture. In accordance with a determination that the drag gesture is performed while a focus selector is at a location that corresponds to the first adjustable control: the device outputs a first plurality of tactile outputs that has a first distribution of tactile outputs. In accordance with a determination that the drag gesture is performed while the focus selector is at a location that corresponds to the second adjustable control, the device outputs a second plurality of tactile outputs. The second plurality of tactile outputs has a second distribution of tactile outputs that is different from the first distribution of tactile outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, Duncan R. Kerr, Joshua B. Kopin, Jules K. Fennis, Miao He
  • Publication number: 20240385729
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface that is distinct from the display detects an input on the touch-sensitive surface, including detecting a contact on the touch-sensitive surface and detecting a change in a characteristic of the contact. In response to detecting the input, in accordance with a determination that the input meets display-activation criteria, the electronic device gradually displays a respective user interface on the display in accordance with the change in the characteristic of the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Avi E. Cieplinski, Jeffrey T. Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, Nicholas V. King
  • Patent number: 12135871
    Abstract: An electronic device displays a first user interface that corresponds to a first application, and detects on a touch-sensitive surface a first gesture that includes movement of a contact in a respective direction on the touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the first gesture, the device, in accordance with a determination that the movement of the contact is in a first direction, replaces display of the first user interface with display of a second user interface that corresponds to a second application; and in accordance with a determination that the movement of the contact is in a second direction, distinct from the first direction, displays a first system user interface for interacting with a system-level function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Avi E. Cieplinski, Duncan R. Kerr, Nicholas V. King
  • Patent number: 12050761
    Abstract: An electronic device with a touch-sensitive display and a button detects an input on the button while the touch-sensitive display is in a low power mode. In response to detecting the input, if the input meets display-activation criteria, the device displays a respective user interface on the touch-sensitive display, wherein the respective user interface was not displayed on the touch-sensitive display when the touch-sensitive display was in the low-power mode. And, if the input does not meet the display-activation criteria, the device maintains the touch-sensitive display in the low-power mode after detecting the input without displaying the respective user interface on the touch-sensitive display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Avi E. Cieplinski, Duncan R. Kerr, Nicholas V. King
  • Publication number: 20240143024
    Abstract: An example method is performed at a device with a display and a biometric sensor. While the device is in a locked state, the method includes displaying a log-in user interface that is associated with logging in to a first and second user account. While displaying the log-in user interface, the method includes, receiving biometric information, and in response to receiving the biometric information: when the biometric information is consistent with biometric information for the first user account and the first user account does not have an active session, displaying a prompt to input a log-in credential for the first user account; and when the biometric information is consistent with biometric information for the second user account and the second user account does not have an active session on the device, displaying a prompt to input a log-in credential for the second user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Raymond S. Sepulveda, Chun Kin Minor Wong, Patrick L. Coffman, Dylan R. Edwards, Eric Lance Wilson, Gregg S. Suzuki, Christopher I. Wilson, Lawrence Y. Yang, Andre Souza Dos Santos, Jeffrey T. Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, John B. Morrell
  • Patent number: 11947782
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a multifunction device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface creates a plurality of workspace views. A respective workspace view is configured to contain content assigned by a user to the respective workspace view. The content includes application windows. The device displays a first workspace view in the plurality of workspace views on the display without displaying other workspace views in the plurality of workspace views and detects a first multifinger gesture on the touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the first multifinger gesture on the touch-sensitive surface, the device replaces display of the first workspace view with concurrent display of the plurality of workspace views.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Missig, Jonathan Koch, Avi E. Cieplinski, B. Michael Victor, Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, Myra M. Haggerty
  • Patent number: 11914419
    Abstract: An example method is performed at a device with a display and a biometric sensor. While the device is in a locked state, the method includes displaying a log-in user interface that is associated with logging in to a first and second user account. While displaying the log-in user interface, the method includes, receiving biometric information, and in response to receiving the biometric information: when the biometric information is consistent with biometric information for the first user account and the first user account does not have an active session, displaying a prompt to input a log-in credential for the first user account; and when the biometric information is consistent with biometric information for the second user account and the second user account does not have an active session on the device, displaying a prompt to input a log-in credential for the second user account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Raymond S. Sepulveda, Chun Kin Minor Wong, Patrick L. Coffman, Dylan R. Edwards, Eric Lance Wilson, Gregg S. Suzuki, Christopher I. Wilson, Lawrence Y. Yang, Andre Souza Dos Santos, Jeffrey T. Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, John B. Morrell
  • Publication number: 20230343189
    Abstract: An electronic device displays a user interface that includes a first adjustable control and a second adjustable control and detects movement of a first contact across a touch-sensitive surface in a drag gesture. In accordance with a determination that the drag gesture is performed while a focus selector is at a location that corresponds to the first adjustable control: the device outputs a first plurality of tactile outputs that has a first distribution of tactile outputs. In accordance with a determination that the drag gesture is performed while the focus selector is at a location that corresponds to the second adjustable control, the device outputs a second plurality of tactile outputs. The second plurality of tactile outputs has a second distribution of tactile outputs that is different from the first distribution of tactile outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, Duncan R. Kerr, Joshua B. Kopin, Jules K. Fennis, Miao He
  • Publication number: 20230319914
    Abstract: A wireless communication device may locate a proximate object in an environment, such as an electronic device or a resource. During this communication technique, the wireless communication device may receive a transmission that includes an identifier associated with the object. The wireless communication device may determine a range and/or a direction of the object from the wireless communication device. For example, the wireless communication device may determine the range and/or the direction, at least in part, using wireless ranging. Next, the wireless communication device may present output information that indicates the range and/or the direction. In particular, the wireless communication device may display a map of a proximate area with an indicator representative of the object shown on the map. Alternatively, the wireless communication device may display an image of the proximate area with the indicator representative of the object on the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: James H. FOSTER, Duncan R. KERR
  • Patent number: 11735014
    Abstract: An electronic device displays a first user interface that includes a plurality of icons of a first type and at least one icon of a second type. While a focus selector is on a first icon of the first type, the device detects movement of a contact in a drag gesture, and, in response, moves the first icon across the display. In accordance with a determination that the first icon moves over one or more other icons of the first type during the drag gesture, the device outputs one or more tactile outputs of a first type. In accordance with a determination that the drag gesture moves the first icon over an icon of the second type at the end of the drag gesture, the device displays a second user interface that corresponds to the icon of the second type and outputs a tactile output of a second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, Duncan R. Kerr, Joshua B. Kopin, Jules K. Fennis, Miao He
  • Publication number: 20230143113
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a multifunction device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface creates a plurality of workspace views. A respective workspace view is configured to contain content assigned by a user to the respective workspace view. The content includes application windows. The device displays a first workspace view in the plurality of workspace views on the display without displaying other workspace views in the plurality of workspace views and detects a first multifinger gesture on the touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the first multifinger gesture on the touch-sensitive surface, the device replaces display of the first workspace view with concurrent display of the plurality of workspace views.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Julian MISSIG, Jonathan KOCH, Avi E. CIEPLINSKI, B. Michael VICTOR, Jeffrey Traer BERNSTEIN, Duncan R. KERR, Myra M. HAGGERTY
  • Publication number: 20230121160
    Abstract: A wireless communication device may wirelessly control an object, such as a physical device, directly or through interaction with a virtual representation (or placeholder) of the object situated at a predefined physical location. In particular, the wireless communication device may identify an intent gesture performed by a user that indicates intent to control the object. For example, the intent gesture may involve pointing or orienting the wireless communication device toward the object, with or without additional input. Then, the wireless communication device may determine the object associated with the intent gesture using wireless ranging and/or device orientation. Moreover, the wireless communication device may interpret sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the wireless communication device to determine an action gesture corresponding to a command or a command value. The wireless communication device may then transmit the command value to control the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: James H. FOSTER, Duncan R. KERR
  • Patent number: 11601993
    Abstract: A wireless communication device may locate a proximate object in an environment, such as an electronic device or a resource. During this communication technique, the wireless communication device may receive a transmission that includes an identifier associated with the object. The wireless communication device may determine a range and/or a direction of the object from the wireless communication device. For example, the wireless communication device may determine the range and/or the direction, at least in part, using wireless ranging. Next, the wireless communication device may present output information that indicates the range and/or the direction. In particular, the wireless communication device may display a map of a proximate area with an indicator representative of the object shown on the map. Alternatively, the wireless communication device may display an image of the proximate area with the indicator representative of the object on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Foster, Duncan R. Kerr
  • Publication number: 20230019336
    Abstract: An electronic device displays a first user interface that includes a plurality of icons of a first type and at least one icon of a second type. While a focus selector is on a first icon of the first type, the device detects movement of a contact in a drag gesture, and, in response, moves the first icon across the. In accordance with a determination that the first icon moves over one or more other icons of the first type during the drag gesture, the device outputs one or more tactile outputs of a first type. In accordance with a determination that the drag gesture moves the first icon over an icon of the second type at the end of the drag gesture, the device displays a second user interface that corresponds to the icon of the second type and outputs a tactile output of a second type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, Duncan R. Kerr, Joshua B. Kopin, Jules K. Fennis, Miao He
  • Publication number: 20220365671
    Abstract: An electronic device displays a first user interface that corresponds to a first application, and detects on a touch-sensitive surface a first gesture that includes movement of a contact in a respective direction on the touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the first gesture, the device, in accordance with a determination that the movement of the contact is in a first direction, replaces display of the first user interface with display of a second user interface that corresponds to a second application; and in accordance with a determination that the movement of the contact is in a second direction, distinct from the first direction, displays a first system user interface for interacting with a system-level function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Avi E. Cieplinski, Duncan R. Kerr, Nicholas V. King
  • Publication number: 20220342443
    Abstract: An example method is performed at a device with a display and a biometric sensor. While the device is in a locked state, the method includes displaying a log-in user interface that is associated with logging in to a first and second user account. While displaying the log-in user interface, the method includes, receiving biometric information, and in response to receiving the biometric information: when the biometric information is consistent with biometric information for the first user account and the first user account does not have an active session, displaying a prompt to input a log-in credential for the first user account; and when the biometric information is consistent with biometric information for the second user account and the second user account does not have an active session on the device, displaying a prompt to input a log-in credential for the second user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Raymond S. Sepulveda, Chun Kin Minor Wong, Patrick L. Coffman, Dylan R. Edwards, Eric Lance Wilson, Gregg S. Suzuki, Christopher I. Wilson, Lawrence Y. Yang, Andre Souza Dos Santos, Jeffrey T. Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, John B. Morrell
  • Patent number: 11468749
    Abstract: An electronic device, while displaying representations of a plurality of collections of media items, detects a swipe input that starts at a location corresponding to a first representation of a first collection of media items in the plurality of collections of media items. In response to detecting the swipe input: in accordance with a determination that the swipe input is in a first direction, the device scrolls the representations of the plurality of collections of media items in the first direction; and, in accordance with a determination that the swipe input is in a different, second direction, the device: ceases to display a representation of a first item in the first collection of media items, and displays a representation of a second item in the first collection of media items, without scrolling; and generates a tactile output corresponding to displaying the representation of the second item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, Duncan R. Kerr, Joshua B. Kopin, Jules K. Fennis