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).

  • Publication number: 20180204425
    Abstract: An electronic device detects a first increase in a characteristic intensity of a contact on a touch-sensitive surface, and in response the device produces a first tactile output that has a first tactile output profile. The first tactile output profile includes an output parameter that varies in accordance with a proximity of the characteristic intensity of the contact to meeting a first intensity criteria. While producing the tactile output that has the first tactile output profile, the device detects a second increase in the characteristic intensity of the contact. In response to detecting the second increase in the characteristic intensity, in accordance with a determination that the characteristic intensity meets the first intensity criteria, the device produces a second tactile output that has a second tactile output profile that is different from the first tactile output profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, Duncan R. Kerr, Joshua B. Kopin, Miao He, Jules K. Fennis
  • Patent number: 9935631
    Abstract: A control indication assembly. A first control mounted on a surface of a computer is coupled to a first sensor, to a first sensing circuit to send an electrical signal to the first control when a user-touch occurs to the first sensor, and to a first indicator to indicate an occurrence of said user-touch. A second control mounted on a surface of a display which is coupled to the computer is coupled to a second sensor, to a second sensing circuit to send an electrical signal to said second control when said user-touch occurs to the display, and to a second indicator to indicate an occurrence of the user-touch. The first and second control are configured such that the first and second indicator are synchronized to exhibit identical behaviors when the user-touch occurs to either the first control or the second control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Gong, Brian Q. Huppi, Christoph H. Krah, Richard D. Cappels, Duncan R. Kerr, Michael Culbert
  • Publication number: 20180032203
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for dynamically updating a touch-sensitive secondary display. An example method includes receiving a request to open an application and, in response, (i) displaying, on a primary display, a plurality of user interface (UI) objects associated with the application, the plurality including a first UI object displayed with associated content and other UI objects displayed without associated content; and (ii) displaying, on the touch-sensitive secondary display, a set of affordances representing the plurality of UI objects. The method also includes: detecting, via the touch-sensitive secondary display, a swipe gesture in a direction from a first affordance and towards a second affordance, the first affordance representing the first UI object and the second affordance represents a distinct second UI object. In response to detecting the swipe gesture, the method includes: updating the primary display to display associated content for the second UI object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    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: 9797558
    Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan R. Kerr, Steven P. Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20170229009
    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: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: James H. FOSTER, Duncan R. KERR
  • Publication number: 20170228935
    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: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: James H. FOSTER, Duncan R. KERR
  • 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: 20170010771
    Abstract: A method is performed at a computing system that includes a first housing with a primary display and a second housing at least partially containing a physical keyboard and a touch-sensitive secondary display. The method includes: displaying, on the primary display, a first user interface for an application executed by the computing system. The method also includes: displaying, on the touch-sensitive secondary display, a second user interface, the second user interface comprising a set of one or more affordances corresponding to the application. The method further includes: detecting a notification and, in response to detecting the notification, concurrently displaying, in the second user interface, the set of one or more affordances corresponding to the application and at least a portion of the detected notification on the touch-sensitive secondary display. In some embodiments, the detected notification is not displayed on the primary display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, John B. Morrell, Lawrence Y. Yang, Eric Lance Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170010846
    Abstract: The computing system includes a primary display, memory, and a housing at least partially containing a physical in put mechanism and a touch screen adjacent to the physical input mechanism: displays, on the primary display, a first user interface, the first user interface comprising one or more user interface elements; and identifies an active user interface element among the one or more user interface elements that is in focus on the primary display. In accordance with a determination that the active user interface element that is in focus on the primary display is associated with an application executed by the computing system, the computing system displays a second user interface on the touch screen, including: (A) a first set of corresponding to the application; and (B) at least one system-level affordance corresponding a system-level functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer BERNSTEIN, Duncan R. KERR, John B. MORRELL, Lawrence Y. YANG, Lance WILSON
  • Publication number: 20170010847
    Abstract: A method is performed at a computing system with a first housing that includes a primary display and a second housing at least partially containing (i) a physical keyboard and a touch-sensitive secondary display (“TSSD”) that is distinct from the primary display. The method includes: displaying, on the primary display, a first user interface for an application and displaying, on the TSSD, a first set of affordances corresponding to a first portion of the application. The method further includes: detecting a swipe gesture on the TSSD. If the swipe gesture was performed in a first direction, the method includes: displaying a second set of affordances corresponding to the first portion on the TSSD. If the swipe gesture was performed in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the method includes: displaying a third set of affordances corresponding to a second portion of the application on the TSSD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, John B. Morrell, Lawrence Y. Yang, Eric Lance Wilson
  • 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: 9524272
    Abstract: In any context where a user can view multiple different content items, switching among content items is provided using an array mode. In a full-frame mode, one content item is visible and active, but other content items may also be open. In response to user input the display can be switched to an array mode, in which all of the content items are visible in a scrollable array. Selecting a content item in array mode can result in the display returning to the full-frame mode, with the selected content item becoming visible and active. Smoothly animated transitions between the full-frame and array modes and a gesture-based interface for controlling the transitions can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Decker, Nicholas Zambetti, Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Raymond Sepulveda, Duncan R. Kerr, Julian Missig, Matthew Irvine Brown, Donald Melton
  • Patent number: 9477642
    Abstract: In any context where a user can view multiple different content items, switching among content items is provided using an array mode. In a full-frame mode, one content item is visible and active, but other content items may also be open. In response to user input the display can be switched to an array mode, in which all of the content items are visible in a scrollable array. Selecting a content item in array mode can result in the display returning to the full-frame mode, with the selected content item becoming visible and active. Smoothly animated transitions between the full-frame and array modes and a gesture-based interface for controlling the transitions can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Decker, Nicholas Zambetti, Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Raymond Sepulveda, Duncan R. Kerr, Julian Missig, Donald Melton
  • Patent number: 9335912
    Abstract: A remote wand for controlling the operations of a media system is provided. The wand may be operative to control the movement of a cursor displayed on screen by the position and orientation at which the wand is held. As the user moves the wand, the on-screen cursor may move. The user may use the wand to control a plurality of operations and applications that may be available from the media system, including for example zoom operations, a keyboard application, an image application, an illustration application, and a media application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Duncan R. Kerr, Nicholas V. King
  • Patent number: 9147915
    Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Bartley K. Andre, Duncan R. Kerr, Christopher Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, Chris Ligtenberg, John Brock, Tom Wilson, Dinesh Mathew, Brett W. Degner, Tomas E. Ponce
  • Patent number: 9092053
    Abstract: An electronic device for providing a display that changes based on the user's perspective is provided. The electronic device may include a sensing mechanism operative to detect the user's position relative a display of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may include a camera operative to detect the position of the user's head. Using the detected position, the electronic device may be operative to transform displayed objects such that the displayed perspective reflects the detected position of the user. The electronic device may use any suitable approach for modifying a displayed object, including for example a parallax transform or a perspective transform. In some embodiments, the electronic device may overlay the environment detected by the sensing mechanism (e.g., by a camera) to provide a more realistic experience for the user (e.g., display a reflection of the image detected by the camera on reflective surfaces of a displayed object).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan R. Kerr, Nicholas V. King
  • Publication number: 20150153929
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive surface and a display. The device displays, on the display, a first user interface. The device detects a gesture on the touch-sensitive surface. The gesture includes movement of a contact in a respective direction on the touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the gesture: in accordance with a determination that the movement of the contact is entirely on a first portion of the touch-sensitive surface, the device performs an operation in the first user interface that corresponds to the gesture; and in accordance with a determination that the movement of the contact is entirely on a second portion of the touch-sensitive surface, the device replaces display of the first user interface with display of a second user interface different from the first user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Avi E. Cieplinski, Duncan R. Kerr, Nicholas V. King
  • Publication number: 20140351707
    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: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Julian MISSIG, Jonathan KOCH, Avi E. CIEPLINSKI, B. Michael VICTOR, Jeffrey Traer BERNSTEIN, Duncan R. KERR, Myra M. HAGGERTY
  • Patent number: 8881049
    Abstract: An electronic device associated with a remote wand controlling the operations of the electronic device is provided. The wand may include a motion detection component operative to provide an output reflecting the motion of the wand to the electronic device, such that the movements of a cursor displayed by the electronic device may be related to the output of the motion detection component. The wand may also include an input mechanism operative to receive user inputs. Using the input mechanism, the wand may detect a user's inputs and direct the electronic device to zoom or scroll displayed objects. The electronic device may display a screen saver by which the user may select particular media items for playback while remaining in the screen saver mode. In some embodiments, the electronic device may display video with a scroll bar that includes a preview window of the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan R. Kerr, Nicholas V. King
  • Patent number: 8832585
    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: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Missig, Jonathan Koch, Avi E. Cieplinski, B. Michael Victor, Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, Myra M. Haggerty