Patents by Inventor Eric George Smith

Eric George 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).

  • AUDIO SENSORS
    Publication number: 20120306823
    Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of an audio detection system having a display assembly. The display assembly may include a screen and at least one electromagnetic energy emitter configured to direct energy at an inside surface of the screen. At least one sensor is configured to sense the emitted energy after it is reflected from the inside surface of the screen and generate electrical signals corresponding the sensed reflected energy. A processor coupled to the at least one sensor generates an audio signal representative of sound waves that impact an outer surface of the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Brett Bilbrey, Eric George Smith, Jahan Christian Minoo
  • Low power peer detection circuit
    Patent number: 8291241
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting the connection of a FireWire peer to a FireWire device. In one embodiment, a device may determine whether a peer connection is present based on peer detection circuit configured in each FireWire port of a FireWire device. When no peer is connected to a device, a peer connection in the circuit may be open, and a current path through the circuit may provide a low detect signal, indicating that no peer is connected. When a peer is connected to a detecting device, the current may pass through a resistance in the detected peer to provide a high detect signal, indicating that a peer is connected. In some embodiments, once a peer is detected, the FireWire system of the detecting device may be powered on, and the peer detection circuit may be powered off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric George Smith, Colin Whitby-Strevens, Eric Anderson
  • LOW POWER PEER DETECTION CIRCUIT
    Publication number: 20100312921
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting the connection of a FireWire peer to a FireWire device. In one embodiment, a device may determine whether a peer connection is present based on peer detection circuit configured in each FireWire port of a FireWire device. When no peer is connected to a device, a peer connection in the circuit may be open, and a current path through the circuit may provide a low detect signal, indicating that no peer is connected. When a peer is connected to a detecting device, the current may pass through a resistance in the detected peer to provide a high detect signal, indicating that a peer is connected. In some embodiments, once a peer is detected, the FireWire system of the detecting device may be powered on, and the peer detection circuit may be powered off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Eric George Smith, Colin Whitby-Strevens, Eric Anderson