Patents by Inventor John A. Harper

John A. Harper 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: 8040359
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for producing images including emulation techniques using multiple processors. The system provides for emulation of graphics processing resources such that a central processing unit may provide graphics support. Disclosed embodiments include emulation of selected graphics calls as well as emulation of a programmable graphics processor for compatibility with systems having no compatible GPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Patent number: 8040353
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for producing images including emulation techniques using multiple processors. The system provides for emulation of graphics processing resources such that a central processing unit may provide graphics support. Disclosed embodiments include emulation of selected graphics calls as well as emulation of a programmable graphics processor for compatibility with systems having no compatible GPU. Embodiments also include optimization of graphics code for a particular kind of processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Publication number: 20110216079
    Abstract: Techniques to generate partial display updates in a buffered window system in which arbitrary visual effects are permitted to any one or more windows (e.g., application-specific window buffers) are described. Once a display output region is identified for updating, the buffered window system is interrogated to determine which regions within each window, if any, may effect the identified output region. Such determination considers the consequences any filters associated with a window impose on the region needed to make the output update.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ralph Brunner, John Harper
  • Publication number: 20110169857
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for producing images including techniques for reducing the memory and processing power required for such operations. The system provides techniques for programmatically representing a graphics problem. The system further provides techniques for reducing and optimizing graphics problems for rendering with consideration of the system resources, such as the availability of a compatible GPU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: John Harper, Ralph Brunner, Peter Graffagnino, Mark Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20110164184
    Abstract: A display driving architecture that can include two graphics pipelines with an optional connection between them to provide a mirrored mode. In one embodiment, one of the two pipelines can be automatically configured (e.g. routed in one of a plurality of ways, such as routing to do color conversion) based upon the type of cable that is coupled to a connector of the one pipeline. In another embodiment, a connection of a cable can cause display information (e.g. resolutions of an external display) to be provided to an application which can select a display mode while one of the graphics pipelines is kept in a low power state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Gokhan Avkarogullari, John Harper, Joshua H. Shaffer, Roberto G. Yepez
  • Publication number: 20110154706
    Abstract: A firearm maintenance system wherein a count for the number of times the firearm is fired is kept and stored in memory that is resident on the firearm. Also installed on the firearm are a shot counter device, including an inertia switch, a communication card, and an extended life battery. An epoxy resin encases the memory, shot counter device, communication card and battery to protect them from detrimental environmental effects. The life of various component parts of the weapon are tracked against the shot count of the weapon and replaced at appropriate intervals. Weapon maintenance is performed by transferring the weapon's data from the weapon's memory to an operator laptop computer wherein an algorithm analyzes the data and advises the operator to take necessary maintenance steps, such as replacing parts that have reached the end of their useful life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Patent number: 7969453
    Abstract: Techniques to generate partial display updates in a buffered window system in which arbitrary visual effects are permitted to any one or more windows (e.g., application-specific window buffers) are described. Once a display output region is identified for updating, the buffered window system is interrogated to determine which regions within each window, if any, may effect the identified output region. Such determination considers the consequences any filters associated with a window impose on the region needed to make the output update.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Brunner, John Harper
  • Publication number: 20110141120
    Abstract: The application programming interface operates in an environment with user interface software interacting with multiple software applications or processes in order to synchronize animations associated with multiple views or windows of a display of a device. The method for synchronizing the animations includes setting attributes of views independently with each view being associated with a process. The method further includes transferring a synchronization call to synchronize animations for the multiple views of the display. In one embodiment, the synchronization call includes the identification and the number of processes that are requesting animation. The method further includes transferring a synchronization confirmation message when a synchronization flag is enabled. The method further includes updating the attributes of the views from a first state to a second state independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew Platzer, John Harper
  • Publication number: 20110109635
    Abstract: At least certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for animating a display region, windows, or views displayed on a display of a device. The method includes starting at least two animations. The method further includes determining the progress of each animation. The method further includes completing each animation based on a single timer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew Platzer, John Harper
  • Publication number: 20110074810
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for producing images including emulation techniques using multiple processors. The system provides for emulation of graphics processing resources such that a central processing unit may provide graphics support. Disclosed embodiments include emulation of selected graphics calls as well as emulation of a programmable graphics processor for compatibility with systems having no compatible GPU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Publication number: 20110074821
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for producing images including emulation techniques using multiple processors. The system provides for emulation of graphics processing resources such that a central processing unit may provide graphics support. Disclosed embodiments include emulation of selected graphics calls as well as emulation of a programmable graphics processor for compatibility with systems having no compatible GPU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Patent number: 7911472
    Abstract: Disclosed is as system for reducing memory and computational requirements of graphics operations. The system provides techniques for combining otherwise individual operations to apply filters to images. The combined filter emerging from the combination spares the processor time and the creation of an entire intermediary image. The system further provides for application of these techniques in many contexts including where the operations are fragment programs in for a programmable GPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Patent number: 7903115
    Abstract: At least certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for animating a display region, windows, or views displayed on a display of a device. The method includes starting at least two animations. The method further includes determining the progress of each animation. The method further includes completing each animation based on a single timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Platzer, John Harper
  • Publication number: 20110037768
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for producing images including emulation techniques using multiple processors. The system provides for emulation of graphics processing resources such that a central processing unit may provide graphics support. Disclosed embodiments include emulation of selected graphics calls as well as emulation of a programmable graphics processor for compatibility with systems having no compatible GPU. Embodiments also include optimization of graphics code for a particular kind of processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Patent number: 7885179
    Abstract: A method of constructing a repair path around a non-available component in a data communications network is described. The data communications network has, as components, nodes and links therebetween defining a network topology. The non-available component is a member of a shared risk group of components commonly renderable non-available. The method comprises the step, performed at a repairing node, of identifying as a repair target a neighbour component of the non-available component. The method further comprises the step of constructing a repair network topology omitting the shared risk group. The method further comprises the step of constructing a repair path to the repair target in the repair topology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart Frederick Bryant, Ian Michael Charles Shand, John Harper
  • Patent number: 7872652
    Abstract: The application programming interface operates in an environment with user interface software interacting with multiple software applications or processes in order to synchronize animations associated with multiple views or windows of a display of a device. The method for synchronizing the animations includes setting attributes of views independently with each view being associated with a process. The method further includes transferring a synchronization call to synchronize animations for the multiple views of the display. In one embodiment the synchronization call includes the identification and the number of processes that are requesting animation. The method further includes transferring a synchronization confirmation message when a synchronization flag is enabled. The method further includes updating the attributes of the views from a first state to a second state independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Platzer, John Harper
  • Publication number: 20110004306
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating an abdominal incision or hernia are described. An implant for the restoration or prophylactic treatment of an abdominal wall comprises an elongate element and at least one sheet connected to the elongate element along a longitudinal axis of the elongate element. The elongate element is positioned along the line of incision, and the at least one sheet is secured to the abdominal muscles surrounding the incision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Patent number: 7847800
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for producing images including emulation techniques. The system provides for emulation of graphics processing resources such that a central processing unit may provide graphics support. Disclosed embodiments include emulation of selected graphics calls as well as emulation of a programmable graphics processor for compatibility with systems having no compatible GPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John Harper
  • Publication number: 20100245202
    Abstract: A feed module is provided for an array antenna. The feed module comprises a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) feed structure for coupling signals between connections to transmitters or receivers and connection points for connecting to antenna elements of the array antenna. The multi-layer PCB feed structure comprises a body portion, incorporating coupling components, and a number of line sections for connecting to elements of the array antenna. The planar layers of the multi-layer PCB are arranged to be mounted substantially perpendicular to a planar array of antenna elements of the array antenna when the feed module is integrated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Gareth Michael Lewis, Gary David Panaghiston, Larry Brian Tween, Richard John Harper
  • Publication number: 20100235777
    Abstract: A window manager process hosts proxy window objects created by an application in a window manager display structure. A process in a device creates a local proxy view object within a window manager display structure for the window manager process. The process registers an identifier for a remote proxy window object which corresponds to an application display structure. The application controls processing of data used by the application. The process assigns the identifier for the remote proxy window object to the local proxy view object in the window manager display structure to create a composite display structure and renders the composite display structure to display an image on a display device. The image corresponds to the objects of the application display structure represented by the remote proxy window object. The window manager process controls rendering of the composite display structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Scott Herz, John Harper, Christopher Marcellino