Patents by Inventor John G. Elias

John G. Elias 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: 20160062498
    Abstract: A touch input/output device for a computing device. The touch device includes a touch sensor for providing touch location information and a force sensor for providing force of touch information. The touch sensor determines touch location information. The force sensor determines the force of touch information. Both the touch sensor and the force sensor are integrated into a circuit responsive to signals, the signals occurring at discernible times in response to whether the signals are in response to contact or in response to an amount of force. Additionally, the touch device includes a circuit coupled to the touch sensor and to the force sensor, and capable of combining information from the touch sensors and from the force sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Q. Huppi, Martin P. Grunthaner, John G. Elias, Sinan Filiz, Steven P. Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20160062530
    Abstract: An electronic device that senses home button inputs through ultrasonic force sensing. The electronic device may correlate that amount of force that a user applies to the home button with a specific home button command. In certain embodiments, the system may combine the force of touch information with other information that is sensed for a particular touch to correlate the touch input with a greater number of home button commands. A home button embodiment discussed herein may include a home button image that is displayed on a touch sensitive panel. In other embodiments, a home button may be located outside of the boundaries of a touch sensitive panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Q. Huppi, Martin P. Grunthaner, John G. Elias, Sinan Filiz, Steven P. Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20160062497
    Abstract: An input/output device for a computing device including one or more touch sensors and one or more force sensors. The touch sensors sense data including one or more locations at which a contact or near-contact occurs. The force sensor sense data including a measure of an amount of force presented at the one or more locations at which a contact occurs. The touch sensors and the force sensors responsive to signals occurring in response to whether the signals are in response to contact or in response to an amount of force. The input/output device also includes one or more circuits coupled to the touch sensors and to the force sensors, and capable of combining information from both sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Q. Huppi, Martin P. Grunthaner, John G. Elias, Sinan Filiz, Steven P. Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20160054826
    Abstract: A force sensing device for computer or electronic devices. The force sensing device is configured to determine an amount of force applied, and changes in amounts of force applied, by the user when contacting a device, such as a touch device, and which can be incorporated into devices using touch recognition, touch elements of a graphical user interface, and touch input or manipulation in an application program. Additionally, the force sensing device may determine an amount of force applied, and changes in amounts of force applied, by the user when contacting a device, such as a touch device, and in response thereto, provide additional functions available to a user of a touch device, track pad, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Q. Huppi, Martin P. Grunthaner, John G. Elias, Sinan Filiz, Steven P. Hotelling
  • Patent number: 9098142
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8866752
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20140160068
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne WESTERMAN, John G. ELIAS
  • Patent number: 8736555
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8730177
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8698755
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20140083883
    Abstract: A protective covering for an electronic device such as a tablet computer. In various embodiments, to protective covering may cover both front and rear surfaces of the electronic device, as well as from and rear surfaces of an associated keyboard. Additionally, certain configuration for the protective covering may operate to trigger a sleep mode for the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8674943
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8665240
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8633898
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8629840
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8576177
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20130265263
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Wayne WESTERMAN, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20130234986
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus adapted to ensure that contact from a stylus will be detected on a low resolution touch sensor panel irrespective of the location of the region of contact upon the touch surface. In some examples, a metallic or otherwise conductive disk may be attached to one end of the stylus. The disk may be sized so as to guarantee sufficient electrical interaction with at least one sensory element of the touch sensor panel. In some examples, the stylus may be powered so as to provide a stimulus signal to the capacitive elements. Optionally, one or more force and/or angle sensors disposed within the stylus can supply additional data to the touch panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John G. ELIAS
  • Patent number: 8514183
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8384675
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias