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).

  • Patent number: 8334846
    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: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8330727
    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: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20120293442
    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: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Wayne WESTERMAN, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8314775
    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: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 8300019
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for normalizing the effects of the changes to the parasitic capacitive coupling that can occur in touch sensor panels so as to reduce or eliminate the appearance of erroneous touch events. In some embodiments, at some time prior to regular device use (e.g. during factory calibration), a conductive sheet is initially positioned so as to entirely cover a touch surface of a touch sensor panel. A set of sensed signals may be determined upon driving the drive lines and sensing the sense lines of the panel. Correctional coefficients may then be calculated based in part upon the difference between a sensed signal and an expected signal. The correctional coefficients may then be stored in the device and used to determine signal corrections for a set of measured signals during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Elias, Steve Porter Hotelling
  • Patent number: 7812828
    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: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 7782307
    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 24, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 7764274
    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: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20100149092
    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 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20100149134
    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: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 7705830
    Abstract: A multi-touch system is disclosed that compares finger arrangements at the beginning of multi-touch gestures and discriminates between neutral- and spread-hand performances. Gestures by the neutral- and spread-hand versions of each chord are then mapped to separate, but intuitively related cursor functions or sets of commands. Less-frequently performed functions and commands are typically assigned to the spread-hand chord, since spreading the hand from neutral takes deliberate effort. With these neutral and spread distinctions, a two-handed gesture set can be packed into a one-handed touch surface, or for two-handed touch surfaces, twice as many intuitively customizable gesture command sets can be accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 7656394
    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 2, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20100013800
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for normalizing the effects of the changes to the parasitic capacitive coupling that can occur in touch sensor panels so as to reduce or eliminate the appearance of erroneous touch events. In some embodiments, at some time prior to regular device use (e.g. during factory calibration), a conductive sheet is initially positioned so as to entirely cover a touch surface of a touch sensor panel. A set of sensed signals may be determined upon driving the drive lines and sensing the sense lines of the panel. Correctional coefficients may then be calculated based in part upon the difference between a sensed signal and an expected signal. The correctional coefficients may then be stored in the device and used to determine signal corrections for a set of measured signals during normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: John G. ELIAS, Steve Porter Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20100006350
    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 embodiments, 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 embodiments, 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: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: John G. Elias
  • Patent number: 7619618
    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: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20090251438
    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: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne WESTERMAN, John G. ELIAS
  • Publication number: 20090251439
    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: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne WESTERMAN, John G. ELIAS
  • Publication number: 20090251435
    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: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20090244032
    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: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne WESTERMAN, John G. Elias
  • Publication number: 20090249236
    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: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne Westerman, John G. Elias