Patents by Inventor John Jacob Nelson

John Jacob Nelson 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: 10739986
    Abstract: Techniques for a circuit board for an input device are described. In at least some embodiments, an input device is integrated into a circuit board of an apparatus. For instance, a touch interaction region of the input device is formed by cutting and/or etching a portion of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to adjacent portions of the circuit board. According to one or more embodiments, an input device includes a switch such that movement of the touch interaction region actuates the switch to generate a click input event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyue Xie, Rahul Marwah, John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III
  • Patent number: 10394340
    Abstract: A backlit device includes an outer layer, an adhesive layer, and a light guide configured to transmit light from a light source. The adhesive layer is positioned between the outer layer and the light guide. The outer layer includes a plurality of outer layer segments and at least one opening positioned between the outer layer segments where light from the light guide can pass through and provide backlighting. The adhesive layer includes a plurality of adhesive material segments. Each adhesive material segment is individually positioned between an outer layer segment and the light guide such that the perimeter of an outer layer segment surrounds the perimeter of the respective adhesive material segment. Through this arrangement, the adhesive material segments do not divert or block light passing through the opening in the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Tao Liu, John Jacob Nelson, Jingyu Zou
  • Patent number: 10359848
    Abstract: Input device haptics and pressure sensing techniques are described. An input device includes an outer surface, a pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism, and a pressure sensing and haptic feedback module. The outer surface is configured to receive an application of pressure by an object. The pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism has one or more piezos configured to detect and quantify an amount of the application of the pressure to the outer surface by the object, the one or more piezos configured to output a signal indicating the quantified amount of the pressure. The pressure sensing and haptic feedback module is configured to receive the signal from the one or more piezos indicating the quantified amount of the pressure and control the haptic feedback of the pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew E. Winter, Brian Rush Cox, Launnie K E Ginn, David Otto Whitt, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Carl E. Picciotto, Gahn Gavyn Yun, John Jacob Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190146593
    Abstract: A backlit device includes an outer layer, an adhesive layer, and a light guide configured to transmit light from a light source. The adhesive layer is positioned between the outer layer and the light guide. The outer layer includes a plurality of outer layer segments and at least one opening positioned between the outer layer segments where light from the light guide can pass through and provide backlighting. The adhesive layer includes a plurality of adhesive material segments. Each adhesive material segment is individually positioned between an outer layer segment and the light guide such that the perimeter of an outer layer segment surrounds the perimeter of the respective adhesive material segment. Through this arrangement, the adhesive material segments do not divert or block light passing through the opening in the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Tao LIU, John Jacob NELSON, Jingyu ZOU
  • Patent number: 10216285
    Abstract: A backlit device includes an outer layer, an adhesive layer, and a light guide configured to transmit light from a light source. The adhesive layer is positioned between the outer layer and the light guide. The outer layer includes a plurality of outer layer segments and at least one opening positioned between the outer layer segments where light from the light guide can pass through and provide backlighting. The adhesive layer includes a plurality of adhesive material segments. Each adhesive material segment is individually positioned between an outer layer segment and the light guide such that the perimeter of an outer layer segment surrounds the perimeter of the respective adhesive material segment. Through this arrangement, the adhesive material segments do not divert or block light passing through the opening in the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Tao Liu, John Jacob Nelson, Jingyu Zou
  • Publication number: 20180307395
    Abstract: Techniques for a circuit board for an input device are described. In at least some embodiments, an input device is integrated into a circuit board of an apparatus. For instance, a touch interaction region of the input device is formed by cutting and/or etching a portion of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to adjacent portions of the circuit board. According to one or more embodiments, an input device includes a switch such that movement of the touch interaction region actuates the switch to generate a click input event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyue Xie, Rahul Marwah, John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III
  • Patent number: 10042545
    Abstract: Techniques for a touch input in a circuit board are described. In at least some embodiments, a touch input device is integrated into a circuit board of an apparatus. For instance, a touch interaction region of the touch input device is formed by cutting and/or etching a portion of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to adjacent portions of the circuit board. According to one or more embodiments, a touch input device includes a switch such that movement of the touch interaction region actuates the switch to generate a click input event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyue Xie, Rahul Marwah, John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III
  • Publication number: 20180024720
    Abstract: Techniques for a touch input in a circuit board are described. In at least some embodiments, a touch input device is integrated into a circuit board of an apparatus. For instance, a touch interaction region of the touch input device is formed by cutting and/or etching a portion of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to adjacent portions of the circuit board. According to one or more embodiments, a touch input device includes a switch such that movement of the touch interaction region actuates the switch to generate a click input event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyue Xie, Rahul Marwah, John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III
  • Patent number: 9785339
    Abstract: Techniques for a touch input device in a circuit board are described. In at least some embodiments, a touch input device is integrated into a circuit board of an apparatus. For instance, a touch interaction region of the touch input device is formed by cutting and/or etching a portion of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to adjacent portions of the circuit board. According to one or more embodiments, a touch input device includes a switch such that movement of the touch interaction region actuates the switch to generate a click input event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyue Xie, Rahul Marwah, John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III
  • Patent number: 9720453
    Abstract: Techniques for fabric adhesion to an apparatus are described. According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus is laminated with fabric utilizing one or more fabric layers. In at least some embodiments, multiple adhesive zones are defined on a fabric layer. Each adhesive zone, for instance, has a particular set of properties, such as a particular location on a fabric layer, a particular adhesive thickness, a particular adhesive type, and so forth. In at least some embodiments, different adhesive zones differ from one another based on one or more of their respective properties and thus enable different fabric characteristics to be specified at different adhesive zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III, Timothy Carlyle Shaw, Rahul Marwah, Thomas Joseph Longo, Eugene Lee
  • Publication number: 20170153703
    Abstract: A piezoelectric haptic feedback structure disclosed herein includes a supporting base defining a cavity and a piezoelectric actuator assembly at least partially suspended within the cavity. A perimeter hinge secures a perimeter portion of the piezoelectric actuator assembly while permitting movement of a central portion of a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator haptic feedback structure further includes a force-communicating structure that communicates haptic feedback responsive to movement of the central portion of the piezoelectric actuator assembly within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Gahn Yun, Carl Picciotto, Sheila A. Longo, Aric Ahkeel Fitz-Coy, Rahul Marwah, John Jacob Nelson
  • Publication number: 20170102770
    Abstract: Input device haptics and pressure sensing techniques are described. An input device includes an outer surface, a pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism, and a pressure sensing and haptic feedback module. The outer surface is configured to receive an application of pressure by an object. The pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism has one or more piezos configured to detect and quantify an amount of the application of the pressure to the outer surface by the object, the one or more piezos configured to output a signal indicating the quantified amount of the pressure. The pressure sensing and haptic feedback module is configured to receive the signal from the one or more piezos indicating the quantified amount of the pressure and control the haptic feedback of the pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew E. Winter, Brian Rush Cox, Launnie K.E. Ginn, David Otto Whitt, III, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Carl E. Picciotto, Gahn Gavyn Yun, John Jacob Nelson
  • Patent number: 9448631
    Abstract: Input device haptics and pressure sensing techniques are described. An input device includes an outer surface, a pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism, and a pressure sensing and haptic feedback module. The outer surface is configured to receive an application of pressure by an object. The pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism has one or more piezos configured to detect and quantify an amount of the application of the pressure to the outer surface by the object, the one or more piezos configured to output a signal indicating the quantified amount of the pressure. The pressure sensing and haptic feedback module is configured to receive the signal from the one or more piezos indicating the quantified amount of the pressure and control the haptic feedback of the pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew E. Winter, Brian Rush Cox, Launnie K. E. Ginn, David Otto Whitt, III, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Carl E. Picciotto, Gahn Gavyn Yun, John Jacob Nelson
  • Publication number: 20160225549
    Abstract: A backlit device includes an outer layer, an adhesive layer, and a light guide configured to transmit light from a light source. The adhesive layer is positioned between the outer layer and the light guide. The outer layer includes a plurality of outer layer segments and at least one opening positioned between the outer layer segments where light from the light guide can pass through and provide backlighting. The adhesive layer includes a plurality of adhesive material segments. Each adhesive material segment is individually positioned between an outer layer segment and the light guide such that the perimeter of an outer layer segment surrounds the perimeter of the respective adhesive material segment. Through this arrangement, the adhesive material segments do not divert or block light passing through the opening in the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Tao Liu, John Jacob Nelson, Jingyu Zou
  • Publication number: 20160195955
    Abstract: Combined sensor systems are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The input device includes a combined sensor system having a capacitive sensor assembly to detect a location of an object proximate to a capacitive sensor and a pressure sensitive sensor assembly configured to detect an amount of pressure applied against a pressure sensitive sensor. The pressure sensitive sensors are interspersed with capacitive sensors in a geometric pattern that enables isolation of signals for pressure detection and capacitive sensing. The combined sensor system includes support structures proximate to the pressure sensitive sensors for pre-load control over force sensitive resistors of the flexible contact layer. The combined sensor system also includes adhesive disposed in association with positions of the capacitive sensors to stabilize capacitive sensing under the influence of pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Carl E. Picciotto, John Jacob Nelson, Brian R. Cox
  • Publication number: 20160187933
    Abstract: Techniques for fabric adhesion to an apparatus are described. According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus is laminated with fabric utilizing one or more fabric layers. In at least some embodiments, multiple adhesive zones are defined on a fabric layer. Each adhesive zone, for instance, has a particular set of properties, such as a particular location on a fabric layer, a particular adhesive thickness, a particular adhesive type, and so forth. In at least some embodiments, different adhesive zones differ from one another based on one or more of their respective properties and thus enable different fabric characteristics to be specified at different adhesive zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III, Timothy Carlyle Shaw, Rahul Marwah, Thomas Joseph Longo, Eugene Lee
  • Publication number: 20160162147
    Abstract: Techniques for a touch input device in a circuit board are described. In at least some embodiments, a touch input device is integrated into a circuit board of an apparatus. For instance, a touch interaction region of the touch input device is formed by cutting and/or etching a portion of the circuit board such that the touch interaction region is moveable with respect to adjacent portions of the circuit board. According to one or more embodiments, a touch input device includes a switch such that movement of the touch interaction region actuates the switch to generate a click input event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaoyue Xie, Rahul Marwah, John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III
  • Publication number: 20150228105
    Abstract: Texture and graphic formation techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes one or more modules implemented at least partially in hardware, the one or more modules configured to perform operations as part of a computing device. The apparatus also includes an outer layer disposed over and at least partially covering the one or more modules, the outer layer includes a graphics substrate having an outer surface that has a non-smooth texture and one or more graphics formed on an opposing side of the graphics substrate from the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Dean Harley, JR., John Jacob Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150227207
    Abstract: Input device haptics and pressure sensing techniques are described. An input device includes an outer surface, a pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism, and a pressure sensing and haptic feedback module. The outer surface is configured to receive an application of pressure by an object. The pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism has one or more piezos configured to detect and quantify an amount of the application of the pressure to the outer surface by the object, the one or more piezos configured to output a signal indicating the quantified amount of the pressure. The pressure sensing and haptic feedback module is configured to receive the signal from the one or more piezos indicating the quantified amount of the pressure and control the haptic feedback of the pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew E. Winter, Brian Rush Cox, Launnie K. E. Ginn, David Otto Whitt, III, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Carl E. Picciotto, Gahn Gavyn Yun, John Jacob Nelson