Patents by Inventor Jonah A. Harley

Jonah A. Harley 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: 9329703
    Abstract: An intelligent stylus is disclosed. The stylus can provide a stylus condition in addition to a touch input. The stylus architecture can include multiple sensors to sense information indicative of the stylus condition, a microcontroller to determine the stylus condition based on the sensed information, and a transmitter to transmit the determined condition to a corresponding touch sensitive device so as to cause some action based on the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Falkenburg, David I. Simon, Jonah A. Harley, Andrea Mucignat, Brian Richards Land, Christopher Tenzin Mullens, Steven Porter Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20160103530
    Abstract: A two-layer cover with a compressible layer separating first and second layers. In some cases, capacitive sensing between the first and second layers can determine both touch locations and applied force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Omar Sze Leung, Jonah A. Harley, James E. Wright, Craig Christopher Leong, Kristina A. Babiarz
  • Publication number: 20160103543
    Abstract: A force sensor and force-sensing structure for use as input to an electronic device. A user touch event may be sensed on a display, enclosure, or other surface associated with an electronic device using a force sensor adapted to determine the magnitude of force of the touch event. The sensor output, corresponding to the magnitude of force, may be used as an input signal, input data, or other input information to the electronic device. A force sensor may include an array of upper electrodes disposed on a first substrate and a compliant medium disposed in a gap between the first substrate and a second substrate. At least one lower electrode may be disposed on the second substrate. The first substrate may be configured to deflect relative to the second substrate over a localized region when a force is applied to the force-receiving surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Kessler, Jonah A. Harley, Soyoung Kim, Daniel D. Sunshine
  • Publication number: 20160091972
    Abstract: A haptic feedback assembly includes interconnections for mechanically and electrically securing a haptic actuator in a track pad assembly so as to securely and efficiently provide haptic feedback to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Jonah A. Harley, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Derryk C. Davis, Scott J. McEuen, John M. Brock
  • Publication number: 20160062500
    Abstract: A force sensor and force-sensing structure for use as input to an electronic device. A user touch event may be sensed on a display, enclosure, or other surface associated with an electronic device using a force sensor adapted to determine the magnitude of force of the touch event. The sensor output, corresponding to the magnitude of force, may be used as an input signal, input data, or other input information to the electronic device. A force sensor may include an array of upper electrodes disposed on a first substrate and a compliant medium disposed in a gap between the first substrate and a second substrate. At least one lower electrode may be disposed on the second substrate. The first substrate may be configured to deflect relative to the second substrate over a localized region when a force is applied to the force-receiving surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Kessler, Jonah A. Harley, Soyoung Kim, Daniel D. Sunshine
  • Publication number: 20160063826
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a haptic actuator or a device having a haptic actuator that is capable of producing short, sharp and crisp pulses in a short amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: John B. Morrell, Jonah A. Harley, Storrs T. Hoen, Brett W. Degner, Camille Moussette, Anthony Guetta, Samuel B. Weiss, Douglas A. Scott
  • Publication number: 20160063850
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for providing an output for an electronic device. In certain embodiments, an alert is output in accordance with a current alert mode, which are selected based on one or more environmental conditions. The environmental conditions may be detected using one or more environmental sensors. The alert can optionally include one or more of: an audio component, a haptic component and a visual component. One or more of alert components correspond to an aspect of the environmental condition detected by the one or more environmental sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Lawrence Yang, Jonathan R. Dascola, Camille Moussette, Hugo D. Verweij, Jonah A. Harley, John B. Morrell
  • Publication number: 20150370376
    Abstract: A device configured to determine the location and magnitude of a touch on a surface of the device. The device includes a transparent touch sensor that is configured to detect a location of a touch on the transparent touch sensor. The device also includes a force-sensing structure disposed at the periphery of the transparent touch sensor. The force sensor includes an upper capacitive plate and a compressible element disposed on one side of the upper capacitive plate. The force sensor also includes a lower capacitive plate disposed on a side of the compressible element that is opposite the upper capacitive plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Jonah A. HARLEY, Peter W. RICHARDS, Brian Q. HUPPI, Omar Sze LEUNG, Dhaval N. SHAH, Martin P. GRUNTHANER, Steven P. HOTELLING, Miguel C CHRISTOPHY, Vivek KATIYAR, Tang Yew TAN, Christopher J. BUTLER, Erik G. DE JONG, Ming SARTEE, Rui QIAO, Steven J. MARTISAUSKAS, Storrs T. HOEN, Richard Hung Minh DINH, Lee E. HOOTON, Ian A. SPRAGGS, Sawyer I. COHEN, David A. PAKULA
  • Publication number: 20150349619
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein may take the form of an electromagnetic actuator that produces a haptic output during operation. Generally, an electromagnetic coil is wrapped around a central magnet array. A shaft passes through the central magnet array, such that the central array may move along the shaft when the proper force is applied. When a current passes through the electromagnetic coil, the coil generates a magnetic field. The coil is stationary with respect to a housing of the actuator, while the central magnet array may move along the shaft within the housing. Thus, excitation of the coil exerts a force on the central magnet array, which moves in response to that force. The direction of the current through the coil determines the direction of the magnetic field and thus the motion of the central magnet array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel, David H. Narajowski, Jonah A. Harley, Michael E. Leclerc, Patrick Kessler, Samuel Bruce Weiss, Storrs T. Hoen
  • Publication number: 20150327370
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a component on a surface or substrate including the steps of applying a coating to a selected deposit area of the surface, each deposit area defining at least a portion of a perimeter of an alignment area, depositing an fluid on the coating, and depositing, dropping, or otherwise positioning the component above the alignment area are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Jonah A. Harley, Stephen B. Lynch, Stephen P. Zadesky
  • Publication number: 20150177899
    Abstract: A haptic response element is contemplated. The haptic response element may generate a tactile feeling as an output and is associated with a computing device. The tactile feeling may be created by moving a part of the haptic response element. A gel may act to return the moving part of the haptic response element to a starting or zero point. Motion of the moving part may exert a shear force on the gel, rather than a compressive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Peteris k. Augenbergs, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Jonah A. Harley, Patrick Kessler, John M. Brock, Thomas W. Wilson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150130730
    Abstract: An electronic device including a processor, a display screen in communication with the processor, a track pad in communication with the processor including a movable surface that is selectively movable in at least one direction to provide feedback to a user, and a feedback system in communication with the processor including a feedback sensor. The feedback sensor determines a movement characteristic of the movable surface and the processor selectively adjusts at least one setting of the track pad based on the movement characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Jonah A. Harley, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Patrick Kessler, Kenneth L. Staton, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Thomas W. Wilson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150116260
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a bending beam sensor coupled to a touch input device. The method includes providing a bending beam. The method also includes placing a first strain gauge and a second strain gauge on a surface of the beam near a first end of the beam, and aligning the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge with the beam along an axis. The first end is attached to a base. The method further includes coupling the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge to a plate of the touch input device and electrically connecting the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge such that a differential signal is obtained from the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge when a load is applied on the plate of the touch input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John M. Brock, Jonah A. Harley, Sam Rhea Sarcia
  • Publication number: 20150109223
    Abstract: A haptic electromagnetic actuator for track pad is provided. The actuator includes an array of electromagnets with alternating South and North poles on a first end, each magnet comprising a metal core and an electrical wire around the metal core. The array of magnets is coupled to a base plate on a second end opposite to the first end. The actuator also includes an attraction plate at a distance from the first end of the array of the magnets such that the attraction plate moves toward the magnets when an electrical current flows through the electrical wire around the metal core and moves away from the magnets when the current becomes zero. The array of magnets is configured to form a uniform gap from the attraction plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick Kessler, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Jonah A. Harley, Brett W. Degner, Nicholas Alan Rundle, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Nicholaus Lubinski, Kenneth L. Staton, Omar Sze Leung
  • Publication number: 20150103049
    Abstract: An active stylus is disclosed. The stylus includes an electrode at a tip of the stylus; and powered circuitry coupled to the electrode and configured for capacitively coupling the electrode with a capacitive touch sensor panel. The powered circuitry can further include drive circuitry configured to output a drive voltage at the electrode and/or sense circuitry configured to sense a voltage received at the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Jonah A. HARLEY, David I. SIMON
  • Publication number: 20150091708
    Abstract: Utilizing remote control profile information for configuration of a remote control device. A media processing device may store a remote control profile, locally or on a server accessible via a wide area network, which may include information for configuring a remote control device to utilize one or more wireless remote control commands for controlling the media processing device. The media processing device may also detect one or more wireless remote control commands for controlling one or more other electronic devices and update the remote control profile to include information for configuring a remote control device to utilize those commands. It may be determined to configure a remote control device according to the remote control profile based at least in part on proximity of the remote control device to the media processing device. The remote control device may then be configured according to the remote control profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Liquan Tan, Daniel R. Fletcher, Wing Kong Low, Jonah A. Harley
  • Patent number: 8928635
    Abstract: An active stylus is disclosed. The stylus includes an electrode at a tip of the stylus; and powered circuitry coupled to the electrode and configured for capacitively coupling the electrode with a capacitive touch sensor panel. The powered circuitry can further include drive circuitry configured to output a drive voltage at the electrode and/or sense circuitry configured to sense a voltage received at the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jonah A. Harley, David I. Simon
  • Publication number: 20140085247
    Abstract: A touch device including a force sensor disposed between capacitive sensing structures, so both touch and force sensing occur capacitively using device drivers in rows and columns. A dual-layer cover glass, with gel adhesive separating first and second CG layers, so capacitive sensing between the first and second CG layers can determine both touch locations and applied force. The first and second CG layers include a compressible material having a Poisson's ratio of less than approximately 0.48, the force sensor being embedded therein, or disposed between the first and second CG layers. Applied force is detected using capacitive detection of depression of the first CG layer. Depression is responsive to compressible features smaller than optical wavelengths, so those features are substantially invisible to users. Alternatively, the compressible features may be large enough to be seen by a user, but made substantially invisible through the use of a fluid or other element filling spaces between the features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Omar Sze Leung, Jonah A. Harley, James E. Wright, Craig Christopher Leong, Kristina A. Babiarz
  • Publication number: 20140085253
    Abstract: A touch device including a force sensor disposed between capacitive sensing structures, so both touch and force sensing occur capacitively using device drivers in rows and columns. A dual-layer cover glass, with gel adhesive separating first and second CG layers, so capacitive sensing between the first and second CG layers can determine both touch locations and applied force. The first and second CG layers include a compressible material having a Poisson's ratio of less than approximately 0.48, the force sensor being embedded therein, or disposed between the first and second CG layers. Applied force is detected using capacitive detection of depression of the first CG layer. Depression is responsive to compressible features smaller than optical wavelengths, so those features are substantially invisible to users. Alternatively, the compressible features may be large enough to be seen by a user, but made substantially invisible through the use of a fluid or other element filling spaces between the features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Omar Sze Leung, Jonah A. Harley, James E. Wright, Craig Christopher Leong, Kristina A. Babiarz
  • Publication number: 20140028607
    Abstract: A computing device configured to communicate with an input device. The computing device includes a processor, a touch interface, such as a touch screen, and a receiving unit. The touch interface is configured to detect an input signal corresponding to an object approaching or contacting a surface. The receiving unit is configured to receive, through the touch interface, at least one input signal from the input device, and the receiving unit amplifies the at least one input signal creating at least one amplified input signal. Additionally, at least one of the processor or the receiving unit analyzes the at least one amplified input signal and creates at least one output digital signal corresponding to the at least one input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Liquan Tan, Jonah A. Harley, Feiqiao Brian Yu