Patents by Inventor Lawrence G. Bolton

Lawrence G. Bolton 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: 11503438
    Abstract: Message notifications to an accessory from a mobile communication device are provided according to some embodiments of the invention. When a message such as a text message, email, and/or voicemail is received at a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device can notify an attached accessory that a message has been received. In response, the accessory can request the full message, media associated with the message, an attachment to the message, and/or an audio/video stream of the message for presentation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi
  • Publication number: 20200367024
    Abstract: Message notifications to an accessory from a mobile communication device are provided according to some embodiments of the invention. When a message such as a text message, email, and/or voicemail is received at a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device can notify an attached accessory that a message has been received. In response, the accessory can request the full message, media associated with the message, an attachment to the message, and/or an audio/video stream of the message for presentation to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi
  • Patent number: 10750328
    Abstract: Message notifications to an accessory from a mobile communication device are provided according to some embodiments of the invention. When a message such as a text message, email, and/or voicemail is received at a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device can notify an attached accessory that a message has been received. In response, the accessory can request the full message, media associated with the message, an attachment to the message, and/or an audio/video stream of the message for presentation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi
  • Publication number: 20180041877
    Abstract: Message notifications to an accessory from a mobile communication device are provided according to some embodiments of the invention. When a message such as a text message, email, and/or voicemail is received at a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device can notify an attached accessory that a message has been received. In response, the accessory can request the full message, media associated with the message, an attachment to the message, and/or an audio/video stream of the message for presentation to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi
  • Publication number: 20170318137
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide various communication techniques for communication between a mobile computing device and an accessory. An accessory protocol that is generic to the mobile computing device can be used for some communication. An application executing at the mobile computing device can communicate with the accessory using an application communication protocol. In some embodiments, the application communication protocol can be different from the accessory communication protocol. In other embodiments the application protocol may only be recognized by the application and the accessory. In some embodiments, messages conforming to an application protocol can be communicated between the application and the accessory by packaging the messages inside a message conforming to the accessory communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul-Phillip Holden, Lawrence G. Bolton, Nitin Ganatra, Mitchell D. Adler, Emily Clark Schubert, Jesse Lee Dorogusker
  • Patent number: 9736281
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide various communication techniques for communication between a mobile computing device and an accessory. An accessory protocol that is generic to the mobile computing device can be used for some communication. An application executing at the mobile computing device can communicate with the accessory using an application communication protocol. In some embodiments, the application communication protocol can be different from the accessory communication protocol. In other embodiments the application protocol may only be recognized by the application and the accessory. In some embodiments, messages conforming to an application protocol can be communicated between the application and the accessory by packaging the messages inside a message conforming to the accessory communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul-Phillip Holden, Lawrence G. Bolton, Nitin Ganatra, Mitchell D. Adler, Emily Clark Schubert, Jesse Lee Dorogusker
  • Patent number: 9730268
    Abstract: An accessory can communicate wirelessly with a host device such as a portable electronic device. Existing accessory protocols developed for wired communication can be used without modification, and a wireless network connecting the two devices can provide a transport or channel connecting the two devices. Establishing a wireless channel can involve the active participation of both devices. For instance, the host device can create and identify virtual port to be used by the accessory, after which the accessory can initiate communication on that virtual port. A host device can be configured to automatically connect to certain accessories upon detection of that accessory on a wireless network under various specific conditions. Encryption of accessory-protocol communications between an accessory and a host device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Jason J. Yew, Robert J. Walsh, Awartika Pandey
  • Patent number: 9716986
    Abstract: Message notifications to an accessory from a mobile communication device are provided according to some embodiments of the invention. When a message such as a text message, email, and/or voicemail is received at a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device can notify an attached accessory that a message has been received. In response, the accessory can request the full message, media associated with the message, an attachment to the message, and/or an audio/video stream of the message for presentation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi
  • Patent number: 9712659
    Abstract: Duplex audio is provided for a mobile communication device and an accessory. In some embodiments, the accessory can selectably operate in a duplex audio mode, concurrently sending audio to and receiving audio from the mobile communication device, or in another audio mode. In duplex audio mode, the accessory can enable its internal audio processing operations (e.g., echo cancellation) while the mobile communication device disables its corresponding internal operations or vice versa. The mobile communication device can control when the accessory transitions into and/or out of duplex audio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jason J. Yew, Lawrence G. Bolton
  • Patent number: 9654293
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for identification processes and/or procedures for accessories coupled with a mobile computing device. During identification an accessory can communicate lingo information that includes only those lingoes the accessory can use while coupled with the mobile computing device. The accessory can also communicate accessory protocol information to the mobile computing device during identification. The accessory can be limited to using only those lingoes and/or those protocols identified during identification. Various other accessory information, capabilities, preferences, etc. can also be communicated to the mobile computing device during identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shyam S. Toprani
  • Publication number: 20170013066
    Abstract: An application can be launched in response to a launch request from an accessory. For example, the mobile computing device can determine whether it is in a state that allows launching of an application and/or can determine whether the application or application type requested in the launch command is available for launching. In response to the request, and if the mobile computing device is capable, the mobile computing device can launch the application. The mobile computing device can also send a positive acknowledgment message to the accessory indicating that the application may be launched. An open communication session message may also be sent to the accessory. In response thereto the accessory can open a communication session and interoperate with the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shyam S. Toprani, Paul Holden, Emily Clark Schubert, Thomas Alsina, Scott Forstall, Lawrence G. Bolton, Nitin Ganatra, Mitchell D. Adler, Jesse Lee Dorogusker
  • Publication number: 20160337501
    Abstract: Duplex audio is provided for a mobile communication device and an accessory. In some embodiments, the accessory can selectably operate in a duplex audio mode, concurrently sending audio to and receiving audio from the mobile communication device, or in another audio mode. In duplex audio mode, the accessory can enable its internal audio processing operations (e.g., echo cancellation) while the mobile communication device disables its corresponding internal operations or vice versa. The mobile communication device can control when the accessory transitions into and/or out of duplex audio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Jason J. Yew, Lawrence G. Bolton
  • Patent number: 9363352
    Abstract: Duplex audio is provided for a mobile communication device and an accessory. In some embodiments, the accessory can selectably operate in a duplex audio mode, concurrently sending audio to and receiving audio from the mobile communication device, or in another audio mode. In duplex audio mode, the accessory can enable its internal audio processing operations (e.g., echo cancellation) while the mobile communication device disables its corresponding internal operations or vice versa. The mobile communication device can control when the accessory transitions into and/or out of duplex audio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jason J. Yew, Lawrence G. Bolton
  • Patent number: 9325892
    Abstract: A camera capable of capturing still images and video and included in a portable media device can be controlled remotely using an accessory. The accessory can register with the PMD to automatically receive notifications whenever there is a change in the camera state. The camera states can include mode, operation status, and configuration settings. The accessory can send instructions to a camera application that interfaces with the camera to control the camera. The accessory can remotely activate the camera, change camera mode, and send instructions to operate the camera. The accessory and the PMD can concurrently control the camera. The PMD can send the captured still images and recorded video to the accessory for preview and receive instructions from the accessory on disposition of the still images and the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Sylvain R. Y. Louboutin, Shailesh Rathi, David J. Rempel, Peter T. Langenfeld
  • Publication number: 20160036949
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide various communication techniques for communication between a mobile computing device and an accessory. An accessory protocol that is generic to the mobile computing device can be used for some communication. An application executing at the mobile computing device can communicate with the accessory using an application communication protocol. In some embodiments, the application communication protocol can be different from the accessory communication protocol. In other embodiments the application protocol may only be recognized by the application and the accessory. In some embodiments, messages conforming to an application protocol can be communicated between the application and the accessory by packaging the messages inside a message conforming to the accessory communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul-Phillip Holden, Lawrence G. Bolton, Nitin Ganatra, Mitchell D. Adler, Emily Clark Schubert, Jesse Lee Dorogusker
  • Patent number: 9201827
    Abstract: A portable communication device (PCD) can automatically switch into different operating modes of an asymmetric communication protocol (such as USB) depending on the type of accessory connected. For example, the accessory can signal whether the PCD should operate in a first mode or a second mode using a hardware indicator such as identification resistor across two pins of a multi-pin connector and/or a software indicator such as a command protocol. The PCD can detect the accessory's signal and switch to the operating mode requested by the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton, Anand Dalal
  • Patent number: 9161186
    Abstract: Message notifications to an accessory from a mobile communication device are provided according to some embodiments of the invention. When a message such as a text message, email, and/or voicemail is received at a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device can notify an attached accessory that a message has been received. In response, the accessory can request the full message, media associated with the message, an attachment to the message, and/or an audio/video stream of the message for presentation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi
  • Patent number: 9130686
    Abstract: Track-identifying information can be collected from a broadcast using a portable media device capable of receiving broadcast content in combination with an accessory capable of communicating user input to the portable media player. In some embodiments, the portable media player can detect the presence of track-identifying metadata (a “tag”) within a received broadcast and can alert the accessory when a tag is available for a currently-playing track. If the accessory instructs the portable media player to store the tag, the portable media player can do so and can alert the accessory when a tag for a track has been stored. In some embodiments, the accessory can also remotely control other broadcast-receiving functions of the portable media device, such as entering or exiting a broadcast-receiving mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi, Jason J. Yew
  • Publication number: 20150207631
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for identification processes and/or procedures for accessories coupled with a mobile computing device. During identification an accessory can communicate lingo information that includes only those lingoes the accessory can use while coupled with the mobile computing device. The accessory can also communicate accessory protocol information to the mobile computing device during identification. The accessory can be limited to using only those lingoes and/or those protocols identified during identification. Various other accessory information, capabilities, preferences, etc. can also be communicated to the mobile computing device during identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shyam S. Toprani
  • Patent number: 9022279
    Abstract: A method for identifying an application usable with an accessory is provided. The method includes receiving an accessory identifier associated with the accessory, identifying an application protocol associated with the accessory identifier, identifying an application that supports the application protocol, and providing information about the application to a user device. A method for identifying an accessory usable with an application is also provided. The method includes receiving information about an application, determining an application protocol associated with the application, determining an accessory that supports the application protocol, and providing information about the accessory to a user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Peter T. Langenfeld, Shyam S. Toprani