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).
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Patent number: 8473761Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among portable computing devices and one or more accessories. One example provides commands to improve power management between a portable computing device and one or more accessories. Other examples provide commands that may allow a portable computing device to charge at a maximum available current level while providing an accessory with sufficient current for its proper operation. Another may help prevent a portable computing device from drawing a high level of current that could be detrimental to an accessory, while others provide commands that may allow a battery pack to instruct a portable computing device to not charge its internal battery. Another example may allow a portable computing device to determine which power supply among multiple power supplies should be used to power an accessory, while others may allow an accessory to retrieve charging current parameters from a portable computing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Shailesh Rathi, Lawrence G. Bolton, John Ananny, Scott Krueger
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Patent number: 8458184Abstract: An accessory communicates with a PMD to store tags associated with broadcasts in a file maintained in a storage medium of the accessory. In one embodiment, the accessory sends a command to the PMD to create or open a tag file that resides on the PMD. Once opened, the tag file is held open by the PMD until the accessory closes it (or disconnects), allowing multiple tags to be written to one file. Each time the user requests a new tag, the accessory generates a tag containing information descriptive of the broadcast material (e.g., song title, artist, radio station identifier, time of tagging, etc.) and writes the tag to the tag file using a write command to the PMD.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jesse Lee Dorogusker, Emily Clark Schubert, Michael Benjamin Hailey, Steve Saro Gedikian, Gregory Thomas Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton
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Patent number: 8452903Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for capability identification for accessories coupled with a mobile computing device. During capability identification an accessory can request capability information from a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the accessory can specifically request capability information associated with a specific lingo. In response, the mobile computing device can respond with a message that indicates the capabilities of the mobile computing device that are supported. In some embodiments, the capabilities can be those capabilities associated with the specified lingo. In some embodiments, if the mobile computing device does not support a lingo, then the mobile computing device can respond to the request from the accessory with a negative acknowledgement.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi, Sylvain R. Y. Louboutin
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Patent number: 8443096Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shyam S. Toprani
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Method and system for transferring button status information between a media player and an accessory
Patent number: 8402187Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily C. Schubert, Jesse Lee Dorogusker, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman -
Patent number: 8386680Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily Clark Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Phillip Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John Benjamin Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 8386677Abstract: Location data is exchanged between a portable media device and an accessory. If the portable media player is equipped with location determining capability, the portable media device can communicate its location data to the accessory, and the accessory can use this location data to perform various tasks. If the accessory is equipped with location assistance capability, the accessory can communicate location data to the portable media device, and the portable media device can use this location data to perform various tasks.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Ronald Keryuan Huang, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily Clark Schubert, Jesse Lee Dorogusker
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Patent number: 8369785Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players. One example provides an adapter having a connector receptacle to mate with an accessory's connector insert and a connector insert to mate with a portable media player's connector receptacle. Another example provides an adapter having a direct connection between pins on the connector insert and pins on the connector receptacle that are used for compatible signals. Another example provides an adapter including a DC-to-DC converter that receives a first power supply from an accessory and provides a second power supply to a portable media player. Another translates signals using different signaling technologies. Authentication and identification circuitry may also be included. Other examples may employ wireless technologies instead of either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jesse Dorogusker, Emily C. Schubert, Donald Ginsburg, Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton
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Publication number: 20120322420Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shaitesh Rathi
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Publication number: 20120320807Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jason J. Yew, Lawrence G. Bolton
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Patent number: 8317658Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jesse L. Dorogusker, Scott Krueger, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily C. Schubert, Gregory T. Lydon, Debbie Lambert, Michael B. Hailey, Donald Ginsburg
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Patent number: 8315248Abstract: Remote user interfaces for portable media devices provided improved access by accessories to media assets and metadata stored in a database of a portable media device, enhancing a user's ability to control operation of the portable media device using a remote user interface provided by the accessory. In one example, an accessory can determine whether the database of the portable media device was updated while the portable media device was disconnected from the accessory. In a second example, an accessory can create and manage a playlist for the portable media device and can incorporate into the playlist tracks already queued for playback when the accessory connects to the portable media device. In a third example, an accessory can obtain database navigation history and initialize a database navigation interface to match the database navigation history.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily Clark Schubert
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Publication number: 20120289265Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi
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Patent number: 8285901Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily Clark Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Phillip Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John Benjamin Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 8280465Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players. One example provides an adapter having a connector receptacle to mate with an accessory's connector insert and a connector insert to mate with a portable media player's connector receptacle. Another example provides an adapter having a direct connection between pins on the connector insert and pins on the connector receptacle that are used for compatible signals. Another example provides an adapter including a DC-to-DC converter that receives a first power supply from an accessory and provides a second power supply to a portable media player. Another translates signals using different signaling technologies. Authentication and identification circuitry may also be included. Other examples may employ wireless technologies instead of either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jesse Dorogusker, Emily C. Schubert, Donald Ginsburg, Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton
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Patent number: 8271114Abstract: Remote user interfaces for portable media devices provided improved access by accessories to media assets and metadata stored in a database of a portable media device, enhancing a user's ability to control operation of the portable media device using a remote user interface provided by the accessory. In one example, an accessory can determine whether the database of the portable media device was updated while the portable media device was disconnected from the accessory. In a second example, an accessory can create and manage a playlist for the portable media device and can incorporate into the playlist tracks already queued for playback when the accessory connects to the portable media device. In a third example, an accessory can obtain database navigation history and initialize a database navigation interface to match the database navigation history.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily Clark Schubert
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Publication number: 20120221869Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among portable computing devices and one or more accessories. One example provides commands to improve power management between a portable computing device and one or more accessories. Other examples provide commands that may allow a portable computing device to charge at a maximum available current level while providing an accessory with sufficient current for its proper operation. Another may help prevent a portable computing device from drawing a high level of current that could be detrimental to an accessory, while others provide commands that may allow a battery pack to instruct a portable computing device to not charge its internal battery. Another example may allow a portable computing device to determine which power supply among multiple power supplies should be used to power an accessory, while others may allow an accessory to retrieve charging current parameters from a portable computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Shailesh Rathi, Lawrence G. Bolton, John Ananny, Scott Krueger
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Patent number: 8254993Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Shailesh Rathi
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Patent number: 8239595Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily C. Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 8234572Abstract: A media player can have advanced-playlist creation capabilities such as the ability to automatically generate a playlist around a “seed” song selected by a user. In some embodiments, the accessory can determine whether the media player can use a particular song as a seed song for an advanced playlist and can so inform the user. The user can then operate the accessory's user interface to create an advanced playlist based on a particular song, rather than having to interact directly with the media player.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Shailesh Rathi, Lawrence G. Bolton