Patents by Inventor Megan A. McClain

Megan A. McClain 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: 11803243
    Abstract: A haptic device for an electronic device includes an actuation member formed from a shape-memory alloy (SMA) material that changes shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in response to an applied electrical current. In some cases, the haptic devices described herein also include a restoration mechanism that restores the actuation member to its original shape or to a similar shape. The change in the shape of the actuation member and the restoration of the shape of the actuation member may produce a haptic output at the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20230012223
    Abstract: An electronic device with a first off-display input region detects a first portion of an input on the input region. In response to the first portion of the input: when the first portion of the input meets first criteria without a characteristic intensity of the first input increasing above a first intensity threshold, the electronic device provides a first output that indicates a current state of a first attribute of the electronic device without altering the first attribute. The electronic device detects a second portion of the input. In response to the second portion of the input: if the second portion of the first input meets second criteria that require the characteristic intensity of the input increases above the first intensity threshold, the electronic device performs a first operation that alters the first attribute of the electronic device; and otherwise, the electronic device forgoes performing the first operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, David H. Bloom, Miao He, Peter C. Tsoi
  • Patent number: 11507215
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at an electronic device with a display, an input region that is distinct from the display, and one or more tactile output generators for generating tactile outputs. The method includes: detecting a press input on the input region with a finger; and in response to detecting the press input on the input region: in accordance with a determination that the input region is not separated from the finger by an interstitial material, generating a first tactile output; and in accordance with a determination that the input region is separated from the finger by a first interstitial material, generating a second tactile output that is different from the first tactile output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, David H. Bloom, Miao He
  • Publication number: 20220350411
    Abstract: A haptic device for an electronic device includes an actuation member formed from a shape-memory alloy (SMA) material that changes shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in response to an applied electrical current. In some cases, the haptic devices described herein also include a restoration mechanism that restores the actuation member to its original shape or to a similar shape. The change in the shape of the actuation member and the restoration of the shape of the actuation member may produce a haptic output at the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11307663
    Abstract: An input device includes an input structure, a magnet attached to the input structure, and an electromagnet. The magnet rotates when the electromagnet is activated, thereby rotating the input structure. The magnet and input structure rotate about a pivot in order to provide haptic and/or visual feedback to a user. The pivot may attach the magnet and input structure to a body, which in turn may be affixed to, or part of, an electronic device. The electromagnet can encircle the body and/or magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Beyhs, Mark A. Salada, Megan A. McClain, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Thayne M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20210165520
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at an electronic device with a display, an input region that is distinct from the display, and one or more tactile output generators for generating tactile outputs. The method includes: detecting a press input on the input region with a finger; and in response to detecting the press input on the input region: in accordance with a determination that the input region is not separated from the finger by an interstitial material, generating a first tactile output; and in accordance with a determination that the input region is separated from the finger by a first interstitial material, generating a second tactile output that is different from the first tactile output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, David H. Bloom, Miao He
  • Patent number: 10955956
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display and an input region separate from the display. The device detects a first portion of a first input on the input region. In response to detecting the first portion of the first input: if the first portion of the first input meets first criteria that do not require a characteristic intensity of the first input to increase above a first intensity threshold in order to be met, the device displays a precursor object of a user interface object that includes one or more selectable options. While displaying the precursor object, a second portion of the first input is detected on the input region, wherein an intensity of the first input increases above the first intensity threshold. In response to detecting the increase in intensity, the device reveals the user interface object by an amount that varies with a current intensity of the first input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, Peter C. Tsoi, David H. Bloom, Miao He
  • Publication number: 20200326779
    Abstract: A haptic device for an electronic device includes an actuation member formed from a shape-memory alloy (SMA) material that changes shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in response to an applied electrical current. In some cases, the haptic devices described herein also include a restoration mechanism that restores the actuation member to its original shape or to a similar shape. The change in the shape of the actuation member and the restoration of the shape of the actuation member may produce a haptic output at the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10698489
    Abstract: An input device includes an input structure, a magnet attached to the input structure, and an electromagnet. The magnet rotates when the electromagnet is activated, thereby rotating the input structure. The magnet and input structure rotate about a pivot in order to provide haptic and/or visual feedback to a user. The pivot may attach the magnet and input structure to a body, which in turn may be affixed to, or part of, an electronic device. The electromagnet can encircle the body and/or magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Beyhs, Mark A. Salada, Megan A. McClain, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Thayne M. Miller
  • Patent number: 10579090
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device that replicates mechanical actuation of a rotatable input mechanism in such a way that the haptic output provided by the input device is controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10514759
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an input device and methods related to the use thereof. The embodiment may include a deformable structure. The deformable structure may include a first layer defining an input surface and a second layer coupled to, and offset from, the first layer. At least one of the first layer or the second layer may define a geometric feature (e.g., including a protrusion, embossed portion, or other feature of one or both of the first and second layers). The geometric feature may be configured to collapse the deformable structure at a localized region in response to a force input. The embodiment may further include an input structure configured to produce an electrical response based on a magnitude of the force input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Taylor, Brigit E. Lamberson, Gemma A. Roper, Megan A. McClain, Thomas S. Hulbert, Benjamin G. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20190369754
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method is performed at an electronic device. The method includes displaying, on a display, a selection user interface including a plurality of selectable items including a first item currently selected. The method includes obtaining, from a stylus via a communication interface, finger manipulation data including information about one or more finger manipulation inputs received at the stylus. The method includes, responsive to obtaining the finger manipulation data, and according to a determination that the finger manipulation data satisfies a navigation criterion, changing display of the selection user interface in order to indicate movement of focus to a second item among the plurality of selectable items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Gemma A. Roper, Christopher Matthews, Brigit Lamberson, Megan McClain, Thomas Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20190339804
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display and an input region separate from the display. The device detects a first portion of a first input on the input region. In response to detecting the first portion of the first input: if the first portion of the first input meets first criteria that do not require a characteristic intensity of the first input to increase above a first intensity threshold in order to be met, the device displays a precursor object of a user interface object that includes one or more selectable options. While displaying the precursor object, a second portion of the first input is detected on the input region, wherein an intensity of the first input increases above the first intensity threshold. In response to detecting the increase in intensity, the device reveals the user interface object by an amount that varies with a current intensity of the first input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, Peter C. Tsoi, David H. Bloom, Miao He
  • Patent number: 10175653
    Abstract: Watch bands with multiple light tubes, each light having a light fiber and at least one light-emitting diode for providing light to each light tube. The light-emitting diode may produce a wide color gamut for the light fiber to produce light in each light tube. Each light-emitting diode may produce a different color and light intensity different from the other light tubes in the watch band. The light tubes doubles as the structure for attaching a watch body to a user's wrist and as a carrier of light to add variety and style to the watch band. The watch band may have a variety of different attachment mechanisms for attaching and securing the watch body to the user's wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: David H. Bloom, Miao He, Megan A. McClain
  • Patent number: 10129503
    Abstract: An image-capturing device is disclosed. The image-capturing device may include two cameras, a watch body, and a watch band coupled to the watch body. The two cameras may simultaneously capture images. A processor of the image-capturing device may combine image data of the simultaneously-captured images from the two cameras into resultant image data representing a single continuous image. The images captured by the cameras may be moving images (i.e., video). The processor may identify a tracking target within the captured images and may continuously output target image data representing a target area of the image including the tracking target. Where the tracking target is a face captured from a low angle, the processor may angle-adjust the image so that the output target image data represents the face from a different angle (e.g., a front angle).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Seung Wook Kim, Megan A. McClain
  • Publication number: 20180136686
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device that replicates mechanical actuation of a rotatable input mechanism in such a way that the haptic output provided by the input device is controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20180081437
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an input device and methods related to the use thereof. The embodiment may include a deformable structure. The deformable structure may include a first layer defining an input surface and a second layer coupled to, and offset from, the first layer. At least one of the first layer or the second layer may define a geometric feature (e.g., including a protrusion, embossed portion, or other feature of one or both of the first and second layers). The geometric feature may be configured to collapse the deformable structure at a localized region in response to a force input. The embodiment may further include an input structure configured to produce an electrical response based on a magnitude of the force input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Steven J. Taylor, Brigit E. Lamberson, Gemma A. Roper, Megan A. McClain, Thomas S. Hulbert, Benjamin G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9891651
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device that replicates mechanical actuation of a rotatable input mechanism in such a way that the haptic output provided by the input device is controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9751406
    Abstract: A method controls a climate control system in a motor vehicle. The method involves displaying climate control information on a primary display, determining that a hand is approaching a manual control element for the climate control system, and displaying climate control information on a secondary display while the hand is approaching the manual control element, before the hand touches the manual control element, the secondary display being a multi-use changeable display that, at different times, displays information for different systems of the motor vehicle. The method may therefore provide the information to the occupant of the vehicle when it is needed, before the climate control system is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Michael Schlittenbauer, Marcus Kuehne, Ulrich Mueller, Megan McClain, Nathaniel Paffett-Lugassy
  • Publication number: 20170248986
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device that replicates mechanical actuation of a rotatable input mechanism in such a way that the haptic output provided by the input device is controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor