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).
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Publication number: 20230012223Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11507215Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20220350411Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
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Patent number: 11307663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael J. Beyhs, Mark A. Salada, Megan A. McClain, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Thayne M. Miller
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Publication number: 20210165520Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2021Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10955956Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20200326779Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
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Patent number: 10698489Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael J. Beyhs, Mark A. Salada, Megan A. McClain, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Thayne M. Miller
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Patent number: 10579090Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
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Patent number: 10514759Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Steven J. Taylor, Brigit E. Lamberson, Gemma A. Roper, Megan A. McClain, Thomas S. Hulbert, Benjamin G. Jackson
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Publication number: 20190369754Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Gemma A. Roper, Christopher Matthews, Brigit Lamberson, Megan McClain, Thomas Hulbert
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Publication number: 20190339804Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10175653Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: David H. Bloom, Miao He, Megan A. McClain
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Patent number: 10129503Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Seung Wook Kim, Megan A. McClain
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Publication number: 20180136686Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2018Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
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Publication number: 20180081437Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2016Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Steven J. Taylor, Brigit E. Lamberson, Gemma A. Roper, Megan A. McClain, Thomas S. Hulbert, Benjamin G. Jackson
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Patent number: 9891651Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor
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Patent number: 9751406Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Michael Schlittenbauer, Marcus Kuehne, Ulrich Mueller, Megan McClain, Nathaniel Paffett-Lugassy
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Publication number: 20170249024Abstract: A haptic mouse is configured to provide various kinds of haptic input. In some embodiments, the mouse has first and second housing portions and an actuator operable to provide haptic output by moving the first housing portion with respect to the second housing portion so as to tangentially displace skin or alter hand posture of a user's hand. In various embodiments, the mouse has a force sensor, an actuator, and a controller operable to determine an amount of force exerted on the haptic mouse, simulate a mouse click if the amount of the force exceeds a threshold, and adjust the threshold upon receiving an instruction. In numerous embodiments, the mouse has a housing, a friction adjustment mechanism operable to alter friction between the housing and a surface by adjusting an amount of a material in contact with the surface, and a controller operable to provide a haptic output by signaling the friction adjustment mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2016Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, John B. Morrell, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor, Brian T. Gleeson
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Publication number: 20170248986Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2016Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor