Patents by Inventor Michael A. DUNKLEY

Michael A. DUNKLEY 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: 12633044
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer system applies a time of day setting to a virtual environment. In some embodiments, the time of day setting is updated based on an event. In some embodiments, a computer system displays content in an expanded display mode. In some embodiments, computer systems join a communication session while maintaining display of respective environments. In some embodiments, a computer system moves a portal based on user movement. In some embodiments, computer systems share a virtual environment. Computer systems can display media with simulated lighting. Computer systems can share an environment. In some embodiments, a computer system selects a position relative to content. A computer system can present representations of communication session participants based on content. A computer system can present user interfaces to control visual appearances of an environment including media. Computer systems can change an appearance of an environment based on environmental modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Dessero, Matan Stauber, Stephen O. Lemay, William A. Sorrentino, III, Nicholas W. Henderson, Michael J. Rockwell, Jeffrey S. Allen, Michael A. Dunkley, Hugh A. Sider, Magnus Danielsson, Connor A. Smith, Joseph P. Cerra, Miao Ren
  • Publication number: 20250005864
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer system changes a level of detail with which a respective environment is being displayed. In some embodiments, a computer system applies a neutralization adjustment to generate a representation of the physical environment. In some embodiments, a computer system displays a user interface object in a three-dimensional environment with a three-dimensional stereoscopic effect. In some embodiments, a computer system facilitates light blending. In some embodiments, a computer system transitions between three-dimensional environments using visual effects. In some embodiments, a computer system detects a movement in a viewpoint of a user while displaying a portal to a virtual environment, and either maintains or ceases display of the portal based on the amount of movement and/or a direction in which the portal opens. In some embodiments, a computer system outputs a different sound effect when initiating display of different virtual three-dimensional environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: James M. DESSERO, Michael A. BREYMANN, Matthew G. PLEC, Michael A. DUNKLEY, Ryan W. BAKER, Jonathan MOORMAN, Daniel J. RUBENFIELD, Alexander J. HAWORTH, Austin C. GERMER, Peter DOLLAR
  • Publication number: 20240312108
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a three-dimensional (3D) graphical rendering system, comprising: obtaining a first 3D graphical object, wherein the first 3D graphical object is associated with at least a first semi-transparent material, wherein the first material is associated with an adjustable density value and comprises at least a first plane (or 3D volume) with an adjustable position within a virtual environment; determining a transparency value based, at least in part, on the adjustable density value and a distance between the first plane and the first 3D graphical object (or a density of the 3D volume); and rendering, from a first viewpoint and using a first shader, at least a portion of the first 3D graphical object by applying the determined transparency value to the first material. Rendering the first 3D graphical object may further comprise blending between the first material and a second material according to the determined transparency value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel S. Shervheim, Kyle Fisher, Michael A. Dunkley
  • Publication number: 20240103707
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer system applies a time of day setting to a virtual environment. In some embodiments, the time of day setting is updated based on an event. In some embodiments, a computer system displays content in an expanded display mode. In some embodiments, computer systems join a communication session while maintaining display of respective environments. In some embodiments, a computer system moves a portal based on user movement. In some embodiments, computer systems share a virtual environment. Computer systems can display media with simulated lighting. Computer systems can share an environment. In some embodiments, a computer system selects a position relative to content. A computer system can present representations of communication session participants based on content. A computer system can present user interfaces to control visual appearances of an environment including media. Computer systems can change an appearance of an environment based on environmental modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Nicholas W. HENDERSON, James M. DESSERO, Matan SAUBER, Stephen O. LEMAY, Jeffrey S. ALLEN, Michael A. DUNKLEY, Michael J. ROCKWELL, William A. SORRENTINO, III, Hugh A. SIDER, Magnus DANIELSSON
  • Publication number: 20240104836
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer system applies a time of day setting to a virtual environment. In some embodiments, the time of day setting is updated based on an event. In some embodiments, a computer system displays content in an expanded display mode. In some embodiments, computer systems join a communication session while maintaining display of respective environments. In some embodiments, a computer system moves a portal based on user movement. In some embodiments, computer systems share a virtual environment. Computer systems can display media with simulated lighting. Computer systems can share an environment. In some embodiments, a computer system selects a position relative to content. A computer system can present representations of communication session participants based on content. A computer system can present user interfaces to control visual appearances of an environment including media. Computer systems can change an appearance of an environment based on environmental modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: James M. DESSERO, Jeffrey S. ALLEN, Michael A. DUNKLEY