Patents by Inventor Michael Fairman

Michael Fairman 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: 11068064
    Abstract: A method for controlling application windows is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display which is divided into at least first and second application windows. Various software applications may be launched in the first and second application windows. In order to switch locations of the software applications launched in the first and second application windows the user selects a swap window button, for example by tapping or clicking on a swap window icon on the GUI display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Evan Small, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman
  • Patent number: 10901515
    Abstract: A vehicular interface system for providing application-based access to a plurality of vehicular subsystems is disclosed. The vehicular interface system includes a display for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI). A taskbar is displayed in a first portion of the GUI, the taskbar including a plurality of icons, each of icons representing a corresponding application. A plurality of windows is displayed in a second portion of the GUI. When determining that a user-selected icon is being dragged from an initial location on the taskbar, a semi-transparent overlay, corresponding to the application to be launched, is displayed on a window of the GUI as the selected icon is being dragged within the window. When determining that the selected icon is released within a selected window, the corresponding application is launched in the selected window. In general, the application provides control options or monitoring information relating to a subsystem of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman, Kevin Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20200274927
    Abstract: Vehicle network topology schemes and systems are disclosed. For one example, a data processing system, e.g., a server or computer, includes an interface and a processor. The receiver can receive one or more CAN, LIN or Ethernet network descriptor files related to one or more ECUs interconnected within a network topology of a vehicle. The processor can convert the one or more CAN, LIN or Ethernet descriptor files into a uniform network descriptor file and auto-generate one or more ECU specific files or code using the uniform network descriptor file for use by the one or more ECUs such that messages, data or signals can be communicated between the ECUs in the network topology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Trampus Richmond, Michael Fairman
  • Patent number: 10180727
    Abstract: A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. Once an icon is selected, a visual cue is displayed, where the visual cue includes a plurality of mini-windows representing the plurality of display windows. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the mini-windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the window that corresponds to the selected mini-window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: TESLA, INC.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman
  • Publication number: 20180314342
    Abstract: A vehicular interface system for providing application-based access to a plurality of vehicular subsystems is disclosed. The vehicular interface system includes a display for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI). A taskbar is displayed in a first portion of the GUI, the taskbar including a plurality of icons, each of icons representing a corresponding application. A plurality of windows is displayed in a second portion of the GUI. When determining that a user-selected icon is being dragged from an initial location on the taskbar, a semi-transparent overlay, corresponding to the application to be launched, is displayed on a window of the GUI as the selected icon is being dragged within the window. When determining that the selected icon is released within a selected window, the corresponding application is launched in the selected window. In general, the application provides control options or monitoring information relating to a subsystem of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman, Kevin Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10019066
    Abstract: A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the selected window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: TESLA, INC.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman, Kevin Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20170277274
    Abstract: A method for controlling application windows is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display which is divided into at least first and second application windows. Various software applications may be launched in the first and second application windows. In order to switch locations of the software applications launched in the first and second application windows the user selects a swap window button, for example by tapping or clicking on a swap window icon on the GUI display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Evan Small, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman
  • Patent number: 8818624
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for configuring the touch-sensitive area and/or the tap duration associated with a plurality of touch-sensitive soft buttons of a vehicle user interface in response to varying vehicle conditions. In particular, as a monitored vehicle condition deteriorates, the system controller coupled to the vehicle user interface expands the touch-sensitive region and/or increases the tap duration of the touch-sensitive soft buttons, thereby improving the user's ability to successfully interact with the interface. Vehicle conditions that may be monitored and used to configure the touch-sensitive area and/or tap duration include passenger cabin vibration levels, vehicle speed, turn radius, lateral force levels, precipitation levels and external ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Small, Michael Fairman
  • Publication number: 20140096069
    Abstract: A method for controlling application windows is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display which is divided into at least first and second application windows. Various software applications may be launched in the first and second application windows. In order to switch locations of the software applications launched in the first and second application windows the user selects a swap window button, for example by tapping or clicking on a swap window icon on the GUI display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Evan Small, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman
  • Publication number: 20140096050
    Abstract: A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. Once an icon is selected, a visual cue is displayed, where the visual cue includes a plurality of mini-windows representing the plurality of display windows. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the mini-windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the window that corresponds to the selected mini-window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman
  • Publication number: 20140096051
    Abstract: A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the selected window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman
  • Patent number: 8473274
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms provide design information in a scalable representation. A design includes multiple master components and slave components. The master components and slave components include ports allowing interconnection. Techniques and mechanisms are described for selectively providing a subset of the interconnections between the master components and the slave components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Allen, Michael Fairman
  • Patent number: 8156455
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing parameterizable processor cores and peripherals on a programmable chip. An input interface such as a wizard allows selection and parameterization of processor cores, peripherals, as well as other modules. The logic description for implementing the modules on a programmable chip can be dynamically generated, allowing extensive parameterization of various modules. Dynamic generation also allows the delivery of device driver logic onto a programmable chip. The logic description can include information for configuring a dynamically generated bus module to allow connectivity between the modules as well as connectivity with other on-chip and off-chip components. The logic description, possibly comprising HDL files, can then be automatically synthesized and provided to tools for downloading the logic description onto a programmable chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporaton
    Inventors: Tim Allen, Michael Fairman, Jeffrey Orion Pritchard, Bryan Hoyer
  • Patent number: 8132132
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing parameterizable processor cores and peripherals on a programmable chip. An input interface such as a wizard allows selection and parameterization of processor cores, peripherals, as well as other modules. The logic description for implementing the modules on a programmable chip can be dynamically generated, allowing extensive parameterization of various modules. Dynamic generation also allows the delivery of device driver logic onto a programmable chip. The logic description can include information for configuring a dynamically generated bus module to allow connectivity between the modules as well as connectivity with other on-chip and off-chip components. The logic description, possibly comprising HDL files, can then be automatically synthesized and provided to tools for downloading the logic description onto a programmable chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Allen, Michael Fairman, Jeffrey Orion Pritchard, Bryan Hoyer
  • Patent number: 8037434
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing parameterizable processor cores and peripherals on a programmable chip. An input interface such as a wizard allows selection and parameterization of processor cores, peripherals, as well as other modules. The logic description for implementing the modules on a programmable chip can be dynamically generated, allowing extensive parameterization of various modules. Dynamic generation also allows the delivery of device driver logic onto a programmable chip. The logic description can include information for configuring a dynamically generated bus module to allow connectivity between the modules as well as connectivity with other on-chip and off-chip components. The logic description, possibly comprising HDL files, can then be automatically synthesized and provided to tools for downloading the logic description onto a programmable chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Allen, Michael Fairman, Jeffrey Orion Pritchard, Bryan Hoyer
  • Publication number: 20110082619
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for configuring the touch-sensitive area and/or the tap duration associated with a plurality of touch-sensitive soft buttons of a vehicle user interface in response to varying vehicle conditions. In particular, as a monitored vehicle condition deteriorates, the system controller coupled to the vehicle user interface expands the touch-sensitive region and/or increases the tap duration of the touch-sensitive soft buttons, thereby improving the user's ability to successfully interact with the interface. Vehicle conditions that may be monitored and used to configure the touch-sensitive area and/or tap duration include passenger cabin vibration levels, vehicle speed, turn radius, lateral force levels, precipitation levels and external ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Evan Small, Michael Fairman
  • Publication number: 20110082620
    Abstract: A method is provided for configuring a vehicle interface in response to a monitored vehicle condition. For example, the vehicle condition sensor may be a precipitation sensor, in which case the set of vehicle subsystem touch-sensitive soft buttons correspond to windshield wiper controls when the precipitation sensor indicates a non-zero precipitation level. Alternately, the vehicle condition sensor may be a GPS sensor, in which case the set of vehicle subsystem touch-sensitive soft buttons correspond to activation controls an external system such as a garage door controller, a home lighting controller, or a home security controller. Alternately, the vehicle condition sensor may sense driving style, for example by monitoring vehicle speed, acceleration, lateral force or the output of a performance mode selector, in which case the set of vehicle subsystem information graphics correspond to essential vehicle operating controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Evan Small, Michael Fairman
  • Publication number: 20110082618
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for adapting a vehicle user interface to generate audible feedback cues when the user interacts with the vehicle interface via touch-sensitive soft buttons and the vehicle speed exceeds a preset speed. When the vehicle speed does not exceed the preset speed, either no audible feedback cues are provided to the user during interaction via the touch-sensitive soft buttons, or the volume level of the audible feedback cues is less than that used when the vehicle speed exceeds the preset speed. The system and method may further utilize a sensor for monitoring the sound level with the vehicle cabin. The sound level of the vehicle cabin may be used to set the volume level of the audible feedback cue, thus insuring for example that the feedback cues may be heard over cabin noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Evan Small, Michael Fairman
  • Patent number: 7813914
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms provide design information in a scalable representation. A design includes multiple master components and slave components. The master components and slave components include ports allowing interconnection. Techniques and mechanisms are described for selectively providing a subset of the interconnections between the master components and the slave components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Allen, Michael Fairman
  • Patent number: 7676784
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing parameterizable processor cores and peripherals on a programmable chip. An input interface such as a wizard allows selection and parameterization of processor cores, peripherals, as well as other modules. The logic description for implementing the modules on a programmable chip can be dynamically generated, allowing extensive parameterization of various modules. Dynamic generation also allows the delivery of device driver logic onto a programmable chip. The logic description can include information for configuring a dynamically generated bus module to allow connectivity between the modules as well as connectivity with other on-chip and off-chip components. The logic description, possibly comprising HDL files, can then be automatically synthesized and provided to tools for downloading the logic description onto a programmable chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Allen, Michael Fairman, Jeffrey Orion Pritchard, Bryan Hoyer