Patents by Inventor Michael M. Lee

Michael M. Lee 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: 8205499
    Abstract: A body has a first portion whose exterior surface is similar to that of a corresponding, first portion of a portable media device. An acoustic aperture is formed at a location that is similar to that of a built-in earpiece, speaker, or microphone aperture in the media device. An acoustic port is formed in the exterior surface of the body, and is adapted to be coupled to a sound test tool. An internal cavity acoustically couples the acoustic port to the acoustic aperture. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Gregg, Michael M. Lee
  • Patent number: 8170588
    Abstract: A source mobile telephone detects that a telephone number of the telephone has changed to a new number, and in response, sends a text or short message service (SMS) notice message to contacts identified in the mobile telephone to indicate that the source mobile telephone has a new telephone number. In response to receiving the text or SMS notice message, a contact telephony device may update its contact list to reflect the new number. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip George Tamchina, Michael M. Lee, Chad G. Seguin
  • Publication number: 20120064867
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing user-selectable data when a user is on hold are provided. A communications system can automatically detect when a user is placed on hold. Additionally, a user can indicate when he/she has been placed on hold. After it has been determined that a user is placed on hold, the system can select adaptive information according to predetermined selection criteria and present that adaptive information to the user. A system can also generate contextual data which is related to the content of a current communication and use that contextual data (in addition to any predetermined selection criteria) to select adaptive information that is relevant to a user's communications. Contextual data can be generated before a user is placed on hold by analyzing a communications signal in order to identify keywords that are based on the content of that communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Michael M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120021773
    Abstract: Media can be presented based on location associated with presentation of media (e.g., physical location of a device that is to present media). Presentation of media can be effectively controlled in order to automatically present a first media content (e.g., a list of songs, an album) in accordance with a first set of media presentation attributes or parameters (e.g., volume associated with presentation of audible media) at a first location, while a second media content is automatically presented in accordance with a second set of media presentation attributes or parameters when the current location is changed to a second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. LEE
  • Publication number: 20120002097
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system which supports a dual-purpose aperture for an electronic device. This system includes a first component configured to perform an acoustic function through the aperture and a second component configured to perform a non-acoustic function through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael N. Rosenblatt, Michael M. Lee, Justin L. Gregg
  • Publication number: 20110295498
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to operate a commute time function of a communications device are described herein. In one embodiment, the commute time function is automatically activated based on an event and is then performed by (i) determining an up-to-date commute time based on commute information and (ii) displaying or speaking the up-to-date commute time on the device. In one embodiment, triggered by and before the occurrence of a calendar event, a device obtains a current commute time (based on the commute information and based on current traffic conditions1). In this embodiment, the device reschedules the calendar event based on the current commute time, by sending an update to the contacts with whom the user is to meet that indicates a change to the calendar event. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Cyril Labidi, Michael M. Lee
  • Patent number: 8064888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing user-selectable data when a user is on hold are provided. A communications system can automatically detect when a user is placed on hold. Additionally, a user can indicate when he/she has been placed on hold. After it has been determined that a user is placed on hold, the system can select adaptive information according to predetermined selection criteria and present that adaptive information to the user. A system can also generate contextual data which is related to the content of a current communication and use that contextual data (in addition to any predetermined selection criteria) to select adaptive information that is relevant to a user's communications. Contextual data can be generated before a user is placed on hold by analyzing a communications signal in order to identify keywords that are based on the content of that communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Lee
  • Patent number: 8056112
    Abstract: Media can be presented based on location associated with presentation of media (e.g., physical location of a device that is to present media). Presentation of media can be effectively controlled in order to automatically present a first media content (e.g., a list of songs, an album) in accordance with a first set of media presentation attributes or parameters (e.g., volume associated with presentation of audible media) at a first location, while a second media content is automatically presented in accordance with a second set of media presentation attributes or parameters when the current location is changed to a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110250840
    Abstract: Methods and systems for powering-off a Bluetooth device from a linked device are provided. A device can transmit a Bluetooth signal to a linked device to instruct the linked device to power-off. In this manner, the user need only turn off one device manually which results in all linked devices being powered off. This process can be initiated by a user through a device directly linked with the device to be powered-off or through a device that is indirectly connected, through one or more Bluetooth networks, with the device to be powered-off. This process can also be automatically initiated by a device when a set of predetermined conditions exist. Once instructed to do so, a device can initiate a predetermined power-off process which can involve terminating any ongoing functions and turning off various subsystems. In accordance with the present invention, a user can initiate a power-off of all the devices on a Bluetooth network through a single device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael M. Lee, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Christopher D. McKillop
  • Patent number: 8031864
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system which supports a dual-purpose aperture for an electronic device. This system includes a first component configured to perform an acoustic function through the aperture and a second component configured to perform a non-acoustic function through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Rosenblatt, Michael M. Lee, Justin L. Gregg
  • Patent number: 8000694
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to operate a commute time function of a communications device are described herein. In one embodiment, the commute time function is automatically activated based on an event and is then performed by (i) determining an up-to-date commute time based on commute information and (ii) displaying or speaking the up-to-date commute time on the device. In one embodiment, triggered by and before the occurrence of a calendar event, a device obtains a current commute time (based on the commute information and based on current traffic conditions). In this embodiment, the device reschedules the calendar event based on the current commute time, by sending an update to the contacts with whom the user is to meet that indicates a change to the calendar event. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril Labidi, Michael M. Lee
  • Patent number: 7987378
    Abstract: Methods and systems for powering-off a Bluetooth device from a linked device are provided. A device can transmit a Bluetooth signal to a linked device to instruct the linked device to power-off. In this manner, the user need only turn off one device manually which results in all linked devices being powered off. This process can be initiated by a user through a device directly linked with the device to be powered-off or through a device that is indirectly connected, through one or more Bluetooth networks, with the device to be powered-off. This process can also be automatically initiated by a device when a set of predetermined conditions exist. Once instructed to do so, a device can initiate a predetermined power-off process which can involve terminating any ongoing functions and turning off various subsystems. In accordance with the present invention, a user can initiate a power-off of all the devices on a Bluetooth network through a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Lee, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Christopher D. McKillop
  • Publication number: 20110083025
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing power consumption of a battery-powered electronic device are disclosed. According to one embodiment, power management can take action to reduce power consumption to accommodate estimated power requirements. According to another embodiment, power management can notify a user when a power deficiency is anticipated. According to still another embodiment, power management can advise a user to charge a battery of the battery-powered electronic device. According to still another embodiment, a user can influence power management by user selections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Michael M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110060435
    Abstract: Methods and systems that facilitate enhanced media capabilities for electronic devices. The enhanced media capabilities enable electronic devices to provide voice calling with concurrent audio playback. The audio playback can originate at the electronic device itself or can be transmitted to the electronic device as part of or together with the voice calling. In addition, the enhanced media capabilities can also provide users of electronic devices with acoustic separation (e.g., spatial positioning) of audio currently provided from a voice call and from audio playback. Still further, the enhanced media capabilities can also provide users of electronic devices with acoustic separation (e.g., spatial positioning) of participants in multi-party calls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael M. LEE, Derek B. BARRENTINE
  • Publication number: 20110004946
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for enabling a user to control the content of text-based messages sent to or received from an administered device. In some embodiments, a message will be blocked (incoming or outgoing) if the message includes forbidden content. In other embodiments, the objectionable content is removed from the message prior to transmission or as part of the receiving process. The content of such a message is controlled by filtering the message based on defined criteria. The criteria may be defined according to a parental control application. These techniques also may be used, in accordance with instructional embodiments, to require the administered devices to include certain text in messages. These embodiments might, for example, require that a certain number of Spanish words per day be included in e-mails for a child learning Spanish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Lee, Matthew M. Lee
  • Patent number: 7853649
    Abstract: Methods and systems that facilitate enhanced media capabilities for electronic devices. The enhanced media capabilities enable electronic devices to provide voice calling with concurrent audio playback. The audio playback can originate at the electronic device itself or can be transmitted to the electronic device as part of or together with the voice calling. In addition, the enhanced media capabilities can also provide users of electronic devices with acoustic separation (e.g., spatial positioning) of audio currently provided from a voice call and from audio playback. Still further, the enhanced media capabilities can also provide users of electronic devices with acoustic separation (e.g., spatial positioning) of participants in multi-party calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Lee, Derek B. Barrentine
  • Patent number: 7853813
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing power consumption of a battery-powered electronic device are disclosed. According to one embodiment, power management can take action to reduce power consumption to accommodate estimated power requirements. According to another embodiment, power management can notify a user when a power deficiency is anticipated. According to still another embodiment, power management can advise a user to charge a battery of the battery-powered electronic device. According to still another embodiment, a user can influence power management by user selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Lee
  • Patent number: 7825820
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing security to a user of an electronic device are provided. An electronic device can be configured to enter a prevention mode in response to detecting a force that exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby providing security. Embodiments are described wherein the device, upon entering a prevention mode, may transmit a security transmission, in the form of a telephone call or an e-mail. This security transmission, when received by a security entity, can lead to the security entity dispatching an officer to the device's location, or to the security entity placing a telephone call to the device's owner, thereby providing security. Embodiments are also provided whereby the device, upon entering a prevention mode, may enter a lock-down mode. When in lock-down mode, the device may become inaccessible by any user, or alternatively may be accessed only if a security password is provided by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Lee
  • Patent number: 7814163
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for enabling a user to control the content of text-based messages sent to or received from an administered device. In some embodiments, a message will be blocked (incoming or outgoing) if the message includes forbidden content. In other embodiments, the objectionable content is removed from the message prior to transmission or as part of the receiving process. The content of such a message is controlled by filtering the message based on defined criteria. The criteria may be defined according to a parental control application. These techniques also may be used, in accordance with instructional embodiments, to require the administered devices to include certain text in messages. These embodiments might, for example, require that a certain number of Spanish words per day be included in e-mails for a child learning Spanish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Lee, Matthew M. Lee
  • Patent number: D623128
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Michael M. Lee