Patents by Inventor Neil G. Crane

Neil G. Crane 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: 11775811
    Abstract: The subject technology determines input parameters and an output format of algorithms for a particular functionality provided by an electronic device. The subject technology determines an order of the algorithms for performing the particular functionality based on temporal dependencies of the algorithms, and the input parameters and the output format of the algorithms. The subject technology generates a graph based on the order of the algorithms, the graph comprising a set of nodes corresponding to the algorithms, each node indicating a particular processor of the electronic device for executing an algorithm. Further, the subject technology executes the particular functionality based on performing a traversal of the graph, the traversal comprising a topological traversal of the set of nodes and the traversal being based on a score indicating whether selection of a particular node for execution over another node enables a greater number of processors to be utilized at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Englert, Elliott B. Harris, Neil G. Crane, Brandon J. Corey
  • Patent number: 10849095
    Abstract: A device may broadcast an indication of an activity level of the device. The device may also receive a notification of an incoming message and receive at least one broadcast from at least one additional device also receiving the notification of the incoming message including an indication of at least one activity level of the at least one additional device. The device may compare its own activity level with the received at least one activity level. In response to determining that the activity level of the device is equal to or greater than a highest received at least one activity level, the device may display the notification of the incoming message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Bradley, James B. Cary, Marc J. Krochmal, Matthew E. Shepherd, Neil G. Crane
  • Publication number: 20200334030
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for updating application data in snapshots of applications for previewing. Some embodiments update application data by determining when current application data may expire and retrieving updated application data. The application data for various applications in a preview mode may be updated based on an allotted budget. Permission can be selectively granted to applications to obtain updated data so as to control the budget. Application data in the snapshots may appear updated to a user as the user browses the dock without requiring the applications to request updated application data when the user enters the dock, regardless of whether each application is active. Further, some embodiments may generate a snapshot using a layer hierarchy and image layer data generated while the application was last running if the time associated with when the application was last active is later than the time associated with an existing snapshot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Neil G. Crane, Joshua H. Shaffer, Paul W. Salzman, Michael J. Lamb, Austen J. Green
  • Patent number: 10747467
    Abstract: Some embodiments can load one or more applications into working memory from persistent storage when permitted by a memory pressure level of a mobile device. Loading the applications into working memory enables the applications to be launched into the foreground quickly when the user indicates the desire to launch. Some embodiments may identify a set of applications that are designated for providing snapshots to be displayed when the mobile device is in a dock mode. Certain embodiments may determine a current memory pressure level. Some embodiments may load an application in the set of applications into working memory from a persistent storage responsive to determining that the memory pressure level is below a threshold. Certain embodiments may continue to load additional applications responsive to determining that the memory pressure level is below the threshold. After determining that the memory pressure level is above the threshold, some embodiments may reclaim memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Antony J. Dzeryn, Michael J. Lamb, Neil G. Crane, Brent W. Schorsch
  • Patent number: 10725761
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for updating application data in snapshots of applications for previewing. Some embodiments update application data by determining when current application data may expire and retrieving updated application data. The application data for various applications in a preview mode may be updated based on an allotted budget. Permission can be selectively granted to applications to obtain updated data so as to control the budget. Application data in the snapshots may appear updated to a user as the user browses the dock without requiring the applications to request updated application data when the user enters the dock, regardless of whether each application is active. Further, some embodiments may generate a snapshot using a layer hierarchy and image layer data generated while the application was last running if the time associated with when the application was last active is later than the time associated with an existing snapshot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Neil G. Crane, Joshua H. Shaffer, Paul W. Salzman, Michael J. Lamb, Austen J. Green
  • Publication number: 20200218969
    Abstract: The subject technology determines input parameters and an output format of algorithms for a particular functionality provided by an electronic device. The subject technology determines an order of the algorithms for performing the particular functionality based on temporal dependencies of the algorithms, and the input parameters and the output format of the algorithms. The subject technology generates a graph based on the order of the algorithms, the graph comprising a set of nodes corresponding to the algorithms, each node indicating a particular processor of the electronic device for executing an algorithm. Further, the subject technology executes the particular functionality based on performing a traversal of the graph, the traversal comprising a topological traversal of the set of nodes and the traversal being based on a score indicating whether selection of a particular node for execution over another node enables a greater number of processors to be utilized at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin P. ENGLERT, Elliott B. HARRIS, Neil G. CRANE, Brandon J. COREY
  • Publication number: 20190223148
    Abstract: A device may broadcast an indication of an activity level of the device. The device may also receive a notification of an incoming message and receive at least one broadcast from at least one additional device also receiving the notification of the incoming message including an indication of at least one activity level of the at least one additional device. The device may compare its own activity level with the received at least one activity level. In response to determining that the activity level of the device is equal to or greater than a highest received at least one activity level, the device may display the notification of the incoming message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Bradley, James B. Cary, Marc J. Krochmal, Matthew E. Shepherd, Neil G. Crane
  • Patent number: 10349270
    Abstract: A method of establishing communications with a first device is disclosed. The method includes: the first device presenting connection information to a second device; receiving a response from a second device; establishing an association with the second device; transmitting, in response to a determination that the first device and the second device are connected for data, first data to the second device, the first data comprising addressing information for a server; receiving second data from the second device, the second data comprising second information for establishing communications with the first device; and configuring the first device to receive third data from a location remote to the first device using the second information from the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Hawkins, Christopher Wilson, Conrad Sauerwald, Gregory Novick, Neil G. Crane, Rudolph Van Der Merwe, Samuel Noble, Paul William Chinn
  • Patent number: 10306586
    Abstract: A device may broadcast an indication of an activity level of the device. The device may also receive a notification of an incoming message and receive at least one broadcast from at least one additional device also receiving the notification of the incoming message including an indication of at least one activity level of the at least one additional device. The device may compare its own activity level with the received at least one activity level. In response to determining that the activity level of the device is equal to or greater than a highest received at least one activity level, the device may display the notification of the incoming message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Bob Bradley, James B. Cary, Marc J. Krochmal, Matthew E. Shepherd, Neil G. Crane
  • Publication number: 20190037393
    Abstract: A method of establishing communications with a first device is disclosed. The method includes: the first device presenting connection information to a second device; receiving a response from a second device; establishing an association with the second device; transmitting, in response to a determination that the first device and the second device are connected for data, first data to the second device, the first data comprising addressing information for a server; receiving second data from the second device, the second data comprising second information for establishing communications with the first device; and configuring the first device to receive third data from a location remote to the first device using the second information from the second data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Tyler HAWKINS, Christopher WILSON, Conrad SAUERWALD, Gregory NOVICK, Neil G. CRANE, Rudolph VAN DER MERWE, Samuel NOBLE, Paul William CHINN
  • Patent number: 10015668
    Abstract: A method of establishing communications with a first device is disclosed. The method includes: the first device presenting connection information to a second device; receiving a response from a second device; establishing an association with the second device; transmitting, in response to a determination that the first device and the second device are connected for data, first data to the second device, the first data comprising addressing information for a server; receiving second data from the second device, the second data comprising second information for establishing communications with the first device; and configuring the first device to receive third data from a location remote to the first device using the second information from the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Hawkins, Christopher Wilson, Conrad Sauerwald, Gregory Novick, Neil G. Crane, Rudolph Van Der Merwe, Samuel Noble, Paul William Chinn
  • Publication number: 20180146366
    Abstract: A method of establishing communications with a first device is disclosed. The method includes: the first device presenting connection information to a second device; receiving a response from a second device; establishing an association with the second device; transmitting, in response to a determination that the first device and the second device are connected for data, first data to the second device, the first data comprising addressing information for a server; receiving second data from the second device, the second data comprising second information for establishing communications with the first device; and configuring the first device to receive third data from a location remote to the first device using the second information from the second data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Tyler HAWKINS, Christopher WILSON, Conrad SAUERWALD, Gregory NOVICK, Neil G. CRANE, Rudolph VAN DER MERWE, Samuel NOBLE, Paul William CHINN
  • Patent number: 9974046
    Abstract: A device may broadcast an indication of an activity level of the device. The device may also receive a notification of an incoming message and receive at least one broadcast from at least one additional device also receiving the notification of the incoming message including an indication of at least one activity level of the at least one additional device. The device may compare its own activity level with the received at least one activity level. In response to determining that the activity level of the device is equal to or greater than a highest received at least one activity level, the device may display the notification of the incoming message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Bradley, James B. Cary, Marc J. Krochmal, Matthew E. Shepherd, Neil G. Crane
  • Patent number: 9900767
    Abstract: A method of establishing communications with a first device is disclosed. The method includes: the first device presenting connection information to a second device; receiving a response from a second device; establishing an association with the second device; transmitting, in response to a determination that the first device and the second device are connected for data, first data to the second device, the first data comprising addressing information for a server; receiving second data from the second device, the second data comprising second information for establishing communications with the first device; and configuring the first device to receive third data from a location remote to the first device using the second information from the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Hawkins, Christopher Wilson, Conrad Sauerwald, Gregory Novick, Neil G. Crane, Rudolph Van Der Merwe, Samuel Noble, Paul William Chinn
  • Publication number: 20170359798
    Abstract: A device may broadcast an indication of an activity level of the device. The device may also receive a notification of an incoming message and receive at least one broadcast from at least one additional device also receiving the notification of the incoming message including an indication of at least one activity level of the at least one additional device. The device may compare its own activity level with the received at least one activity level. In response to determining that the activity level of the device is equal to or greater than a highest received at least one activity level, the device may display the notification of the incoming message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Bob BRADLEY, James B. Cary, Marc J. Krochmal, Matthew E. Shepherd, Neil G. Crane
  • Publication number: 20170357495
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for updating application data in snapshots of applications for previewing. Some embodiments update application data by determining when current application data may expire and retrieving updated application data. The application data for various applications in a preview mode may be updated based on an allotted budget. Permission can be selectively granted to applications to obtain updated data so as to control the budget. Application data in the snapshots may appear updated to a user as the user browses the dock without requiring the applications to request updated application data when the user enters the dock, regardless of whether each application is active. Further, some embodiments may generate a snapshot using a layer hierarchy and image layer data generated while the application was last running if the time associated with when the application was last active is later than the time associated with an existing snapshot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Neil G. Crane, Joshua H. Shaffer, Paul W. Salzman, Michael J. Lamb, Austen J. Green
  • Publication number: 20170359797
    Abstract: A device may broadcast an indication of an activity level of the device. The device may also receive a notification of an incoming message and receive at least one broadcast from at least one additional device also receiving the notification of the incoming message including an indication of at least one activity level of the at least one additional device. The device may compare its own activity level with the received at least one activity level. In response to determining that the activity level of the device is equal to or greater than a highest received at least one activity level, the device may display the notification of the incoming message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Bob Bradley, James B. Cary, Marc J. Krochmal, Matthew E. Shepherd, Neil G. Crane
  • Publication number: 20170357465
    Abstract: Some embodiments can load one or more applications into working memory from persistent storage when permitted by a memory pressure level of a mobile device. Loading the applications into working memory enables the applications to be launched into the foreground quickly when the user indicates the desire to launch. Some embodiments may identify a set of applications that are designated for providing snapshots to be displayed when the mobile device is in a dock mode. Certain embodiments may determine a current memory pressure level. Some embodiments may load an application in the set of applications into working memory from a persistent storage responsive to determining that the memory pressure level is below a threshold. Certain embodiments may continue to load additional applications responsive to determining that the memory pressure level is below the threshold. After determining that the memory pressure level is above the threshold, some embodiments may reclaim memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Antony J. Dzeryn, Michael J. Lamb, Neil G. Crane, Brent W. Schorsch
  • Publication number: 20170257756
    Abstract: A method of establishing communications with a first device is disclosed. The method includes: the first device presenting connection information to a second device; receiving a response from a second device; establishing an association with the second device; transmitting, in response to a determination that the first device and the second device are connected for data, first data to the second device, the first data comprising addressing information for a server; receiving second data from the second device, the second data comprising second information for establishing communications with the first device; and configuring the first device to receive third data from a location remote to the first device using the second information from the second data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Tyler HAWKINS, Christopher WILSON, Conrad SAUERWALD, Gregory NOVICK, Neil G. CRANE, Rudolph VAN DER MERWE, Samuel NOBLE, Paul William CHINN
  • Patent number: 9661495
    Abstract: A method of activating a first device is disclosed. The method includes: the first device pairing with a second device; receiving a connection request from a second device; connecting to the second device; opening a communication channel to the second device; transmitting an activation package to the second device; receiving an activation payload from the second device; and performing an activation using information from the activation payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Hawkins, Christopher Wilson, Conrad Sauerwald, Gregory Novick, Neil G. Crane, Rudolph Van Der Merwe, Samuel Noble, Paul William Chinn