Patents by Inventor P. Powell

P. Powell 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: 12353628
    Abstract: Method starts with processor causing virtual reality (VR) interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface of a first head-wearable apparatus and on second user interface of second head-wearable apparatus. Processor detects first touch input from first VR input device and second touch input from second VR input device. Processor monitors location of the first touch input within the first user interface and location of the second touch input within second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of the first touch input within first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input within second user interface. Processor causes first and second VR input devices to generate haptic feedback response based on the distance. Haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12254132
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses based on gestures starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects a predetermined gesture by a first user of the first client device on the first user interface. In response to detecting the predetermined gesture by the first user, processor causes the first user interface and the second user interface to generate a haptic feedback response based on the predetermined gesture. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12216827
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. Processor causes the first user interface and the second user interface to generate a haptic feedback response based on the distance. The haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as the distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as the distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12216823
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface. Processor causes second user interface to display first indicator element at location on second user interface of second client device corresponding to location of first touch input on first user interface. First indicator element is displayed for a predetermined period of time. Processor detects second touch input on second user interface. In response to determining that location of the second touch input on second user interface corresponds to location of first indicator on second user interface and determining that second touch input on second user interface is detected within predetermined period of time, processor causes first user interface and second user interface to generate haptic feedback response. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12200399
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. Processor causes the first user interface and the second user interface to generate a haptic feedback response based on the distance. The haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as the distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as the distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Thomas, Alexander P. Powell
  • Patent number: 12164689
    Abstract: Method starts with processor causing virtual reality (VR) interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface of a first head-wearable apparatus and on second user interface of second head-wearable apparatus. Processor detects first touch input from first VR input device and second touch input from second VR input device. Processor monitors location of the first touch input within the first user interface and location of the second touch input within second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of the first touch input within first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input within second user interface. Processor causes first and second VR input devices to generate haptic feedback response based on the distance. Haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240357061
    Abstract: The technical problem of generating a video feed that represents a user who is party to a video call in a manner that invokes the sense of visual presence of the caller without communicating the live video of the user is addressed by configuring a video calling system to include an avatar call platform. The avatar call platform is configured to generate and display a video of an animated figure that represents a caller during a call, in that the face of the animated figure moves in a way that matches what the caller is saying during the call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Laurent Desserrey, Alex Edelsburg, Joseph Engelman, Alexander P. Powell, Arianne Spool, Jeremy Baker Voss, David Whyte
  • Patent number: 12118149
    Abstract: Method starts with processor causing virtual reality (VR) interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface of a first head-wearable apparatus and on second user interface of second head-wearable apparatus. Processor detects first touch input from first VR input device and second touch input from second VR input device. Processor monitors location of the first touch input within the first user interface and location of the second touch input within second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of the first touch input within first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input within second user interface. Processor causes first and second VR input devices to generate haptic feedback response based on the distance. Haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12096153
    Abstract: The technical problem of generating a video feed that represents a user who is party to a video call in a manner that invokes the sense of visual presence of the caller without communicating the live video of the user is addressed by configuring a video calling system to include an avatar call platform. The avatar call platform is configured to generate and display a video of an animated figure that represents a caller during a call, in that the face of the animated figure moves in a way that matches what the caller is saying during the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Desserrey, Alex Edelsburg, Joseph Engelman, Alexander P. Powell, Arianne Spool, Jeremy Baker Voss, David Whyte
  • Patent number: 12079391
    Abstract: Method starts with processor causing virtual reality (VR) interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface of a first head-wearable apparatus and on second user interface of second head-wearable apparatus. Processor detects first touch input from first VR input device and second touch input from second VR input device. Processor monitors location of the first touch input within the first user interface and location of the second touch input within second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of the first touch input within first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input within second user interface. Processor causes first and second VR input devices to generate haptic feedback response based on the distance. Haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12050729
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic and audio feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. In response to determining that the distance is below predetermined threshold, processor causes first user interface and second user interface to generate an initial haptic feedback response and an initial audio feedback response. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240248542
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses using haptic augmentations starts with processor receiving a media content item from a first client device and receiving from the first client device a selection of a haptic overlay associated with a haptic feedback response to be applied to the media content item. The processor generates a modified media content item by overlaying the haptic overlay on the media content item. The processor receives from the first client device a selection of a second user associated with the second user and causes the modified media content item to be displayed by a second user interface of the second client device. The processor detects a selection of the haptic overlay from the second client device, and in response to detecting the selection of the haptic overlay, causing the second user interface to generate the haptic feedback response. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12039102
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. Processor causes the first user interface and the second user interface to generate a haptic feedback response based on the distance. The haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as the distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as the distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240231500
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic and audio feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. In response to determining that the distance is below predetermined threshold, processor causes first user interface and second user interface to generate an initial haptic feedback response and an initial audio feedback response. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12032743
    Abstract: Method starts with processor causing virtual reality (VR) interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface of a first head-wearable apparatus and on second user interface of second head-wearable apparatus. Processor detects first touch input from first VR input device and second touch input from second VR input device. Processor monitors location of the first touch input within the first user interface and location of the second touch input within second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of the first touch input within first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input within second user interface. Processor causes first and second VR input devices to generate haptic feedback response based on the distance. Haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 12019806
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic and audio feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. In response to determining that the distance is below predetermined threshold, processor causes first user interface and second user interface to generate an initial haptic feedback response and an initial audio feedback response. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240184372
    Abstract: Method starts with processor causing virtual reality (VR) interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface of a first head-wearable apparatus and on second user interface of second head-wearable apparatus. Processor detects first touch input from first VR input device and second touch input from second VR input device. Processor monitors location of the first touch input within the first user interface and location of the second touch input within second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of the first touch input within first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input within second user interface. Processor causes first and second VR input devices to generate haptic feedback response based on the distance. Haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240187551
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. Processor causes the first user interface and the second user interface to generate a haptic feedback response based on the distance. The haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as the distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as the distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Mark Thomas, Alexander P. Powell
  • Publication number: 20240184371
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. Processor causes the first user interface and the second user interface to generate a haptic feedback response based on the distance. The haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as the distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as the distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Alexander P. Powell, Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 11997422
    Abstract: Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface and second touch input on second user interface. Processor monitors location of the first touch input on the first user interface and location of the second touch input on the second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of first touch input on first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input on second user interface. Processor causes the first user interface and the second user interface to generate a haptic feedback response based on the distance. The haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as the distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as the distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Thomas, Alexander P. Powell