Patents by Inventor Patrick L. Coffman

Patrick L. Coffman 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: 12647758
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device is described. A user interface is displayed while detecting an incoming call from a first phone number. In response to detecting the incoming call and in accordance with a determination that the first phone number for the incoming call does not correspond to an entry in a contact list, the first phone number corresponding to the incoming call is displayed. In response to detecting the incoming call and in accordance with a determination that the first number for the incoming call corresponds to a first entry in the contact list, a name associated with the first entry and/or a graphic associated with the first entry is displayed, without displaying the first phone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Forstall, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Patrick L. Coffman, Steven P. Jobs, Stephen O. Lemay, Gregory Novick, Marcel Van Os
  • Patent number: 12647497
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to connecting to one or more external devices. In some examples, one or more techniques are described, such as automatically connecting an external device, connecting to an external device, managing a set of external devices, controlling media playback, and managing media controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Vincenzo O. Giuliani, Brandon A. Lynne, Joshua D. Deitel, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Publication number: 20260143019
    Abstract: Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more electronic devices that display a plurality of user interfaces corresponding initiating a communication session and joining a communication session. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to transmitting content during a communication session. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed towards receiving content during the communication session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2026
    Publication date: May 21, 2026
    Inventors: Brandon A. LYNNE, Joshua D. DEITEL, Vincenzo O. GIULIANI, Patrick L. COFFMAN
  • Publication number: 20260129406
    Abstract: Systems and methods for proactively identifying and surfacing relevant content on an electronic device with a touch-sensitive display are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a method includes presenting content in a first application. At least a portion of the content is presented without requiring input from a user. The method further includes receiving a request to open a second application. In response to receiving the request, the second application is presented with an input-receiving field. Before receiving any user input at the input-receiving field, a selectable user interface object is displayed with an indication that the portion of the content was viewed in the first application, allowing the user to paste at least the portion of the content into the input-receiving field. In response to detecting a selection of the selectable user interface object, the portion of the content is pasted into the input-receiving field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2026
    Publication date: May 7, 2026
    Inventors: Daniel C. GROSS, Jesper S. ANDERSEN, Hafid ARRAS, Jerome R. BELLEGARDA, Alexandre CARLHIAN, Kevin D. CLARK, Patrick L. COFFMAN, Richard R. DELLINGER, Thomas DENIAU, Jannes G.A. DOLFING, Christopher P. FOSS, Jason J. GAUCI, Aria D. HAGHIGHI, Jun HATORI, Cyrus D. IRANI, Bronwyn A. JONES, Gaurav KAPOOR, Karl Christian KOHLSCHUETTER, Stephen O. LEMAY, Mathieu J. MARTEL, Alexandre R. MOHA, Colin C. MORRIS, Giulia P. PAGALLO, Brent D. RAMERTH, Michael R. SIRACUSA, Sofiane TOUDJI, Xin WANG, Lawrence Y. YANG
  • Patent number: 12615491
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to managing interactions between devices. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for managing interactions between devices are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, Vincenzo O. Giuliani, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Publication number: 20260111169
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to sharing audio, including while the electronic device is connected to a first external device via a communication link, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide audio data to the first external device via the communication link, detecting an indication that a physical proximity between the electronic device and a second external device, different from the first external device, satisfies a proximity condition; in response to detecting the indication that the physical proximity between the electronic device and the second external device satisfies the proximity condition, displaying, via the display device, a first user interface including a first affordance; detecting an input corresponding to selection of the first affordance; and in response to detecting the input corresponding to selection of the first affordance, initiating a process to provide audio data concurrently with the first external device and the second external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2025
    Publication date: April 23, 2026
    Inventors: Taylor G. CARRIGAN, Patrick L. COFFMAN, Nathan DE VRIES, David C. Graham
  • Patent number: 12596520
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to providing media playback controls to a user. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for displaying media playback controls are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Patent number: 12580994
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for collecting, storing, and transmitting account information in a matchable form, and for using this information to quickly set up accounts. Account information is maintained and shared between one or more client devices and an intermediate server. Account information can be reconciled locally to determine whether to add or enable an active account or an account proxy to a client device. Account proxies can be quickly enabled by a single user action. The methods and systems allow enabled accounts and account proxies to be removed from a first client device without propagating the deletion to a second client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McDougall, Steve S. Ko, John William Scalo, Patrick L. Coffman, Aaron Matthew Everitt
  • Patent number: 12578757
    Abstract: At an electronic device, detecting a compatible external device, where the external device is executing or has executed a first application. The detection may be made wirelessly. The electronic device also receives usage information regarding the first application from the external device. Display an affordance for user selection based on the received information. When the affordance is selected, launch a second application on the electronic device, the second application corresponding to the first application. In some examples, the second application is a different version of the first application. Launching the second application may additionally include bringing the second application to the same state as the first application. For example, if e-mail is being drafted on the external device, the electronic device may launch an e-mail editor showing the draft. In this way, a user can seamlessly transition from the use of one electronic device to another electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Y. Yang, Patrick L. Coffman, Craig M. Federighi
  • Patent number: 12574442
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to managing connections between computer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2026
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Deitel, Vincenzo O. Giuliani, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Patent number: 12556592
    Abstract: Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more electronic devices that display a plurality of user interfaces corresponding initiating a communication session and joining a communication session. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to transmitting content during a communication session. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed towards receiving content during the communication session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon A. Lynne, Joshua D. Deitel, Vincenzo O. Giuliani, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Patent number: 12554381
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device displays a virtual keyboard, wherein the virtual keyboard includes a plurality of selectable representations of a plurality of graphical objects. In some embodiments, the electronic device receives a user input selecting a first selectable representation of a first graphical object, wherein the first graphical object is associated with a first customizable visual element and a second customizable visual element. In some embodiments, in response to receiving the user input and in accordance with a determination that one or more first criteria are satisfied, the electronic device displays, via the display device, a customization user interface, including a first section for customizing the first customizable visual element, a second section for customizing the second customizable visual element, and a third section for displaying a first respective representation of the first graphical object that indicates a current state of customization of the first graphical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christian X. Dalonzo, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Patent number: 12549661
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device operates in a streaming mode to automatically stream content from the electronic device to a playback destination. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents selectable options to control playback of content on a streaming destination while the electronic device streams content to the streaming destination. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents visual indications that the electronic device is operating in a streaming mode to stream content to a playback destination. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents a user interface for controlling electronic devices that automatically reconfigures to support different user inputs and issues different commands based on the type of electronic device being controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, Patrick L. Coffman, Christopher Patrick Foss, Eliza J. Von Hagen, Policarpo B. Wood
  • Patent number: 12541338
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for managing shared-content sessions. In some embodiments, content is shared with a group of users participating in a shared-content session. In some embodiments, the content is screen-share content that is shared from one device to other participants of the shared-content session. In some embodiments, the content is synchronized content for which output of the content is synchronized across the participants of the shared-content session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Woo Chang, Mani Amini, Patrick L. Coffman, Kaely Coon, Kyle W. Horn, Raymond S. Sepulveda, Marcel Van Os, Chun Kin Minor Wong, Brandon O. Young
  • Patent number: 12535941
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to managing input devices. In some embodiments, keyboards are resized. In some embodiments, visual feedback of an audio input is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dylan Ross Edwards, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Publication number: 20260023455
    Abstract: In some embodiments a second electronic device with which an output device is associated facilitates associating the output device with a first electronic device. In some embodiments, a second electronic device that is associated with an additional user facilitates associating the additional user with a first electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2025
    Publication date: January 22, 2026
    Inventors: Pavan RAJAM, Patrick L. COFFMAN, Dennis Sungwoo PARK, Richard MONDELLO, Vijay SUNDARAM, Caleb DAVENPORT, Neil P. CORMICAN
  • Patent number: 12526361
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to interfaces and techniques for media playback on one or more devices. In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes a display, one or more processors, and memory. The electronic device receives user input and, in response to receiving the user input, displays, on the display, a multi-device interface that includes: one or more indicators associated with a plurality of available playback devices that are connected to the device and available to initiate playback of media from the device, and a media playback status of the plurality of available playback devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Coffman, David Chance Graham, Afrooz Family
  • Patent number: 12504944
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to sharing audio, including while the electronic device is connected to a first external device via a communication link, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide audio data to the first external device via the communication link, detecting an indication that a physical proximity between the electronic device and a second external device, different from the first external device, satisfies a proximity condition; in response to detecting the indication that the physical proximity between the electronic device and the second external device satisfies the proximity condition, displaying, via the display device, a first user interface including a first affordance; detecting an input corresponding to selection of the first affordance; and in response to detecting the input corresponding to selection of the first affordance, initiating a process to provide audio data concurrently with the first external device and the second external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, David C. Graham, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Publication number: 20250358279
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for managing and sharing authentication information (e.g., passkeys, verification codes, and/or passwords) using electronic devices. A first computing system being associated with a first user account of a first user receives, via one or more input devices, one or more inputs that corresponds to a request to access a remote service that requires authentication, and in response to receiving the one or more inputs that correspond to the request to access the remote service, provides authentication information to the remote service that is based on a private key that is accessible to the first computing system, where the authentication information does not include the private key, the private key was established by a second computer system that is different from the first computer system, and the second computer system is also associated with the first user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2025
    Publication date: November 20, 2025
    Inventors: Jay S. MULANI, Elizabeth C. CRANFILL, Ryan D. SHELBY, Peter W. ROMAN, Richard J. MONDELLO, Patrick L. COFFMAN
  • Publication number: 20250358358
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to interfaces and techniques for media playback on one or more devices. In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes a display, one or more processors, and memory. The electronic device receives user input and, in response to receiving the user input, displays, on the display, a multi-device interface that includes: one or more indicators associated with a plurality of available playback devices that are connected to the device and available to initiate playback of media from the device, and a media playback status of the plurality of available playback devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2025
    Publication date: November 20, 2025
    Inventors: Patrick L. COFFMAN, Taylor G. CARRIGAN, David Chance GRAHAM, Cyrus Daniel IRANI, Aimee PIERCY