Patents by Inventor Paul R. Steuer

Paul R. Steuer 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: 10942558
    Abstract: A method is performed at an electronic device that includes a plurality of sensors. The device detects, by a first set of the sensors, information from an environment of the device. The device obtains content for display by the device. It determines, based on the information from the environment, whether a user is in close physical proximity. Based on a determination that the user is in proximity, the device determines using a second set of the sensors a location of the user relative to the device, and an orientation for displaying the content on the display based on the relative location. The device reformats the content for display on the display based on the user location and/or a rotation of the display with respect to the orientation, and displays the reformatted content on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Roger W. Ady, Rachid Alameh, Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20190354162
    Abstract: A method is performed at an electronic device that includes a plurality of sensors. The device detects, by a first set of the sensors, information from an environment of the device. The device obtains content for display by the device. It determines, based on the information from the environment, whether a user is in close physical proximity. Based on a determination that the user is in proximity, the device determines using a second set of the sensors a location of the user relative to the device, and an orientation for displaying the content on the display based on the relative location. The device reformats the content for display on the display based on the user location and/or a rotation of the display with respect to the orientation, and displays the reformatted content on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Roger W. Ady, Rachid Alameh, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 10387020
    Abstract: A display system includes a display and a control circuit operable with the display. The display is configured to provide visual output having a presentation orientation. When user input is received, the control circuit can alter the presentation orientation from an initial orientation in response to user input. When non-user events or device events are detected, the control circuit can revert the presentation orientation to the initial orientation in response to the non-user event or device event. Where the presentation orientation has a user input configuration associated therewith, the user input configuration can either be altered with the presentation orientation or retained in an initial disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Cauwels, Rachid M. Alameh, Timothy Dickinson, Phillip D. Rasky, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 10372193
    Abstract: A device (102) detects when a user is in close physical proximity to the device, such as within a few feet of the device. While the user is in close physical proximity to the device, the device also detects the location of the user relative to the device, and optionally a speed at which the user is moving. The user interface presented by the device is adapted to the location of the user relative to the device and optionally the speed at which the user is moving, but without needing physical manipulation of the device by the user. The adaptation can include, for example, orienting content presented on a display of the device based on the location of the user relative to the device so that the content appears “upright” or “right side up” for the user to view given their location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Roger W. Ady, Rachid Alameh, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 10122847
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting presence and motion by an electronic device are disclosed. In an example device, the device includes a housing defining an opening, an infrared (“IR”) sensor located within the housing and generating an indication signal when the IR sensor detects an IR signal. The example device may further include a mirror disposed within the housing and having an unobstructed path and line of sight to outside of the electronic device via the opening and oriented to direct the first IR signal towards the IR sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M Alameh, Patrick J Cauwels, Paul R Steuer
  • Publication number: 20180157401
    Abstract: A display system includes a display and a control circuit operable with the display. The display is configured to provide visual output having a presentation orientation. When user input is received, the control circuit can alter the presentation orientation from an initial orientation in response to user input. When non-user events or device events are detected, the control circuit can revert the presentation orientation to the initial orientation in response to the non-user event or device event. Where the presentation orientation has a user input configuration associated therewith, the user input configuration can either be altered with the presentation orientation or retained in an initial disposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Cauwels, Rachid M. Alameh, Timothy Dickinson, Phillip D. Rasky, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 9875008
    Abstract: A display system includes a display and a control circuit operable with the display. The display is configured to provide visual output having a presentation orientation. When user input is received, the control circuit can alter the presentation orientation from an initial orientation in response to user input. When non-user events or device events are detected, the control circuit can revert the presentation orientation to the initial orientation in response to the non-user event or device event. Where the presentation orientation has a user input configuration associated therewith, the user input configuration can either be altered with the presentation orientation or retained in an initial disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Cauwels, Rachid M. Alameh, Timothy Dickinson, Phillip D. Rasky, Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20170344094
    Abstract: A device (102) detects when a user is in close physical proximity to the device, such as within a few feet of the device. While the user is in close physical proximity to the device, the device also detects the location of the user relative to the device, and optionally a speed at which the user is moving. The user interface presented by the device is adapted to the location of the user relative to the device and optionally the speed at which the user is moving, but without needing physical manipulation of the device by the user. The adaptation can include, for example, orienting content presented on a display of the device based on the location of the user relative to the device so that the content appears “upright” or “right side up” for the user to view given their location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Roger W. Ady, Rachid Alameh, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 9746901
    Abstract: A device (102) detects when a user is in close physical proximity to the device, such as within a few feet of the device. While the user is in close physical proximity to the device, the device also detects the location of the user relative to the device, and optionally a speed at which the user is moving. The user interface presented by the device is adapted to the location of the user relative to the device and optionally the speed at which the user is moving, but without needing physical manipulation of the device by the user. The adaptation can include, for example, orienting content presented on a display of the device based on the location of the user relative to the device so that the content appears “upright” or “right side up” for the user to view given their location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Roger W. Ady, Rachid Alameh, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 9633804
    Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Google Technoogy Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alamech, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20170046054
    Abstract: A display system includes a display and a control circuit operable with the display. The display is configured to provide visual output having a presentation orientation. When user input is received, the control circuit can alter the presentation orientation from an initial orientation in response to user input. When non-user events or device events are detected, the control circuit can revert the presentation orientation to the initial orientation in response to the non-user event or device event. Where the presentation orientation has a user input configuration associated therewith, the user input configuration can either be altered with the presentation orientation or retained in an initial disposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick J. Cauwels, Rachid M. Alameh, Timothy Dickinson, Phillip D. Rasky, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 9506966
    Abstract: In embodiments of an off-center sensor target region, a capacitive sensor can include a target region that is located off-center relative to a center of the sensor. A touch input to the target region of the capacitive sensor can be determined to be valid sensor input and a touch contact that correlates to the center of the capacitive sensor can be determined to be false sensor input. The target region of the capacitive sensor can correspond to a selectable control that is selectable by a user to initiate a device function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Paul R Steuer, Thomas Y Merrell
  • Patent number: 9363892
    Abstract: A circuit assembly (1800) includes a first circuit substrate (1200) defining a first major face (1201) and a second circuit substrate (1500) defining a second major face (1502). A plurality of electrical components (1203,1204,1205) can be disposed on one or more of the first major face or the second major face. One or more substrate bridging members (1301,1302,1303,1304) are disposed between the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate. Each substrate bridging member can define a unitary structure having a first end bonded to the first major face and a second end bonded to the second major face to bridge the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Paul R Steuer, Mark A Barabolak, Patrick J Cauwels, Timothy J Sutherland
  • Patent number: 9330666
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to a method on a gesture-based messaging device (“messaging device”). According to various implementations, the messaging device detects a user's gesture (e.g., arm gesture, hand gesture, or finger gesture) using, for example, Electromyography or EMG. The messaging device may be implemented as a wearable device, such as a ring, wristband (e.g., a wristwatch), or pair of glasses (e.g., Google Glass™). The messaging device attempts to authenticate the user. If the messaging device authenticates the user and recognizes the gesture as indicating that a social media message is to be dictated, then the messaging device enters a social media mode, during which it listens for and receives an input of a spoken message from the user, converts the spoken message to a text message, and transmits the text message to a social media entity (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®, or Tumblr®).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M Alameh, Iqbal Arshad, Patrick J Cauwels, Paul R Steuer
  • Publication number: 20160034050
    Abstract: A device (102) detects when a user is in close physical proximity to the device, such as within a few feet of the device. While the user is in close physical proximity to the device, the device also detects the location of the user relative to the device, and optionally a speed at which the user is moving. The user interface presented by the device is adapted to the location of the user relative to the device and optionally the speed at which the user is moving, but without needing physical manipulation of the device by the user. The adaptation can include, for example, orienting content presented on a display of the device based on the location of the user relative to the device so that the content appears “upright” or “right side up” for the user to view given their location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Roger W. Ady, Rachid Alameh, Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20160021241
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting presence and motion by an electronic device are disclosed. In an example device, the device includes a housing defining an opening, an infrared (“IR”) sensor located within the housing and generating an indication signal when the IR sensor detects an IR signal. The example device may further include a mirror disposed within the housing and having an unobstructed path and line of sight to outside of the electronic device via the opening and oriented to direct the first IR signal towards the IR sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Patrick J. Cauwels, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 9218472
    Abstract: A device includes both a fingerprint sensor (112) and a piezo structure (114). The fingerprint sensor senses fingerprint data identifying a pattern of a fingerprint of a user. The fingerprint data for the user can be collected and analyzed in various manners in order to authenticate the sensed fingerprint. The piezo structure can be used in various manners, such as to collect data used to facilitate authenticating the sensed fingerprint data, to provide feedback to the user regarding when the fingerprint authentication process is complete, and/or to cause different types of vibration in order to facilitate sensing fingerprint data. Various additional feedback can also be provided to the user, using the piezo structure or other feedback mechanisms, such as feedback to notify the user to increase or decrease an amount of pressure he or she is applying to the fingerprint sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Jiri Slaby, Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20150269936
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to a method on a gesture-based messaging device (“messaging device”). According to various implementations, the messaging device detects a user's gesture (e.g., arm gesture, hand gesture, or finger gesture) using, for example, Electromyography or EMG. The messaging device may be implemented as a wearable device, such as a ring, wristband (e.g., a wristwatch), or pair of glasses (e.g., Google Glass™). The messaging device attempts to authenticate the user. If the messaging device authenticates the user and recognizes the gesture as indicating that a social media message is to be dictated, then the messaging device enters a social media mode, during which it listens for and receives an input of a spoken message from the user, converts the spoken message to a text message, and transmits the text message to a social media entity (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®, or Tumblr®).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Iqbal Arshad, Patrick J. Cauwels, Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20150235787
    Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alamech, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler
  • Patent number: 9048042
    Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alameh, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler