Patents by Inventor Paul X. Wang
Paul X. Wang 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).
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Patent number: 12142074Abstract: This application relates to a laptop computer. The laptop computer includes a base portion pivotally coupled to a lid portion is described. The laptop computer includes a display assembly carried by the lid portion, where the display assembly includes a light-transmissive cover, a display layer overlaid by the light-transmissive cover, a display stack electrically coupled to and overlaid by the display layer, and a light pattern recognition module adjacent to the display stack and overlaid by the display layer. The light pattern recognition module includes (i) a light pattern projector that projects a light pattern directly through the display layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2023Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Antonio Clarke, Joshua L. Daigle, Dinesh C. Mathew
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Publication number: 20240370061Abstract: A device may include a display portion that includes a display housing and a display at least partially within the display housing. The device may also include a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a bottom case, a top case coupled to the bottom case and defining an array of raised key regions, and a sensing system below the top case and configured to detect an input applied to a raised key region of the array of raised key regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2024Publication date: November 7, 2024Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Zheng Gao
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Publication number: 20240361829Abstract: A head-mountable device and/or another electronic device can provide guidance for optimal placement of the head-mountable device. The head-mountable device and/or another electronic device can be operated to guide a user to position the head-mountable device in a manner that will achieve proper alignment of components with respect to the user and maximize user comfort. For example, the head-mountable device and/or another device can include sensors for detecting features of the user's face, forces distributed on the face when worn, and/or alignment with the face (e.g., eyes). By further example, the head-mountable device and/or another device can detect changes in adjustment and infer user discomfort based on the frequency and/or magnitude of such changes. By further example, the head-mountable device and/or another device can detect changes in features of the user's face before, during, and/or after use of the head-mountable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2024Publication date: October 31, 2024Inventors: Paul X. WANG, Dustin A. HATFIELD
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Patent number: 12130666Abstract: An electronic device may have input-output devices such as sensors, displays, wireless circuitry, and other electronic components mounted within a housing. The housing may have opposing front and rear walls. A display may be formed on a front side of the device and may be overlapped by a front housing wall such as a glass layer. Sensors and other components may be formed on a rear side of the device and may be overlapped by a rear housing wall. The rear housing wall may have a glass portion or other transparent structure through which projectors project images onto nearby surfaces and through which image sensors and other optical sensors receive light. The housing may be supported by a stand. An electrical component in the stand may interact with an electronic device on the stand. Wireless circuitry in an external item may wirelessly couple to wireless circuitry within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X Wang, Joshua P. Song
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Patent number: 12130972Abstract: A system may include an electronic device such as a head-mounted device and a handheld input device for controlling the electronic device. A tracking device may be removably coupled to the handheld input device to increase the precision with which the head-mounted device tracks the handheld input device. The tracking device may have larger dimensions than the handheld input device and/or may have an expandable housing that expands and retracts. Visual markers on the tracking device may include infrared light-emitting diodes, geometric surface features, or other optical tracking features. The tracking device may serve as a secondary input device for the head-mounted device when the tracking device is decoupled from the input device. The tracking device may have a recess for receiving a shaft of the input device and may have magnets or other attachment structures for attaching the tracking device to the input device.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Paul X Wang
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Patent number: 12130975Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an electronic device having a hidden or concealable input region. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an enclosure having a wall that defines an input region having an array of microperforations. A light source may be positioned within a volume defined by the enclosure and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations. A sensing element may be coupled with the wall and configured to detect input received within the input region. The array of microperforations are configured to be visually imperceptible when not illuminated by the light source. When illuminated by the light source, the array of microperforations may display a symbol.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Qiliang Xu, Richard G. Huizar
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Patent number: 12124034Abstract: Head-mounted devices can be formed as a modular system that provides a variety of different components and functions to achieve the results that are desired by a user. The modular configurations allow a user to easily customize a head-mounted device with one or more arm modules to provide features that integrate with other operations of the frame module of the head-mounted device. The arm modules can be easily exchanged with each other to provide different components and functions at different times. Accordingly, a frame module of a head-mounted device need not include permanent components that provide every function that will later be desired by the user. Instead, the head-mounted device can have expanded and customizable capabilities by the use of one or more arm modules.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew
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Publication number: 20240329411Abstract: Head-mountable devices can include connection and engagement mechanisms that facilitate operation of a head-mountable device with an accessory device. Such connections can provide both mechanical engagement and operable communication between the connected devices. A variable lock of the head-mountable device can distinguish between low-impulse and high-impulse forces applied to one or more connection regions. In the event of a low-impulse force, the variable lock can secure segments of a head engager together so the head-mountable device can remain on the head of the user. Optionally, the accessory device can be disconnected from the head-mountable device. In the event of a high-impulse force, the variable lock can allow segments of the head engager to separate so the head-mountable device can be released from the head of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2022Publication date: October 3, 2024Inventors: Paul X. WANG, Jason C. SAUERS
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Patent number: 12108200Abstract: A speaker includes a housing having walls that define a cavity and a diaphragm covering the cavity and configured to vibrate under application of a magnetic field. The vibration produces sound waves. The walls are configured to deform under bending stress. The speaker is configured produce the sound waves both in an undeformed state and in a deformed state. Another speaker includes a flexible layer, a sensor configured to detect a curvature of the flexible layer, and a transducer disposed on and configured to vibrate the flexible layer. The vibrations of the flexible layer generate sound waves and output generated by the transducer is based on the curvature of the flexible layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2022Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Chanjuan Feng
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Publication number: 20240319863Abstract: A user may provide finger press input to a surface such as a touch sensitive input surface. The input surface may be formed from a two-dimensional touch sensor overlapping a display of an electronic device. The electronic device and an associated device such as a finger-mounted device may form a system for gathering the finger press input from the user. A sensor may be used in monitoring when the finger-mounted device and a user's finger in the device approach the input surface of the electronic device. In response to detection of the finger near the input surface, actuators in the finger-mounted device may squeeze the finger inwardly to cause a finger pad on the finger to protrude outwardly towards the input surface, thereby softening impact between the finger and the input surface. The electronic device may also have an array of components to repel the finger-mounted device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2024Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventor: Paul X. Wang
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Patent number: 12099772Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to engaging in cross device interactions. The method includes at a first device with a first display, while a second device having a second display is placed over a first region of the first display, detecting, via input devices of the first device, a first input. In response to detecting the first input and in accordance with a determination that the first input occurred while focus was directed to the second device, the method includes causing a response to the first input to be displayed on the second display. In response to detecting the first input and in accordance with a determination that the first input occurred while focus was directed to the first device, the method includes displaying, on the first display, a response to the first input without causing a response to the first input to be displayed on the second display.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Tianjia Sun, Chang Zhang, Paul X. Wang, Aaron Wang
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Publication number: 20240302669Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device with a head securement element that allows a user to adjust both the magnitude, location, and direction of forces applied to the face of the user. Examples of adjustment mechanisms described herein allow a user to control the tilt of the head-mountable device relative to a head securement element, as well as the tightness of the head securement element. Accordingly, the user can select a fit that distributes forces widely, maximizes comfort, allows the user to enjoy the head-mountable device for longer durations of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Inventors: Dustin A. HATFIELD, Geng LUO, Benjamin A. SHAFFER, Julian JAEDE, Nicolas LYLYK, Paul X. WANG, Trevor J. NESS
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Patent number: 12086496Abstract: A system may include electronic devices that communicate wirelessly. When positioned so that a pair of devices overlap or are near to one another, the devices may operate in a linked mode. During linked operations, devices may communicate wirelessly while input gathering and content displaying operations are shared among the devices. One or both of a pair of devices may have sensors. An orientation sensor, motion sensor, optical sensor, and/or other sensors may be used in identifying conditions in which to enter the linked mode and to identify a region where displays in the pair of devices overlap.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul V. Johnson, Aaron Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, Jiaying Wu, Paul X. Wang
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Patent number: 12079043Abstract: A device may include a display portion that includes a display housing and a display at least partially within the display housing. The device may also include a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a bottom case, a top case coupled to the bottom case and defining an array of raised key regions, and a sensing system below the top case and configured to detect an input applied to a raised key region of the array of raised key regions.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2023Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Zheng Gao
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Publication number: 20240280823Abstract: An electronic device may have an inner display mounted in a housing so that an image on the inner display is presented to an eye box through a lens for viewing by a user while the electronic device is being worn on a head of the user. The electronic device may have input-output devices that are operable on external surfaces of the electronic device. The input-output devices may be used to gather user input for controlling an external device while the electronic device is not being worn on the user's head. The input-output devices may include a touch screen display, buttons, and other input-output components. An input-output component may be formed on a movable member that can be moved between a stored position and a deployed position. A projector may project images onto nearby surfaces. A removable electronic device may be coupled to head-mounted support structures or other housing structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2024Publication date: August 22, 2024Inventor: Paul X. Wang
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Patent number: 12066861Abstract: A head-mountable device can include a nosepiece that distributes forces away from a top of the nose to the sides of the nose. The nose contact elements of such nosepieces can be slideably and/or rotationally biased to apply forces to the sides of the nose when the head-mountable device is worn by a user. Such distribution allows forces to be spread across a greater area, which improves overall comfort, positioning, and light sealing of the head-mountable device.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2023Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Claire E. Dalke, Paul X. Wang, Liam R. Martinez
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Patent number: 12061735Abstract: A head-mountable device and/or another electronic device can provide guidance for optimal placement of the head-mountable device. The head-mountable device and/or another electronic device can be operated to guide a user to position the head-mountable device in a manner that will achieve proper alignment of components with respect to the user and maximize user comfort. For example, the head-mountable device and/or another device can include sensors for detecting features of the user's face, forces distributed on the face when worn, and/or alignment with the face (e.g., eyes). By further example, the head-mountable device and/or another device can detect changes in adjustment and infer user discomfort based on the frequency and/or magnitude of such changes. By further example, the head-mountable device and/or another device can detect changes in features of the user's face before, during, and/or after use of the head-mountable device.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2023Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dustin A. Hatfield
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Patent number: 12056346Abstract: A user may provide finger press input to a surface such as a touch sensitive input surface. The input surface may be formed from a two-dimensional touch sensor overlapping a display of an electronic device. The electronic device and an associated device such as a finger-mounted device may form a system for gathering the finger press input from the user. A sensor may be used in monitoring when the finger-mounted device and a user's finger in the device approach the input surface of the electronic device. In response to detection of the finger near the input surface, actuators in the finger-mounted device may squeeze the finger inwardly to cause a finger pad on the finger to protrude outwardly towards the input surface, thereby softening impact between the finger and the input surface. The electronic device may also have an array of components to repel the finger-mounted device.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2023Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Paul X. Wang
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Publication number: 20240241386Abstract: A head-mountable device can include assemblies that provide fit adjustment capabilities when assembled together. By providing head-mountable devices with modular features, certain assemblies can provide fit adjustment capabilities without requiring other assemblies to be custom designed or available in a wide variety of sizes and/or shapes. A lens assembly can provide one or more lenses that accommodate a user's vision correction needs. The lenses can be provided in a manner that allows them to be coupled to displays of the head-mountable device, which can move as needed. The lenses can be coupled to displays to move with the displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2022Publication date: July 18, 2024Inventors: Paul X. WANG, Jeremy C. FRANKLIN, Adam Y. KOLLGAARD
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Publication number: 20240230318Abstract: A fitting device that can be worn by a user to facilitate detection of the user's features and guide the user to selecting components (e.g., modules) of a head-mountable device that will provide the best fit when assembled together. By providing head-mountable devices with modular features, certain modules can provide a custom fit without requiring the entire head-mountable device to be custom fitted to each user. An electronic device can be operated to guide a user to select the optimal components, such as a face seal and/or head engager for use with an HMD module.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2022Publication date: July 11, 2024Inventors: PAUL X. WANG, Scott M. LEINWEBER, Adam Y. KOLLGAARD, Jeremy C. FRANKLIN