Patents by Inventor Peter J. Kennedy

Peter J. Kennedy 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: 11036282
    Abstract: Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve P. Hotelling, Brian Q. Huppi, Joshua A. Strickon, Duncan Robert Kerr, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Jonathan P. Ive, Peter J. Kennedy, Anthony M. Faddell, Jeffrey L. Robbin
  • Patent number: 10042418
    Abstract: Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve P. Hotelling, Brian Q. Huppi, Joshua A. Strickon, Duncan Robert Kerr, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Jonathan P. Ive, Peter J. Kennedy, Anthony M. Fadell, Jeffrey L. Robbin
  • Patent number: 8849206
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20140113567
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8660494
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8612856
    Abstract: Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve P. Hotelling, Brian Q. Huppi, Joshua A. Strickon, Duncan Robert Kerr, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Jonathan P. Ive, Peter J. Kennedy, Anthony M. Faddell, Jeffrey L. Robbin
  • Publication number: 20130303233
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8401476
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8381135
    Abstract: Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve P. Hotelling, Brian Q. Huppi, Joshua A. Strickon, Duncan Robert Kerr, Bas Ording, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Jonathan P. Ive, Peter J. Kennedy, Anthony M. Fadell, Jeffrey L. Robbin
  • Patent number: 8355673
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20110142214
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7864210
    Abstract: A system for generating video images and corresponding audio of multiple parties engaged in a video conference is provided. The system includes multiple voice transducers for receiving voice signals from the multiple parties and a video camera for capturing moving images of one of the multiple parties who is speaking. The system further includes a processor in communication with the voice transducers and video camera. The processor determines respective distances and angles between the party who is speaking and each of the multiple voice transducers. Additionally, the processor identifies a location of the party who is speaking relative to the video camera based on the determined respective distances and angles. Based on the identified location, the processor selects a portion of a video frame produced by video camera and processes the selected portion to mitigate optical distortion and generate an overall picture in which the party speaking does not appear unnaturally small relative to the overall picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7782208
    Abstract: A dynamic inventory management method can include the step of attaching a location tag to a deployable asset. A mobile entity can be associated with the location tag. A tag scanner can scan for location tags within a range of the tag scanner. Data can be conveyed from the tag scanner to a communicatively linked inventory control system. The scanning and conveying steps can be repeated to dynamically update the inventory control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20100178906
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7715790
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated configuring of user preferences. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to operate a data processing system, includes: detecting whether or not a portable device is connected to the data processing system; and automatically configuring one or more user preferences of the data processing system according to an identity of the portable device in response to a change in whether or not the portable device is connected to the data processing system. In one aspect of the present invention, call forwarding of at least one of a land line phone and a mobile phone is automatically configured when the mobile phone is brought close to the land line phone or when the mobile phone is taken away from the land line phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7653883
    Abstract: Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve P. Hotelling, Duncan Robert Kerr, Bas Ording, Jonathan P. Ive, Peter J. Kennedy, Anthony M. Fadell, Jeffrey L. Robbin
  • Patent number: 7417547
    Abstract: A dynamic inventory management method can include the step of attaching a location tag to a deployable asset. A mobile entity can be associated with the location tag. A tag scanner can scan for location tags within a range of the tag scanner. Data can be conveyed from the tag scanner to a communicatively linked inventory control system. The scanning and conveying steps can be repeated to dynamically update the inventory control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7228121
    Abstract: A text messaging based alert notification and feedback method based on the Amber Alert system used in child abduction situations is disclosed herein. A mobile subscriber receives a public service text message that was broadcast to a large number of mobile subscribers. Law enforcement working in coordination with one or more cellular carriers compose and send out the public service text message containing facts about an exigent circumstance such as a child abduction. If a subscriber possesses information and wishes to reply to the public service text message, his mobile phone automatically generates a reply message to the public service text message. The reply message contains, at a minimum, a header portion that includes a time/date stamp, an identification stamp (e.g., mobile phone number), and if possible a location stamp. The reply message also allows for the inclusion of a data portion. The data portion includes the option of attaching additional text and an audio or video attachment to the reply message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Peter J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7190348
    Abstract: A method and system for use with a computer based system having a touchscreen for distinguishing between a finger and a stylus. The method involves a series of steps including detecting contact with the touchscreen. Also, the method can include generating contact information for the detected contact with the touchscreen. The method includes comparing contact information corresponding to the detected contact with contact criteria, and, based on the comparison of the contact information, determining whether the contact was initiated by a finger or a stylus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Kennedy, James R. Lewis, David Sawin
  • Patent number: 7085590
    Abstract: Mobile terminal with ergonomic imaging functions. The present invention, by way of example embodiments, provides for a mobile terminal with ergonomic imaging or camera functions. A single display can be used, for example in portrait mode while terminal functions are being used and in landscape mode while imaging functions are being used. The change between the two orientations can be accomplished automatically. In some embodiments, the capability is also provided to process an image for assignment to a terminal function, where the image has at least one display attribute that makes it at least partly unsuitable for use with the terminal function. The processing may include resizing, cropping, and/or rotating the image. This processing can be accomplished for example, so that a landscape image can be viewed conveniently in a portrait orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Peter J Kennedy, Laurie A. Gray, Elisabeth Gibbons, David Desmond Middleton, James Cunningham, Stacy Smith, Amy Swanson, David C. Bates