Patents by Inventor Robert T. Aloe

Robert T. Aloe 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: 10145980
    Abstract: Algorithms for detecting whether a device is properly secured to a user's skin are described. The operation of a device, such as a wearable device, can be adjusted based on whether the device is properly secured to a user's skin (e.g., on-wrist) or not properly secured to the user's skin (e.g., off-wrist). For example, certain functions can be disabled for power-saving, security or other purposes if the device is off-wrist. In order to avoid falsely identifying the device as off-wrist or on-wrist, algorithms for detecting whether the device is on-wrist or off-wrist can calculate one or more variances based on signals measured by a light sensor and compare the one or more variances with one or more thresholds. Comparing the one or more variances to the one or more threshold can improve the accuracy of wrist-detection algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Aloe, Sankalita Saha, Stephen J. Waydo, Daniel J. Culbert
  • Publication number: 20180003855
    Abstract: Algorithms for detecting whether a device is properly secured to a user's skin are described. The operation of a device, such as a wearable device, can be adjusted based on whether the device is properly secured to a user's skin (e.g., on-wrist) or not properly secured to the user's skin (e.g., off-wrist). For example, certain functions can be disabled for power-saving, security or other purposes if the device is off-wrist. In order to avoid falsely identifying the device as off-wrist or on-wrist, algorithms for detecting whether the device is on-wrist or off-wrist can calculate one or more variances based on signals measured by a light sensor and compare the one or more variances with one or more thresholds. Comparing the one or more variances to the one or more threshold can improve the accuracy of wrist-detection algorithms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Robert T. ALOE, Sankalita SAHA, Stephen J. WAYDO, Daniel J. CULBERT
  • Patent number: 9766370
    Abstract: Algorithms for detecting whether a device is properly secured to a user's skin are described. The operation of a device, such as a wearable device, can be adjusted based on whether the device is properly secured to a user's skin (e.g., on-wrist) or not properly secured to the user's skin (e.g., off-wrist). For example, certain functions can be disabled for power-saving, security or other purposes if the device is off-wrist. In order to avoid falsely identifying the device as off-wrist or on-wrist, algorithms for detecting whether the device is on-wrist or off-wrist can calculate one or more variances based on signals measured by a light sensor and compare the one or more variances with one or more thresholds. Comparing the one or more variances to the one or more threshold can improve the accuracy of wrist-detection algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Aloe, Sankalita Saha, Stephen J. Waydo, Daniel J. Culbert
  • Publication number: 20160341600
    Abstract: Algorithms for detecting whether a device is properly secured to a user's skin are described. The operation of a device, such as a wearable device, can be adjusted based on whether the device is properly secured to a user's skin (e.g., on-wrist) or not properly secured to the user's skin (e.g., off-wrist). For example, certain functions can be disabled for power-saving, security or other purposes if the device is off-wrist. In order to avoid falsely identifying the device as off-wrist or on-wrist, algorithms for detecting whether the device is on-wrist or off-wrist can calculate one or more variances based on signals measured by a light sensor and compare the one or more variances with one or more thresholds. Comparing the one or more variances to the one or more threshold can improve the accuracy of wrist-detection algorithms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Robert T. ALOE, Sankalita SAHA, Stephen J. WAYDO, Daniel J. CULBERT
  • Patent number: 8760510
    Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generated first planar light screen, and a first and second detector offset from the perpendicular plane of the light screen. The first detector is located on a first side of the perpendicular plane, and the second detector is located on the opposite side of the perpendicular plane. The first and second detectors detect the instantaneous projection of the first planar light screen upon an object within the first planar light screen, and to output first and second data corresponding to the detected projection. A velocity sensor determines the instantaneous velocity of the object as the object moves relative to the first planar light screen, and to output third data corresponding to the determined velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Robert T. Aloe, Patrick Flynn