Patents by Inventor Scott M. Herz

Scott M. Herz 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).

  • Publication number: 20170314958
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to an electronic device capable of touch input through a touch-sensitive surface and/or voice input through a microphone. In some examples, the electronic device may be used in an automobile. For example, some or all of the electronic device may be mounted in a dashboard for use while driving. The electronic device may provide informational content, entertainment content, navigation, and communication features in such a manner that user interaction may be minimized, thus providing a safe driving experience. This can be accomplished by performing tasks and presenting content automatically, without the need for user input, and by allowing user input through voice controls, touch screen controls, and/or physical controls mounted on the dashboard or steering wheel, among other possibilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jorge S. FINO, Imran CHAUDHRI, Scott M. HERZ, Justin E. SANTAMARIA, Donald W. PITSCHEL
  • Patent number: 9792039
    Abstract: A portable electronic device with a touch-sensitive display is disclosed. One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which the portable electronic device: displays an application on the touch-sensitive display; and when the application is in a predefined mode, performs a predefined operation in response to each gesture of a set of multiple distinct gestures on the touch-sensitive display. Another aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which the portable electronic device: displays a first application; when the first application is in a first mode, performs a first operation upon detecting a first gesture on the touch-sensitive display; and performs the first operation upon detecting a second gesture on the touch-sensitive display, wherein the second gesture is different from the first gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Bas Ording, Scott M. Herz, Wayne C. Westerman, Scott Forstall, Gregory N. Christie, Stephen O. Lemay, Marcel Van Os, Michael J. Matas
  • Publication number: 20170223176
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method is performed at a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display. The computer-implemented method includes: displaying a home menu comprising a plurality of application launch icons; detecting activation of any respective application launch icon; and, in response to detecting the activation, displaying a first animation of a transition from display of the home menu to display of an application that corresponds to the activated application launch icon. The first animation comprises expanding an image of the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Freddy Allen ANZURES, Imran CHAUDHRI, Scott M. HERZ, Stephen O. LEMAY, Michael J. MATAS, Marcel VAN OS
  • Patent number: 9719797
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to an electronic device capable of touch input through a touch-sensitive surface and/or voice input through a microphone. In some examples, the electronic device may be used in an automobile. For example, some or all of the electronic device may be mounted in a dashboard for use while driving. The electronic device may provide informational content, entertainment content, navigation, and communication features in such a manner that user interaction may be minimized, thus providing a safe driving experience. This can be accomplished by performing tasks and presenting content automatically, without the need for user input, and by allowing user input through voice controls, touch screen controls, and/or physical controls mounted on the dashboard or steering wheel, among other possibilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge S. Fino, Imran Chaudhri, Scott M. Herz, Justin E. Santamaria, Donald W. Pitschel
  • Publication number: 20170147198
    Abstract: A computing device with a touch screen display displays a first set of a first plurality of icons in a first area of the touch screen display, the first plurality of icons including a plurality of sets of icons that are separately displayed in the first area of the touch screen display, the first plurality of icons including application launch icons; displays a second plurality of icons in a second area on the touch screen display, the second plurality of icons including application launch icons, wherein the second area is different from the first area; detects a finger swipe gesture in the first area; and, in response, replaces display of the first set of the first plurality of icons with display of a second set of the first plurality of icons in the first area on the touch screen display, while maintaining the display of the second plurality of icons in the second area on the touch screen display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Scott M. Herz, Imran Chaudhri, Gregory N. Christie
  • Publication number: 20170052759
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable medium for providing an audio file interface. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes, while playing an audio file on a mobile device and displaying a current view in a user interface of the mobile device, receiving first user input requesting that an audio interface be displayed, and displaying the audio interface as an overlay in the user interface, where the audio interface includes information associated with the audio file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Imran CHAUDHRI, Scott M. HERZ, Sean Boland KELLY, Scott FORSTALL, Gregory N. CHRISTIE, Kevin TIENE, Steven P. JOBS
  • Patent number: 9513739
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting or input of a display control parameter, and causing or altering, based on the user setting or input, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. The user input may be an unlock of a touch screen input capability of the display device, and a wake of the display device from inactivity dim. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display brightness or contrast output level. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Herz, Roberto G. Yepez, Scott Forstall, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Publication number: 20160057569
    Abstract: Mobile devices can provide app recommendations that are relevant to a location of interest. A localized app recommendation can be triggered (e.g., by a mobile device coming within a threshold distance of an application hotspot or some other user action). A location of interest can be determined. The location of interest can be the current location of the mobile device or another location (e.g., the destination in a mapping app). Using the location of interest, a localized application ranking database with app hotspot data can be queried with location data representing the location of interest. App recommendations can be received and displayed on the mobile device. Icons for apps that are relevant to the location of interest can be visually distinguished from other apps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Leonardo A. Soto Matamala, Ronald K. Huang, Scott M. Herz, Tadaaki Shimada
  • Publication number: 20150095238
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for securely conducting online payments with a secure element of an electronic device are provided. In one example embodiment, a method includes, inter alia, at an electronic device, generating first data that includes payment card data, generating second data by encrypting the first data and merchant information with a first key, transmitting to a commercial entity subsystem the generated second data, receiving third data that includes the first data encrypted with a second key that is associated with the merchant information, and transmitting the received third data to a merchant subsystem that is associated with the merchant information, where the first key is not accessible to the merchant subsystem, and where the second key is not accessible to the electronic device. Additional embodiments are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Ahmer A. Khan, Timothy S. Hurley, Anton K. Diederich, George R. Dicker, Scott M. Herz, Christopher Sharp
  • Publication number: 20150082240
    Abstract: A portable electronic device with a touch-sensitive display is disclosed. One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which the portable electronic device: displays an application on the touch-sensitive display; and when the application is in a predefined mode, performs a predefined operation in response to each gesture of a set of multiple distinct gestures on the touch-sensitive display. Another aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which the portable electronic device: displays a first application; when the first application is in a first mode, performs a first operation upon detecting a first gesture on the touch-sensitive display; and performs the first operation upon detecting a second gesture on the touch-sensitive display, wherein the second gesture is different from the first gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Bas ORDING, Scott M. HERZ, Wayne C. WESTERMAN, Scott FORSTALL, Gregory N. CHRISTIE, Stephen O. LEMAY, Marcel VAN OS, Michael J. MATAS
  • Publication number: 20140365913
    Abstract: A device displays a first user interface on a first display, including a plurality of objects and corresponding to a second user interface on a second display. While a first object is displayed as a selected object in the second user interface, the device: detects a first input requesting information about a second object; and in response to detecting the first input, displays information about the second object in the first user interface and maintains display of the first object as the selected object in the second user interface. After displaying the information, the device detects a second input selecting the second object. In response to detecting selection of the second input, the device: displays the second object as the selected object in the first user interface; and provides, to the second display, information that enables the second user interface to display the second object as the selected object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Justin E. SANTAMARIA, Imran CHAUDHRI, Donald W. PITSCHEL, Jorge S. FINO, Emily Clark SCHUBERT, Joshua H. SHAFFER, Bob BRADLEY, Eric LEE, Scott M. HERZ
  • Publication number: 20140278072
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to an electronic device capable of touch input through a touch-sensitive surface and/or voice input through a microphone. In some examples, the electronic device may be used in an automobile. For example, some or all of the electronic device may be mounted in a dashboard for use while driving. The electronic device may provide informational content, entertainment content, navigation, and communication features in such a manner that user interaction may be minimized, thus providing a safe driving experience. This can be accomplished by performing tasks and presenting content automatically, without the need for user input, and by allowing user input through voice controls, touch screen controls, and/or physical controls mounted on the dashboard or steering wheel, among other possibilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge S. FINO, Imran Chaudhri, Scott M. Herz, Justin E. Santamaria, Donald W. Pitschel
  • Publication number: 20140273979
    Abstract: In one example, a recorded voicemail is first converted from speech to text, and a proposed action to be performed by the user is extracted from the voice message. For example, in the voicemail “this is John, call me at 650.987.0987 at 9 am tomorrow,” the action is to call John. At least one action parameter for undertaking the action is determined. For example, the action parameters may include the 650.987.0987 telephone number and the 9 am time the following morning, The at least one action parameter may be extracted from the voicemail message or it may be determined by other means, e.g., from a user's contact book. Finally, the user is presented with a prompt to facilitate undertaking the action using the at least one the parameter. For example, the user may be given the option to set a reminder to call John the following morning at 9 am.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Marcel VAN OS, Gregory B. NOVICK, Scott M. HERZ
  • Publication number: 20140192002
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting or input of a display control parameter, and causing or altering, based on the user setting or input, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. The user input may be an unlock of a touch screen input capability of the display device, and a wake of the display device from inactivity dim. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display brightness or contrast output level. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Herz, ROBERTO G. YEPEZ, SCOTT FORSTALL, PATRICK L. COFFMAN
  • Patent number: 8698727
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting or input of a display control parameter, and causing or altering, based on the user setting or input, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. The user input may be an unlock of a touch screen input capability of the display device, and a wake of the display device from an inactivity dim. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display brightness or contrast output level. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Herz, Roberto G. Yepez, Scott Forstall, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Publication number: 20140019367
    Abstract: A commercial transaction method is disclosed. The method first establishes a secure link over a first air interface by a purchasing device. This secure link is between the purchasing device and a point of sale device. The method further identifies a second air interface, which is different from the first air interface, and the second air interface is used to conduct a secure commercial transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmer A. KHAN, Brian J. Tucker, David T. Haggerty, Scott M. Herz
  • Patent number: 8600430
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity of an object and operate a proximity sensor of a portable device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an ambient light sensor (ALS) output, and altering, based on the ALS output, an effect of a proximity sensor output on control of a proximity determination. The ALS sensor and the proximity sensor may be located adjacent to an earpiece of a portable device. In some cases, the proximity determination may be a proximity of an object to the proximity sensor, and altering the effect may include changing the proximity of the object from a proximity greater than a first threshold to a proximity less than the first threshold. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Herz, Roberto G. Yepez, Wayne C. Westerman, Stephen P. Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20120242849
    Abstract: Techniques for assisting the user of a digital image capture device take a well composed image are described. In general, a first image may be displayed and then stabilized (or frozen) on the display if it is determined to be well composed. A subsequent image may replace the stabilized image on the display if it is not substantially the same as the stabilized image. A stabilized image may also be tagged with one or more visual cues so as to notify the user the image is well composed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Scott M. Herz
  • Publication number: 20120001960
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting of a display control parameter, and altering, based on the user setting, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display contrast output level. In some embodiments, a method of operating a proximity sensor of an electronic device includes receiving a light sensor output, and altering, according to the output, an on/off setting of a proximity sensor. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Scott M. Herz, Roberto G. Yepez, Michael F. Culbert, Scott Forstall
  • Patent number: 8031164
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting of a display control parameter, and altering, based on the user setting, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display contrast output level. In some embodiments, a method of operating a proximity sensor of an electronic device includes receiving a light sensor output, and altering, according to the output, an on/off setting of a proximity sensor. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Herz, Roberto G. Yepez, Michael F. Culbert, Scott Forstall