Patents by Inventor Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith 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).

  • Multi-level deduplication
    Patent number: 9703797
    Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer-implemented method for performing multi-level deduplication of data are disclosed. A zone stamp is generated for each zone in a plurality of zones contained in at least one data stream. The zone stamp is compared to another zone stamp. The zone stamp and another zone stamp represent zones in the plurality of zones. The comparison is performed for zones at corresponding zone levels based on a determination that a zone stamp of a zone of a preceding zone level is not similar to another zone stamp of another preceding zone level. The zone at the preceding zone level includes at least one zone of a next zone level having a size smaller than or equal to a size of the zone of the preceding zone level. The zone and another zone are deduplicated based on a determination that the zone stamp is similar to another zone stamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Exagrid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Therrien, Yee-ching Chao, Thomas G. Hansen, Daniel P. Martinelli, Lucas H. Makosky, Mark B. Hecker, Stephen A. Smith, Adrian VanderSpek
  • Strain Sensors in an Electronic Device
    Publication number: 20170191884
    Abstract: One or more strain sensors can be included in an electronic device. Each strain sensor includes a strain sensitive element and one or more strain signal lines connected directly to the strain sensitive element. The strain sensor(s) are used to detect a force that is applied to the electronic device, to a component in the electronic device, and/or to an input region or surface of the electronic device. A strain sensitive element is formed or processed to have a first gauge factor and the strain signal line(s) is formed or processed to have a different second gauge factor. Additionally or alternatively, a strain sensitive element is formed or processed to have a first conductance and the strain signal line(s) is formed or processed to have a different second conductance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Vosgueritchian, John Stephen Smith, Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, Tingjun Xu, Xiaonan Wen
  • PERSISTENT NODES FOR RFID
    Publication number: 20170185882
    Abstract: An RFID transponder in one embodiment comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, processing logic coupled to the RF transceiver, a switch coupled to the processing logic, a tunneling device coupled to the switch and a differential sensing circuit having a first input coupled to the tunneling device and a second input coupled to a predetermined reference voltage. In one embodiment, the tunneling device can discharge to a voltage below the predetermined reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Temperature compensating transparent force sensor having a compliant layer
    Patent number: 9690413
    Abstract: An optically transparent force sensor that may compensate for environmental effects, including, for example, variations in temperature of the device or the surroundings. In some examples, two force-sensitive layers are separated by a compliant layer. The relative electrical response of the two force-sensitive layers may be used to compute an estimate of the force of a touch that reduces the effect of variations in temperature. In some examples, piezoelectric films having anisotropic strain properties are used to reduce the effects of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, Charley T. Ogata, John Stephen Smith, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Shin John Choi, Brian Q. Huppi, Christopher J. Butler, Martin P. Grunthaner
  • Method of matching a digitized stream of audio signals to a known audio recording
    Patent number: 9679584
    Abstract: A system and method matches a digitized stream of audio signals to a known audio recording by receiving an audio stream from an application. The method performs signal analysis on sound and silence in the audio stream to compute a stream audio print of the audio stream, to identify a pattern associated with the audio stream. The method compares the stream audio print to one or more known audio prints from a library of known audio prints. The method first applies a silence constraint to match periods of silence. If application of the silence constraint is successful, the method computes a total scoring metric function to identify a match between the stream audio print and the known audio print. The total scoring metric function employs a scoring metric function that is computed at a subset of temporal points in the non-silent portion of the audio stream audio print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ampersand, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Smith, George Howitt
  • Temperature compensating transparent force sensor
    Patent number: 9665200
    Abstract: An optically transparent force sensor, which may be used as input to an electronic device. The optically transparent force sensor may be configured to compensate for variations in temperature using two or more force-sensitive components that are formed from materials having different temperature- and strain-dependent responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, Charley T. Ogata, John Stephen Smith, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Shin John Choi, Brian Q. Huppi, Christopher J. Butler, Martin P. Grunthaner
  • COMMUNICATION BASE SEARCHING METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20170147605
    Abstract: A system for storing and accessing data relating to real estate, for example, a memory or a software application for execution upon an electronic device (e.g., smartphone). The software application provides to the user information, statistics, or other data regarding real estate or associated geographic regions based upon user criteria. The software application may access a memory, for example, a remote memory or database having structured or unstructured data. Communication recognition (e.g., voice, text, etc.) utilizes context to provide appropriate results based upon user input. Information may regard not only specific details of a real estate property, but also surrounding geography or municipality data. Image recognition features may also allow users to obtain desired search results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Laura Lete, Stephen Smith, Christopher Oakes
  • Matrix and layer compositions for protection of bioactives
    Patent number: 9655863
    Abstract: The invention relates to matrix and layer compositions comprising a first polymer. The matrix and layer compositions are useful in the delivery of bioactives. In particular, the matrices and layers may have advantageous properties including mechanical properties and protection of bioactives and may also provide for pH-dependent release of a bioactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Novus International, Inc.
    Inventors: Houston Stephen Smith, Matthew J. Fischer, Graciela B. Arhancet, Rangarani Karnati, John A. Hume, Xiaojun Wang
  • ELECTRIC MACHINE
    Publication number: 20170126079
    Abstract: An electric machine comprise a first carrier having an array of electromagnetic elements and a second carrier having electromagnetic elements defining magnetic poles, the second carrier being arranged to move relative to the first carrier. An airgap is provided between the first carrier and the second carrier. The electromagnetic elements of the first carrier include posts, with slots between the posts, one or more electric conductors in each slot, the posts of the first carrier having a post height in mm. The first carrier and the second carrier together define a size of the electric machine. The magnetic poles having a pole pitch in mm. The size of the motor, pole pitch and post height are selected to fall within a region in a space defined by size, pole pitch and post height that provides a benefit in terms of force or torque per weight per excitation level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: James Brent KLASSEN, Stephen Smith CHAMBERLAIN
  • Tiered radio frequency identification
    Patent number: 9640013
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for tiered RFID communication are provided, inter alia, for privacy and security in at least certain embodiments. An RFID tag includes first and second memory locations respectively storing first and second identifiers. The tag is configured to respond to an identification query with the first identifier until receipt of a command code. After receipt of the command code, the tag is configured to respond to the identification query with the second identifier. The first identifier can be permanently disabled for privacy. In a one embodiment, the first identifier is an electronic product code, and the second identifier is a recycling identifier, hazardous waste information, or regulatory disposal requirement. In another embodiment, the first and second identifiers can identify the tag's associated item with differing levels of specificity for improved security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Ruizhang Technology Limited Company
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Signal processing method and apparatus
    Patent number: 9615776
    Abstract: The invention provides signal processing algorithms and apparatus for detecting bradykinesia, tremor, or other symptoms of neurological dysfunction in subjects, using three-dimensional sensors to tract finger and hand position. The invention provides Cartesian Genetic Programming networks and particular function blocks for such networks to enable identification of subjects exhibiting such symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Clearsky Medical Diagnostics Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Smith
  • Transparent strain sensors in an electronic device
    Patent number: 9612170
    Abstract: One or more strain sensors can be included in an electronic device. Each strain sensor includes a strain sensitive element and one or more strain signal lines connected directly to the strain sensitive element. The strain sensor(s) are used to detect a force that is applied to the electronic device, to a component in the electronic device, and/or to an input region or surface of the electronic device. A strain sensitive element is formed or processed to have a first gauge factor and the strain signal line(s) is formed or processed to have a different second gauge factor. Additionally or alternatively, a strain sensitive element is formed or processed to have a first conductance and the strain signal line(s) is formed or processed to have a different second conductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vosgueritchian, John Stephen Smith, Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, Tingjun Xu, Xiaonan Wen
  • Transparent Force Sensitive Structures in an Electronic Device
    Publication number: 20170090638
    Abstract: One or more transparent transistor force sensitive structures can be included in an electronic device. The transistor force sensitive structures(s) is used to detect a force that is applied to the electronic device, to a component in the electronic device, and/or to an input region of the electronic device. As one example, the one or more transparent transistor force sensitive structures may be included in a display stack of a display in an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Vosgueritchian, James E. Pedder, John Stephen Smith, Xiaonan Wen
  • Simultaneous programming of selected tags
    Patent number: 9582691
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneous programming of data to individually addressed Tags. Tags contain a being addressed indicator that allows for processing of simultaneous programming commands. Specified Tags are individually pre-addressed to receive simultaneous programming. Tag data is programmed simultaneously for all Tags in a specified group of Tags. Data is individually verified for each specified Tag in the group of Tags and verification includes tracking a command counter for each specified Tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ruizhang Technology Limited Company
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Force Touch Button Emulation
    Publication number: 20170052622
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device having a force sensing device. The force sensing device receives a continuous force input which is translated into a discrete event. In order to more accurately determine when the discrete event is to occur, the electronic device includes a two low-pass filters that concurrently receive a force signal from the force sensing device. The first low-pass filter has a first bandwidth and the second low-pass filter has a second bandwidth that is greater than the first bandwidth. The two low-pass filters filter the force signal to provide a user interface with a precise feel for slower more deliberate input while also providing fast response times for stronger, shorter input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • ELECTRIC MACHINE
    Publication number: 20170047792
    Abstract: An electric machine comprise a first carrier having an array of electromagnetic elements and a second carrier having electromagnetic elements defining magnetic poles, the second carrier being arranged to move relative to the first carrier. An airgap is provided between the first carrier and the second carrier. The electromagnetic elements of the first carrier include posts, with slots between the posts, one or more electric conductors in each slot, the posts of the first carrier having a post height in mm. The first carrier and the second carrier together define a size of the electric machine. The magnetic poles having a pole pitch in mm. The size of the motor, pole pitch and post height are selected to fall within a region in a space defined by size, pole pitch and post height that provides a benefit in terms of force or torque per weight per excitation level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: James Brent KLASSEN, Stephen Smith CHAMBERLAIN
  • ELECTRIC MACHINE
    Publication number: 20170047793
    Abstract: An electric machine comprise a first carrier having an array of electromagnetic elements and a second carrier having electromagnetic elements defining magnetic poles, the second carrier being arranged to move relative to the first carrier. An airgap is provided between the first carrier and the second carrier. The electromagnetic elements of the first carrier include posts, with slots between the posts, one or more electric conductors in each slot, the posts of the first carrier having a post height in mm. The first carrier and the second carrier together define a size of the electric machine. The magnetic poles having a pole pitch in mm. The size of the motor, pole pitch and post height are selected to fall within a region in a space defined by size, pole pitch and post height that provides a benefit in terms of force or torque per weight per excitation level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: James Brent KLASSEN, Stephen Smith CHAMBERLAIN
  • Noise Adaptive Force Touch
    Publication number: 20170031495
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device having a force sensing device. The force sensing device receives a continuous force input which is translated into a discrete event. In order to more accurately determine the type of discrete event intended by a user, the electronic device is able to determine an amount of noise present in the electronic device and dynamically adjust force threshold values associated with the force sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • SMART CONSTRUCTION OR OPERATIONS SITE METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20170032302
    Abstract: A system and method for managing and/or tracking of materials, equipment, or other components at an operations site, such as a construction site. The system may include tagging or marking of materials with one or more scannable or readable indicia (e.g., RFID tags) and associated scanners or readers configured to detect the materials via those indicia. The system may be configured to automatically or via user intervention, order materials, plan for material delivery, request employee or contractor work, or otherwise manage aspects of the a project being performed at the operations site in conjunction with the tracking of materials. The operations site may be networked (e.g., local Wi-Fi, connection with Internet, etc.) in order to allow on-site and off-site communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Laura Lete, Stephen Smith, Christopher Oakes
  • COMMUNICATION BASED SEARCHING METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20170031950
    Abstract: A system for storing and accessing data relating to real estate, for example, a memory or a software application for execution upon an electronic device (e.g., smartphone). The software application provides to the user information, statistics, or other data regarding real estate or associated geographic regions based upon user criteria. The software application may access a memory, for example, a remote memory or database having structured or unstructured data. Communication recognition (e.g., voice, text, etc.) utilizes context to provide appropriate results based upon user input. Information may regard not only specific details of a real estate property, but also surrounding geography or municipality data. Image recognition features may also allow users to obtain desired search results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Laura Lete, Stephen Smith, Christopher Oakes