Patents by Inventor Steve Hotelling

Steve Hotelling 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: 20090002343
    Abstract: An AC-to-DC adapter may be provided in order to increase the sensitivity of a touch-sensitive surface. Such an AC-to-DC adapter may include a rectifying circuit to rectify incoming AC signals. The rectifying circuit may take the form of a diode bridge network that includes four diode branches. Stabilization circuits may be provided in parallel with each diode branch in order to decrease the impedance of the diode bridge network during particular periods of operation. The stabilization circuits may be configured such that the impedance of the diode bridge network is substantially constant during all periods of operation. As a result, the impedance of the AC-to-DC adapter may be relatively constant during all periods of operation. In turn, the sensitivity of a touch-sensitive surface of a device being powered by such an AC-to-DC adapter may increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Land, Steve Hotelling, Gus Pabon, Benjamin B. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20080297478
    Abstract: An ambidextrous mouse is disclosed. The ambidextrous mouse is configured for both left and right handed use. The mouse may include right handed buttons on the front side of the mouse and left handed buttons on the back side of the mouse. The user may change the handedness of the mouse by rotating the mouse about a vertical axis of the mouse such that the left hand can use the left hand buttons and the right hand can use the right hand buttons. The mouse may include a handedness selection system for configuring the mouse for right handed or left handed use even though the mouse has the capability for both right and left hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Steve HOTELLING, Brian Huppi
  • Publication number: 20080297476
    Abstract: An ambidextrous mouse is disclosed. The ambidextrous mouse is configured for both left and right handed use. The mouse may include right handed buttons on the front side of the mouse and left handed buttons on the back side of the mouse. The user may change the handedness of the mouse by rotating the mouse about a vertical axis of the mouse such that the left hand can use the left hand buttons and the right hand can use the right hand buttons. The mouse may include a handedness selection system for configuring the mouse for right handed or left handed use even though the mouse has the capability for both right and left hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Steve HOTELLING, Brian Huppi
  • Publication number: 20080297477
    Abstract: An ambidextrous mouse is disclosed. The ambidextrous mouse is configured for both left and right handed use. The mouse may include right handed buttons on the front side of the mouse and left handed buttons on the back side of the mouse. The user may change the handedness of the mouse by rotating the mouse about a vertical axis of the mouse such that the left hand can use the left hand buttons and the right hand can use the right hand buttons. The mouse may include a handedness selection system for configuring the mouse for right handed or left handed use even though the mouse has the capability for both right and left hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Steve HOTELLING, Brian Huppi
  • Publication number: 20080278899
    Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal. The docking system also includes a docking station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Gus Pabon
  • Publication number: 20080231610
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Joshua A. Strickon, Brian Q. Huppi, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Bas Ording, Duncan Robert Kerr, Jonathan P. Ive
  • Publication number: 20080219672
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to detect and emit various infrared (IR) and ambient light signals using an integrated sensor and emitter device. Embodiments include a sensor to sense proximity, to sense IR data signals, and to sense ambient light; and an emitter of an IR proximity signal. The sensor detects the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, detects IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and detects ambient light when the apparatus sensing light. The IR data signals may include IR remote control (IR RC) and/or IR data association (IRDA) signals. The signals may be detected simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands. According to embodiments, such an emitter may also emit an IR data signals, such as IR RC and/or IRDA signals. These signals may be emitted simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: John Tam, David Tupman, Steve Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20080211784
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Joshua A. Strickon, Brian O. Huppi, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Bas Ording, Duncan Robert Kerr, Jonathan P. Ive
  • Publication number: 20080211785
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Joshua A. Strickon, Brian O. Huppi, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Bas Ording, Duncan Robert Kerr, Jonathan P. Ive
  • Publication number: 20080211775
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Joshua A. Strickon, Brian O. Huppi, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Bas Ording, Duncan Robert Kerr, Jonathan P. Ive
  • Publication number: 20080211783
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Joshua A. Strickon, Brian O. Huppi, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Bas Ording, Duncan Robert Kerr, Jonathan P. Ive
  • Publication number: 20080204426
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Joshua A. Strickon, Brian O. Huppi, Imran Chaudhri, Greg Christie, Bas Ording, Duncan Robert Kerr, Jonathan P. Ive
  • Publication number: 20080158168
    Abstract: Techniques for identifying an object in close proximity to, but not in contact with, a multi-touch touch-screen device are described. By way of example, a cheek or ear hovering a short distance from the touch-surface (e.g., approximately 1 to 3 centimeters) may be identified and distinguished from physical contacts to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, Steve Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20080158147
    Abstract: Techniques for identifying and discriminating between different input patterns to a multi-touch touch-screen device are described. By way of example, large objects hovering a short distance from the touch-surface (e.g., a cheek, thigh or chest) may be identified and distinguished from physical contacts to the surface. In addition, rough contacts due to, for example, ears and earlobes, may be similarly identified and distinguished from contacts due to fingers, thumbs, palms and finger clasps. In one implementation, a unique technique to reduce the noise in segmented image peripheral pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, Steve Hotelling
  • Patent number: 7352567
    Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal. The docking system also includes a docking station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Gus Pabon
  • Publication number: 20080062139
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screens that integrate the touch sensing elements with the display circuitry. The integration may take a variety of forms. Touch sensing elements can be completely implemented within the LCD stackup but outside the not between the color filter plate and the array plate. Alternatively, some touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates with other touch sensing elements not between the plates. In another alternative, all touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates. The latter alternative can include both conventional and in-plane-switching (IPS) LCDs. In some forms, one or more display structures can also have a touch sensing function. Techniques for manufacturing and operating such displays, as well as various devices embodying such displays are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Wei Chen, Christoph Krah, John Elias, Wei Yao, John Zhong, Andrew Hodge, Brian Land, Willem Boer
  • Publication number: 20080062140
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screens that integrate the touch sensing elements with the display circuitry. The integration may take a variety of forms. Touch sensing elements can be completely implemented within the LCD stackup but outside the not between the color filter plate and the array plate. Alternatively, some touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates with other touch sensing elements not between the plates. In another alternative, all touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates. The latter alternative can include both conventional and in-plane-switching (IPS) LCDs. In some forms, one or more display structures can also have a touch sensing function. Techniques for manufacturing and operating such displays, as well as various devices embodying such displays are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Wei Chen, Christoph Krah, John Elias, Wei Yao, John Zhong, Andrew Hodge, Brian Land, Willem Den Boer
  • Publication number: 20080062147
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screens that integrate the touch sensing elements with the display circuitry. The integration may take a variety of forms. Touch sensing elements can be completely implemented within the LCD stackup but outside the not between the color filter plate and the array plate. Alternatively, some touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates with other touch sensing elements not between the plates. In another alternative, all touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates. The latter alternative can include both conventional and in-plane-switching (IPS) LCDs. In some forms, one or more display structures can also have a touch sensing function. Techniques for manufacturing and operating such displays, as well as various devices embodying such displays are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: STEVE HOTELLING, Wei Chen, Christoph Krah, John Elias, Wei Yao, John Zhong, Andrew Hodge, Brian Land, Willem Boer
  • Publication number: 20080062148
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screens that integrate the touch sensing elements with the display circuitry. The integration may take a variety of forms. Touch sensing elements can be completely implemented within the LCD stackup but outside the not between the color filter plate and the array plate. Alternatively, some touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates with other touch sensing elements not between the plates. In another alternative, all touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates. The latter alternative can include both conventional and in-plane-switching (IPS) LCDs. In some forms, one or more display structures can also have a touch sensing function. Techniques for manufacturing and operating such displays, as well as various devices embodying such displays are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Steve Hotelling, Wei Chen, Christoph Krah, John Elias, Wei Yao, John Zhong, Andrew Hodge, Brian Land, Willem Boer
  • Publication number: 20080036734
    Abstract: Scrolling input arrangements are presented including: a flexible membrane; a number of capacitive sensors mechanically integrated with the flexible membrane, the capacitive sensors radially disposed with respect to a first axis that is perpendicular with respect to the flexible membrane; an integrated circuit mechanically coupled with the flexible membrane and electronically coupled with the capacitive sensors, the integrated circuit configured to process a number of electronic signals from the capacitive sensors to provide a scrolling function; and a connection region on the flexible membrane for electronically coupling the scrolling input arrangement with an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Larry Forsblad, Steve Hotelling, Brian Lynch, Benjamin Lyon, Jan Mooisintong, Doug Weber, Steve Zadesky