Patents by Inventor Steven Porter

Steven Porter 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: 20240134473
    Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle interior system are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the system includes a base with a curved surface, and a display or touch panel disposed on the curved surface. The display includes a cold-bent glass substrate with a thickness of 1.5 mm or less and a first radius of curvature of 20 mm or greater, and a display module and/or touch panel attached to the glass substrate having a second radius of curvature that is within 10% of the first radius of curvature. Methods for forming such systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Cleary, Steven Edward DeMartino, Timothy Michael Gross, Atul Kumar, Cheng-Chung Li, Torsten Nath, Fabio Lopes Brandao Salgado, Wendell Porter Weeks
  • Publication number: 20240118792
    Abstract: A method for configuring a system having a wearable optical unit is disclosed. The method includes powering on the system, and in response to the system being powered on, using one or more processors to control the system to: determine whether to cause the system to run a configuration workflow, and in response to determining to cause the system to run the configuration workflow, (a) control the system in connection with configuring an interpupillary distance (IPD) for a user of the system, (b) determine whether the IPD is configured for the user, and (c) in response to determining that the IPD is configured for the user, control the system in connection with configuring a focus of the optical unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Trae Benjamin Stephens, Benjamin Eli Nelson Chelf, Nicholas Cory Johnson, John Aaron Boiles, Nicholas Grant Lewis, Kevin Robert McKinney, Steven David Oliver, Tun Yuen Yeung, Meghan Easley, Robin Porter, Jeremiah O'Leary, Keith Alsberg, Robert Samuel Clay
  • Patent number: 11927172
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a wind turbine blade. The blade has a main blade module that defines a main body of the blade and includes a first mating feature, e.g. a tongue. The blade also includes a separate edge module that defines at least part of a trailing edge of the blade and includes a second mating feature, e.g. a recess. The method includes applying an adhesive to at least one of the first mating feature and the second mating feature. The method includes arranging the separate edge module relative to the main blade module such that the first and second mating features are mutually adjacent. The method includes applying a pressure force to squeeze the adhesive to bond the first and second mating features together. The pressure force is caused by removing air from, or injecting air into, an air sealed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Chris Sutton, Paul Lewis, James Olive, Steven Pascoe, Ashleigh Porter
  • Patent number: 11775109
    Abstract: The use of multiple stimulation signals having one or more frequencies and one or more phases to generate an image of touch on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. Each of a plurality of sense channels can be coupled to a column in a touch sensor panel and can have one or more mixers. Each mixer in the sense channel can utilize a circuit capable generating a demodulation frequency of a particular frequency. At each of multiple steps, various phases of one or more selected frequencies can be used to simultaneously stimulate the rows of the touch sensor panel, and the one or more mixers in each sense channel can be configured to demodulate the signal received from the column connected to each sense channel using the one or more selected frequencies. After all steps have been completed, the demodulated signals from the one or more mixers can be used in calculations to determine an image of touch for the touch sensor panel at each of the one or more frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Horst Krah, Steven Porter Hotelling, Sean Erik O'Connor, Wayne Carl Westerman
  • Publication number: 20220083190
    Abstract: The use of multiple stimulation signals having one or more frequencies and one or more phases to generate an image of touch on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. Each of a plurality of sense channels can be coupled to a column in a touch sensor panel and can have one or more mixers. Each mixer in the sense channel can utilize a circuit capable generating a demodulation frequency of a particular frequency. At each of multiple steps, various phases of one or more selected frequencies can be used to simultaneously stimulate the rows of the touch sensor panel, and the one or more mixers in each sense channel can be configured to demodulate the signal received from the column connected to each sense channel using the one or more selected frequencies. After all steps have been completed, the demodulated signals from the one or more mixers can be used in calculations to determine an image of touch for the touch sensor panel at each of the one or more frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Christoph Horst KRAH, Steven Porter HOTELLING, Sean Erik O'CONNOR, Wayne Carl WESTERMAN
  • Patent number: 11106308
    Abstract: The use of multiple stimulation signals having one or more frequencies and one or more phases to generate an image of touch on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. Each of a plurality of sense channels can be coupled to a column in a touch sensor panel and can have one or more mixers. Each mixer in the sense channel can utilize a circuit capable generating a demodulation frequency of a particular frequency. At each of multiple steps, various phases of one or more selected frequencies can be used to simultaneously stimulate the rows of the touch sensor panel, and the one or more mixers in each sense channel can be configured to demodulate the signal received from the column connected to each sense channel using the one or more selected frequencies. After all steps have been completed, the demodulated signals from the one or more mixers can be used in calculations to determine an image of touch for the touch sensor panel at each of the one or more frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Horst Krah, Steven Porter Hotelling, Sean Erik O'Connor, Wayne Carl Westerman
  • Publication number: 20200371637
    Abstract: The use of multiple stimulation signals having one or more frequencies and one or more phases to generate an image of touch on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. Each of a plurality of sense channels can be coupled to a column in a touch sensor panel and can have one or more mixers. Each mixer in the sense channel can utilize a circuit capable generating a demodulation frequency of a particular frequency. At each of multiple steps, various phases of one or more selected frequencies can be used to simultaneously stimulate the rows of the touch sensor panel, and the one or more mixers in each sense channel can be configured to demodulate the signal received from the column connected to each sense channel using the one or more selected frequencies. After all steps have been completed, the demodulated signals from the one or more mixers can be used in calculations to determine an image of touch for the touch sensor panel at each of the one or more frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Christoph Horst KRAH, Steven Porter HOTELLING, Sean Erik O'CONNOR, Wayne Carl WESTERMAN
  • Patent number: 10747355
    Abstract: The use of multiple stimulation signals having one or more frequencies and one or more phases to generate an image of touch on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. Each of a plurality of sense channels can be coupled to a column in a touch sensor panel and can have one or more mixers. Each mixer in the sense channel can utilize a circuit capable generating a demodulation frequency of a particular frequency. At each of multiple steps, various phases of one or more selected frequencies can be used to simultaneously stimulate the rows of the touch sensor panel, and the one or more mixers in each sense channel can be configured to demodulate the signal received from the column connected to each sense channel using the one or more selected frequencies. After all steps have been completed, the demodulated signals from the one or more mixers can be used in calculations to determine an image of touch for the touch sensor panel at each of the one or more frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Horst Krah, Steven Porter Hotelling, Sean Erik O'Connor, Wayne Carl Westerman
  • Patent number: 10390577
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a wire mesh that is shaped according to an artificial foliage pattern. The wire mesh is coated with a coating to match a characteristic of the artificial foliage pattern. The coating fills in spaces between the wire mesh to produce a translucent structure in the spaces that filters light. The mesh size, mesh materials, and the type of coating, e.g., type of paint, are selected so that the coating fills in the spaces to produce a translucent structure that is thin yet strong. The thin translucent structure allows light to filter through in a natural manner. A process performs the shaping and coating of the wire mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Zsolt Hormay, Steven Porter
  • Patent number: 10268320
    Abstract: A touch sensor panel is disclosed. The touch sensor panel includes a plurality of rows, at least one of the rows being a split row including a plurality of row subsections; and a plurality of columns, at least one of the columns being a split column including a plurality of column subsections. The touch sensor panel is configured with at least one split row and at least one split column located to increase a likelihood that a touch anywhere on the touch sensor panel overlaps with at least one split row and at least one split column. The rows and columns are individually charged electrodes capable of detecting a change in capacitance in a corresponding area of the touch sensor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, Martin Paul Grunthaner, Steven Porter Hotelling, Christopher Tenzin Mullens
  • Patent number: 10266001
    Abstract: A process provides two or more strands of rope formed of a fibrous matrix material. Further, the process threads the strands singly and in parallel under tension into a coating container. In addition, the process applies a curable fluid matrix to at least some of the strands. The process also draws the strands through a constricting orifice to bond them together along their length to form a composite rope. Further, the process cures the composite rope to form a rigid structure. An apparatus comprises an armature, a wire mesh that is operably attached to the armature, and an epoxy coated rope that is operably attached to the wire mesh. The epoxy coated rope comprises glass fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Porter
  • Publication number: 20180284937
    Abstract: Combined force and proximity sensing is disclosed. One or more sensors can concurrently sense a force applied by an object on a device surface and a proximity of the object to the surface. In an example, a single sensor can sense both force and proximity via a resistance change and a capacitance change, respectively, at the sensor. In another example, multiple sensors can be used, where one sensor can sense force via either a resistance change or a capacitance change and another sensor can sense proximity via a capacitance change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Martin Paul Grunthaner, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Christopher Tenzin Mullens, Steven Porter Hotelling, Sean Erk O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20180275820
    Abstract: The use of multiple stimulation signals having one or more frequencies and one or more phases to generate an image of touch on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. Each of a plurality of sense channels can be coupled to a column in a touch sensor panel and can have one or more mixers. Each mixer in the sense channel can utilize a circuit capable generating a demodulation frequency of a particular frequency. At each of multiple steps, various phases of one or more selected frequencies can be used to simultaneously stimulate the rows of the touch sensor panel, and the one or more mixers in each sense channel can be configured to demodulate the signal received from the column connected to each sense channel using the one or more selected frequencies. After all steps have been completed, the demodulated signals from the one or more mixers can be used in calculations to determine an image of touch for the touch sensor panel at each of the one or more frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Christoph Horst KRAH, Steven Porter HOTELLING, Sean Erik O'CONNOR, Wayne Carl WESTERMAN
  • Patent number: 10042472
    Abstract: A multi-stimulus controller for a multi-touch sensor is formed on a single integrated circuit (single-chip). The multi-stimulus controller includes a transmit oscillator, a transmit signal section that generates a plurality of drive signals based on a frequency of the transmit oscillator, a plurality of transmit channels that transmit the drive signals simultaneously to drive the multi-touch sensor, a receive channel that receives a sense signal resulting from the driving of the multi-touch sensor, a receive oscillator, and a demodulation section that demodulates the received sense signal based on a frequency of the receive oscillator to obtain sensing results, the demodulation section including a demodulator and a vector operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Porter Hotelling, Christoph Horst Krah, Marduke Yousefpor, Thomas James Wilson
  • Patent number: 10001888
    Abstract: A touch sensor panel including a plurality of drive lines crossing a plurality of sense lines, forming an array. The plurality of drive lines and the plurality of sense lines are formed by interconnecting sections of at least one conductive material having a truncated diamond shape or formed of interconnected conductive lines. At least one conductive dummy region may be disposed in an area of the touch sensor panel around the truncated diamond shape sections or interconnected conductive lines of the plurality of drive lines and the plurality of sense lines. One or more lines may be formed overlapping the interconnected sections of each of the plurality of drive lines and the plurality of sense lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Jae Hong, Martin Paul Grunthaner, Steven Porter Hotelling, Lynn Youngs
  • Patent number: 9990084
    Abstract: The use of multiple stimulation signals having one or more frequencies and one or more phases to generate an image of touch on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. Each of a plurality of sense channels can be coupled to a column in a touch sensor panel and can have one or more mixers. Each mixer in the sense channel can utilize a circuit capable generating a demodulation frequency of a particular frequency. At each of multiple steps, various phases of one or more selected frequencies can be used to simultaneously stimulate the rows of the touch sensor panel, and the one or more mixers in each sense channel can be configured to demodulate the signal received from the column connected to each sense channel using the one or more selected frequencies. After all steps have been completed, the demodulated signals from the one or more mixers can be used in calculations to determine an image of touch for the touch sensor panel at each of the one or more frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Horst Krah, Steven Porter Hotelling, Sean Erik O'Connor, Wayne Carl Westerman
  • Patent number: 9970812
    Abstract: Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steven Porter Hotelling, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Robert Kerr, Wing Kong Low
  • Patent number: 9851849
    Abstract: A system for data communication between a plurality of touch devices is disclosed. The system can include a first touch device having a first touch surface, and at least one other touch device having at least one other touch surface. The first touch device and the at least one other touch device can include a touch controller detecting communications coupling between the first touch surface and the least one other touch surface. The first touch device and the at least one other touch device can include a communication unit communicating data between the first touch device and the at least one other touch device, via the first touch surface and the at least one other touch surface, when the communications coupling is detected. The communications coupling can be detected when a coupling conduit contacts, or is proximate to, the first touch surface and at least one other touch surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Horst Krah, Steven Porter Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20170322669
    Abstract: A multi-stimulus controller for a multi-touch sensor is formed on a single integrated circuit (single-chip). The multi-stimulus controller includes a transmit oscillator, a transmit signal section that generates a plurality of drive signals based on a frequency of the transmit oscillator, a plurality of transmit channels that transmit the drive signals simultaneously to drive the multi-touch sensor, a receive channel that receives a sense signal resulting from the driving of the multi-touch sensor, a receive oscillator, and a demodulation section that demodulates the received sense signal based on a frequency of the receive oscillator to obtain sensing results, the demodulation section including a demodulator and a vector operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Porter HOTELLING, Christoph Horst KRAH, Marduke YOUSEFPOR, Thomas James WILSON
  • Patent number: 9766745
    Abstract: Capacitive touch panels may include a plurality of positive voltage lines that are driven at a first phase. These positive voltage lines may be used to provide the drive capacitance signal sensed by one or more sense regions. The touch panels may also include a plurality of negative phase voltage lines that are driven at a phase that is different than the first phase. Both the positive and negative voltage lines may cross-under one or more sense regions. The negative phase voltage lines are able to counter act and reduce the static capacitance in the sense regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Porter Hotelling, Marduke Yousefpor