Patents by Inventor Thomas S. Hulbert

Thomas S. Hulbert 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: 20240129670
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: David Chance GRAHAM, Patrick L. COFFMAN, Thomas S. HULBERT, Cyrus Daniel IRANI, Daniel Max STRONGWATER
  • Patent number: 11893154
    Abstract: An electronic device, while the electronic device is worn over a predefined portion of the user's body, displays, via a display generation component arranged on the electronic device opposite the predefined portion of the user's body, a graphical representation of an exterior view of a body part that corresponds to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device detects a change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device, in response to detecting the change in the position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body, modifies the graphical representation of the exterior view of the body part that corresponds to predefined portion of the user's body in accordance with the detected change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Alfred B. Huergo Wagner, Seung Wook Kim, Felipe Bacim De Araujo E Silva, William A. Sorrentino, III, Thomas S. Hulbert, Karlin Y. Bark
  • Patent number: 11863954
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David Chance Graham, Patrick L Coffman, Thomas S. Hulbert, Cyrus Daniel Irani, Daniel Max Strongwater
  • Publication number: 20230345155
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20230300234
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11743623
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20230216946
    Abstract: A method includes, at a computer system with a display, a housing, and an attachment mechanism, detecting attachment of an accessory to the computer system, where the accessory, while attached, has a predetermined orientation relative to the attachment mechanism, and in response to detecting the attachment of the accessory to the computer system in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a first accessory with first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display, a first visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the first visual indication indicates at least one property of the first physical dimensions, and in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a second accessory with second physical dimensions that are different from the first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display a second visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the second visual indication indicates at least one property o
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Brian T. Gleeson, Christopher P. Foss, David C. Graham, Deena Khattab, Gemma A. Roper, Lee S. Broughton, Arian Behzadi, Alan C. Dye
  • Patent number: 11695864
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Publication number: 20230185375
    Abstract: An electronic device, while the electronic device is worn over a predefined portion of the user's body, displays, via a display generation component arranged on the electronic device opposite the predefined portion of the user's body, a graphical representation of an exterior view of a body part that corresponds to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device detects a change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device, in response to detecting the change in the position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body, modifies the graphical representation of the exterior view of the body part that corresponds to predefined portion of the user's body in accordance with the detected change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Karlin Y. Bark, Alfred B. Huergo Wagner, Felipe Bacim De Araujo E Silva, Seung Wook Kim, William A. Sorrentino, III
  • Patent number: 11579693
    Abstract: An electronic device, while the electronic device is worn over a predefined portion of the user's body, displays, via a display generation component arranged on the electronic device opposite the predefined portion of the user's body, a graphical representation of an exterior view of a body part that corresponds to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device detects a change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device, in response to detecting the change in the position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body, modifies the graphical representation of the exterior view of the body part that corresponds to predefined portion of the user's body in accordance with the detected change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Karlin Y. Bark, Alfred B. Huergo Wagner, Felipe Bacim De Araujo E Silva, Seung Wook Kim, William A. Sorrentino, III
  • Patent number: 11553070
    Abstract: A method includes, at a computer system with a display, a housing, and an attachment mechanism, detecting attachment of an accessory to the computer system, where the accessory, while attached, has a predetermined orientation relative to the attachment mechanism, and in response to detecting the attachment of the accessory to the computer system in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a first accessory with first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display, a first visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the first visual indication indicates at least one property of the first physical dimensions, and in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a second accessory with second physical dimensions that are different from the first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display a second visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the second visual indication indicates at least one property o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Brian T. Gleeson, Christopher P. Foss, David C. Graham, Deena Khattab, Gemma A. Roper, Lee S. Broughton, Arian Behzadi, Alan C. Dye
  • Publication number: 20220150347
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11316966
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to interfaces and techniques for media playback on one or more devices. In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes a display, one or more processors, and memory. A proximity between the electronic device and a second device is detected and in response to detecting the proximity between the electronic device and the second device, the media playback status of the electronic device and/or the second device is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Coffman, David Chance Graham, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20220100271
    Abstract: An electronic device, while the electronic device is worn over a predefined portion of the user's body, displays, via a display generation component arranged on the electronic device opposite the predefined portion of the user's body, a graphical representation of an exterior view of a body part that corresponds to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device detects a change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device, in response to detecting the change in the position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body, modifies the graphical representation of the exterior view of the body part that corresponds to predefined portion of the user's body in accordance with the detected change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Karlin Y. Bark, Alfred B. Huergo Wagner, Felipe Bacim De Araujo E Silva, Seung Wook Kim, William A. Sorrentino, III
  • Publication number: 20220103675
    Abstract: A method includes, at a computer system with a display, a housing, and an attachment mechanism, detecting attachment of an accessory to the computer system, where the accessory, while attached, has a predetermined orientation relative to the attachment mechanism, and in response to detecting the attachment of the accessory to the computer system in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a first accessory with first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display, a first visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the first visual indication indicates at least one property of the first physical dimensions, and in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a second accessory with second physical dimensions that are different from the first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display a second visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the second visual indication indicates at least one property o
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Brian T. Gleeson, Christopher P. Foss, David C. Graham, Deena Khattab, Gemma A. Roper, Lee S. Broughton, Arian Behzadi, Alan C. Dye
  • Publication number: 20220038820
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: David Chance GRAHAM, Patrick L. COFFMAN, Thomas S. HULBERT, Cyrus Daniel IRANI, Daniel Max STRONGWATER
  • Patent number: 11240365
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11184708
    Abstract: A wearable audio output device in a physical environment includes an input device and one or more microphones. While ambient sound from the physical environment is being detected by the microphone(s), the wearable audio output device: while in a first mode, provides a first audio output including one or more pass-through audio components selected so as to increase audio pass-through of the ambient sound; detects an input via the input device; in response to detecting the input, and in accordance with a determination that the input is a first type of gesture, transitions from the first mode to a second mode; and, while in the second mode, provides a second audio output including one or more cancellation audio components selected so as to increase audio cancellation of the ambient sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, David C. Graham, Thomas S. Hulbert, Dustin A. Hatfield, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, David H. Bloom, Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Shota Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 11172298
    Abstract: While a first wearable audio output component of a wearable audio output device is in a first position relative to a first ear of a user and a second wearable audio output component of the wearable audio output device is in the first position relative to a second ear, a computer system operates the wearable audio output device in a first mode. While doing so, the computer system detects a change in position of the first component from the first position to a second position; and, in response, while the second component is maintained in the first position, the computer system transitions the wearable audio output device from the first mode to a different, second mode that is a pass-through mode in which audio outputs provided via the wearable audio output device include pass-through audio components that include at least a portion of ambient sound from the physical environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, David C. Graham, Andrew E. Greenwood, Thomas S. Hulbert, Hugo D. Verweij
  • Patent number: 11153687
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David Chance Graham, Patrick L. Coffman, Thomas S. Hulbert, Cyrus Daniel Irani, Daniel Max Strongwater