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: 20210014611
    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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    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
  • Publication number: 20210014610
    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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan, David C. Graham, Andrew E. Greenwood, Thomas S. Hulbert, Hugo D. Verweij
  • Patent number: 10873798
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems, devices, and techniques related to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud or other device that is configured to detect inputs and change the operation of the wearable audio device in accordance with the inputs. In some embodiments, the wearable audio device is disposed in a structure and detects signals propagating through or within the structure. Various inputs may cause one or more signals to propagate through or within the structure, outside the structure, or some combination thereof. The wearable audio device may determine whether a detected signal was generated by an input and, if so, change its operation in accordance with the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20200344536
    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 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Patent number: 10757491
    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: August 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20200225817
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Patrick L. COFFMAN, David Chance GRAHAM, Thomas S. HULBERT
  • Patent number: 10514759
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an input device and methods related to the use thereof. The embodiment may include a deformable structure. The deformable structure may include a first layer defining an input surface and a second layer coupled to, and offset from, the first layer. At least one of the first layer or the second layer may define a geometric feature (e.g., including a protrusion, embossed portion, or other feature of one or both of the first and second layers). The geometric feature may be configured to collapse the deformable structure at a localized region in response to a force input. The embodiment may further include an input structure configured to produce an electrical response based on a magnitude of the force input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Taylor, Brigit E. Lamberson, Gemma A. Roper, Megan A. McClain, Thomas S. Hulbert, Benjamin G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10318065
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a user input device and methods for expanding an input area in response to an estimation of the accuracy of touch input or the likelihood that a series of touches will hit an intended touch target area. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a first capacitive area defined by a first electrode and a second capacitive area defined by the first electrode and a second electrode. The embodiment further includes a processing unit that may be configured to, in a first mode, execute an operation in response to a touch received in the first capacitive area. The processing unit may be configured to, in a second mode, execute the operation in response to the touch received in the second capacitive area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Peterson, Mark A. Bunney, Jr., Daniel M. Strongwater, Benjamin G. Jackson, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20180081437
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an input device and methods related to the use thereof. The embodiment may include a deformable structure. The deformable structure may include a first layer defining an input surface and a second layer coupled to, and offset from, the first layer. At least one of the first layer or the second layer may define a geometric feature (e.g., including a protrusion, embossed portion, or other feature of one or both of the first and second layers). The geometric feature may be configured to collapse the deformable structure at a localized region in response to a force input. The embodiment may further include an input structure configured to produce an electrical response based on a magnitude of the force input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Steven J. Taylor, Brigit E. Lamberson, Gemma A. Roper, Megan A. McClain, Thomas S. Hulbert, Benjamin G. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20180039376
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a user input device and methods for expanding an input area in response to an estimation of the accuracy of touch input or the likelihood that a series of touches will hit an intended touch target area. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a first capacitive area defined by a first electrode and a second capacitive area defined by the first electrode and a second electrode. The embodiment further includes a processing unit that may be configured to, in a first mode, execute an operation in response to a touch received in the first capacitive area. The processing unit may be configured to, in a second mode, execute the operation in response to the touch received in the second capacitive area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Peterson, Mark A. Bunney, JR., Daniel M. Strongwater, Benjamin G. Jackson, Thomas S. Hulbert