Patents by Inventor Todd Benjamin

Todd Benjamin 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).

  • Patent number: 10007393
    Abstract: A file structure or data hierarchy can be navigated using 3D gesture inputs. For example, objects can be arranged in a plurality of layers. A user input, including a 3D gesture input having a movement in proximity to a display surface can be detected. Different layers can be navigated in response to a movement component that is perpendicular to the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Todd Benjamin
  • Patent number: 9251506
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide a scenario desktop for recording a current event scenario and a content desktop for presenting information about a previously recorded event scenario. When a first event scenario is detected on the mobile device, the scenario desktop is presented on the mobile device. The scenario desktop exists in parallel with a default primary desktop of the mobile device. An information bundle is created for the first event scenario, including one or more documents accessed through the scenario desktop during the first event scenario. Access to the one or more documents is automatically provided on the mobile device during a second event scenario related to the first event scenario. The access is provided through the content desktop existing in parallel with the primary desktop and the scenario desktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Benjamin, Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 9137254
    Abstract: Certain embodiments may take the form of a method of operating an electronic device to find and determine an identity of other local devices. The method includes transmitting electromagnetic signals from a first electronic device to find devices within a prescribed distance of the first device and receiving electromagnetic response signals from a second electronic device within the prescribed distance from the first electronic device. The method also includes identifying the second electronic device using information received in the electromagnetic response signals. Additionally, the method includes determining if the second electronic device is aware of other electronic devices and, if the second electronic device is aware of other electronic devices, obtaining identifying information of the other devices from the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Bilbrey, Aleksandar Pance, Nicholas Vincent King, Todd Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8903775
    Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for using a heartbeat signal to maintain data consistency for writes to source storage copied to target storage. A copy relationship associates a source storage and target storage pair, wherein writes received at the source storage are transferred to the target storage. A determination is made whether a signal has been received from a system within a receive signal interval. A freeze operation is initiated to cease receiving writes at the source storage from an application in response to determining that the signal has not been received within the receive signal interval. A thaw operation is initiated to continue receiving write operations at the source storage from applications after a lapse of a freeze timeout in response to the freeze operation, wherein after the thaw operation, received writes completed at the source storage are not transferred to the target storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Benjamin Schlomer, David Randall Blea, Erroll Jay Calder, Gregory Edward McBride
  • Publication number: 20140351726
    Abstract: A first graphical object on a user interface of a device can be transformed to a second graphical object on the user interface. The second graphical object can be manipulated by a user on the user interface using touch input or by physically moving the device. When manipulated, the object can be animated to appear to have mass that responds to real-world, physical forces, such as gravity, friction or drag. The data represented by the second graphical object can be compressed or archived using a gesture applied to the second graphical object. Graphical objects can be visually sorted on the user interface based on their mass (size). The visual appearance of graphical objects on the user interface can be adjusted to indicate the age of data represented by the graphical objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Brett Bilbrey, Todd Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20140325458
    Abstract: Techniques for managing user interactions with items on a user interface are disclosed. In one aspect, a representation of an opening is presented in response to touch input. A display object is moved over the opening, and the display object is processed in response to the moving. In another aspect, touch input pinching two opposite corners of a display object followed by touch input flicking the display object is received and the display object is deleted in response to the inputs. In another aspect, touch input centered over a display object is received and the display object is deleted in response to the input. In another aspect, touch input corresponding to swiping gestures are received and a display object is securely deleted in response to the gestures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas V. KING, Todd BENJAMIN, Brett BILBREY
  • Patent number: 8839150
    Abstract: A first graphical object on a user interface of a device can be transformed to a second graphical object on the user interface. The second graphical object can be manipulated by a user on the user interface using touch input or by physically moving the device. When manipulated, the object can be animated to appear to have mass that responds to real-world, physical forces, such as gravity, friction or drag. The data represented by the second graphical object can be compressed or archived using a gesture applied to the second graphical object. Graphical objects can be visually sorted on the user interface based on their mass (size). The visual appearance of graphical objects on the user interface can be adjusted to indicate the age of data represented by the graphical objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Brett Bilbrey, Todd Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8797999
    Abstract: User equipment may be used in forming communications links between users. A virtual communications channel may be maintained between users while adjustments are made to the type of communications traffic that is being conveyed over the link, the nature of the physical channels being used in the link, link bandwidth and other link attributes, user requirements, and other factors. Monitoring circuitry may be used to monitor factors such as the location of a device and other operating parameters. As circumstances dictate, the operation of the device may be adjusted in real time, while maintaining the virtual communications channel intact. User devices may automatically advertize their presence and may automatically detect nearby devices. Content items may be shared using online services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Todd Benjamin, Brett Bilbrey, Anand Sethuraman
  • Patent number: 8769443
    Abstract: Techniques for managing user interactions with items on a user interface are disclosed. In one aspect, a representation of an opening is presented in response to touch input. A display object is moved over the opening, and the display object is processed in response to the moving. In another aspect, touch input pinching two opposite corners of a display object followed by touch input flicking the display object is received and the display object is deleted in response to the inputs. In another aspect, touch input centered over a display object is received and the display object is deleted in response to the input. In another aspect, touch input corresponding to swiping gestures are received and a display object is securely deleted in response to the gestures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Todd Benjamin, Brett Bilbrey
  • Publication number: 20140173758
    Abstract: Certain embodiments may take the form of a method of operating an electronic device to find and determine an identity of other local devices. The method includes transmitting electromagnetic signals from a first electronic device to find devices within a prescribed distance of the first device and receiving electromagnetic response signals from a second electronic device within the prescribed distance from the first electronic device. The method also includes identifying the second electronic device using information received in the electromagnetic response signals. Additionally, the method includes determining if the second electronic device is aware of other electronic devices and, if the second electronic device is aware of other electronic devices, obtaining identifying information of the other devices from the second electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Bilbrey, Aleksandar Pance, Nicholas Vincent King, Todd Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8514221
    Abstract: Three-dimensional objects can be generated based on two-dimensional objects. A first user input identifying a 2D object presented in a user interface can be detected, and a second user input including a 3D gesture input that includes a movement in proximity to a surface can be detected. A 3D object can be generated based on the 2D object according to the first and second user inputs, and the 3D object can be presented in the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Todd Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20120268410
    Abstract: Three-dimensional objects can be generated based on two-dimensional objects. A first user input identifying a 2D object presented in a user interface can be detected, and a second user input including a 3D gesture input that includes a movement in proximity to a surface can be detected. A 3D object can be generated based on the 2D object according to the first and second user inputs, and the 3D object can be presented in the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Todd Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8232990
    Abstract: Three-dimensional objects can be generated based on two-dimensional objects. A first user input identifying a 2D object presented in a user interface can be detected, and a second user input including a 3D gesture input that includes a movement in proximity to a surface can be detected. A 3D object can be generated based on the 2D object according to the first and second user inputs, and the 3D object can be presented in the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Todd Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20120185660
    Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for using a heartbeat signal to maintain data consistency for writes to source storage copied to target storage. A copy relationship associates a source storage and target storage pair, wherein writes received at the source storage are transferred to the target storage. A determination is made whether a signal has been received from a system within a receive signal interval. A freeze operation is initiated to cease receiving writes at the source storage from an application in response to determining that the signal has not been received within the receive signal interval. A thaw operation is initiated to continue receiving write operations at the source storage from applications after a lapse of a freeze timeout in response to the freeze operation, wherein after the thaw operation, received writes completed at the source storage are not transferred to the target storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd Benjamin Schlomer, David Randall Blea, Errol Jay Calder, Gregory Edward McBride
  • Patent number: 8195615
    Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for using a heartbeat signal to maintain data consistency for writes to source storage copied to target storage. A copy relationship associates a source storage and target storage pair, wherein writes received at the source storage are transferred to the target storage. A determination is made whether a signal has been received from a system within a receive signal interval. A freeze operation is initiated to cease receiving writes at the source storage from an application in response to determining that the signal has not been received within the receive signal interval. A thaw operation is initiated to continue receiving write operations at the source storage from applications after a lapse of a freeze timeout in response to the freeze operation, wherein after the thaw operation, received writes completed at the source storage are not transferred to the target storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Benjamin Schlomer, David Randall Blea, Errol Jay Calder, Gregory Edward McBride
  • Publication number: 20110222466
    Abstract: User equipment may be used in forming communications links between users. A virtual communications channel may be maintained between users while adjustments are made to the type of communications traffic that is being conveyed over the link, the nature of the physical channels being used in the link, link bandwidth and other link attributes, user requirements, and other factors. Monitoring circuitry may be used to monitor factors such as the location of a device and other operating parameters. As circumstances dictate, the operation of the device may be adjusted in real time, while maintaining the virtual communications channel intact. User devices may automatically advertize their presence and may automatically detect nearby devices. Content items may be shared using online services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Todd Benjamin, Brett Bilbrey, Anand Sethuraman
  • Publication number: 20110197153
    Abstract: Techniques for managing user interactions with items on a user interface are disclosed. In one aspect, a representation of an opening is presented in response to touch input. A display object is moved over the opening, and the display object is processed in response to the moving. In another aspect, touch input pinching two opposite corners of a display object followed by touch input flicking the display object is received and the display object is deleted in response to the inputs. In another aspect, touch input centered over a display object is received and the display object is deleted in response to the input. In another aspect, touch input corresponding to swiping gestures are received and a display object is securely deleted in response to the gestures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Todd Benjamin, Brett Bilbrey
  • Publication number: 20110193788
    Abstract: A first graphical object on a user interface of a device can be transformed to a second graphical object on the user interface. The second graphical object can be manipulated by a user on the user interface using touch input or by physically moving the device. When manipulated, the object can be animated to appear to have mass that responds to real-world, physical forces, such as gravity, friction or drag. The data represented by the second graphical object can be compressed or archived using a gesture applied to the second graphical object. Graphical objects can be visually sorted on the user interface based on their mass (size). The visual appearance of graphical objects on the user interface can be adjusted to indicate the age of data represented by the graphical objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Brett Bilbrey, Todd Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20110179368
    Abstract: A file structure or data hierarchy can be navigated using 3D gesture inputs. For example, objects can be arranged in a plurality of layers. A user input, including a 3D gesture input having a movement in proximity to a display surface can be detected. Different layers can be navigated in response to a movement component that is perpendicular to the display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Nicholas V. King, Todd Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20110167357
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for scenario-based content categorization, retrieval, and presentation are disclosed. At a first moment in time, a first event scenario is detected by a mobile device, where the first event scenario is defined by one or more participants and one or more contextual cues concurrently monitored by the mobile device and observable to a human user of the mobile device. An information bundle is created in real-time for the first event scenario, where the information bundle includes one or more documents accessed during the first event scenario and is retrievable according to the one or more contextual cues. Access to the one or more documents is automatically provided on the mobile device during a second event scenario that is related to the first event scenario by one or more common contextual cues. Other scenario-based content retrieval and presentation methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Todd Benjamin, Brett Bilbrey