Patents by Inventor Tyler S. Bushnell
Tyler S. Bushnell 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).
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Patent number: 11963795Abstract: A wearable electronic device includes a body, a housing component, a band operable to attach the body to a body part of a user, and a force sensor coupled to the housing component. The force sensor is operable to produce a force signal based on a force exerted between the body part of the user and the housing component. A processing unit of the wearable electronic device receives the force signal from the force sensor and determines the force exerted on the housing component based thereon. The processing unit may use that force to determine a tightness of the band, determine health information for the user, adjust determined force exerted on a cover glass, and/or to perform various other actions.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Steven J. Martisauskas, Erik G. de Jong, Andrzej T. Baranski, Serhan O. Isikman, Steven J. Banaska, Todd K. Whitehurst, Ming L. Sartee
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Patent number: 11937944Abstract: A wearable electronic device includes a body, a housing component, a band operable to attach the body to a body part of a user, and a force sensor coupled to the housing component. The force sensor is operable to produce a force signal based on a force exerted between the body part of the user and the housing component. A processing unit of the wearable electronic device receives the force signal from the force sensor and determines the force exerted on the housing component based thereon. The processing unit may use that force to determine a tightness of the band, determine health information for the user, adjust determined force exerted on a cover glass, and/or to perform various other actions.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Steven J. Martisauskas, Erik G. de Jong, Andrzej T. Baranski, Serhan O. Isikman, Steven J. Banaska, Todd K. Whitehurst, Ming L. Sartee
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Publication number: 20240094970Abstract: Device localization (e.g., ultra-wideband device localization) may be used to provide coordinated outputs and/or receive coordinated inputs using multiple devices. Providing coordinated outputs may include providing partial outputs using multiple devices, modifying an output of a device based on its position and/or orientation relative to another device, and the like. In some cases, each device of a set of multiple devices may provide a partial output, which combines with partial outputs of the remaining devices to produce a coordinated output.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Erik G. de Jong
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Publication number: 20240061466Abstract: An electronic device display may have an inner layer with a pixel array for displaying images and an outer layer with an array of light modulator cells operable in transparent and light-blocking modes. Force sensor and touch sensor circuitry may be used to gather user input such as information on finger pressure or stylus input applied to a location on the display. A block of the cells may be placed into a transparent mode to form a transparent window based on information from the sensor circuitry. Images on the pixel array may be viewed through the window. In another mode of operation, images can be displayed by adjusting the cells of the light modulator layer and backlight illumination may be provided by the pixel array. A camera and a flash or other optical components may be overlapped by an adjustable shutter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Harry K. Ng, Alvin K. Ng, Katherine E. Tong, Tyler S. Bushnell, Amin M. Younes, Benjamin S. Bustle, Christopher D. Jones, James R. Wilson
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Publication number: 20240045475Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display. The display may have a flexible display layer covered by a protective display cover layer. The flexible display layer may be an organic light-emitting diode display layer or other layer with a flexible substrate. The flexible display layer may have a central region with peripheral edges. The central region may be rectangular, may be octagonal, or may have other shapes. Strip-shaped protrusions may extend along each of the peripheral edges of the central region. The strip-shaped protrusions may be bent to provide the protrusions with curved surface profiles. The display cover layer may have a cushion shape with bowed edges that overlap parts of the strip-shaped protrusions, may have curved inner and outer surfaces and/or planar surfaces, may have rounded corners with compound curvature, may have edges with curved surface profiles, and/or may have other configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventor: Tyler S. Bushnell
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Patent number: 11880235Abstract: An electronic device display and a display cover layer may be coupled to a housing. The display may have an array of pixels that are configured to emit light. One or more light redirecting elements may be incorporated into the electronic device that redirect and thereby change the direction of light rays emitted from peripheral pixels in the display. The light redirecting elements may be used to enlarge the effective size of the display, to create images on sidewall surfaces of the display cover layer, and/or to create diffuse glowing areas around the periphery of the device. Light redirecting elements may be formed as integral portions of a display cover layer, as laminated optical films on a display cover layer, or as coating layers on a display cover layer. Afocal optical systems may be formed by placing first and second light redirecting elements on opposing first and second sides of a display cover layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, John N. Border, Victoria C. Chan
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Publication number: 20240004435Abstract: A biometric button assembly may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The biometric button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The biometric button assembly may further include a biometric sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The signal may correspond to a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint. A flexible conduit may transmit the signal to the processor. A portion of the flexible conduit and a seal may be positioned between the button assembly and the enclosure that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, James G. Horiuchi, Michael K. McCord, Trevor J. Ness
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Patent number: 11860588Abstract: A watch can include a watch body and a band for securing the watch to the user. The watch body can detect an identification of the band or combination of band portions, which can serve as an input to initiate actions performed by the watch body. For example, a type, model, color, size, or other characteristic of a band can be determined and used to select a corresponding action performed by the watch body. Identification of the band can be performed by components of the watch body that also serve other purposes. The watch body can respond to the identification of a particular band by performing particular functions, such as changing an aspect of a user interface or altering settings of the watch body.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Ryan C. Perkins, Benjamin J. Kallman, Daniel J. Hiemstra, Colin M. Ely, William C. Lukens, Osamu Yabe, Jorge L. Rivera Espinoza, David D. Dashevsky, Eugene C. Cheung, Prashanth S. Holenarsipur, Tyler S. Bushnell, Zaki Moustafa
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Patent number: 11857340Abstract: A watch having electrodes for physiological measurements is disclosed. The watch can be provided with an enclosure configured to couple to a wristband. An electrode can be disposed on the enclosure. Processing circuitry can be disposed in the enclosure and configured to use the electrode to obtain multiple types of physiological measurements.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Tyler S. Bushnell
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Publication number: 20230384863Abstract: An electronic device is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user based on an input action associated with an input device. The electronic device includes a haptic engine operably connected to a processing device. The haptic engine includes an electromagnetic actuator that detects an input action associated with the input device. The electromagnetic actuator also produces a haptic output in response to the detection of the input action.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Benjamin J. Kallman, David M. Pelletier
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Patent number: 11829205Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display. The display may have a flexible display layer covered by a protective display cover layer. The flexible display layer may be an organic light-emitting diode display layer or other layer with a flexible substrate. The flexible display layer may have a central region with peripheral edges. The central region may be rectangular, may be octagonal, or may have other shapes. Strip-shaped protrusions may extend along each of the peripheral edges of the central region. The strip-shaped protrusions may be bent to provide the protrusions with curved surface profiles. The display cover layer may have a cushion shape with bowed edges that overlap parts of the strip-shaped protrusions, may have curved inner and outer surfaces and/or planar surfaces, may have rounded corners with compound curvature, may have edges with curved surface profiles, and/or may have other configurations.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Tyler S. Bushnell
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Patent number: 11797057Abstract: A biometric button assembly may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The biometric button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The biometric button assembly may further include a biometric sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The signal may correspond to a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint. A flexible conduit may transmit the signal to the processor. A portion of the flexible conduit and a seal may be positioned between the button assembly and the enclosure that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, James G. Horiuchi, Michael K. McCord, Trevor J. Ness
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Patent number: 11762470Abstract: An electronic device is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user based on an input action associated with an input device. The electronic device includes a haptic engine operably connected to a processing device. The haptic engine includes an electromagnetic actuator that detects an input action associated with the input device. The electromagnetic actuator also produces a haptic output in response to the detection of the input action.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Benjamin J. Kallman, David M. Pelletier
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Patent number: 11733859Abstract: An electronic device disclosed herein is adapted to determine a location of touch input when liquid is present. The electronic device may include a force detection assembly having force detection units. When a touch input is applied to the display layer, the force detection units generates a differential capacitance that is used to determine a location of the touch input. The electronic device may further include a confidence interval algorithm that uses the location and builds a confidence interval around the location. The electronic device may include a touch input components that can determine whether the liquid is present. The confidence interval algorithm determines whether the liquid is present within the confidence interval and provides an updated location of the touch input. The electronic device further includes a machine learning algorithm designed predict a software application the user intends to select using the touch input.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Tyler S. Bushnell
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Patent number: 11640144Abstract: A watch can include a user input component that employs an optical sensor to receive input from a user. The input components provide an ability for a user to interact with the watch in a manner similar to how a user would interact with a crown that is rotatable and/or translatable. The user can provide motions and gestures near the input component that the input component can detect and interpret and user inputs to control an aspect of the watch. The motions and gestures provided by the user can be directly detected with optical systems of the input component, so that the number of moving parts are reduced and space within the watch is more efficiently utilized. While providing these benefits, the input component provides a user experience that simulates user interactions with a crown that is rotatable and/or translatable.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Sameer Pandya, Steven P. Cardinali
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Patent number: 11626898Abstract: An electronic device housing may be formed from housing members. A first housing member may form a display cover layer that overlaps pixels. During operation, the pixels may display an image that is viewable through the display cover layer. The second housing member may have a rear wall portion and a sidewall. A band may be coupled to the sidewall or other portion of the second housing member. The first and second housing members may be attached together using a housing member attachment structure. The housing member attachment structure may have layers of adhesive and printed circuit structures. The printed circuit structures may include metal traces that form an antenna and that form capacitive force sensor electrodes on opposing sides of a compressible member.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: James G. Horiuchi, Tyler S. Bushnell, Brad G. Boozer, Mario Martinis, YoungHoon Kim
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Patent number: 11614716Abstract: Embodiments include a wearable electronic device including a housing having an internal wall separating an internal chamber from an external chamber, an outer shell defining a port that connects the external chamber to an external environment, a membrane positioned at an opening in the internal wall and configured to equalize a pressure within the internal chamber with a pressure of the external environment, a first pressure-sensing device positioned in the internal chamber and configured to produce a first output, a second pressure-sensing device positioned in the external chamber and configured to produce a second output, and a processing unit configured to estimate the pressure of the external environment using the second output in accordance with a determination an accuracy condition satisfies a criteria and estimate the pressure of the external environment using the first output in accordance with a determination the accuracy condition does not satisfy the criteria.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Tyler S. Bushnell, Sherry Tang, Shannon Yang
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Patent number: 11589761Abstract: An electronic device such as a wearable device may have an optical sensor. The optical sensor may have a light source such as one or more visible-light light-emitting diodes or other light-emitting devices and may have a light detector formed from one or more photodetectors. The wearable device may have a wearable housing in which the optical sensor is mounted. During operation, light from the light source may pass through a transparent portion of the housing, may reflect from an external object such as a wrist or other body part of a user, and may be received by the photodetectors after passing through light control members. The light control members may be arranged in a ring with a center and may have curved shapes with concave surfaces that face the center. Each light control member may be formed from a stack of laminated bent light control films.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Tyler S. Bushnell
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Publication number: 20230012897Abstract: An input mechanism for a portable electronic device includes a rotational manipulation mechanism, such as a cap or shaft. The input mechanism also includes a sensor having first capacitive elements coupled to the manipulation mechanism, second capacitive elements, and a dielectric positioned between the first and second capacitive elements. Movement of the manipulation mechanism alters the positions of the first and second capacitive elements with respect to each other and is determinable based on capacitance changes resulting therefrom. In some implementations, the second capacitive elements may be part of an inner ring or partial ring nested at least partially within an outer ring or partial ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Collin R. Petty, Adam T. Clavelle
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Publication number: 20220404875Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display. The display may have a flexible display layer covered by a protective display cover layer. The flexible display layer may be an organic light-emitting diode display layer or other layer with a flexible substrate. The flexible display layer may have a central region with peripheral edges. The central region may be rectangular, may be octagonal, or may have other shapes. Strip-shaped protrusions may extend along each of the peripheral edges of the central region. The strip-shaped protrusions may be bent to provide the protrusions with curved surface profiles. The display cover layer may have a cushion shape with bowed edges that overlap parts of the strip-shaped protrusions, may have curved inner and outer surfaces and/or planar surfaces, may have rounded corners with compound curvature, may have edges with curved surface profiles, and/or may have other configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventor: Tyler S. Bushnell