Patents by Inventor X. Wang
X. Wang 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: 11320869Abstract: An accessory device for a tablet computing device may include a base portion having one or more input devices (e.g., keyboards, trackpads, touchscreen displays, and the like) for providing inputs to the tablet computing device. The accessory device may include a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the base portion of the accessory device to a tablet computing device in multiple different installation modes. The coupling mechanism may include an auxiliary display for providing a graphical output along a surface of the coupling mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling mechanism may include a recess for receiving a stylus.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholas L. Qu
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Publication number: 20220131821Abstract: Techniques for identifying and processing graymail are disclosed. An electronic message store is accessed. A determination is made that a first message included in the electronic message store represents graymail, including by accessing a profile associated with an addressee of the first message. A remedial action is taken in response to determining that the first message represents graymail.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2021Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Rami Faris Habal, Kevin Lau, Sharan Dev Sankar, Yea So Jung, Dhruv Purushottam, Venkat Krishnamoorthi, Franklin X. Wang, Jeshua Alexis Bratman, Jocelyn Mikael Raphael Beauchesne, Abhijit Bagri, Sanjay Jayakumar
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Patent number: 11292236Abstract: An item such as a fabric-based item may have a layer of fabric such as a layer of woven fabric. The fabric layer may include insulating warp and weft strands. Conductive strands may be woven into the fabric layer and may form electrodes for a touch sensor. Chemical etching or other processing techniques may be used to form an array of openings. In each opening, some or all of the insulating warp and weft strands may be removed so that each opening passes partly or fully through the fabric layer and locally thins the fabric layer. Keys may be formed from key members and switches. The key members may overlap respective locally thinned areas of the fabric layer formed from the openings. The conductive strands may extend across the openings and may be overlapped by the key members and switches.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2017Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Aidan N. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20220100290Abstract: A stylus input device can allow a user to interface with an external electronic device. The stylus can provide an additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compressive force to the device housing. The stylus can include multiple sensors to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the stylus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Alex J. LEHMANN, Qiliang XU, Blake R. MARSHALL, Nathaniel M. PARNELL, Wesley W. ZUBER, Henry N. TSAO, Xiaofan NIU, Pavan GUPTA, Nahid HARJEE, Paul X. WANG, Brenton A. BAUGH
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Publication number: 20220091457Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing that at least partially defines an exterior surface and an internal volume of the electronic device, and a display assembly at least partially disposed in the internal volume. The display assembly can include a transparent cover that at least partially defines the exterior surface of the electronic device, a backlight unit disposed between the cover and the housing, a frame coupling the cover to the backlight unit, a portion of the frame at least partially defining an aperture, and an electronic component disposed in the internal volume and extending through the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2020Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Lauren M. Farrell, Adam T. Garelli, Brian P. Graves, David P. Tarkington, Eric L. Benson, Erik A. Zweigle, Kwonil D. Fleischman, Paul X. Wang, Simon S. Lee, Tingjun Xu, Nicholas A. Rundle
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Patent number: 11281305Abstract: A keyboard may be provided that has keys overlapped by a touch sensor. The keyboard may have key sensor circuitry for monitoring switching in the keys for key press input. The keyboard may also have touch sensor circuitry such as capacitive touch sensor circuitry that monitors capacitive electrodes in the touch sensor for touch sensor input such as multitouch gesture input. The keyboard may include an outer layer of fabric that overlaps the keys. The fabric may have openings that are arranged to form alphanumeric characters. Light sources may emit light that passes through the openings and illuminates the alphanumeric characters. The touch sensor may have signal lines that are not visible through the openings. The signal lines may be transparent, may be covered by a diffuser, or may circumvent the openings so that they do not overlap.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Chia Chi Wu, Qiliang Xu, Zheng Gao, Daniel D. Sunshine, Aidan N. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 11274439Abstract: The present invention is directed to flame-retardant building panels comprising a body having a first major surface opposite a second major surface; an inorganic coating atop the first major surface, the inorganic coating being optically transparent and flame retardant and comprising a blend of a borate compound and a phosphate compound, and wherein the inorganic flame retardant coating is substantially transparent such that the first major surface of the body is visible through the inorganic coating.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: AWI Licensing LLCInventors: John E. Hughes, Michelle X. Wang
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Patent number: 11275451Abstract: A computer input device can include a housing, a set of key switch mechanisms positioned in the housing, and a removable key structure that is operable between a first configuration positioned in the housing and a second configuration detached from the housing. The removable key can have a position sensor, wherein in the first configuration, the removable key structure is operable to provide a key-based typing input, and, in the second configuration, the removable key structure is operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor. The removable key structure can therefore allow comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for a computer input system.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Paul X. Wang
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Patent number: 11275455Abstract: Computing systems and input devices can include a chassis with a computing device and an input tool with a sensor, such as a pen- or rod-like input tool, that can be positioned relative to the chassis in multiple configurations. In one configuration, the tool can be spaced away from the chassis and its sensor output can cause a first output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. In another configuration, the tool can be contacting the chassis and its sensor output can cause a second output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. For example, an input tool can be stowed in a recess of a keyboard housing or device chassis, and the input tool can produce a first output when it is in the recess and a second input when it has been removed from the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
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Publication number: 20220075829Abstract: Techniques for searching metadata through media content. User input identifying a search criteria is received from a user device. Metadata associated with media content files is searched to identify a subset of the media content files. Search results identifying the subset of the media content files are provided to the user device. The metadata is generated by an originator of each media content file and describes each scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Jing X. WANG, Mark ARANA, Edward DRAKE, Alexander C. CHEN
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Patent number: 11269127Abstract: Electrical equipment such as a tablet computer cover, a laptop computer, or other equipment may include keys. Each key may have a key member. Coatings such as opaque coating layers may be formed on the key members. Opaque coating layers may be patterned to form symbol-shaped openings associated with key labels. Opaque coating layers may also have recessed peripheral portions and other features to enhance the appearance of the keys. Metal coating layers such as physical vapor deposition metal layers may be incorporated into the keys. Key members may have outer surfaces and opposing inner surface on which patterned coating layers may be formed. Peripheral edge portions of the key members may extend between the outer and inner surfaces and may be coated with metal coating layers to form reflective metal trim structures. Backlight illumination for the keys may be formed form light sources such as light-emitting diodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Michael Y. Cheung, Ming Yu
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Publication number: 20220050513Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a shield that provides thermal and electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shielding benefits. The shield is secured with fan assemblies by airtight seals to prevent air leakage and promote a pressured volume when the fan assemblies are running. Further, the shield can direct airflow from the fan assemblies to one or more thermally conductive components, where the airflow can convectively cool the thermally conductive components and exit the electronic device. The shield is made from a metal, and when the shield covers a circuit board, the shield protects an EMI barrier for integrated circuits located on the circuit board. Moreover, the shield can provide a single-piece, monolithic body that provides advantages over multiple shields, such as eliminating gaps in the shield for air leakage and EMI intrusion, increasing air circulation efficiency, and decreasing costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2020Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Adam T. GARELLI, Paul X. WANG, Pooja B. PATEL, Nicholas A. RUNDLE, Eric R. PRATHER, Simon S. LEE
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Publication number: 20220035414Abstract: A computing device can include a housing including a peripheral housing defining an aperture, the peripheral housing having a constant cross-sectional area. The computing device can also include a display having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, the display disposed within the aperture defined by the peripheral housing and attached to the housing at one or more locations such that the first major surface and the second major surface of the display are substantially unobstructed by any other portion of the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Denis H. Endisch, Dinesh C. Mathew, Paul X. Wang
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Publication number: 20220035420Abstract: A computing device can be reconfigurable to include one or more electrical devices in various configurations. The computing device can include a base forming an input surface configured to receive user input. The base can receive one or more input devices, such as, displays or keyboards. The base can include a hinge rotatably attached to the base and configured to removably retain an electronic device, such as, a display. The computing device can include a coupling mechanism having a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion rotatably coupled to an intermediate portion. The first and second retaining portions can be configured to removably retain electrical devices to the coupling mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholas L. Qu, Dinesh C. Mathew, Adam T. Garelli
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Publication number: 20220035417Abstract: An accessory device for a tablet computing device may include a base portion having one or more input devices (e.g., keyboards, trackpads, touchscreen displays, and the like) for providing inputs to the tablet computing device. The accessory device may include a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the base portion of the accessory device to a tablet computing device in multiple different installation modes. The coupling mechanism may include an auxiliary display for providing a graphical output along a surface of the coupling mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling mechanism may include a recess for receiving a stylus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2020Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholas L. Qu
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Patent number: 11237655Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an electronic device having a hidden or concealable input region. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an enclosure having a wall that defines an input region having an array of microperforations. A light source may be positioned within a volume defined by the enclosure and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations. A sensing element may be coupled with the wall and configured to detect input received within the input region. The array of microperforations are configured to be visually imperceptible when not illuminated by the light source. When illuminated by the light source, the array of microperforations may display a symbol.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Qiliang Xu, Richard G. Huizar
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Patent number: 11221677Abstract: According to some embodiments, an accessory device for interacting with an electronic device having a touch sensitive surface, is described. The accessory device can include a housing having walls suitable for carrying a processor capable of providing instructions and an interface unit extending through an opening at a distal end of the housing, where the interface unit is capable of interacting with the touch sensitive surface. The accessory device can further include a sensor in communication with the processor and the interface unit, where the sensor is capable of (i) detecting a stimulus generated by the interaction between the interface unit and the touch sensitive surface, and (ii) responding by providing a feedback parameter to the processor that responds by providing a feedback instruction. The accessory device can further include a feedback component that responds to the feedback instruction by transmitting a feedback force to the walls of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Taylor, Brenton A. Baugh, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Ivan S. Maric, Zheng Gao, Qiliang Xu
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Publication number: 20210408169Abstract: An electronic device may have a display mounted in a housing. The display may be mounted on a front side of the device and the housing may have a housing wall on the rear side of the device. The display may be formed from an array of pixels configured to display an image for a user. Pixel-free border areas that run along the edges of the array of pixels may be provided with an edge illuminator. The edge illuminator may provide illumination to the border areas during operation of the device. The edge illuminator may have crystalline semiconductor light-emitting diode dies, backlit liquid crystal devices or electrophoretic display components, or may have a light guide that is supplied with illumination from a light-emitting diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew
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Publication number: 20210407748Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
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Publication number: 20210397220Abstract: An electronic device may include a glass housing member that includes an upper portion defining a display area, a lower portion defining an input area, and a transition portion joining the upper portion and the lower portion and defining a continuous, curved surface between the upper portion and the lower portion. The electronic device may include a display coupled to the glass housing member and configured to provide a visual output at the display area. The electronic device may include an input device coupled to the glass housing member and configured to detect inputs at the input area. The electronic device may include a support structure coupled to the glass housing member and configured to support the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Paul X. Wang, Adam T. Garelli, Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Dinesh C. Mathew