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).

  • Patent number: 11425490
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for enhancing a user's listening experience by adjusting physical attributes of an audio playback system based on detected environmental attributes of the system's environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Ivan S. Maric
  • Patent number: 11416076
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 11409332
    Abstract: A device may include a display portion that includes a display housing and a display at least partially within the display housing. The device may also include a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a bottom case, a top case coupled to the bottom case and defining an array of raised key regions, and a sensing system below the top case and configured to detect an input applied to a raised key region of the array of raised key regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 11402644
    Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device that distributes securement forces to sides of the user's head. A head-mountable device can include a head securement element with arms that clamp onto sides of the user's head. Such arms can be pivotably coupled to a frame of the head-mountable device. Where a band is provided, the band can have an adjustable width that tightens onto the sides of the user's head to reduce the load on the front and rear of the user's head. A head-mountable device can also distribute forces (e.g., weight) onto the top of the user's head without restricting facial features of the user (e.g., forehead, eyes, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dustin A. Hatfield, Venkata Narayana Murthy Arelekatti
  • Patent number: 11397486
    Abstract: Ultrasonic force detection systems and methods can be based on propagation of ultrasonic waves in a user's body (e.g., in a user's digit). An amount of force can be determined using time-of-flight (TOF) techniques of one or more ultrasonic waves propagating in the user's body. In some examples, an electronic device including a transducer can be coupled to a digit, and can transmit ultrasonic waves into the digit. As the wave propagates through the thickness of the digit, a reflection of at least a portion of the transmitted wave can occur due to the bone and/or due to reaching the opposite side of the digit (e.g., finger pad). One or more reflections can be measured to determine the amount of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ehsan Khajeh, George Ho Yin Mak, Marcus Yip, Brian Michael King, Aaron Scott Tucker, Jason S. Griesbach, Paul X. Wang, Alex Joseph Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11397473
    Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with membranes that extend under the keycaps or buttons. The membranes are flexible and can support conductive structures, traces, and electrical switch connections to enable effective key switches, lighting, and fluid-tightness for the keyboard. The flexible membrane is positioned near the keycaps to prevent ingress of fluids and debris into the lower portions of the key assemblies. In some cases, the flexible membrane also provides support for an interstitial layer that extends between keycaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren, Shan Wu, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
  • Patent number: 11397449
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Paul X. Wang, Adam T. Garelli, Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Patent number: 11398359
    Abstract: Keycaps for keyboards that have transparent top portions have a set of layered components to define a top surface that provides key definition by curvature, texture, ridges, or other external structural features. Other portions of the keycaps define a glyph or support structure for the top layer. Features such as angle filters and partially reflective materials are implemented to improve the visibility, contrast, and reflectivity of the keycaps. Multiple methods are used to bend or otherwise modify rigid transparent materials such as glass in order to add surface features and to improve aesthetics of the keycaps of a keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Christopher D. Jones, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren, Martin Melcher, Matthew S. Rogers, Naoto Matsuyuki, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Avianne Marie B. Tuano
  • Patent number: 11394385
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device having adjustable input mechanisms. The input mechanisms of the input device may be dynamically adjusted based on one or more input characteristics associated with a user. Accordingly, the input device may be customized to fit a user's input preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, John C. DiFonzo, Dayu Qu, Zheng Gao, Chang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220214722
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholas L. Qu
  • Patent number: 11379049
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 11365322
    Abstract: Described herein is a barrier coating composition comprising an organic blend comprising a first component and a second component, the first component comprising latex polymer and the second component being selected from polyurethane emulsion, wax emulsion, and alkyd emulsion, wherein the first component and the second component are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 2:1 to about 20:1, and the latex polymer has a glass transition temperature of less than about 18° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Linzhu Zhang, John E. Hughes, Michelle X. Wang, Steven L. Masia
  • Patent number: 11361735
    Abstract: A head-mountable device can help a user distinguish between the physical objects and the virtual objects when desired. Indications provided by the head-mountable device can be visually applied to physical objects and/or virtual objects within a view provided by the head-mountable device. The indications can be provided to notify the user of objects outside the view provided by the head-mountable device. The indications can be visual, auditory, and/or haptic in nature. The indications can be provided based on a user's detected action, intention, and/or attention so that the indication is more targeted to a user's needs. The indications can be provided under particular conditions, so that the user can more easily maintain an immersive experience when the indications are not desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Jie Gu, Pol Pla I Conesa
  • Patent number: 11360587
    Abstract: A system may include a finger device that is worn on a user's finger. The finger device may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other devices in the system. The finger device may have a foldable housing with hinge structures that allow portions of the housing to fold with respect to each other. Magnets or other bistability structures may be used to provide the folding housing with folding bistability. This allows the housing to be placed in a stable unfolded state that releases the finger or a stable folded state in which the housing snaps over the finger and holds the finger device in place. A base may be used to store the finger device for charging. The base may have deployment structures that help place the finger device on the user's finger for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Bradley J. Hamel, Dinesh C. Mathew, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, John C. DiFonzo, Keith J. Hendren, Navpreet S. Kaloty, Nicholas L. Qu, Scott J. Krahn, Aidan N. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11360558
    Abstract: A system may include finger devices. A touch sensor may be mounted in a finger device housing to gather input from an external object as the object moves along an exterior surface of the housing. The touch sensor may include capacitive sensor electrodes. Sensors such as force sensors, ultrasonic sensors, inertial measurement units, optical sensors, and other components may be used in gathering finger input from a user. Finger input from a user may be used to manipulate virtual objects in a mixed reality or virtual reality environment while a haptic output device in a finger device provides associated haptic output. A user may interact with real-world objects while computer-generated content is overlaid over some or all of the objects. Object rotations and other movements may be converted into input for a mixed reality or virtual reality system using force measurements or other sensors measurements made with the finger devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Nicolai Georg, Benjamin R. Blachnitzky, Alhad A. Palkar, Minhazul Islam, Alex J. Lehmann, Madeleine S. Cordier, Joon-Sup Han, Hongcheng Sun, Sang E. Lee, Kevin Z. Lo, Lilli Ing-Marie Jonsson, Luis Deliz Centeno, Yuhao Pan, Stephen E. Dey, Paul N. DuMontelle, Jonathan C. Atler, Tianjia Sun, Jian Li, Chang Zhang
  • Patent number: 11360560
    Abstract: An input device, such as a stylus, can include a piezoelectric device for providing haptic feedback and/or detecting user input. The piezoelectric device can be coupled to an inner surface of a housing of the stylus. The piezoelectric device can provide haptic feedback with a force to the housing when an electric voltage is applied to the piezoelectric device. The haptic feedback can provide information to the user relating operation of the stylus with an external device. The piezoelectric device can also produce an electric voltage when an input force is applied to an outer surface of the housing and transmitted to the piezoelectric device. The electric voltage can be used to detect tactile input from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Alex J. Lehmann, Qiliang Xu, Zheng Gao, Paul X. Wang
  • Publication number: 20220177711
    Abstract: Described herein is a building panel comprising: a substrate, and a coating applied to the substrate, the coating comprising a blend of an antimicrobial composition, a binder, and a pigment, wherein the antimicrobial composition consists essentially of zinc borate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Michelle X. WANG, Ying CHANG, John E. HUGHES, Linzhu ZHANG, Steven L. MASIA
  • Publication number: 20220171474
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
  • Patent number: 11347312
    Abstract: A system may include haptic output devices such as ultrasonic haptic output components that generate ultrasonic sound waves. The ultrasonic sound waves may be directed towards a user to provide haptic output. The haptic output devices may be used in a system that includes one or more electronic devices. Control circuitry may control the haptic output devices based on sensor data indicating where the user is located and/or based on what is being displayed for a user on a display. Ultrasonic haptic output may be used to simulate contact with a virtual object, to simulate rain, to simulate a breeze, and/or to simulate other sensations in a mixed reality or virtual reality environment. The ultrasonic haptic output components may be stand-alone devices or may be mounted in a head-mounted display, a gaming base station, a handheld controller, a finger-mounted device, or other electronic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Paul X. Wang
  • Publication number: 20220160450
    Abstract: A medical device for retrieval of kidney stone fragments from a urinary tract is provided. The medical device has a plurality of magnets arranged within a flexible sheath forming a flexible wire. The magnets are magnetically attached end-to-end and arranged with their magnetic polarities alternating in direction. The magnetization direction of each of the magnets is orthogonal to the length axis of the flexible wire. A removable inner stylet is situated within the flexible sheath allowing for modifiable flexibility of the wire. The medical device is dimensioned to be introduced into the urinary tract and standard endoscopic devices. The medical device is further dimensioned to allow for the wire with magnetically attached stone fragments to be retrieved from the urinary tract. The magnetic field along the length axis is sufficient to attract to the surface of the flexible wire superparamagnetic nanoparticles which have bound themselves to kidney stone fragments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Tianjia Jessie Ge, Simon Conti, Joseph C. Liao, Kunj Raju Sheth, Shan X. Wang