Patents by Inventor Xiaonan Wen

Xiaonan Wen 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: 20250004342
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a display with a waveguide that directs image light to an eye box using an output coupler. The display may include an electrically adjustable tint layer overlapping the output coupler. The tint layer may serve to maximize contrast of images in the image light. The tint layer may include a peripheral edge seal between first and second substrates and laterally surrounding an electrochromic gel. The peripheral edge seal may protect the gel from water and oxygen. The peripheral edge seal may include one or more rings of material and/or a glass ring spacer, the substrates may include cavities, and/or the gel may include spacer beads to help minimize warpage upon curing and thus maximize flatness of the tint layer. The electrochromic gel may include first and second redox species and a third redox species configured to tune a color response of the tint layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Zachary M. Beiley, Sean E. Doris, Tuncay Ozel, Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Xiaonan Wen
  • Publication number: 20240385448
    Abstract: A lens module in a head-mounted device may include a fluid-filled chamber, a semi-rigid lens element that at least partially defines the fluid-filled chamber, and at least one actuator configured to selectively bend the semi-rigid lens element. The semi-rigid lens element may become rigid along a first axis when the lens element is curved along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Six actuators that are evenly distributed around the periphery of the semi-rigid lens element may be used to control the curvature of the semi-rigid lens element. The semi-rigid lens element may initially be planar or non-planar. For example, the semi-rigid lens element may initially have a spherically convex surface and a spherically concave surface. A tunable spherical lens may be incorporated into the lens module to offset a parasitic spherical lens power from the semi-rigid lens element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: James E. Pedder, Igor Stamenov, Cheng Chen, Enkhamgalan Dorjgotov, Graham B. Myhre, Victoria C. Chan, Xiaonan Wen, Peng Lv, Yuan Li, Yu Horie, Siddharth S. Hazra
  • Publication number: 20240353684
    Abstract: A display system may include a waveguide with an output coupler that couples image light out of the waveguide and towards an eye box. The output coupler may also transmit world light from real-world objects towards the eye box. A bias lens may pass the world light to the output coupler. An adjustable tint layer having multiple states that involve transmission of different amounts of the world light may be disposed between the bias lens and the output coupler. Different states may impart different colors and/or may impart a gradient transmission characteristic to the world light. The bias lens itself may form the adjustable tint layer. The adjustable tint layer may have a transparent electrode layer that is provided with one or more AC voltages that heat the adjustable tint layer. The adjustable tint layer may be a self-switching electrochromic device that includes a transparent solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Runyu Zhang, Vikrant Bhakta, Hyungryul Choi, Cameron A. Harder, Xiaonan Wen, Zhenbin Ge, Xianwei Zhao
  • Publication number: 20240168296
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a first bias lens that transmits world light to an output coupler on a waveguide. The output coupler may transmit the world light while coupling image light out of the waveguide. A second bias lens may transmit the world light and the image light to an eye box. A tint layer may transmit the world light towards the output coupler. The tint layer may be planar and layered onto a planar surface of the first bias lens or another lens, may be separated from the first bias lens by an air gap, may be non-parallel relative to the waveguide, and/or may be curved and separated from the first bias lens and the waveguide by air gaps. When planar, the tint layer may be provided with spacers between substrates or between the tint layer and the waveguide to maximize parallelism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2023
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Edward J. Wrzesniewski, Graham C. Nelson, Hyungryul Choi, Kibyung Seong, Vikrant Bhakta, Xiaonan Wen, Zachary M. Beiley
  • Publication number: 20230195265
    Abstract: Input devices can employ ultrasonic touch sensing capabilities that allow user inputs to be detected through conductive materials, such as metal enclosures. The ultrasonic touch sensing can include generation of ultrasound signals with a piezoelectric layer. The ultrasound signals can be reflected when a user or other object is in contact with a housing, and the reflected signal can be detected by the same piezoelectric layer that produced the ultrasound signal. Such a piezoelectric layer can include a piezoelectric polymer, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). An array of electrodes distributed on opposing sides of the use of electric layer can be operated to generate ultrasound signals and detect reflected signals. Such an input device can be operated in conjunction with a conductive (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Qiliang XU, Ming YU, Xiaonan WEN, Ehsan KHAJEH, Jason S. GRIESBACH, Brian M. KING
  • Patent number: 11573661
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed which includes a conductive layer for providing haptic feedback at an input surface of the electronic device. The conductive layer includes conductive particles within an organic compound, such as an epoxy. When the conductive layer is activated it may provide frictional or other tactile feedback at the input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaonan Wen, James E. Pedder
  • Patent number: 11460946
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an input device. The input device has an input/output module below or within a cover defining an input surface. The input/output module detects touch and/or force inputs on the input surface, and provides haptic feedback to the cover. In some instances, a haptic device is integrally formed with a wall or structural element of a housing or enclosure of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Qiliang Xu, Alex J. Lehmann, Ming Yu, Xianwei Zhao, Xiaonan Wen, Shan Wu, Xiaofan Niu
  • Patent number: 11353933
    Abstract: A notebook computer may include a display portion, a base portion, a hinge mechanism movably coupling the display portion to the base portion, an optical sensing system configured to capture an image of an object, an actuation system comprising a shape-memory alloy member coupled to the base portion and the display portion and configured to move the display portion relative to the base portion, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to determine a target position for the display portion based at least in part on a location of the object in the image and cause the actuation system to actuate the hinge mechanism to move the display portion, relative to the base portion, from an initial position to the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Qiliang Xu, Kevin M. Robinson, Xiaonan Wen, Shingo Yoneoka
  • Publication number: 20210373610
    Abstract: A notebook computer may include a display portion, a base portion, a hinge mechanism movably coupling the display portion to the base portion, an optical sensing system configured to capture an image of an object, an actuation system comprising a shape-memory alloy member coupled to the base portion and the display portion and configured to move the display portion relative to the base portion, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to determine a target position for the display portion based at least in part on a location of the object in the image and cause the actuation system to actuate the hinge mechanism to move the display portion, relative to the base portion, from an initial position to the target position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Qiliang Xu, Kevin M. Robinson, Xiaonan Wen, Shingo Yoneoka
  • Publication number: 20210325993
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an input device. The input device has an input/output module below or within a cover defining an input surface. The input/output module detects touch and/or force inputs on the input surface, and provides haptic feedback to the cover. In some instances, a haptic device is integrally formed with a wall or structural element of a housing or enclosure of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Qiliang Xu, Alex J. Lehmann, Ming Yu, Xianwei Zhao, Xiaonan Wen, Shan Wu, Xiaofan Niu
  • Patent number: 11073934
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an electrostatic conductive layer for providing haptic feedback at an input surface of the electronic device. The electrostatic conductive layer is included in a cover assembly positioned over a display. The cover assembly includes a cover sheet, a touch sensor, and the electrostatic conductive layer. The electrostatic conductive layer is driven by an electric field, which electric field is produced by the touch sensor. When the electrostatic conductive layer is activated, it may provide frictional or other tactile feedback at the input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaonan Wen, James E. Pedder
  • Patent number: 11054932
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an input device. The input device has an input/output module below or within a cover defining an input surface. The input/output module detects touch and/or force inputs on the input surface, and provides haptic feedback to the cover. In some instances, a haptic device is integrally formed with a wall or structural element of a housing or enclosure of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Qiliang Xu, Alex J. Lehmann, Ming Yu, Xianwei Zhao, Xiaonan Wen, Shan Wu, Xiaofan Niu
  • Publication number: 20210041705
    Abstract: A lens module in a head-mounted device may include a fluid-filled chamber, a semi-rigid lens element that at least partially defines the fluid-filled chamber, and at least one actuator configured to selectively bend the semi-rigid lens element. The semi-rigid lens element may become rigid along a first axis when the lens element is curved along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Six actuators that are evenly distributed around the periphery of the semi-rigid lens element may be used to control the curvature of the semi-rigid lens element. The semi-rigid lens element may initially be planar or non-planar. For example, the semi-rigid lens element may initially have a spherically convex surface and a spherically concave surface. A tunable spherical lens may be incorporated into the lens module to offset a parasitic spherical lens power from the semi-rigid lens element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: James E. Pedder, Igor Stamenov, Cheng Chen, Enkhamgalan Dorjgotov, Graham B. Myhre, Victoria C. Chan, Xiaonan Wen, Peng Lv, Yuan Li, Yu Horie, Siddharth S. Hazra
  • Publication number: 20200401228
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed which includes a conductive layer for providing haptic feedback at an input surface of the electronic device. The conductive layer includes conductive particles within an organic compound, such as an epoxy. When the conductive layer is activated it may provide frictional or other tactile feedback at the input surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Xiaonan Wen, James E. Pedder
  • Patent number: 10852553
    Abstract: A lens module in a head-mounted device may include a fluid-filled chamber, a semi-rigid lens element that at least partially defines the fluid-filled chamber, and at least one actuator configured to selectively bend the semi-rigid lens element. The semi-rigid lens element may become rigid along a first axis when the lens element is curved along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Six actuators that are evenly distributed around the periphery of the semi-rigid lens element may be used to control the curvature of the semi-rigid lens element. The semi-rigid lens element may initially be planar or non-planar. For example, the semi-rigid lens element may initially have a spherically convex surface and a spherically concave surface. A tunable spherical lens may be incorporated into the lens module to offset a parasitic spherical lens power from the semi-rigid lens element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Pedder, Igor Stamenov, Cheng Chen, Enkhamgalan Dorjgotov, Graham B. Myhre, Victoria C. Chan, Xiaonan Wen, Peng Lv, Yuan Li, Yu Horie, Siddharth S. Hazra
  • Patent number: 10775890
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed which includes a conductive layer for providing haptic feedback at an input surface of the electronic device. The conductive layer includes conductive particles within an organic compound, such as an epoxy. When the conductive layer is activated it may provide frictional or other tactile feedback at the input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaonan Wen, James E. Pedder
  • Publication number: 20200159331
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an electrostatic conductive layer for providing haptic feedback at an input surface of the electronic device. The electrostatic conductive layer is included in a cover assembly positioned over a display. The cover assembly includes a cover sheet, a touch sensor, and the electrostatic conductive layer. The electrostatic conductive layer is driven by an electric field, which electric field is produced by the touch sensor. When the electrostatic conductive layer is activated, it may provide frictional or other tactile feedback at the input surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Xiaonan Wen, James E. Pedder
  • Patent number: 10644063
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a transistor array including a substrate and a plurality of transistor elements sharing the substrate. Each of the transistor elements includes: a bottom electrode disposed on the substrate and a connection wire for the bottom electrode; a piezoelectric body disposed on the bottom electrode, wherein the piezoelectric body is made of piezoelectric material; and a top electrode disposed on the piezoelectric body. The disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a transistor array. The transistor array contains transistor elements which are two-terminal devices. Piezoelectric bodies with piezoelectric properties are provided between the top electrodes and bottom electrodes of the transistor array. The carrier transport progress of the transistor elements in the transistor array device can be effectively regulated or triggered by strains or stresses applied on the transistor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems
    Inventors: Zhonglin Wang, Wenzhuo Wu, Xiaonan Wen
  • Patent number: 10630207
    Abstract: A triboelectric generator includes a first triboelectric member, which includes a first conductive layer and an insulating triboelectric material layer disposed on the first conductive layer. The triboelectric material layer includes a first material having a first position on a triboelectric series. An elastic member, disposed against the triboelectric material layer of the triboelectric member and includes a second conductive material, has an elasticity that results in the elastic member being deformed when compressed and returning to an original non-deformed shape after being compressed. The second conductive material has a second position on the triboelectric series. A first load is coupled to the first conductive layer and with the second conductive material so that when a force compresses the elastic member charges will flow between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer through the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Zhong Lin Wang, Xiaonan Wen, Weiqing Yang
  • Publication number: 20200107569
    Abstract: The invention is an improved hypoallergenic nutritional composition consisting of fava protein, mung bean protein, rice protein, and pea protein which are blended in specified weight ratios, to achieve a high level of digestibility comparable to animal proteins such as whey protein, casein protein and egg protein. The problems of potentially allergenic soy protein compositions, solely animal-based protein compositions, incomplete amino acid profile compositions, and low levels of digestibility compositions are solved by inventing a hypoallergenic, vegetarian-based protein composition that can serve as a complete and well-balanced source of amino acids for human physiological requirements and has a high level of digestibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventor: Xiaonan Wen