公开(公告)号：US20240047156A1

公开(公告)日：2024-02-08

申请号：US18482359

申请日：2023-10-06

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Abidur R. Chowdhury ,  Bart K. Andre ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Keith J. Hendren

IPC: H01H13/86

CPC classification number: H01H13/86 ,  H01H2223/003

Abstract: 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.

公开(公告)号：US11822385B2

公开(公告)日：2023-11-21

申请号：US17871366

申请日：2022-07-22

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Keith J. Hendren ,  Paul X. Wang ,  Adam T. Garelli ,  Brett W. Degner ,  Christiaan A. Ligtenberg ,  Dinesh C. Mathew

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/041

CPC classification number: G06F1/1626 ,  G06F1/1643 ,  G06F1/1652 ,  G06F1/1662 ,  G06F3/0412

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.

公开(公告)号：US20230341958A1

公开(公告)日：2023-10-26

申请号：US18347516

申请日：2023-07-05

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Alex J. Lehmann ,  Qiliang Xu ,  Richard G. Huizar

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/0362 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G09F13/08 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F1/16 ,  F21V33/00 ,  G09F13/06

CPC classification number: G06F3/041 ,  F21V33/0052 ,  G06F1/1692 ,  G06F3/016 ,  G06F3/0202 ,  G06F3/0362 ,  G09F13/06 ,  G09F13/08 ,  G06F1/1616 ,  G06F1/1626 ,  H01L25/0753

Abstract: 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.

公开(公告)号：US11762429B1

公开(公告)日：2023-09-19

申请号：US16114087

申请日：2018-08-27

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Aidan N. Zimmerman ,  Michael Y. Cheung

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G02B27/01

CPC classification number: G06F1/1681 ,  G02B27/0176 ,  G06F1/163 ,  G06F3/014 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F2203/0331 ,  G06F2203/0339

Abstract: An electronic device may have rigid members such as links in a strap that are joined by rotating joints. The joints may include friction hinges. In a head mounted device, straps may be folded for storage within an interior region in the housing of the head mounted device. A strap coupled to a wristwatch may have portions that fold to hide components mounted on the strap. A strap with two parallel strap portions may be configured to serve as a support for a cellular telephone or other device with a display. A strap can also be configured to tilt a display that is coupled to the strap to a desired viewing angle relative to a user's wrist. An electronic device may have multiple support structures that are joined by a friction hinge. The support structures may be used to clamp the device on a user's finger.

公开(公告)号：US11733530B1

公开(公告)日：2023-08-22

申请号：US17384612

申请日：2021-07-23

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Yoonhoo Jo

IPC: G02B27/01

CPC classification number: G02B27/0176 ,  G02B27/0172 ,  G02B2027/0138 ,  G02B2027/0154

Abstract: A head-mountable device can include a light seal element with adjustable opacity. In various configurations of the light seal element, the opacity there through can be adjusted to control an amount of light and/or airflow from an external environment. For example a cover or combination of overlapping covers can be adjusted to selectively exclude light from an external environment or provide a direct view to the external environment. Transitions can be achieved while the head-mountable device is worn by a user.

公开(公告)号：US11720174B2

公开(公告)日：2023-08-08

申请号：US17063560

申请日：2020-10-05

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G02B27/01 ,  H02J50/10 ,  G06F1/16 ,  H02J7/00

CPC classification number: G06F3/014 ,  G02B27/0176 ,  G06F1/163 ,  G06F3/016 ,  H02J7/00 ,  H02J50/10 ,  G02B2027/0178

Abstract: A system may include one or more finger-mounted devices such as finger devices with U-shaped housings configured to be mounted on a user's fingers while gathering sensor input and supplying haptic output. The finger devices may have power receiving circuitry configured to receive power from a power source. The power source may be incorporated into an electronic device such as a battery case, a head-mounted display, or a wireless charging mat or stand. The power source may supply power through terminals that form ohmic contacts with mating terminals in the finger device or may transmit power wirelessly using capacitive coupling or inductive charging arrangements. A finger device may have hinge structures that allow portions of the device to rotate relative to each other.

公开(公告)号：US11714495B2

公开(公告)日：2023-08-01

申请号：US17901765

申请日：2022-09-01

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Erin M. Bosch ,  Stephen E. Dey ,  Jeffrey A. Griffis ,  Alex J. Lehmann ,  Yuhao Pan ,  Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/033

CPC classification number: G06F3/033 ,  G06F2203/0331

Abstract: A finger device may be worn on a user's finger and may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other electronic device. The finger device may have a housing having an upper housing portion that extends across a top of the finger and first and second side housing portions that extend down respective first and second sides of the finger. Sensors in the side housing portions may measure movements of the sides of the finger as the finger contacts an external surface. To ensure that the sensors are appropriately positioned relative to the sides of the finger, the housing may include one or more adjustable structures such as an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a ratchet mechanism, a scissor mechanism, and/or other adjustable structures for adjusting the position of the first and second side housing portions and associated sensors relative to the upper housing portion.

公开(公告)号：US11709557B1

公开(公告)日：2023-07-25

申请号：US16994480

申请日：2020-08-14

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Ryan P. Brooks ,  Pol Pla I Conesa

IPC: A63F9/24 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/02

CPC classification number: G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/0202

Abstract: Controller devices can provide a user with multiple modes of operation. For example, the user can hold and operate the controller device in a first orientation for control of a first device and/or first mode of a device (e.g., media player), and the user can hold and operate the controller device in a second orientation for control of a second device and/or second mode of a device (e.g., gaming device). Features can be selectively stowed and deployed to facilitate user operation in the different modes. By further example, a controller device can be separated into segments to allow multiple users to hold and provide inputs with corresponding segments.

公开(公告)号：US11709554B1

公开(公告)日：2023-07-25

申请号：US17465579

申请日：2021-09-02

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Erin M. Bosch ,  Stephen E. Dey ,  Jeffrey A. Griffis ,  Alex J. Lehmann ,  Yuhao Pan ,  Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/033

CPC classification number: G06F3/033 ,  G06F2203/0331

Abstract: A finger device may be worn on a user's finger and may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other electronic device. The finger device may have a housing having an upper housing portion that extends across a top of the finger and first and second side housing portions that extend down respective first and second sides of the finger. Sensors in the side housing portions may measure movements of the sides of the finger as the finger contacts an external surface. To ensure that the sensors are appropriately positioned relative to the sides of the finger, the housing may include one or more adjustable structures such as an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a ratchet mechanism, a scissor mechanism, and/or other adjustable structures for adjusting the position of the first and second side housing portions and associated sensors relative to the upper housing portion.

公开(公告)号：US20230205477A1

公开(公告)日：2023-06-29

申请号：US18177653

申请日：2023-03-02

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul V. Johnson ,  Aaron Wang ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Jiaying Wu ,  Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/14 ,  G06F3/04883 ,  G06F3/0486 ,  G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/0346 ,  G06F3/16 ,  G06V20/10

CPC classification number: G06F3/1423 ,  G06F3/04883 ,  G06F3/0486 ,  G06F3/016 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/0346 ,  G06F3/16 ,  G06V20/10

Abstract: A system may include electronic devices that communicate wirelessly. When positioned so that a pair of devices overlap or are near to one another, the devices may operate in a linked mode. During linked operations, devices may communicate wirelessly while input gathering and content displaying operations are shared among the devices. One or both of a pair of devices may have sensors. An orientation sensor, motion sensor, optical sensor, and/or other sensors may be used in identifying conditions in which to enter the linked mode and to identify a region where displays in the pair of devices overlap.