公开(公告)号：US20210055799A1

公开(公告)日：2021-02-25

申请号：US17094653

申请日：2020-11-10

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： 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

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/0481 ,  G06F3/042 ,  G06F3/0488 ,  G06T19/00 ,  G01P15/00 ,  G02B27/01 ,  G06F3/0346

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.

公开(公告)号：US20210018981A1

公开(公告)日：2021-01-21

申请号：US17063560

申请日：2020-10-05

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang

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

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：US20200341559A1

公开(公告)日：2020-10-29

申请号：US16928319

申请日：2020-07-14

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Craig C. Leong ,  Alex J. Lehmann

IPC: G06F3/02 ,  H01H13/70 ,  H01H13/14 ,  G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/023

Abstract: An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.

公开(公告)号：US20200333897A1

公开(公告)日：2020-10-22

申请号：US16921705

申请日：2020-07-06

Applicant: Apple Inc.

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

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

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：US20200257362A1

公开(公告)日：2020-08-13

申请号：US16863984

申请日：2020-04-30

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Zheng Gao ,  Reza Nasiri Mahalati ,  Ray L. Chang

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/0354 ,  G06F3/0346

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a user input device and methods related to the use thereto. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a flexible fabric attachable to a user having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be moveable in relation to the second portion. The embodiment may further include a controller configured to identify an input configuration based on a position of the first portion relative to a position of the second portion within a three-dimensional space. The embodiment may further include a haptic feedback structure disposed adjacent the flexible fabric and configured to provide haptic feedback based on the input configuration.

公开(公告)号：US20200249725A1

公开(公告)日：2020-08-06

申请号：US16857686

申请日：2020-04-24

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Keith J. Hendren ,  Adam T. Garelli ,  Bryan W. Posner ,  Denis H. Endisch ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F1/16

Abstract: 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.

公开(公告)号：US20200089341A1

公开(公告)日：2020-03-19

申请号：US16241755

申请日：2019-01-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/0354 ,  G06F3/044 ,  H05K5/02 ,  G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/041

Abstract: A stylus can be provided with a glass member that defines a portion of an outer periphery of the stylus. The glass member can facilitate detection of touch input with a capacitive touch sensor within the stylus. The glass member can further facilitate magnetic coupling with a host device and wireless charging from the host device. The glass member also provides a durable outer surface along a section of the stylus to reduce the effects of wear. The glass member can be provided in a variety of shapes and arrangements that offer aesthetic options and customization for personal preferences.

公开(公告)号：US10591993B2

公开(公告)日：2020-03-17

申请号：US15416466

申请日：2017-01-26

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Alex J. Lehmann ,  Juan Pu ,  Paul X. Wang ,  Qiliang Xu ,  Zheng Gao

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/041 ,  H01L41/09 ,  G06F3/0354 ,  G06F3/02

Abstract: Disclosed herein are structures, devices, methods and systems for providing haptic output on an electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an actuator configured to move in a first direction. The electronic device also includes a substrate coupled to the actuator. When the actuator moves in the first direction, the substrate or a portion of the substrate, by virtue of being coupled to the actuator, moves in a second direction. In some implementations, the movement of the substrate is perpendicular to the movement of the actuator.

公开(公告)号：US20190332140A1

公开(公告)日：2019-10-31

申请号：US16270497

申请日：2019-02-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Dinesh C. Mathew

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/044

Abstract: A system may include ring devices. A ring device may have a housing that is configured to be worn on a finger of a user. Sensors such as force sensors, ultrasonic sensors, inertial measurement units, optical sensors, touch sensors, and other components may be used in gathering input from a user. Control circuitry may wirelessly transmit information gathered from sensors and other input devices to an associated electronic device. The information may be used in controlling operation of the electronic device. The housing of the ring device may have an annular main body and an expandable portion coupled to the main body. The expandable portion may include a flap with a hinge, a rotatable housing member, a housing with an internal adjustable frame and a cover, an expandable housing formed from an expandable tube coupled between first and second annular devices, and other expandable structures.

公开(公告)号：US10444856B1

公开(公告)日：2019-10-15

申请号：US15839548

申请日：2017-12-12

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  H01H13/703 ,  H03K17/955 ,  H03K17/98

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a sensing membrane that is coupled with electrical terminals of a key switch and a light source. This may allow the membrane to be both configured to transmit a signal in response to actuation of keyboard key cap and illuminate an illuminable symbol of key cap. In one aspect, the membrane includes a set of deformable layers separated by a spacer layer. Terminals of the key switch are connected to distinct ones of the set of deformable layers and positioned within a cavity defined by the spacer layer. A light assembly may be positioned along and configured to move with one of the set of deformable layers. Depression of a key cap toward the set of deformable layers causes the set of terminals to move and initiate a switch event.