Apple Inc. patent applications published on October 12th, 2023

Summary of the patent applications from Apple Inc. on October 12th, 2023

Apple Inc. has recently filed several patents related to wireless communication, power-saving modes, device scanning, handover methods, headphone features, and camera interfaces. These patents showcase Apple's ongoing efforts to improve communication technologies, enhance user experiences, and optimize power consumption in their devices.

Notable recent patent applications by Apple Inc. include:

• A communications network with a relay device that can switch between ad hoc and organized modes to balance load and power consumption while relaying messages.
• A method for a wireless device to send a signal to a base station and listen for retransmissions of the response to ensure successful communication.
• A power-saving mode called "dynamic off period" for a base station in a wireless communication system, with two approaches for notifying user equipment about this mode.
• A technology that supports notifications in extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) mode, allowing a device to save power while still receiving important indications.
• A mobile electronic device that can scan for beacon advertisements and send authorization tokens to wireless devices, enabling accessories to remain in near-owner mode.
• A method for a user equipment to perform a handover to a target primary cell and add a target primary secondary cell, adjusting the radio frequency based on specific reference signal occasions.
• Systems and methods for detecting and maintaining wireless devices and accessories that rely on nearby owner devices for periodic maintenance and location tracking.
• A method performed by in-ear headphones to measure fit parameters and transmit them back to the audio source device.
• Features for circumaural and supra-aural headphone designs, including earpad assemblies, power-saving features, sensor configurations, and user comfort features.
• An electronic device with multiple cameras and a digital viewfinder user interface that allows previewing, capturing, and storing visual information from different cameras simultaneously.

These patents demonstrate Apple's commitment to innovation in wireless communication, power management, audio technology, and camera interfaces. By continuously developing and refining these technologies, Apple aims to enhance user experiences and improve the functionality of their devices.

Patent applications for Apple Inc. on October 12th, 2023

HEARTRATE TRACKING TECHNIQUES (18210826)

Inventor Christian Schroeder

Group Sharing of a Secure Digital Car Key (17716817)

Inventor Matthias Lerch

Automatic Car-Key Pairing Based on Wireless Pairing (17716843)

Inventor Matthias Lerch

Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for Synchronizing Two or More Displays (18208849)

Inventor Justin E. Santamaria

Optical Measurement System with Multiple Launch Sites (18121427)

Inventor Jason S. Pelc

GLINT ANALYSIS USING MULTI-ZONE LENS (18027286)

Inventor Roei REMEZ

Electronic Device With A Tunable Lens (18155372)

Inventor Igor Stamenov

HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY FOR VIRTUAL AND MIXED REALITY WITH INSIDE-OUT POSITIONAL, USER BODY AND ENVIRONMENT TRACKING (18209651)

Inventor Simon Fortin-Deschenes

Optical Systems with Color Filters for Emissive Displays (18173579)

Inventor Dmitry S. Sizov

Systems With Supplemental Illumination (18179899)

Inventor Ritu Shah

Systems with Wireless Interface for Removable Support Accessories (18176673)

Inventor Darshan R. Kasar

Optical Systems Having Polarization Recycling Structures (18169339)

Inventor Thanh Son Nguyen

TECHNIQUES FOR SWITCHING BETWEEN IMMERSION LEVELS (18207197)

Inventor Earl M. Olson

Tactile Feedback for Locked Device User Interfaces (18210606)

Inventor Camille Moussette

METHOD OF DISPLAYING SELECTABLE OPTIONS (18182298)

Inventor Nathan GITTER

METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH OBJECTS IN AN ENVIRONMENT (18182300)

Inventor Aaron M. BURNS

TOUCH CONTROLLER ARCHITECTURE (18335934)

Inventor Shahrooz SHAHPARNIA

Electronic Devices With Finger Sensors (18336522)

Inventor Forrest C. Wang

TOUCH SENSOR PANEL WITH STAGGERED TOUCH ELECTRODES (18180773)

Inventor Emmanuelle J. MERCED-GRAFALS

Merging Computer-Generated Objects (18121673)

Inventor Nicolai Georg

USER INTERFACE FOR LIMITING NOTIFICATIONS AND ALERTS (18079666)

Inventor Chanaka G. KARUNAMUNI

Bandwidth-Aware Fabric Traffic Shaping (17900613)

Inventor Anjana Subramanian

GAZE-BASED USER INTERACTIONS (18209931)

Inventor Avi BAR-ZEEV

SIMD Operand Permutation with Selection from among Multiple Registers (18299452)

Inventor Christopher A. Burns

Decoding Status Flag Techniques for Memory Circuits (18323178)

Inventor Farid Nemati

Universal serial bus time synchronization (18334394)

Inventor John H. Kelm

MACHINE-LEARNING BASED GESTURE RECOGNITION USING MULTIPLE SENSORS (18202857)

Inventor Charles MAALOUF

USER INTERFACES FOR PEER-TO-PEER TRANSFERS (18209333)

Inventor Marcel VAN OS

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LATENCY REDUCTION OF AN IMAGE PROCESSING PIPELINE (18209643)

Inventor Bertrand Nepveu

Systems, Methods, and Graphical User Interfaces for Sharing Augmented Reality Environments (18126352)

Inventor Praveen Sharma

XR Preferred Movement Along Planes (18335364)

Inventor David Lui

SEMANTIC LABELING OF NEGATIVE SPACES (18209582)

Inventor Mark Drummond

Boundary Smoothing in a Display (18165648)

Inventor Juan He

Electronic Devices with Probe-Fed Dielectric Resonator Antennas (18335905)

Inventor Bilgehan Avser

BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (18187062)

Inventor Fletcher R. Rothkopf

Methods and Circuitry for Mitigating Saturation in Wireless Power Systems (18336555)

Inventor Adam L. Schwartz

Electronic Devices with Power Boosting for High Frequency Communication (18184555)

Inventor Zdravko Boos

WIRELESS DEVICE PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION USING DYNAMIC POWER CONTROL (18327595)

Inventor Digvijay A. Jadhav

Collaborative Document Editing (18132866)

Inventor Keng Fai Lee

Electronic Devices with Standard-Compliant Sensing Capabilities (18167017)

Inventor Jochen Schrattenecker

METHODS AND USER INTERFACES FOR INITIATING COMMUNICATIONS (17898342)

Inventor Pablo F. CARO

Method and System for Providing At Least One Image Captured By a Scene Camera of a Vehicle (18333943)

Inventor Lejing Wang

IMAGE SIGNAL ENCODING/DECODING METHOD AND DEVICE THEREFOR (18122683)

Inventor Bae Keun Lee

USER INTERFACES FOR INTERACTING WITH CHANNELS THAT PROVIDE CONTENT THAT PLAYS IN A MEDIA BROWSING APPLICATION (18336569)

Inventor Matthew J. CIELAK

Brief explanation

The abstract describes various features of an electronic device. It states that the device can display different content options from a specific channel once the user has subscribed to it. It also mentions that the device can play content from different channels within a single media browsing application. Additionally, the device can suggest subscribing to a channel based on the user's content consumption habits.

Abstract

In some embodiments, an electronic device presents a plurality of representations of content items that are available on a respective channel in response to successfully subscribing the respective channel. In some embodiments, an electronic device plays content that is provided by a channel in a unified media browsing application. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents information about subscribing to a channel based on content consumption activity of the user on the electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

Devices, Methods, and Graphical User Interfaces for Capturing and Recording Media in Multiple Modes (18208836)

Inventor Matthew I. Brown

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a device that has a camera user interface. The device displays a live view from a camera on its screen. If the device detects movement of a user's touch on the screen, it will move the live view accordingly. Additionally, it can display a live view from a second camera and move that view as well based on the user's touch movement.

Abstract

A device displays, in a first display region of a camera user interface, a first live view from a first camera. While displaying the first live view from the first camera, the device detects movement of a first user input (e.g., a first contact on a touch-sensitive surface). In accordance with a determination that the movement of the first user input meets first movement criteria, the device moves the first live view in the first display region in accordance with the movement of the first user input, displays a second live view from a second camera, and moves the second live view in the first display region in accordance with the movement of the first user input.

Additive Coil Structure for Voice Coil Motor Actuator (18331037)

Inventor Douglas S. Brodie

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that uses an additive coil structure to move a lens in different directions. The coil structure is designed to surround the lens carrier and includes folded portions with coils and magnets. This structure is created using an additive process.

Abstract

Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that includes an additive coil structure for shifting a lens along one or multiple axes. The additive coil structure may include a base portion configured to couple with a lens carrier and at least partially surround a perimeter of the lens carrier. In various examples, the additive coil structure may include folded portions that individually include a respective coil that is located proximate a respective magnet. According to various embodiments, the additive coil structure may be formed using an additive process.

DIGITAL VIEWFINDER USER INTERFACE FOR MULTIPLE CAMERAS (18207293)

Inventor Jeffrey Traer BERNSTEIN

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an electronic device that has multiple cameras and displays a digital viewfinder user interface. The user interface allows previewing visual information from the cameras, which may have different properties. The device allows zooming over a range that includes the zoom ranges of both cameras and allows the user to choose which camera provides the visual information and which camera captures it. The user interface also allows displaying content from different cameras simultaneously. If there are two digital viewfinders, the user can independently zoom, freeze, and pan one viewfinder without affecting the other. The device also allows storing composite images and videos using both viewfinders and their corresponding cameras.

Abstract

An electronic device has multiple cameras and displays a digital viewfinder user interface for previewing visual information provided by the cameras. The multiple cameras may have different properties such as focal lengths. When a single digital viewfinder is provided, the user interface allows zooming over a zoom range that includes the respective zoom ranges of both cameras. The zoom setting to determine which camera provides visual information to the viewfinder and which camera is used to capture visual information. The user interface also allows the simultaneous display of content provided by different cameras at the same time. When two digital viewfinders are provided, the user interface allows zooming, freezing, and panning of one digital viewfinder independently of the other. The device allows storing of a composite images and/or videos using both digital viewfinders and corresponding cameras.

HEADPHONES WITH INCREASED BACK VOLUME (18197672)

Inventor Edward Siahaan

Brief explanation

This disclosure discusses different features for circumaural and supra-aural headphone designs. It includes earpad assemblies that enhance acoustic isolation and user convenience features like automatically detecting headphone orientation. The disclosure also covers power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations, and user comfort features.

Abstract

This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.

Setup Management for Ear Tip Selection Fitting Process (18331808)

Inventor Kang Sun

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a method performed by a programmed processor in an in-ear headphone. The method involves obtaining a request from an audio source device to start a measurement process. In response, the headphone establishes a wireless connection with the source device and obtains an audio signal to drive its speaker and output sound. Based on the outputted sound, the headphone determines a fit parameter, which is then transmitted back to the source device.

Abstract

A method performed by a programmed processor of an in-ear headphone that is to be worn by a user. The method obtains, over a wireless communication link and via a first wireless connection that uses an accessory profile, a first request, from an audio source device, to start a measurement process. In response to obtaining the request, the method ) establishes, over the link, a second wireless connection that uses an audio distribution profile between the headphone and the source device, ) obtains, via the second wireless connection, an audio signal for driving a speaker of the headphone to output sound, ) responsive to the outputted sound, determining a fit parameter, and ) transmitting the fit parameter to the source device via the first wireless connection.

MAINTENANCE OF WIRELESS DEVICES (18332503)

Inventor Kenneth U. Victa

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a system where wireless devices and accessories that cannot connect to a network independently can be detected by other network-connected devices. The location of the detected device or accessory can then be reported to a device location service. These wireless devices and accessories rely on nearby owner devices to perform periodic maintenance since they do not have their own network connections. The abstract introduces systems, methods, and associated devices that allow for the maintenance and location tracking of these wireless devices by multiple owner devices.

Abstract

The presence of a wireless device and/or accessory that cannot maintain an independent network connection can be detected by network connected wireless devices and the location of the detected device and/or accessory can be reported to a device location service. As the wireless devices and/or accessories do not have independent network connections, periodic maintenance is performed on those devices by nearby owner devices to which the wireless devices and/or accessories are paired or associated. Described herein are systems, methods, and associated devices to maintain a locatable wireless device by a set of multiple owner devices for that wireless device.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDOVER PROCEDURES (17598229)

Inventor Jie Cui

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a method for a user equipment (UE) to perform a handover (HO) to a target primary cell (PCell) and add a target primary secondary cell (PSCell). The method involves adjusting the radio frequency (RF) for the HO of the target PCell and the RF for the addition of the target PSCell based on specific reference signal (RS) occasions.

Abstract

Provided is a method for a user equipment (UE), comprising: performing, based on a command for a handover (HO) with a primary secondary cell (PSCell), an HO of a target primary cell (PCell) and an addition of a target PSCell; and adjusting a radio frequency (RF) for the HO of the target PCell according to a reference signal (RS) occasion for the HO of the target PCell, and an RF for the addition of the target PSCell according to an RS occasion for the addition of the target PSCell.

Non-Waking Maintenance of Near Owner State (18050887)

Inventor Benjamin A. Detwiler

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a mobile electronic device that can scan for a beacon advertisement broadcast by a wireless device nearby. It can detect the advertisement, retrieve an identifier from it, and compare it to expected identifiers. Based on the result, it can send a timer reset packet and an authorization token to the wireless device, allowing a wireless accessory to remain in near-owner mode. The device can then go to sleep for a set period of time.

Abstract

Embodiments described herein provide for a mobile electronic device including a a wireless network interface coupled to a bus, a memory device coupled to the bus, and one or more processors coupled to the bus, the one or more processors to execute instructions to perform a scan, via the wireless network interface, for a beacon advertisement that is broadcast by a wireless device within range of the wireless network interface, detect the beacon advertisement broadcast by the wireless device, retrieve an identifier broadcast within the beacon advertisement, based on a result of a comparison between the identifier to at least one expected identifier, selectively send a timer reset packet to the wireless device and an authorization token for the wireless accessory to remain in near-owner mode, and allow the one or more processors to sleep for a predetermined time.

Notification Support in Extended Discontinuous Reception Mode (18330601)

Inventor Murtaza A. Shikari

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a technology that supports notifications in a mode called extended discontinuous reception (eDRX). In this mode, a base station and a user equipment (UE) device can set up communication. During this communication, the network can receive an indication, which it stores in a cache. The network can then adjust the device's DRX (discontinuous reception) configuration. To wake up the device, the network can send a signal. As a result, the device can receive the indication while still saving power through the eDRX configuration.

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for notification support in extended discontinuous reception mode. A base station and UE may configure eDRX communication. An indication may be received during the eDRX communication. The network may cache the indication. The network may modify the DRX configuration. The network may use a wake up signal. In response, the UE may receive the indication while achieving power savings from the eDRX configuration.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NETWORK DYNAMIC ON/OFF SIGNALING (18131742)

Inventor Sigen YE

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a method for a base station in a wireless communication system to enter a power-saving mode called "dynamic off period." This mode suspends downlink transmission and uplink reception. The abstract suggests two approaches for notifying user equipment (UE) about this power-saving mode. The first approach involves modifying a specific message (DCI message) with new values that indicate the different power-saving states of the base station. The second approach defines a new notification message. The notification signal may also include additional information such as cell and beam specific parameters, as well as an application delay that determines when the dynamic off period starts.

Abstract

An approach is described for a dynamic off period of a base station within a wireless communication environment and a process for notifying a UE of the same. In a first scenario, the DCI message is modified with newly-defined values indicative of the different power saving states (i.e., “dynamic off states”) of the base station. These power saving states may defined as suspending one or both of downlink transmission and uplink reception. In another scenario, a new notification message is defined. In either case, the notification signal may also include cell and/or beam specific parameters as well as an application delay that defines a start time of the dynamic off period.

Retransmission of MsgB in Two-Step Random Access Procedure (18334933)

Inventor Chunhai Yao

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a method for a wireless device to send a signal to a base station and receive a response. If the initial response is not received, the device will listen for retransmissions of the response. These retransmissions may be identified by a transmission number or by a unique identifier. The device may also extend the monitoring window to include the retransmissions. The retransmissions may contain the same information as the initial response or a reduced set of information as devices acknowledge successful receipt of their respective data.

Abstract

A wireless user equipment (UE) device may transmit a random access preamble to a base station, using a physical resource on an uplink signal. After failing to receive an initial transmission of a response message from the base station (BS), the UE device may monitor for one or more retransmissions of the response message. Each of the retransmission may include a corresponding transmission number. As an alternative, each of the retransmissions may be at least partially scrambled using a corresponding Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI). As another alternative, a window for monitoring and RNTI calculation may be extended to include the one or more retransmissions. The successive retransmissions may include the same set of UE-specific payloads, or, a decreasing set of payloads over time as UE devices acknowledge successful receipt of their respective payloads.

Electronic Devices with Adaptive Device-to-Device Communication Switching (18328621)

Inventor Jan K. Ellenbeck

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a communications network that includes a relay device. This relay device can receive signals from other devices in two different modes: ad hoc mode and organized mode. In ad hoc mode, the relay device consumes low power and receives only a few messages from a few transmitting devices. In organized mode, the relay device consumes high power and receives many messages from many transmitting devices. The receiver on the device can switch between these modes based on certain criteria. This allows the device to balance the load of communications and power consumption while relaying messages, especially emergency messages that may arrive rarely or in clusters due to unexpected events.

Abstract

A communications network may include a relay device that receives device-to-device (D2D) signals. In an ad hoc mode, the relay may consume relatively little power while receiving relatively few messages from relatively few transmitting devices in the D2D signals. In an organized mode, the device may consume relatively high power while receiving many messages from many transmitting devices in the D2D signals. A receiver on the device may transition from the ad hoc mode to the organized mode in response to a first criterion and may transition from the organized mode to the ad hoc mode in response to a second switching criterion. This may allow the device to balance communications load and power consumption while relaying messages such as emergency messages received over D2D signals given that the signals may arrive rarely or in clusters due to an unforeseen event.