Patents by Inventor Ali Modarres

Ali Modarres 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: 20150145657
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor configured to sense an input received from a user at a surface; a first haptic output device configured to generate a first haptic effect at the surface based on the input received from the user, the first haptic effect comprising a friction effect at the surface; a second haptic output device configured to generate a second haptic effect, the second haptic effect comprising vibrotactile feedback; and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the sensor and output a first drive signal to the first haptic output device to generate the first haptic effect and to output a second drive signal to the second haptic output device to generate the second haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Amaya Becvar Weddle, David M. Birnbaum, Danny A. Grant
  • Patent number: 9035899
    Abstract: Systems and methods for piezo-based haptic feedback are disclosed. For example, one described apparatus for piezo-based haptic feedback includes a polymer matrix, and a piezoelectric actuator at least partially embedded within the polymer matrix, the piezoelectric actuator configured to output a haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny Grant
  • Publication number: 20150070150
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing haptic effects based on information complementary to multimedia content. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving multimedia data comprising multimedia content and complementary data, wherein the complementary data describes the multimedia content, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the complementary data, and outputting the haptic effect while playing the multimedia content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Jamal Saboune
  • Publication number: 20150070148
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating haptic effects associated with audio signals are disclosed. One disclosed system for outputting haptic effects includes a processor configured to: receive an audio signal; determine a haptic effect based in part on the audio signal by: identifying one or more components in the audio signal; and determining a haptic effect associated with the one or more components; and output a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Jamal Saboune, Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres
  • Publication number: 20150009168
    Abstract: Systems and methods for perceptual normalization of haptic effects are disclosed. One system may include a first sensor configured to detect a user interaction with a touch surface and transmit a first sensor signal associated with the user interaction; a second sensor configured to detect a feature associated with the touch surface and transmit a second sensor signal associated with the feature; a processor in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, the processor configured to: determine a first haptic effect based on the user interaction; determine a modified haptic effect based in part first haptic effect and on the feature; output a haptic signal associated with the modified haptic effect; and a haptic output device in communication with the processor and coupled to the touch surface, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the modified haptic effect to the touch surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres, Neil Olien, Danny Grant, Erin Ramsay, David Birnbaum, Amaya Weddle
  • Publication number: 20140368323
    Abstract: A system is provided that converts an input, such as audio data, into one or more haptic effects. The system applies a granular synthesis algorithm to the input in order to generate a haptic signal. The system subsequently outputs the one or more haptic effects based on the generated haptic signal. The system can also shift a frequency of the input, and also filter the input, before the system applies the granular synthesis algorithm to the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Ali MODARRES, Liwen WU, David BIRNBAUM
  • Patent number: 8913027
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback at multiple resonance frequencies are disclosed. For example, one disclosed apparatus includes a resonator with a base and a plurality of projections, a first projection of the plurality of projections having a first resonance frequency and a second projection of the plurality of projections having a second resonance frequency, and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the resonator and operable to output a haptic feedback effect at the first resonance frequency and at the second resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Pedro Gregorio, Danny Grant
  • Publication number: 20140347176
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of providing haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters used to customize the haptic feedback. The system may modify or otherwise alter haptic feedback that is determined using the media content alone. In other words, the system may use both the media content and the external parameters to determine haptic feedback that should be output to the user or others. The external parameters may include, for example, sensor information, customization information, and/or other external parameters that may be used to customize the haptic feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Christopher J. ULLRICH, Jean Francois DIONNE, Loc PHAN, Satvir Singh BHATIA, Stephen D. RANK
  • Publication number: 20140327531
    Abstract: A haptic tape includes a composite piezoelectric layer connected between a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The composite piezoelectric layer has a plurality of piezoelectric rods arranged in a polymer matrix. The haptic tape is configured to be used as a sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Danny A. GRANT, Christophe RAMSTEIN
  • Patent number: 8878806
    Abstract: An input/output device includes a touch sensitive layer configured to sense if an object touches the touch sensitive layer and to sense where the touch sensitive layer is contacted, a first electrode layer and second electrode layer, at least a portion of one of the first electrode layer and second electrode layer connected to at least a portion of the touch sensitive layer, and a composite piezoelectric layer connected between the first electrode layer and second electrode layer. The composite piezoelectric layer has a plurality of piezoelectric rods arranged in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix provides the composite piezoelectric layer with a predetermined property. A drive circuit is configured to apply an alternating voltage to the first electrode layer and second electrode layer in response to the sensed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Christophe Ramstein
  • Publication number: 20140320435
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a touch-sensitive surface, which includes: a first surface on a first plane; and a second surface adjacent to the first surface, wherein the second surface is on a second plane different from the first plane. The illustrative system also includes a haptic output device configured to receive a haptic signal and output a haptic effect. Further, the illustrative system includes a processor coupled to the haptic output device and the touch-sensitive surface, the processor configured to: determine an event; determine the haptic effect based at least in part on the event; determine the haptic signal based at least in part on the haptic effect; and transmit the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Danny Grant
  • Publication number: 20140320396
    Abstract: A system includes a flexible display configured to display an image and a sensor connected to the flexible display. The sensor is configured to sense an amount of flexure of the flexible display. A haptic output device is connected to the flexible display and is configured to change a resistance to movement of a first portion of the flexible display relative to a second portion of the flexible display upon receipt of a haptic control signal. The system includes a processor in signal communication with the flexible display, the sensor and the haptic output device. The processor is configured to receive an output signal from the sensor based on the amount of flexure and generate the haptic control signal based on the output signal from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • Publication number: 20140320431
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a first haptic output device configured to receive a first haptic signal and output a first haptic effect to a deformable surface and a second haptic output device configured to receive a second haptic signal and output a second haptic effect to the deformable surface. The illustrative system further includes a processor coupled to the first haptic output device and the second haptic output device, the processor configured to: determine an event, determine a first haptic effect and a second haptic effect based at least in part on the event, transmit a first haptic signal associated with the first haptic effect to the first haptic output device, and transmit a second haptic signal associated with the second haptic effect to the second haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny Grant, Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres
  • Publication number: 20140320400
    Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for shape deformation of a haptic deformation display device are provided. For example, the haptic deformation display device may receive an input signal when the shape of the haptic deformation display device is in a first shape configuration. In response to the input signal, the haptic deformation display device may activate an actuator of the haptic deformation display device. The actuator may move a deformation component of the haptic deformation display device. The deformation component may at least partially defining a shape of the haptic deformation display device, thereby causing the shape of the haptic deformation display device to deform into a second shape configuration different from the first shape configuration. The second shape configuration may be substantially maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Li JIANG, David M. BIRNBAUM, Remy PIERON, Christopher J. ULLRICH, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Robert LACROIX, Danny GRANT, Ali MODARRES
  • Publication number: 20140320436
    Abstract: A user interface device includes a flexible layer comprising a touch surface configured to receive a touch by a user, a plurality of haptic cells covered by the flexible layer, each haptic cell comprising a haptic output device, a sensor configured to sense an amount and/or rate of deformation of the flexible layer when a user touches the touch surface, and a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor, generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal from the sensor, and output the haptic control signal to at least one haptic output device of the plurality of haptic cells to cause the haptic output device to deform an associated haptic cell in response to the sensed deformation of the flexible layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Danny A. GRANT, Vincent LEVESQUE
  • Publication number: 20140320393
    Abstract: A flexible device includes a bendable-foldable display that has bendable flaps connected by a hinge. The display has sensors for detecting a folding characteristic between the at least two flaps and for detecting a bending characteristic in at least one flap. The display has a haptic system with haptic output devices, where the haptic system receives input from the sensors indicating deformation of the bendable-foldable display device. A flexible device also includes bendable, foldable, or rollable displays that have sensors and actuators to augment user interaction with the device. Based on one or more measurements provided by the input, the haptic system interprets the input to determine deformation characteristics of the bendable-foldable display device. The haptic system generates haptic feedback based on the deformation characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Vincent LEVESQUE, Danny GRANT, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • Publication number: 20140306904
    Abstract: Systems and methods for piezo-based haptic feedback are disclosed. For example, one described apparatus for piezo-based haptic feedback includes a polymer matrix, and a piezoelectric actuator at least partially embedded within the polymer matrix, the piezoelectric actuator configured to output a haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny Grant
  • Patent number: 8860563
    Abstract: A system is provided that converts an input, such as audio data, into one or more haptic effects. The system applies a granular synthesis algorithm to the input in order to generate a haptic signal. The system subsequently outputs the one or more haptic effects based on the generated haptic signal. The system can also shift a frequency of the input, and also filter the input, before the system applies the granular synthesis algorithm to the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Ali Modarres, Liwen Wu, David Birnbaum
  • Publication number: 20140282051
    Abstract: Method and devices for displaying graphical user interface configurations based detected user contact are disclosed. One disclosed method comprises displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) according to a first GUI configuration on a display of a handheld device, receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor coupled to the handheld device, the sensor signal indicating a contact with the handheld device, determining a grasping contact based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a second GUI configuration based at least in part on the grasping contact, and displaying the GUI on the display according to the second GUI configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Ali Modarres
  • Publication number: 20140270681
    Abstract: A method for encoding haptic information inside a multi-media file having content includes changing a portion of the content in the multi-media file, and adding the haptic information to the changed portion of the content, the haptic information corresponding to a haptic signal for generating a haptic effect upon playback of the multi-media file. A method for decoding haptic information from inside a multi-media file having content includes locating the haptic information inside the multi-media file, and generating a haptic signal based on the located haptic information during playback of the content of the multi-media file. A method includes receiving a multi-media signal comprising an audio signal and a haptic signal with a receiver of a haptic device, and outputting a haptic effect with a haptic output device of the haptic device based on the haptic signal in the multi-media signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Arnab SEN, Christopher J. ULLRICH, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Ali MODARRES