Joystick Patents (Class 345/161)
  • Patent number: 10228428
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a user-borne computer input device is disclosed including a 5D or greater “mouse” or other tool or object containing or consisting of one or more permanent magnetic presenting permanent magnetic dipoles. The position and orientation of the device are determined by magnetic field strength measurements derived from at least two vector-magnetometers fixed in a reference frame connected to the computing device. The system allows a user to interact with the computing device in at least 5 dimensions by manipulating the position and orientation of the device within a measurement volume, which may be a few cubic meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: STYLAERO AB
    Inventors: Fredrik B R Gustafsson, Niklas T. Wahlström
  • Patent number: 10213684
    Abstract: A device for generating and automatically controlling a displacement force of a mobile entity located in real time includes elements for generating a force of movement, the elements being controllable so as to generate a force in a plurality of different directions. The device also includes: elements for receiving a radio signal; elements for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, the electromagnetic signal being transmitted in response to an activation signal and allowing a moveable entity including the device to be located in real time; and control elements connected to the reception elements and to the elements for transmitting an electromagnetic signal. The control elements are configured to control the elements for generating at least one force of movement, in response to information for controlling a received electromagnetic signal, and for generating an activation signal, in response to synchronization information of a received radio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: STARBREEZE PARIS
    Inventors: Laurent Chabin, Valentin Lefevre, Christophe Duteil
  • Patent number: 10198074
    Abstract: A modular peripheral device assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a handheld controller and an assembly base. The handheld controller includes a first haptic actuator configured to generate a haptic effect at the handheld controller. The assembly base includes an attachment component that is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the handheld controller, and a second haptic actuator configured to generate haptic a effect at the assembly base or at the handheld controller when it is attached to the attachment component. The assembly further includes a control unit configured to select, based on whether the handheld controller is attached to or detached from the assembly base, at least one of the first and second haptic actuators to generate a haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny Grant, William Rihn, Leonard Soskin
  • Patent number: 10185396
    Abstract: A system is provided that modifies a haptic effect experienced at a user input element. The system sends a haptic instruction and a haptic effect definition to a peripheral device. The system further receives user input data including a position of the user input element, or a force applied to the user input element. The system further modifies the haptic effect definition based on the received user input data. The system further sends a new haptic instruction and the modified haptic effect definition to the peripheral device. The system further causes a haptic output device to modify a haptic effect based on the modified haptic effect definition at the user input element of the peripheral device in response to the new haptic instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: William Rihn
  • Patent number: 10185354
    Abstract: A capacitive touch opening system can be used with a portable electronic device having rotationally coupled components, such as a laptop computer having a display component that opens from a base component. A first magnet in a first device component (e.g., display) can be located proximate a second magnet in a second device component (e.g., base) when the display is in a closed position relative to the base. A sensor on the portable electronic device can detect a sensed event, whereupon the display is rotated automatically to an open position relative to the base using a repulsion force between the magnets. The sensor can be a capacitive touch sensor on the device housing, and may be the entire display housing. One of the magnets can be an electromagnet that may change its magnetic field. An attraction force between the magnets can exist when no sensed event is taking place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. McBroom, Daniel L. McBroom, Mikael M. Silvanto
  • Patent number: 10152335
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to seamless host system gesture experience for guest applications on touch based devices are described. In an embodiment, Host Gesture Capture (HGC) logic detects a gesture in response to a touch event. The HGC logic forwards the gesture to Host Gesture Emulator (HGE) logic in response to a determination that the gesture is unrelated to an operation of a host system. The HGE logic operates in accordance with a guest operating system of the host system. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yihua Jin, Jianhui Li, Tingtao Li, Xiaodong Lin
  • Patent number: 10150029
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a vibrating apparatus which can provide a favorable vibratory sense to the operator who operates electronic equipment. [Solution] Provided is a vibrating apparatus including: an equipment holding unit configured to hold electronic equipment; at least one gripped portion projecting from the equipment holding unit and gripped by an operator; and at least one vibrating unit configured to vibrate based on a sound signal acquired from the electronic equipment and vibrate the at least one gripped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ikuo Yamano, Akihiro Komori, Yusuke Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 10133354
    Abstract: A haptic peripheral comprising a housing, a user input element, a position sensor coupled to the user input element, and an actuator located within the housing and coupled to the user input element. The position sensor is configured to detect a position of the user input element and is configured to send the position to a processor. The actuator is configured to receive a haptic effect drive signal from the processor and is configured to output a force in response to the haptic effect drive signal from the processor. The force is transmitted to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect. The haptic peripheral may include a mechanical amplification system coupled to the actuator and configured to increase the force output by the actuator. In such an embodiment, the increased force is transmitted from the mechanical amplification system to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Aaron Kapelus
  • Patent number: 10115015
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for recognizing a specific object inside an image in an electronic device are provided. The method includes displaying at least one image; detecting at least one gesture; selecting a recognition function related to at least one object existing in the at least one image according to the detected at least one gesture; and recognizing the at least one object using the selected recognition function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Dong-Il Son, Cheol-Ho Cheong
  • Patent number: 10108273
    Abstract: User input devices, such as gaming controllers, are provided herein. In one example, a user input device includes a control stick mechanism configured to receive user manipulation in one or more axes. The user input device includes control circuitry configured to process movement data representative of the user manipulation to determine mapped movement data over a normalized movement space according to at least one of a mechanical center associated with the control stick mechanism and cardinality data defining a measured movement space associated with the control stick mechanism. The control circuitry is configured to present the mapped movement data for use in controlling one or more user interface elements with the control stick mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis F. McClive, Aaron J. Schmitz, Ross Anthony Nelson, Anthony John Grant
  • Patent number: 10088913
    Abstract: User interface devices (UIDs) for sensing position or motion of an actuator assembly in multiple degrees of freedom are disclosed. In one embodiment a UID includes a frame having a top and bottom assembly, an actuator assembly disposed within a volume between the top and bottom of the frame having magnets disposed therein, a sensor array for sensing magnetic fields from the magnets in multiple axes, and a processing element for receiving the sensed magnet fields and generating a UID output signal corresponding to a position, translation, rotation, deformation, or other action of the actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, David A. Cox
  • Patent number: 10084903
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate method and system for establishing a communication channel between computing devices in a customer care environment. The method includes receiving a first input from a customer-computing device associated with the customer. The received first input is compared with one or more pre-stored datasets. Based on the comparison, a plurality of options corresponding to each of a plurality of levels of one or more workflows is rendered on a user interface displayed on a display screen of the customer-computing device. A second input is received for one of the rendered plurality of options. The second input is representative of at least a preference of the customer for a service associated with a workflow. Based on at least the received second input, a communication channel is established between the customer-computing device and an agent-computing device associated with the customer care agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: CONDUENT BUSINESS SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Surya Prakash Kotha, Ramesh Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 10079853
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of detecting user identity, differentiating between users of a computerized service, detecting a cyber-attacker, and detecting click-fraud. An end-user device (a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like) interacts and communicates with a server of a computerized server (a banking website, an electronic commerce website, or the like). The interactions are monitored, tracked and logged. User Interface (UI) interferences or irregularities are intentionally introduced to the communication session; and the server tracks the response or the reaction of the end-user to such communication interferences. The system determines whether the user is a legitimate human user, or a cyber-attacker or automated script posing as the legitimate human user. The system further detects click-fraud, and prevents or mitigates Application Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: BIOCATCH LTD.
    Inventor: Avi Turgeman
  • Patent number: 10013017
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a vehicle with a joystick that includes implementing at least one dead band for the joystick. The dead band prevents movement of the vehicle when the joystick is within the dead band areas. The dead band areas are adjustable and take a plurality of shapes including having gaps between areas of the dead band areas. These dead bands allow for smooth operation of a vehicle by suppressing the control signal of the joystick for unintentional movements of the joystick by the operator. The adjustability of the dead band allows for adjustment based on the joystick type, the vehicle type, and the control desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Steven John Bernardy, Michael Gene Kandel
  • Patent number: 10015458
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus which illuminates a predetermined surface of a building structure includes: a light emitter that emits illuminating light; and a determiner that determines an illumination region in such a way that at least a portion of an edge of the illumination region, which is to be illuminated with the illuminating light emitted by the light emitter, matches a predetermined reference point on the boundary between the predetermined surface and a surface adjacent to the predetermined surface. The light emitter adjusts the illuminating light to illuminate the predetermined surface according to the illumination region determined by the determiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kentaro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 9989945
    Abstract: A data collection system controller that includes a housing such as a cover. The housing includes a user facing section and a support facing section defining a hole. The controller also includes a first input device adjacent the user facing section and a second input device. The second input device includes a knob comprising a third input device and a rotatable shaft extending through the hole and partially disposed within the knob. In one embodiment, the second input device is an XYZ joystick with a button. In one embodiment, the joystick and the first input device are angled relative to each other on either side of an elbow joint. In part, the invention relates to a method of controlling the display of image data obtained with respect to a blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: LIGHTLAB IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Desmond Christopher Adler, Joshua M. Gomes, David Winston, Susan Moynihan
  • Patent number: 9983694
    Abstract: A key includes a cap, a spring, a magnet, a spring supporting device, an upper limit device, a lower limit device, a displacement detection device, and a displacement determination device; the spring is located below the cap and, the spring is disposed on the spring supporting device; the magnet is placed on either of the upper limit device or lower limit device; the spring is magnetically pressed against the magnet; the displacement detection device is mounted on the spring and moves between the upper limit device and lower limit device following deformation of the spring; the cap is configured to generate a click motion; the displacement determination device is located at one side of the displacement detection device; the device moves back and forth with respect to the displacement determination device following the movement of the spring; and the displacement determination device is electrically connected with an external circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: G.TECH TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Baisong Li
  • Patent number: 9959641
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing displays of maps or mapping objects in a mapping application or system, wherein transitions between the maps or mapping objects is provided seamlessly and/or with orientation(s) preserved based a user interface device control actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael J. Martin, Thomas C. Cassey, Francisco A. Crespo
  • Patent number: 9904459
    Abstract: System and method of controlling an object via control device having integrated touch and displacement control. An embodiment includes an input device having a control stick with an integrated touch sensor, where the control stick may be displaced to provide control of a first functionality of an object, and a user touch sensed by the integrated touch sensor provides control of a second functionality of the object. Additionally, a method is described for controlling an object using a control device integrating displacement and touch control modes. A motion of the object may be controlled, such that inputs from the control device control a relative movement, an absolute movement, and/or a combination of relative and absolute movement for the object. An embodiment includes a game controller having a control device according to the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nvidia Corporation
    Inventors: Qi Lin, Brian Loiler
  • Patent number: 9888975
    Abstract: Techniques for a surgical system are provided that allow controlling a force applied by an electromechanical surgical tool coupled to an electromechanical surgical arm. A force limiter can be associated with at least one of the surgical arm and the tool and is used to limit the force applied by jaws of the tool to tissue when the tissue is engaged therebetween or when the tissue is otherwise manipulated. The force can be limited to a maximum force value, which can be preselected, and it can be adjustable based on user input or automatically. Also are provided techniques for a surgical system that allow controlling a stiffness of an electromechanical passive arm coupled to a fixture and having an active arm mounted thereon. The stiffness is adjusted, either manually or automatically, by adjusting a friction at a joint of the arm based on an angle at the arm's joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Auld
  • Patent number: 9868058
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller, that includes a thumbstick having adjustable tilt tension. The user input device includes a housing, a joystick assembly, a thumbstick cap, and an adjustment mechanism. The housing defines an internal cavity of the user input device and includes an aperture. The joystick assembly is disposed within the internal cavity. The joystick assembly comprises a tilt-able post and is operable to generate an analog input control signal based on a position of the tilt-able post in relation to a default position. The thumbstick cap is mounted through the aperture to an end of the tilt-able post. The adjustment mechanism is configured to enable a tilt tension of the tilt-able post to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Gabriel Michael Rask Gassoway, Joshua P. Weiher, Eph John Evans, Benjamin Michael Finney, Jason Victor Tsai, Jonathan Shea Robinson, Aaron Schmitz, Dustin Tiffany
  • Patent number: 9864397
    Abstract: An operating member 3 has a shaft portion 31 and a fulcrum portion 32. A first swinging member 4 has a concave fitting portion 42. Inside the fitting portion, engaging surfaces and guide surfaces 45, 46 are included. The engaging surfaces are formed to be engageable with the fulcrum portion. The guide surfaces allow the fulcrum portion to swing with respect to the first swinging member. The second swinging member 5 includes an engaging portion 63 which includes a long hole, and which covers the fulcrum portion while passing the shaft portion through the long hole in a manner that the shaft portion is movable in the longitudinal direction of the long hole, in such a manner that the engaging portion and the fitting portion cooperate to sandwich the fulcrum portion. The engaging portion is coupled with the second swing shaft, and configured to be engageable with the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: NINTENDO CO., LTD., HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takanori Okamura, Junji Takamoto, Mitsuhiro Asano
  • Patent number: 9827050
    Abstract: A user interface device for a surgical simulation system, comprising a rigid shaft pivotably supported by a frame, and movable in the axial direction but fixed with respect to rotation around its longitudinal axis, and a handle having a sensor body rigidly attached to said rigid shaft, and a grip portion rotatable around said longitudinal axis relative said sensor body. The handle further comprises a rotator sleeve rotatable around said longitudinal axis relative said sensor body and said grip portion, a rotation sensor adapted to detect rotation of said rotator sleeve in relation to said sensor body, and a signal interface mounted on said sensor body and connected to receive a first detection signal from said rotation sensor. Through this design, all sensor elements and electronic circuitry can be provided in or adjacent to the sensor body, leading to an efficient design and manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SURGICAL SCIENCE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Christer Johansson, Anders Larsson
  • Patent number: 9813527
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for network management and configuration, Exemplary methods can comprise communicating a first message to a network device. The first message can specify one of a first protocol or a second protocol. Methods can comprise configuring a first logical address for the network device based at least on the first message. Methods can comprise communicating a second message to the network device. The second message can specify one of a first mode, directing the network device to use the first protocol to connect to a network, or a second mode, directing the network device to use the second protocol to connect to the network. Methods can also comprise receiving a notification to release the first logical address from the network device. Methods can further comprise configuring a second logical address for the network device that can be defined according to the second message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Jason Brzozowski, Jason Combs, Christopher Tuska
  • Patent number: 9804674
    Abstract: When an operation to a touch sensor 11 is detected in a first operation state in which a main control unit 16 is not busy with data processing, a tactile sensation provision control unit 14 controls a tactile sensation providing unit 13 to vibrate a touch face 11a in a first vibration mode such that a first tactile sensation is provided to an operation object. On the other hand, when the operation is detected in a second operation state in which the main control unit 16 is busy with data processing, the touch face 11a is vibrated in a second vibration mode such that a second vibration is provided to the operation object. Since different tactile sensations are provided, an operator may recognize whether processing corresponding to the operation may be executed. Thereby, re-inputs are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Miki
  • Patent number: 9795876
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a housing, in which a game sequence controller, at least one display device for displaying a gaming unit and at least one switching element, actuatable by a user and in contact with the game sequence controller, are arranged. At least one electromagnetic device coupled to the game sequence controller is associated with the switching element and, if the switching element is actuated, generates information that can be detected tactilely by the user in the form of a change of position and/or shape depending on the course of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NOVOMATIC AG
    Inventors: Thomas Faul, Michael Rudolph Luft
  • Patent number: 9787958
    Abstract: Digitally acquiring digital media content using a computer model simulation of a real venue in which the digital content is to be shown. Frontally projecting content from a virtual center of the simulated venue, the real venue having a frontal screen and two side screens. Digitally capturing the frontally projected digital media content from a view that a real frontal projector and two real side projectors would have in real life in order to “bake in” a warped transformation of the frontally projected digital media content. Projecting the warped, transformed frontally projected content through a frontal digital projector and two side digital projectors in the real venue, thus completing an illusion of a “cinematic window” of the digital media content in the real venue. Controlling the digital projectors using a digital server to feed the three digitally captured, warped media streams synchronously to the front, left and right digital projectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: POINTCLOUD MEDIA, LLC
    Inventors: Jacobus G. Hattingh, Alan Demafiles
  • Patent number: 9778743
    Abstract: A haptic peripheral comprising a housing, a user input element, a position sensor coupled to the user input element, and an actuator located within the housing and coupled to the user input element. The position sensor is configured to detect a position of the user input element and is configured to send the position to a processor. The actuator is configured to receive a haptic effect drive signal from the processor and is configured to output a force in response to the haptic effect drive signal from the processor. The force is transmitted to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect. The haptic peripheral may include a mechanical amplification system coupled to the actuator and configured to increase the force output by the actuator. In such an embodiment, the increased force is transmitted from the mechanical amplification system to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Aaron Kapelus
  • Patent number: 9779592
    Abstract: A thin haptic feedback element suitable to provide a perceivable single pulse haptic feedback including an electromagnetic coil, a permanent magnet or other magnetic field source rotatably coupled to an eccentric mass through a torque-increasing drive train. The haptic feedback element may rapidly accelerate and decelerate the eccentric mass to produce a perceivable haptic feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Storrs T. Hoen
  • Patent number: 9780781
    Abstract: A multi-action capacitive switch comprising a capacitive sensing area in a surface, a plunger comprising conductive material, and a structure of flexible conductive material. A change in capacitance caused by the presence of a user's finger travels from the capacitive sensing area, down the conductive material of the plunger, over the structure, and to a capacitive touch detector in contact with the structure. An actuation of the switch, for example by pressing, is detected by an actuation detector. In a handheld electronic device, a user may initiate a phone call using such a multi-action capacitive switch. The method includes displaying a list of phone numbers in response to detection of a user's finger on a predetermined key and calling one of the numbers when the user actuates the predetermined key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Yun Sun Lee, Chin Feng Hsu
  • Patent number: 9774769
    Abstract: A surface mounted electronic component is provided. The component includes a first and a second connection portion for performing connection to a mounting board. The first connection portion includes a joint region arranged on a lower surface. The second connection portion includes a lower surface region arranged on the lower surface, and a side surface region connected to the lower surface region and arranged on a side surface. In a direction along the side, the lower surface region is arranged apart from the joint region, a length of the lower surface region in the direction is longer than a length of the joint region, a length of the side surface region in the direction is shorter than the length of the lower surface region, and the side surface region is spaced apart from an end of the side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takanori Suzuki, Koji Tsuduki, Hisatane Komori, Yasushi Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9710072
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed toward input mechanisms, for input devices, configured to receive and removably couple to interchangeable elements. Handheld input devices applicable to some embodiments may include, without limitation, computer controllers, video game console controllers, and handheld video gaming devices. Input mechanisms applicable to various embodiments may include, for control sticks (e.g., joysticks or analog sticks operable by a user's finger, such as a thumbstick), buttons, switches, and directional pads. According to some embodiments, an input mechanism is provided comprising a base component, and an interchangeable element configured to removably couple to the base component. Depending on the embodiment, coupling different interchangeable elements to the base component may cause the input mechanism to vary in size, appearance, contour, material, or features provided by the input mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Performance Designed Products LLC
    Inventors: Bradley M. Strahle, Eric B. Fulghum
  • Patent number: 9690390
    Abstract: User interface devices (UIDs) for sensing position or motion of an actuator assembly in multiple degrees of freedom are disclosed. In one embodiment a UID includes a frame having a top and bottom assembly, an actuator assembly disposed within a volume between the top and bottom of the frame having magnets disposed therein, a sensor array for sensing magnetic fields from the magnets in multiple axes, and a processing element for receiving the sensed magnet fields and generating a UID output signal corresponding to a position, translation, rotation, deformation, or other action of the actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, David A. Cox
  • Patent number: 9678577
    Abstract: User interface devices with electromagnetic dipole array and associated magnetic sensors, control circuits, and processing elements for determining user actuation of the device are disclosed. In one embodiment a user interface device include an electromagnetic dipole array coupled to an actuator, along with a three-axis magnetic sensor and control and processing elements for controlling driving currents to the dipole array and sensing and processing received magnetic field signals to determine movement or displacement of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Austin S. Rutledge, Ray Merewether, Michael J. Martin, Mark S. Olsson
  • Patent number: 9674218
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of detecting user identity, differentiating between users of a computerized service, detecting a cyber-attacker, and detecting click-fraud. An end-user device (a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like) interacts and communicates with a server of a computerized server (a banking website, an electronic commerce website, or the like). The interactions are monitored, tracked and logged. User Interface (UI) interferences or irregularities are intentionally introduced to the communication session; and the server tracks the response or the reaction of the end-user to such communication interferences. The system determines whether the user is a legitimate human user, or a cyber-attacker or automated script posing as the legitimate human user. The system further detects click-fraud, and prevents or mitigates Application Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: BioCatch Ltd.
    Inventor: Avi Turgeman
  • Patent number: 9607478
    Abstract: A plurality of gaming terminals provided in a parallel manner, a plurality of upper displays which are provided in a parallel manner independently from the gaming terminals and form a single common effect display screen, a plurality of display controllers controlling image display on the respective upper displays, and a center controller controlling the display controllers are provided. The center controller controls the display controllers so that the upper displays perform image display as one common effect display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Munakata, Kenta Sugano, Daisyun Okamoto, Masumi Fujisawa, Takehisa Itagaki
  • Patent number: 9582178
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-pressure interaction on touch-sensitive surfaces are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment of a method comprises receiving a first sensor signal from a touch-sensitive input device in response to a first contact of a first object on the touch-sensitive input device, the first sensor signal comprising a first location and a first pressure of the first contact, receiving a second sensor signal from the touch-sensitive input device in response to a second contact of a second object on the touch-sensitive input device substantially simultaneously with the first contact, the second sensor signal comprising a second location of the second contact and a second pressure of the second contact, generating a signal based at least in part on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, the signal configured to cause a haptic effect, and outputting the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Ali Modarres
  • Patent number: 9556950
    Abstract: A sliding operation type electronic auto shift lever may include a console part disposed on a console of a vehicle, provided with a quadrangular recess, and provided with a slot portion dented inside the quadrangular recess, and a lever part slidably coupled to an upper portion of the quadrangular recess, wherein the lever part includes a magnetic lever pin part, which protrudes downwardly and includes a magnet, on a lower surface thereof, and the magnetic lever pin part is inserted into the slot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Eun-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9557830
    Abstract: A system includes a host computer, a processor, and a haptic peripheral. The haptic peripheral includes a manipulandum movable in at least one degree of freedom, an inertial haptic output device, and a haptic output device. The inertial haptic output device is coupled to the manipulandum, and is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a transient haptic effect to the manipulandum in response to the control signal from the processor. The haptic output device is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and modify the stiffness of the manipulandum in response to the control signal from the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Danny A. Grant
  • Patent number: 9550209
    Abstract: A method of pointillist painting includes receiving a dot list including a specification of color, position, size, texture, and exclusion zone of a plurality of dots, wherein the exclusion zone of a dot represents an area that does not overlap with an exclusion zone of any other of the plurality of dots and selecting a first set of dots of a first color. A colorant dispenser may be moved to a first position of a first dot in the first set. A pre-determined amount of colorant may be applied to the first position. A measured blast of air may modify coverage and profile of the applied colorant. The dispenser may then move to the remaining positions until all dots of the first color and subsequent sets of dots of subsequent colors are dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SSO VENTURE PARTNERS, LLC
    Inventors: John Neal Randall, Kenneth W. Page
  • Patent number: 9539513
    Abstract: Methods and systems for simulating dynamic motion and position. The methods and systems are particularly well-suited for use in sports simulation video games (e.g., a basketball simulation) and gaming systems. Using a simplified model of mass and structure and a physics engine, realistic movement can be mimicked by simulation/game entities. For each entity a sense of balance may be measured that affects the entities ability to achieve objectives. The entities are projected onto an n-dimensional space, the properties of which affect the probability that an entity will succeed with respect to a given objective. The methods and systems may be used to generate a visual representation of simulation, such as in a video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Jerome Hubert Wei
  • Patent number: 9524835
    Abstract: Input device in which a defect of a control disk is eliminated while making use of an advantage of the control disk and an electronic device using the input device. The input device may include: an operation panel, which may be operated by a user; a board, which may be arranged to be opposed to a surface opposite to an operation surface of the operation panel operated by the user; a conductive elastic body and a pusher, which may be fixed on the operation panel; and a sensor portion and a member to be pressed, which may be placed on the board to be opposed to the conductive elastic body and the pusher, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU POLYMER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ando, Noboru Nakafuji, Naoyuki Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 9518821
    Abstract: A vehicle control system may include a vehicle frame, a mount secured to the vehicle frame and configured for rigidly securing a smartphone therein such that motions experienced by the vehicle frame are correspondingly experienced by the smartphone, and system electronics arranged on the frame and in communication with the smartphone and vehicle controllers, the system electronics configured to receive signals from the smartphone and control directional devices of the vehicle based on the signals via the vehicle controllers. A system for preparing signals for transmission to the vehicle to control navigation may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Benjamin Malay
  • Patent number: 9498710
    Abstract: A method for providing feedback from a personal computer (PC) to a mouse includes: providing a sensor within the mouse; utilizing the sensor to receive signals from the PC; defining a plurality of areas on the mouse which can provide a feedback response; and translating the signals from the PC to activate a feedback response of at least one of the plurality of areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Kian Ming Chin, Yik Leong Chong
  • Patent number: 9501084
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device provides force feedback that acts on a controller of the device. At least one actuator coupled to the controller receives inputs from a host computing system and applies forces in at least one of two allowed degrees-of-freedom to the movable controller. The actuator includes an axle that is rotatably driven by an electric motor, and a force transmission gear assembly for transmitting the torque from the motor to the controller via the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SD Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Adam Bannister
  • Patent number: 9463964
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for remotely controlling winch operation via a user interface of a remote. In one example, a user interface of a remote for a winch includes a menu display including a plurality of menu items, the menu items navigable and selectable with a series of buttons of the remote. The user interface further includes a plurality of control displays, each of the plurality of control displays generated upon selection of a corresponding menu item of the plurality of menu items, each of the plurality of control displays including selectable icons for controlling one of an operation of a winch, an operation of one or more auxiliary devices, or settings of the remote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Heravi, Kevin Christensen, Bryan Averill, Ian Wendler, Darren Fretz, Houman Tavakoli Shiraji, Barry Atwood
  • Patent number: 9442590
    Abstract: A display device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sihwa Park, Yongsin Kim
  • Patent number: 9418221
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of detecting user identity, differentiating between users of a computerized service, and detecting a cyber-attacker. An end-user device (a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like) interacts and communicates with a server of a computerized server (a banking website, an electronic commerce website, or the like). The interactions are monitored, tracked and logged. User Interface (UI) interferences or irregularities are intentionally introduced to the communication session; and the server tracks the response or the reaction of the end-user to such communication interferences. The system determines whether the user is a legitimate human user, or a cyber-attacker or automated script posing as the legitimate human user. The system further detects click-fraud, and prevents or mitigates Application Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BIOCATCH LTD.
    Inventor: Avi Turgeman
  • Patent number: 9383832
    Abstract: A haptic arm comprising: a user connection element; a reference; a first linkage connecting the user connection element to the reference, where the first linkage provides at least six independent degrees of freedom, and contains an intermediate link, three force sensors, three angle sensors; a second linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference; a third linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference a fourth linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference; the second, third, and fourth linkages each containing an independent actuator and position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: Pieter Lammertse
  • Patent number: 9363340
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for network management and configuration. Exemplary methods can comprise communicating a first message to a network device. The first message can specify one of a first protocol or a second protocol. Methods can comprise configuring a first logical address for the network device based at least on the first message. Methods can comprise communicating a second message to the network device. The second message can specify one of a first mode, directing the network device to use the first protocol to connect to a network, or a second mode, directing the network device to use the second protocol to connect to the network. Methods can also comprise receiving a notification to release the first logical address from the network device. Methods can further comprise configuring a second logical address for the network device that can be defined according to the second message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Jason Brzozowski, Jason Combs, Christopher Tuska