Patents Assigned to Immersion Corporation
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Patent number: 10656715Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a sensor configured to detect a user input associated with a projected user interface and transmit a sensor signal associated with the user interaction, and a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal, determine a remote haptic effect based at least in part on the user input, generate a haptic signal based at least in part on the remote haptic effect, and transmit the haptic signal. The illustrative system further includes a haptic output device in communication with the processor, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the remote haptic effect.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres, Amaya B. Weddle, David M. Birnbaum
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Publication number: 20200150765Abstract: Systems and methods for designing haptic effects based on visual characteristics haptics are disclosed. One illustrative system described herein includes a user input device, a memory, a haptic output device, and a processor in communication with the user input device and memory. The processor is configured to: receive an input having a plurality of characteristics, at least one of the plurality of characteristics associated with a first shape, identify an image or label associated with the first shape, and identify a haptic effect associated with the image or label. The processor is further configured to associate the haptic effect with the first shape, and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to the haptic output device, the haptic signal causing the haptic output device to output the haptic effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2018Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventors: Jamal Saboune, Juan Manuel Cruz Hernandez
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Patent number: 10650645Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for converting a control track designed for use with a number and/or type of haptic output devices to be used with other numbers and/or types of haptic output devices. For example, a computing device may convert the control track into another control track that can be applied to other types and/or numbers of haptic output devices. The converted control track may be compatible for use with a smartphone or other system that includes a different number and/or type of haptic feedback devices than the system for which the haptic track was originally designed. In this manner, the user of the smartphone or other system may experience haptic feedback using a device that is different from another haptic feedback system for which the control track was originally designed for use. The conversion may occur locally at the smartphone or other system and/or remotely at another device.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Vincent Levesque, Jamal Saboune, David M. Birnbaum
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Patent number: 10650859Abstract: A system includes a recorder configured to record audio and/or video of a subject of interest and output a recording of the subject of interest and a non-contact sensor associated with the recorder. The non-contact sensor is constructed and arranged to measure movement and/or vibration of the subject of interest from substantially the same perspective and at the same time as the recorder. The system includes a controller configured to transform the measured movement and/or vibration of the subject of interest measured by the non-contact sensor into a tactile data stream for sending to a haptic display device for playback with the recording of the subject of interest by the recorder and providing haptic effects corresponding to the measured movement and/or vibration to a user of the haptic display device in synchronization with the recording.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Ullrich, Robert Lacroix
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Patent number: 10649530Abstract: A haptic device includes a display configured to display an image, a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect to a user when the user interacts with the display, and a processor configured to receive information related to the image displayed on the display. The processor is also configured to create a friction based haptic effect map associated with the image displayed on the display, and generate a signal to the haptic output device to output the haptic effect when the user interacts with the display when the image is displayed on the display, the haptic effect being configured to simulate a feel of the image in three dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Robert Lacroix, Vincent Levesque
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Patent number: 10649532Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-rate control of haptic effects with sensor fusion are disclosed. One illustrative system includes, a haptic output device configured to output a haptic effect, a first sensor configured to sense the output of the haptic output device and generate a first sensor signal, a processor in communication with the first sensor. The processor is configured to: sample the first sensor signal from the first sensor at a first rate, receive a reference signal, determine an error between the first sensor signal and the reference signal, generate a haptic signal based at least in part on the reference signal and the error, transmit the haptic signal to a haptic output device configured to output a haptic effect based on the haptic signal, and sample the first sensor signal at a second rate, wherein the second rate is lower than the first rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Christopher J. Ullrich
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Publication number: 20200142484Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a computing device that comprises a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor can generate content that can be provided to a user. The processor can obtain data indicating various haptic tracks associated with various content elements in the content. The processor can determine a selection of a haptic track of the various haptic tracks associated with a particular content element of the various content elements. The processor can determine a characteristic of the haptic track and then transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic track to a haptic output device, which can receive the haptic signal and output the haptic track.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2018Publication date: May 7, 2020Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventors: Johnny Maalouf, Jamal Saboune
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Patent number: 10627968Abstract: A system includes a user interface configured to receive an input from a user of the system, a sensor configured to sense a position of a user input element relative to the user interface, and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the sensor based on the position of the user input element relative to the user interface, determine a haptic effect based on the input signal, and output a haptic effect generation signal based on the determined haptic effect. A haptic output device is configured to receive the haptic effect generation signal from the processor and generate the determined haptic effect to the user, the haptic output device being located separate from the user interface so that the determined haptic effect is generated away from the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATIONInventor: William S. Rihn
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Patent number: 10627907Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a haptic effect at a user input element associated with a haptic output device are provided. A primary range and a secondary range of positions are defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device. In addition, a boundary range of positions is defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device, the boundary range partially overlapping each of the primary and secondary ranges. A position of the user input element is monitored, and the haptic effect rendered in response to an entry of the user input element to positions within the boundary range.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Douglas George Billington, Aaron Kapelus, Stephen Rank, Daniel Parker
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Patent number: 10620706Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventor: William Rihn
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Patent number: 10620707Abstract: Systems and methods for interfaces featuring surface-based haptic effects are described. One described system includes a sensor configured to detect a touch in a touch area when an object contacts a touch surface. The touch surface may correspond to the display area or may correspond to a non-display surface of a computing device or peripheral interfaced to a computing device. The system can further include an actuator in communication with the processor and coupled to the touch surface, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect and a processor configured to select a haptic effect to generate. The haptic effect can be selected based on a position of the touch and recognizing an input gesture provided by the touch and/or content displayed in a graphical user interface at a location mapped to a position in the touch area at or near the touch. The haptic effect may provide a texture, simulate an obstacle, and/or adjust the coefficient of friction of the surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Ali Modarres, Andrew Gosline
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Patent number: 10613626Abstract: A kinesthetically enabled glove for providing kinesthetic feedback to a user are provided. The kinesthetically enabled glove incorporates various actuators configured to provide resistance to movement and/or to provide movement. Kinesthetic actuators employed include electroadhesive actuators, electromagnetic actuators, air-jamming actuators, and inertial mass actuators. The kinesthetic actuators are arranged in various portions of the kinesthetically enabled glove to provide force feedback at different locations. The kinesthetic glove may be employed during interaction with a computer system, providing a user with a more immersive experience.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventor: Juan Manuel Cruz Hernandez
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Patent number: 10613636Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting the playback rate of haptic effects to a desired playback rate. A desired playback rate is determined. A portion of a haptic signal based on the desired playback rate is generated. The portion of the haptic signal is sent to a haptic output device, causing the haptic output device to output haptic effects at a playback rate corresponding to the desired playback rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Jamal Saboune, Stephen Rank, Amer Alhalabi, Shadi Asfour, Changyu Yang
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Patent number: 10613628Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward techniques for modifying a haptic effect that is rendered based on a media stream. Upon receiving the media stream, a haptic drive signal is generated based on the media stream. The haptic drive signal is then applied to render the haptic effect at a haptic output device. Within a media editing application, the media stream may be modified. In response to the modification, a modified haptic drive signal may be generated based on the modification to the media stream. As a result, a modified haptic effect is rendered at the haptic output device.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Stephen Rank, William S. Rihn
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Patent number: 10613627Abstract: A system includes a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The first electronic device includes a sensor configured to sense or property experienced by the first electronic device, and a transmitter configured to transmit a signal based on output from the sensor. The second electronic device is in signal communication with the first electronic device. The second electronic device includes a receiver configured to receive the transmitted signal, a detector configured to determine an object that a user of the second device is focusing on, a processor configured to generate a haptic signal representative of the transmitted signal if it is determined that the object the user is focusing on corresponds with a location of the first electronic device, and a haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and generate a haptic effect to the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres, Danny A. Grant, Jean Francois Dionne, David M. Birnbaum
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Patent number: 10606358Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Juan Manuel Cruz Hernandez, Ali Modarres, Liwen Wu, David Birnbaum
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Patent number: 10606356Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a curved device that includes a curved outer housing. The illustrative system also includes a sensor configured to detect a user interaction with the curved device and transmit a sensor signal associated with the user interaction. The illustrative system additionally includes a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal from the sensor; determine a user interaction based on the sensor signal, determine a first haptic effect based at least in part on the user interaction, and transmit a haptic signal associated with the first haptic effect. The illustrative system also includes a haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the first haptic effect.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Vincent Levesque, Danny Grant, Ali Modarres, Jamal Saboune
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Patent number: 10606359Abstract: One illustrative computing device disclosed herein includes a sensor configured to detect a user interaction with a physical object and transmit a sensor signal associated with the user interaction. The illustrative computing device also includes a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine a characteristic of the physical object based on the sensor signal; and determine a function based at least in part on the user interaction and the characteristic. The processor is also configured to determine a haptic effect associated with the function; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The illustrative computing device further includes a haptic output device in communication with the processor, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Vincent Levesque, Wei Zhu, Eric Gervais, Fengtian An, Eric Lajeunesse, Johnny Maalouf
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Patent number: 10599221Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing limited duration haptic effects are disclosed. Systems for providing limited duration haptic effects include sensors, control circuits, and vibration actuators configured closed loop feedback control of the vibration actuators. The sensors are configured to measure motion characteristics induced by the vibration actuators. The control circuits are configured to receive motion characteristic information from the sensors and provide closed loop feedback control of the vibration actuators. Closed loop feedback control permits precise control of vibration actuator output during limited duration haptic effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Juan Manuel Cruz Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Christopher J. Ullrich
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Patent number: 10599218Abstract: A system is provided that converts an input into one or more haptic effects using frequency shifting. The system receives an input signal. The system further performs a fast Fourier transform of the input signal. The system further shifts one or more frequencies of the transformed input signal to one or more frequencies within a shift-to frequency range. The system further performs an inverse fast Fourier transform of the frequency-shifted signal, where the inversely transformed signal forms a haptic signal. The system further generates the one or more haptic effects based on the haptic signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Jamal Saboune, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez