Patents Assigned to Immersion
  • Systems and Methods for Impedance Coupling for Haptic Devices
    Publication number: 20190018491
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a haptic output device associated with a surface. The illustrative system also includes a sensor configured to detect a contact between a user and the surface, the sensor configured to transmit a sensor signal including data associated with the contact. The illustrative system further includes a processor in communication with the sensor and the haptic output device, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine an impedance based at least in part on the sensor signal; and determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the impedance. The processor is further configured to transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny Grant
  • Bilayer haptic feedback actuator
    Patent number: 10180725
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to haptic feedback actuators and their construction and use in touch based systems. The haptic feedback actuators are suitably bilayer structures including at least two materials having different thermal coefficients, allowing the structure to deflect from a first position to a second position in response to heating and/or cooling of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Vahid Khoshkava
  • Systems and methods for providing haptic effects
    Patent number: 10179540
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic effects are disclosed. One disclosed system comprises an actuator, a non-volatile memory configured to store a haptic effect profile, and a processor in communication with the actuator and the non-volatile memory. The processor may be configured to receive a sensor signal indicating a movement of a manipulandum, to identify an effect parameter associated with the sensor signal in the haptic effect profile, and to generate an output signal based, at least in part, on the effect parameter. The generated output signal may be configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the effect parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael D. Levin
  • Customizing haptic feedback in live events
    Patent number: 10176680
    Abstract: A method of generating event identifiers includes receiving sensor information from tracked entities. Based on the sensor information for tracked entities, an event can be determined. An event ID can be assigned to the event based on the type of event that was determined. The event ID can be sent to a haptically enabled device, the device outputting a haptic effect determined from the event ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jamal Saboune, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Liwen Wu, Abdelwahab Hamam
  • Systems and methods to generate haptic feedback for skin-mediated interactions
    Patent number: 10176679
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor configured to sense an input at a skin surface, a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor and generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal, and a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect based on the haptic control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
  • Device and method for controlling haptic signals
    Patent number: 10175763
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium for generating a haptic effect is provided. The computer-readable-medium has computer-executable code that causes a processor to receive a desired haptic effect waveform for the haptic effect, to receive sensor information that indicates at least one of speed, acceleration, and position of the haptic output device, and to generate a control signal for the haptic effect based on the desired haptic effect waveform and the at least one of the speed, acceleration, and position of the haptic output device, wherein the control signal causes a profile of the haptic effect to substantially match the desired haptic effect waveform, such that matching between the profile of the haptic effect and the desired haptic effect waveform is made more similar by basing the control signal on the at least one of the speed, acceleration, and position of the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kaniyalal Shah
  • Haptic output device and method of generating a haptic effect in a haptic output device
    Patent number: 10175761
    Abstract: A haptic output device includes a touch surface, a sensor configured to sense an input at the touch surface, and a controller configured to read the sensor, identify a location of the input, switch from a read mode to a write mode, and write a voltage based on the location of the input to generate an electrostatic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant
  • High definition haptic effects generation using primitives
    Patent number: 10175760
    Abstract: A haptically enabled system receives a haptic effect primitive comprising a plurality of input parameters and receives an input from a sensor. The system generates a haptic effect signal from the haptic effect primitive, the haptic effect signal comprising a plurality of output parameters where at least one of the output parameters is varied based on the sensor input. The system then applies the haptic effect signal to an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Liwen Wu, Christopher J. Ullrich
  • Systems and Methods for Foley-Style Haptic Content Creation
    Publication number: 20190004607
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes an audio input device configured to detect an audio input and transmit an audio signal associated with the audio input. The illustrative system also includes a haptic trigger device which includes a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to transmit a sensor signal associated with an event. Further, the illustrative system includes a processor in communication with the audio input device and the haptic trigger device, the processor configured to: receive the audio signal; receive the sensor signal substantially simultaneously to receiving the audio signal; record the audio signal to an audio track; and insert a haptic effect marker into a haptic track based in part on the sensor signal, wherein the haptic track and the audio track are associated with a video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Doug Billington
  • Systems and Methods for Providing Haptic Feedback Via a Case
    Publication number: 20190004608
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a case configured to mechanically couple with a mobile device and position the mobile device such that the mobile device serves as a display for the case. The system also includes a processor coupled to the case and configured to generate a haptic signal based at least in part on a characteristic of the case. The system also includes a haptic output device in communication with the processor and configured to receive the haptic signal and output a haptic effect in response to the haptic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Danny Grant, Razmik Mousakhanian, Andry Rabemiarisoa, Gor Isajanyan, Alex Zhu
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A LOW PROFILE HAPTIC ACTUATOR
    Publication number: 20190004606
    Abstract: Systems and methods or a low profile haptic actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for a low profile haptic actuator includes: a moveable surface comprising a first coil, the moveable surface configured to move in a degree of freedom; a fixed surface beneath the moveable surface, the fixed surface comprising a second coil coupled underneath the first coil; a suspension coupled to the fixed surface and the moveable surface and configured to suspend the moveable surface; and a controller coupled to the first coil and the second coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Billington, Kaniyalal Shah, Daniel Parker, Mansoor Alghooneh, Vahid Khoshkava, William Rihn
  • Systems and Methods for Friction Displays and Additional Haptic Effects
    Publication number: 20180373336
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing composite haptic effects are disclosed. One disclosed method includes detecting a touch occurring in a touch area when an object contacts a touch surface and selecting a composite haptic effect to generate in response to the touch, the composite haptic effect including at least one surface-based haptic effect and at least one other effect. Based on the selected composite haptic effect, a first haptic signal can be sent to cause an actuator to vary a coefficient of friction of the touch surface and a second actuator can be caused to provide a second haptic output in addition to the variation in the coefficient of friction. The second haptic signal can be sent to a second actuator or the same actuator(s) used to vary the coefficient of friction can generate the second haptic output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant
  • Dynamic haptic conversion system
    Patent number: 10162416
    Abstract: A system is provided that dynamically converts an input signal into a haptic signal. The system generates effect objects, where an effect object includes an instruction to perform a haptic conversion algorithm on the input signal to convert the input signal into an output signal, and where an order of the effect objects is defined. The system further receives the input signal. The system further applies the effect objects to the input signal in the defined order, where the output signal of an effect object forms the haptic signal. The system further sends the haptic signal to a haptic output device, where the haptic signal causes the haptic output device to output haptic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Satvir Singh Bhatia, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Loc Tien Phan
  • Systems and Methods for Induced Electrostatic Haptic Effects
    Publication number: 20180364807
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a processor configured to determine an ESF-based haptic effect and transmit a haptic signal associated with the ESF-based haptic effect. The illustrative system also includes an ESF controller in communication with the processor, the ESF controller configured to receive the haptic signal, determine an ESF signal based at least in part on the haptic signal, and transmit the ESF signal. Further, the illustrative system includes an inducing electrode configured to receive the ESF signal and induce an electric charge on an induced electrode, wherein the inducing electrode does not contact the induced electrode, and wherein the induced electrode is configured to output the ESF-based haptic effect to a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
  • HAPTIC ENABLED DEVICE WITH MULTI-IMAGE CAPTURING ABILITIES
    Publication number: 20180359412
    Abstract: A haptic effect enabled system that includes a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a haptic output device and a processor coupled to the image sensors and haptic output device. The first image sensor generates a first digital image and the second image sensor generates a second digital image. The processor receives notification of an image event relating to the first or second digital image. The processor determines a haptic effect corresponding to the image event and applies the haptic effect with the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hugues-Antoine Oliver
  • Haptically Enhanced Interactivity with Interactive Content
    Publication number: 20180356963
    Abstract: Interactive content may be presented to a user that is manipulating a peripheral. One or more state parameters that are related to the position of the peripheral may be determined. The peripheral may be identified from a plurality of possible peripherals. The interactive content may be adjusted based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. Haptic feedback to be provided to the user may be determined based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Birnbaum, Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel
  • Systems and methods for enhanced haptic effects
    Patent number: 10152124
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced haptic effects are described. One described method includes receiving an input signal having haptic information and multimedia data, the input signal formatted in a first format, decoding the haptic information from the input signal, and determining a parameter associated with an actuator in a haptic device. The method further includes generating an actuator signal based at least in part on the parameter and the haptic information, and generating an output signal comprising the multimedia data and the actuator signal, the output signal formatted in a second format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Lacroix, Danny Grant
  • Multiplexing and demultiplexing haptic signals
    Patent number: 10152126
    Abstract: A system receives a multiplexed signal with two or more different types of haptic signals encoded therein. Each type of haptic signal represents a haptic effect for different types of haptic output devices. The system determines a target haptic output device located on a haptic playback device. The system demultiplexes the multiplexed signal into at least the type of haptic signal corresponding to the target output device. The system provides the demultiplexed haptic signal to the target haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen D. Rank, Satvir Singh Bhatia, Arnab Sen, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
  • Method and apparatus for enabling heavy floating touchscreen haptics assembles and passive braking system
    Patent number: 10152132
    Abstract: A system for amplifying haptic effects provided by a push-pull actuator includes a housing component, a push-pull actuator coupled to the housing component and configured to provide a force and a displacement, a lever component including a lever arm and a fulcrum, and a haptic touch surface coupled to the lever arm via an output interface. The push-pull actuator is via an actuator mount. The amount of displacement transferred to the haptic touch surface from the push-pull actuator is reduced by the lever component and the amount of force transferred to the haptic touch surface from the push-pull actuator is increased by the lever component. The system may include a material stop coupled to the housing component that when compressed by the haptic touch surface exhibits hysteresis to dampen the haptic touch surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benoit Paul Belley, Charles Banter, Daniel Parker, Kohei Imoto
  • User interface device responsive to data tag associated with physical location
    Patent number: 10152134
    Abstract: A system includes a display configured to display a graphical simulation, a computer configured to run a software program designed to display the graphical simulation on the display, and a stylus constructed and arranged to be manipulated by a user of the system in at least two dimensions to affect the graphical simulation. The stylus includes an actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the user upon receiving a control signal from the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Erin B. Ramsay, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, David Birnbaum, Robert W. Heubel, Hendrik Bartel, Christopher J. Ullrich