Patents Assigned to Immersion
  • Electronic handheld audio/video receiver and listening/viewing device
    Patent number: 9300924
    Abstract: A handheld device in an audio and video system including a system for receiving and processing video and/or audio signals, a system for displaying a virtual image to a user, and a system for producing sounds audible to a user. The handheld device also incorporates a shroud to block ambient light when the handheld unit is engaged with the user's face. As a result, the user may hear sounds produced from the received audio signals. Further the user may see the virtual images produced from the received video signals when the handheld device is engaged with the users face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Entertainment, LLC.
    Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Mark A. Wood, Geoffrey L. Anderson
  • Electrical stimulation haptic feedback interface
    Patent number: 9293015
    Abstract: A haptic drive circuit for an electrical muscle stimulation electrode has an input for receiving a haptic signal based on a haptic effect from a haptic effects processor. The drive circuit contains logic for generating a electrical muscle stimulation current based on the haptic signal. An electrode in contact with a user's skin receives the electrical muscle stimulation current, causing a haptic effect by contraction and relaxation of muscles near the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Mar, Danny Grant
  • Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls
    Patent number: 9280205
    Abstract: A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, James R. Riegel
  • Method and apparatus to provide haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters
    Patent number: 9274603
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Christopher J. Ullrich, Jean Francois Dionne, Loc Phan, Satvir Singh Bhatia, Stephen D. Rank
  • System and method for providing passive haptic feedback
    Patent number: 9274600
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing passive haptic feedback are described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an actuator for bringing a manipulandum and braking surface into contact and thereby providing a resistance. The manipulandum includes scroll wheels, scroll drums, linear sliders and similar user input devices. The actuator may be, for example, electromagnetic or piezo-electric. An embodiment of the present invention may include a processor in communication with the actuator for providing the haptic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: George Anastas, Erik J. Shahoian, Alex Jasso
  • Systems and methods for haptic augmentation of voice-to-text conversion
    Patent number: 9275653
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing voice-to-text haptic augmentation in a user interface are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a system for converting audible speech information to a haptic effect includes a microphone and a processor in communication with the microphone, the processor configured to receive an audio signal associated with a voice from the microphone, determine a characteristic of the audio signal, and generate an actuator signal based at least in part on the characteristic, the actuator signal configured to cause an actuator to output a haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Erin Ramsay
  • Systems and methods for compensating for visual distortion caused by surface features on a display
    Patent number: 9274635
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating for visual distortion caused by surface features on a display are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes: a display including one or more surface features; a processor configured to: receive a display signal including graphical data; determine a location of the surface feature; transform the display signal based at least in part on the location of the surface feature; and cause the transformed display signal to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: David M. Birnbaum
  • Systems and Methods for Shape Input and Output for a Haptically-Enabled Deformable Surface
    Publication number: 20160054799
    Abstract: One illustrative computing device disclosed herein includes a first sensor configured to detect a position associated with a deformable surface and transmit a sensor signal associated with the position; and a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The illustrative computing device also 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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Danny Grant, Jamal Saboune, Abdelwahab Hamam, William Rihn
  • Interactivity model for shared feedback on mobile devices
    Patent number: 9268403
    Abstract: A system that produces a dynamic haptic effect and generates a drive signal that includes a gesture signal and a real or virtual device sensor signal. The haptic effect is modified dynamically based on both the gesture signal and the real or virtual device sensor signal such as from an accelerometer or gyroscope, or by a signal created from processing data such as still images, video or sound. The haptic effect may optionally be modified dynamically by using the gesture signal and the real or virtual device sensor signal and a physical model, or may optionally be applied concurrently to multiple devices which are connected via a communication link. The haptic effect may optionally be encoded into a data file on a first device. The data file is then communicated to a second device and the haptic effect is read from the data file and applied to the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David Birnbaum, Chris Ullrich, Jason Short, Ryan Devenish
  • Haptic sensation recording and playback
    Patent number: 9261960
    Abstract: A system includes a video recorder configured to record video data, a sensor configured to sense movement of an object and output sensor data representative of the movement of the object, a transformer configured to transform the sensor data into a haptic output signal, a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect to a user based on the haptic output signal, a display configured to display a video, and a processor configured to synchronize the video data and the haptic output signal, and output the video data to the display and the haptic output signal to the haptic output device so that the haptic effect is synchronized with the video displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Lacroix, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Jamal Saboune
  • Haptic effect conversion system using granular synthesis
    Patent number: 9257022
    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: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Ali Modarres, Liwen Wu, David Birnbaum
  • Gesture based input system in a vehicle with haptic feedback
    Patent number: 9248840
    Abstract: A system for controlling vehicle systems includes a haptic actuator, a gesture detection device, a controller, and a plurality of vehicle systems. The gesture detection device captures movements of a vehicle driver or passenger and outputs data representing a gesture made by the vehicle driver or passenger. The controller is coupled to the gesture detection device and receives a signal from the gesture detection device indicative of the gesture. The controller is coupled to the haptic actuator, and selects a haptic effect based on the detected gesture and sends a signal to the haptic actuator to provide the selected haptic effect. The controller is also coupled to the vehicle systems, and based on the detected gesture, the controller sends a signal to one of the vehicle systems to perform a particular action. The particular action of the vehicle system is matched with the selected haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Dat Truong
  • Systems and methods for haptic remote control gaming
    Patent number: 9245428
    Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic remote control gaming are disclosed. In one embodiment a portable multifunction device receives information from a remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device can be operable as a remote control for the remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, or another suitable electronic device. The portable multifunction device can determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the information received from the remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device may generate a signal configured to cause an actuator to output the determined haptic effect. The portable multifunction device can output the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Amaya B. Weddle, Danny Grant, David Birnbaum
  • Haptic warping system
    Patent number: 9245429
    Abstract: A system is provided that transforms haptic signals. The system receives an original haptic signal, where the original haptic signal includes a first haptic effect space, and where the first haptic effect space includes one or more haptic effects that can be generated by a first haptic output device. The system further transforms the original haptic signal into a new haptic signal, where the new haptic signal includes a second haptic effect space that is different from the first haptic effect space, where the second haptic effect space includes one or more haptic effects that can be generated by a second haptic output device, and where data contained within the new haptic signal is based on data contained within the original haptic signal. The system further sends the new haptic signal to a haptic output device to generate one or more haptic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Jamal Saboune
  • Systems and methods for controlling multiple displays with single controller and haptic enabled user interface
    Patent number: 9244532
    Abstract: A method includes displaying information via a first display, displaying information via a second display, controlling the information displayed via the first display and the second display with a controller, and receiving a first input from a user through a user interface. The first input includes a command to change a setting of the first display or the second display and/or the information being displayed via the first display or the second display. The method also includes generating a first haptic effect to confirm receipt of the first input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Neil Olien
  • System and method for automatically producing haptic events from a digital audio signal
    Patent number: 9239700
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a system and method for automatically converting a plurality of events in a plurality of channels in a structured representation sequence into haptic events. The method comprises calculating an event score for each event of the sequence in one or more channels. The method also comprises calculating a cumulative score based on the event scores in the one or more channels. The method includes selectively designating haptic events to the events based on the event scores in one or more selected channels, wherein the haptic events are output by a haptic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Ullrich, Stephen D. Rank
  • Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum
    Patent number: 9239621
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum are described. In one described system, a lever arm is pivotably coupled to a housing, and configured to apply a processor-controlled force to a substantially-spherical manipulandum to provide a haptic effect. The described system may include a processor in communication with an actuator for providing the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: George Anastas, David W. Bailey, Gregory Tashjian, Raymond Yu
  • System and method for providing complex haptic stimulation during input of control gestures, and relating to control of virtual equipment
    Patent number: 9235969
    Abstract: A system is configured to provide haptic stimulation to a user. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with the performance of one or more control gestures through which the user controls, for example, a game, a real world component or piece of equipment, and/or other entity. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with control of virtual equipment by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel, David M. Birnbaum, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Systems and Methods for Multi-Output Electrostatic Haptic Effects
    Publication number: 20160004309
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a processor configured to determine a haptic effect, wherein the haptic effect includes a static ESF effect or a confirmation ESF effect; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the 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. The illustrative system further includes an ESF device in communication with the ESF controller, the ESF device including an ESF cell and configured to receive the ESF signal and output the haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Christopher Ullrich, Danny Grant, Neil Olien, Vincent Levesque
  • Chat interface with haptic feedback functionality
    Patent number: RE45884
    Abstract: A chat interface allowing a user to exchange haptic chat messages with other users in a chat session over a computer network. A chat interface can be displayed by a local computer and receives input data from a user of the local computer, such as text characters or speech input. The input data provides an outgoing chat message that can include sent force information. The outgoing chat message is sent to a remote computer that is connected to the local host computer via a computer network. The remote computer can display a chat interface and output a haptic sensation to a user of the remote computer based at least in part on the force information in the outgoing chat message. An incoming message from the remote computer can also be received at the chat interface, which may also include received force information. The incoming chat message is displayed on a display device to the user of the local computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Evan F. Wies, Dean C. Chang, Michael P. Ruf