Patents Assigned to Immersion
  • UNIFORM HAPTIC ACTUATOR RESPONSE WITH A VARIABLE SUPPLY VOLTAGE
    Publication number: 20150002278
    Abstract: A haptic drive circuit includes a voltage input for receiving input power, a gate that compares a desired current level to an actual current level through the actuator, a switch coupled to the gate that interrupts or provides power from the voltage input to the actuator, and a current probe that detects the actual current level through the actuator with an output signal corresponding to the actual current level coupled to the gate. The gate compares the actual current level to the desired current level and causes the switch to interrupt input power when the actual current level is greater than the desired current level or to provide input power when the actual current level is less than or equal to the desired current level. The actual current through the circuit is a haptic signal causing a haptic actuator to generate a haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Kaniyalal SHAH, Van Hilton TRAN, Douglas George BILLINGTON
  • Products and processes for providing force sensations in a user interface
    Patent number: 8917234
    Abstract: Products and processes for providing haptic feedback in a user interface device are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a process comprises defining a first cell, mapping a first location of a matrix with the defined first cell, and mapping a second location of the matrix with the defined first cell. The first cell comprises a first parameter representing a first haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny Grant, Pedro Gregorio, Neil T. Olien, Adam C. Braun
  • Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback at multiple resonance frequencies
    Patent number: 8913027
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback at multiple resonance frequencies are disclosed. For example, one disclosed apparatus includes a resonator with a base and a plurality of projections, a first projection of the plurality of projections having a first resonance frequency and a second projection of the plurality of projections having a second resonance frequency, and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the resonator and operable to output a haptic feedback effect at the first resonance frequency and at the second resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Pedro Gregorio, Danny Grant
  • System and method for ordering haptic effects
    Patent number: 8909817
    Abstract: A signal associated with multiple haptic effects is received, each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects being associated with a time slot from multiple time slots. Each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects is associated with an effect slot from multiple effect slots at least partially based on the time slot associated with that haptic effect. An output signal is sent for each effect slot from the multiple effect slots, when the associated haptic effect is scheduled for its time slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Henrique D. Da Costa, Danny A. Grant, Robert A. Lacroix
  • Method, computer program and device for hybrid tracking of real-time representations of objects in a sequence
    Patent number: 8903177
    Abstract: The invention in particular relates to the hybrid tracking of representations of objects in a sequence of images using at least one key image. After acquiring a first and second images including a representation of the tracked object, a first image portion is identified in the first image, and a second image portion is retrieved from the key image. A relative pose of a first image portion of said second image, similar to the first image portion of the first image, is estimated. A second image portion of the first or second image, similar to the second image portion of the key image, is sought. The relative pose of the object is then estimated according to the relative poses of the first image portions and the second image portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Total Immersion
    Inventors: Nicolas Livet, Thomas Pasquier, Jérémy Chamoux
  • Systems and methods for haptic augmentation of voice-to-text conversion
    Patent number: 8902050
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing voice-to-text haptic augmentation in a user interface are disclosed. For example, one disclosed 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 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Erin Ramsay
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY OF MULTIPLE DATA CHANNELS ON A SINGLE HAPTIC DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20140347270
    Abstract: A system that produces a haptic effect and generates a drive signal that includes at least two haptic effect signals each having a priority level. The haptic effect is a combination of the haptic effect signals and priority levels. The haptic effect may optionally be a combination of the two haptic effect signals if the priority levels are the same, otherwise only the haptic effect signal with the highest priority is used. The frequency of haptic notifications may also be used to generate a drive signal using foreground and background haptic effect channels depending on whether the frequency ratio exceeds a foreground haptic effect threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David Birnbaum, Chris Ullrich, Jason Short, Ryan Devenish
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HAPTIC DATA ENCODING AND STREAMING
    Publication number: 20140347177
    Abstract: A method includes receiving digital content data including audio data and/or video data, generating haptic data using at least some of the received digital content data, encoding the haptic data for efficient transmission over a communication network, multiplexing the encoded haptic data with the received digital content data, embedding information for decoding the encoded haptic data in metadata of the multiplexed data stream, and sending the multiplexed data stream over the communication network. The method may include analyzing the haptic data to determine at least one characteristic of the haptic data, and the encoding the haptic data may include encoding, based on the determined characteristic, the haptic data to meet a pre-defined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Loc PHAN, Satvir Singh BHATIA, Stephen D. RANK, Christopher J. ULLRICH, Jean Francois DIONNE, Hugues Antoine OLIVER
  • Context-dependent haptic confirmation system
    Patent number: 8896524
    Abstract: A haptic confirmation system is provided that produces a confirmation haptic effect in response to a user interaction with a user interface element, where the confirmation haptic effect is based on context metadata. The context metadata is mapped to one or more haptic parameters. A haptic signal is generated based on the one or more haptic parameters. The haptic signal is sent to an actuator configured to receive the haptic signal. The actuator utilized the haptic signal to generate the confirmation haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David Birnbaum, Christopher J. Ullrich, Marcus Aurelius Bothsa
  • Haptic effects with proximity sensing
    Patent number: 8898564
    Abstract: A method of generating haptic effects on a device includes detecting the presence of an object near an input area of the device and generating a haptic effect on the device in response to the presence detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Pedro Gregorio, Robert Andre Lacroix
  • LOW-FREQUENCY EFFECTS HAPTIC CONVERSION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140340209
    Abstract: A system is provided that produces haptic effects. The system receives an audio signal that includes a low-frequency effects audio signal. The system further extracts the low-frequency effects audio signal from the audio signal. The system further converts the low-frequency effects audio signal into a haptic signal by shifting frequencies of the low-frequency effects audio signal to frequencies within a target frequency range of a haptic output device. The system further sends the haptic signal to the haptic output device, where the haptic signal causes the haptic output device to output one or more haptic effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert LACROIX, Satvir Singh BHATIA, David BIRNBAUM, Christopher J. ULLRICH, Amaya Becvar WEDDLE, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • Tool having multiple feedback devices
    Patent number: 8888763
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for managing how signals, which are sensed on a tool, are presented to an operator of the tool. According to one example of a method for managing signals, the method comprises allowing an operator to manipulate a tool having a plurality of output mechanisms mounted thereon. The method also includes sensing a property of an object located near or adjacent to a distal portion of the tool and processing the sensed property to obtain one or more output signals. Furthermore, the method includes applying the one or more output signals to one or more of the output mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Ramstein, Christopher J. Ullrich, Danny A. Grant
  • Piezoelectric actuator for haptic device
    Patent number: 8890666
    Abstract: A haptic device includes a flexible holder; an elongated piezo bender supported at one end thereof by the holder; a mass supported by the elongated piezo bender and positioned at an end of the elongated piezo bender opposite the end supported by the holder; and an electrical driving signal generator configured to generate a signal to create a vibration in the elongated piezo bender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Gregory Parker, Kohei Imoto, Allan Visitacion, Trevor Jones, Neil Olien, Jesica Ferro, Li Jiang
  • INTERACTIVITY MODEL FOR SHARED FEEDBACK ON MOBILE DEVICES
    Publication number: 20140333565
    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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Birnbaum, Chris Ullrich, Jason Short, Ryan Devenish
  • Haptic effect generation with an eccentric rotating mass actuator
    Patent number: 8884884
    Abstract: A haptically-enabled system includes a touch sensitive surface and an eccentric rotating mass (“ERM”) actuator coupled to the touch sensitive surface. The ERM actuator includes a motor, a housing and a constrained mass. The system further includes a drive circuit that creates a haptic effect on the touch sensitive surface by coupling an alternating current signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant
  • Interactive painting game and associated controller
    Patent number: 8884870
    Abstract: A gaming concept in which each user in a single-player or a multi-player game is enabled to create artwork or graffiti work virtually or on actual surfaces using haptic-enhanced controllers. The controllers can emulate the experience of using a marker, a paint brush, a paint spray-can or the like. The components of various controllers may be modularized for easily interchanging components to extend the art or graffiti creation experience. The real life experience of using ink or paint on a surface is simulated by haptic feedback. When a paint spray-can controller is used, the experience of paint consumption is recreated by various peripheral enhancements including audio and haptic sensations communicated to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Erin B. Ramsay, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, David Birnbaum, Robert W. Heubel, Hendrik Bartel, Christopher J. Ullrich
  • Haptic feedback using composite piezoelectric actuator
    Patent number: 8878806
    Abstract: An input/output device includes a touch sensitive layer configured to sense if an object touches the touch sensitive layer and to sense where the touch sensitive layer is contacted, a first electrode layer and second electrode layer, at least a portion of one of the first electrode layer and second electrode layer connected to at least a portion of the touch sensitive layer, and a composite piezoelectric layer connected between the first electrode layer and second electrode layer. The composite piezoelectric layer has a plurality of piezoelectric rods arranged in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix provides the composite piezoelectric layer with a predetermined property. A drive circuit is configured to apply an alternating voltage to the first electrode layer and second electrode layer in response to the sensed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Christophe Ramstein
  • SIMULATION OF TANGIBLE USER INTERFACE INTERACTIONS AND GESTURES USING ARRAY OF HAPTIC CELLS
    Publication number: 20140320436
    Abstract: A user interface device includes a flexible layer comprising a touch surface configured to receive a touch by a user, a plurality of haptic cells covered by the flexible layer, each haptic cell comprising a haptic output device, a sensor configured to sense an amount and/or rate of deformation of the flexible layer when a user touches the touch surface, and a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor, generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal from the sensor, and output the haptic control signal to at least one haptic output device of the plurality of haptic cells to cause the haptic output device to deform an associated haptic cell in response to the sensed deformation of the flexible layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Danny A. GRANT, Vincent LEVESQUE
  • PASSIVE STIFFNESS AND ACTIVE DEFORMATION HAPTIC OUTPUT DEVICES FOR FLEXIBLE DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20140320396
    Abstract: A system includes a flexible display configured to display an image and a sensor connected to the flexible display. The sensor is configured to sense an amount of flexure of the flexible display. A haptic output device is connected to the flexible display and is configured to change a resistance to movement of a first portion of the flexible display relative to a second portion of the flexible display upon receipt of a haptic control signal. The system includes a processor in signal communication with the flexible display, the sensor and the haptic output device. The processor is configured to receive an output signal from the sensor based on the amount of flexure and generate the haptic control signal based on the output signal from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • HAPTIC FEEDBACK FOR INTERACTIONS WITH FOLDABLE-BENDABLE DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20140320393
    Abstract: A flexible device includes a bendable-foldable display that has bendable flaps connected by a hinge. The display has sensors for detecting a folding characteristic between the at least two flaps and for detecting a bending characteristic in at least one flap. The display has a haptic system with haptic output devices, where the haptic system receives input from the sensors indicating deformation of the bendable-foldable display device. A flexible device also includes bendable, foldable, or rollable displays that have sensors and actuators to augment user interaction with the device. Based on one or more measurements provided by the input, the haptic system interprets the input to determine deformation characteristics of the bendable-foldable display device. The haptic system generates haptic feedback based on the deformation characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Vincent LEVESQUE, Danny GRANT, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ