Patents Assigned to Immersion
  • CONTEXT-DEPENDENT HAPTIC CONFIRMATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140055358
    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: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: David BIRNBAUM, Christopher J. Ullrich, Marcus Aurelius Bothsa
  • Control wheel with haptic feedback
    Patent number: 8660748
    Abstract: A control wheel for controlling at least one function of a system by a user includes a moveable engagement wheel for engagement by the user and an actuator coupled to the engagement wheel for providing force or haptic feedback to the engagement wheel in response to movement of the engagement wheel. A sensor for sensing movement of the engagement wheel is provided and a control system is coupled to the sensor for receiving information about positioning and movement of the engagement wheel, and is also coupled to the actuator for controlling force to the engagement wheel. The control system also provides control of the at least one function of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Springer, Alexander Jasso, Steven P. Vassallo, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena
  • Piezo based inertia actuator for high definition haptic feedback
    Patent number: 8659210
    Abstract: A haptic device includes an elongated piezo bender supported by a first holder and a second holder. The first holder and the second holder being spaced apart from each other and located at or near opposite ends of the elongated piezo bender. A mass is supported by the elongated piezo bender and positioned in between the first holder and the second holder. The mass has a non-uniform thickness in a direction along a major axis of the elongated piezo bender. An electrical driving signal generator is configured to generate a signal to create a vibration in the elongated piezo bender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Daniel Gregory Parker, Neil Olien
  • Interactivity model for shared feedback on mobile devices
    Patent number: 8659571
    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: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David Birnbaum, Chris Ullrich, Jason Short, Ryan Devenish
  • Palpation algorithms for computer-augmented hand tools
    Patent number: 8652046
    Abstract: A method and system for performing minimally invasive tissue examination with a computer-assisted hand tool. The computer-assisted hand tool is moved into contact with the tissue under examination. An indication is received from a first sensor in the computer-assisted hand tool of each feature detected in a time interval during movement of the hand tool in contact with the tissue under examination. Each feature detected in the preset time interval is processed to determine a haptic feedback to provide to the user. A haptic feedback is generated and provided to the user via an actuator that is responsive to at least one feature detected in the time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Ramstein, Christopher J. Ullrich, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant
  • METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING A TEXTURED REPRESENTATION OF A REAL OBJECT
    Publication number: 20140043332
    Abstract: A particular subject of the invention is a method for generating a textured representation of a real object in a system comprising a data processing device linked to an image acquisition device. After receiving (310) a first image representing said real object in a given pose and after obtaining (320, 325, 330, 335) a second image representing said real object in a pose identical to said given pose, said second image being representative of the transparency of said real object in said given pose, said textured representation is generated (340) by combining said first and second images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: TOTAL IMMERSION
    Inventor: TOTAL IMMERSION
  • FORCE FEEDBACK SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTI-TASKING GRAPHICAL HOST ENVIRONMENT AND INTERFACE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140047333
    Abstract: A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts, where a single active application may output forces. A background application also provides force effects to be output and allows a user to assign force effects to graphical objects in a graphical user interface. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adam C. Braun, Jonathan L. Beamer, Louis B. Rosenberg, Dean C. Chang
  • System and method for providing haptic stimulus based on position
    Publication number: 20140043228
    Abstract: A method of producing a haptic effect includes receiving a sensory content signal from a user interface device, receiving a sensor signal of a body position of a first body part of a user with respect to a second body part of the user, generating the haptic effect using the sensory content signal and the sensor signal, and applying a drive signal to a haptic actuator to produce the haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
  • System and method for providing rotational haptic feedback
    Patent number: 8648829
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic cues to a touch-sensitive input device having a rotary degree of freedom are described. One described method includes the steps of receiving data from at least one packet, determining navigation within at least one list based at least in part on the data, and determining whether to output a haptic effect, the haptic effect based at least in part on the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J Shahoian, Alexander Jasso
  • Systems and Methods For Haptic Confirmation Of Commands
    Publication number: 20140039900
    Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic confirmation of commands are disclosed. For example a system for generating haptic effects to confirm receipt of a voice command includes a microphone; a housing configured to be contacted by a user, and an actuator in communication with the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the housing. The system also includes a processor in communication with the microphone and the actuator, the processor configured to receive speech information from the microphone; recognize the speech information and determine a command associated with the speech information. If the speech information is recognized and the command is determined, the processor is configured to generate a first actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a first haptic effect, and transmit the first actuator signal to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Erin Ramsay
  • SUSPENSION ELEMENT HAVING INTEGRATED PIEZO MATERIAL FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC EFFECTS TO A TOUCH SCREEN
    Publication number: 20140028573
    Abstract: A compliant suspension element is disclosed for use in mounting an electronic touch screen or touch surface. At least one compliant suspension element couples a touch screen and a housing component together such that the touch screen component is movable relative to the housing component. A segment of piezo material is coupled to opposing surfaces of the at least one suspension element for producing a force that moves the touch screen component relative to the housing component and thereby provide a haptic effect to a user of the touch screen component. In reaction to the force produced by the segments of piezo material, the at least one suspension element is configured to allow movement of the touch screen component relative to the housing component in a first direction and to limit movement between the touch screen component and the housing component in at least a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil Olien, Daniel Parker, Allan Visitacion, Trevor Jones, Frank Ye
  • Haptic interface for palpation simulation
    Patent number: 8638308
    Abstract: A method for interfacing a user with a computer running an application program, the computer generating a graphical environment comprising a graphical object and a graphical representation of at least a portion of a living body, comprises providing an object in communication with the computer, controlling the graphical object in relation to manipulation of at least a portion of the object by the user, and outputting a haptic sensation to the user when the graphical object interacts with a region within the graphical representation to provide the user with haptic feedback related to a simulated palpation of the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L Cunningham, Robert F Cohen, Russell H Dumas, Gregory L Merril, Philip G Feldman, Joseph L Tasto
  • Systems and methods for editing a model of a physical system for a simulation
    Patent number: 8639485
    Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a medical model of a physical system is disclosed. One disclosed system includes a graphical user interface configured to display at least one parameter associated with the medical model and receive a modification of the at least one parameter. The system also includes a processor configured to receive the modification of the at least one parameter from the graphical user interface and execute a simulation of a part of the medical model including the modification of the at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh Connacher, Robert B. Falk, Milan Ikits, Michael DiCuccio, Donald D. Nelson, Louai Adhami, Iyanka Ponnamperuma, Dhananjay Joshi, Lionel Grenier
  • Systems and methods for transmitting haptic messages
    Patent number: 8638301
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting haptic messages are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of: receiving at least one sensor signal from at least one sensor of a mobile device, the at least one sensor signal associated with a movement of the mobile device, determining a message to be displayed in a user interface based at least in part on the at least one sensor signal, and causing the message to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David Birnbaum, Chris Ullrich, Peter Rubin, Phong David Ngo, Leo Kopelow
  • HANDHELD COMPUTER INTERFACE WITH HAPTIC FEEDBACK
    Publication number: 20140022065
    Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Erin Ramsay, David M. Birnbaum, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Robert W. Heubel, Hendrik Bartel
  • GENERATING HAPTIC EFFECTS FOR DYNAMIC EVENTS
    Publication number: 20140015761
    Abstract: A system that generates a dynamic haptic effect for a dynamic event receives a first endpoint and a second endpoint for dynamic events. The first endpoint includes a first endpoint value and a corresponding first haptic effect, and the second endpoint includes a second endpoint value and a corresponding second haptic effect. The system receives a dynamic value for the dynamic event. The dynamic value is between the first endpoint value and the second endpoint value. The system then determines the dynamic haptic effect from the dynamic value by interpolating the dynamic haptic effect from the first haptic effect and the second haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jason D. Fleming
  • Systems And Methods For Compensating For Visual Distortion Caused By Surface Features On A Display
    Publication number: 20140015862
    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 ore 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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Birnbaum
  • Grommet suspension component and system
    Patent number: 8629954
    Abstract: A compliant grommet-based suspension system is disclosed for use in mounting an electronic touch screen or touch surface. The grommets may be designed to provide more or less movement in any direction, i.e., along the x-axis, the y-axis, and/or the z-axis, depending on the suspension application in which they are implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Olien, Daniel Parker, Allan Visitacion, Remy Pieron, Trevor Jones, Frank Ye
  • System and method for display of multiple data channels on a single haptic display
    Patent number: 8624864
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David Birnbaum, Chris Ullrich, Jason Short, Ryan Devenish
  • Virtual simulator having an eddy current brake for providing haptic feedback
    Patent number: 8624714
    Abstract: A virtual simulator includes a movable user object, an eddy current brake actuator, and a controller. The eddy current brake actuator includes an elongated conductor that is slidingly positioned within at least one magnet. The elongated conductor is coupled to the user object and movement of the user object causes the conductor to move through the at least one magnet which imparts a transient drag force on the conductor. The controller is electrically coupled to the user interface and to the at least one magnet. The controller monitors the velocity of the user object and controls a magnetic field of the at least one magnet to vary the drag force on the conductor in order to provide haptic feedback to a user that relates to force applied to the user object. The virtual simulator may include a display and be configured to perform a medical simulation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Gosline, Juan Manuel Cruz Hernandez