Patents Assigned to Immersion
  • Envelope modulator for haptic feedback devices
    Patent number: 8102364
    Abstract: An amplitude modulator circuit includes a reference oscillator and an envelope modulator coupled to the reference oscillator for receiving a reference signal. A microcontroller is coupled to the envelope modulator for providing an envelope signal to the envelope modulator and a low pass filter is coupled to the envelope modulator for receiving a modulated command from the envelope modulator. An inverter is coupled to the low pass filter for receiving a low passed envelope modulated signal from the low pass filter and a transducer or amplifier is coupled to the inverter and the low pass filter for receiving an inverted low passed signal and the low passed envelope modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Kollin M. Tierling
  • Method and apparatus for compensating for position slip in interface devices
    Patent number: 8103472
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for compensating for position slip in interface devices that may occur between a manipulandum and a sensor of the device due to a mechanical transmission. A device position delta is determined from a sensed position of a manipulandum of an interface device. It is determined if position slip has occurred caused by a change in position of the manipulandum that was not sensed by a sensor of the interface device, typically caused by a mechanical transmission between sensor and manipulandum. If position slip has occurred, an error in the sensed position caused by the position slip is corrected by adjusting the sensed position to take into account the position slip. The adjusted position delta is used as the position of the manipulandum and the display of objects controlled by the interface device are accordingly compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Adam C Braun, Kollin M Tierling, Kenneth M Martin, Bruce M Schena
  • Haptic feedback system with stored effects
    Patent number: 8098234
    Abstract: A haptic feedback system that includes a controller, a memory coupled to the controller, an actuator drive circuit coupled to the controller, and an actuator coupled to the actuator drive circuit. The memory stores at least one haptic effect that is executed by the controller in order to create a haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Lacroix, Pedro Gregorio, Kollin M. Tierling
  • Multi-touch device having dynamic haptic effects
    Patent number: 8098235
    Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Danny A. Grant
  • MULTIMODAL LAPAROSCOPIC ULTRASOUND DEVICE WITH FEEDBACK SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120010506
    Abstract: A laparoscopic tool or minimally invasive device is augmented with a forward looking ultrasonic transducer that is processed to extract information regarding subsurface structures and to generate haptic, audio, or visual effects to provide relevant feedback to a user that is operating the tool. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer detects the distance or depth of subsurface structures such as a luminal hollow structure or a tumor mass. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer extracts tissue identification information, tissue stiffness, velocity, or other pertinent information regarding subsurface structures that is subsequently communicated to the operator as haptic, audio, and/or visual feedback. The ultrasonic transducer may be operable in one or more modes, including A-mode or Doppler mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher J. Ullrich
  • Method and apparatus for distributing haptic synchronous signals
    Patent number: 8093995
    Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Steger, Barbara Kruse
  • Method and Apparatus for Generating Mood-Based Haptic Feedback
    Publication number: 20120001749
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating mood-based haptic feedback are disclosed. A haptic system includes a sensing device, a digital processing unit, and a haptic generator. The sensing device, in one embodiment, is configured to detect user's modalities in accordance with mood information collected by one or more sensors and capable of issuing a sensing signal in response to the user's modalities. The digital processing unit is capable of identifying a user's condition in accordance with the sensing signal and providing a haptic signal in response to the user's condition. The user's condition, in one aspect, indicates user's mood and/or user's psychological conditions. The haptic generator generates haptic feedback in accordance with the haptic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
  • HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM WITH STORED EFFECTS
    Publication number: 20110310043
    Abstract: A haptic feedback system that includes a controller, a memory coupled to the controller, an actuator drive circuit coupled to the controller, and an actuator coupled to the actuator drive circuit. The memory stores at least one haptic effect that is executed by the controller in order to create a haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Andre LACROIX, Pedro GREGORIO, Kollin M. TIERLING
  • Method and apparatus for controlling force feedback interface systems utilizing a host computer
    Patent number: 8077145
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and providing force feedback using an interface device manipulated by a user. A microprocessor is provided local to the interface device and reads sensor data from sensors that describes the position and/or other information about a user object moved by the user, such as a joystick. The microprocessor controls actuators to provide forces on the user object and provides the sensor data to a host computer that is coupled to the interface device. The host computer sends high level host commands to the local microprocessor, and the microprocessor independently implements a local reflex process based on the high level command to provide force values to the actuators using sensor data and other parameters. A provided host command protocol includes a variety of different types of host commands and associated command parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, Adam C. Braun, Mike D. Levin
  • Method and apparatus for providing haptic feedback to non-input locations
    Patent number: 8073501
    Abstract: Methods and Apparatus for providing haptic feedback to non-input locations are described. One described apparatus comprises a first surface, an input element distinct from the first surface, the input element operable to generate an input signal, and an actuator configured to provide haptic feedback to the first surface based at least in part on the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Kollin Tierling, Steve Vassallo, Kenneth M. Martin
  • Networked applications including haptic feedback
    Patent number: 8072422
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing peer-to-peer force feedback over a computer network. A network force feedback system includes a network, a first computer coupled to the network, and a second computer coupled to the network. The first and second computers each include a visual display and a force feedback interface device. Each computer provides a force feedback signal to its force feedback device based on information received from the other, remote computer and in some cases also based on input from the local force feedback device. Positional information of each force feedback device and/or feel sensation information can be transmitted between the computers over the network. A graphical environment can be displayed to enhance the interaction between users. The present invention therefore permits two computer users to interact using force feedback provided over a network on a peer-to-peer basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, Scott B. Brave, Sian W. Tan
  • Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls
    Patent number: 8063893
    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: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, James R. Riegel
  • Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments
    Patent number: 8063892
    Abstract: A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, 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. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J. Shahoian, Bruce M. Schena, Louis B. Rosenberg
  • Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls
    Patent number: 8059105
    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 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, James R. Riegel
  • Methods and systems for providing haptic messaging to handheld communication devices
    Patent number: 8059088
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, a method of providing haptic messaging to a hand communication device includes: associating an input signal with an event; determining a source of the event and selecting the control signal based on the determination; and outputting a control signal to an actuator coupled to the hand communication device. The control signal is configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the event. An event in the above may be a connection event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Eid, Shoichi Endo, Danny A. Grant
  • Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments
    Patent number: 8059104
    Abstract: A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, 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. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J. Shahoian, Bruce M. Schena, Louis B. Rosenberg
  • Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch control
    Patent number: 8049734
    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: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, James R. Riegel
  • Systems and Methods for Providing Haptic Effects
    Publication number: 20110264491
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic effects are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes a computer-readable medium having program code, the program code including program code defining a haptic widget. The haptic widget includes program code defining a haptic effect; program code defining an interface for the haptic widget; program code for receiving, via the interface, a configuration of at least one parameter of the haptic widget; program code for receiving, via the interface, a play command for the haptic effect; and program code for outputting, via the interface, a signal configured to cause the haptic effect, the signal based on the at least one parameter and in response to the play command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Birnbaum, Danny Grant, Christophe Ramstein, Christopher J. Ullrich
  • TRANSPARENT COMPOSITE PIEZOELECTRIC COMBINED TOUCH SENSOR AND HAPTIC ACTUATOR
    Publication number: 20110261021
    Abstract: A haptic device includes a substantially transparent composite piezoelectric cell configured to measure a deformation of a surface of the cell and to provide a haptic feedback effect as a result of the deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Christophe Ramstein, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC STIMULUS BASED ON POSITION
    Publication number: 20110244963
    Abstract: Haptic stimulus associated with other sensory content is generated for conveyance to one or more users with the other sensory content. This may enhance the experience provided to the one or more users by the content. The sensory content may include video content, video game content, audio content, and/or other content. The haptic stimulus may be varied based on position information. Such position information may include information related to the position of the one or more users, the position of a controller (e.g., a game controller), the position of an actuator delivering the haptic stimulus, and/or other position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny A. GRANT, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez