Patents Assigned to Immersion
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Tools With Haptic Feedback
    Publication number: 20110046659
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical tool includes a sensor that generates a signal in response to an interaction with the tool. The tool further includes a haptic feedback system that generates a haptic effect in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Ramstein, Christopher J. Ullrich, Anne DeGheest
  • Method And Apparatus For Providing Haptic Effects To A Touch Panel
    Publication number: 20110043474
    Abstract: A touch panel assembly includes a touch-sensitive panel oriented along a plane. An actuator includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion at least partially oriented parallel to the plane. The first portion and the second portion are coupled together with a biasing element. A first magnetic device is coupled to the first portion. A second magnetic device is coupled to the second portion and positioned adjacent to the first magnetic device. The first magnetic device configured to move the first portion in a first direction parallel to the plane when energized by a current to cause a haptic effect to be felt on the touch sensitive panel. The biasing element applies a biasing force which causes the first portion to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: George V. Anastas, Neil T. Olien
  • Tactile feedback interface device including display screen
    Patent number: 7889174
    Abstract: A control device including a housing and a carrier moveable with respect to the housing in a first rotary degree of freedom. A first sensor senses the movement of the carrier and outputs a first control signal. A roller rotatably coupled to the carrier rotates with the carrier in the first degree of freedom and rotates independently of the carrier in a second rotary degree of freedom. A second sensor senses rotary motion of the roller and outputs a second control signal. Preferably, an arm member coupled between carrier and housing pivots about an axis. A third sensor, such as a switch, can be used to detect when the carrier has been pushed in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane of rotation of the arm member. Force feedback can also be provided in the rotary degrees of freedom of the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Craig F. Culver
  • Haptic effects with proximity sensing
    Patent number: 7890863
    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: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Pedro Gregorio, Robert A. Lacroix
  • Interface For Controlling A Graphical Image
    Publication number: 20110032187
    Abstract: An interface device for interfacing a user with a computer, the computer miming an application program and generating a graphical image and a graphical object, comprises a user manipulatable object in communication with the computer, a sensor to detect a manipulation of the object, the sensor providing a signal to the computer to control the graphical image, and an actuator adapted to provide a haptic sensation to the palm of the user in relation to an interaction between the graphical image and the graphical object, the actuator comprising a member that is deformable to provide the haptic sensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Maier Maier, Lawrence Kuo
  • Systems And Methods For Piezo-Based Haptic Feedback
    Publication number: 20110025609
    Abstract: Systems and methods for piezo-based haptic feedback are disclosed. For example, one described apparatus for piezo-based haptic feedback includes a polymer matrix, and a piezoelectric actuator at least partially embedded within the polymer matrix, the piezoelectric actuator configured to output a haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny Grant
  • Interactive Touch Screen Gaming Metaphors With Haptic Feedback
    Publication number: 20110018697
    Abstract: A game is provided on one or more portable computing device in which a virtual object travels through views of the game displayed on the interfaces of the one or more portable computing devices. Haptic effects corresponding to the travel of the virtual object through the views are provided on the individual portable computing devices. The haptic effects may be determined based on one or more parameters of the travel of the virtual object, one or more parameters of objects and/or features with which the virtual object interacts, and/or other parameters. The haptic effects may include haptic effects to be provided on portable computing devices that are not currently displaying the virtual object corresponding to the haptic effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: David M. BIRNBAUM
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMPLEX HAPTIC STIMULATION DURING INPUT OF CONTROL GESTURES, AND RELATING TO CONTROL OF VIRTUAL EQUIPMENT
    Publication number: 20110021272
    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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel, David M. Birnbaum, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Pivotable computer interface
    Patent number: 7877243
    Abstract: A computer interface for use with a computer simulation system. The interface includes a first grip portion and a second grip portion pivotably coupled to the first grip portion. An actuator is coupled to at least one of the two grip portions and is configured to provide feedback to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil T. Olien, Pedro Gregorio, David W. Bailey, Steven P. Vassallo
  • Portable Metrology Device
    Publication number: 20110010957
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a portable metrology device are described. One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus including a first link, a first probe coupled with the first link by a first coupling operable to move in a first degree of freedom, a second probe coupled with the first link by a second coupling operable to move in a second degree of freedom, a first sensor operable to output a first sensor signal associated with a motion of the first coupling, and a second sensor operable to output a second sensor signal associated with a motion of the second coupling. The embodiment also includes a processor in communication with the first and second sensors and operable to: receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, and determine a distance between the first probe and the second probe based at least in part on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Gomez, Ryan Steger
  • Haptic interface for palpation simulation
    Patent number: 7864164
    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: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Cunningham, Robert F. Cohen, Russell H. Dumas, Gregory L. Merril, Philip G. Feldman, Joseph L. Tasto
  • Handheld weapons using tactile feedback to deliver silent status information
    Publication number: 20100325931
    Abstract: Handheld weapons using tactile feedback to deliver silent status information are described. One embodiment comprises a handheld weapon comprising: a housing comprising a user contactable region, a tactile element coupled to the user contactable region, and an actuator coupled to the tactile element and capable of outputting a haptic sensation localized to the tactile element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Louis B. Rosenberg
  • Audio/video entertainment system and method
    Patent number: 7859597
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for programming and/or charging one or more audio/video devices such that the audio/video devices will be programmed and charged to receive transmitted audio and video signals associated with an event, allowing a user to use the audio/video device to observe the sights and sounds of the event. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cart with a docking port for each of a plurality of personal audio/video devices, a charger configured to charge the power source of each personal audio/video display device, and programming logic configured to program each of the personal audio/video devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Mark A. Wood
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HAPTIC EFFECTS USING ACTUATORS
    Publication number: 20100309142
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of actuator control mechanisms for haptic effects are disclosed. The apparatus can include an actuator and a controller for controlling a haptic cell. Depending on the type of haptic effect desired, as well as the damping characteristics of the system, the controller can generate a kick-in pulse followed by a main pulse to create an increased acceleration response, and/or a breaking pulse to provide a damping effect for a short mechanical type of haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: IMMERSION Corporation, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HAPTIC EFFECTS USING ACTUATORS
    Publication number: 20100309141
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of actuator control mechanisms for haptic effects are disclosed. The apparatus can include an actuator and a controller for controlling a haptic cell. Depending on the type of haptic effect desired, as well as the damping characteristics of the system, the controller can generate a kick-in pulse followed by a main pulse to create an increased acceleration response, and/or a braking pulse to provide a damping effect for a short mechanical type of haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: IMMERSION Corporation, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel
  • Systems and Methods For Editing A Model Of A Physical System For A Simulation
    Publication number: 20100305928
    Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating a medical procedure are disclosed. For example, one described system for simulating a medical procedure includes a physics module configured to model at least one physical property of a user-defined organic object associated with a patient; a display module configured to cause a display of the user-defined organic object; a script module configured to execute a user-defined medical procedure script; a simulation module in communication with the physics module, the display module, and the script module, the simulation module configured to execute a simulation of the medical procedure based at least in part on the user-defined model of the organic object and the user-defined medical procedure script.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Cohen, Mark S. Meents, Walter E. Ratzat, Kenneth Heyman
  • Haptic feedback generation based on resonant frequency
    Patent number: 7843277
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect generates a drive cycle signal that includes a drive period and a monitoring period. The drive period includes a plurality of drive pulses that are based on the haptic effect. The system applies the drive pulses to a resonant actuator during the drive period and receives a signal from the resonant actuator that corresponds to the position of a mass in the actuator during the monitoring period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Pedro Gregorio, Danny A. Grant, Patrice Favreau, Eric Meunier
  • Method and apparatus for designing force sensations in force feedback computer applications
    Patent number: 7843424
    Abstract: A design interface tool for designing force sensations for use with a host computer and force feedback interface device. A force feedback device is connected to a host computer that displays the interface tool. Input from a user is received in the interface to select a type of force sensation to be commanded by a host computer and output by a force feedback interface device. Input, such as parameters, is then received from the user which designs and defines physical characteristics of the selected force sensation. A graphical representation of the characterized force sensation is displayed on the host computer which provides a visual demonstration of a feel of the characterized force sensation so that the user can view an effect of parameters on said force sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, Dean C. Chang
  • Method and apparatus for distributing haptic synchronous signals
    Patent number: 7839269
    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: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Steger, Barbara Kruse
  • Control wheel with haptic feedback
    Publication number: 20100288072
    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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Springer, Alexander Jasso, Steven P. Vassallo, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena