Patents by Inventor Adam Boulanger

Adam Boulanger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10850746
    Abstract: A notification control system (NCS) is configured to coordinate the delivery of notifications issued from a set of devices to the driver of a vehicle. The NCS registers all interactive devices residing in a vehicle and causes those devices to conform to specific directives generated by the NCS. The NCS analyzes and predicts the cognitive and emotional load on the driver and also estimates the cognitive and emotional impact on the driver potentially caused by any incoming notifications. The NCS then coordinates the delivery of notifications to the driver in a manner that avoids overwhelming the cognitive and/or emotional capacity of the driver. Accordingly, the NCS may avoid situations where device notifications cause the driver to unsafely divert attention away from driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stefan Marti, Adam Boulanger, Joseph Verbeke, Davide Di Censo, Mirjana Spasojevic, Jaime Elliot Nahman
  • Patent number: 10837944
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure set forth a resonator device for generating a resonance map of a surface. The resonator device includes an actuator mechanism that vibrates the surface. The resonator device further includes one or more sensors that detect a deflection of the surface responsive to the actuator mechanism vibrating the surface. The resonator device further includes a processor. The processor is configured to generate the resonance map based on the detected deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Adam Boulanger, Sven Kratz, Stefan Marti, Joseph Verbeke
  • Publication number: 20200269870
    Abstract: A system for interactions with an autonomous vehicle includes a proprioceptive device; and a controller. The controller is configured to: detect a first condition external to the autonomous vehicle; generate a first proprioceptive output in response to the first condition, the first proprioceptive output changing a shape of the proprioceptive device; receive a first input force from the proprioceptive device; determine a first user input based on the first input force; and, based on the first user input, cause the autonomous vehicle to perform a navigation action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph VERBEKE, Sven KRATZ, Adam BOULANGER, Neeka MANSOURIAN, Joshua SWEERS, Stefan MARTI
  • Patent number: 10728650
    Abstract: A head-worn audio system includes a first support frame; a first contact element coupled to the first support frame and configured to contact a first portion of a head of a user; a first actuator coupled to the first support frame and the first contact element; and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the first actuator and is configured to: generate a first actuator signal based on first information that is to be conveyed to the user; and transmit the first actuator signal to the first actuator, wherein the first actuator generates a first force on the first contact element based on the first actuator signal, the first force corresponding to the information to be conveyed to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Adam Boulanger, Joseph Verbeke, Stefan Marti, Davide Di Censo
  • Publication number: 20200236487
    Abstract: One or more embodiments include an audio processing system for generating an audio scene for an extended reality (XR) environment. The audio processing system determines that a first virtual sound source associated with the XR environment affects a sound in the audio scene. The audio processing system generates a sound component associated with the first virtual sound source based on a contribution of the first virtual sound source to the audio scene. The audio processing system maps the sound component to a first loudspeaker included in a plurality of loudspeakers. The audio processing system outputs at least a first portion of the component for playback on the first loudspeaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Sven KRATZ, Adam BOULANGER, Joseph VERBEKE, Stefan MARTI
  • Publication number: 20200233896
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a computer-implemented method for identifying an object within an environment comprising receiving, via at least one sensor, first sensor data associated with an environment, storing, in a memory, the first sensor data in association with a first scene, and in response to receiving a user request for information associated with the environment, selecting, based on the user request, the first scene, accessing, via the memory, the first sensor data associated with the first scene, and, analyzing the first sensor data to identify a first object included in the first scene, and causing information associated with the first object to be output via at least one output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Adam BOULANGER, Sven KRATZ, Joseph VERBEKE, Stefan MARTI
  • Patent number: 10694312
    Abstract: A wearable simulation system worn by a user outputs optical and acoustic signals that cause the user to perceive a simulation. The simulation may be an immersive virtual world or, alternatively, an augmentation to the real world. The wearable simulation system also captures acoustic and optical signals from the environment around the user and then selectively incorporates these signals into the simulation. Accordingly, the user may perceive the environment to a limited extent, while still remaining engaged with the simulation. At least one advantage of the disclosed techniques is that the wearable simulation system does not completely interfere with user perception of the environment, thereby reducing the risk of the user missing important real-world events or being otherwise unaware of such real-world events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph Verbeke, Adam Boulanger, Davide Di Censo, Stefan Marti
  • Patent number: 10671170
    Abstract: A system for directing a user to modify an aspect of a vehicle via haptic output. The system includes one or more haptic output devices disposed proximate to a vehicle device and configured to generate haptic output in response to a control signal. The system further includes a processor coupled to the one or more haptic output devices. The processor is configured to determine that a parameter associated with the vehicle device should be modified, and, in response to the determining, transmit the control signal to the one or more haptic output devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Boulanger, Joseph Verbeke, Stefan Marti, Davide Di Censo
  • Publication number: 20200169809
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a system comprising a speaker array, one or more sensors configured to produce sensor data, and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and the speaker array. The processor is configured to determine, based on the sensor data, for each speaker included in the speaker array, a position of the speaker relative to at least one of a target location, and one or more other speakers included in the speaker array, determine, based on the positions of the speakers included in the speaker array, a first set of directional sound components. The processor is further configured to generate a first set of speaker signals for the speaker array based on the first set of directional sound components, where, when outputted by the speaker array, the first set of speaker signals produces an acoustic field at the target location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Adam BOULANGER, Stefan MARTI, Joseph VERBEKE, Davide DI CENSO
  • Patent number: 10655978
    Abstract: An occupant sensor system is configured to collect physiological data associated with occupants of a vehicle and then use that data to generate driving decisions. The occupant sensor system includes physiologic sensors and processing systems configured to estimate the cognitive and/or emotional load on the vehicle occupants at any given time. When the cognitive and/or emotional load of a given occupant meets specific criteria, the occupant sensor system generates modifications to the navigation of the vehicle. In this manner, under circumstances where a human occupant of an autonomous vehicle recognizes specific events or attributes of the environment with which the autonomous vehicle maybe unfamiliar, the autonomous vehicle is nonetheless capable of making driving decisions based on those events and/or attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stefan Marti, Joseph Verbeke, Adam Boulanger, Sven Kratz
  • Patent number: 10643637
    Abstract: A method for identifying at least one characteristic of a sound-producing object includes storing, in a memory, audio data acquired from an auditory environment via at least one microphone; receiving an input indicating a user request to identify a characteristic of a sound-producing object included in the auditory environment; determining, via a processor and based on a portion of the audio data acquired from the auditory environment prior to the user request, the characteristic of the sound-producing object; and causing information corresponding to the characteristic of the sound-producing object to be output via at least one output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Boulanger, Joseph Verbeke, Stefan Marti, Davide Di Censo, Sven Kratz
  • Publication number: 20200037061
    Abstract: A head-worn audio system includes a first support frame; a first contact element coupled to the first support frame and configured to contact a first portion of a head of a user; a first actuator coupled to the first support frame and the first contact element; and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the first actuator and is configured to: generate a first actuator signal based on first information that is to be conveyed to the user; and transmit the first actuator signal to the first actuator, wherein the first actuator generates a first force on the first contact element based on the first actuator signal, the first force corresponding to the information to be conveyed to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Adam BOULANGER, Joseph VERBEKE, Stefan MARTI, Davide DI CENSO
  • Publication number: 20200037076
    Abstract: A head-worn audio system includes a support frame, a first contact element configured to contact a first portion of a head of a user, a first actuator coupled to the support frame and configured to move the first contact element, a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicating a first state of the first contact element and a second sensor signal indicating a second state of the first contact element, and a processor. The processor is communicatively coupled to the first actuator and the first sensor and is configured to cause the first actuator to move the first contact element from a first position that corresponds to the first state to a second position that corresponds to the second state, wherein, in the second state, the first contact element is in contact with the head of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Adam BOULANGER, Joseph VERBEKE, Stefan MARTI, Davide DI CENSO
  • Publication number: 20200031365
    Abstract: A notification control system (NCS) is configured to coordinate the delivery of notifications issued from a set of devices to the driver of a vehicle. The NCS registers all interactive devices residing in a vehicle and causes those devices to conform to specific directives generated by the NCS. The NCS analyzes and predicts the cognitive and emotional load on the driver and also estimates the cognitive and emotional impact on the driver potentially caused by any incoming notifications. The NCS then coordinates the delivery of notifications to the driver in a manner that avoids overwhelming the cognitive and/or emotional capacity of the driver. Accordingly, the NCS may avoid situations where device notifications cause the driver to unsafely divert attention away from driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Stefan MARTI, Adam BOULANGER, Joseph VERBEKE, Davide DI CENSO, Mirjana SPASOJEVIC, Jaime Elliot NAHMAN
  • Publication number: 20200013427
    Abstract: A method for identifying at least one characteristic of a sound-producing object includes storing, in a memory, audio data acquired from an auditory environment via at least one microphone; receiving an input indicating a user request to identify a characteristic of a sound-producing object included in the auditory environment; determining, via a processor and based on a portion of the audio data acquired from the auditory environment prior to the user request, the characteristic of the sound-producing object; and causing information corresponding to the characteristic of the sound-producing object to be output via at least one output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Adam BOULANGER, Joseph VERBEKE, Stefan MARTI, Davide DI CENSO, Sven KRATZ
  • Publication number: 20200003570
    Abstract: An occupant sensor system is configured to collect physiological data associated with occupants of a vehicle and then use that data to generate driving decisions. The occupant sensor system includes physiologic sensors and processing systems configured to estimate the cognitive and/or emotional load on the vehicle occupants at any given time. When the cognitive and/or emotional load of a given occupant meets specific criteria, the occupant sensor system generates modifications to the navigation of the vehicle. In this manner, under circumstances where a human occupant of an autonomous vehicle recognizes specific events or attributes of the environment with which the autonomous vehicle maybe unfamiliar, the autonomous vehicle is nonetheless capable of making driving decisions based on those events and/or attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Stefan MARTI, Joseph VERBEKE, Adam BOULANGER, Sven KRATZ
  • Publication number: 20190369731
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure sets forth a technique for delivering audio output and generates haptic sensations on or proximate to objects in an environment via which a user can perceive haptic sensations. The device includes transducer arrays that operate in various modalities, including generating audio output, generating haptic output, and sensing objects in the environment. When generating audio output, the transducer arrays produce ultrasonic waves that demodulate to produce audio output. When generating haptic output, the transducer arrays output directional haptic output to various locations to the environment using constructive and/or destructive interference. When sensing objects in the environment, the transducer arrays generate pings and detect ping echoes reflected off of objects in the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph Verbeke, Adam Boulanger, Stefan Marti, Davide Di Censo
  • Publication number: 20190352006
    Abstract: A drone speaker system is configured to deploy a fleet of drone speaker units. Each drone speaker unit includes a speaker configured to broadcast acoustic signals and a flight system configured to aerially transport a speaker. The drone speaker system initially generates a spatial map of a location where the drone speaker units are to be deployed. The drone speaker system then identifies suitable perching locations for the drone speaker units. Then, the drone speaker system deploys the fleet of drone speaker units to those perching locations to place one or more speakers. Once positioned in this manner, the speakers can generate a sound field. The drone speaker units may also reconfigure the speakers to achieve different sound fields having varying characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Sven KRATZ, Joseph VERBEKE, Stefan MARTI, Adam BOULANGER
  • Patent number: 10481858
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a personalization application provides emotionally personalized audio content to co-located users. In operation, the personalization application acquires first personalized audio content for a first user based on an emotional state associated with the first user. The personalization application then causes a first audio device associated with the first user to output the first audio content. In addition, the personalization application causes a second audio device associated with a second user that is co-located with the first user to output second audio content while the first audio devices outputs the first audio content. Notably, the second audio content is different from the first audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam Boulanger, Joseph Verbeke, Stefan Marti, Davide Di Censo
  • Publication number: 20190283780
    Abstract: A system for directing a user to modify an aspect of a vehicle via haptic output. The system includes one or more haptic output devices disposed proximate to a vehicle device and configured to generate haptic output in response to a control signal. The system further includes a processor coupled to the one or more haptic output devices. The processor is configured to determine that a parameter associated with the vehicle device should be modified, and, in response to the determining, transmit the control signal to the one or more haptic output devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Adam Boulanger, Joseph Verbeke, Stefan Marti, Davide Di Censo