Patents by Inventor Baptiste Merminod
Baptiste Merminod 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).
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Publication number: 20100187079Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Olivier Dumont, Baptiste Merminod, Alain Tabasso, Jean-Marc Flueckiger, Patrick Monney, Nicolas Chauvin, Gerd Schneider
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Patent number: 7688309Abstract: An optical displacement system for an input device of a host device includes a substrate; an aperture; a light source and a sensor chip attached to the substrate, an illumination optics to direct the light emitted by the light source to a surface of an object. The sensor chip is configured to receive at least part of the light emitted by the light source after the light has been scattered/reflected on the surface of the object.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Olivier Theytaz, Olivier Mathis, Baptiste Merminod, Niall White, Kevin Forde, Denis O'Keeffe
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Publication number: 20090079693Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling scrolling of a graphical object displayed on a computer monitor. The control device includes a housing; and a slider device disposed at a front portion of the housing configured to control scrolling of the graphical object on the monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Patrick Monney, Marc Bidiville, Philippe Junod, Baptiste Merminod, Antoine Merminod, Rolf Ambuehl, Guy Tiphane, Rene Sommer, Florian Kehlstadt, Laurent Plancherel
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Publication number: 20090079711Abstract: A control device includes a case having a bottom surface that has a front portion and a back portion; and a first friction pad and a second friction pad disposed on the front portion of the bottom surface. The first and second friction pads are configured to detect pressure from a user hand to power-up the control device. The first and second friction pads are also configured to detect the absence of the user hand and place the control device in a sleep mode based on the detection of the absence of the user hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Patrick Monney, Marc Bidiville, Philippe Junod, Baptiste Merminod, Antoine Merminod, Rolf Ambuehl, Guy Tiphane, Rene Sommer, Florian Kehlstadt, Laurent Plancherel
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Patent number: 7439954Abstract: In one embodiment of an optical pointing device, an illumination system includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is characterized by a unique set of illumination characteristics. Illumination characteristics include impinging angle, light wavelength, light homogeneity, and the like. A sensor receives electromagnetic energy originating at the light source to scan an imaged area. The sensor measures performance indexes associated with the light sources, which depend on the illumination characteristics. The sensor includes an imaging module, which may include passive filters, and control logic, which includes at least a DSP module and a light sensor selection module. Another embodiment includes additional signaling light sources that do not interfere with the illumination system and are for signaling to the user. A method to select the most adequate light source for any given surface is based on measured performance indices.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Olivier Theytaz, Olivier Mathis, Baptiste Merminod, Pascal Eichenberger
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Publication number: 20070139379Abstract: A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: June 21, 2007Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Florian Kehlstadt, Berni Joss, Julien Piot, Marc Bidiville, Laurent Plancherel, Baptiste Merminod, Jean-Luc Dupraz, Maxime Marini, Chiu Yu
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Patent number: 7170488Abstract: A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Florian Max Kehlstadt, Berni Joss, Julien Piot, Marc Bidiville, Laurent Plancherel, Baptiste Merminod, Jean-Luc Dupraz, Maxime Marini, Chiu Yu
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Patent number: 7131751Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing directed to an attachment system for use in an optical device. The attachment system mechanically couples a light source to an illumination lens using an attachment device. The attachment device can be an auto-centering device for reducing positional errors in a light beam emitted from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Logitech, Inc.Inventors: Olivier Theytaz, Pascal Eichenberger, Christian Blandin, Niall White, Baptiste Merminod, Olivier Egloff
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Publication number: 20060007148Abstract: An optical displacement system for an input device of a host device includes a substrate; an aperture; a light source and a sensor chip attached to the substrate, an illumination optics to direct the light emitted by the light source to a surface of an object. The sensor chip is configured to receive at least part of the light emitted by the light source after the light has been scattered/reflected on the surface of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2004Publication date: January 12, 2006Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Olivier Theytaz, Olivier Mathis, Baptiste Merminod, Niall White, Kevin Forde, Denis O'Keeffe
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Publication number: 20060001657Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling scrolling of a graphical object displayed on a computer monitor. The control device includes a housing; and a slider device disposed at a front portion of the housing configured to control scrolling of the graphical object on the monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2004Publication date: January 5, 2006Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Partick Monney, Marc Bidiville, Philippe Junod, Baptiste Merminod, Antoine Merminod, Rolf Ambuehl, Guy Tiphane, Rene Sommer, Florian Kehlstadt, Laurent Plancherel
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Publication number: 20050231482Abstract: In one embodiment of an optical pointing device, an illumination system includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is characterized by a unique set of illumination characteristics. Illumination characteristics include impinging angle, light wavelength, light homogeneity, and the like. A sensor receives electromagnetic energy originating at the light source to scan an imaged area. The sensor measures performance indexes associated with the light sources, which depend on the illumination characteristics. The sensor includes an imaging module, which may include passive filters, and control logic, which includes at least a DSP module and a light sensor selection module. Another embodiment includes additional signaling light sources that do not interfere with the illumination system and are for signaling to the user. A method to select the most adequate light source for any given surface is based on measured performance indices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: October 20, 2005Inventors: Olivier Theytaz, Olivier Mathis, Baptiste Merminod, Pascal Eichenberger
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Patent number: 6937225Abstract: The method and system serve to notify the user of an event through a control device. Active notification takes place even when the computer sound and screen are disabled, for example, when in a power saving mode or screen saving mode. Notification may include visual notification, audio notification, vibratory notification, or tactile notification. Tactile notification can also serve to provide a private notification system which will not alert or disturb other people in the vicinity of the user. Such tactile notification can be provided by means of a texture change in the surface of the control device. One way in which this could be done is by raising a plurality of pegs through the surface of a control device to change its texture.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Florian Kehlstadt, Antoine Merminod, Baptiste Merminod, Olivier Campiche, Julien Piot, Jean-Luc Dupraz, Laurent Plancherel, Guy Tiphane
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Patent number: 6879316Abstract: An input device with a pressure-sensitive element using a pressure sensing resistor. A solid elastomeric material is mounted over the pressure sensing resistor to transfer a force from the user's finger to the pressure sensitive resistor without visible deformation of the elastomeric material. This provides a comfortable button for a user which does not require the compression of a domed cap to provide pressure-sensing input. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure-sensing input element utilizes both the amount of pressure and the amount of time to determine the type of signal provided to the electronic system. In another aspect of the present invention, an input device contains a first scrolling element (e.g. a wheel) and includes a switch button mounted close to the scrolling element to activate continuous scrolling.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Logitech Europe, S.A.Inventors: Florian Max Kehlstadt, Baptiste Merminod, Laurent Plancherel, Emmanuel Dubois
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Patent number: 6809727Abstract: A roller on a mouse or other input device imparts a resistance effect to a user with low power. The invention uses an autoblocking mechanism, such as a brake, which derives the force from the force of the user's finger pushing against the autoblocking mechanism. In one embodiment, a braking mechanism using two small rollers biased against the bigger roller or wheel is used. As the user applies a turning force to the wheel, it wedges against one of the two small rollers, depending on the direction, providing the feeling of resistance to the user as the wheel is turned. In another embodiment of the invention, local feedback is provided on a ratchet-type effect. In another embodiment of the invention, feedback is provided through the roller even when the cause of the feedback is something other than the roller.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Julien Piot, Laurent Plancherel, Florian M. Kehlstadt, Marc A. Bidiville, Antoine Merminod, Baptiste Merminod
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Publication number: 20030107547Abstract: An input device with a pressure-sensitive element using a force-sensing resistor. A solid elastomeric material is mounted over the force-sensing resistor to transfer a force from the user's finger to the force-sensitive resistor without visible deformation of the elastomeric material. This provides a comfortable button for a user which does not require the compression of a domed cap to provide pressure-sensing input. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure-sensing input element utilizes both the amount of pressure and the amount of time to determine the type of signal provided to the electronic system. In another aspect of the present invention, an input device contains a first scrolling element (e.g. a wheel) and includes a switch button mounted close to the scrolling element to activate continuous scrolling.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Florian Max Kehlstadt, Baptiste Merminod, Laurent Plancherel, Emmanuel Dubois
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Publication number: 20030038774Abstract: A roller on a mouse or other input device imparts a resistance effect to a user with low power. The invention uses an autoblocking mechanism, such as a brake, which derives the force from the force of the user's finger pushing against the autoblocking mechanism. In one embodiment, a braking mechanism using two small rollers biased against the bigger roller or wheel is used. As the user applies a turning force to the wheel, it wedges against one of the two small rollers, depending on the direction, providing the feeling of resistance to the user as the wheel is turned. In another embodiment of the invention, local feedback is provided on a ratchet-type effect. In another embodiment of the invention, feedback is provided through the roller even when the cause of the feedback is something other than the roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Julien Piot, Laurent Plancherel, Florian M. Kehlstadt, Marc A. Bidiville, Antoine Merminod, Baptiste Merminod
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Publication number: 20020109672Abstract: A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Florian Max Kehlstadt, Berni Joss, Julien Piot, Marc Bidiville, Laurent Plancherel, Baptiste Merminod, Jean-Luc Dupraz, Maxime Marini, Chiu Yu