Patents by Inventor Carl E. Picciotto

Carl E. Picciotto 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: 10416799
    Abstract: Inadvertent input control techniques are described. In one or more implementations, techniques are described that leverage force to determine a likelihood that a user intended to provide an input, e.g., a selection input (e.g., a “click”), gesture, lift off, and so forth. This is usable to identify taps, hovers, continuation of movement of a drag operation, and so on. Implementations are also discussed that leverage an n-manifold in the product space of contact size and signal strength that is usable to define a likelihood of whether a contact includes an application of force. A variety of other examples are also described, including cursor stability techniques that leverage force in order to control movement of a cursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Carl E. Picciotto, Robbie Edgar, Brian R. Cox, James C. Marshall, Flavio Protasio Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 10359848
    Abstract: Input device haptics and pressure sensing techniques are described. An input device includes an outer surface, a pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism, and a pressure sensing and haptic feedback module. The outer surface is configured to receive an application of pressure by an object. The pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism has one or more piezos configured to detect and quantify an amount of the application of the pressure to the outer surface by the object, the one or more piezos configured to output a signal indicating the quantified amount of the pressure. The pressure sensing and haptic feedback module is configured to receive the signal from the one or more piezos indicating the quantified amount of the pressure and control the haptic feedback of the pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew E. Winter, Brian Rush Cox, Launnie K E Ginn, David Otto Whitt, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Carl E. Picciotto, Gahn Gavyn Yun, John Jacob Nelson
  • Patent number: 10228770
    Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The flexible contact layer is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a capacitive sensor assembly arranged in an array that is configured to detect a location of an object that is proximal to a respective capacitive sensor of the capacitive sensor assembly and a pressure sensitive sensor assembly including a plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes that are configured to detect an amount of pressure applied by the object against a respective pressure sensitive sensor node of the pressure sensitive sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Shaw, James C. Marshall, Brian R. Cox, Carl E. Picciotto, Aric A. Fitz-Coy
  • Patent number: 10222889
    Abstract: Inadvertent input control techniques are described. In one or more implementations, techniques are described that leverage force to determine a likelihood that a user intended to provide an input, e.g., a selection input (e.g., a “click”), gesture, lift off, and so forth. This is usable to identify taps, hovers, continuation of movement of a drag operation, and so on. Implementations are also discussed that leverage an n-manifold in the product space of contact size and signal strength that is usable to define a likelihood of whether a contact includes an application of force. A variety of other examples are also described, including cursor stability techniques that leverage force in order to control movement of a cursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Carl E. Picciotto, Robbie Edgar, James C. Marshall
  • Patent number: 10061385
    Abstract: Techniques for haptic feedback for a touch input device are described. Generally, haptic feedback is provided for different user interactions with a touch input device, such as interactions with applications, services, and so forth. According to various embodiments, how haptic feedback is initiated depends on whether different functionalities directly support haptic feedback. For instance, techniques described herein enable haptic feedback to be provided whether or not a particular functionality directly supports haptic feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Anatoly Yuryevich Churikov, Flavio Protasio Ribeiro, Carl E. Picciotto, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Steven Nabil Bathiche
  • Publication number: 20180081477
    Abstract: The described technology provides an input apparatus for a computing device, the input apparatus including a touchpad configured to receive a force input, a hinge mechanism along a front edge of the touchpad, and one or more force sensitive elements along a rear edge of the touchpad. In one implementation, the force sensitive elements are piezo discs that also functions as haptic elements for providing a haptic feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Carl E. Picciotto, Launnie K.E. Ginn, Aric A. Fitz-Coy
  • Publication number: 20170255276
    Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The flexible contact layer is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a capacitive sensor assembly arranged in an array that is configured to detect a location of an object that is proximal to a respective capacitive sensor of the capacitive sensor assembly and a pressure sensitive sensor assembly including a plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes that are configured to detect an amount of pressure applied by the object against a respective pressure sensitive sensor node of the pressure sensitive sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. SHAW, James C. MARSHALL, Brian R. COX, Carl E. PICCIOTTO, Aric A. FITZ-COY
  • Publication number: 20170212591
    Abstract: Techniques for haptic feedback for a touch input device are described. Generally, haptic feedback is provided for different user interactions with a touch input device, such as interactions with applications, services, and so forth. According to various embodiments, how haptic feedback is initiated depends on whether different functionalities directly support haptic feedback. For instance, techniques described herein enable haptic feedback to be provided whether or not a particular functionality directly supports haptic feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Anatoly Yuryevich Churikov, Flavio Protasio Ribeiro, Carl E. Picciotto, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Steven Nabil Bathiche
  • Patent number: 9684382
    Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The flexible contact layer is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device. The flexible contact layer includes a force concentrator pad that is configured to cause pressure to be channeled through the force concentrator pad to cause the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate to initiate the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Shaw, James C. Marshall, Brian R. Cox, Carl E. Picciotto, Aric A. Fitz-Coy
  • Publication number: 20170102770
    Abstract: Input device haptics and pressure sensing techniques are described. An input device includes an outer surface, a pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism, and a pressure sensing and haptic feedback module. The outer surface is configured to receive an application of pressure by an object. The pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism has one or more piezos configured to detect and quantify an amount of the application of the pressure to the outer surface by the object, the one or more piezos configured to output a signal indicating the quantified amount of the pressure. The pressure sensing and haptic feedback module is configured to receive the signal from the one or more piezos indicating the quantified amount of the pressure and control the haptic feedback of the pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew E. Winter, Brian Rush Cox, Launnie K.E. Ginn, David Otto Whitt, III, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Carl E. Picciotto, Gahn Gavyn Yun, John Jacob Nelson
  • Publication number: 20160357297
    Abstract: Inadvertent input control techniques are described. In one or more implementations, techniques are described that leverage force to determine a likelihood that a user intended to provide an input, e.g., a selection input (e.g., a “click”), gesture, lift off, and so forth. This is usable to identify taps, hovers, continuation of movement of a drag operation, and so on. Implementations are also discussed that leverage an n-manifold in the product space of contact size and signal strength that is usable to define a likelihood of whether a contact includes an application of force. A variety of other examples are also described, including cursor stability techniques that leverage force in order to control movement of a cursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Carl E. Picciotto, Robbie Edgar, James C. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20160357296
    Abstract: Inadvertent input control techniques are described. In one or more implementations, techniques are described that leverage force to determine a likelihood that a user intended to provide an input, e.g., a selection input (e.g., a “click”), gesture, lift off, and so forth. This is usable to identify taps, hovers, continuation of movement of a drag operation, and so on. Implementations are also discussed that leverage an n-manifold in the product space of contact size and signal strength that is usable to define a likelihood of whether a contact includes an application of force. A variety of other examples are also described, including cursor stability techniques that leverage force in order to control movement of a cursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Carl E. Picciotto, Robbie Edgar, Brian R. Cox, James C. Marshall, Flavio Protasio Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 9448631
    Abstract: Input device haptics and pressure sensing techniques are described. An input device includes an outer surface, a pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism, and a pressure sensing and haptic feedback module. The outer surface is configured to receive an application of pressure by an object. The pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism has one or more piezos configured to detect and quantify an amount of the application of the pressure to the outer surface by the object, the one or more piezos configured to output a signal indicating the quantified amount of the pressure. The pressure sensing and haptic feedback module is configured to receive the signal from the one or more piezos indicating the quantified amount of the pressure and control the haptic feedback of the pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew E. Winter, Brian Rush Cox, Launnie K. E. Ginn, David Otto Whitt, III, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Carl E. Picciotto, Gahn Gavyn Yun, John Jacob Nelson
  • Publication number: 20160195955
    Abstract: Combined sensor systems are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The input device includes a combined sensor system having a capacitive sensor assembly to detect a location of an object proximate to a capacitive sensor and a pressure sensitive sensor assembly configured to detect an amount of pressure applied against a pressure sensitive sensor. The pressure sensitive sensors are interspersed with capacitive sensors in a geometric pattern that enables isolation of signals for pressure detection and capacitive sensing. The combined sensor system includes support structures proximate to the pressure sensitive sensors for pre-load control over force sensitive resistors of the flexible contact layer. The combined sensor system also includes adhesive disposed in association with positions of the capacitive sensors to stabilize capacitive sensing under the influence of pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Carl E. Picciotto, John Jacob Nelson, Brian R. Cox
  • Publication number: 20150227207
    Abstract: Input device haptics and pressure sensing techniques are described. An input device includes an outer surface, a pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism, and a pressure sensing and haptic feedback module. The outer surface is configured to receive an application of pressure by an object. The pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism has one or more piezos configured to detect and quantify an amount of the application of the pressure to the outer surface by the object, the one or more piezos configured to output a signal indicating the quantified amount of the pressure. The pressure sensing and haptic feedback module is configured to receive the signal from the one or more piezos indicating the quantified amount of the pressure and control the haptic feedback of the pressure sensor and haptic feedback mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew E. Winter, Brian Rush Cox, Launnie K. E. Ginn, David Otto Whitt, III, Aric A. Fitz-Coy, Carl E. Picciotto, Gahn Gavyn Yun, John Jacob Nelson
  • Patent number: 9013405
    Abstract: In embodiments of a touch-scrolling pad for computer input devices, a touch sensor strip detects touch contacts on a touch-scrolling pad that is implemented for vertical scrolling input and horizontal scrolling input. A selectable button positioned proximate below the touch sensor strip can be selected by an actuation depress input to the touch-scrolling pad. The touch-scrolling pad includes programmed instructions in firmware implemented to determine that a touch contact is one of a vertical scrolling input, a horizontal scrolling input, or the actuation depress input to actuate the selectable button. The touch-scrolling pad also includes a haptic system that generates haptic feedback responsive to either of the vertical scrolling input or the horizontal scrolling input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher H. Kujawski, Anthony A. Torrence, Yuan-Chou Chung, Carl E. Picciotto, Michael R. Schweers, Matthew G. Pedersen, Niño Aldrin L. Sarmiento, Martyn S. Jackson, Scott Mitchel Mail
  • Publication number: 20140022177
    Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The flexible contact layer is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device. The flexible contact layer includes a force concentrator pad that is configured to cause pressure to be channeled through the force concentrator pad to cause the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate to initiate the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy C. Shaw, James Charles Marshall, Brian Cox, Carl E. Picciotto, Aric Fitz-Coy
  • Patent number: 8532338
    Abstract: A method and system for compensating for motion blur in optical navigation adds a correction offset to an image navigation value to adjust for varying velocities along a moving web. Reference and comparison images are acquired at different times from a moving web. An optical navigation value is computed representative of the movement of the web from the reference image to the comparison image. Blur distances for the two images can be calculated. A navigation error correction value is computed as one-half the difference between the reference blur distance and the comparison blur distance. A compensated navigation value is computed by adding the error correction value to the computed navigation value to compensate for varying web velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Raymond G. Beausoleil, Jr., Jun Gao, Carl E. Picciotto
  • Publication number: 20130169424
    Abstract: In embodiments of a touch-scrolling pad for computer input devices, a touch sensor strip detects touch contacts on a touch-scrolling pad that is implemented for vertical scrolling input and horizontal scrolling input. A selectable button positioned proximate below the touch sensor strip can be selected by an actuation depress input to the touch-scrolling pad. The touch-scrolling pad includes programmed instructions in firmware implemented to determine that a touch contact is one of a vertical scrolling input, a horizontal scrolling input, or the actuation depress input to actuate the selectable button. The touch-scrolling pad also includes a haptic system that generates haptic feedback responsive to either of the vertical scrolling input or the horizontal scrolling input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher H. Kujawski, Anthony A. Torrence, Yuan-Chou Chung, Carl E. Picciotto, Michael R. Schweers, Matthew G. Pedersen, Niño Aldrin L. Sarmiento, Martyn S. Jackson, Scott Mitchel Mail
  • Patent number: 8100498
    Abstract: A reference image of an area of a print media is captured at approximately a first time by an image acquisition system. A first application of ink is applied onto the print media area by a printing assembly at the first time. A comparison image of the print media area is captured at a second time by the image acquisition system subsequent to the first application of ink onto the print media area. The reference image and the comparison image are processed to determine a relative displacement of a feature pattern on the print media between approximately the first time and the second time. A second application of ink from the printing assembly onto the print media is adjusted based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Carl E. Picciotto, Jun Gao