Patents by Inventor Douglas George BILLINGTON

Douglas George BILLINGTON 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: 10725548
    Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward techniques for isolating a user input signal at a haptic output device. A signal originating from a user input element associated with the haptic output device is received. The received signal is separated into a first component including the user input signal, and a second component including a haptic feedback signal. While the first component is processed, the second component can be discarded or otherwise ignored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Douglas George Billington, Stephen Rank, Daniel Parker, Aaron Kapelus
  • Patent number: 10627907
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a haptic effect at a user input element associated with a haptic output device are provided. A primary range and a secondary range of positions are defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device. In addition, a boundary range of positions is defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device, the boundary range partially overlapping each of the primary and secondary ranges. A position of the user input element is monitored, and the haptic effect rendered in response to an entry of the user input element to positions within the boundary range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Douglas George Billington, Aaron Kapelus, Stephen Rank, Daniel Parker
  • Patent number: 10452170
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling power and/or current consumption for multiple haptic output devices are provided. Various features of the haptic output device may be described within a data structure. In response to a haptic instruction, a power budget for the haptic output device may be determined in accordance with its operational characteristics. A drive signal may then be applied to the haptic output device to produce the haptic effect in accordance with the calculated power budget. The calculated power budget may be configured to limit the current or power drawn by the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Douglas George Billington, Stephen Rank
  • Publication number: 20190258328
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling power and/or current consumption for multiple haptic output devices are provided. Various features of the haptic output device may be described within a data structure. In response to a haptic instruction, a power budget for the haptic output device may be determined in accordance with its operational characteristics. A drive signal may then be applied to the haptic output device to produce the haptic effect in accordance with the calculated power budget. The calculated power budget may be configured to limit the current or power drawn by the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Srivatsav VENKATESAN, Kaniyalal SHAH, Douglas George BILLINGTON, Stephen RANK
  • Patent number: 10268286
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling power and/or current consumption for multiple haptic output devices are provided. Various features of the haptic output device may be described within a data structure. In response to a haptic instruction, a power budget for the haptic output device may be determined in accordance with its operational characteristics. A drive signal may then be applied to the haptic output device to produce the haptic effect in accordance with the calculated power budget. The calculated power budget may be configured to limit the current or power drawn by the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Douglas George Billington, Stephen Rank
  • Patent number: 10209774
    Abstract: A haptically-enabled system includes an actuator that has a first terminal and a second terminal. The second terminal is coupled to a voltage source, and a first switch is coupled to the first terminal and to ground. A second switch is coupled to the actuator. The second switch is parallel to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas George Billington, Kaniyalal Shah, Van Hilton Tran
  • Publication number: 20190041990
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a haptic effect at a user input element associated with a haptic output device are provided. A primary range and a secondary range of positions are defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device. In addition, a boundary range of positions is defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device, the boundary range partially overlapping each of the primary and secondary ranges. A position of the user input element is monitored, and the haptic effect rendered in response to an entry of the user input element to positions within the boundary range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Srivatsav VENKATESAN, Kaniyalal SHAH, Douglas George BILLINGTON, Aaron KAPELUS, Stephen RANK, Daniel PARKER
  • Publication number: 20180321751
    Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward techniques for isolating a user input signal at a haptic output device. A signal originating from a user input element associated with the haptic output device is received. The received signal is separated into a first component including the user input signal, and a second component including a haptic feedback signal. While the first component is processed, the second component can be discarded or otherwise ignored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Srivatsav VENKATESAN, Kaniyalal SHAH, Douglas George BILLINGTON, Stephen RANK, Daniel PARKER, Aaron KAPELUS
  • Patent number: 10073523
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a haptic effect at a user input element associated with a haptic output device are provided. A primary range and a secondary range of positions are defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device. In addition, a boundary range of positions is defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device, the boundary range partially overlapping each of the primary and secondary ranges. A position of the user input element is monitored, and the haptic effect rendered in response to an entry of the user input element to positions within the boundary range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Douglas George Billington, Stephen Rank, Daniel Parker, Aaron Kapelus
  • Patent number: 9996156
    Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward techniques for isolating a user input signal at a haptic output device. A signal originating from a user input element associated with the haptic output device is received. The received signal is separated into a first component including the user input signal, and a second component including a haptic feedback signal. While the first component is processed, the second component can be discarded or otherwise ignored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Douglas George Billington, Stephen Rank, Daniel Parker, Aaron Kapelus
  • Publication number: 20160195930
    Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward techniques for isolating a user input signal at a haptic output device. A signal originating from a user input element associated with the haptic output device is received. The received signal is separated into a first component including the user input signal, and a second component including a haptic feedback signal. While the first component is processed, the second component can be discarded or otherwise ignored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Srivatsav VENKATESAN, Kaniyalal SHAH, Douglas George BILLINGTON, Stephen RANK, Daniel PARKER, Aaron KAPELUS
  • Publication number: 20160179220
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling power and/or current consumption for multiple haptic output devices are provided. Various features of the haptic output device may be described within a data structure. In response to a haptic instruction, a power budget for the haptic output device may be determined in accordance with its operational characteristics. A drive signal may then be applied to the haptic output device to produce the haptic effect in accordance with the calculated power budget. The calculated power budget may be configured to limit the current or power drawn by the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Srivatsav VENKATESAN, Kaniyalal SHAH, Douglas George BILLINGTON, Stephen RANK
  • Publication number: 20160175705
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a haptic effect at a user input element associated with a haptic output device are provided. A primary range and a secondary range of positions are defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device. In addition, a boundary range of positions is defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device, the boundary range partially overlapping each of the primary and secondary ranges. A position of the user input element is monitored, and the haptic effect rendered in response to an entry of the user input element to positions within the boundary range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Douglas George Billington, Stephen Rank, Daniel Parker, Aaron Kapelus
  • Publication number: 20160103492
    Abstract: A haptically-enabled system includes an actuator that has a first terminal and a second terminal. The second terminal is coupled to a voltage source, and a first switch is coupled to the first terminal and to ground. A second switch is coupled to the actuator. The second switch is parallel to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas George BILLINGTON, Kaniyalal SHAH, Van Hilton TRAN
  • Patent number: 9218075
    Abstract: A haptically-enabled system includes an actuator that has a first terminal and a second terminal. The second terminal is coupled to a voltage source, and a first switch is coupled to the first terminal and to ground. A second switch is coupled to the actuator. The second switch is parallel to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas George Billington, Kaniyalal Shah, Van Hilton Tran
  • Patent number: 9196135
    Abstract: A haptic drive circuit includes a voltage input for receiving input power, a gate that compares a desired current level to an actual current level through the actuator, a switch coupled to the gate that interrupts or provides power from the voltage input to the actuator, and a current probe that detects the actual current level through the actuator with an output signal corresponding to the actual current level coupled to the gate. The gate compares the actual current level to the desired current level and causes the switch to interrupt input power when the actual current level is greater than the desired current level or to provide input power when the actual current level is less than or equal to the desired current level. The actual current through the circuit is a haptic signal causing a haptic actuator to generate a haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Kaniyalal Shah, Van Hilton Tran, Douglas George Billington
  • Publication number: 20150002278
    Abstract: A haptic drive circuit includes a voltage input for receiving input power, a gate that compares a desired current level to an actual current level through the actuator, a switch coupled to the gate that interrupts or provides power from the voltage input to the actuator, and a current probe that detects the actual current level through the actuator with an output signal corresponding to the actual current level coupled to the gate. The gate compares the actual current level to the desired current level and causes the switch to interrupt input power when the actual current level is greater than the desired current level or to provide input power when the actual current level is less than or equal to the desired current level. The actual current through the circuit is a haptic signal causing a haptic actuator to generate a haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Kaniyalal SHAH, Van Hilton TRAN, Douglas George BILLINGTON
  • Publication number: 20140117887
    Abstract: A haptically-enabled system includes an actuator that has a first terminal and a second terminal. The second terminal is coupled to a voltage source, and a first switch is coupled to the first terminal and to ground. A second switch is coupled to the actuator. The second switch is parallel to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas George BILLINGTON, Kaniyalal SHAH, Van Hilton TRAN