Patents by Inventor Francois Menard

Francois Menard 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).

  • Publication number: 20190149938
    Abstract: A method for synchronizing an output of a motion signal with a virtual reality program being played comprises mixing a multi-channel audio output of the virtual reality program into at least one mixed audio track. A time position of the virtual reality program being played is obtained using the at least one mixed audio track. A motion signal corresponding to virtual reality program being played and synchronized with the identified time position of the virtual reality program being played is obtained, the motion signal comprising motion platform actuator-driving instructions. The motion signal is output to an actuation system of a motion platform for producing vibro-kinetic effects in the motion platform corresponding to and synchronized with the virtual reality program being played. A motion controller for synchronizing an output of a motion signal with a virtual reality program being played is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Jean-Francois MENARD, Francis MOREAU, Robert DESAUTELS
  • Patent number: 10212533
    Abstract: A method for synchronizing an output of a motion signal with a virtual reality program being played comprises mixing a multi-channel audio output of the virtual reality program into at least one mixed audio track. A time position of the virtual reality program being played is obtained using the at least one mixed audio track. A motion signal corresponding to virtual reality program being played and synchronized with the identified time position of the virtual reality program being played is obtained, the motion signal comprising motion platform actuator-driving instructions. The motion signal is output to an actuation system of a motion platform for producing vibro-kinetic effects in the motion platform corresponding to and synchronized with the virtual reality program being played. A motion controller for synchronizing an output of a motion signal with a virtual reality program being played is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Francis Moreau, Robert Desautels
  • Publication number: 20180365940
    Abstract: The present document describes a device and method for synchronizing a motion signal corresponding to a media content with a media signal for the media content, the motion signal being for controlling a motion feedback system. The method comprises: receiving a portion of the media signal; obtaining a fingerprint corresponding to the received portion of the media signal; from reference fingerprints associated with time positions of at least one reference media content, identifying a reference time position of the media content corresponding to the obtained fingerprint; obtaining the motion signal associated with the identified reference time position of the media content; and outputting the motion signal synchronized with the media signal using the identified reference time position of the media content for controlling the motion feedback system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Jean-François MENARD, Pierre-Antony Stivell LEMIEUX
  • Publication number: 20180332425
    Abstract: A method for synchronizing an output of a motion signal with a virtual reality program being played comprises mixing a multi-channel audio output of the virtual reality program into at least one mixed audio track. A time position of the virtual reality program being played is obtained using the at least one mixed audio track. A motion signal corresponding to virtual reality program being played and synchronized with the identified time position of the virtual reality program being played is obtained, the motion signal comprising motion platform actuator-driving instructions. The motion signal is output to an actuation system of a motion platform for producing vibro-kinetic effects in the motion platform corresponding to and synchronized with the virtual reality program being played. A motion controller for synchronizing an output of a motion signal with a virtual reality program being played is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Jean-Francois MENARD, Francis MOREAU, Robert DESAUTELS
  • Publication number: 20180320734
    Abstract: A joint assembly between a first component and a second component comprises a ball portion configured to be connected to the first component. A socket is configured to be connected to the second component or ground and comprises a socket base, a socket cover, and a spherical joint cavity within the assembled socket base and socket cover to receive the ball portion to form a spherical joint. At least one biasing member is in the joint assembly. A clamp clamps the socket base to the socket cover such that the at least one biasing member biases the socket base and the socket cover toward one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Robert ROUSSEAU, Benoit LUPIEN, Steve BOULAIS, Jean-Francois MENARD
  • Publication number: 20180299622
    Abstract: Hybrid optical integration places very strict manufacturing tolerances and performance requirements upon the multiple elements to exploit passive alignment techniques as well as having additional processing requirements. Alternatively, active alignment and soldering/fixing where feasible is also complex and time consuming with 3, 4, or 6-axis control of each element. However, microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems can sense, control, and activate mechanical processes on the micro scale. Beneficially, therefore the inventors combine silicon MEMS based micro-actuators with silicon CMOS control and drive circuits in order to provide alignment of elements within a silicon optical circuit either with respect to each other or with other optical elements hybridly integrated such as compound semiconductor elements. Such inventive MEMS based circuits may be either maintained as active during deployment or powered off once the alignment has been “locked” through an attachment/retention/latching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, FRÉDERIC NABKI, MICHAËL MÉNARD, MARTIN BÉRARD
  • Patent number: 10089841
    Abstract: The present document describes a device and method for synchronizing a motion signal corresponding to a media content with a media signal for the media content, the motion signal being for controlling a motion feedback system. The method comprises: receiving a portion of the media signal; obtaining a fingerprint corresponding to the received portion of the media signal; from reference fingerprints associated with time positions of at least one reference media content, identifying a reference time position of the media content corresponding to the obtained fingerprint; obtaining the motion signal associated with the identified reference time position of the media content; and outputting the motion signal synchronized with the media signal using the identified reference time position of the media content for controlling the motion feedback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jean-François Menard, Pierre-Anthony Stivell Lemieux
  • Patent number: 10012295
    Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a motor having an output. An end block is connected to a casing and to the motor and has a counterbore at a distal end with a bearing seated and retained in the counterbore. A coupling assembly couples the output shaft of the motor to a threaded shaft for transmission of the rotational output to the threaded shaft. A sliding tube is in sliding arrangement with the inner cavity of the casing for moving in translation relative to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Rousseau, Steve Boulais, Pierre Senecal, Jean-Francois Menard, Christian Roy
  • Publication number: 20180070157
    Abstract: Data center interconnections, which encompass WSCs as well as traditional data centers, have become both a bottleneck and a cost/power issue for cloud computing providers, cloud service providers and the users of the cloud generally. Fiber optic technologies already play critical roles in data center operations and will increasingly in the future. The goal is to move data as fast as possible with the lowest latency with the lowest cost and the smallest space consumption on the server blade and throughout the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, MARTIN BÉRARD, JONATHAN BRIERE
  • Patent number: 9878264
    Abstract: A system for providing motion signals indicative of a motion to be performed by the motion platforms synchronously with video images comprising an input interface for extracting a motion signal from the input signal. A server provides a network address to each motion platform. A motion platform interface has control ports connected to arrays of motion platforms. Each motion platform being connected one to another by a wired connection according to a control protocol. The motion platform interface individually actuates each of the motion platforms by providing a client motion signal to each motion platform comprising the motion signal with a respective network address. Each motion platform is managed according to a respective feedback signal comprising the provided network address of each motion platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Senecal, Bruno Paillard, Martin Simoneau, Jean-Francois Menard
  • Publication number: 20170307054
    Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a motor for producing a bi-directional rotational output. A casing is connected to the motor at a proximal end, the casing having an inner cavity defining a joint surface. A threaded shaft is within the inner cavity of the casing and actuated by the motor for rotation. A sliding tube assembly has a sliding tube in sliding arrangement with the inner cavity of the casing for moving in translation in an axial direction relative to the casing. A pair of traveling nuts is connected to the sliding tube assembly for moving with the sliding tube in the axial direction, the traveling nuts being operatively engaged to the threaded shaft for converting a rotational motion of the threaded shaft into a translation of the sliding tube, the traveling nuts being on opposite sides of a member of the sliding tube assembly connecting the traveling nuts to the sliding tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Robert ROUSSEAU, Steve BOULAIS, Benoit LUPIEN, Jean-Francois MENARD
  • Publication number: 20170200354
    Abstract: The present document describes a device and method for synchronizing a motion signal corresponding to a media content with a media signal for the media content, the motion signal being for controlling a motion feedback system. The method comprises: receiving a portion of the media signal; obtaining a fingerprint corresponding to the received portion of the media signal; from reference fingerprints associated with time positions of at least one reference media content, identifying a reference time position of the media content corresponding to the obtained fingerprint; obtaining the motion signal associated with the identified reference time position of the media content; and outputting the motion signal synchronized with the media signal using the identified reference time position of the media content for controlling the motion feedback system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Jean-François MENARD, Pierre-Anthony Stivell LEMIEUX
  • Patent number: 9692664
    Abstract: A number of users interface with a network via a multiplex module, on a communication path established between the multiplex module and a point of presence. Some users may be served by one or more first channels of the communication path while one or more remaining users may be served by one or more additional channels of the communication path. Users having a basic service level agreement may be served by the first channels while users having an extended service level agreement may be served by the one or more additional channels. Allocation of users to distinct channel types based on their service level agreements may apply at a primary point of presence or may apply at a redundant point of presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Menard
  • Patent number: 9641454
    Abstract: A number of users interface with a network via a multiplex module, on a communication path established between the multiplex module and a point of presence. Some users may be served by one or more first channels of the communication path while one or more remaining users may be served by one or more additional channels of the communication path. Users having a basic service level agreement may be served by the first channels while users having an extended service level agreement may be served by the one or more additional channels. Allocation of users to distinct channel types based on their service level agreements may apply at a primary point of presence or may apply at a redundant point of presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Menard
  • Patent number: 9640046
    Abstract: The present document describes a device and method for synchronizing a motion signal corresponding to a media content with a media signal for the media content, the motion signal being for controlling a motion feedback system. The method comprises: receiving a portion of the media signal; obtaining a fingerprint corresponding to the received portion of the media signal; from reference fingerprints associated with time positions of at least one reference media content, identifying a reference time position of the media content corresponding to the obtained fingerprint; obtaining the motion signal associated with the identified reference time position of the media content; and outputting the motion signal synchronized with the media signal using the identified reference time position of the media content for controlling the motion feedback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Pierre-Anthony Stivell Lemieux
  • Publication number: 20170078220
    Abstract: A number of users interface with a network via a multiplex module, on a communication path established between the multiplex module and a point of presence. Some users may be served by one or more first channels of the communication path while one or more remaining users may be served by one or more additional channels of the communication path. Users having a basic service level agreement may be served by the first channels while users having an extended service level agreement may be served by the one or more additional channels. Allocation of users to distinct channel types based on their service level agreements may apply at a primary point of presence or may apply at a redundant point of presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventor: FRANCOIS MENARD
  • Publication number: 20170019168
    Abstract: Data center interconnections, which encompass WSCs as well as traditional data centers, have become both a bottleneck and a cost/power issue for cloud computing providers, cloud service providers and the users of the cloud generally. Fiber optic technologies already play critical roles in data center operations and will increasingly in the future. The goal is to move data as fast as possible with the lowest latency with the lowest cost and the smallest space consumption on the server blade and throughout the network. Accordingly, it would be beneficial for new fiber optic interconnection architectures to address the traditional hierarchal time-division multiplexed (TDM) routing and interconnection and provide reduced latency, increased flexibility, lower cost, lower power consumption, and provide interconnections exploiting N×M×D Gbps photonic interconnects wherein N channels are provided each carrying M wavelength division signals at D Gbps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, MARTIN BERARD
  • Publication number: 20170017042
    Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to fully exploit the transmission capacity of optical fibers. State of the art systems in long-haul networks now have aggregated capacities of terabits per second. Moreover, by providing multiple independent multi-gigabit channels, WDM technologies offer service providers with a straight forward way to build networks and expand networks to support multiple clients with different requirements. In order to reduce costs, enhance network flexibility, reduce spares, and provide re-configurability many service providers have migrated away from fixed wavelength transmitters, receivers, and transceivers, to wavelength tunable transmitters, receivers, and transceivers as well as wavelength dependent add-drop multiplexer, space switches etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, MARTIN BERARD
  • Patent number: 9509397
    Abstract: A number of users interface with a network via a multiplex module, on a communication path established between the multiplex module and a point of presence. Some users may be served by one or more first channels of the communication path while one or more remaining users may be served by one or more additional channels of the communication path. Users having a basic service level agreement may be served by the first channels while users having an extended service level agreement may be served by the one or more additional channels. Allocation of users to distinct channel types based on their service level agreements may apply at a primary point of presence or may apply at a redundant point of presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Menard
  • Publication number: 20160050016
    Abstract: A number of users interface with a network via a multiplex module, on a communication path established between the multiplex module and a point of presence. Some users may be served by one or more first channels of the communication path while one or more remaining users may be served by one or more additional channels of the communication path. Users having a basic service level agreement may be served by the first channels while users having an extended service level agreement may be served by the one or more additional channels. Allocation of users to distinct channel types based on their service level agreements may apply at a primary point of presence or may apply at a redundant point of presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventor: FRANCOIS MENARD