Patents by Inventor Jean-Francois Menard
Jean-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).
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Publication number: 20240016297Abstract: A motion simulator chair has a base and a seat. An actuator assembly is between the base and the seat, the actuator assembly including a frame connected to the base, a carrier connected to the seat. A linear actuator is operatively connected to the frame and to the carrier by a mechanism, the linear actuator operable to cause a movement of the carrier relative to the frame, the movement being at least partially vertical.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2022Publication date: January 18, 2024Inventors: Stephan GAGNON, Robert DESAUTELS, Jean-François MENARD
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Publication number: 20230274623Abstract: There is described a method for synchronizing a viewer-effect signal of a media content with a media signal of the media content. The method generally has: capturing an audio portion of the media signal from a surrounding environment using a microphone; obtaining a fingerprint from the captured audio portion of the media signal; from reference fingerprints associated with reference time positions of at least a reference media content, identifying a time position of the media content corresponding to the obtained fingerprint; obtaining the viewer-effect signal associated with the identified time position of the media content; and outputting the viewer-effect signal synchronized with the media signal using the identified time position of the media content for producing an effect to a viewer in synchronization with the media signal of the media content.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2020Publication date: August 31, 2023Applicant: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: André BEAUDIN, Jean-François MENARD, Jean-François CHARRON, Alexandre LOISEAU
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Patent number: 11532968Abstract: A linear actuator is configured to be connected between a platform and a structure or ground for displacement of the platform relative to the structure or the ground. The actuator comprises a base, and an output displaceable linearly relative to the base. A first plurality of idlers are on the base, and a second plurality of idlers are on the output. An actuator unit has a reciprocating rotational output. A tensioning member has a first end connected to the rotational output of the actuator unit, and a second end connected to an anchor point on one of the output and the base, the tensioning member being routed from the rotational output, through the first plurality of idlers and the second plurality of idlers and to the anchor point for converting a winding/unwinding of the tensioning member into a translation of the output.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Andre Beaudin, Ran Tao, Ala Eddine Limame
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Publication number: 20220305379Abstract: A method of producing a motion track for displacing a motion platform substantially synchronously with a predetermined media content may include: obtaining the media content; in response to receipt of the media content, generating a timeline for the media content based at least in part on a duration of the media content; receiving user input indicative of a plurality of motion samples to be added to the timeline, each associated with a respective point on the timeline; placing each of the motion samples on the timeline at the respective associated point on the timeline; and storing the plurality of motion samples, each in association with a respective time code representative of the respective associated point on the timeline of each of the motion samples, as part of the motion track.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Jean-François MENARD, Philippe ROY, Robert DESAUTELS
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Patent number: 11173410Abstract: A multi-platform vibro-kinetic system comprises a plurality of motion platforms each having actuators to be displaceable to produce vibro-kinetic effects. The system may obtain movements of one or more operator(s), interpret the movements of the operator and identifying from the movements an operator instruction for effect generation, and output a motion signal containing instructions for producing a vibro-kinetic effect on at least one of the motion platforms as a response to the operator instruction.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Jean-François Menard, Robert Desautels, Philippe Roy
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Patent number: 11140372Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for synchronizing motion data with an audio/video stream. An audio/video stream, which comprises at least one timing marker, is obtained. The audio/video stream is processed to detect the at least one timing marker. Motion data associated with the audio/video stream and timing information for the motion data are obtained, the timing information including timing information regarding the at least one timing marker. The audio/video stream, with the at least one timing marker detected, and the motion data, are output with the timing information.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Ala Eddine Limame, Jean-Francois Menard
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Patent number: 11137019Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Rousseau, Benoit Lupien, Steve Boulais, Jean-Francois Menard
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Publication number: 20210197095Abstract: A multi-platform vibro-kinetic system comprises a plurality of motion platforms each having actuators to be displaceable to produce vibro-kinetic effects. The system may obtain movements of one or more operator(s), interpret the movements of the operator and identifying from the movements an operator instruction for effect generation, and output a motion signal containing instructions for producing a vibro-kinetic effect on at least one of the motion platforms as a response to the operator instruction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2019Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventors: Jean-François MENARD, Robert DESAUTELS, Philippe ROY
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Publication number: 20210095715Abstract: A joint assembly comprises a rotational joint member configured to be connected to a first component. A housing is configured to be connected to a second component or ground and defining an inner cavity. A translating member is received in the inner cavity of the housing and connected to the rotational joint member for concurrent translation relative to the housing. One or more levels of balls in the inner cavity between a housing surface and a surface of the translating member to support the translation of the translating member in the housing. A motion simulator featuring one or more of the joint assemblies is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2018Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Stephan GAGNON, Jean-Francois MENARD
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Patent number: 10943446Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Pierre-Anthony Stivell Lemieux
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Patent number: 10746269Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Robert Rousseau, Steve Boulais, Benoit Lupien, Jean-Francois Menard
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Publication number: 20200144891Abstract: A linear actuator is configured to be connected between a platform and a structure or ground for displacement of the platform relative to the structure or the ground. The actuator comprises a base, and an output displaceable linearly relative to the base. A first plurality of idlers are on the base, and a second plurality of idlers are on the output. An actuator unit has a reciprocating rotational output. A tensioning member has a first end connected to the rotational output of the actuator unit, and a second end connected to an anchor point on one of the output and the base, the tensioning member being routed from the rotational output, through the first plurality of idlers and the second plurality of idlers and to the anchor point for converting a winding/unwinding of the tensioning member into a translation of the output.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2020Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Jean-Francois MENARD, Andre BEAUDIN, Ran TAO, Ala Eddine LIMAME
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Publication number: 20200126374Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Jean-Francois MENARD, Pierre-Antony Stivell LEMIEUX
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Patent number: 10515523Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Jean-François Menard, Pierre-Antony Stivell Lemieux
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Publication number: 20190373237Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for synchronizing motion data with an audio/video stream. An audio/video stream, which comprises at least one timing marker, is obtained. The audio/video stream is processed to detect the at least one timing marker. Motion data associated with the audio/video stream and timing information for the motion data are obtained, the timing information including timing information regarding the at least one timing marker. The audio/video stream, with the at least one timing marker detected, and the motion data, are output with the timing information.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: December 5, 2019Applicant: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Ala Eddine LIMAME, Jean-Francois MENARD
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Patent number: 10469977Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Francis Moreau, Robert Desautels
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Publication number: 20190149938Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2019Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Jean-Francois MENARD, Francis MOREAU, Robert DESAUTELS
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Patent number: 10212533Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Francis Moreau, Robert Desautels
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Publication number: 20180365940Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Jean-François MENARD, Pierre-Antony Stivell LEMIEUX
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Patent number: RE47822Abstract: In a building equipped with a plurality of motion-enabled chairs such as a movie theatre, the vibration of the motion-enabled chairs adds up and may damage the foundation of the building especially at the resonance frequency. The present application describes a system and method for controlling the resulting vibration by introducing an alteration such as a delay or an inversion in the motion signals sent to the motion-enabled chairs. This delay causes the vibration of some motion-enabled chairs to be de-phased from the vibration of the other motion-enabled chairs. Whereby, the intensity (magnitude) of the resulting vibration is reduced. Control of the motion-enabled chairs may be done centrally through a central controller, or locally at selected motion-enabled chairs.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Sylvain Trottier