Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen

Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen 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: 20240053821
    Abstract: A method for compensating for a visual impairment in a virtual reality environment, by multiple computer systems associated with a head mounted display, including, rendering an image for display in a virtual reality environment, identifying, based at least in part on an input received by the head mounted display, a visual impairment associated with a user of the head mounted display, determining one or more visual adjustments to the head mounted display based on the identified visual impairment, and rendering an adjusted image for display in the virtual reality environment based on the one or more visual adjustments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: William Ka-Pui Yee, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen
  • Patent number: 11294485
    Abstract: Logic of a handheld controller can implement sensor fusion algorithms based on force data provided by a force sensing resistor (FSR) in combination with touch data or proximity data provided by a touch sensor or an array of proximity sensors, respectively. An example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to re-calibrate the FSR when an object contacts an associated control, as detected by the touch sensor. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to ignore spurious inputs detected by the FSR when an object is in contact with an adjacent control. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to detect a hand size of a hand grasping a handle of the controller, as detected by the array of proximity sensors, and to adjust the threshold force to register a FSR input event at the FSR according to the hand size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Dalton, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Scott Douglas Nietfeld, Jeffrey George Leinbaugh, Ian Campbell, Cheang Tad Yoo, Lawrence Yang, Jeffrey Walter Mucha
  • Patent number: 11052310
    Abstract: Various game controller hardware and user interface configurations are disclosed. Some configurations may comprise two circular trackpads, driven by the player's thumbs, which may be clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. Haptic feedback may be based on dual linear resonant actuators (e.g., by means of strong, weighted electro-magnets attached to each of the dual trackpads), capable of delivering a wide range of force and vibration, allowing control over frequency, amplitude, and direction of movement. The haptics-related components in certain implementations may also play audio waveforms and thereby function as speakers. In the center of the controller according to certain configurations may be another touch-enabled surface, this one backed by a display screen. In some configurations this entire screen itself may also be clickable, like a large single button. A variety of other exemplary implementations and configurations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Claire Michelle Gottschalk, Eric James Hope, Jeffrey Scott Keyzer, Scott Dalton
  • Patent number: 10888776
    Abstract: Described herein are, among other things, handheld controllers that include one or more touchpads (i.e., touch-sensitive controls) configured to detachably couple to one or more overlays that effectively transform the respective touchpad into a different control. For instance, one example handheld controller may include a circular trackpad that is configured to detect a position of a finger on a top surface of the trackpad. This position may be used to control a cursor or avatar, for scrolling, or for any other type of command. In general, most or all of the top surface may be usable by a user for providing input to the controller and/or a remote system coupled to the controller. As described herein, however, one or more different overlays may detachably couple to a housing of the controller and/or the trackpad itself to effectively change the use of the trackpad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Austin Palmer, Cheang Tad Yoo, Brian David Hensley, Michael J. Goerz, Scott Dalton, Ian Campbell, Christopher Lee Bjordhal, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen
  • Patent number: 10806993
    Abstract: Described herein are, among other things, handheld controllers that include housings having one or more receiver portions for detachably coupling to one or more controls. For example, a housing of one such controller may include, on a front surface of the housing, a receiver that is configured to detachably couple to one or more joysticks, one or more D-pads, one or more track pads, one or more buttons, and/or the like. In some instances, a user may swap a first control for a second control based on a current application (e.g., game title) that the user is playing, based on comfort of the user, and/or for any other reason.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Goerz, Ian Campbell, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Brian David Hensley, Scott Dalton, Christopher Lee Bjordhal, Gregory Martin Matelich, II
  • Patent number: 10790823
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a proximity sensor, a touch sensor, and one or more light emitting elements. The touch sensor may be configured to detect touch input provided on a surface of the electronic device at a location in front of the touch sensor for purposes of powering on the electronic device. Prior to powering on the electronic device, a location of the touch sensor may remain inconspicuous. When the proximity sensor detects an object, such as a user, which moves within a threshold distance from a surface of the electronic device, the location of the touch sensor can be made conspicuous. After the power switch is made conspicuous, the user is able to see where to provide touch input on the electronic device to power on the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Keyzer, Michael Jacob Goerz, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Brian David Hensley, Jason Beach
  • Publication number: 20200218377
    Abstract: Logic of a handheld controller can implement sensor fusion algorithms based on force data provided by a force sensing resistor (FSR) in combination with touch data or proximity data provided by a touch sensor or an array of proximity sensors, respectively. An example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to re-calibrate the FSR when an object contacts an associated control, as detected by the touch sensor. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to ignore spurious inputs detected by the FSR when an object is in contact with an adjacent control. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to detect a hand size of a hand grasping a handle of the controller, as detected by the array of proximity sensors, and to adjust the threshold force to register a FSR input event at the FSR according to the hand size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Scott Dalton, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Scott Douglas Nietfeld, Jeffrey George Leinbaugh, Ian Campbell, Cheang Tad Yoo, Lawrence Yang, Jeffrey Walter Mucha
  • Patent number: 10691233
    Abstract: Logic of a handheld controller can implement sensor fusion algorithms based on force data provided by a force sensing resistor (FSR) in combination with touch data or proximity data provided by a touch sensor or an array of proximity sensors, respectively. An example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to re-calibrate the FSR when an object contacts an associated control, as detected by the touch sensor. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to ignore spurious inputs detected by the FSR when an object is in contact with an adjacent control. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to detect a hand size of a hand grasping a handle of the controller, as detected by the array of proximity sensors, and to adjust the threshold force to register a FSR input event at the FSR according to the hand size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Dalton, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Scott Douglas Nietfeld, Jeffrey George Leinbaugh, Ian Campbell, Cheang Tad Yoo, Lawrence Yang, Jeffrey Walter Mucha
  • Publication number: 20200164269
    Abstract: Described herein are, among other things, handheld controllers that include one or more touchpads (i.e., touch-sensitive controls) configured to detachably couple to one or more overlays that effectively transform the respective touchpad into a different control. For instance, one example handheld controller may include a circular trackpad that is configured to detect a position of a finger on a top surface of the trackpad. This position may be used to control a cursor or avatar, for scrolling, or for any other type of command. In general, most or all of the top surface may be usable by a user for providing input to the controller and/or a remote system coupled to the controller. As described herein, however, one or more different overlays may detachably couple to a housing of the controller and/or the trackpad itself to effectively change the use of the trackpad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Austin Palmer, Cheang Tad Yoo, Brian David Hensley, Michael J. Goerz, Scott Dalton, Ian Campbell, Christopher Lee Bjordhal, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen
  • Patent number: 10639543
    Abstract: Described herein are, among other things, handheld controllers having touch-sensitive controls, as well as methods for use of the touch-sensitive controls and methods for assembling the handheld controllers. An example handheld controller may include a top-surface control (e.g., a “trigger button”) that includes a switch, a pressure sensor, and a touch sensor for detecting a presence, location, and/or gesture of a finger on the top-surface control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Campbell, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Brian David Hensley, Scott Dalton, Michael Jacob Goerz, Cheang Tad Yoo
  • Publication number: 20200086211
    Abstract: Described herein are, among other things, handheld controllers that include housings having one or more receiver portions for detachably coupling to one or more controls. For example, a housing of one such controller may include, on a front surface of the housing, a receiver that is configured to detachably couple to one or more joysticks, one or more D-pads, one or more track pads, one or more buttons, and/or the like. In some instances, a user may swap a first control for a second control based on a current application (e.g., game title) that the user is playing, based on comfort of the user, and/or for any other reason.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Goerz, Ian Campbell, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Brian David Hensley, Scott Dalton, Christopher Lee Bjordhal
  • Publication number: 20190299094
    Abstract: Various game controller hardware and user interface configurations are disclosed. Some configurations may comprise two circular trackpads, driven by the player's thumbs, which may be clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. Haptic feedback may be based on dual linear resonant actuators (e.g., by means of strong, weighted electro-magnets attached to each of the dual trackpads), capable of delivering a wide range of force and vibration, allowing control over frequency, amplitude, and direction of movement. The haptics-related components in certain implementations may also play audio waveforms and thereby function as speakers. In the center of the controller according to certain configurations may be another touch-enabled surface, this one backed by a display screen. In some configurations this entire screen itself may also be clickable, like a large single button. A variety of other exemplary implementations and configurations are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Claire Michelle Gottschalk, Eric James Hope, Jeffrey Scott Keyzer, Scott Dalton
  • Publication number: 20190291000
    Abstract: Described herein are, among other things, handheld controllers having touch-sensitive controls, as well as methods for use of the touch-sensitive controls and methods for assembling the handheld controllers. An example handheld controller may include a top-surface control (e.g., a “trigger button”) that includes a switch, a pressure sensor, and a touch sensor for detecting a presence, location, and/or gesture of a finger on the top-surface control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Ian Campbell, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Brian Hensley, Scott Dalton, Michael Jacob Goerz, Cheng Tad Yoo
  • Patent number: 10328344
    Abstract: Various game controller hardware and user interface configurations are disclosed. Some configurations may comprise two circular trackpads, driven by the player's thumbs, which may be clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. Haptic feedback may be based on dual linear resonant actuators (e.g., by means of strong, weighted electro-magnets attached to each of the dual trackpads), capable of delivering a wide range of force and vibration, allowing control over frequency, amplitude, and direction of movement. The haptics-related components in certain implementations may also play audio waveforms and thereby function as speakers. In the center of the controller according to certain configurations may be another touch-enabled surface, this one backed by a display screen. In some configurations this entire screen itself may also be clickable, like a large single button. A variety of other exemplary implementations and configurations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Scott Dalton, Claire Michelle Gottschalk, Eric James Hope, Jeffrey Keyzer
  • Publication number: 20180264357
    Abstract: Logic of a handheld controller can implement sensor fusion algorithms based on force data provided by a force sensing resistor (FSR) in combination with touch data or proximity data provided by a touch sensor or an array of proximity sensors, respectively. An example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to re-calibrate the FSR when an object contacts an associated control, as detected by the touch sensor. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to ignore spurious inputs detected by the FSR when an object is in contact with an adjacent control. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to detect a hand size of a hand grasping a handle of the controller, as detected by the array of proximity sensors, and to adjust the threshold force to register a FSR input event at the FSR according to the hand size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Scott Dalton, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Scott Douglas Nietfeld, Jeffrey George Leinbaugh, Ian Campbell, Cheang Tad Yoo, Lawrence Yang, Jeffrey Walter Mucha
  • Publication number: 20150105152
    Abstract: Various game controller hardware and user interface configurations are disclosed. Some configurations may comprise two circular trackpads, driven by the player's thumbs, which may be clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. Haptic feedback may be based on dual linear resonant actuators (e.g., by means of strong, weighted electro-magnets attached to each of the dual trackpads), capable of delivering a wide range of force and vibration, allowing control over frequency, amplitude, and direction of movement. The haptics-related components in certain implementations may also play audio waveforms and thereby function as speakers. In the center of the controller according to certain configurations may be another touch-enabled surface, this one backed by a display screen. In some configurations this entire screen itself may also be clickable, like a large single button. A variety of other exemplary implementations and configurations are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: JEFFREY PETER BELLINGHAUSEN, Scott Dalton, Claire Michelle Gottschalk, Eric James Hope, Jeffrey Keyzer
  • Patent number: 8616974
    Abstract: Separate active and passive controllers each detect a generated magnetic field. The active controller phase corrects the detected magnetic field information transmitted from the passive controller and uses that to calculate the position and orientation of the passive controller. The active controller also phase corrects its own detected magnetic field information and uses that to calculate its position and orientation. The active controller transmits each of these calculated positions and orientations to a video game system directly or indirectly through the source of the generated magnetic field. The video game system is thus informed of the position and orientation of each of the active and passive controllers. Alternatively, the active controller creates a signal matrix using the phase corrected information and the position and orientation of a controller is calculated by either the source of the generated magnetic field or the video game system using the signal matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sixense Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Rubin, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen
  • Patent number: D740825
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: VALVE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Claire Michelle Gottschalk, Eric James Hope, Jeffrey Keyzer, Amy Narae Kim, Pierre-Loup Miguel Griffais
  • Patent number: D766902
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: VALVE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Claire Michelle Gottschalk, Eric James Hope, Jeffrey Keyzer, Amy Narae Kim
  • Patent number: D873845
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Keyzer, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Brian David Hensley, Michael J. Goerz, Jason Beach