Patents by Inventor Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez

Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez 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).

  • Method and system for providing haptic effects based on information complementary to multimedia content
    Patent number: 9652945
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing haptic effects based on information complementary to multimedia content. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving multimedia data comprising multimedia content and complementary data, wherein the complementary data describes the multimedia content, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the complementary data, and outputting the haptic effect while playing the multimedia content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Jamal Saboune
  • Haptic device with linear resonant actuator
    Patent number: 9652041
    Abstract: A haptic output device having an actuator and a processor is presented. The actuator is configured to generate a haptic effect. The processor is configured: (i) to communicate a driving signal to the actuator, wherein the driving signal comprises at least one cycle of a periodic signal, and wherein the driving signal has a first frequency that is different than a resonant frequency of the actuator; (ii) to determine, based on the first frequency of the driving signal, a starting time of a braking signal, wherein a frequency of the braking signal is the resonant frequency of the actuator; (iii) to determine, based on the first frequency of the driving signal, an amplitude of the braking signal; and (iv) to communicate the braking signal to the actuator at the determined starting time and at the determined amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
  • Systems and Methods for Multi-Pressure Interaction on Touch-Sensitive Surfaces
    Publication number: 20170131776
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-pressure interaction on touch-sensitive surfaces are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment of a method comprises receiving a first sensor signal from a touch-sensitive input device in response to a first contact of a first object on the touch-sensitive input device, the first sensor signal comprising a first location and a first pressure of the first contact, receiving a second sensor signal from the touch-sensitive input device in response to a second contact of a second object on the touch-sensitive input device substantially simultaneously with the first contact, the second sensor signal comprising a second location of the second contact and a second pressure of the second contact, generating a signal based at least in part on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, the signal configured to cause a haptic effect, and outputting the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Danny Grant, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Ali Modarres
  • Systems and methods for generating friction and vibrotactile effects
    Patent number: 9639158
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor configured to sense an input received from a user at a surface; a first haptic output device configured to generate a first haptic effect at the surface based on the input received from the user, the first haptic effect comprising a friction effect at the surface; a second haptic output device configured to generate a second haptic effect, the second haptic effect comprising vibrotactile feedback; and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the sensor and output a first drive signal to the first haptic output device to generate the first haptic effect and to output a second drive signal to the second haptic output device to generate the second haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Amaya Becvar Weddle, David M. Birnbaum, Danny A. Grant
  • MULTIPLE MODE HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170108931
    Abstract: A haptic effect device includes a housing and a touchscreen coupled to the housing through a suspension. An actuator is coupled to the touchscreen. The suspension is tuned so that when the actuator generates first vibrations at a first frequency, the first vibrations are substantially isolated from the housing and are applied on the touchscreen to simulate a mechanical button. Further, when the actuator generates second vibrations at a second frequency, the second vibrations are substantially passed through to the housing to create a vibratory alert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Pedro GREGORIO, Danny A. GRANT, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • Systems and methods for generating haptic effects associated with audio signals
    Patent number: 9619980
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating haptic effects associated with audio signals are disclosed. One disclosed system for outputting haptic effects includes a processor configured to: receive an audio signal; determine a haptic effect based in part on the audio signal by: identifying one or more components in the audio signal; and determining a haptic effect associated with the one or more components; and output a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Jamal Saboune, Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres
  • Sound to haptic effect conversion system using waveform
    Patent number: 9606627
    Abstract: A haptic conversion system is provided that intercepts frames of audio data, such as a digital audio signal, converts the frames into a haptic signal, and plays the created haptic signal through an actuator to produce haptic effects. The haptic signal is based on a maximum value of each audio data frame, which defines a magnitude of the haptic signal. The haptic signal is applied to the actuator configured to receive the haptic signal, where the actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the one or more haptic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Satvir Singh Bhatia, Kanav Gandhi, Christopher J. Ullrich, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Herve Thu Timone, Jason Hoi Fun Lau
  • Systems and methods for surface elements that provide electrostatic haptic effects
    Patent number: 9606624
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a processor configured to determine an electrostatic force (ESF)-based haptic effect and transmit a haptic signal associated with the ESF-based haptic effect. The illustrative system also includes an ESF controller in communication with the processor, the ESF controller configured to receive the haptic signal, determine an ESF signal based at least in part on the haptic signal, and transmit the ESF signal. The illustrative system further includes a surface configured to contact a user, and an ESF device coupled to the surface and in communication with the ESF controller, the ESF device configured to receive the ESF signal and output the ESF-based haptic effect on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Ali Modarres, Christopher Ullrich
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC EFFECTS IN RESPONSE TO DEFORMATION OF A COVER FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
    Publication number: 20170083092
    Abstract: A system includes an electronic device that includes a display screen, a cover configured to cover the display screen, a sensor configured to sense an input gesture comprising deformation and/or movement of the cover relative to the electronic device, and a processor configured to determine an action for the electronic device to perform based on the input gesture, to determine a haptic effect to generate based on the input gesture and/or the action for the electronic device to perform, and to initiate the action. The system also includes a haptic output device configured to generate the haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Vincent LEVESQUE, Jamal SABOUNE, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Abdelwahab HAMAM, Vahid KHOSHKAVA, Liwen WU
  • Systems and methods to generate haptic feedback for skin-mediated interactions
    Patent number: 9600083
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor configured to sense an input at a skin surface, a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor and generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal, and a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect based on the haptic control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Levesque, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
  • HAPTIC FEEDBACK IN A HAPTICALLY NOISY ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20170076564
    Abstract: A method for providing haptic feedback is provided for a device that produces haptic noise, such as a power tool with an electric motor that produces noises and vibrations while in operation. An environmental condition of the device can be sensed while the device is being operated and generating haptic noise. A haptic noise characteristic of the device can be determined. A haptic drive signal based on the environmental condition and haptic noise characteristic can be generated. The haptic drive signal can be applied to a haptic output device associated with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Vincent LEVESQUE, Jamal SABOUNE, Danny GRANT, Robert LACROIX, Abdelwahab HAMAM
  • CUSTOMIZING HAPTIC FEEDBACK IN LIVE EVENTS
    Publication number: 20170076565
    Abstract: A method of generating event identifiers includes receiving sensor information from tracked entities. Based on the sensor information for tracked entities, an event can be determined. An event ID can be assigned to the event based on the type of event that was determined. The event ID can be sent to a haptically enabled device, the device outputting a haptic effect determined from the event ID.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Jamal SABOUNE, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Liwen WU, Abdelwahab HAMAM
  • PROGRAMMABLE GAME-BASED HAPTIC ENABLED GUN CONTROLLER
    Publication number: 20170065881
    Abstract: Various systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons are provided. For example, a game controller may include a trigger, a processor within the body that receives a trigger signal when the trigger is activated by the user. The processor may communicate with a computer running a software program such as a gaming application, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor. The game controller may simulate a gun and generate a recoil effect. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by impacting a moving mass from a discharge end of the gun to a handle end of the gun. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by using a body part of a user as a tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Danny Grant, Erin Ramsay, Ali Modarres, David Birnbaum, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Robert W. Heubel, Hendrick Bartel
  • PARALLEL PLATE ACTUATOR
    Publication number: 20170060244
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to haptic actuators. For example, the application is directed to high performance parallel plate actuators, and more particularly an actuator that can be used to provide haptic feedback in a variety applications such as buttons, panels, track pads, touch panels, wearables, gaming devices and/or touch-sensitive surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Vahid KHOSHKAVA, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • HAPTIC FEEDBACK FOR INTERACTIONS WITH FOLDABLE-BENDABLE DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20170060248
    Abstract: A flexible device includes a bendable-foldable display that has bendable flaps connected by a hinge. The display has sensors for detecting a folding characteristic between the at least two flaps and for detecting a bending characteristic in at least one flap. The display has a haptic system with haptic output devices, where the haptic system receives input from the sensors indicating deformation of the bendable-foldable display device. A flexible device also includes bendable, foldable, or rollable displays that have sensors and actuators to augment user interaction with the device. Based on one or more measurements provided by the input, the haptic system interprets the input to determine deformation characteristics of the bendable-foldable display device. The haptic system generates haptic feedback based on the deformation characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Vincent LEVESQUE, Danny GRANT, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • BISTABLE HAPTIC FEEDBACK GENERATOR
    Publication number: 20170061753
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to haptic feedback generators, including bistable materials for providing haptic feedback to a user. Such haptic feedback generators are useful in structural materials, such as elements of wearables or accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Vahid KHOSHKAVA, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • Systems and methods for multi-pressure interaction on touch-sensitive surfaces
    Patent number: 9582178
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-pressure interaction on touch-sensitive surfaces are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment of a method comprises receiving a first sensor signal from a touch-sensitive input device in response to a first contact of a first object on the touch-sensitive input device, the first sensor signal comprising a first location and a first pressure of the first contact, receiving a second sensor signal from the touch-sensitive input device in response to a second contact of a second object on the touch-sensitive input device substantially simultaneously with the first contact, the second sensor signal comprising a second location of the second contact and a second pressure of the second contact, generating a signal based at least in part on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, the signal configured to cause a haptic effect, and outputting the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Ali Modarres
  • HAPTIC DEVICE WITH LINEAR RESONANT ACTUATOR
    Publication number: 20170052593
    Abstract: A haptic output device having an actuator and a processor is presented. The actuator is configured to generate a haptic effect. The processor is configured: (i) to communicate a driving signal to the actuator, wherein the driving signal comprises at least one cycle of a periodic signal, and wherein the driving signal has a first frequency that is different than a resonant frequency of the actuator; (ii) to determine, based on the first frequency of the driving signal, a starting time of a braking signal, wherein a frequency of the braking signal is the resonant frequency of the actuator; (iii) to determine, based on the first frequency of the driving signal, an amplitude of the braking signal; and (iv) to communicate the braking signal to the actuator at the determined starting time and at the determined amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
  • LOW-FREQUENCY EFFECTS HAPTIC CONVERSION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170053654
    Abstract: A system is provided that produces haptic effects. The system receives an audio signal that includes a low-frequency effects audio signal. The system further extracts the low-frequency effects audio signal from the audio signal. The system further converts the low-frequency effects audio signal into a haptic signal by shifting frequencies of the low-frequency effects audio signal to frequencies within a target frequency range of a haptic output device. The system further sends the haptic signal to the haptic output device, where the haptic signal causes the haptic output device to output one or more haptic effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Robert LACROIX, Satvir Singh BHATIA, David BIRNBAUM, Christopher J. ULLRICH, Amaya Becvar WEDDLE, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
  • Systems and methods for generating haptic effects associated with an envelope in audio signals
    Patent number: 9576445
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating haptic effects associated with envelopes in audio signals are disclosed. One disclosed system for outputting haptic effects includes a processor configured to: receive an audio signal; determine an envelope associated with the audio signal; determine a haptic effect based in part on the envelope; and output a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corp.
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Jamal Saboune