Patents by Inventor Marc Bidiville

Marc Bidiville 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: 20070069088
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling friction between a mouse and the surface upon which it is placed. Reduction of friction can be accomplished in several ways, including: making the feet of the mouse from various different materials, creating layers of air between the mouse and the surface, creating beveled edges for the feet of mouse, etc. In one embodiment, the feet of the mouse are made of a piezo-electric layer bonded to another layer made of a different material. Exciting the piezo-electric layer at certain frequencies makes the two layers shrink and expand differently, thus creating oscillations of the feet. In yet another embodiment, portions of the mouse feet are made of different materials with different coefficients of friction. These different portions of the feet can be pressed down onto the surface with varying amounts of pressure, thus altering the friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Tim O'Sullivan, Denis O'Keeffe, Darragh Luttrell, Martin Gleeson, Neil O'Connell, Jacques Dayer, Antoine Merminod
  • Patent number: 7170488
    Abstract: A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Florian Max Kehlstadt, Berni Joss, Julien Piot, Marc Bidiville, Laurent Plancherel, Baptiste Merminod, Jean-Luc Dupraz, Maxime Marini, Chiu Yu
  • Publication number: 20070018970
    Abstract: An optical feedback mechanism corresponding to a variation in input by a user's digit on an input element. The variation in input can be movement by the user's finger, or a change in the amount of pressure or force applied to a button. In one embodiment, the optical feedback is a linear light array adjacent a solid-state scroll/zoom sensor, with the light corresponding to the finger position. Alternately, a solid state button could provide feedback corresponding to the amount of pressure in the form of a change in intensity, color or blinking. In one embodiment, the input signal from an input element alternates between a scroll, zoom and/or other functions depending on the current application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Tabasso, Sergio Lazzarotto, Patrick Monney, Daniel Bonanno, Nicholas Chauvin, Olivier Mathis, Florian Kehlstadt, Marc Bidiville, Laurent Plancherel, Jean-Luc Dupraz, Maxime Marini
  • Publication number: 20060001657
    Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling scrolling of a graphical object displayed on a computer monitor. The control device includes a housing; and a slider device disposed at a front portion of the housing configured to control scrolling of the graphical object on the monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Partick Monney, Marc Bidiville, Philippe Junod, Baptiste Merminod, Antoine Merminod, Rolf Ambuehl, Guy Tiphane, Rene Sommer, Florian Kehlstadt, Laurent Plancherel
  • Patent number: 6552716
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing movement of an encoder. At least two sensors are mounted adjacent the encoder. Each of the sensors provides an output corresponding to the amount of movement. A pair of comparators are connected to the sensors to provide two signal outputs. The comparator outputs are then provided to a digital encoding circuit which encodes the signals as a multi-bit serial value on a single output line. The bit value can be read by forcing control pulses onto the output line through an input buffer connected to the same line. The use of the single output line eliminates the extra output pin of the prior art, enabling a three pin package to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Logitech Europe, S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Bernhard Joss
  • Publication number: 20020109672
    Abstract: A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Florian Max Kehlstadt, Berni Joss, Julien Piot, Marc Bidiville, Laurent Plancherel, Baptiste Merminod, Jean-Luc Dupraz, Maxime Marini, Chiu Yu
  • Patent number: 6300620
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating in at least one light emitter and light detector in a mouse design. This is done by using two conical shaped encoder wheels positioned so that they are almost touching each other. A single light emitter then is used to shine light at the junction, so that it passes through both cones. On the opposite side is a single chip, with two photodetectors integrated on each side. The chip is positioned so that light passing through the first conical encoder impinges on the first photodetector, while light passing through the second conical encoder impinges on the second photodetector. Thus, the two photodetectors can be integrated on a single chip, saving a separate photodetector chip. In addition, only a single LED is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Daniel Nicoud, René Sommer, Marc Bidiville
  • Patent number: 6248018
    Abstract: A micro-stick in which the movement of the micro-stick is detected inductively. The micro-stick is connected to an actuator element which varies interaction between an electromagnetic element and a number of conductive coils. In one embodiment, the coils are mounted on a printed circuit board mounted beneath the micro-stick. The micro-stick is mounted on a plate having a number of pins extending through the circuit board. On the other side of the circuit board is a flexible metal sheet which is contacted by the pins, and moved away from the coils in a direction in which the micro-stick is tilted. This increased separation of the metal sheet from the coils can then be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Florian Kehlstadt, Antoine Merminod, Marc Bidiville, René Sommer, Dénes Karaï
  • Patent number: 6225617
    Abstract: A method for generating quasi-sinusoidal signals includes illuminating an object capable of diffusely scattering light, focusing a portion of the scattered light on a multi-element sensor to form an image, and matching the image size to the size of the sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: René Dändliker, Marc Bidiville
  • Patent number: 6218659
    Abstract: A dual-layer optical ball for use in a cursor control pointing device. The ball is illuminated by a light source that emits light signals at, at least, a first wavelength, the ball having an inner layer surface that is capable of diffusing a light signal and an outer layer having a substantially smooth surface that surrounds the inner layer. The outer layer is substantially transparent to light at the first frequency. The inner layer diffuses the light signals at different intensities depending upon an the area of the inner surface that is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Eric Raeber, Javier Arreguit, Harthmuth Buczek, Floris A. Van Shaik, Francois Bauduin, Denis O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 6184870
    Abstract: An electronic mouse with an integral ball cage. The ball cage in one embodiment has integrally formed extensions having openings for enclosed shaft encoders and a pressure roller. The shaft encoders are preferably made of a single piece of plastic. The ball cage is preferably formed as part of the lower housing of the mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Kieran Devey, Denes Karai
  • Patent number: 6175360
    Abstract: An electronic mouse with an integral ball cage. The ball cage in one embodiment has integrally formed extensions having openings for enclosed shaft encoders and a pressure roller. The shaft encoders are preferably made of a single piece of plastic. The ball cage is preferably formed as part of the lower housing of the mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Kieran Devey, Denes Karai
  • Patent number: 6124587
    Abstract: A cursor control device for personal computers and workstations includes various embodiments, some of which include a patterned ball and some of which rely on other patterned surfaces, which recognizes changes in the position of the pattern relative to a sensor having an array of photosensitive elements. Circuitry associated with the sensor determines movement of the pattern across the array, and translates that movement into conventional cursor control signals supplied to a host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Logitech Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Eric Raeber, Javier Arreguit, Harthmuth Buczek, Floris A. Van Shaik, Fran.cedilla.ois Bauduin, Denis O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 6031218
    Abstract: A method for generating quasi-sinusoidal signals includes illuminating an object capable of reflecting light, focusing a portion of the reflected light on a multi-element detector to form an image, and matching the image size to the size of the detector elements. A first weighted sum of signals generated by a first set of elements produces an in-phase signal, and a second weighted sum of signals generated by a second set of elements produces a quadrature signal. Weights are signed quantities selected to exhibit a band-pass behavior in the spatial frequency domain, thereby attenuating noise generated by, for example, non-uniform surface reflectance and non-uniform illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien Piot, Rene Dandliker, Marc Bidiville
  • Patent number: 5911627
    Abstract: A joystick having an electromagnetic element coupled to a movable stick, with at least a pair of orthogonal coils on an underlying substrate. Alternately, the coils and electromagnetic elements can be reversed. The movement of the stick is detected by the amount of overlap of the electromagnetic element and the coils in each direction. The quality factor of the coil changes as more or less of the coil is overlapped, which can be measured by an electric circuit to determine the direction of movement and the amount of movement of the joystick. The electromagnetic element could be, for instance, a conductive steel plate, or a piece of another metal or of another conductive material, or ferrite particles. The coil could be wound (preferably on air only or, if needed to reach a higher value of inductance, on a magnetic core, provided this is small enough to not hide the effect of the mobile electromagnetic element).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien Piot, Patrick Favre, Marc Bidiville, Florian Kehlstadt, Antoine Merminod
  • Patent number: 5907152
    Abstract: An optical detection system particularly suited to us as a pointing device uses a photodetector array capable of generating a quasi-sinusoidal signal in response to illumination with an image of appropriate size. The detection system can use either coherent or non-coherent light, and existing textures in standard materials such as paper or printed patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Dandliker, Marc Bidiville
  • Patent number: 5854482
    Abstract: A cursor control device for personal computers and workstations includes various embodiments, some of which include a patterned ball and some of which rely on other patterned surfaces, which recognizes changes in the position of the pattern relative to a sensor having an array of photosensitive elements. Circuitry associated with the sensor determines movement of the pattern across the array, and translates that movement into conventional cursor control signals supplied to a host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Eric Raeber, Javier Arreguit, Harthmuth Buczek, Floris A. Van Shaik, Fran.cedilla.ois Bauduin, Denis O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 5729009
    Abstract: A method for generating quasi-sinusoidal signals includes illuminating an object capable of diffusely scattering Eight, focusing a portion of the scattered light on a multi-element sensor to form an image, and matching the image size to the size of the sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Dandliker, Marc Bidiville
  • Patent number: 5703356
    Abstract: A cursor control device for personal computers and workstations includes various embodiments, some of which include a patterned ball and some of which rely on other patterned surfaces, which recognizes changes in the position of the pattern relative to a sensor having an array of photosensitive elements. Circuitry associated with the sensor determines movement of the pattern across the array, and translates that movement into conventional cursor control signals supplied to a host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Eric Raeber, Javier Arreguit, Harthmuth Buczek, Floris A. Van Shaik, Fran.cedilla.ois Bauduin, Denis O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: RE37878
    Abstract: A pointing device including a ball engaging one or more shaft encoders, each shaft encoder having an encoding wheel, including a monolithic photosensitive array for detecting light pulses representative of rotary movement of the ball. The photosensitive array provides a plurality of resolutions and permits accurate tracking of rotary movement of the ball without need for a mask. Comparator and latch means operate on the output of the array and provides digital hysteresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Logitech Europe, S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Bidiville, Xavier Arreguit, Eric Vittoz