Patents by Inventor Michael D. Levin
Michael D. Levin 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: 20090079712Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventors: Michael D. Levin, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena, Adam C. Braun, Louis B. Rosenberg
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Patent number: 7489309Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Michael D. Levin, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena, Adam C. Braun, Louis B. Rosenberg
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Publication number: 20080158149Abstract: Systems and methods for virtual detents through vibrotactile feedback are described. One described method includes receiving an input signal comprising information associated with the manipulation of an input device and generating a signal configured to cause an actuator to provide a vibrotactile effect to the input device, the vibrotactile effect comprising a virtual detent.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventor: Michael D. Levin
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Patent number: 7245202Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic devices are described. One described method comprises receiving a first input signal from a first control node and generating an output signal configured to administer a haptic effect on a second control node that is based at least in part on the first input signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventor: Michael D. Levin
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Patent number: 7233313Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Michael D. Levin, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena, Adam C. Braun, Louis B. Rosenberg
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Patent number: 7104152Abstract: A haptic shift device for use in shift-by-wire systems in vehicles. The haptic shift device includes a shift lever manipulatable by a user. At least one sensor detects a position of the shift lever, and a transmission gear of the vehicle is caused to be changed based on the position of the shift lever. At least one electrically-controlled actuator outputs a force on the shift lever. In some embodiments, the shift lever is moveable within a pattern and is blocked from areas outside the boundaries of the pattern. The actuator(s) can be active or passive, and/or a variable mechanical gate can be used to implement the pattern. Provided shifting modes can include automatic, manual, and/or sequential modes. Other shifting modes can also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Michael D. Levin, Steven P. Vassallo
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Patent number: 6904823Abstract: A haptic shift device for use in shift-by-wire systems in vehicles. The haptic shift device includes a shift lever manipulatable by a user. At least one sensor detects a position of the shift lever, and a transmission gear of the vehicle is caused to be changed based on the position of the shift lever. At least one electrically-controlled actuator outputs a force on the shift lever. In some embodiments, the shift lever is moveable within a pattern and is blocked from areas outside the boundaries of the pattern. The actuator(s) can be active or passive, and/or a variable mechanical gate can be used to implement the pattern. Provided shifting modes can include automatic, manual, and/or sequential modes. Other shifting modes can also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Michael D. Levin, Steven P. Vassallo
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Publication number: 20040100440Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Michael D. Levin, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena, Adam C. Braun, Louis B. Rosenberg
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Patent number: 6686911Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2000Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Michael D. Levin, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena, Adam C. Braun, Louis B. Rosenberg
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Publication number: 20030188594Abstract: A haptic shift device for use in shift-by-wire systems in vehicles. The haptic shift device includes a shift lever manipulatable by a user. At least one sensor detects a position of the shift lever, and a transmission gear of the vehicle is caused to be changed based on the position of the shift lever. At least one electrically-controlled actuator outputs a force on the shift lever. In some embodiments, the shift lever is moveable within a pattern and is blocked from areas outside the boundaries of the pattern. The actuator(s) can be active or passive, and/or a variable mechanical gate can be used to implement the pattern. Provided shifting modes can include automatic, manual, and/or sequential modes. Other shifting modes can also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: October 9, 2003Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventors: Michael D. Levin, Steven P. Vassallo
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Patent number: 6380925Abstract: A mechanism for providing selective engagement of spring members to a user manipulatable object in a force feedback interface device. A moveable member included in a force feedback mechanism is moveable in a degree of freedom to transmit forces to the user manipulatable object, such as a joystick handle. A spring member can be selectively coupled and decoupled between a grounded member and the moveable member. The spring member provides a spring force on the moveable member that biases the joystick handle to a desired position, such as the center of the degree of freedom. A dynamic calibration procedure reduces inaccuracies when sensing the position of the user manipulandum by only reading new range limits when the actuator is not outputting a force in the direction of that limit.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Kenneth M. Martin, Michael D. Levin, Adam C. Braun
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Patent number: 6154201Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Michael D. Levin, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena, Adam C. Braun, Louis B. Rosenberg
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Patent number: 6104382Abstract: A mechanism for providing selective engagement of spring members to a user manipulatable object in a force feedback interface device. A moveable member included in a force feedback mechanism is moveable in a degree of freedom to transmit forces to the user manipulatable object, such as a joystick handle. A spring member can be selectively coupled and decoupled between a grounded member and the moveable member. The spring member provides a spring force on the moveable member that biases the joystick handle to a desired position, such as the center of the degree of freedom. A dynamic calibration procedure reduces inaccuracies when sensing the position of the user manipulandum by only reading new range limits when the actuator is not outputting a force in the direction of that limit.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Kenneth M. Martin, Michael D. Levin, Adam C. Braun
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Patent number: 5402834Abstract: Solutions are prepared by accurately dispensing and weighing concentrated solutions of salts, acids and bases as well as water or organic solvent, and mixing to achieve homogeneity. The final solution may be stored or used directly from the system.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1992Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Levin, William F. Richardson, Alan B. Todtenkopf