Patents by Inventor Michael Greenish

Michael Greenish 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: 20190041992
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a back electromotive force (“EMF”) of the ERM actuator during operation of the device and receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. Based on the determined back EMF, the system determines if the ERM actuator is spinning and varies the voltage amplitude level based on the back EMF to generate a varied haptic effect signal, where the varying includes, when the ERM actuator is determined to be spinning, reducing the voltage amplitude level compared to when the ERM actuator is determined to not be spinning. The system then applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Robert A. LACROIX, Michael A. GREENISH, Erin B. RAMSAY
  • Patent number: 10101815
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a back electromotive force (“EMF”) of the ERM actuator during operation of the device and receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. Based on the determined back EMF, the system determines if the ERM actuator is spinning and varies the voltage amplitude level based on the back EMF to generate a varied haptic effect signal, where the varying includes, when the ERM actuator is determined to be spinning, reducing the voltage amplitude level compared to when the ERM actuator is determined to not be spinning. The system then applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Lacroix, Michael A. Greenish, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Publication number: 20180246573
    Abstract: One illustrative electrostatic actuator disclosed herein includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first insulation layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first resilient material between the first electrode and the second electrode, a third electrode, a second insulation layer between the second electrode and the third electrode, and a second resilient material between the second electrode and the third electrode. The first electrode and the third electrode receive power from a power supply and responsively generate a first polarity. The second electrode receives power from the power supply and responsively generates a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity. The first polarity and the second polarity generate a first attractive force between the first electrode and the second electrode and a second attractive force between the second electrode and the third electrode. The electrostatic actuator may be part of a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Olien, Michael A. Greenish
  • Publication number: 20180150140
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a back electromotive force (“EMF”) of the ERM actuator during operation of the device and receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. Based on the determined back EMF, the system determines if the ERM actuator is spinning and varies the voltage amplitude level based on the back EMF to generate a varied haptic effect signal, where the varying includes, when the ERM actuator is determined to be spinning, reducing the voltage amplitude level compared to when the ERM actuator is determined to not be spinning. The system then applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Robert A. LACROIX, Michael A. GREENISH, Erin B. RAMSAY
  • Patent number: 9983672
    Abstract: One illustrative electrostatic actuator disclosed herein includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first insulation layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first resilient material between the first electrode and the second electrode, a third electrode, a second insulation layer between the second electrode and the third electrode, and a second resilient material between the second electrode and the third electrode. The first electrode and the third electrode receive power from a power supply and responsively generate a first polarity. The second electrode receives power from the power supply and responsively generates a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity. The first polarity and the second polarity generate a first attractive force between the first electrode and the second electrode and a second attractive force between the second electrode and the third electrode. The electrostatic actuator may be part of a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Olien, Michael A Greenish
  • Patent number: 9921656
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a back electromotive force (“EMF”) of the ERM actuator during operation of the device and receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. Based on the determined back EMF, the system determines if the ERM actuator is spinning and varies the voltage amplitude level based on the back EMF to generate a varied haptic effect signal, where the varying includes, when the ERM actuator is determined to be spinning, reducing the voltage amplitude level compared to when the ERM actuator is determined to not be spinning. The system then applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Lacroix, Michael A. Greenish, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 9866149
    Abstract: A system that includes an actuator amplification apparatus and a push pull actuator disposed on or within the actuator amplification apparatus. The actuator amplification apparatus is configured to receive a push pull actuator. The actuator amplification apparatus includes a body fixture configured to attach the actuator amplification apparatus to a fixed mass, an output interface to attach the actuator amplification apparatus to a moving mass, and an integral amplification mechanism. The integral amplification mechanism of the actuator amplification apparatus amplifies a force output by the push pull actuator to the moving mass. The integral amplification mechanism includes a plurality of linkages or an integral lever arm. The actuator amplification apparatus may include stabilizers configured to limit movement of the push pull actuator. In an embodiment, the fixed mass is a dashboard frame of an automobile and the moving mass is a floating haptic touch screen assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Parker, Kohei Imoto, Elena Redelsheimer, Aaron Kapelus, Michael Greenish
  • Publication number: 20170269694
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a back electromotive force (“EMF”) of the ERM actuator during operation of the device and receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. Based on the determined back EMF, the system determines if the ERM actuator is spinning and varies the voltage amplitude level based on the back EMF to generate a varied haptic effect signal, where the varying includes, when the ERM actuator is determined to be spinning, reducing the voltage amplitude level compared to when the ERM actuator is determined to not be spinning. The system then applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Robert A. LACROIX, Michael A. GREENISH, Erin B. RAMSAY
  • Patent number: 9710065
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect on a device using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines an acceleration of the device during operation of the device and receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage output level. The system varies the voltage output level parameter based at least on determined acceleration, and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Lacroix, Michael A. Greenish, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Publication number: 20160224115
    Abstract: One illustrative electrostatic actuator disclosed herein includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first insulation layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first resilient material between the first electrode and the second electrode, a third electrode, a second insulation layer between the second electrode and the third electrode, and a second resilient material between the second electrode and the third electrode. The first electrode and the third electrode receive power from a power supply and responsively generate a first polarity. The second electrode receives power from the power supply and responsively generates a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity. The first polarity and the second polarity generate a first attractive force between the first electrode and the second electrode and a second attractive force between the second electrode and the third electrode. The electrostatic actuator may be part of a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Neil Olien, Michael A. Greenish
  • Patent number: 9335822
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a method for providing haptic effects based on haptic context data including receiving haptic context information associated with a user interface, receiving an input signal associated with a user interaction with the user interface; and determining a haptic effect based in part on the haptic context information and input signal; and outputting a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Olien, Michael Greenish
  • Publication number: 20160070353
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect on a device using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines an acceleration of the device during operation of the device and receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage output level. The system varies the voltage output level parameter based at least on determined acceleration, and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Robert A. LACROIX, Michael A. GREENISH, Erin B. RAMSAY
  • Publication number: 20160027263
    Abstract: A system that includes an actuator amplification apparatus and a push pull actuator disposed on or within the actuator amplification apparatus. The actuator amplification apparatus is configured to receive a push pull actuator. The actuator amplification apparatus includes a body fixture configured to attach the actuator amplification apparatus to a fixed mass, an output interface to attach the actuator amplification apparatus to a moving mass, and an integral amplification mechanism. The integral amplification mechanism of the actuator amplification apparatus amplifies a force output by the push pull actuator to the moving mass. The integral amplification mechanism includes a plurality of linkages or an integral lever arm. The actuator amplification apparatus may include stabilizers configured to limit movement of the push pull actuator. In an embodiment, the fixed mass is a dashboard frame of an automobile and the moving mass is a floating haptic touch screen assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel PARKER, Kohei IMOTO, Elena REDELSHEIMER, Aaron KAPELUS, Michael GREENISH
  • Patent number: 9202354
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a vibration level of the device during operation of the device. The system receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. The system varies the voltage amplitude level based at least on vibration level and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Lacroix, Michael A. Greenish, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Publication number: 20140327530
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a vibration level of the device during operation of the device. The system receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. The system varies the voltage amplitude level based at least on vibration level and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Robert A. LACROIX, Michael A. GREENISH, Erin B. RAMSAY
  • Patent number: 8791799
    Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a back electromotive force (“EMF”) of the ERM actuator and receives a haptic effect signal comprising one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. The system varies the voltage amplitude level based at least on the back EMF, and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Lacroix, Michael A. Greenish, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Publication number: 20140160050
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a method for providing haptic effects based on haptic context data including receiving haptic context information associated with a user interface, receiving an input signal associated with a user interaction with the user interface; and determining a haptic effect based in part on the haptic context information and input signal; and outputting a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Olien, Michael Greenish