Patents by Inventor Robert W. Heubel

Robert W. Heubel 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: 20140071079
    Abstract: A method and device for generating haptic feedback over a touch surface using multi-actuated waveform phasing are disclosed. A haptic device, in one embodiment, includes a touch surface and a group of haptic actuators. The touch surface is capable of sensing an event, wherein the event can be a contact on the touch surface or a movement nearby the surface. A portion of the haptic actuators, which are coupled to the touch surface, is configured to provide haptic feedback on the touch surface in response to the event. Another portion of the haptic actuators is used to minimize unwanted haptic effect on the touch surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Ryan Steger, Munibe M. Bakircioglu
  • Patent number: 8665241
    Abstract: A system includes a haptic textile comprising a plurality of haptic threads configured to provide haptic feedback, and an ancillary electronic device configured to transfer data to or from the haptic textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Ryan Steger, Muge Bakircioglu
  • Publication number: 20140039900
    Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic confirmation of commands are disclosed. For example a system for generating haptic effects to confirm receipt of a voice command includes a microphone; a housing configured to be contacted by a user, and an actuator in communication with the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the housing. The system also includes a processor in communication with the microphone and the actuator, the processor configured to receive speech information from the microphone; recognize the speech information and determine a command associated with the speech information. If the speech information is recognized and the command is determined, the processor is configured to generate a first actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a first haptic effect, and transmit the first actuator signal to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Erin Ramsay
  • Publication number: 20140022065
    Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Erin Ramsay, David M. Birnbaum, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Robert W. Heubel, Hendrik Bartel
  • Publication number: 20140009273
    Abstract: A system is configured to provide haptic stimulation to a user. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with the performance of one or more control gestures through which the user controls, for example, a game, a real world component or piece of equipment, and/or other entity. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with control of virtual equipment by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel, David M. Birnbaum, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 8621348
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and associated software are described herein for enabling a regular user of an end user device, such as a cellular telephone, to customize parameters associated with haptic effects applied to the user by the end user device. In one implementation, among several, a method described herein includes enabling a user of an end user device to access software adapted to design or modify haptic effects of the end user device. The method further includes enabling the user to open a haptic track file and enter or modify parameters associated with the haptic effects of the opened haptic track file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erin B. Ramsay, Robert W. Heubel, Jason D. Fleming, Stephen D. Rank
  • Publication number: 20130331157
    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: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Erin Ramsay, Ali Modarres, David M. Birnbaum, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Robert W. Heubel, Hendrik Bartel
  • Publication number: 20130314354
    Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. HEUBEL, Danny A. GRANT
  • Patent number: 8593409
    Abstract: A method and device for generating haptic feedback over a touch surface using multi-actuated waveform phasing are disclosed. A haptic device, in one embodiment, includes a touch surface and a group of haptic actuators. The touch surface is capable of sensing an event, wherein the event can be a contact on the touch surface or a movement nearby the surface. A portion of the haptic actuators, which are coupled to the touch surface, is configured to provide haptic feedback on the touch surface in response to the event. Another portion of the haptic actuators is used to minimize unwanted haptic effect on the touch surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Ryan Steger, Muge Bakircioglu
  • Patent number: 8581710
    Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic confirmation of commands are disclosed. For example, one system includes a microphone; a housing configured to be contacted by a user, and an actuator in communication with the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the housing. The system also includes a processor in communication with the microphone and the actuator, the processor configured to receive speech information from the microphone; recognize the speech information and determine a command associated with the speech information. If the speech information is recognized and the command is determined, the processor is configured to generate an actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect, and transmit the actuator signal to the actuator. Otherwise, the processor is configured generate a second actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second haptic effect; and transmit the second actuator signal to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Erin Ramsay
  • Patent number: 8542216
    Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Danny A. Grant
  • Patent number: 8542105
    Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Erin Ramsay, David M. Birnbaum, Hendrik Bartel, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Robert W. Heubel
  • Patent number: 8508486
    Abstract: A handheld device includes at least two sections that are substantially mechanically isolated. Each section includes an actuator that generates haptic effects. The haptic effects generated by an actuator in one section are substantially isolated to that section so that, for example, directional haptic effects can be generated on the handheld device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel
  • Patent number: 8506369
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Erin Ramsay, Ali Modarres, David M. Birnbaum, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Robert W. Heubel, Hendrik Bartel
  • Publication number: 20130201115
    Abstract: An electronic interactive device having a user interface with a flexible surface, a sensor configured to sense a flex gesture applied to the flexible surface, a haptic device configured to generate a haptic effect in response to the flex gesture, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor and the haptic device. The controller is configured to trigger the haptic device to provide haptic confirmation of the flex gesture and to trigger an application action associated with the flex gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert W. Heubel
  • Patent number: 8469806
    Abstract: A system is configured to provide haptic stimulation to a user. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with the performance of one or more control gestures through which the user controls, for example, a game, a real world component or piece of equipment, and/or other entity. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with control of virtual equipment by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel, David M. Birnbaum, Erin B. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 8451245
    Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Danny A. Grant
  • Publication number: 20130088340
    Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic confirmation of commands are disclosed. For example, one system includes a microphone; a housing configured to be contacted by a user, and an actuator in communication with the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the housing. The system also includes a processor in communication with the microphone and the actuator, the processor configured to receive speech information from the microphone; recognize the speech information and determine a command associated with the speech information. If the speech information is recognized and the command is determined, the processor is configured to generate an actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect, and transmit the actuator signal to the actuator. Otherwise, the processor is configured generate a second actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second haptic effect; and transmit the second actuator signal to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Erin Ramsay
  • Patent number: 8362882
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating haptic feedback over a surface of a haptic textile are disclosed. The flexible haptic structure includes a group of sensing circuits and a haptic textile. The sensing circuits, such as touch sensitive detector or motion detector, provide at least one activating signal in accordance with a sensed event. The haptic textile is structured with interlaced woven threads and/or yarns and capable of generating haptic feedback in response to the activating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heubel, Ryan Steger, Muge Bakircioglu
  • Patent number: 8352643
    Abstract: Interactive content may be presented to a user that is manipulating a peripheral. One or more state parameters that are related to the position of the peripheral may be determined. The peripheral may be identified from a plurality of possible peripherals. The interactive content may be adjusted based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. Haptic feedback to be provided to the user may be determined based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Birnbaum, Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel