Patents by Inventor Ryan D. Bruneau
Ryan D. Bruneau 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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Patent number: 8552982Abstract: Improvements in accurately sensing a user manipulandum of a force feedback device. A force feedback device, coupled to a host computer, includes an actuator for outputting forces on a manipulandum and a sensor for detecting a position of the manipulandum. In one feature, a raw sensor value representing manipulandum position is adjusted based on compliance between sensor and manipulandum, where the adjustment can be based on a compliance constant and an output force. In another feature, a range of motion of the manipulandum is dynamically calibrated from startup. One boundary value of an assigned initial range is set equal to a received sensor value if the sensor value is outside the initial range, and the other boundary value is adjusted to maintain the size of the initial range unless the other boundary value has already been sensed outside the initial range.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Kenneth M. Martin, Adam C. Braun, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Patent number: 8462116Abstract: In an aspect, an electronic device includes a housing; a manipulandum positioned in the housing, wherein the manipulandum is moveable in at least one rotary degree of freedom in response to a user moving the manipulandum; a sensor coupled to the manipulandum, the sensor outputs sensor signals associated with the movement of the manipulandum in the at least one rotary degree of freedom by the user's direct contact; a processor coupled to the sensor and configured to output one or more activating signals based on the sensor signals; a first actuator coupled to the manipulandum, wherein the first actuator outputs a contact force to the manipulandum upon receiving a first activating signal; and a second actuator positioned within the housing and separate from the first actuator, wherein the second actuator outputs an inertial force to the housing upon receiving a second activating signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Ryan D. Bruneau, Ramon Alarcon, Louis B. Rosenberg, Erik J. Shahoian
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Publication number: 20100207882Abstract: In an aspect, an electronic device includes a housing; a manipulandum positioned in the housing, wherein the manipulandum is moveable in at least one rotary degree of freedom in response to a user moving the manipulandum; a sensor coupled to the manipulandum, the sensor outputs sensor signals associated with the movement of the manipulandum in the at least one rotary degree of freedom by the user's direct contact; a processor coupled to the sensor and configured to output one or more activating signals based on the sensor signals; a first actuator coupled to the manipulandum, wherein the first actuator outputs a contact force to the manipulandum upon receiving a first activating signal; and a second actuator positioned within the housing and separate from the first actuator, wherein the second actuator outputs an inertial force to the housing upon receiving a second activating signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Ryan D. Bruneau, Ramon Alarcon, Louis B. Rosenberg, Erik J. Shahoian
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Patent number: 7710399Abstract: A low-cost haptic feedback trackball device for providing haptic feedback to a user for enhancing interactions in a graphical environment provided by a computer. The trackball device includes a sensor device that detects the movement of a sphere in two rotary degrees of freedom. An actuator applies a force preferably along a z-axis perpendicular to the plane of the surface supporting the device, where the force is transmitted through the housing to the user. The output force is correlated with interaction of a controlled graphical object, such as a cursor, with other graphical objects in the displayed graphical environment. Preferably, at least one compliant element is provided between a portion of the housing contacted by the user and the support surface, where the compliant element amplifies the force output from the actuator by allowing the contacted portion of the housing to move with respect to the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Ryan D. Bruneau, Ramon Alarcon, Louis B. Rosenberg, Erik J. Shahoian
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Patent number: 6856435Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Gigabit Optics CorporationInventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Steven J. Benerofe, Don A. Clark, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Patent number: 6844932Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Oplink Communications, Inc.Inventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Steven J. Benerofe, Don A. Clark, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Publication number: 20040174340Abstract: A low-cost haptic feedback trackball device for providing haptic feedback to a user for enhancing interactions in a graphical environment provided by a computer. The trackball device includes a sensor device that detects the movement of a sphere in two rotary degrees of freedom. An actuator applies a force preferably along a z-axis perpendicular to the plane of the surface supporting the device, where the force is transmitted through the housing to the user. The output force is correlated with interaction of a controlled graphical object, such as a cursor, with other graphical objects in the displayed graphical environment. Preferably, at least one compliant element is provided between a portion of the housing contacted by the user and the support surface, where the compliant element amplifies the force output from the actuator by allowing the contacted portion of the housing to move with respect to the support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: Ryan D. Bruneau, Ramon Alarcon, Louis B. Rosenberg, Erik J. Shahoian
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Patent number: 6781693Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Gigabit Optics CorporationInventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Steven J. Benerofe, Don A. Clark, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Patent number: 6750969Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Gigabit Optics CorporationInventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Steven J. Benerofe, Don A. Clark, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Patent number: 6707443Abstract: A low-cost haptic feedback trackball device for providing haptic feedback to a user for enhancing interactions in a graphical environment provided by a computer. The trackball device includes a sensor device that detects the movement of a sphere in two rotary degrees of freedom. An actuator applies a force preferably along a z-axis perpendicular to the plane of the surface supporting the device, where the force is transmitted through the housing to the user. The output force is correlated with interaction of a controlled graphical object, such as a cursor, with other graphical objects in the displayed graphical environment. Preferably, at least one compliant element is provided between a portion of the housing contacted by the user and the support surface, where the compliant element amplifies the force output from the actuator by allowing the contacted portion of the housing to move with respect to the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Ryan D. Bruneau, Ramon Alarcon, Louis B. Rosenberg, Erik J. Shahoian
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Publication number: 20040046740Abstract: Improvements in accurately sensing a user manipulandum of a force feedback device. A force feedback device, coupled to a host computer, includes an actuator for outputting forces oil a manipulandum and a sensor for detecting a position of the manipulandum. In one feature, a raw sensor value representing manipulandum position is adjusted based on compliance between sensor and manipulandum, where the adjustment can be based on a compliance constant and an output force. In another feature, a range of motion of the manipulandum is dynamically calibrated from startup. One boundary value of an assigned initial range is set equal to a received sensor value if the sensor value is outside the initial range, and the other boundary value is adjusted to maintain the size of the initial range unless the other boundary value has already been sensed outside the initial range.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Kenneth M. Martin, Adam C. Braun, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Patent number: 6704002Abstract: Improvements in accurately sensing a user manipulandum of a force feedback device. A force feedback device, coupled to a host computer, includes an actuator for outputting forces on a manipulandum and a sensor for detecting a position of the manipulandum. In one feature, a raw sensor value representing manipulandum position is adjusted based on compliance between sensor and manipulandum, where the adjustment can be based on a compliance constant and an output force. In another feature, a range of motion of the manipulandum is dynamically calibrated from startup. One boundary value of an assigned initial range is set equal to a received sensor value if the sensor value is outside the initial range, and the other boundary value is adjusted to maintain the size of the initial range unless the other boundary value has already been sensed outside the initial range.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Kenneth M. Martin, Adam C. Braun, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Publication number: 20030123802Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Steven J. Benerofe, Don A. Clark, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Publication number: 20030118273Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Steven J. Benerofe, Don A. Clark, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Publication number: 20030091281Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Steven J. Benerofe, Don A. Clark, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Publication number: 20030076559Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Steven J. Benerofe, Don A. Clark, Ryan D. Bruneau
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Publication number: 20020135767Abstract: An improved method for aligning a plurality of optical elements in an optical device, includes: placing at least one optical element in a beam path; fixing the optical element in place without substantially compensating for errors in optical alignment; placing at least a one optical alignment element (OAE) in the beam path; and aligning the beam path to a desired beam path by adjusting the OAE. The alignment of the beam path substantially compensates for cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The method increases the ease of manufacturing of optical devices and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The tolerances of the placement of optical elements are increased, and the optical element does not need special features for alignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Jenkin A. Richard, Eric V. Chamness, David F. Moore, Ryan D. Bruneau, George H. Guan, Steven J. Benerofe, Nader Mahvan, Don Andre Clark
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Patent number: 6400352Abstract: A force feedback interface device includes improvements in a mechanical linkage and drive mechanism. The force feedback device is coupled to a host computer and includes a user manipulatable object graspable by a user, at least one actuator that outputs a force on the user object, and a sensor for sensing motion of the user object. A linkage mechanism provides the user object with degrees of freedom and includes five members rotatably coupled to each other. The linkage mechanism supports the bearings of the device with protrusions rotatably coupled to central members of the linkage. The drive mechanism is preferably a belt drive that includes an idler positioned adjacent to a drive pulley and which impedes radial displacement of a belt away from the drive pulley, and thus impedes losing positive engagement of the belt, without preloading the belt. The idler can be a passive idler that does not contact the belt during operation and/or an active idler that continuously contacts the belt.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Ryan D. Bruneau, Kenneth M. Martin, Louis B. Rosenberg, David F. Moore, Bruce M. Schena
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Publication number: 20020054011Abstract: A low-cost haptic feedback trackball device for providing haptic feedback to a user for enhancing interactions in a graphical environment provided by a computer. The trackball device includes a sensor device that detects the movement of a sphere in two rotary degrees of freedom. An actuator applies a force preferably along a z-axis perpendicular to the plane of the surface supporting the device, where the force is transmitted through the housing to the user. The output force is correlated with interaction of a controlled graphical object, such as a cursor, with other graphical objects in the displayed graphical environment. Preferably, at least one compliant element is provided between a portion of the housing contacted by the user and the support surface, where the compliant element amplifies the force output from the actuator by allowing the contacted portion of the housing to move with respect to the support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2000Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventors: Ryan D. Bruneau, Ramon Alarcon, Louis B. Rosenberg, Erik J. Shahoian
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Patent number: 6067077Abstract: Improvements in accurately sensing a user manipulandum of a force feedback device. A force feedback device, coupled to a host computer, includes an actuator for outputting forces on a manipulandum and a sensor for detecting a position of the manipulandum. In one feature, a raw sensor value representing manipulandum position is adjusted based on compliance between sensor and manipulandum, where the adjustment can be based on a compliance constant and an output force. In another feature, a range of motion of the manipulandum is dynamically calibrated from startup. One boundary value of an assigned initial range is set equal to a received sensor value if the sensor value is outside the initial range, and the other boundary value is adjusted to maintain the size of the initial range unless the other boundary value has already been sensed outside the initial range.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Kenneth M. Martin, Adam C. Braun, Ryan D. Bruneau