Patents by Inventor Shahriar S. Afshar

Shahriar S. Afshar 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: 20230379632
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: IMMERZ, INC.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. AFSHAR
  • Patent number: 11611832
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Immerz, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Publication number: 20210377667
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: IMMERZ, INC.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: 10979817
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Immerz, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Publication number: 20190281391
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: 10154348
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Immerz, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: 9956133
    Abstract: Described herein is a device for tightening the abdominal muscles (e.g., rectus abdominus) at any time, including prior to eating. In more detail, for a duration prior to eating, the vibration device may be held forcefully against the abdomen to impart vibrations to the abdominal muscles. While the vibrations are being imparted, the abdominal muscles may also be contracted. The vibration device may include a base having a first surface and second surface, with the second surface facing the abdominal muscles, and a shaft movable relative to the base along an axis, with the shaft extending outwardly from the first surface. A motor may be configured to produce vibrations substantially along to the axis. The vibrations may be of sufficient magnitude to cause corresponding vibrations in the base and thus the abdominal muscles. A mechanism may be used to control the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: 9785236
    Abstract: The application includes an apparatus connectable with a portable electronic and/or consumer electronics device that provides haptic information and/or feedback to a user of the portable electronic device. The apparatus may include one or more acousto-haptic transducers that provide at least one of audio and haptic output to a user of the portable electronic device. Systems and methods also provide a vibrating membrane or waveguide that transfers haptic or vibrational feedback to a user that touches the membrane using, for example, their finger. The membrane may be transparent, allowing the membrane to be overlaid over a touch screen, keypad, and/or keyboard to provide haptic feedback to a user as the user types on the touch screen. In this way, a user can continue to view the touch screen or display of a media device while experiencing haptic sensations from the vibrating membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Immerz, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Publication number: 20170150273
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: 9185492
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: IMMERZ, INC.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Publication number: 20140056461
    Abstract: The application includes an apparatus comprising of a housing, processing circuitry for receiving and transmitting user input, and a transducer for transforming audio information in an electrical signal into both acoustic and haptic signals. The transducer is disposed within the housing, and has a speaker including a diaphragm and a mass element attached to a portion of the diaphragm. Systems and methods also provide an input interface connected to the processing circuitry for receiving user input, and wherein the haptic signal is generated, activated, controlled, modulated, reconfigured, or adjusted, directly or indirectly, in response to a user input received at the user input interface. In this way, haptic effects may be directly generated from audio information and based on input actions taken by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: IMMERZ, INC.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Publication number: 20130318438
    Abstract: The application includes an apparatus connectable with a portable electronic and/or consumer electronics device that provides haptic information and/or feedback to a user of the portable electronic device. The apparatus may include one or more acousto-haptic transducers that provide at least one of audio and haptic output to a user of the portable electronic device. Systems and methods also provide a vibrating membrane or waveguide that transfers haptic or vibrational feedback to a user that touches the membrane using, for example, their finger. The membrane may be transparent, allowing the membrane to be overlaid over a touch screen, keypad, and/or keyboard to provide haptic feedback to a user as the user types on the touch screen. In this way, a user can continue to view the touch screen or display of a media device while experiencing haptic sensations from the vibrating membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: 8139803
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying vibration to the human body. A vibration system includes a vibrator capable of converting an electrical signal into vibration. In one aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body on a pectoralis major muscle and spaced away from a sternum. In another aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body such that a first pattern of vibrations are generated on the body's surface. The first pattern of vibrations matches in relative amplitude a second pattern of vibrations generated on the body's surface when the body generates sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Immerz, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Publication number: 20120035513
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying vibration to the human body. A vibration system includes a vibrator capable of converting an electrical signal into vibration. In one aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body on a pectoralis major muscle and spaced away from a sternum. In another aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body such that a first pattern of vibrations are generated on the body's surface. The first pattern of vibrations matches in relative amplitude a second pattern of vibrations generated on the body's surface when the body generates sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Immerz, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Publication number: 20100260371
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Immerz Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: D687018
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Immerz, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar