Patents by Inventor Stephen D. Rank

Stephen D. Rank 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).

  • Patent number: 10928910
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of providing haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters used to customize the haptic feedback. The system may modify or otherwise alter haptic feedback that is determined using the media content alone. In other words, the system may use both the media content and the external parameters to determine haptic feedback that should be output to the user or others. The external parameters may include, for example, sensor information, customization information, and/or other external parameters that may be used to customize the haptic feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Christopher J. Ullrich, Jean Francois Dionne, Loc Phan, Satvir Singh Bhatia, Stephen D. Rank
  • Patent number: 10748391
    Abstract: A system is provided to process a source signal and generate one or more haptic effects for various haptic devices based on the source signal. The system operates to convert the source signal to meet different architectures of respective haptic devices and enables haptic effect designers to create haptic data without being concerned about low level details of different haptic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Stephen D. Rank
  • Publication number: 20200211337
    Abstract: A system is provided to process a source signal and generate one or more haptic effects for various haptic devices based on the source signal. The system operates to convert the source signal to meet different architectures of respective haptic devices and enables haptic effect designers to create haptic data without being concerned about low level details of different haptic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Danny A. GRANT, Stephen D. RANK
  • Publication number: 20200142487
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of providing haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters used to customize the haptic feedback. The system may modify or otherwise alter haptic feedback that is determined using the media content alone. In other words, the system may use both the media content and the external parameters to determine haptic feedback that should be output to the user or others. The external parameters may include, for example, sensor information, customization information, and/or other external parameters that may be used to customize the haptic feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Christopher J. ULLRICH, Jean Francois DIONNE, Loc PHAN, Satvir Singh BHATIA, Stephen D. RANK
  • Patent number: 10586431
    Abstract: A method of generating a haptic effect on a linear resonance actuator (“LRA”) having a resonant frequency includes receiving a haptic effect signal for the haptic effect, where the haptic effect comprises a desired frequency that is off-resonant from the LRA. The method further includes generating a first sine wave at the desired frequency and generating a second sine wave at or near the resonant frequency. The method further includes combining the first sine wave and the second sine wave to generate a drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Rank, Erin B. Ramsay, Henry Da Costa, Arnab Sen, Elena Renee Redelsheimer
  • Publication number: 20200057506
    Abstract: Systems and methods for user generated content authoring are disclosed. One illustrative method disclosure herein includes: receiving a video signal; displaying a user interface associated with haptic authoring; detecting a gesture associated with a haptic effect; determining a haptic effect based in part on the gesture; associating the haptic effect with a location in the video signal; and storing the video signal and the associated haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Birnbaum, Christopher J. Ullrich, Robert Lacroix, Satvir Singh Bhatia, Michael Powell, Stephen D. Rank, Iva Segalman, Amaya Weddle, Paige Raynes
  • Patent number: 10542325
    Abstract: A method includes receiving digital content data including audio data and/or video data, generating haptic data using at least some of the received digital content data, encoding the haptic data for efficient transmission over a communication network, multiplexing the encoded haptic data with the received digital content data, embedding information for decoding the encoded haptic data in metadata of the multiplexed data stream, and sending the multiplexed data stream over the communication network. The method may include analyzing the haptic data to determine at least one characteristic of the haptic data, and the encoding the haptic data may include encoding, based on the determined characteristic, the haptic data to meet a pre-defined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Loc Phan, Satvir Bhatia, Stephen D. Rank, Christopher J. Ullrich, Jean Francois Dionne, Hugues Antoine Oliver
  • Patent number: 10540869
    Abstract: A method of generating a haptic effect on a linear resonance actuator (“LRA”) having a resonant frequency includes receiving a haptic effect signal for the haptic effect, where the haptic effect comprises a desired frequency that is off-resonant from the LRA. The method further includes generating a first sine wave at the desired frequency and generating a second sine wave at or near the resonant frequency. The method further includes combining the first sine wave and the second sine wave to generate a drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Rank, Erin B. Ramsay, Henry Da Costa, Arnab Sen, Elena Renee Redelsheimer
  • Patent number: 10529197
    Abstract: A system is provided that controls an offline haptic conversion. The system receives an input from a source. The system further converts the input into haptic signals. The system further encodes the haptic signals. The system further stores the haptic signals within the source, where the haptic signals are combined with the input within the source. Alternately, rather than encoding the haptic signals and storing the haptic signals within the source, the system handles the haptic signals separately, independent of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lacroix, Satvir Singh Bhatia, Jean-Francois Blanchard-Dionne, Stephen D. Rank, Christopher J. Ullrich, Loc Tien Phan
  • Patent number: 10509472
    Abstract: A haptically-enabled controller device comprising a controller body, a user input element, a haptic actuator, and a transmission component is presented. The user input element has a range of motion that extends from a first position to an end stop position. The haptic actuator is configured to output a force or torque. The transmission component comprises an arm connected to the haptic actuator and to the user input element. The arm is configured to transfer the force or torque from the haptic actuator to the user input element with a first multiplication factor when the user input element is at the first position, and to transfer the force or torque from the haptic actuator to the user input element with a second multiplication factor when the user input element is at the end stop position. The second multiplication factor is higher than the first multiplication factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, William S. Rihn, Simon Forest, Stephen D. Rank, Neil T. Olien
  • Patent number: 10440238
    Abstract: A method for synchronizing haptic effects with at least one media component in a media transport stream includes identifying a series of video frames containing imaging information and/or a series of audio frames containing sound information in the media transport stream; identifying a series of haptic frames containing force feedback information in the media transport stream; and synchronizing the force feedback information in response to the imaging information and/or sound information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Lacroix, Andrianaivo Rabemiarisoa, Henrique D. Da Costa, Herve Thu Timone, Stephen D. Rank, Christopher J. Ullrich
  • Patent number: 10437341
    Abstract: Systems and methods for user generated content authoring are disclosed. One illustrative method disclosure herein includes: receiving a video signal; displaying a user interface associated with haptic authoring; detecting a gesture associated with a haptic effect; determining a haptic effect based in part on the gesture; associating the haptic effect with a location in the video signal; and storing the video signal and the associated haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Birnbaum, Christopher J. Ullrich, Robert Lacroix, Satvir Singh Bhatia, Michael Powell, Stephen D. Rank, Iva Segalman, Amaya Weddle, Paige Raynes
  • Patent number: 10429934
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of providing haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters used to customize the haptic feedback. The system may modify or otherwise alter haptic feedback that is determined using the media content alone. In other words, the system may use both the media content and the external parameters to determine haptic feedback that should be output to the user or others. The external parameters may include, for example, sensor information, customization information, and/or other external parameters that may be used to customize the haptic feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Christopher J. Ullrich, Jean Francois Dionne, Loc Phan, Satvir Singh Bhatia, Stephen D. Rank
  • Patent number: 10416770
    Abstract: A system that controls a haptic effect experienced at a trigger is provided. The system receives a haptic effect definition including haptic data. The system further receives trigger data including at least one of: a position of a trigger of a peripheral device; or a range of the trigger of the peripheral device. The system further determines whether a trigger condition is reached based on the received trigger data. The system further sends a haptic instruction and the haptic effect definition to the peripheral device when the trigger condition is reached. The system further causes a haptic output device (or multiple haptic output devices) to produce haptic effects that are based on the haptic effect definition at the peripheral device in response to the haptic instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Lacroix, Danny Grant, Henry Da Costa, Stephen D. Rank, David Birnbaum, William Rihn
  • Publication number: 20190278375
    Abstract: A system is provided that controls a haptic effect experienced at a peripheral device. The system receives a haptic effect definition including haptic data. The system further receives spatialization data including: a distance of the haptic effect; a direction of the haptic effect; or a flow of the haptic effect. The system further includes modifying the haptic effect definition based on the received spatialization data. The system further includes sending a haptic instruction and the modified haptic effect definition to the peripheral device. The system further includes causing one or more haptic output devices to produce one or more haptic effects based on the modified haptic effect definition at the peripheral device in response to the haptic instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Henry DA COSTA, Robert LACROIX, Danny GRANT, Stephen D. RANK, David BIRNBAUM, William RIHN
  • Publication number: 20190220094
    Abstract: Embodiments generate haptic effects on a device that is grasped by a user on a first side having a corresponding first haptic output device and on a second side having a corresponding second haptic output device. Embodiments receive a first haptic effect channel and receive a second haptic effect channel. Embodiments determine that the first side is more tightly grasped by the user than the second side. Embodiments then, based on the determining, assign the first haptic effect channel to the first haptic output device and assign the second haptic effect channel to the second haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: David BIRNBAUM, Satvir Singh BHATIA, Stephen D. RANK
  • Patent number: 10353471
    Abstract: A system is provided that controls a haptic effect experienced at a peripheral device. The system receives a haptic effect definition including haptic data. The system further receives spatialization data including: a distance of the haptic effect; a direction of the haptic effect; or a flow of the haptic effect. The system further includes modifying the haptic effect definition based on the received spatialization data. The system further includes sending a haptic instruction and the modified haptic effect definition to the peripheral device. The system further includes causing one or more haptic output devices to produce one or more haptic effects based on the modified haptic effect definition at the peripheral device in response to the haptic instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henry Da Costa, Robert Lacroix, Danny Grant, Stephen D. Rank, David Birnbaum, William Rihn
  • Patent number: 10296092
    Abstract: A system that generates haptic effects using an actuator receives a haptic effect definition that defines a haptic effect. The system pre-processes the haptic effect definition by determining if the actuator is capable of playing the haptic effect. The system then post-processes the haptic effect definition by adjusting a force value based on an estimate or measurement of a state of the actuator during a playing of the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kanav Gandhi, Stephen D. Rank, Henry Da Costa, Eric Gervais, Daniel Parker
  • Patent number: 10297122
    Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for generating haptic effects are provided. Haptic permissions settings are received for a user. The haptic permissions settings are associated with permitted haptic parameter ranges for the user. Haptic parameters are then received. For each haptic parameter that falls outside the permitted haptic parameter ranges, the haptic parameter is modified to create a modified haptic parameter that falls within the permitted haptic parameter ranges. A haptic signal is generated based on the haptic parameters that fall within the permitted haptic parameter ranges and the modified haptic parameters. The haptic signal is then output to a haptic output device to generate the haptic effects for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventors: David M. Birnbaum, Stephen D. Rank, Leonard Soskin, Danny A. Grant, Robert W. Heubel
  • Publication number: 20190107891
    Abstract: A system receives a multiplexed signal with two or more different types of haptic signals encoded therein. Each type of haptic signal represents a haptic effect for different types of haptic output devices. The system determines a target haptic output device located on a haptic playback device. The system demultiplexes the multiplexed signal into at least the type of haptic signal corresponding to the target output device. The system provides the demultiplexed haptic signal to the target haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen D. RANK, Satvir Singh BHATIA, Arnab SEN, Juan Manuel CRUZ HERNANDEZ