Patents by Inventor Steven Leonard

Steven Leonard 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: 20180267653
    Abstract: A heterogeneous touch manifold is disclosed. In an embodiment, a layer of row conductors, a layer of column conductors and a layer of additional row conductors are provided, each of the column conductors and the additional row conductors are adapted for connection to receiving circuitry that receives signals thereon and provide a heatmap of signal strength for each of a plurality of unique orthogonal signals. In another embodiment, a layer of row conductors, a layer of column conductors and interleaved antennas are provided, each of the column conductors and the interleaved antennas are adapted for connection to receiving circuitry that receives signals thereon and provide a heatmap of signal strength for each of a plurality of unique orthogonal signals. In an embodiment, a plurality of unique orthogonal signals is provided by a signal generator, unique ones of them being provided to the row conductors, and at least one additional unique orthogonal signal being provided to a signal injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: David Holman, Bruno Rodrigues De Araujo, Braon Moseley, Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Kaan Duman, Steven Leonard Sanders, Darren Leigh, Robert Alack, JR., Jonathan Deber
  • Patent number: 10019125
    Abstract: A low-latency touch sensitive device provides a method for determining a location of a touch event thereon. The touch sensitive device row conductors and column conductors, the path of each of the row conductors crossing the path of each of the column conductors. Each of a set of orthogonal row signals are simultaneously transmitted on a respective one of at least some of the row conductors and an amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals present on each of the plurality of column conductors is detected. A set of orthogonal column signals are simultaneously transmitted on a respective one of at least some of the column conductors. An amount of each of the orthogonal column signals present on each of the plurality of row conductors is detected. The detected amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals and the detected amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal column signals is used to determine the location of a touch event on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: TACTUAL LABS CO.
    Inventors: Clifton Forlines, Darren Leigh, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Patent number: 9990696
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a touch sensitive device includes a touch interface having conductors and a signal generator for generating signals on the conductors. A touch processor identifies touch on the touch interface by processing touch signals present on the conductors, and outputting a stream of touch events. A decimator receives the stream of touch events and outputs a modified stream of touch events for use by the touch sensitive device, the modified stream of touch events may include predicted or estimated usable touch events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Clifton Forlines, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Publication number: 20180129356
    Abstract: A close-range motion detector has at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, and at least one more transmitter or receiver. The transmitter(s) transmit, and the receiver(s) receive signals in one of the ultrasonic or mm-wave ranges. Multiple transmitters or receivers are spaced apart from one-another along a plane, and transmission of a signal takes place at a known time. Echos of the signal that bounce of a scatterer are received and digitized during a receive window, and the time-of-flight is determined using CAF. Time scaling may be determined as well, and may be determined using CAF. The determined time-of-flight is used to determine an X-Y-coordinate for the scatterer, and its motion (e.g., velocity) can be determined, which are output. In an embodiment, a such a close-range motion detector can be implemented on the side of a smart-watch, making a virtual writing surface on the back of a user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Darren Leigh, Kaan Duman, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Patent number: 9933880
    Abstract: A system and method for distinguishing between sources of simultaneous touch events on a touch sensitive device are disclosed. The touch sensitive device includes row conductors and column conductors, the path of each of the row conductors crossing the path of each of the column conductors. Orthogonal row signals are generated on the row conductors and orthogonal column signals are generated on the column conductors. In an embodiment, an amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals present on each of the plurality of row conductors is detected, an amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal column signals present on each of the plurality of column conductors is detected, and at least one of such amounts is used to associate each of the plurality of simultaneous touch events with a discrete source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TACTUAL LABS CO.
    Inventors: Darren Leigh, Clifton Forlines, Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Patent number: 9927959
    Abstract: A system for processing user input includes an input device, an input processing unit, a high-latency subsystem, a low-latency subsystem, input processing unit software for generating signals in response to user inputs, and an output device. The low-latency subsystem receives the signals and generates low-latency output and the high-latency subsystem processes the signals and generates high-latency output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders, Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Clifton Forlines
  • Publication number: 20180081489
    Abstract: A system and method for distinguishing between sources of simultaneous touch events on a touch sensitive device are disclosed. The touch sensitive device includes row conductors and column conductors, the path of each of the row conductors crossing the path of each of the column conductors. Orthogonal row signals are generated on the row conductors and orthogonal column signals are generated on the column conductors. In an embodiment, an amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals present on each of the plurality of row conductors is detected, an amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal column signals present on each of the plurality of column conductors is detected, and at least one of such amounts is used to associate each of the plurality of simultaneous touch events with a discrete source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Darren Leigh, Clifton Forlines, Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Publication number: 20180067756
    Abstract: A method for providing a visual response to input with reduced latency in a computing device includes computing alternative sets of intermediate data for a first graphical user interface element, each alternative set of intermediate data comprising data useful to produce a visual representation of the graphical user interface element. The plurality of alternative sets of intermediate data and a set of intermediate data for a second graphical user interface element are stored in memory. The method creates an index identifying a first one of the plurality of alternative sets of intermediate data for the first graphical user interface element to use in forming a final pixel image. The index, the first set of alternative intermediate data for the graphical user interface element, and the intermediate data for the second graphical user interface element are used to create a first final pixel image for display to a user, the first final pixel image including the first and second graphical user interface elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders, Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Clifton Forlines
  • Publication number: 20180061005
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a touch sensitive device includes a touch interface having conductors and a signal generator for generating signals on the conductors. A touch processor identifies touch on the touch interface by processing touch signals present on the conductors, and outputting a stream of touch events. A decimator receives the stream of touch events and outputs a modified stream of touch events for use by the touch sensitive device, the modified stream of touch events may include predicted or estimated usable touch events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Clifton Forlines, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Publication number: 20180059819
    Abstract: Disclosed is a touch-sensitive object, comprising an object with a digital skin covering at least a portion thereof. The digital skin has a plurality of embedded row conductors. A plurality of column conductors are positioned in proximity to the row conductors, such that the path of each row conductor crosses the path of each of the column conductor. A plurality of signal emitters are connected to each of the plurality of embedded row conductors and are adapted to simultaneously emit one of a set of source signals. A plurality of signal receivers are connected to separate ones of the plurality of embedded column conductors. Each of the plurality of signal receivers are adapted to receive a frame corresponding to signals present on the column conductor to which it is connected while the frame is acquired. Each of the signal receivers is adapted to receive its frames simultaneously with each other signal receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Braon Moseley, David Clark Wilkinson, Clifton Forlines, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Publication number: 20180032179
    Abstract: A low-latency touch sensitive device provides a method for determining a location of a touch event thereon. The touch sensitive device row conductors and column conductors, the path of each of the row conductors crossing the path of each of the column conductors. Each of a set of orthogonal row signals are simultaneously transmitted on a respective one of at least some of the row conductors and an amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals present on each of the plurality of column conductors is detected. A set of orthogonal column signals are simultaneously transmitted on a respective one of at least some of the column conductors. An amount of each of the orthogonal column signals present on each of the plurality of row conductors is detected. The detected amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals and the detected amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal column signals is used to determine the location of a touch event on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: TACTUAL LABS CO.
    Inventors: Clifton Forlines, Darren Leigh, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Patent number: 9870112
    Abstract: A touch sensitive device includes a touch interface having rows and columns, a signal generator for generating a plurality of unique orthogonal signals in a first range and having a first frequency spacing on at least a plurality of the rows, respectively, and a heterodyning frequency converter. The heterodyning frequency converter receives a signal present on a column, the signal comprising signals within the first range and having the first frequency spacing. The heterodyning frequency converter converts the signal to a heterodyned signal comprising signals in a second range and having the first frequency spacing, and outputs the heterodyned signal. A touch processor identifies touch on the touch interface at least in part by processing the heterodyned signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Darren Leigh, Clifton Forlines, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Publication number: 20180004305
    Abstract: Disclosed are keyboards and keyboard switches sensitive to touch, including, hover and pressure. The keyboard switches have transmit and receive antennae that are spaced apart such that no portion of the transmit antenna touches any portion of the receive antenna. The keyboard switches are arranged in logical rows and logical columns such that each of the keyboard switches is associated with one row and one column. Signal emitters are conductively coupled to the transmit antennae for each of the keyboard switches associated with each of the rows, and each of the signal emitters are adapted to cause each of the transmit antennae to transmit one or more source signals. Receivers are coupled to the receive antennae for each of the keyboard switches associated with each of the columns, and each of the receivers are adapted to capture a frame of signals present on the coupled receive antennae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Braon Moseley, Steven Leonard Sanders, David Clark Wilkinson, Bruno Rodrigues De Araujo, Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa
  • Publication number: 20180004304
    Abstract: Disclosed are keyboards and keyboard switches sensitive to touch, including, hover and pressure. The keyboard switches have transmit and receive antennae that are spaced apart such that no portion of the transmit antenna touches any portion of the receive antenna. The keyboard switches are arranged in logical rows and logical columns such that each of the keyboard switches is associated with one row and one column. Signal emitters are conductively coupled to the transmit antennae for each of the keyboard switches associated with each of the rows, and each of the signal emitters are adapted to cause each of the transmit antennae to transmit one or more source signals. Receivers are coupled to the receive antennae for each of the keyboard switches associated with each of the columns, and each of the receivers are adapted to capture a frame of signals present on the coupled receive antennae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Braon Moseley, Steven Leonard Sanders, David Clark Wilkinson, Bruno Rodrigues De Araujo, Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa
  • Patent number: 9846920
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a touch sensitive device includes a touch interface having rows and columns and a signal generator for generating unique orthogonal signals on a plurality of the rows, respectively. A touch processor is identifies touch on the touch interface by processing touch signals present on the columns, and outputting a stream of touch events. A decimator receives the stream of touch events, selectively identifies one or more of the touch events in the stream, and outputs a modified stream of touch events for use by the touch sensitive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Clifton Forlines, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Patent number: 9841839
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for measuring latency in a device which includes a user interface that receives user input and provides output in response. In an embodiment, a body separate from the device under test is provided. A first sensor operatively attached to the body detects a touch event input to the device at a first time and a second sensor detects a response output from the device at a second time. A computational engine computes a time differential between the first time and the second time and an output outputs an indication of a measurement of latency in the device, the measurement being reflective of the time differential between the first time and the second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Darren Leigh, Clifton Forlines, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Patent number: 9836313
    Abstract: A method for providing a visual response to input with reduced latency in a computing device includes computing alternative sets of intermediate data for a first graphical user interface element, each alternative set of intermediate data comprising data useful to produce a visual representation of the graphical user interface element. The plurality of alternative sets of intermediate data and a set of intermediate data for a second graphical user interface element are stored in memory. The method creates an index identifying a first one of the plurality of alternative sets of intermediate data for the first graphical user interface element to use in forming a final pixel image. The index, the first set of alternative intermediate data for the graphical user interface element, and the intermediate data for the second graphical user interface element are used to create a first final pixel image for display to a user, the first final pixel image including the first and second graphical user interface elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders, Ricardo Jorge Jota Costa, Clifton Forlines
  • Patent number: 9815058
    Abstract: A fractionation system comprising means for forming a three dimensional optical lattice that is operable to separate particles that have different physical characteristics. Preferably, the wells of the optical lattice are interlinked. For example, the wells may be linked in such a manner as to provide deflection greater than or equal to 15 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of St Andrews
    Inventors: Michael Peter MacDonald, Kishan Dholakia, Steven Leonard Neale, Gabriel Cooper Spalding
  • Patent number: 9811214
    Abstract: A low-latency touch sensitive device provides a method for determining a location of a touch event thereon. The touch sensitive device row conductors and column conductors, the path of each of the row conductors crossing the path of each of the column conductors. Each of a set of orthogonal row signals are simultaneously transmitted on a respective one of at least some of the row conductors and an amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals present on each of the plurality of column conductors is detected. A set of orthogonal column signals are simultaneously transmitted on a respective one of at least some of the column conductors. An amount of each of the orthogonal column signals present on each of the plurality of row conductors is detected. The detected amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals and the detected amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal column signals is used to determine the location of a touch event on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Clifton Forlines, Darren Leigh, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders
  • Publication number: 20170262100
    Abstract: A touch sensitive device includes a touch interface having rows and columns, a signal generator for generating a plurality of unique orthogonal signals in a first range and having a first frequency spacing on at least a plurality of the rows, respectively, and a heterodyning frequency converter. The heterodyning frequency converter receives a signal present on a column, the signal comprising signals within the first range and having the first frequency spacing. The heterodyning frequency converter converts the signal to a heterodyned signal comprising signals in a second range and having the first frequency spacing, and outputs the heterodyned signal. A touch processor identifies touch on the touch interface at least in part by processing the heterodyned signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Tactual Labs Co.
    Inventors: Darren Leigh, Clifton Forlines, Daniel Wigdor, Steven Leonard Sanders