Patents by Inventor Tristan Thomas Trutna

Tristan Thomas Trutna 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: 10209775
    Abstract: An input interface for a virtual reality (VR) system environment includes one or more actuators that, when activated, prevent movement of the input interface by a user. For example, the input interface has magnetic actuation mechanism preventing movement of certain portions of the input interface when actuated, allowing simulation of interactions with virtual objects in a virtual environment presented by the VR system environment. In one embodiment, the input interface includes one or more magnets on a tendon or other portion of the input interface that moves with a portion of the user's body and one or more additional magnets fixed relative to the input interface. Magnets on the portion of the input interface that moves with the portion of the user's body and the fixed additional magnets act as a soft detent mechanism holding the portion of the user's body in one or more specified positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Selso Luanava, Nicholas Roy Corson
  • Patent number: 10197459
    Abstract: A deformation sensing apparatus comprises an elastic substrate, a conductive element, and an additional conductive element. The conductive element includes conductive joints that are separated from each other by resolving elements along a length of the conductive element. Different combinations of conductive joints and resolving elements correspond to different segments of the deformation sensing apparatus. Based on a change in capacitance between a conductive joint and the additional conductive element when a strain is applied to the deformation sensing apparatus, the deformation sensing apparatus generates a signal that allows determination of how the strain deforms the deformation sensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, David R. Perek, Bruce A. Cleary, III, Brian Michael Scally
  • Publication number: 20180373332
    Abstract: A virtual reality system enables a user to interact with virtual objects. The system includes a fiducial ring, an imaging device and a console. The fiducial ring includes a ring body that includes a plurality of fiducial markers that each correspond to a different location on the ring body. An imaging device is configured to capture one or more images of the fiducial ring. The console receives the images that include an image of one or more fiducial markers. Based on the received images of the fiducial markers, the console determines a location on the fiducial ring that corresponds to the imaged fiducial marker. The console determines a position of the fiducial ring based on the determined location of the fiducial marker on the fiducial ring. The console provides content to a head mounted display (HMD) based on the determined position of the fiducial ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King
  • Publication number: 20180372562
    Abstract: A deformation sensing apparatus comprises an elastic substrate, a first strain-gauge element formed on a first surface of the elastic substrate, and configured to output a first signal in response to a strain applied in a first direction, and a second strain-gauge element formed on a second surface of the elastic substrate opposite to the first surface, and configured to output a second signal in response to a strain applied in the same first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, David R. Perek, Bruce A. Cleary, III
  • Patent number: 10162103
    Abstract: A display includes a light guide plate, a plurality of light sources disposed along an edge of the light guide plate, and a flexible carrier to which the plurality of light sources are secured. The flexible carrier includes a plurality of flexures, each flexure of the plurality of flexures disposed between a respective pair of adjacent light sources of the plurality of light sources to allow a spacing between the pair of adjacent light sources to change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Tristan Thomas Trutna, Edward Francis Burress
  • Patent number: 10088902
    Abstract: A virtual reality system enables a user to interact with virtual objects. The system includes a fiducial ring, an imaging device and a console. The fiducial ring includes a ring body that includes a plurality of fiducial markers that each correspond to a different location on the ring body. An imaging device is configured to capture one or more images of the fiducial ring. The console receives the images that include an image of one or more fiducial markers. Based on the received images of the fiducial markers, the console determines a location on the fiducial ring that corresponds to the imaged fiducial marker. The console determines a position of the fiducial ring based on the determined location of the fiducial marker on the fiducial ring. The console provides content to a head mounted display (HMD) based on the determined position of the fiducial ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King
  • Patent number: 10067007
    Abstract: A deformation sensing apparatus comprises an elastic substrate, a first strain-gauge element formed on a first surface of the elastic substrate, and configured to output a first signal in response to a strain applied in a first direction, and a second strain-gauge element formed on a second surface of the elastic substrate opposite to the first surface, and configured to output a second signal in response to a strain applied in the same first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, David R. Perek, Bruce A. Cleary, III
  • Publication number: 20180209562
    Abstract: A fluidic, device controls fluid flow in channel from a source to a drain. In some embodiments, the fluidic device comprises a channel and a gate. The channel is configured to transport a fluid from the source to the drain. The gate controls a rate of fluid flow in the channel in accordance with the fluid pressure within the gate. Specifically, the gate is configured to induce a first flow rate of the fluid in the channel in accordance with a low pressure state of the gate, and a second flow rate of the fluid in the channel in accordance with a high pressure state of the gate. In certain embodiments, the first flow rate is greater than the second flow rate. In alternative embodiments, the second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King, Jack Lindsay, Riccardo DeSalvo, Joseph Minh Tien
  • Patent number: 10032347
    Abstract: A sensor records information about skin stretch perceived by a user based on an interaction with a real object. The sensor includes a mechanical housing configured to be worn on a finger of a user, and a mechanism coupled to the mechanical housing. The mechanism includes a first bearing that rotates in a first direction in response to an interaction with a surface. The mechanism also includes a second bearing coupled to the first bearing, such that rotation of the first bearing causes the second bearing to rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction. The second bearing is in contact with a portion of the finger, and includes a feedback surface that simulates a force associated with the interaction with the surface. The sensor includes a controller configured to monitor rotation of the second bearing and record skin stretch information responsive to the interaction with the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King
  • Patent number: 10025386
    Abstract: An input interface for a virtual reality (VR) system includes one or more actuators stressing or straining a portion of a user's skin, simulating interactions with presented virtual objects. For example, an actuator comprises a tendon contacting portions of a user's body and coupled to a motor that moves the tendon to move portions of the user's body contacting the tendon. Alternatively, an actuator includes a pad having a surface contacting a surface of the user's body. A driving mechanism moves the pad in one or more directions parallel to the surface of the user's body with varying levels of normal force. In another example, one or more pins contact portions of the user's body and a surface of a bladder. The pins move as the bladder is inflated or deflated, which moves the contacted portions of the user's body. Alternatively, another type of actuator may move the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Selso Luanava, Nicholas Roy Corson
  • Patent number: 10025387
    Abstract: An input interface configured to be worn on a portion of a user's body includes tendons coupled to various sections of the garment. A tendon includes one or more activation mechanisms that, when activated, prevent or restrict a particular range of motion. The tendon may include a tendon web that controls multiple portions of the user's body with an activation mechanism. The tendon may connect to the garment through a textile mesh that distributes force over a wider area of the user's skin. An activation mechanism may apply force to the textile mesh to modify the stiffness of the textile mesh or to modify the pressure applied by the textile mesh. The tendon may be a wire or have a form with variable width. The activation mechanism may be a solenoid using a permanent magnet, which may have multiple alternating magnetic poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Selso Luanava, Nicholas Roy Corson
  • Patent number: 10013062
    Abstract: A sheet jammer device comprises a first jamming sheet having a first surface within a compression region. A first inflatable bladder includes a first contact area within the compression region and a second jamming sheet has a surface within the compression. A second inflatable bladder that includes a second contact area that is within the compression region. An amount of inflation of the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder controls the first friction force and the second friction force to restrict movement of the first jamming sheet relative to the second jamming sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Roy Corson, Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Charles Stewart, Raymond King
  • Patent number: 10013064
    Abstract: A haptic device configured to provide haptic feedback to a user. In one aspect, a user or part of a user is located on the haptic device including actuators and damping elements. A haptic feedback wave is generated by an actuator and propagated to the user or part of the user on the haptic device. Damping elements receive the haptic feedback wave and suppress the haptic feedback wave to reduce a reflection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Ravish Mehra, Christoph Omid Hohnerlein, Elia Gatti, Riccardo DeSalvo, David R. Perek
  • Publication number: 20180179051
    Abstract: A method for large scale integration of haptic devices is described. The method comprises forming a first elastomer layer of a large scale integration (LSI) device on a substrate according to a specified manufacturing process, the first elastomer layer having a plurality of fluid based circuits, the first elastomer layer adhering to a plurality of formation specifications. The method further comprises curing the first elastomer layer. Additionally, one or more additional elastomer layers of the LSI device are formed with the first elastomer layer according to the specified manufacturing process, the one or more additional elastomer layers having a plurality of fluid based circuits, the one or more additional elastomer layers adhering to the plurality of formation specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna
  • Patent number: 9989690
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display frame, a light guide plate disposed within the display frame, and a light source disposed along an edge of the light guide plate. The light source is secured to the display frame. The electronic device further includes an enclosure in which the display frame and the light guide plate are disposed. The enclosure is configured to allow thermal expansion of the display frame and of the light guide plate. The light guide plate and the display frame have substantially similar coefficients of thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Tristan Thomas Trutna, Edward Francis Burress, Nigel Stuart Keam
  • Patent number: 9971410
    Abstract: An actuator configured to provide haptic feedback to a user. The actuator is located on a plate and is configured to apply various excitations to the plate to generate a mechanical wave propagating in the controlled direction. The excitations can be a translational motion of the actuator (or a portion of the actuator) in two or three perpendicular axes. Alternatively, the excitations can be a non-translational motion (e.g., rotation about an axis) of the actuator (or a portion of the actuator). By generating the mechanical wave traveling in the controlled direction, loss of energy due to scattering of the mechanical wave can be obviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Ravish Mehra, Christoph Omid Hohnerlein, Elia Gatti, Riccardo DeSalvo, David R. Perek
  • Publication number: 20180120936
    Abstract: A virtual reality system enables a user to interact with virtual objects. The system includes a fiducial ring, an imaging device and a console. The fiducial ring includes a ring body that includes a plurality of fiducial markers that each correspond to a different location on the ring body. An imaging device is configured to capture one or more images of the fiducial ring. The console receives the images that include an image of one or more fiducial markers. Based on the received images of the fiducial markers, the console determines a location on the fiducial ring that corresponds to the imaged fiducial marker. The console determines a position of the fiducial ring based on the determined location of the fiducial marker on the fiducial ring. The console provides content to a head mounted display (HMD) based on the determined position of the fiducial ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King
  • Publication number: 20180107277
    Abstract: A haptic feedback glove worn by a user provides an amount of a resistance to a physical movement of a portion of the user's hand. The haptic feedback glove includes a glove body, an expandable bladder and a pressure source. The glove body includes a first portion corresponding to a first phalange of a user hand, a second portion corresponding to a second phalange of the user hand, and a third portion corresponding to a joint between the first phalange and the second phalange of the user hand. The expandable bladder is coupled to the third portion of the glove body. The expandable bladder has an adjustable size that controls an amount of relative movement between the first portion and the second portion of the glove body. The pressure source is coupled to the glove body, and is configured to adjust the size of the expandable bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King
  • Publication number: 20180108226
    Abstract: A sensor records information about skin stretch perceived by a user based on an interaction with a real object. The sensor includes a mechanical housing configured to be worn on a finger of a user, and a mechanism coupled to the mechanical housing. The mechanism includes a first bearing that rotates in a first direction in response to an interaction with a surface. The mechanism also includes a second bearing coupled to the first bearing, such that rotation of the first bearing causes the second bearing to rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction. The second bearing is in contact with a portion of the finger, and includes a feedback surface that simulates a force associated with the interaction with the surface. The sensor includes a controller configured to monitor rotation of the second bearing and record skin stretch information responsive to the interaction with the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King
  • Publication number: 20180098583
    Abstract: Disclosed is a force ground device (e.g., a glove) including one or more tendons coupled to actuators for providing haptic feedback when worn by a user. The force ground device includes a wristband that couples to the tendons or to the actuators. The wristband grounds forces from the compressed tendons to the wrist of the user. The wristband may include two force grounding segments adjacent to the ulnar and radial sides of the wrist. The wristband may also include a tension adjustment mechanism (e.g., a ratchet) to adjust the tension of the wristband.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King