Patents by Inventor William S. RIHN

William S. RIHN 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: 11086403
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-user shared virtual and augmented reality-based haptics are disclosed. One illustrative method for multi-user shared virtual and augmented reality-based haptics includes determining a position of an object; determining a viewpoint of at least one observer with respect to the object; determining a haptic effect to be output based at least in part on the position and the viewpoint; and outputting the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Rihn, David M. Birnbaum, Shadi Asfour, Satoshi Araki, Sanya Attari
  • Patent number: 10846999
    Abstract: A method of generating haptic effects on a haptic-enabled device having a control unit and a haptic output device is provided. The method comprises receiving a haptic track that describes a time-varying magnitude envelope for driving the haptic output device to generate a haptic effect. The method further comprises generating a periodic drive signal with a time-varying frequency that is based on magnitude values of the time-varying magnitude envelope described in the haptic track. The method further comprises outputting the periodic drive signal to the haptic output device, to cause the haptic output device to generate the haptic effect based on the periodic drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Rihn, Jason D. Fleming
  • Patent number: 10775892
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-user shared virtual and augmented reality-based haptics are disclosed. One illustrative method for multi-user shared virtual and augmented reality-based haptics includes determining a position of an object; determining a viewpoint of at least one observer with respect to the object; determining a haptic effect to be output based at least in part on the position and the viewpoint; and outputting the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Rihn, David M. Birnbaum, Shadi Asfour, Satoshi Araki, Sanya Attari
  • Publication number: 20200257367
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-user shared virtual and augmented reality-based haptics are disclosed. One illustrative method for multi-user shared virtual and augmented reality-based haptics includes determining a position of an object; determining a viewpoint of at least one observer with respect to the object; determining a haptic effect to be output based at least in part on the position and the viewpoint; and outputting the haptic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Rihn, David M. Birnbaum, Shadi Asfour, Satoshi Araki, Sanya Attari
  • Patent number: 10684689
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a computing device that comprises a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor generates an interactive user interface and obtains an input parameter and a haptic parameter via the interactive user interface. The processor maps the input parameter to the haptic parameter using a mapping algorithm and designs a dynamic haptic effect based at least in part on mapping the input parameter to the haptic parameter. The processor can then generate a plurality of dynamic haptic effects for a plurality of user devices based at least in part on the designed dynamic haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Liwen Wu, William S. Rihn
  • Publication number: 20200167022
    Abstract: A system includes a user interface configured to receive an input from a user of the system, a sensor configured to sense a position of a user input element relative to the user interface, and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the sensor based on the position of the user input element relative to the user interface, determine a haptic effect based on the input signal, and output a haptic effect generation signal based on the determined haptic effect. A haptic output device is configured to receive the haptic effect generation signal from the processor and generate the determined haptic effect to the user, the haptic output device being located separate from the user interface so that the determined haptic effect is generated away from the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventor: William S. RIHN
  • Publication number: 20200159326
    Abstract: A hand-held device for providing haptic feedback includes an elongated housing, a mass, a mass restriction device, a first sensor and a second sensor. The elongated housing includes at least two chambers. The mass is slidably disposed within the chambers and is slidable by gravity. The mass restriction device restricts the mass within at least one of the chambers. The first sensor is configured to sense an orientation of the elongated housing and the second sensor is configured to sense a location of the mass within the elongated housing relative to the chambers. In response to a command signal indicative of a virtual interaction related to manipulating a virtual object, the mass restriction device restricts the mass within at least one of the chambers to effect a perceived change in weight as the virtual object is manipulated by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: William S. RIHN, Colin SWINDELLS
  • Publication number: 20200129854
    Abstract: The present invention provides a haptic system including a haptic safety harness worn by a user and a haptic support structure. The haptic safety harness includes an adjustable belt with magnets. The haptic support structure includes an upper platform, a lower platform on which the user stands, and a communication interface. The upper platform includes electromagnets and has an annular shape that defines an inner space in which the haptic safety harness is disposed. The communication interface is coupled to the electromagnets, and is configured to receive a haptic control signal from a computer and transmit the haptic control signal to the electromagnets. The haptic control signal is configured to render a haptic effect to the user by generating a magnetic field that interacts with the magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: William S. Rihn
  • Patent number: 10627968
    Abstract: A system includes a user interface configured to receive an input from a user of the system, a sensor configured to sense a position of a user input element relative to the user interface, and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the sensor based on the position of the user input element relative to the user interface, determine a haptic effect based on the input signal, and output a haptic effect generation signal based on the determined haptic effect. A haptic output device is configured to receive the haptic effect generation signal from the processor and generate the determined haptic effect to the user, the haptic output device being located separate from the user interface so that the determined haptic effect is generated away from the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: William S. Rihn
  • Patent number: 10613628
    Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward techniques for modifying a haptic effect that is rendered based on a media stream. Upon receiving the media stream, a haptic drive signal is generated based on the media stream. The haptic drive signal is then applied to render the haptic effect at a haptic output device. Within a media editing application, the media stream may be modified. In response to the modification, a modified haptic drive signal may be generated based on the modification to the media stream. As a result, a modified haptic effect is rendered at the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Srivatsav Venkatesan, Kaniyalal Shah, Stephen Rank, William S. Rihn
  • Patent number: 10585537
    Abstract: A system includes a user interface configured to receive an input from a user of the system, a sensor configured to sense a position of a user input element relative to the user interface, and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the sensor based on the position of the user input element relative to the user interface, determine a haptic effect based on the input signal, and output a haptic effect generation signal based on the determined haptic effect. A haptic output device is configured to receive the haptic effect generation signal from the processor and generate the determined haptic effect to the user, the haptic output device being located separate from the user interface so that the determined haptic effect is generated away from the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: William S. Rihn
  • Patent number: 10564729
    Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a computing device in communication with a display device and a sensor. The display device is configured to display a plurality of content and the sensor is configured to detect a field of view of a user of the computing device relative to the display device. The sensor can transmit a signal associated with the field of view to a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to determine a direction of the field of view of the user based on the signal. The processor is also configured to determine that a content displayed by the display device and associated with a haptic effect is within the field of view of the user. The processor is also configured to determine a haptic effect associated with the content and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The illustrative system also includes a haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, William S. Rihn
  • Patent number: 10556175
    Abstract: Rendering haptic effects on at least one of a first haptic actuator or a second haptic actuator based on a state of a trigger. In response, the haptic effects are optimized to reflect game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: William S. Rihn
  • Patent number: 10551981
    Abstract: A system includes a user interface configured to receive an input from a user of the system, a sensor configured to sense a position of a user input element relative to the user interface, and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the sensor based on the position of the user input element relative to the user interface, determine a haptic effect based on the input signal, and output a haptic effect generation signal based on the determined haptic effect. A haptic output device is configured to receive the haptic effect generation signal from the processor and generate the determined haptic effect to the user, the haptic output device being located separate from the user interface so that the determined haptic effect is generated away from the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: William S. Rihn
  • Patent number: 10532279
    Abstract: A video game system records video gameplay by a player interacting with an endpoint, such as a game controller. The recording includes recording a haptic track of haptic effects generated on the endpoint during the gameplay and recording a video track of video generated during the gameplay. The recording further includes encoding the haptic track with the video track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Rihn, David M. Birnbaum, Robert W. Heubel
  • Publication number: 20200012348
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward electronic devices configured to produce haptic effects, and to haptic enabled film overlays for pressure sensitive surfaces. The systems and methods for haptic enabled film overlays include a processor and a plurality of sensors, a pressure sensitive touch surface coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to detect a user interaction, and an overlay including a tactile user interface and a plurality of haptic output devices, the overlay being configured to provide a haptic effect in response to the user interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: William S. RIHN
  • Publication number: 20190391647
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable mediums for presenting haptic interactions using a virtual reality system are provided. A virtual user is tracked in a virtual reality environment, the virtual user including a virtual representation of a real-world user in a real-world environment. A relative virtual location for the virtual object relative to the virtual user is determined. A haptic profile for the virtual object is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: William S. RIHN, David M. BIRNBAUM, Liwen WU
  • Patent number: 10514761
    Abstract: Systems and methods that dynamically render etching inputs are provided, and include a touch surface having a sensor and configured to detect user input, and a non-transitory memory, wherein the non-transitory memory includes instructions for capturing an etching input that is applied to an image or video file, determining a haptic effect that corresponds to the etching input, the haptic effect depending on a type of etching input, and transmitting a modified image or modified video file that includes the etching input and the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Immersion corporation
    Inventors: William S. Rihn, David M. Birnbaum, Anthony Chad Sampanes
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20190354183
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing kinesthetic feedback for virtual and augmented reality controllers are disclosed. One illustrative system described herein includes a interface device including a virtual or augmented reality controller configured to receive input from a user and output a controller signal and a haptic output device coupled to the virtual or augmented reality controller and to a mechanical ground, the haptic output device configured to output haptic effects. The system also includes a processor coupled to the virtual or augmented reality controller and the haptic output device, the processor configured to: receive the controller signal; determine a haptic effect based in part on the controller signal; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Colin Swindells, William S. Rihn