With Input Means (e.g., Keyboard) Patents (Class 340/407.2)
  • Patent number: 11961686
    Abstract: An irreversible power switch which is operational from the outside after lamination of laminated communication device and the like, includes a substrate, electrodes disposed on the substrate, a brittle member disposed so as to face the electrodes and apart from the electrodes and a conductive adhesive portion disposed on the brittle member at a side to face the electrodes thereof. The electrodes and the conductive adhesive portion are irreversibly and electrically bonded by brittle fracture of the brittle member under the external pressing force in the thickness direction of the laminated communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Kanda Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruki Tamamizu, Takashi Nakano, Tadayoshi Kikuchi, Misaki Doi
  • Patent number: 11954254
    Abstract: An electrotactile apparatus has an electrode-array unit and a driver unit for generating a haptic feedback to a user. The electrode-array unit uses electrodes to electro-stimulate the user's skin with pulsed voltage signals generated by the driver unit, inducing excitation currents flowing in the user to generate the haptic feedback. The driver unit is self-powered or wirelessly powered for supporting untethered electrotactile stimulation to the user. A common counter electrode installed on the driver unit contacts the user's skin and collects the excitation currents returned from the user. Advantageously, the common counter electrode is located on an outer surface of the driver unit and the driver unit is substantially flexible, facilitating the common counter electrode to seamlessly contact the user's skin for achieving a stable electrode-skin interface while positioning the driver unit as a whole on the user's skin to provide untethered virtual touching experience to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Xinge Yu, Kuanming Yao, Jingkun Zhou
  • Patent number: 11921740
    Abstract: A computer-readable non-transitory physical storage medium having stored thereon machine-executable code for electronically facilitating contact between mutually interested entities, said machine-executable code to be executed by a microprocessor, said machine executable code which when executed by said microprocessor causes the microprocessor to perform operations including suggesting to a first user other users that first user may be interested in, where the suggested other users are filtered based on their location, causing a device to display a graphical user interface (GUI) for the first user to input a rating of the first user's level of interest in one or more respects in at least one other user, accepting the first user's level of interest rating via the GUI while not displaying the first user's rating to the at least one other user, and electronically notifying a pair of users that have rated each other above a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: VERENT LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Taylor, Douglas Morgen
  • Patent number: 11899840
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: detecting, using a processor of an information handling device and in a virtual environment, a user input directed to a virtual human input device; accessing, from a data store, sensation data associated with user interaction with a real-world counterpart device of the virtual human input device; and providing, based on the sensation data and using a wearable haptic device, a haptic output responsive to the user input, wherein the haptic output emulates an interaction feel of the user input provided to the real-world counterpart device. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Wayne Beck, Russell Speight VanBlon, Thorsten Peter Stremlau, Aaron Michael Stewart
  • Patent number: 11901842
    Abstract: An energy harvesting apparatus using an electroactive material includes an electricity generator including the electroactive material to generate a voltage due to deformation caused by an external stimulus, and an impact generator including a deformable and restorable material capable of repetitive deformation and restoration and configured to generate a dynamic behavior based on the repetitive deformation and restoration in the electricity generator. A stimulus of the impact generator with respect to the electricity generator enables energy harvest. An electrode unit for deformation includes an electricity generator including an electroactive material to generate a voltage due to deformation caused by an external stimulus, and an electrode part electrically connected to at least one surface of the electricity generator, and including an elastically deformable material to achieve relative deformation while in contact with the electricity generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: CHUNG-ANG UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Seung Hwan Chang
  • Patent number: 11892703
    Abstract: A haptic feedback system is provided, including a sensing unit, a haptic feedback module, and a circuit assembly. The sensing unit is configured to detect contact with an object. The haptic feedback module is configured to transfer the contact force to the sensing unit. The circuit assembly is electrically connected to the sensing unit and the haptic feedback module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Yi-Ho Chen, Ying-Jen Wang, Ya-Hsiu Wu
  • Patent number: 11886221
    Abstract: An image system is provided by the present disclosure. The image system includes a display device displaying at least one floating image layer on a top surface of the display device and a frame disposed on the display device and partially exposing the top surface of the display device, wherein the frame has a height with reference to the top surface of the display device. The at least one floating image layer is aligned with a top surface of the frame in a direction parallel to a height direction of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: InnoLux Corporation
    Inventors: Keiko Edo, Naoki Sumi, Hao-Yu Liou
  • Patent number: 11874684
    Abstract: An operation input device to be mounted on a vehicle includes a support part to be attached to the vehicle, an operating member supported by the support part and configured to be operated by a person, an operation sensing part configured to sense an operation on the operating member, a tactile feedback generating part provided inside the operating member and configured to give tactile feedback to the person, and a control part configured to control the tactile feedback generating part to produce the tactile feedback when the operation is sensed in the operation sensing part, the operating member is provided so as to extend from the support part in a first direction intersecting the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the operating member is restricted so as not to rotate in a swing operation in which a direction intersecting the first direction serves as the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Asuka Koike, Takeaki Maehata
  • Patent number: 11809630
    Abstract: Methods and systems using a haptics library to determine whether to provide predefined haptic responses or parametrically-defined haptic responses are disclosed. A method includes receiving a desired semantic attribute for a haptic response to be provided while a user is using an application that is executing on an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Clark, Patrick Christopher Sebring, Jessica Hartcher-O′Brien, Daylon Curtis Walden, Sarah Sykes, Ali Israr, Nitzan Bartov, Juha Pekka Kuikka, Jeffrey Skaanland, Forrest Smith, Anis Ahmad, Andrew Doxon
  • Patent number: 11794000
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an EMS electrode pad. Each electrode may be provided to correspond to the shape and size of the divided area according to the virtual line. The EMS electrode pad and the EMS method using the same according to the present invention may minimize the edge current effect by the shape of the electrode to which electric energy is applied. In addition, energy transfer efficiency may be improved by capacitive coupling between the electrode and the skin. In addition, due to the coating of the electrode, a rate of contact with an affected part may be increased so that current may be applied evenly to each part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: LUTRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kwang Chon Ko, James Bartholomeusz
  • Patent number: 11789546
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a sensor and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to output a drive signal (Sd) to a first port of the sensor in a first time interval and output a high-impedance state or a floating state in a second time interval. The Sd is used to drive the sensor to vibrate along with an outer housing. The sensor is configured to detect the vibration of the outer housing and output a vibration sensing signal (Sz) by using the first port. The Sz is a vibration coda wave response signal output by the sensor after the sensor receives the Sd.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zengping Xing
  • Patent number: 11755115
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a method for managing haptic effects. The method generates a first graphical representation of a first haptic effect generation pattern in a mixed reality environment, wherein the first haptic effect generation pattern comprises factors for generating a first haptic effect at a first haptic device. The method receives a user alteration to the first haptic effect generation pattern from a first user. The method changes the graphical representation based on the user alteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Fang Lu, Jeremy R. Fox, Martin G. Keen, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 11725838
    Abstract: A building system for a building includes an environmental controller including a controller radio. The environmental controller is configured to communicate a wake-up message. The building system includes an environmental sensor including a wake-up radio and a main radio. The environmental sensor is configured to operate the main radio in a low power state. The environmental sensor is configured to receive the wake-up message from the controller radio via the wake-up radio. The environmental sensor is configured to operate the main radio in a high power state in response to a reception of the wake-up message via the wake-up radio. The environmental sensor is configured to communicate sensor data of the environmental sensor to the controller radio via the main radio in response to the main radio operating in the high power state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Robert C. Hall, Jr., Timothy C. Gamroth, Nicholas J. Schaf
  • Patent number: 11681320
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick bias mechanism coupled to the joystick and exerting a centering force urging the joystick to return to the centered position when moved therefrom. The controller architecture is operable in a modified centering mode in which the controller architecture: (i) determines when the joystick begins return toward the centered position due to the centering force applied by the joystick bias mechanism; and (ii) when so determining, commands the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to modify a rate at which the joystick returns to the centered position by varying the MRF resistance force applied to the joystick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron R. Kenkel, Alex R. Vandegrift
  • Patent number: 11669165
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatuses for controlling an operation of a vibrational output system and/or an operation of an input sensor system, wherein the controller is for use in a device comprising the vibrational output system and the input sensor system. A controller comprises an input configured to receive an indication of activation or de-activation of an output of the vibrational output system; and an adjustment module configured to adjust the operation of the vibrational output system and/or the operation of the input sensor system based on the indication to reduce an interference expected to be caused by the output of the vibrational output system on the input sensory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Tejasvi Das, Matthew Beardsworth, Michael A. Kost, Gavin McVeigh, Hamid Sepehr, Carl L. Ståhl
  • Patent number: 11656685
    Abstract: A portable information handling system includes a keyboard having a first set of conventional keys with a first travel distance to impact a membrane, such as keys having rubber dome biasing devices, and a second set of keys having a second smaller travel distance to impact the membrane with an alternative biasing device and haptic feedback to reinforce an input feel for an end user. In one example embodiment, the second set of keys are biased upward with a compressible foam with the membrane raised by a platform structure under the second set of keys and a piezoelectric device under the membrane for each key to provide a vibration when the membrane detects an input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Brocklesby, Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Chiu-Jung Tsen, Hsu-Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 11499292
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick, and a joystick position sensor. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to selectively resist movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) when detecting operator rotation of the joystick in an operator input direction, determine whether continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction will misposition the work vehicle in a manner increasing at least one of work vehicle instability and a likelihood of work vehicle collision; and (ii) when determining that continued joystick rotation will misposition the work vehicle, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to generate an MRF resistance force deterring continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd F. Velde, Madeline T. Oglesby, Lance R. Sherlock, Benjamin P. Koestler, Mark D. Anderson, Aaron R. Kenkel, Doug M. Lehmann, Craig Christofferson, Kenneth Franck, Christopher J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 11450184
    Abstract: A simulated force sensation based on an external object is presented without making contact with that external object. Asymmetrical movement based on a first physical quantity or a function value of the first physical quantity is carried out, and a simulated force sensation based on the asymmetrical movement is presented, the first physical quantity having been obtained by measuring a distance from an external object to a simulated force sensation presenting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Gomi, Ryoma Tanase
  • Patent number: 11435832
    Abstract: An input device includes an operation member, an actuator configured to impart a tactile effect to the operation member, and a controller configured to apply, to the actuator, a control signal for starting to apply a first vibration to the operation member at a first timing and for starting to apply a second vibration to the operation member at a second timing after the first timing, such that a combined vibration of the first vibration and the second vibration is applied to the operation member. The controller is configured to change a duration of a first period of the combined vibration to two or more different durations of the first period by changing a control period of time that extends from the first timing to the second timing to two or more different control periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Wakuda
  • Patent number: 11409320
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing haptic feedback to an operator of a work vehicle may include an operator control device and a controller. The controller may be configured to identify one of a first component of the work vehicle or a second component of the work vehicle as a selected component to be controlled via the operator control device. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the operator control device such that the operator control device provides a first haptic response to the operator when first component is identified as the selected component. Additionally, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the operator control device such that the operator control device provides a second haptic response to the operator when second component is identified as the selected component, with the second haptic response differing from the first haptic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Larry Bruce Griffey
  • Patent number: 11379043
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a controller apparatus including a vibrating body movable within a predetermined movable range thereof, an operating member operated by a user, the operating member being movably operable within a movable range thereof overlapping partially with the movable range of the vibrating body, a reception section configured to receive a vibration instruction designating generation of vibration, a detection section configured to detect a position of the operating member within the movable range thereof, and a control section configured to give vibration to the operating member by controlling a position and vibration of the vibrating body in accordance with the received vibration instruction and the detected position of the operating member. When predetermined conditions are satisfied, the control section controls the vibration of the vibrating body in a manner correcting the vibration designated by the vibration instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Takuro Sawada, Takashi Enokihara
  • Patent number: 11354986
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a haptic device having at least one vibration motor, such as a linear vibration motor, configured to selectively generate a vibration at least partially along an actuator axis. An interfacing plate is configured to transmit the vibration and is at least partially composed of a compliant material. The linear vibration motor and the interfacing plate are embedded in a host. The host defines a first surface with a recessed zone extending from the first surface. The interfacing plate is configured to fit in the recessed zone. The host includes a chamber contiguous with the recessed zone, with the linear vibration motor being positioned in the chamber. The chamber may include respective walls having a plurality of protrusions configured to at least partially absorb the vibration. The haptic device may be part of a seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Nilesh D. Mankame
  • Patent number: 11347344
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch portion, a piezoelectric element, and a receiver configured to receive an ultrasonic wave. The electronic device is configured to drive the piezoelectric element in a first drive mode to provide a tactile sensation to an object in contact with the touch portion. The electronic device is configured to drive the piezoelectric element in a second drive mode to transmit an ultrasonic wave, and receive, by the receiver, a reflected wave of the transmitted ultrasonic wave to detect an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeto Hattori
  • Patent number: 11340749
    Abstract: A first user, who is currently online, is associated with a meeting spot. A plurality of other users that have selected the meeting spot and are online is identified. Information about these other users is sent to a client device associated with the first user. Information for a second user of the plurality of other users is received from the client device associated with the first user. A third user is identified who is online and associated with the first and second users. Online communication is facilitated between the client devices associated with the first and second users and a client device associated with the third user responsive to a request from the client device associated with the first user to the client device associated with the third user to be introduced by the third user to the second user, while the second user has still selected the meeting spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventor: Joseph F. Karam
  • Patent number: 11334163
    Abstract: The disclosed flexible vibrotactile devices may include a flexible electroactive material that has a substantially spiral shape, a first electrode electrically coupled to a first side of the flexible electroactive material, and a second electrode electrically coupled to a second, opposite side of the flexible electroactive material. The first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned and configured to apply an electrical voltage to the flexible electroactive material to induce haptic vibration in the flexible electroactive material. Various other related methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniele Piazza, Tristan Thomas Trutna
  • Patent number: 11327568
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to the present technology includes an information acquisition unit and a signal output unit. The information acquisition unit acquires electronic information. The signal output unit outputs a first haptic signal for presenting haptic feedback with respect to an object, the haptic feedback with respect to the object being set corresponding to the acquired electronic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATION INC
    Inventors: Mikio Takenaka, Ryosuke Murakami, Hideaki Hayashi, Akira Ono, Ryo Yokoyama, Ryosuke Takeuchi, Seiji Muramatsu, Mioko Ambe, Kazutoshi Ohno, Tetsuya Naruse, Tetsuya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11281300
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-tactile fusion feedback handle, characterized in that the handle comprises three areas, namely, a finger tactile function area, a palm tactile function area and a space positioning function area. The finger tactile function area comprises one or more tactile buttons, a finger can operate the tactile buttons alone or in combination, and the tactile buttons have feedback functions for one or more kinds of tactility, namely, softness, temperature, surface friction and texture, and shape. The palm tactile function area comprises a multi-point independent vibration source and/or a multi-point independent heat source, which can be used for multi-point independent vibration feedback and/or multi-point independent temperature feedback, as well as vibration flow and heat flow feedback. The space positioning function area comprises a space positioning module, which can obtain position information of the handle in space in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventors: Dangxiao Wang, Yuru Zhang, Qiqi Guo, Yijie Gong
  • Patent number: 11264883
    Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a conductive coil, where at least a portion of the coil is oriented along a first direction and orthogonal to a second direction, (2) a magnetic field generation structure that generates a magnetic field through the coil along a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, (3) a force constant compensator that (a) receives a current command to alter a relative location of the coil and the field, and (b) adjusts the current command based on at least one physical characteristic of the system that affects a relationship between current in the coil and resulting force between the coil and the field along the second direction, and (4) a coil driver that generates, in response to the adjusted current command, a first current in the coil to generate a force between the coil and the field. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Chiyun Xia, Eric Booen, William Hamlin Farr, Alexandre Yin Khet Chong
  • Patent number: 11257391
    Abstract: A system for virtual learning of driving a vehicle is provided. The system includes a driving unit with a steering wheel, a brake pedal, and an accelerator pedal, wherein the driving unit is activated upon receiving an activation code from a user via a computing device. A head mount device, communicatively coupled to the driving unit, displays a simulated street view to the user via the computing device, thereby training the user to operate the vehicle. A haptic generation module monitors a plurality of real-time operative parameter values during operation of the vehicle by the user; compares the plurality of current operative parameter values with a plurality of pre-defined threshold parameter values respectively; and generate a haptic feedback alert for the user based on comparison of the current operative parameter values with the plurality of predefined threshold parameter values respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Nithin S Senthil
  • Patent number: 11249508
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick bias mechanism coupled to the joystick and exerting a centering force urging the joystick to return to the centered position when moved therefrom. The controller architecture is operable in a modified centering mode in which the controller architecture: (i) determines when the joystick begins return toward the centered position due to the centering force applied by the joystick bias mechanism; and (ii) when so determining, commands the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to modify a rate at which the joystick returns to the centered position by varying the MRF resistance force applied to the joystick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron R. Kenkel, Alex R. Vandegrift
  • Patent number: 11219835
    Abstract: The present application discloses a touchscreen-based control method performed at a mobile terminal. The method includes: detecting a touch operation on a touch button on a touchscreen of the mobile terminal; determining a to-be-performed operation corresponding to the touch button on a touchscreen of the mobile terminal in response to the touch operation on the touch button; determining a current touch location and a current touch strength of the touch operation; and canceling the to-be-performed operation in a case that a current touch location of the touch operation is inside a control cancellation area displayed on the touchscreen and current touch strength of the touch operation is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. Compared with the related art, a current touch location and current touch strength of a touch operation are combined to determine whether to cancel a to-be-performed operation corresponding to a touch button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yiran Wang, Bo Dong, Yulin Chen
  • Patent number: 11175738
    Abstract: One illustrative device disclosed herein includes a proximity sensor capable of detecting a non-contact interaction with a touch-sensitive device and outputting a first sensor signal. The device also includes a touch sensor for detecting a touch on the touch-sensitive device and outputting a second sensor signal. The disclosed device also includes a processor configured to receive the first and second sensor signals, generate a haptic output signal based at least in part on the first and second sensor signals, transmit the haptic output signal to a haptic output device. The haptic output device in the disclosed device then outputs the haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Vahid Khoshkava, Abdelwahab Hamam
  • Patent number: 11163789
    Abstract: A computer-readable non-transitory physical storage medium having stored thereon machine-executable code for electronically facilitating contact between mutually interested entities, said machine-executable code to be executed by a microprocessor, said machine executable code which when executed by said microprocessor causes the microprocessor to perform operations including suggesting to a first user other users that first user may be interested in, where the suggested other users are filtered based on their location, causing a device to display a graphical user interface (GUI) for the first user to input a rating of the first user's level of interest in one or more respects in at least one other user, accepting the first user's level of interest rating via the GUI while not displaying the first user's rating to the at least one other user, and electronically notifying a pair of users that have rated each other above a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventors: Gregory Taylor, Douglas Morgen
  • Patent number: 11112871
    Abstract: A display panel is disclosed. The display panel includes a back plate, a plurality of pixel units formed on the back plate, and a plurality of deformation units for providing haptic feedback. Each deformation unit is on one or more corresponding pixel units of the plurality of pixel units, and when being applied a drive voltage, undergoes a deformation corresponding to a haptic feature of a visual object displayed by the corresponding pixel units. Thereby, there is provided a display panel with haptic feedback, which is simple in structure and easy to implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiabin Wang, Xiaoliang Ding, Yangbing Li
  • Patent number: 11086362
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product are disclosed. The method includes determining a current working state and configuration of a device, detecting information, controlling the device to a second working state, and configuring the device. The apparatus includes a housing and a processor that determines a current working state and configuration, detects information, controls the apparatus to a second working state, and configures the apparatus. The computer program product includes code to perform determination of a current working state and configuration, detection of information, control of the device to adjust to a second working state, and configuration of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
    Inventors: Yan Li Tan, Jiu Ru Tang
  • Patent number: 11079853
    Abstract: An actuator excitation signal processing method includes the step of obtaining original excitation signal. An encrypted excitation signal was obtained by encrypting the original excitation signal. Vibration waveforms generated by the encrypted excitation signal and the original excitation signal while acting on the actuator are same. The encrypted excitation signal is used to drive the actuator to vibrate. The actuator excitation signal processing method can effectively solve the problem that the excitation signal might be stolen by encrypting the original excitation signal. In addition, an actuator signal processing device, a computer equipment and a kind of storage medium are also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiuyue Wang, Zheng Xiang, Xuan Guo, Tao Li
  • Patent number: 11075861
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for using predetermined preferences/characteristics to ascertain personal compatibility between network or chat room participants based upon profile information. When the system determines that these preferences are favorable for interpersonal compatibility, the system will automatically notify or page the participants so as to facilitate their introduction. Further functionality, aside from the compatibility based upon profile information, includes e-mail and other electronic notification of personal compatibility as well as geographic compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Jedi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin D. Baker
  • Patent number: 11069206
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for outputting a haptic signal to a haptic transducer. A method comprises storing a representation of a part of the haptic signal comprising a first information point indicating a first amplitude and at least one first frequency of the part of the haptic signal at a first time, wherein the representation is associated with a user experience; responsive to receiving an indication of occurrence of the user experience, determining the haptic signal based on the first information point such that the part of the haptic signal has the first amplitude and the at least one first frequency at the first time. The method may further comprise outputting the haptic signal to the haptic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Harsha Rao, Kyle Wilkinson, Rong Hu
  • Patent number: 11052693
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mechanical handwriting system linked to a user input system to generate a plotted document, such as a greeting card, note card or document, using a conveyor belt unit to support and move the document, a plotter, and a series of rollers to position and constrain movement of the greeting card, which is optionally and preferably linked to a paper feeder system in an assembly line format, where the rollers are optionally and preferably adjustable in position to accommodate varying paper sizes and to allow movement of the document during a plotting period to avoid positional overlap constraints of the rollers and a plotter head of the plotter in a process of plotting the document/card in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: David Wachs, Roxanne E. Abul-Haj
  • Patent number: 11036391
    Abstract: An amusement park ride system including a ride vehicle, a ride control system that may track a location of the ride vehicle on a ride path and a haptic feedback system having a screen having a surface modifying component. The surface modifying component may be positioned on the ride vehicle. The haptic feedback system also includes a control system having a memory and a processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, may cause the haptic feedback system to convert data from the ride control system into tactile information representative of scenery surrounding the ride vehicle based on stored scenery data that is correlated to the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Studios LLC
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hall, Dante Lamar Bruno
  • Patent number: 11036299
    Abstract: A device to simulate kinesthetic pad opposition grip forces and weight for grasping virtual objects in a virtual reality is provided. The device includes a base, a sliding part, a braking mechanism and a swinging part with linear resonant actuators (e.g. voice coil actuators). The sliding part is connected with the base through a first prismatic joint which allows for single degree of freedom pinching motions for grasping an object. The swinging part connected to the sliding part and the base through revolute joints. The brake mechanism is used to create a grasping force. The linear resonant actuators provide both touch sensation at initial contact and sensation of weight when lifting the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Inrak Choi, Sean Follmer, Heather Culbertson
  • Patent number: 11037414
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for outputting a haptic signal to a haptic transducer. A method comprises storing a representation of a part of the haptic signal comprising a first information point indicating a first amplitude and at least one first frequency of the part of the haptic signal at a first time, wherein the representation is associated with a user experience; responsive to receiving an indication of occurrence of the user experience, determining the haptic signal based on the first information point such that the part of the haptic signal has the first amplitude and the at least one first frequency at the first time. The method may further comprise outputting the haptic signal to the haptic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Harsha Rao, Kyle Wilkinson, Rong Hu
  • Patent number: 11037415
    Abstract: A tactile presentation device is provided with: a glove worn on the hand of a user; polymer actuators attached to a base fabric of the glove; a control device which controls the polymer actuators; and an array of haptic stimulators driven by the polymer actuators. The tactile presentation device drives the haptic stimulators using the polymer actuators through the application of a voltage to the polymer actuators by means of the control device, and performs tactile presentation to the skin of the hand of the user by driving the haptic stimulators. The polymer actuators are capable of causing the haptic stimulators to be displaced by at least 100 ?m when the frequency of the applied voltage is 1 to 30 Hz and more preferably 1 to 100 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Yonehara, Masatoshi Shimada, Takeshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 11029797
    Abstract: An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises: a housing including a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate; a touch screen display disposed inside the housing and exposed through a part of the first plate; a pressure sensing circuit disposed between the first plate and the second plate, and configured to detect pressure caused by an external pressure applied to at least a part of the touch screen display; a wireless communication circuit disposed inside the housing; at least one processor disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the touch screen display, the pressure sensing circuit, and the wireless communication circuit; and a memory disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the processor, wherein the memory is configured to store an application program including a user interface and instructions, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processor to, when executed, display at least one object
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Na-Young Kim, Dae-Hwan Kim, Seung-Wook Nam, Kwang-Tai Kim, Hyung-Sup Byeon, Cheol-Ho Cheong
  • Patent number: 11008021
    Abstract: A manual mode training system for a vehicle having a manual transmission or a “manual mode” transmission controlled by a paddle shifter. The system includes a sensor to obtain force and position information from a foot pedal of the vehicle, and a processor to receive the information. Based on the information, the processor may predict an intended vehicle response, determine an appropriate gear to achieve the intended vehicle response, and notify a driver, through a haptic feedback mechanism, how to shift the transmission of the vehicle to reach the appropriate gear. A corresponding method is also disclosed and claimed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuzhou Li, Grant Inskeep
  • Patent number: 10996755
    Abstract: A device comprising: a device housing defining a space for accommodating one or more electronic components, the device housing comprising: a first panel bounding the space and having an exterior surface facing away from the space, and a second panel bounding the space and including a touch-sensitive display having a display surface facing away from the space, the display surface and the exterior surface being opposite surfaces; a haptic feedback module supported by and conforming to at least a portion of the exterior surface, the haptic feedback module comprising a haptic response layer, the haptic response layer comprising a piezoelectric material and electrodes and configured to couple vibrations to a user body member in contact with the haptic feedback module to provide a haptic response to the user during operation of the device; and an electronic control module accommodated in the space and coupled to the electrodes of the haptic response layer, the electronic control module being programmed to receiv
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: Diego Rivas Constante
  • Patent number: 10977270
    Abstract: An improved method of facilitating contact between mutually interested people takes advantage of existing contact lists such as those on social networking sites, instant messaging programs, or cell phones. A program is integrated into one or more of those technologies, allowing the user to characterize each contact on the basis of the user's level of interest in that contact as a date. The program keeps these rankings secret until two users indicate an interest in each other that surpasses a certain threshold. The users are then notified of the mutual interest. Ads and dating advice are sent along with the notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventors: Gregory Taylor, Douglas Morgen
  • Patent number: 10963056
    Abstract: A touch panel and a display apparatus include a backlight apparatus serving as a supporting substrate, a transparent protective plate that is arranged spaced apart from the backlight apparatus and includes an operating surface on an opposite side of the backlight apparatus; a plurality of vibrators for vibrating the transparent protective plate; and a resilient supporting member arranged between the backlight apparatus and the transparent protective plate to support the transparent protective plate and extend and contract diagonally across a thickness direction of the transparent protective plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouichi Nagasaki, Takashi Shimizu, Fumiaki Nakao
  • Patent number: 10901510
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises a haptic feedback system. The haptic feedback system includes a first haptic actuator coupled to a controller via a first set of two or more electrodes, and a second haptic actuator coupled to the first haptic actuator, and further coupled to the controller via a second set of two or more electrodes. The controller is configured to provide a first drive signal to the first haptic actuator via the first set of two or more electrodes, and to provide a second drive signal, different from the first drive signal, to the second haptic actuator via the second set of two or more electrodes. Combining two haptic actuators allows for a broader range of feedback and a heightened user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Siyuan Ma, James David Holbery
  • Patent number: 10871827
    Abstract: The invention relates to a haptic-feedback tactile interface module, including: a tactile surface capable of detecting at least one characteristic of a pressure exerted by a user; at least one haptic-feedback actuator configured to transmit haptic feedback to the tactile surface; and a processing and control unit connected to the tactile surface and to said at least one actuator. The processing and control unit is configured so as to activate the haptic-feedback actuator in a first time window (T1) so as to induce at least one mechanical wave propagating over the tactile surface, capable of being perceived as haptic feedback, and in a second time window (T2) so as to generate at least one mechanical pulse (202-1, 202-2, 202-3) which is phase-shifted relative to the mechanical wave in order to dampen said mechanical wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: DAV
    Inventors: Nour-Eddine El-Ouardi, Anthony Aubry