With Input Means (e.g., Keyboard) Patents (Class 340/407.2)
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Patent number: 11499292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11450184Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroaki Gomi, Ryoma Tanase
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Patent number: 11435832Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.Inventor: Hiroshi Wakuda
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Patent number: 11409320Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Larry Bruce Griffey
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Patent number: 11379043Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Takuro Sawada, Takashi Enokihara
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Patent number: 11354986Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Nilesh D. Mankame
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Patent number: 11347344Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventor: Shigeto Hattori
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Patent number: 11340749Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventor: Joseph F. Karam
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Patent number: 11334163Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniele Piazza, Tristan Thomas Trutna
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Patent number: 11327568Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATION INCInventors: Mikio Takenaka, Ryosuke Murakami, Hideaki Hayashi, Akira Ono, Ryo Yokoyama, Ryosuke Takeuchi, Seiji Muramatsu, Mioko Ambe, Kazutoshi Ohno, Tetsuya Naruse, Tetsuya Takahashi
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Patent number: 11281300Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Inventors: Dangxiao Wang, Yuru Zhang, Qiqi Guo, Yijie Gong
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Patent number: 11264883Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Chiyun Xia, Eric Booen, William Hamlin Farr, Alexandre Yin Khet Chong
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Patent number: 11257391Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Inventor: Nithin S Senthil
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Patent number: 11249508Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Aaron R. Kenkel, Alex R. Vandegrift
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Patent number: 11219835Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Yiran Wang, Bo Dong, Yulin Chen
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Patent number: 11175738Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Vahid Khoshkava, Abdelwahab Hamam
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Patent number: 11163789Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Inventors: Gregory Taylor, Douglas Morgen
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Patent number: 11112871Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jiabin Wang, Xiaoliang Ding, Yangbing Li
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Patent number: 11086362Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) LimitedInventors: Yan Li Tan, Jiu Ru Tang
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Patent number: 11079853Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Xiuyue Wang, Zheng Xiang, Xuan Guo, Tao Li
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Patent number: 11075861Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Jedi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin D. Baker
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Patent number: 11069206Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Harsha Rao, Kyle Wilkinson, Rong Hu
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Patent number: 11052693Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventors: David Wachs, Roxanne E. Abul-Haj
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Patent number: 11037415Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 25, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuji Yonehara, Masatoshi Shimada, Takeshi Fujiwara
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Patent number: 11036391Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Universal Studios LLCInventors: Gregory S. Hall, Dante Lamar Bruno
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Patent number: 11037414Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Harsha Rao, Kyle Wilkinson, Rong Hu
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Patent number: 11036299Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Inrak Choi, Sean Follmer, Heather Culbertson
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Patent number: 11029797Abstract: 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 objectType: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Na-Young Kim, Dae-Hwan Kim, Seung-Wook Nam, Kwang-Tai Kim, Hyung-Sup Byeon, Cheol-Ho Cheong
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Patent number: 11008021Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yuzhou Li, Grant Inskeep
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Patent number: 10996755Abstract: 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 receivType: GrantFiled: February 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Diego Rivas Constante
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Patent number: 10977270Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Inventors: Gregory Taylor, Douglas Morgen
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Patent number: 10963056Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventors: Kouichi Nagasaki, Takashi Shimizu, Fumiaki Nakao
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Patent number: 10901510Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Siyuan Ma, James David Holbery
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Patent number: 10871827Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: DAVInventors: Nour-Eddine El-Ouardi, Anthony Aubry
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Patent number: 10847585Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an organic light emitting display device which directly vibrates an organic light emitting display panel to generate sound, and includes: an organic light emitting display panel including a light emitting layer including an organic light emitting material layer and an encapsulation layer disposed at one side of the light emitting layer; and a sound generating actuator in direct contact with the organic light emitting display panel to vibrate the organic light emitting display panel to generate sound. Especially, the organic light emitting display panel is a bottom emission type device, and thus can prevent generation of a weighted color mixing phenomenon in a wide viewing angle at the time of panel vibration and reduce the thickness or weight of the panel to thereby enhance the sound generation characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: YeongRak Choi, ChangHo Oh, KwanHo Park, Sungtae Lee
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Patent number: 10845840Abstract: An operation feel imparting type input device includes a fixed part, a rotating body rotatably supported by the fixed part, a rotatable operation knob fixed to the rotating body, a rotation angle detection unit configured to detect a rotation angle of the rotating body, a brake application unit configured to apply a braking force to the rotating body, a torque application unit configured to apply a torque to the rotating body, a control unit configured to control the brake application unit and the torque application unit, and an operation torque detection unit configured to detect the magnitude of an operation torque applied to the rotating body. When the rotating body is rotated from an endstop, brake release is performed according to the magnitude of the operation torque.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsushi Goto, Kazunari Takahashi, Ryuichiro Yasuhara
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Patent number: 10824245Abstract: 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 detection subsystem that determines a location of the coil relative to the field, (4) a force-to-current converter that (a) receives a force command to alter a relative location of the coil and the field, and (b) issues, in response to the force command, a current command based on the location of the coil relative to the field, and (5) a coil driver that generates, in response to the current command, current in the coil to generate a force between the coil and the field along the second direction. Various other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Chiyun Xia, Eric Booen, William Hamlin Farr, Alexandre Chong
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Patent number: 10809818Abstract: A digital pen with dynamically formed microfluidic buttons formed in variable positions on the digital pen comprises a pen body having a first end, a second end, and an external pen body surface. The pen tip attached or formed to the first end of the pen body. One or more sensors associated with the external pen body surface detect contact points where a user is holding the digital pen. The microfluidic buttons are formed via action of a microfluidic layer on the pen body in a vicinity of the contact points detected by the one or more sensors. A power source powers the digital pen. A communication module connects the digital pen to a software module. A software user interface associated with a processor maps computerized functions to the one or more microfluidic buttons and action of the pen tip to one or more functions.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Martin G. Keen, James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr.
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Patent number: 10802590Abstract: An input device according to one aspect of an embodiment includes an operation panel, a vibrator, a support panel, and an adhesive portion. The operation panel has an operation surface. The vibrator is mounted on a peripheral region of the operation panel and vibrates the operation panel in a plurality of modes having different vibration frequencies. The support panel is disposed to face a back surface of the operation panel that is opposite to the operation surface of the operation panel and supports the operation panel. The adhesive portion adheres the operation panel and the support panel to each other. In addition, the adhesive portion includes a first adhesive portion and a second adhesive portion. The first adhesive portion adheres the peripheral region of the operation panel on which the vibrator is mounted and the support panel to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: DENSO TEN LimitedInventor: Hironori Shiroto
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Patent number: 10795443Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for driving a haptic transducer with a driving signal. The method comprises estimating, based on a current through the haptic transducer and a terminal voltage across the haptic transducer, a back electromotive force, EMF, voltage representative of a velocity of a mass in the haptic transducer; comparing a phase of a voltage signal derived from the terminal voltage with a phase of the estimated back EMF voltage; and based on the comparison, adjusting a frequency or a phase of an output signal, wherein the driving signal is derived from the output signal, such that a frequency of the driving signal converges to a resonant frequency of the haptic transducer.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Rong Hu, Jie Su
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Patent number: 10775889Abstract: A force input/haptic output interface for an electronic device can include a force input sensor and a haptic actuator. In one example, the force input sensor and the haptic actuator are accommodated on a frame positioned below an input surface. In many examples, the frame includes relieved portions that redirect and/or concentrate compression or tension in the haptic actuator into the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Alex J. Lehmann, Robert Y. Cao, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Qiliang Xu, Paul X. Wang, Robert J. Lockwood
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Patent number: 10775890Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed which includes a conductive layer for providing haptic feedback at an input surface of the electronic device. The conductive layer includes conductive particles within an organic compound, such as an epoxy. When the conductive layer is activated it may provide frictional or other tactile feedback at the input surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Xiaonan Wen, James E. Pedder
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Patent number: 10776618Abstract: The mobile terminal comprises: a body formed to be worn on a head part of a user; a display unit disposed at the front side of the body and formed to display a virtual space including a virtual object; a plurality of cameras formed to detect a user's hand existing within the virtual space; a plurality of feedback signal units arranged to be spaced apart from each other to output feedback signals in different directions; and a control unit for, when the user's hand approaches or contacts a virtual object included in the virtual space, detecting a particular part of the user's hand approaching or contacting the virtual object on the basis of a plurality of pieces of sensing information received from the plurality of cameras, and controlling the plurality of feedback signal units to cause feedback signals having different directions to reach the particular part.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Eunjoo Rhee, Soungmin Im
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Patent number: 10741620Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an organic light emitting display device which directly vibrates an organic light emitting display panel to generate sound, and includes: an organic light emitting display panel including a light emitting layer including an organic light emitting material layer and an encapsulation layer disposed at one side of the light emitting layer; and a sound generating actuator in direct contact with the organic light emitting display panel to vibrate the organic light emitting display panel to generate sound. Especially, the organic light emitting display panel is a bottom emission type device, and thus can prevent generation of a weighted color mixing phenomenon in a wide viewing angle at the time of panel vibration and reduce the thickness or weight of the panel to thereby enhance the sound generation characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: YeongRak Choi, ChangHo Oh, KwanHo Park, Sungtae Lee
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Patent number: 10741189Abstract: Embodiments that generate multiple haptic effects receive a first haptic effect signal having a first priority and corresponding to a first haptic effect, and receive a second haptic effect signal having a second priority and corresponding to a second haptic effect. When the first priority is less than the second priority, embodiments generate an interaction parameter using the second haptic effect signal. When the second priority is less than the first priority, embodiments generate the interaction parameter using the first haptic effect signal. Embodiments then apply a drive signal to a haptic output device according to the interaction parameter, where the drive signal causes the first haptic effect and the second haptic effect to be generated by the haptic output device concurrently.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Robert Lacroix, Satvir Singh Bhatia, David Birnbaum, Christopher J. Ullrich, Amaya Becvar Weddle, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
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Patent number: 10712931Abstract: A user may provide finger press input to a surface such as a touch sensitive input surface. The input surface may be formed from a two-dimensional touch sensor overlapping a display of an electronic device. The electronic device and an associated device such as a finger-mounted device may form a system for gathering the finger press input from the user. A sensor may be used in monitoring when the finger-mounted device and a user's finger in the device approach the input surface of the electronic device. In response to detection of the finger near the input surface, actuators in the finger-mounted device may squeeze the finger inwardly to cause a finger pad on the finger to protrude outwardly towards the input surface, thereby softening impact between the finger and the input surface. The electronic device may also have an array of components to repel the finger-mounted device.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Paul X. Wang
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Patent number: 10712854Abstract: An input device includes: a touch panel; a tactile presentation device that is mounted on the touch panel, and presents a tactile feel; and a control device that detects a position of a finger in accordance with information from the touch panel, controls the tactile presentation device to present the tactile feel in accordance with the position of the finger, and confirms an input value, the input value being the number of times the tactile feel is presented before input confirmation.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITEDInventors: Ayumu Akabane, Tsuyoshi Kanda, Fumio Takei
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Patent number: 10713908Abstract: To provide a content providing system preferably providing a plurality of users with content. A content providing system according to the present technology includes a transmission apparatus, a control apparatus, and a plurality of reception apparatuses. The transmission apparatus transmits a trigger signal by broadcasting the trigger signal. The control apparatus controls the transmission apparatus. Each of the plurality of reception apparatuses includes a signal-reception part that receives the trigger signal, a storage part that stores content, a content presenting part that presents the content to a user, and a control part that controls the content presenting part on the basis of the trigger signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Ryo Yokoyama, Ikuo Yamano, Osamu Ito, Yosuke Matsuzaki
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Patent number: 10705610Abstract: A touch interface device that produces tactile and audio output comprising a touch surface, an first electrode coupled to the touch surface that receives a first haptic/audio output potential, a second electrode coupled to a low impedance return path to the device, the first and second electrodes being configured such that when both the first and second electrodes are touched by an appendage of a user, a current flows between the first and second electrodes and the appendage, where the current creates an electric field that imparts a controlled electrostatic force at interfaces of the first electrode and the appendage, and wherein the electrostatic force provides tactile feedback to the appendage of the user and causes vibration in the surrounding air that is audible to the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITYInventors: James E. Colgate, Michael A. Peshkin, Craig Shultz
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Patent number: 10693518Abstract: A device and method of verifying protective case usage, is described. The device includes one or more processors to drive an electromechanical transducer with an input signal. The electromechanical transducer generates an input force based on the input signal, and a sensor of the device generates a test output signal in response to the input force. The one or more processors determine, based on the test output signal, a level of verification that a protective case is mounted on the device. The determination can include determining whether the test output signal matches a predetermined impulse response signal indicative of an unprotected device or a protected device. A digital identification tag of the protective case can be read by a radio-frequency transceiver of the device to provide an additional level of verification that the protective case is mounted on the device. Other aspects are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: CaseFax Inc.Inventor: Randy Mark Cunningham