Joystick Patents (Class 345/161)
  • Patent number: 11928266
    Abstract: The information processing apparatus includes a pointing stick which is disposed on a keyboard, has an operable stick and is possible to detect a displacement in an installation plane direction of the stick and a displacement in a direction which is vertical to the installation plane and a main control unit which displays a predetermined menu screen on a display unit in a case where the pointing stick detects a specific operation which includes the displacement of the stick in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Watanabe, Takahide Wada, Akihiro Miyano, Mamoru Okada, Naoyuki Araki
  • Patent number: 11921939
    Abstract: This information processing system includes: a controller including an operation element to be displaced from an initial position by user's operation, a restoring force imparting section applying a restoring force for returning the displaced operation element to the initial position, a resistance section using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes with a magnetic-field intensity and which becomes resistance when the operation element is displaced from/to the initial position, and a magnetic field generation section which provides the magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid; and a circuit capable of controlling the magnetic field generation section. The circuit controls a magnetic-field intensity so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid periodically changes at least between a first viscosity state and a second viscosity state in which the viscosity is lower than in the first viscosity state so that the operation element returns to the initial position by the restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Aoki, Takanori Okamura
  • Patent number: 11914858
    Abstract: A window replacement display device having a memory that stores landscape information, a clock unit that generates current time information, a display unit for displaying the landscape information, and a control unit configured to change the landscape information according to the current time information and to display it on the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventors: Helen Hyun-Min Song, Yunseo Jeon
  • Patent number: 11908311
    Abstract: Innovative techniques to design and generate haptics waveforms are proposed. The proposed techniques reduce or eliminate audible noises being generated by a haptic actuator during operation. A haptic controller may compose a voltage waveform at a resonant frequency of the haptic actuator and generate a corresponding control signal. Instead of suddenly entering a high impedance state from a driving state, the voltage waveform may include a ramp down portion in which the voltage ramps down continuously but quickly so that the current flowing within the actuator is brought down before entering the high impedance state. In this way, audible noises may be reduced or even eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph Dale Rutkowski, Liangguo Shen, Shivaprakash Halagur, Joshua Zazzera, Nathaniel Jay T. Salazar
  • Patent number: 11896895
    Abstract: A rotating assembly comprises a rotary shaft, an accommodating body and a position-limiting switch. An outer wall of the rotary shaft includes a first tenon and a second tenon. The accommodating body includes a matching hole for the first tenon to insert and rotate therein. An inner wall of the matching hole includes a convex rib. By rotating the rotary shaft, a side wall of the first tenon and a side wall of the convex rib butt against or separate from each other, so that in an axial direction of the rotary shaft, the rotary shaft is fixed or movable relative to the accommodating body. When the side wall of the first tenon and the side wall of the convex rib butt against each other, the position-limiting switch and the second tenon are clamped together to prevent the rotary shaft from rotating relative to the accommodating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: GOERTEK, INC.
    Inventor: Changhua Dong
  • Patent number: 11893164
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for eyes-free text entry. The system may include a wearable device having a display and processing circuitry configured to receive a haptic input provided to a keyboard mounted on a finger of a user, the haptic input being an indication of an alphabetical letter, generate a list of candidate words based on the received haptic input, each candidate t word of the list of candidate words being associated with a probability thereof, display the generated list of candidate words to the user via the display of the wearable device, receive a selection of a particular candidate word of the list of candidate words, and append the particular candidate to a present sentence structure, wherein the keyboard has a layout based on a spatial model reflecting spatial awareness, by the user, of key locations on the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: TRUSTEES OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
    Inventors: Zheer Xu, Jun Gong, Xiaojun Bi, Xing-Dong Yang
  • Patent number: 11884379
    Abstract: A control system is for a high lift assembly of an aircraft. The assembly is controllable in two aerodynamic configurations each with different lift. The control system includes a manual control device operable by a pilot of the aircraft. The manual control device includes at least one member movable relative to a base body. The movable member can be moved relative to the base body between a rest position, a first position and a second distinct position. The manual control device includes a resilient return device for the movable member in the rest position. The manual control device issues a signal when the movable member reaches either the first or second position, to move the high lift assembly between two of the aerodynamic configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: DASSAULT AVIATION
    Inventors: Jérôme Le Borloch, François Pineau
  • Patent number: 11857473
    Abstract: A seat for a mobility device accommodating flexibility, personalized comfort, and transportability. The seat can include a button push means to enable movement of a height-adjustable armrest. The seat back can fold upon the seat for transportability. The seat cushion and armrest cushion can be removably mounted and separately replaceable. The seat can be mounted upon various types of devices, including, but not limited to, wheelchairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Matthew A. Norris, Trevor A. Conway, Paul R. Curtin, Dale B. McGrath, Zachary E. Cranfield, Alexander D. Streeter
  • Patent number: 11860665
    Abstract: An active operating module comprising an operating lever that is pivotably mounted about at least one pivot axis and for each of the at least one pivot axis at least one first active actuating force module, which generates a torque acting on the operating lever, against which a user has to deflect the operating lever out of a rest position. The at least one first active actuating force module is arranged below the at least one pivot axis and is effectively connected directly to the operating lever by a transmission. The active operating module further comprises at least two first active actuating force modules, wherein these comprise in particular a conical region and are arranged at a 90° angle to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: ELOBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Dorn, Ulrich Morent
  • Patent number: 11860587
    Abstract: An electronic device, such as a watch, has a variable friction mechanism for providing variable frictional feedback as an input mechanism, such as a crown, is rotated. The variable frictional feedback may correspond to operational states, events, or other conditions at the electronic watch. The variable frictional feedback may be provided by changing a frictional force between the crown and the variable friction mechanism. The variable friction mechanism may include a friction element adapted to contact a shaft of the crown and an actuator adapted to change a frictional force between the friction element and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Taylor, Brenton A. Baugh
  • Patent number: 11833421
    Abstract: A program, a game control method, and an information processing apparatus, which are capable of improving operability of a game. A program causing an information processing apparatus to execute a step of causing an object arranged on a field object in a virtual space in which a coordinate system having a first axis and a second axis is set to be displayed on a screen in which a coordinate system having a third axis and a fourth axis is set, a step of detecting first and second positions on the screen while the first user operation is being detected, and a moving step of moving the object according to a first user operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Daisuke Taka, Motoshi Abe, Masaru Ida, Kiyoto Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11831033
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack system includes a retention cage, a reserve power module, and a rechargeable battery pack. The retention cage is removably attachable over a battery compartment of a game controller. The reserve power module has first electrical contacts that contact battery contacts of the game controller for providing electrical power from the reserve power module to the game controller when the reserve power module is in the retention cage and the retention cage is attached to the game controller. The rechargeable battery pack has electrical contacts to contact second electrical contacts of the reserve power module for providing electrical power to the reserve power module and to the game controller, through the reserve power module. The reserve power module can uninterruptedly power the game controller when the depleted rechargeable battery pack is removed from the retention cage to be replaced by a charged rechargeable battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Rayeski, Grady E. Barfoot, Jonathan B. Miksch, Andrew W. Willard, Jack B. Nanney, Christopher R. Langlois
  • Patent number: 11797112
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device which is paired with a host device to control content of the host device, wherein the electronic device includes a touch sensing module, a movement sensing module for acquiring first movement information of the electronic device based on an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer, and a control signal output unit for acquiring second movement information through operation of the first movement information, and determining, under a gesture mode, a motion corresponding to the movement of the electronic device based on the second movement information and outputting a motion signal indicating the determined motion to the host device, and determining, under a mouse mode, a mouse action based on at least one of touch information acquired from the touch sensing module and the second movement information and outputting a mouse signal indicating the mouse action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: COX SPACE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ho Yeon Kim
  • Patent number: 11797043
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor system includes an integrated circuit comprising a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a plurality of magnetic sensors configured for measuring at least two first magnetic field components oriented in a first direction, and for measuring at least two second magnetic field components oriented in a second direction; a permanent magnet movable relative to the integrated circuit and configured for generating a magnetic field. A processing circuit is configured for determining at least two physical quantities related to a position of the magnet, using a predefined algorithm based on the measured first and second magnetic field components or values derived therefrom, as inputs, and that uses a plurality of at least eight constants which are determined using machine learning. A force sensor system, a joystick or thumbstick system, and a method may use the magnetic sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES SA
    Inventors: Gael Close, Nicolas Dupre, Théo Le Signor
  • Patent number: 11779835
    Abstract: A video game controller includes a first controller outer housing and a second controller outer housing. The first controller outer housing and the second controller outer housing are detachably connected. A first controller inner housing, a second controller inner housing, a battery, and a wireless charging board are disposed in the first controller outer housing and the second controller outer housing. A control board is disposed in the second controller outer housing, and the control board is electrically connected to the wireless charging board. A lighting assembly is disposed on the control board, and the lighting assembly is configured to emit light for the video game controller. The first controller outer housing and the second controller outer housing are made of a transparent material, and the first controller inner housing and the second controller inner housing are in semi-transparent structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: HUBEI ZUANMA INTELLIGENT CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Sen Wang
  • Patent number: 11771991
    Abstract: In an example of an information processing system, in a case where a user character is present on an area in a first state on a wall surface, and while an input to an operation button is continued, the user character is caused to perform a preliminary action, and if at least the input to the operation button ends, the user character is moved to a boundary between the area in the first state and another area on the wall surface. If the user character reaches the boundary, the user character is caused to jump from the boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shintaro Sato, Kenji Matsumoto, Shinya Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11762482
    Abstract: A mouse for controlling a cursor movement speed based on a pressure is provided, which has a simple structure and a fast adjustment speed and can control the cursor movement speed based on the pressure of the mouse. The mouse includes a microprocessor, a pressure detection unit, a movement detection unit and a button detection unit. The pressure detection unit, the movement detection unit and the button detection unit are signal-connected to the microprocessor, respectively. When the movement detection unit detects a movement signal of the mouse, data sent by the mouse is adjusted based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit to change the cursor movement speed. The new mouse belongs to the technical field of computer peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ZHUHAI HENGYU NEW TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junjian Chen
  • Patent number: 11759704
    Abstract: A controller, thumbstick, or system comprising a thumbstick body, a thumbstick shaft coupled to the thumbstick body wherein the thumbstick shaft is configured to retract into the thumbstick body and wherein the thumbstick body and the thumbstick shaft is freely rotatable together around a pivot center within the controller body. In some implementations the thumbstick body included a fluid and the thumbstick shaft displaces the fluid when the thumbstick shaft retracts into the thumbstick body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
    Inventors: Jeansoo Khim, Steven Osman
  • Patent number: 11755056
    Abstract: A method to obtain total compensation force information of a user input device is disclosed. The method comprising obtaining velocity information of a portion of the user input device. Obtaining acceleration information of the portion of the user input device. Obtaining damping force information force based on the velocity information. Obtaining inertial compensation force information based on the acceleration information. Combining the damping compensation force and inertial compensation force to provide the compensation force information of the user input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventors: Jason Howard Bean, Justin Mark Dee
  • Patent number: 11738260
    Abstract: A cross button and a game controller with Dpad are provided. The cross button includes a button cap, a silicone pad, a circuit board and a controller. The circuit board is communicatively connected to the controller, and the silicone pad is located between the button cap and the circuit board. A first anti-mistouch pillar and four first trigger pillars are disposed on the silicone pad, and they are located on a side on the silicone pad close to the circuit board. The four first trigger pillars are evenly distributed on the silicone pad, and the first anti-mistouch pillar is located at a center of the four first trigger pillars. When all of the four first trigger pillars trigger signals, the controller controls a virtual button to trigger. A virtual button function of cross button is added without changing the original button, so the applicability of the cross button is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN ONEBITDO TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chuankun Li
  • Patent number: 11740649
    Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes an operation input part, a base, and a load detector. The operation input part includes an operation stick, two coupled parts configured to convert a tilt of the operation stick into two rotation angles orthogonal to each other, at least one return spring configured to return the operation stick to an upright position, and a frame accommodating the two coupled parts, the at least one return spring, and a part of the operation stick. The base has a plate shape and is provided below the frame. The load detector is provided on the frame or the base and is configured to detect a load applied to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Hosono, Masaru Komatsu, Sadayuki Yaginuma, Yasuji Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 11726569
    Abstract: A haptic interface unit may include an application in the operating system of a device in communication with a driver layer. A plurality of sensors and actuators may be in communication with the driver layer. The driver layer analyzes information from the sensors to generate an output signal based on an interaction model stored in the driver layer. The application updates the interaction model in the driver layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Tanvas Magic Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 11701581
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus including a control section to generate a control signal that controls an operation of a tactile feedback apparatus including a tactile feedback section. The control section changes control on the tactile feedback apparatus on the basis of a type of the tactile feedback section which is recognized by the control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Komori, Ikuo Yamano, Yusuke Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11662835
    Abstract: A controller includes a first control member movable with one or two degree(s) of freedom (DoF) a second control member coupled to the first control member and movable with three independent DoFs and a third control member coupled to the first and the second control members, the third control member movable with one DoF, which is being one of the three DoFs of the second control member in the set, and providing a third control input, wherein the first, the second, and the third control members are configured to be operated by a user's single hand. Further, a forearm brace for attaching to a forearm of a user and a controller is used to support the user's forearm when the user operates the controller. Additionally, the controller includes vibration haptic motors for provide haptic alerts to the user based on position data and/or orientation data associated with a target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Fluidity Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Edward Parazynski, Douglas Wayne Stanley, Keven Dale Coates
  • Patent number: 11654353
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a holding portion for gripping by a hand of a user; a manipulation block having a first side that includes at least one of: (i) one or more pressable buttons, and (ii) a stick button, and having a second side that includes a trigger button; and at least one of: (i) a thumb sensor block, located proximate to the first side of the manipulation block, and operable to detect the presence of the thumb of the hand of the user when the holding portion is gripped by the user, (ii) a first finger sensor, located on the trigger button, and operable to detect the presence of the at least one finger of the hand of the user when the holding portion is gripped by the user, and (iii) a second finger sensor, located proximate to both the second side of the manipulation block and the holding portion of the housing, and operable to detect the presence of at least one of a middle finger, a ring finger, and a pinky finger of the hand of the user when the holding portion is gripped by the us
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Machida, Kunihito Sawai, Shinichi Hirata, Yoshihisa Takahashi, Yoichi Nishimaki, Yasushi Okumura, Norihiro Nagai
  • Patent number: 11650675
    Abstract: A rotary knob having (inter alia, adjustable) a coupling electrode and capacitive coupling devices for placing on a touch screen is provided. Depending on the position of the rotary knob or of the coupling electrode, contact of a corresponding partial region of the touchscreen is detected. The rotary knob is designed detect and ignore disturbing influences such as drops of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Preh GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Martin, Benedikt Schmidt, Markus Klein
  • Patent number: 11628365
    Abstract: A game apparatus functioning as a non-limiting example information processing apparatus includes a CPU that executes virtual game processing. A player makes a PC act in a place provided in a virtual space, and clears a quest issued by an NPC that the PC encountered. Then, a reward is given to the PC or player. Moreover, by displaying one or more quests issued by one or more NPCs by list, it is possible to clear a quest selected from the list. In this case, a reward is also given to the PC or player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Sensui
  • Patent number: 11599137
    Abstract: A joystick assembly applicable to a game controller includes a base, a shaft, a movement sensing device, a memory and a processor. The shaft is pivotally disposed at the base. The movement sensing device is disposed in the base and configured to sense the movement of the shaft relative to the base to generate a movement signal. The memory is disposed in the base and stores an identification number of the joystick assembly and pieces of calibration data. The processor is disposed in the base and configured to determine whether to output the movement signal according to the calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEXIN CORP.
    Inventors: Ho Lung Lu, Yuan-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 11576736
    Abstract: A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: TITAN MEDICAL INC.
    Inventor: John D. Unsworth
  • Patent number: 11571617
    Abstract: A haptic peripheral device ecosystem coordination system may comprise a display device displaying a three-dimensional (3D) gaming environment, the processor identifying a gaming action event occurring in the 3D gaming environment, based on a detected action event indicator, and determining a position of the gaming action event relative to a player avatar image within the 3D gaming environment, the processor transmitting a haptic command to a controller for a triggered haptic peripheral device, the haptic command selected based on an identification of the gaming action event, the triggered haptic peripheral device selected from a plurality of peripheral devices based on the position of the gaming action event, the controller for the triggered haptic peripheral causing haptic feedback at the triggered haptic peripheral device at a position relative to the user that is correlated to the position of the gaming action event with respect to the player avatar image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Peng Lip Goh, Rex W. Bryan, Deeder M. Aurongzeb
  • Patent number: 11574167
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a circuit for determining information about the position, attitude, or orientation of a magnet comprises an input interface configured to receive components of a magnetic field produced by the magnet. An evaluation logic unit corresponds to at least one trained neural network and is configured to determine the information about the position, attitude, or orientation of the magnet on the basis of the received components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Richard Heinz, Andrea Hollenbach, Stephan Leisenheimer
  • Patent number: 11547934
    Abstract: A game controller (1) including an assembled shell (2) and at least one pivoting control member (3) which passes through the assembled shell (2) and can be tilted manually in all directions from a rest position into which it returns in a rotationally elastic manner. For each pivoting control member (3), the game controller includes at least one removable first head (32A) and one removable second head. The two removable heads have different dimensions so as to obtain different values for the stop angle of the control member (3) in relation to its rest position when the control member (3) is tilted in abutment in the stop position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: NACON
    Inventors: Alain Falc, Antoine Vandekerckhove, Valentin Delrue, Yannick Allaert
  • Patent number: 11507202
    Abstract: A 3D input device, in particular a mobile 3D input device, has a housing and an input element arranged within the housing. The input element has at least a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The 3D input device has a sensor device. The input element is movable relative to the housing in six components. The sensor device detects the movements and/or the positions of the input element relative to the housing. The first side of the input element or the second side of the input element or the first side and the second side of the input element are together configured in such a way that a user can complete a movement of the input element along the six components via an action on the input element. A mobile device and a 3D remote-control each have at least one such 3D input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Volker Senft, Josef Reill, Armin Wedler, Nikolaus Seitz
  • Patent number: 11510042
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device is provided. The game controller includes a control module, a first audio module, and a second audio module. The mobile device includes a first wireless communication module. The first audio module is wirelessly connected to an audio device. The second audio module is electrically connected to the mobile device, so as to control the mobile device to be wirelessly connected to the audio device. A pairing between the audio device and the first audio module and a pairing between the audio device and the first wireless communication module of the mobile device are performed before the audio device is used. The control module generates a control command according to a category of audio information of the mobile device, so as to output the audio information to the audio device through the first audio module or the second audio module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: DEXIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ho-Lung Lu, Yuan-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 11491392
    Abstract: A handheld controller may include a movable control that is usable for activating and deactivating a motion control feature of the handheld controller based on a detection of, or a failure to detect, a finger contacting a surface of the movable control. For example, a touch sensor associated with the movable control may provide touch sensor data indicative of a proximity of a finger relative to the movable control, and based on this touch sensor data, the motion control feature of the handheld controller can be toggled on and off, depending on whether the finger is contacting the movable control or not. When the motion control feature is activated, motion sensor data from a motion sensor(s) is sent to an application (e.g., a video game) as application input. When the motion control feature is deactivated, the motion sensor data is not used as application input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Austin Palmer, Ian Campbell, Scott Dalton
  • Patent number: 11481049
    Abstract: A system for providing input to a computer, the system including: a stylus with a first end, the first end to provide position information to the computer; and a plurality of divots, wherein when the first end of the stylus is in a divot, the system detects an orientation of the stylus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Craig Peter Sayers, Ian N. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11471755
    Abstract: Enhancements to existing gaming controllers facilitating expedient response time and fine-tuned accuracy are described. The enhancements comprise the internal modification of the stock resistance force supplied by the analog stick centering spring mechanism. Through modification, the force of resistance supplied may be increased to over 200 grams of force, or down to 40 grams of force, while maintaining full function of the analog stick mechanism. A second primary enhancement replaces the stock triggers, conventionally equipped with progressive resistance sensors, to a momentary ‘snap-action’ two-way switch, minimizing trigger pull distance, and removing the analog nature of the trigger to achieve optimal performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: David Christopher Bailey
  • Patent number: 11476752
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power supply apparatus, which provides an output voltage outputted by a DC/DC power circuit to a power supply system of a load and includes: an external terminal which a load-side ground potential is applied to; an adding portion configured for adding the load-side ground potential applied to the external terminal to a set reference voltage; a low-pass filter (LPF) including at least one resistor and at least one capacitor, wherein the LPF inputs an LPF input voltage based on an adding result of the adding portion; and an error amplifier, wherein the error amplifier is inputted an LPF output voltage from the LPF as a reference voltage and inputted a feedback voltage based on the LPF output voltage. The error amplifier is included in the DC/DC power circuit. The output voltage is controlled according to an output of the error amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 11455029
    Abstract: The application relates to an apparatus, method and computer program for adjusting output signals. The apparatus comprising means for receiving at least a first measurement signal from a first movement sensor and receiving at least a second measurement signal from a second movement sensor wherein the first movement sensor and the second movement sensor are provided on the same structure. The means are also for identifying one or more correlations between the measurement signals and using the identified one or more correlations to adjust at least one output signal provided by at least one detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventors: Aapo Kalliola, Ian Justin Oliver, Yoan Miche
  • Patent number: 11449154
    Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-dimensional user interface controller apparatus for providing a multi-dimensional user input. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a disc adapted to be tilted to control at least two-axes, and depressible in a third axis, and an outer ring surrounding the disc, the outer ring adapted to rotate about the disc to control a fourth axis. In use, the disc and the outer ring are controllable to provide at least four-axes of simultaneous control inputs. In an embodiment, the multi-dimensional user interface controller apparatus further comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors to sense the tilt of the disc or a press on the disc. In another embodiment, the disc further comprises a touch-sensitive top surface adapted to sense one or more fingers touching the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: GRANT & UNION INC.
    Inventors: Calvin Chu, Sirui Wang, Zhan Yong Qi, Andrew Joseph John Hayes, Ioan Romulus Curticapean
  • Patent number: 11439900
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a photoelectric joystick assembly composed of a joystick and a substrate, the substrate being provided with three pairs of photoelectric tubes; first and second linkage members are respectively provided with rotatable first and second luminous flux changing members at one end, thereby oscillating in the respective photoelectric tubes, respectively, so that the light received by a photosensitive element from a light-emitting element continuously changes; the second linkage member is further provided with an elastic member with a light path mechanism thereacross, which acts on communication or block of the light path of the photoelectric tubes to provide a switch signal. The solution of the present invention is to replace the mechanical contact switch and potentiometer for transmission with a photoelectric element and an original structure, and design a connection structure and manner originally, by which these photoelectric elements are arranged in the rocker masterly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Jianping Li
  • Patent number: 11433989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a force application device for a control stick of an aircraft, wherein the control stick comprises a control lever (1) rotating a shaft (A1) about a first axis (A), the device comprising a magnetic brake (5a) which comprises a magnetisable element (50a) mounted on the shaft and a magnetic transmitter (51a) which is opposite the magnetisable element and free to rotate about the first axis relative to the magnetisable element, the magnetic transmitter having an activated state in which the magnetic transmitter is supplied with current and generates a magnetic field in a volume occupied by the magnetisable element, and a deactivated state in which the magnetic transmitter is not supplied with current and does not generate a magnetic field, so as to prevent the magnetisable element from rotating about the shaft relative to the magnetic transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventors: Rémi-Louis Lawniczak, Yannick Attrazic
  • Patent number: 11435830
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to content-based tactile outputs. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with content-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with end-of-content tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with moving a user interface in response to different types of input are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with adjustable item-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with input velocity-based tactile outputs are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, David H. Bloom, Gary Ian Butcher, Dylan Ross Edwards, Jules K. Fennis, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Alan C. Dye
  • Patent number: 11410592
    Abstract: A display method and a display device using the same is disclosed. In the display method, an image is received. The image has an indicative object and a display background that surrounds the indicative object. Then, the original color of the indicative object is changed into a first color and the image that has the indicative object with the first color is displayed based on the average hue of a part of the display background. The part of the display background surrounds the indicative object. The average hue corresponds to a second color. The first color and the second color are complementary colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp
    Inventors: Hsin-Tso Chiang, Tsun-Hou Chou, Po-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 11395962
    Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) controller includes a handle, a side housing, and a switch. The side housing has a fixed portion and a flexible portion. The fixed portion is fixed to the handle, and a contour of the side housing extending toward the handle conforms to a shape of a palm. The switch is disposed between the handle and the side housing. The flexible portion is deformed to trigger the switch when the handle and the side housing are held and a force is applied to the flexible portion relative to the handle. In other words, the flexible portion abutting against the palm is deformed to trigger the switch when the handle and the side housing are held and a force is applied, relative to the flexible portion, to one side of the handle far away from the flexible portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Jui-Hsiang Lin, Chang-Hua Wei, Shih-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 11376496
    Abstract: A system and method for an interactive video game controller accessory designed to be operated by an individual's left or right hand where the video game controller accessory may be placed or positioned on an existing video game controller and spun by the player during downtime of video games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Donald Wayne Brandt
  • Patent number: 11377044
    Abstract: An input device provides an improved feeling of operation to a user and allows the user to recognize an operation of a handle by providing haptic feedback by limiting a direction of movement of the handle of the input device provided in a vehicle according to a control item, applying a reaction force to the handle, or generating a vibration. The input device includes the handle that is movable in a first direction and a second direction and a motor that is configured to generate force related to a movement of the handle. A driver is configured to operate the motor. A controller operates the driver to limit a moving direction of the handle to the first direction or the second direction according to a control item controlled by the movement of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Seunghwan Lee, Sean Follmer, Inrak Choi
  • Patent number: 11358286
    Abstract: A robot system includes a user interface configured to receive an operational instruction from an operator, a robot installed in a workspace and configured to perform a series of works including a plurality of processes, a sensor installed in the workspace, a transparent type display unit configured so that the operator is visible of a physical real world and configured to display information detected by the sensor as the image screen, and a control device. The control device displays on the transparent type display unit, when the robot is operated by the user interface, first information that is information detected by the sensor, as the image screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masayuki Kamon, Hideyuki Ryu
  • Patent number: 11347313
    Abstract: An example feedback controller for a computing device is disclosed. The feedback controller includes a sleeve to be disposed about a portion of a user's wrist. In addition, the feedback controller includes a handle to be grasped by the user's hand. Still further, the feedback controller includes a first actuator coupled to the handle and the sleeve, the first actuator to move the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sarthak Ghosh, Eric Faggin
  • Patent number: 11344797
    Abstract: An operation device has a movable portion movable between a first position and a second position. The movable portion is operated by a user while the operation device is gripped by the user. The operation device receives information identifying a control mode and control information defined for each control mode as an instruction related to control of a tactile force sense, and controls the tactile force sense presented to the movable portion by using the received control information in the control mode identified by the received information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Ikuo Yamano, Yusuke Nakagawa, Shinichi Hirata, Yuichi Machida, Yoichi Nishimaki