Immersion Corporation

Immerson Corporation

Srivatsav Venkatesan

Kaniyalal Shah

Stephen D Rank

Douglas George Billington

Daniel Gregory Parker

Aaron Kapelus

William S Rihn

Henry Da Costa

Andrew C Prock

Graciela D Franz

The embodiments are directed toward techniques for isolating a user input signal at a haptic output device. A signal originating from a user input element associated with the haptic output device is received. The received signal is separated into a first component including the user input signal, and a second component including a haptic feedback signal. While the first component is processed, the second component can be discarded or otherwise ignored.

Feedback reduction for a user input element associated with a haptic output device

One embodiment provides haptic functionality. The embodiment receives an encoded value that encodes an actuator drive value, where the actuator drive value corresponds to a strength of a haptic effect. The embodiment converts the encoded value into a pattern of ON/OFF durations, and plays back the pattern of ON/OFF durations on an actuator to produce the haptic effect.

Real-time haptics generation

Systems and methods for rendering a haptic effect at a user input element associated with a haptic output device are provided. A primary range and a secondary range of positions are defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device. In addition, a boundary range of positions is defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device, the boundary range partially overlapping each of the primary and secondary ranges. A position of the user input element is monitored, and the haptic effect rendered in response to an entry of the user input element to positions within the boundary range.

Position control of a user input element associated with a haptic output device

The embodiments are directed toward techniques for modifying a haptic effect that is rendered based on a media stream. Upon receiving the media stream, a haptic drive signal is generated based on the media stream. The haptic drive signal is then applied to render the haptic effect at a haptic output device. Within a media editing application, the media stream may be modified. In response to the modification, a modified haptic drive signal may be generated based on the modification to the media stream. As a result, a modified haptic effect is rendered at the haptic output device.

Media driven haptics

Systems and methods for controlling power and/or current consumption for multiple haptic output devices are provided. Various features of the haptic output device may be described within a data structure. In response to a haptic instruction, a power budget for the haptic output device may be determined in accordance with its operational characteristics. A drive signal may then be applied to the haptic output device to produce the haptic effect in accordance with the calculated power budget. The calculated power budget may be configured to limit the current or power drawn by the haptic output device.

Controlling power distribution to haptic output devices

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for haptically-enhanced smart home architectures. For example, one disclosed method includes determining a building component condition of a building component; determining an interaction with a control device in the building, the control device associated with the component of the building and comprising a haptic output device; determining a haptic effect based on the building component condition; and transmitting a signal to the haptic output device to cause the haptic output device to output the haptic effect.

Systems and methods for haptically-enhanced smart home architectures

The embodiments are directed toward an architecture and communication protocol for controlling haptic output devices. According to the embodiments, a composite drive signal is generated that includes a first drive signal to be rendered by a first haptic output device, a second drive signal to be rendered by a second haptic output device, and a packet identifier. A controller includes the first haptic output device that is associated with a first user input element and the second haptic output device associated with a second user input element. The composite drive signal is transmitted to controller, and the execution order of the first and second drive signals is determined based on the packet identifier.

Growing community of inventors

Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Srivatsav Venkatesan