Thursday, December 17, 2009

Patent applications - IMMR

United States Patent Application 20090313542
Kind Code A1
Cruz-Hernandez; Juan Manuel ; et al. December 17, 2009

User Interface Impact Actuator

Abstract

A system generates a haptic effect that simulates a mechanical button. The system receives a signal that indicates that a user has contacted a user interface of the system. The system includes an impact actuator. In response to the signal, a moving element of the impact actuator contacts the user interface, which generates the haptic effect.


Inventors: Cruz-Hernandez; Juan Manuel; (Montreal, CA) ; Grant; Danny A.; (Laval, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address:
    WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING, P.O. BOX 7037
ATLANTA
GA
30357-0037
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Immersion Corporation
San Jose
CA

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United States Patent Application 20090305744
Kind Code A1
Ullrich; Christopher J. December 10, 2009

Developing A Notification Framework For Electronic Device Events

Abstract

Systems and methods are described herein for developing a notification framework for presenting notification information to a user of an electronic device. One embodiment of a method, among others, includes receiving input from physical sensors located in proximity to an electronic device and receiving input from one or more other electronic devices in proximity to the electronic device. The method further comprises assessing a context of the electronic device from the received input. A notification framework is then determined from the assessed context. The method also includes notifying a user of the electronic device of a detected event associated with the electronic device. Notifying the user includes notifying the user within the notification framework.


Inventors: Ullrich; Christopher J.; (Ventura, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address:
    WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING, P.O. BOX 7037
ATLANTA
GA
30357-0037
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Immersion Corporation
San Jose
CA

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United States Patent Application 20090299711
Kind Code A1
Rosenberg; Louis B. December 3, 2009

Physically Realistic Computer Simulation of Medical Procedures

Abstract

An apparatus for interfacing the movement of a shaft with a computer includes a support, a gimbal mechanism having two degrees of freedom, and three electromechanical transducers. When a shaft is engaged with the gimbal mechanism, it can move with three degrees of freedom in a spherical coordinate space, where each degree of freedom is sensed by one of the three transducers. A fourth transducer can be used to sense rotation of the shaft around an axis.


Inventors: Rosenberg; Louis B.; (Mountain View, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address:
    PATENT DEPARTMENT (51851);KILPATRICK STOCKTON LLP
1001 WEST FOURTH STREET
WINSTON-SALEM
NC
27101
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Immersion Corporation
San Jose
CA

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United States Patent Application 20090295552
Kind Code A1
Shahoian; Erik J. ; et al. December 3, 2009

Vibrotactile Haptic Feedback Devices

Abstract

Vibrotactile haptic feedback devices are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a device includes: a mass, an actuator configured to vibrate the mass, and a coupling disposed between the actuator and the mass or between the mass and a housing, the coupling having a first configuration with a compliance and a second configuration with a compliance, the compliance of the coupling in the first configuration being different from the compliance of the coupling in the second configuration, the actuator being configured to output haptic feedback associated with the first configuration of the coupling and haptic feedback associated with the second configuration of the coupling, the haptic feedback associated with the first configuration of the coupling being different from the haptic feedback associated with the second configuration of the coupling.


Inventors: Shahoian; Erik J.; (San Ramon, CA) ; Martin; Kenneth M.; (Palo Alto, CA) ; Schena; Bruce M.; (Menlo Park, CA) ; Moore; David F.; (Redwood City, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address:
    PATENT DEPARTMENT (51851);KILPATRICK STOCKTON LLP
1001 WEST FOURTH STREET
WINSTON-SALEM
NC
27101
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Immersion Corporation
San Jose
CA

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