Method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth, low noise mechanical I/O for computer systems

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5731804
SERIAL NO

08374288

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

A method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth and low noise mechanical input and output for computer systems. A gimbal mechanism provides two revolute degrees of freedom to an object about two axes of rotation. A linear axis member is coupled to the gimbal mechanism at the intersection of the two axes of rotation. The linear axis member is capable of being translated along a third axis to provide a third degree of freedom. The user object is coupled to the linear axis member and is thus translatable along the third axis so that the object can be moved along all three degrees of freedom. Transducers associated with the provided degrees of freedom include sensors and actuators and provide an electromechanical interface between the object and a digital processing system. Capstan drive mechanisms transmit forces between the transducers and the object. The linear axis member can also be rotated about its lengthwise axis to provide a fourth degree of freedom, and, optionally, a floating gimbal mechanism is coupled to the linear axis member to provide fifth and sixth degrees of freedom to an object. Transducer sensors are associated with the fourth, fifth, and sixth degrees of freedom. The interface is well suited for simulations of medical procedures and simulations in which an object such as a stylus or a joystick is moved and manipulated by the user.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
IMMERSION CORPORATIONSAN JOSE, CA772

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Rosenberg, Louis B Pleasanton, CA 330 27730

Cited Art Landscape

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
Other [Check patent profile for assignment information] (9)
* 4638798 Stereotactic method and apparatus for locating and treating or removing lesions 416 1980
* 4436188 Controlled motion apparatus 104 1981
* 4654648 Wireless cursor control system 198 1984
* 4593570 Water sampler device with key 10 1985
* 4676002 Mechanisms to determine position and orientation in space 229 1985
* 4750487 Stereotactic frame 347 1986
* 5148377 Coordinate measuring system 201 1989
* 5139261 Foot-actuated computer game controller serving as a joystick 193 1991
* 5228356 Variable effort joystick 171 1991
 
ER-WE-PA DAVIS-STANDARD GMBH (1)
* 5223776 Six-degree virtual pivot controller 256 1990
 
GEC FERRANTI DEFENCE SYSTEMS LIMITED (1)
* 4601206 Accelerometer system 147 1984
 
MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD. (1)
* 5379663 Multi-axial joy stick device 131 1993
 
Garda Impianti S.R.L. (1)
* 4891889 Apparatus for measure and/or check the position and orientation of characteristic spots or areas in structures, particularly in motor-vehicle bodies 124 1988
 
EJT TECHNOLOGIES INC. (1)
* 5384460 Encoder with a light emitting editing wheel 82 1993
 
VOLKS COMMUNICATION, INC. (1)
* 4550221 Touch sensitive control device 597 1983
 
Nucon Steel Corporation (1)
* 4942545 Calibration of eddy current profilometry 79 1988
 
SURGICAL INNOVATIONS LIMITED (1)
5467763 Surgical instruments 283 1994
 
APPLE INC. (2)
* 5095303 Six degree of freedom graphic object controller 223 1990
* 5132672 Three degree of freedom graphic object controller 77 1990
 
Micro Control Systems, Inc. (1)
* 4477973 Three dimensional graphics tablet 79 1982
 
VOUGHT AIRCRAFT COMPANY (1)
* 5128671 Control device having multiple degrees of freedom 392 1990
 
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA (1)
* 4703443 Device for measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object 164 1985
 
SNECMA (1)
* 4550617 Multi axis force and moments transducer 105 1984
 
TRITON TECH OF TEXAS, LLC (1)
* 5181181 Computer apparatus input device for three-dimensional information 450 1990
 
Mitutoyo Mfg. Co., Ltd. (1)
* 4653011 Method of measuring by coordinate measuring instrument and coordinate measuring instrument 153 1985
 
MITUTOYO CORPORATION (2)
* 5204824 Method of and apparatus for copy controlling coordinate measuring probe with rotary table 131 1990
* 5187874 Coordinate measuring machine with protected origin point blocks 168 1991
 
Bonneville Scientific Incorporated (1)
* 4704909 Multicomponent force-torque sensor 59 1985
 
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (3)
* 4798919 Graphics input tablet with three-dimensional data 185 1988
* 5397323 Remote center-of-motion robot for surgery 452 1992
5445166 System for advising a surgeon 497 1994
 
Unimation, Inc. (1)
* 4688983 Low cost robot 80 1984
 
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (1)
* 4983786 XY velocity controller 105 1990
 
IBM PRODUCTS ASIA PTE. LTD. (1)
* 5007085 Remotely sensed personal stylus 207 1988
 
BAE SYSTEMS PLC (2)
* 4849692 Device for quantitatively measuring the relative position and orientation of two bodies in the presence of metals utilizing direct current magnetic fields 384 1986
* 4945305 Device for quantitatively measuring the relative position and orientation of two bodies in the presence of metals utilizing direct current magnetic fields 520 1989
 
Sheppard; Michael E. (1)
* 5216948 Environment control chamber with safety switch 31 1989
 
SPACEBALL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION/SPACETEC IMC CORP. (1)
* 4811608 Force and torque converter 136 1986
 
GIDDINGS & LEWIS MACHINE TOOLS, LLC (1)
* 4945501 Method for determining position within the measuring volume of a coordinate measuring machine and the like and system therefor 187 1989
 
XENON RESEARCH, INC. (4)
* 4571834 Knee laxity evaluator and motion module/digitizer arrangement 260 1985
* 5251127 Computer-aided surgery apparatus 588 1990
* 5402582 Three dimensional coordinate measuring apparatus 271 1993
* 5412880 Method of constructing a 3-dimensional map of a measurable quantity using three dimensional coordinate measuring apparatus 217 1993
 
AEA TECHNOLOGY PLC (1)
* 5007300 Multi-axis hand controller 203 1990
 
Grumman Aerospace Corporation (1)
* 4907970 Sidestick-type thrust control simulator 129 1988
 
SARCOS GROUP, A UT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (1)
* 5072361 Force-reflective teleoperation control system 173 1990
 
SPACEBALL TECHNOLOGIES 600 SUFFOLK STREET LOWELL, MA 01854 (1)
5591924 Force and torque converter 111 1993
 
TEKTRONIX, INC. (1)
* 4787051 Inertial mouse system 414 1986
 
Huka Developments B.V. (1)
* 4879556 Joystick control unit using multiple substrates 171 1987
 
A-VIEW CORPORATION (1)
* 4907973 Expert system simulator for modeling realistic internal environments and performance 479 1988
 
SRI INTERNATIONAL (1)
* 5262777 Device for generating multidimensional input signals to a computer 197 1991
 
National Biomedical Research Foundation (1)
* 5296846 Three-dimensional cursor control device 153 1992
 
Kabushiki Kaisha Daihen (1)
* 5243266 Teaching control device for manual operation in an industrial robots-system 97 1992
 
SHEFFIELD MEASUREMENT, INC. (1)
* 4819195 Method for calibrating a coordinate measuring machine and the like and system therefor 202 1987
 
HILLCREST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (1)
* 4839838 Spatial input apparatus 418 1987
 
STRYKER TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION (1)
5417696 Acetabular cup positioning insert with release mechanism 112 1993
 
IMMERSION CORPORATION (7)
* 5184319 Force feedback and textures simulating interface device 381 1990
* 5185561 Torque motor as a tactile feedback device in a computer system 340 1991
* 5220260 Actuator having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness 323 1991
* 5389865 Method and system for providing a tactile virtual reality and manipulator defining an interface device therefor 279 1992
* 5414337 Actuator having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness 323 1993
5459382 Method and system for providing a tactile virtual reality and manipulator defining an interface device therefor 253 1994
5576727 Electromechanical human-computer interface with force feedback 381 1995
 
Picker International, Inc. (1)
* 4791934 Computer tomography assisted stereotactic surgery system and method 670 1986
 
GENERAL DATACOMM, INC. (1)
* 4961138 System and apparatus for providing three dimensions of input into a host processor 151 1989
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. (1)
* 2003/0032,873 Plethysmograph pulse recognition processor 2 2002
 
ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (1)
* 5178012 Twisting actuator accelerometer 77 1992
 
SP-COMMERCIAL FLIGHT, INC., A DE CORP. (1)
* 4803413 Magnetic isolating and pointing gimbal apparatus 94 1986
 
LOGITECH, INC. (1)
* 5142506 Ultrasonic position locating method and apparatus therefor 124 1990
 
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force (1)
* 4632341 Stabilizing force feedback in bio-actuated control systems 128 1985
 
VALUE PLASTICS, INC. (1)
* 5259894 Method for solvent bonding non-porous materials to automatically create variable bond characteristics 54 1990
 
WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. (2)
* 5116051 Strain gauge pressure-sensitive video game control 189 1990
* 5275565 Modular display simulator and method 192 1993
 
Semborg-Recrob, Corp. (1)
* 5182557 Motorized joystick 166 1990
 
YAMATO SCALE CO., LTD. (1)
* 4448083 Device for measuring components of force and moment in plural directions 116 1982
 
Kabushiki Kaisha Okuma Tekkosho (1)
* 5088055 Coordinate measuring apparatus having a stylus friction compensating means 131 1990
 
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (1)
* 5184306 Automated high-precision fabrication of objects of complex and unique geometry 252 1991
 
Capistrano Labs, Inc. (1)
* 5351692 Laparoscopic ultrasonic probe 110 1993
 
CE JOHANSSON AB (1)
* 4982504 Method for determining positional errors and for compensating for such errors, and apparatus for carrying out the method 143 1989
 
CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH (4)
* 4769763 Control for coordinate measuring instruments 171 1986
* 4888877 Articulating head for a coordinate-measuring instrument 183 1988
* 4961267 Method and apparatus for making coordinate measurements 128 1988
* 5251156 Method and apparatus for non-contact measurement of object surfaces 193 1991
 
Tensor Development, Inc. (1)
* 5103404 Feedback for a manipulator 285 1989
 
Pioneer Electronic Corporation (1)
5512919 Three-dimensional coordinates input apparatus 231 1993
 
Honeywell Inc. (1)
* 5142931 3 degree of freedom hand controller 204 1991
 
RENISHAW PLC (3)
* 5088046 Mounting for surface-sensing stylus and a method of using said mounting 146 1989
* 5040306 Surface-sensing device 145 1989
* 5189806 Method of and apparatus for scanning the surface of a workpiece 205 1992
 
FOSTER-MILLER, INC. (1)
* 5131844 Contact digitizer, particularly for dental applications 305 1991
 
RENISHAW TRANSDUCER SYSTEMS LIMITED (1)
* 5259120 Calibration and measurement device 107 1992
 
Hobson; Rank Taylor (1)
* 5209131 Metrology 99 1990
 
PPG INDUSTRIES, INC. (1)
* 4679331 Apparatus and method for determining contour characteristics of a contoured article 146 1985
 
MIZUHO IKAKOGYO CO., LTD. (1)
* 5050608 System for indicating a position to be operated in a patient's body 403 1990
 
GUILLEMOT CORPORATION S.A. (1)
5436640 Video game and simulator joystick controller with geared potentiometer actuation 178 1994
 
CATERPILLAR INC. (1)
* 4800721 Force feedback lever 234 1987
 
ARMSTRONG, BRAD ALAN (1)
5589828 6 Degrees of freedom controller with capability of tactile feedback 314 1992
 
Surgix, Inc. (1)
5436542 Telescopic camera mount with remotely controlled positioning 224 1994
 
LANGRANA, NOSHIR (1)
5429140 Integrated virtual reality rehabilitation system 294 1993
 
Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (1)
* 4962591 Calibration-test member for a coordinate-measuring instrument 97 1989
 
INTEGRA BURLINGTON MA, INC. (1)
* 5230623 Operating pointer with interactive computergraphics 654 1991
 
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY (2)
* 5143505 Actuator system for providing force feedback to a dextrous master glove 230 1991
* 5354162 Actuator system for providing force feedback to portable master support 306 1992
* Cited By Examiner

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
Other [Check patent profile for assignment information] (2)
* 2003/0030,621 Force feeback device including flexure member between actuator and user object 4 2002
7356448 Input device operating on the parallel kinematic principle with haptic feedback 2 2004
 
SIMBIONIX LTD. (5)
6863536 Endoscopic tutorial system with a bleeding complication 38 2000
9501955 Endoscopic ultrasonography simulation 0 2002
7850456 Surgical simulation device, system and method 21 2004
8500451 Preoperative surgical simulation 5 2008
8543338 System and method for performing computerized simulations for image-guided procedures using a patient specific model 0 2009
 
STRYKER CORPORATION (9)
9119655 Surgical manipulator capable of controlling a surgical instrument in multiple modes 11 2013
9480534 Navigation system and method for removing a volume of tissue from a patient 4 2013
9226796 Method for detecting a disturbance as an energy applicator of a surgical instrument traverses a cutting path 7 2014
9566122 Robotic system and method for transitioning between operating modes 2 2015
9681920 Robotic system and method for reorienting a surgical instrument moving along a tool path 1 2015
9566125 Surgical manipulator having a feed rate calculator 2 2015
9820818 System and method for controlling a surgical manipulator based on implant parameters 1 2015
9795445 System and method for controlling a manipulator in response to backdrive forces 1 2015
9921712 System and method for providing substantially stable control of a surgical tool 0 2017
 
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. (2)
7345672 Force feedback system and actuator power management 17 2004
* 2004/0164,960 Force feedback system and actuator power management 8 2004
 
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (2)
* 6233504 Tool actuation and force feedback on robot-assisted microsurgery system 214 1999
* 6385509 Tool actuation and force feedback on robot-assisted microsurgery system 146 2001
 
Simon Fraser University (1)
* 6219589 Remote manipulator with force feedback and control 28 1998
 
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (3)
6405158 Force reflecting haptic inteface 58 1999
7225404 Method and apparatus for determining forces to be applied to a user through a haptic interface 40 2001
* 2007/0268,248 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING FORCES TO BE APPLIED TO A USER THROUGH A HAPTIC INTERFACE 5 2007
 
IMMERSION CORPORATION (151)
6219032 Method for providing force feedback to a user of an interface device based on interactions of a controlled cursor with graphical elements in a graphical user interface 251 1995
* 6024576 Hemispherical, high bandwidth mechanical interface for computer systems 123 1996
* 5959613 Method and apparatus for shaping force signals for a force feedback device 277 1996
* 6057828 Method and apparatus for providing force sensations in virtual environments in accordance with host software 133 1997
* 6050718 Method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth force feedback with improved actuator feel 128 1997
* 5999168 Haptic accelerator for force feedback computer peripherals 237 1997
* 6020876 Force feedback interface with selective disturbance filter 287 1997
5929846 Force feedback interface device including grounded sensor system 194 1997
* 6100874 Force feedback mouse interface 185 1997
6154198 Force feedback interface apparatus including backlash and for generating feel sensations 186 1997
* 6020875 High fidelity mechanical transmission system and interface device 98 1997
* 6166723 Mouse interface device providing force feedback 136 1997
6486872 Method and apparatus for providing passive fluid force feedback 113 1998
* 6104382 Force feedback transmission mechanisms 109 1998
6946812 Method and apparatus for providing force feedback using multiple grounded actuators 34 1998
RE37528 Direct-drive manipulator for pen-based force display 11 1998
* 6201533 Method and apparatus for applying force in force feedback devices using friction 23 1998
8508469 Networked applications including haptic feedback 6 1998
6281651 Haptic pointing devices 78 1998
6278439 Method and apparatus for shaping force signals for a force feedback device 63 1999
6781569 Hand controller 45 1999
6104158 Force feedback system 144 1999
6310605 Force feedback interface with selective disturbance filter 29 1999
6639581 Flexure mechanism for interface device 117 1999
6342880 Force feedback system including multiple force processors 95 1999
6704001 Force feedback device including actuator with moving magnet 52 1999
6271828 Force feedback interface devices providing resistance forces using a fluid 109 1999
* 6705871 Method and apparatus for providing an interface mechanism for a computer simulation 43 1999
6380925 Force feedback device with spring selection mechanism 12 2000
6437771 Force feedback device including flexure member between actuator and user object 91 2000
6704002 Position sensing methods for interface devices 18 2000
6850222 Passive force feedback for computer interface devices 78 2000
6801008 Force feedback system and actuator power management 33 2000
7106313 Force feedback interface device with force functionality button 69 2000
6697044 Haptic feedback device with button forces 51 2000
* 6697048 Computer interface apparatus including linkage having flex 151 2000
7199790 Providing force feedback to a user of an interface device based on interactions of a user-controlled cursor in a graphical user interface 156 2001
7253803 Force feedback interface device with sensor 68 2001
* 2001/0002,126 Providing force feedback to a user of an interface device based on interactions of a user-controlled cursor in a graphical user interface 20 2001
7158112 Interactions between simulated objects with force feedback 84 2001
* 2002/0021,283 Interactions between simulated objects using with force feedback 9 2001
7168042 Force effects for object types in a graphical user interface 101 2001
* 2003/0063,064 Force effects for object types in a graphical user interface 8 2001
7557794 Filtering sensor data to reduce disturbances from force feedback 3 2001
7131073 Force feedback applications based on cursor engagement with graphical targets 98 2001
* 2002/0050,978 Force feedback applications based on cursor engagement with graphical targets 4 2001
6654000 Physically realistic computer simulation of medical procedures 43 2001
7812820 Interface device with tactile responsiveness 4 2002
* 2002/0072,814 Interface device with tactile responsiveness 67 2002
7091950 Force feedback device including non-rigid coupling 13 2002
* 2004/0145,563 Force Feedback Device 1 2002
* 7877243 Pivotable computer interface 4 2002
* 7056123 Interface apparatus with cable-driven force feedback and grounded actuators 55 2002
* 2003/0025,723 Pivotable computer interface 10 2002
7148875 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 174 2002
* 2003/0038,776 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 59 2002
7236157 Method for providing high bandwidth force feedback with improved actuator feel 100 2002
* 2003/0090,460 Method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth, realistic force feedback including an improved actuator 5 2002
7755602 Tactile feedback man-machine interface device 56 2003
7728820 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 87 2003
7636080 Networked applications including haptic feedback 4 2003
* 2004/0075,676 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 31 2003
7446752 Controlling haptic sensations for vibrotactile feedback interface devices 41 2003
7215326 Physically realistic computer simulation of medical procedures 120 2003
* 2004/0066,369 Physically realistic computer simulation of medical procedures 0 2003
8830161 Methods and systems for providing a virtual touch haptic effect to handheld communication devices 2 2003
8803795 Haptic communication devices 2 2003
8316166 Haptic messaging in handheld communication devices 7 2003
* 2009/0021,473 Haptic Communication Devices 24 2003
7209117 Method and apparatus for streaming force values to a force feedback device 78 2003
7821496 Computer interface apparatus including linkage having flex 4 2004
* 2004/0164,959 Computer interface apparatus including linkage having flex 14 2004
7561141 Haptic feedback device with button forces 18 2004
7432910 Haptic interface device and actuator assembly providing linear haptic sensations 84 2004
* 2005/0128,186 Haptic feedback device with button forces 74 2004
* 2004/0227,726 Haptic interface device and actuator assembly providing linear haptic sensations 0 2004
7944433 Force feedback device including actuator with moving magnet 2 2004
7249951 Method and apparatus for providing an interface mechanism for a computer simulation 90 2004
* 2004/0183,777 Method and apparatus for providing an interface mechanism for a computer simulation 3 2004
7710399 Haptic trackball device 32 2004
* 2004/0174,340 Haptic trackball device 20 2004
7561142 Vibrotactile haptic feedback devices 83 2004
* 2004/0233,161 Vibrotactile haptic feedback devices 35 2004
* 2005/0017,454 Interactive gaming systems with haptic feedback 133 2004
7742036 System and method for controlling haptic devices having multiple operational modes 179 2004
* 2005/0134,562 System and method for controlling haptic devices having multiple operational modes 29 2004
7667687 Resistive and hybrid control schemes for haptic feedback interface devices 10 2004
* 2005/0151,720 Resistive and hybrid control schemes for haptic feedback interface devices 9 2004
7656388 Controlling vibrotactile sensations for haptic feedback devices 21 2004
* 2005/0219,206 Controlling vibrotactile sensations for haptic feedback devices 25 2004
7456821 User interface device 0 2004
* 2006/0117,258 User interface device 10 2004
7791588 System and method for mapping instructions associated with haptic feedback 29 2004
* 2005/0134,561 System and method for mapping instructions associated with haptic feedback 73 2004
7982711 Haptic profiling system and method 2 2004
* 2005/0184,696 Haptic profiling system and method 17 2004
7209028 Position sensor with resistive element 73 2005
8059088 Methods and systems for providing haptic messaging to handheld communication devices 6 2005
* 2007/0057,913 Methods and systems for providing haptic messaging to handheld communication devices 34 2005
8747196 Force feedback device for simulating combat 0 2005
8264465 Haptic feedback for button and scrolling action simulation in touch input devices 50 2005
8232969 Haptic feedback for button and scrolling action simulation in touch input devices 33 2005
* 2006/0119,586 Haptic feedback for button and scrolling action simulation in touch input devices 201 2005
* 2006/0109,256 Haptic feedback for button and scrolling action simulation in touch input devices 107 2005
7404716 Interface apparatus with cable-driven force feedback and four grounded actuators 39 2005
* 2006/0099,560 Interface apparatus with cable-driven force feedback and four grounded actuators 2 2005
8441444 System and method for providing directional tactile sensations 2 2006
7500853 Mechanical interface for a computer system 9 2006
* 2006/0194,180 Hemispherical high bandwidth mechanical interface for computer systems 10 2006
* 2006/0267,932 Force feedback device including coupling device 6 2006
8527873 Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment and interface device 1 2006
7944435 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 61 2006
* 2007/0040,815 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 29 2006
7821493 Providing enhanced haptic feedback effects 8 2007
* 2007/0285,216 Providing enhanced haptic feedback effects 5 2007
* 2007/0229,478 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 40 2007
8519947 Control schemes for haptic feedback interface devices 1 2007
8519948 Control schemes for haptic feedback interface devices 11 2007
8368641 Tactile feedback man-machine interface device 61 2007
8188981 Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments 7 2007
8059104 Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments 83 2007
8031181 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 85 2007
* 2008/0073,131 Control schemes for haptic feedback interface devices 1 2007
* 2008/0060,856 Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments 60 2007
* 2008/0062,145 Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments 67 2007
* 2008/0062,122 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 16 2007
* 2008/0055,244 Control schemes for haptic feedback interface devices 7 2007
8063893 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 66 2007
8049734 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch control 65 2007
7982720 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 90 2007
7978183 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 69 2007
* 2008/0068,351 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch control 25 2007
8059105 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 92 2008
* 2008/0111,788 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 49 2008
8007282 Medical simulation interface apparatus and method 11 2008
* 2009/0009,492 Medical Simulation Interface Apparatus And Method 5 2008
8212772 Haptic interface device and actuator assembly providing linear haptic sensations 59 2008
9492847 Controlling haptic sensations for vibrotactile feedback interface devices 0 2008
* 2009/0278,819 Controlling Haptic Sensations For Vibrotactile Feedback Interface Devices 3 2008
8169402 Vibrotactile haptic feedback devices 98 2009
* 2009/0295,552 Vibrotactile Haptic Feedback Devices 12 2009
8184094 Physically realistic computer simulation of medical procedures 0 2009
8072422 Networked applications including haptic feedback 4 2009
8462116 Haptic trackball device 0 2010
9582178 Systems and methods for multi-pressure interaction on touch-sensitive surfaces 1 2011
9280205 Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls 1 2013
9245428 Systems and methods for haptic remote control gaming 1 2013
9740287 Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment and interface device 0 2013
9690379 Tactile feedback interface device 0 2014
9753540 Systems and methods for haptic remote control gaming 0 2015
9778745 Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment and interface device 0 2016
 
ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. (4)
6320284 Motor assembly allowing output in multiple degrees of freedom 20 1999
6664666 Motor assembly allowing output in multiple degrees of freedom 21 2001
6909205 Motor assembly allowing output in multiple degrees of freedom 22 2003
* 2004/0124,717 Motor assembly allowing output in multiple degrees of freedom 2 2003
 
CYBERNET HAPTIC SYSTEMS CORPORATION (1)
6433771 Haptic device attribute control 45 1997
 
CALLAHAN CELLULAR L.L.C. (1)
6650338 Haptic interaction with video and image data 18 1998
 
IMMERSION MEDICAL, INC. (17)
* 6106301 Interventional radiology interface apparatus and method 59 1997
6929481 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems 81 1999
6470302 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to vascular access simulation systems 76 1999
6323837 Method and apparatus for interfacing an elongated object with a computer system 43 1999
7815436 Surgical simulation interface device and method 10 2000
* 2003/0069,719 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to vascular access simulation systems 20 2002
7931470 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems 13 2003
7833018 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems 12 2003
7806696 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems 14 2003
* 2004/0076,940 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems 89 2003
* 2004/0048,230 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems 5 2003
8480406 Interface device and method for interfacing instruments to medical procedure simulation systems 6 2005
7307619 Haptic interface for palpation simulation 89 2006
* 2006/0190,823 Haptic interface for palpation simulation 5 2006
8639485 Systems and methods for editing a model of a physical system for a simulation 7 2006
8638308 Haptic interface for palpation simulation 2 2010
* 2011/0148,794 Haptic Interface for Palpation Simulation 1 2010
 
KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD. (1)
* 6030291 Manual control device for use with amusement machine 22 1997
 
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION (1)
6463487 Adjustable pointer controller with voltage thresholds control for conveying user inputs to a computer equipped with a user port or PS/2 port 2 1999
 
MPB Technologies Inc. (2)
7855712 Replaceable instrument mechanism for haptic devices 3 2006
* 2006/0279,534 REPLACEABLE INSTRUMENT MECHANISM FOR HAPTIC DEVICES 10 2006
 
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (1)
* 2009/0271,436 Techniques for Providing a Virtual-World Object Based on a Real-World Object Description 1 2008
 
HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. (2)
* 7102626 Multi-function pointing device 82 2003
* 2004/0212,586 Multi-function pointing device 180 2003
 
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (1)
6437770 Flat-coil actuator having coil embedded in linkage 25 1999
 
BALLY GAMING, INC. (1)
9056244 Gaming apparatus incorporating targeted haptic feedback 0 2013
 
GOOGLE LLC (16)
7519537 Method and apparatus for a verbo-manual gesture interface 93 2005
7542816 System, method and computer program product for automatically selecting, suggesting and playing music media files 30 2005
* 2006/0167,576 System, method and computer program product for automatically selecting, suggesting and playing music media files 50 2005
7489979 System, method and computer program product for rejecting or deferring the playing of a media file retrieved by an automated process 25 2005
* 2006/0167,943 System, method and computer program product for rejecting or deferring the playing of a media file retrieved by an automated process 31 2005
7577522 Spatially associated personal reminder system and method 106 2006
* 2007/0129,888 SPATIALLY ASSOCIATED PERSONAL REMINDER SYSTEM AND METHOD 57 2006
7562117 System, method and computer program product for collaborative broadcast media 14 2006
* 2006/0288,074 System, Method and Computer Program Product for Collaborative Broadcast Media 64 2006
7586032 Shake responsive portable media player 18 2006
* 2007/0125,852 Shake responsive portable media player 59 2006
7917148 Social musical media rating system and method for localized establishments 2 2007
* 2008/0032,723 SOCIAL MUSICAL MEDIA RATING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCALIZED ESTABLISHMENTS 55 2007
8762435 Collaborative rejection of media for physical establishments 1 2012
8745104 Collaborative rejection of media for physical establishments 1 2012
9509269 Ambient sound responsive media player 19 2012
 
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. (2)
* 7750593 Active human-machine interface system without a force sensor 2 2007
* 2008/0100,252 ACTIVE HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE SYSTEM WITHOUT A FORCE SENSOR 5 2007
 
3D SYSTEMS, INC. (44)
* 6084587 Method and apparatus for generating and interfacing with a haptic virtual reality environment 152 1996
6191796 Method and apparatus for generating and interfacing with rigid and deformable surfaces in a haptic virtual reality environment 137 1998
6421048 Systems and methods for interacting with virtual objects in a haptic virtual reality environment 89 1999
6552722 Systems and methods for sculpting virtual objects in a haptic virtual reality environment 63 1999
6792398 Systems and methods for creating virtual objects in a sketch mode in a haptic virtual reality environment 59 1999
6985133 Force reflecting haptic interface 53 1999
6958752 Systems and methods for three-dimensional modeling 39 2001
6867770 Systems and methods for voxel warping 16 2001
* 2002/0089,500 Systems and methods for three-dimensional modeling 8 2001
6671651 3-D selection and manipulation with a multiple dimension haptic interface 58 2002
* 2003/0128,208 Systems and methods for sculpting virtual objects in a haptic virtual reality environment 6 2003
7103499 3-D selection and manipulation with a multiple dimension haptic interface 19 2003
* 2005/0197,800 3-D selection and manipulation with a multiple dimension haptic interface 11 2003
7411576 Force reflecting haptic interface 14 2003
7382378 Apparatus and methods for stenciling an image 18 2003
7095418 Apparatus and methods for texture mapping 11 2003
* 2005/0168,476 Apparatus and methods for stenciling an image 35 2003
* 2005/0093,821 Force reflecting haptic interface 26 2003
* 2005/0093,874 Apparatus and methods for texture mapping 3 2003
7889209 Apparatus and methods for wrapping texture onto the surface of a virtual object 12 2003
7626589 Haptic graphical user interface for adjusting mapped texture 12 2003
* 2005/0128,210 Haptic graphical user interface for adjusting mapped texture 26 2003
* 2005/0128,211 Apparatus and methods for wrapping texture onto the surface of a virtual object 46 2003
7102635 Systems and methods for sculpting virtual objects in a haptic virtual reality environment 43 2004
* 2005/0001,831 Systems and methods for sculpting virtual objects in a haptic virtual reality environment 11 2004
7149596 Apparatus and methods for modifying a model of an object to enforce compliance with a manufacturing constraint 18 2004
* 2005/0154,481 Apparatus and methods for modifying a model of an object to enforce compliance with a manufacturing constraint 6 2004
7864173 Systems and methods for creating virtual objects in a sketch mode in a haptic virtual reality environment 19 2004
* 2005/0062,738 Systems and methods for creating virtual objects in a sketch mode in a haptic virtual reality environment 54 2004
7212203 Systems and methods for voxel warping 12 2005
* 2005/0248,568 Systems and methods for voxel warping 2 2005
7710415 Systems and methods for three-dimensional modeling 7 2005
7714836 Force reflecting haptic interface 12 2005
7400331 Apparatus and methods for texture mapping 2 2006
* 2007/0018,993 Apparatus and methods for texture mapping 2 2006
7259761 Systems and methods for sculpting virtual objects in a haptic virtual reality environment 20 2006
7800609 Method and apparatus for generating and interfacing with a haptic virtual reality environment 12 2008
7808509 Apparatus and methods for stenciling an image 2 2008
8994643 Force reflecting haptic interface 12 2008
8576222 Systems and methods for interfacing with a virtual object in a haptic virtual environment 7 2011
* 2011/0202,856 Systems and methods for interfacing with a virtual object in a haptic virtual environment 11 2011
8174535 Apparatus and methods for wrapping texture onto the surface of a virtual object 5 2011
8456484 Apparatus and methods for wrapping texture onto the surface of a virtual object 2 2012
9802364 Systems and methods for construction of an instruction set for three-dimensional printing of a user-customizableimage of a three-dimensional structure 0 2012
 
OUTLAND RESEARCH, LLC (22)
* 2006/0161,621 System, method and computer program product for collaboration and synchronization of media content on a plurality of media players 203 2005
* 2007/0103,437 Haptic metering for minimally invasive medical procedures 52 2005
* 2006/0173,828 Methods and apparatus for using personal background data to improve the organization of documents retrieved in response to a search query 39 2005
* 2006/0259,574 Method and apparatus for accessing spatially associated information 23 2005
* 2006/0179,044 Methods and apparatus for using life-context of a user to improve the organization of documents retrieved in response to a search query from that user 11 2005
* 2006/0271,286 Image-enhanced vehicle navigation systems and methods 63 2006
* 2006/0173,556 Methods and apparatus for using user gender and/or age group to improve the organization of documents retrieved in response to a search query 12 2006
* 2006/0256,008 Pointing interface for person-to-person information exchange 175 2006
* 2006/0256,007 Triangulation method and apparatus for targeting and accessing spatially associated information 35 2006
* 2006/0223,637 VIDEO GAME SYSTEM COMBINING GAMING SIMULATION WITH REMOTE ROBOT CONTROL AND REMOTE ROBOT FEEDBACK 56 2006
* 2006/0223,635 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ON-SCREEN/OFF-SCREEN FIRST PERSON GAMING EXPERIENCE 171 2006
* 2006/0195,361 LOCATION-BASED DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE 80 2006
* 2006/0179,056 ENHANCED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF SPATIALLY ASSOCIATED INFORMATION 26 2006
* 2006/0186,197 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIRELESS CUSTOMER INTERACTION WITH THE ATTENDANTS WORKING IN A RESTAURANT 22 2006
* 2007/0083,323 Personal cuing for spatially associated information 18 2006
* 2006/0229,058 Real-time person-to-person communication using geospatial addressing 94 2006
* 2006/0227,047 MEETING LOCATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME 81 2006
* 2006/0253,210 Intelligent Pace-Setting Portable Media Player 136 2006
* 2007/0075,127 ORIENTATION-BASED POWER CONSERVATION FOR PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES 23 2006
* 2007/0150,188 FIRST-PERSON VIDEO-BASED TRAVEL PLANNING SYSTEM 42 2007
* 2007/0276,870 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTELLIGENT MEDIA SELECTION USING AGE AND/OR GENDER 4 2007
* 2008/0032,719 CENTRALIZED ESTABLISHMENT-BASED TRACKING AND MESSAGING SERVICE 22 2007
 
CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
9838009 Switch with user feedback 0 2014
 
MENTICE AB, A SWEDISH CORPORATION (2)
8491307 Interventional simulator control system 2 2003
* 2006/0234,195 Interventional simulator control system 8 2003
 
SURGICAL SCIENCE SWEDEN AB (1)
* 9827050 User interface device for surgical simulation system 0 2013
 
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy (2)
6184868 Haptic feedback control devices 184 1998
7319466 Method and apparatus for generating and interfacing with a haptic virtual reality environment 17 2000
 
SENSABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (1)
* 2011/0102,434 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND INTERFACING WITH A HAPTIC VIRTUAL REALITY ENVIRONMENT 1 2010
 
Elckon Limited (2)
8063892 Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments 72 2007
* 2008/0062,144 Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments 47 2007
 
ANASCAPE, LTD. (1)
* 2006/0033,708 Image controller 0 2005
 
IMMERSION CORPORATION DELAWARE (2)
* 6067077 Position sensing for force feedback devices 105 1998
8552982 Position sensing methods for interface devices 1 2003
* Cited By Examiner