Patents Assigned to Robotic Research LLC
  • Publication number: 20220175455
    Abstract: A system for providing surgical planning and guidance with three-dimensional visualization is disclosed. In particular, the system obtains an image set of an anatomy of interest of a subject, and renders the image set on a user interface using volume rendering. Notably, the system accomplishes the foregoing without generating surface models or conducting bone contouring. The system may, during generation of an implant plan for implanting an implant onto the anatomy of interest, suggest landmark points in the volume rendered image set. Once the landmark points are confirmed, the system may facilitate implant positioning via implant controls. The system conducts a registration process to confirm a match between the physical anatomy of interest and the information contained in volume-rendered image set in the plan. If there is a match, the system may facilitate performance of a surgical procedure for implanting the implant onto the anatomy of interest of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: Medical Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Tamas Ungi, Paul St. John
  • Patent number: 11194347
    Abstract: A system for localizing a swarm of robotic platforms utilizing ranging sensors. The swarm is localized by purposely leaving some of the platforms of the swarm stationary, providing localization to the moving ones. The platforms in the swarm can alternate between a stationary and moving state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy, Joseph Putney, Anne Rachel Schneider
  • Patent number: 11188100
    Abstract: A system for localizing a swarm of robotic platforms utilizing ranging sensors. The swarm is localized by purposely leaving some of the platforms of the swarm stationary, providing localization to the moving ones. The platforms in the swarm can alternate between a stationary and moving state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy, Joseph Putney, Anne Rachel Schneider
  • Patent number: 11169540
    Abstract: The path of a lead autonomous vehicle moving through “deformable” terrain is shared between the lead autonomous vehicle and the following autonomous vehicles. The lead autonomous vehicle records distances to 3D obstacles and whether to drive through them, and the following autonomous vehicles will classify different “obstacles” that were driven through by the leader and allow the planner to drive through them. In “deformable” terrain, errors in wheel odometry will be recorded by the lead autonomous vehicle and the following autonomous vehicles are informed that similar problems will be encountered. These errors are sensed by discrepancies between odometry and inertial and visual odometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: ROBOTIC RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 11170106
    Abstract: The system for detecting hardware trojans in integrated circuits by analyzing the substrate noise generated by the unique physical properties of such an integrated circuit disclosed herein may compare the substrate noise signatures of a subject IC against the noise signature from one or more known good ICs to detect such trojans, and may measure the electromagnetic, current, or voltage noise of an IC as a function of time synchronized with the test sequence. The system may allow for the testing of such substrate noise at multiple points around the IC, and may further comprise a Cypher Block Chain (CBC) technique to incorporate the noise measurements over time into a signature unique to the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Lacaze, Karl Murphy
  • Patent number: 11161450
    Abstract: The autonomous headlight height adjustment and masking system disclosed herein may comprise a system that automatically adjusts the level of the headlamps based on the elevation profile to be traversed so as not to blind other traffic by the controller of the high beams adjusting the headlamp to illuminate areas that do not interfere with other humans or vehicles based on the profile of the road or via another method in which there is a mechanism for masking or blocking the light emitted by the head light with a dynamic LCD or light segmented into different areas where they can be selectively turned on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventor: Alberto Daniel Lacaze
  • Patent number: 11093603
    Abstract: A compiler transforms the source code into object code, but it will postpone the assignment of all of the machine language jumps until installed time. This can be performed by labeling the jumps during compiled time, similarly to how variables are labeled for later indexing by the debugger. At installation time, given a random key, the installer will take the jump labels and assign random ordering of the code and data using the key as a seed. The final effect is that the same source code can potentially generate an infinite number of object codes, with the exact same functionality of execution. The main difference, however, is that as more jump labels are included, less fixed offsets between buffers are available to the black hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Murphy
  • Publication number: 20210024068
    Abstract: Waste collection is performed at regular intervals around the world. The process currently is performed by a team consisting of a waste collection truck that carries the refuse that is driven around urban areas at slow speeds. This waste collection truck usually contains a large opening in the back. A team of humans controls this truck and collects the bins dumping the refuse on the back of the truck and returning the bins to the curb. Usually, the driver (human) of the truck positions the truck so as to minimize the distance that the human garbage collectors need to walk with the loaded bins, and slowly drives a route that take the truck to the collections sites. Because currently most residential neighborhoods and some commercial neighborhoods do not use bins and pick up locations that are easy to automatically lift, it is likely that the process of picking up the bins, depositing the refuse on the truck, and returning the bins to the curb will be performed by humans for some time to come.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 10416270
    Abstract: Multi-rotors use multiple electric motors to drive propellers that allow the multi-rotor to fly, turn, bank, etc. The multiple motors and the associated control device produce EM signals that can be used to detect multi-rotors and distinguish them from other devices with electric motors. To drive a brushless motor, the ESC takes DC from the battery and turns it into three phase AC (sinusoidal or trapezoidal wave), and then measures back EMF pulses (sensorless). This allows one to ensure that the three phase AC is being generated at the proper frequency to turn the motor (timing). For each propeller in the multi-rotor there are usually four different correlated signals at multiple frequencies that are used for detection and false alarm rejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 10377379
    Abstract: A method and system that utilizes the energy storage provided by a vehicle's mass in the form of potential and kinetic energy to optimize the fuel consumption. The system of the present invention is composed of an elevation database, a localization mechanism, and a speed optimization mechanism/engine. The optimization engine receives a desired speed range from the operator such as a max speed and min speed input, and a route or elevation profile form the elevation database. Then, utilizing the elevation database, the localization mechanism and a weight estimate the system and method optimizes the current speed to minimize fuel consumption by way of setting and adjusting the cruise control speed. The route and the weight estimate may be provided or predicted by the optimization engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy, Joseph Satoru Putney
  • Patent number: 10324476
    Abstract: A system for localizing a swarm of robotic platforms utilizing ranging sensors. The swarm is localized by purposely leaving some of the platforms of the swarm stationary, providing localization to the moving ones. The platforms in the swarm can alternate between a stationary and moving state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy, Joseph Putney, Anne Rachel Schneider
  • Patent number: 10249151
    Abstract: The Canine Handler Operations Positioning System (the Inventors) taught by the present invention consists of one or more dog-worn sensor, one or more handler's shoe-worn sensor, and algorithms for maintaining localization of units of canines and handlers traveling in GPS and GPS-denied areas. The present invention adapts the localization algorithms from the human-based system to dogs, increase performance, reduce SWAP, and further refine the system based on user feedback. The human worn system is modified for the human handler for maximum operational practicality in regard to batteries, size, and interoperability to a radio. The Canine Handler Operations Positioning System (the Inventors) focuses on developing the dog-worn positioning system, modifying the handler's positioning sensor if needed, and integrating the system with an OCU. The complete the Inventors system would provide a positioning solution for both the dog(s) and handler(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 10200675
    Abstract: The invention presents an omnidirectional system capable of collecting horizontal disparities in multiple angles. The user of the display system will be able to move its head, changing yaw and tilt. Another incarnation to the invention also allows for roll. The system is composed of a series of prisms and/or mirrors arranged in a circular pattern. The prisms or mirrors provide a 90 degree shift of the imagery collected, enabling a single camera to perform the image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ROBOTIC RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 9888228
    Abstract: The invention presents an omnidirectional system capable of collecting horizontal disparities in multiple angles. The user of the display system will be able to move its head, changing yaw and tilt. Another incarnation to the invention also allows for roll. The system is composed of a series of prisms and/or mirrors arranged in a circular pattern. The prisms or mirrors provide a 90 degree shift of the imagery collected, enabling a single camera to perform the image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ROBOTIC RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 9880551
    Abstract: The proposed method outlines a new control mechanism well-suited for small, unmanned aerial vehicles traversing in a GPS-denied areas. It has the strong advantage of simplifying the interface, so that even an untrained operator can handle the difficult, dynamic problems encountered in closed quarters. The proposed system seamlessly integrates point-and-click control with way-point navigation, in an intuitive interface. An additional advantage of the proposed system is that it adds minimal hardware to the payload of the UAV, and can possibly, strongly diminish the bandwidth and delay effects of the communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ROBOTIC RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 9746330
    Abstract: UMAPS is a multifaceted system that can be robot-mounted, human-worn, or canine carried. UMAPS produces real-time, 3D mapping and localization for the user as they move throughout a GPS-denied environment (e.g. buildings, caves, or tunnels). An Operator Control Unit (OCU) displays information collected by UMAPS; 2D floorplans; 3D textured-enriched surfaces of the structure's interior; and the location of the users within that structure. UMAPS has an open architecture that allows it to function with any OCU. UMAPS has three distinct subsystems: obstacle maps for robot mobility, mapping, and positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Murphy, Kyle Smith
  • Patent number: 9666038
    Abstract: The Canine Handler Operations Positioning System (the Inventors) taught by the present invention consists of one or more dog-worn sensor, one or more handler's shoe-worn sensor, and algorithms for maintaining localization of units of canines and handlers traveling in GPS and GPS-denied areas. The present invention adapts the localization algorithms from the human-based system to dogs, increase performance, reduce SWAP, and further refine the system based on user feedback. The human worn system is modified for the human handler for maximum operational practicality in regard to batteries, size, and interoperability to a radio. The Canine Handler Operations Positioning System (the Inventors) focuses on developing the dog-worn positioning system, modifying the handler's positioning sensor if needed, and integrating the system with an OCU. The complete the Inventors system would provide a positioning solution for both the dog(s) and handler(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 9649813
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-stage printing teaches means for removing and replacing a printed component during the printing process and accurately placing the component in the printer for continuation of the printing process. This can be accomplished through the use of a scanner, probe machine, or scanning Additionally, the present invention teaches the use of heating means in combination with a 3D printer to overcome additional issues with multi-sage printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 9608328
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for using a 3D printer for printing various tunable antennas. In one embodiment, and exponent antenna is created by printing a board using a 3D printer in combination with vacuum metallization to create the antenna and provide engineered break points for adjusting the printed antenna for the most effective gain. In another embodiment, a spiral cavity backed antenna is printed using a combination of a 3D printer and vacuum metallization. In a third embodiment, a horn antenna is printed using a combination of a 3D printer engineered break points for adjustment and a hinged version with an actuator creating a new antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
  • Patent number: 9519286
    Abstract: The proposed system, Delayed Telop Aid (DTA), improves the teleoperator's ability to control the vehicle in a three step process. First, DTA predicts robot motion given the operators commands. Second, DTA creates synthetic images to produce a video feed that looks as if the robot communication link had no delay and no reduced bandwidth. Finally, DTA performs closed loop control on the robot platform to ensure that the robot follows the operator's commands. A closed loop control of the platform makes sure that the predicted pose after the delay (and therefore the image presented to the operator) is achieved by the platform. This abstracts away the latency-sensitive parts of the robot control, making the robot's behavior stable in the presence of poorly characterized latency between the operator and the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Robotic Research, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Murphy, Karl Kluge