Patents by Inventor Ian Woodward

Ian Woodward has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240048242
    Abstract: An optical transmitter for a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system, the transmitter comprising: a multi-modal laser; a wavelength tuneable laser arranged to inject light into a cavity of the multi-modal laser, so as to cause the multi-modal laser to output light at a selected wavelength for use in generating pulses to be output by the transmitter; and a modulator for controlling a phase shift between successive pulses output from the transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Benjamin GRIFFITHS, Robert Ian WOODWARD, James F. DYNES, Andrew James SHIELDS
  • Publication number: 20230283370
    Abstract: A quantum communication system comprising: an transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter comprising transmitter components the transmitter components comprising a source of pulsed radiation and a modulation unit, the modulation unit being configured to randomly encode pulses of radiation; and a receiver comprising receiver components, the receiver components comprising a demodulator and detector configured to decode and detect said randomly encoded pulses, the system further comprising a control unit and an optimisation unit, the control unit being configured to apply a plurality of control signals defined by a set of control parameters to at least one of said transmitter components and receiver components, the optimization unit being configured to tune the set of control parameters, wherein the optimisation unit sets the control parameters by: obtaining a score indicating the quality of the system corresponding to a first set of control parameters; and estimating a further set of control parameters suita
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Robert Ian WOODWARD, Yuen San LO, Andrew James SHIELDS
  • Publication number: 20230275752
    Abstract: An authentication method for quantum communication between two nodes, the method comprising: applying a hash function to a message to obtain a hash code, wherein the hash function is a Poly1305; applying a one-time pad cipher to the hash code to obtain a message authentication code (MAC); and authenticating the message exchanged between the two nodes using the MAC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Robert Ian WOODWARD, Benjamin MARSH, Joseph DOLPHIN, James F. DYNES, Zhiliang YUAN, Andrew James SHIELDS
  • Publication number: 20230275755
    Abstract: A server configured to provide a pre-shared key “PSK” with a first user node, to allow a first user node and a second user node to share a PSK, the server comprising: a network interface; an authentication unit; an encryption unit; a key management system and a quantum key distribution unit, the authentication unit being configured to receive a request for authentication, via the network interface, of a first channel between a first user node and the server, the quantum key distribution unit being configured to allow a quantum key to be distributed between the first user node and the server, the quantum key being sifted using communication over the authenticated first channel to establish a first quantum key for the first user and server, the key management system being configured to provide a first PSK for the first user to allow the first user to authenticate with the second user, the encryption unit being configured to encrypt the first PSK with the quantum key to send to the first user node via the net
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Robert Ian WOODWARD, Benjamin MARSH, James F. DYNES, Zhiliang YUAN, Andrew James SHIELDS
  • Publication number: 20230275754
    Abstract: A method for use in a quantum communication network comprising a first node, a second node and a third node, the method performed by the third node, the method comprising: receiving, from the first node, a request for authentication key data for authenticating communication with the second node; in response to the request: generating the first authentication key data; sending, to the first node, a first message comprising first authentication key data for authenticating communication between the first node and the second node, wherein the first message is authenticated using second authentication key data stored on the first node and the third node, and wherein the first message is encrypted using a first cryptographic key exchanged with the first node on the quantum communication network; and sending, to the second node, a second message comprising the first authentication key data, wherein the second message is authenticated using third authentication key data stored on the second node and the third node,
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Robert Ian WOODWARD, Benjamin MARSH, James F. DYNES, Zhiliang YUAN, Andrew James SHIELDS
  • Patent number: 11736198
    Abstract: An optical emitter comprising a primary laser and a plurality of secondary lasers wherein each secondary laser is optically injection locked to said primary laser, the emitter further comprising at least one polarisation controller configured to control the polarisation of the output of at least one of the secondary lasers, the emitter further comprising a combination unit that is configured to combine the outputs of the secondary laser modules into an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Robert Ian Woodward, Zhiliang Yuan, Andrew James Shields
  • Patent number: 11621780
    Abstract: An emitter configured to output a sequence of periodic light pulses with different polarisations, the emitter comprising: a beam splitter configured to divide the pulses of a first sequence of pulses, such that each pulse is split between a first path and a second path, the first sequence of pulses having a varying phase and a first polarisation; a polarisation rotator configured to rotate the polarisation state of pulses in one of the first path or the second path with respect to the polarisation state of pulses in the other path; a time delay component configured to provide a time delay such that the first sequence of pulses in the first arm are delayed by one period with respect to the first sequence of pulses in the second arm; an optical combination component configured to combine the delayed first sequence of pulses from the first path with the first sequence of pulses from the second path to produce an output sequence of pulses where each pulse in the output sequence is a combination of a pulse from
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Robert Ian Woodward, Zhiliang Yuan, Andrew James Shields
  • Publication number: 20220407605
    Abstract: An emitter configured to output a sequence of periodic light pulses with different polarisations, the emitter comprising: a beam splitter configured to divide the pulses of a first sequence of pulses, such that each pulse is split between a first path and a second path, the first sequence of pulses having a varying phase and a first polarisation; a polarisation rotator configured to rotate the polarisation state of pulses in one of the first path or the second path with respect to the polarisation state of pulses in the other path; a time delay component configured to provide a time delay such that the first sequence of pulses in the first arm are delayed by one period with respect to the first sequence of pulses in the second arm; an optical combination component configured to combine the delayed first sequence of pulses from the first path with the first sequence of pulses from the second path to produce an output sequence of pulses where each pulse in the output sequence is a combination of a pulse from th
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Robert Ian WOODWARD, Zhiliang YUAN, Andrew James SHIELDS
  • Publication number: 20220385371
    Abstract: An optical emitter comprising a primary laser and a plurality of secondary lasers wherein each secondary laser is optically injection locked to said primary laser, the emitter further comprising at least one polarisation controller configured to control the polarisation of the output of at least one of the secondary lasers, the emitter further comprising a combination unit that is configured to combine the outputs of the secondary laser modules into an output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Robert Ian WOODWARD, Zhiliang YUAN, Andrew James SHIELDS
  • Patent number: 11309970
    Abstract: An optical source including: a phase-randomised light source including a master light source configured to intermittently generate master light pulses; a slave light source optically coupled to the master light source and configured to receive the master light pulses, and that generates a sequence of slave light pulses during each period of time that a master light pulse is received; and an interferometer optically coupled to the slave light source and configured to receive sequences of slave light pulses, delay the received sequences by the first time interval to form delayed sequences of slave light pulses, interfere the received sequences with the delayed sequences, such that pulses from a received sequence interfere with adjacent pulses of the delayed sequence, and output interfered pulses including first and second output pulses that have a first and second predetermined amplitude respectively and a predetermined relative phase between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Robert Ian Woodward, Marco Lucamarini, Zhiliang Yuan, Andrew James Shields
  • Publication number: 20220021458
    Abstract: An optical source comprising: a phase-randomised light source, the phase randomised light source further comprising: a master light source configured to intermittently generate master light pulses, wherein the phase of each generated master light pulse has a random relationship with the phase of each subsequently generated master light pulse, and wherein a first control signal is applicable to the master light source such that the master light source intermittently generates master light pulses, wherein the first control signal comprises a first and a second modulation feature in the period of time that one master light pulse is generated, wherein each phase modulation feature comprises a perturbation in the control signal applied to the master light source; a slave light source, wherein the slave light source is optically coupled to the master light source and is configured to receive master light pulses, and wherein a second control signal is applicable to the slave light source to cause the slave light so
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Robert Ian WOODWARD, Marco LUCAMARINI, Zhiliang YUAN, Andrew James SHIELDS
  • Patent number: 10414500
    Abstract: An electronic device holder disposed on a seat back comprises a base fixed to the seat back; a folding shelf rotatably attached to the base via first and second pivot members and configured to be rotated between a stowed position and a use position; and a sliding member attached to the base and configured to be moved upward and downward. The folding shelf includes an upper surface; and a plurality of retaining lips extending from the upper surface to form a plurality of recesses. The folding shelf and the sliding member form an angle in the use position so as to hold an electronic device between one of the recesses and a free end of the sliding member in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Kevin Irons, Shayne Ellis, Nick David Eterovic, Ian Woodward
  • Publication number: 20180072424
    Abstract: An electronic device holder disposed on a seat back comprises a base fixed to the seat back; a folding shelf rotatably attached to the base via first and second pivot members and configured to be rotated between a stowed position and a use position; and a sliding member attached to the base and configured to be moved upward and downward. The folding shelf includes an upper surface; and a plurality of retaining lips extending from the upper surface to form a plurality of recesses. The folding shelf and the sliding member form an angle in the use position so as to hold an electronic device between one of the recesses and a free end of the sliding member in the use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Kevin Irons, Shayne Ellis, Nick David Eterovic, Ian Woodward
  • Patent number: 9834122
    Abstract: A cup holder retainer is provided. The cup holder retainer includes a support frame and a preloaded retainer clip. The preloaded retainer clip is connected to the support frame by a living hinge and an integral biasing element that biases the preloaded retainer clip into a cup-engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Vaupotic, Ian Woodward, Michael Neumann
  • Publication number: 20170066358
    Abstract: A cup holder retainer is provided. The cup holder retainer includes a support frame and a preloaded retainer clip. The preloaded retainer clip is connected to the support frame by a living hinge and an integral biasing element that biases the preloaded retainer clip into a cup-engaging position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Justin Vaupotic, Ian Woodward, Michael Neumann
  • Patent number: 9468122
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a portable device is provided which includes a cradle for holding the portable device. A support member is operatively coupled to the cradle and includes an inserting member. The inserting member may be received by a receiving member coupled to a base member, wherein the base member is mounted to a supporting surface. Once the receiving member receives the inserting member, at least one locking mechanism can releasably couple the support member to the base member for securing the apparatus to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ian Woodward
  • Publication number: 20140268509
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a portable device is provided which includes a cradle for holding the portable device. A support member is operatively coupled to the cradle and includes an inserting member. The inserting member may be received by a receiving member coupled to a base member, wherein the base member is mounted to a supporting surface. Once the receiving member receives the inserting member, at least one locking mechanism can releasably couple the support member to the base member for securing the apparatus to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ian Woodward
  • Patent number: 8247416
    Abstract: 4-[3-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-4-fluoro-benzyl]-2H-phthalazin-1-one as crystalline Form A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kudos Pharmaceuticals Limited
    Inventors: Keith Allan Menear, Anthony Peter Ottridge, Derek John Londesbrough, Michael Raymond Hallett, Keith Raymond Mulholland, John David Pittam, David Dermot Patrick Laffan, Ian Woodward Ashworth, Martin Francis Jones, Janette Helen Cherryman
  • Patent number: 7692006
    Abstract: 4-[3-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-4-fluoro-benzyl]-2H-phthalazin-1-one as crystalline Form A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kudos Pharmaceuticals Limited
    Inventors: Keith Allan Menear, Anthony Peter Ottridge, Derek John Londesbrough, Michael Raymond Hallett, Keith Raymond Mulholland, John David Pittam, David Dermot Patrick Laffan, Ian Woodward Ashworth, Martin Francis Jones, Janette Helen Cherryman
  • Publication number: 20090270617
    Abstract: 4-[3-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-4-fluoro-benzyl]-2H-phthalazin-1-one as crystalline Form A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: KUDOS PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED
    Inventors: Keith Allan Menear, Anthony Peter Ottridge, Derek John Londesbrough, Michael Raymond Hallett, Keith Raymond Mulholland, John David Pittam, David Dermot Patrick Laffan, Ian Woodward Ashworth, Martin Francis Jones, Janette Helen Cherryman