Patents by Inventor John Houston
John Houston 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).
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Publication number: 20190164190Abstract: A method for enhanced digital content presentation is provided that includes assigning, to each member of members of a social network of a user, a respective knowledge score, the knowledge score being representative of accuracy in the member predicting positive impressions of the user. The members of the social network are surveyed for an indication of which one or more options for digital content are expected to have a positive impression on the user. Based on the surveying, selected digital content based on the one or more options that are expected to have a positive impression on the user, as indicated by the surveying, is selected. The selected digital content is presented to the user. An indication of whether the selected digital content had a positive impression on the user is received from the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2017Publication date: May 30, 2019Inventors: Jonathan FRY, Kathleen CHALAS, Lahiruka WINTER, Cameron TIDD, Alexander LEVENTHAL, John HOUSTON
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Publication number: 20190128094Abstract: A fluid placement tool, comprising: a connecting section at a proximal end of the fluid placement tool for coupling the fluid placement tool to a conveyance; an actuating section coupled to the connecting section, wherein the actuating section comprises a first check valve and a piston, wherein the first check valve is positioned to allow fluid flow through the actuating section and into engagement with the piston; and a fluid containment section, wherein the fluid containment section comprises a fluid reservoir and a second check valve, wherein the fluid reservoir is disposed between the first check valve and the second check valve, wherein the second check valve is position to only allow flow out of the fluid containment section; wherein the actuating section is operable to drive the piston through the fluid reservoir for displacement of a fluid from the fluid reservoir and into a wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Robert Alexander Petrie, Michael John Houston, David Eugene Colburn, JR.
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Patent number: 10226792Abstract: The disclosure relates to integrated modules for Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators (FIG. 125A). The modules provide physical interface, power and communication interfaces. Each module may include vibration actuators (FIG. 123A) which can be precisely attached and aligned to the module housing, a microcontroller or other microprocessor, and one or more sensors for closed loop control of actuators (FIG. 126G). Interleaved pairs of ERMs having a center of mass in the same plane eliminate parasitic torque. A single module can produce a vibration force that rotates at a specific frequency and magnitude, which on its own could cancel out some types of periodic vibrations (FIG. 125B). Two modules paired together and counter-rotating with respect to each other can produce a directional vibration at a specific frequency and magnitude, which could prove even more useful for canceling out a vibration. Such modules are also employed to produce beating patterns (FIGS. 131-133).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: General Vibration CorporationInventors: John Houston, Gabe Graham, Charles Alexander Simpkins, Jr., Rob Morris, Nathan Delson
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Publication number: 20180169702Abstract: One aspect of the technology involves a system for measuring the rotational position of a rotating shaft, including a field source configured to generate a measurable field, a sensor configured to measure the generated field, and a target that is configured to modify the generated field as measured by the sensor to have a shape with (a) at least one measurable feature for a zero reference point, and (b) a shape that varies throughout one or more angles such that a rotational position of the shaft is determined with a selected angular accuracy. There is also a device that receives a query for the rotational position of the shaft a device that responds to the query. Another aspect involves generating multi-frequency vibrations with a single linear resonant actuator (LRA). This LRA can exhibit a beat pattern in response to being driven by the sum of two different sinusoidal functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2017Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: John Houston, Rob Morris, Charles Alexander Simpkins, JR., Joel A. Murphy, Gabe Graham
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Publication number: 20180107215Abstract: A neural network may be utilized for autonomously driving a self-driving vehicle (SDV). The neural network can establish a destination location in local coordinates relative to the SDV. The neural network may then identify one or more navigation points in a forward operational direction of the SDV, and process sensor data from a sensor system of the SDV, the sensor data providing a sensor view of the forward operational direction of the SDV. Utilizing the sensor data, the neural network can operate acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the SDV to continuously follow the one or more navigation points along an established route to the destination location.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2016Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Nemanja Djuric, John Houston
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Publication number: 20180065151Abstract: The disclosure relates to integrated modules for Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators (FIG. 125A). The modules provide physical interface, power and communication interfaces. Each module may include vibration actuators (FIG. 123A) which can be precisely attached and aligned to the module housing, a microcontroller or other microprocessor, and one or more sensors for closed loop control of actuators (FIG. 126G). Interleaved pairs of ERMs having a center of mass in the same plane eliminate parasitic torque. A single module can produce a vibration force that rotates at a specific frequency and magnitude, which on its own could cancel out some types of periodic vibrations (FIG. 125B). Two modules paired together and counter-rotating with respect to each other can produce a directional vibration at a specific frequency and magnitude, which could prove even more useful for canceling out a vibration. Such modules are also employed to produce beating patterns (FIGS. 131-133).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: John Houston, Gabe Graham, Charles Alexander Simpkins, Jr., Rob Morris, Nathan Delson
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Patent number: 9900738Abstract: Control systems and methods are disclosed for automatically identifying mobile communication devices located within a vicinity of a gunshot. The control system may discriminates gunshots from other environmental noise and determine the location of the gunshot from information provided by a set of acoustic sensors. Once the gunshot location is determined, the control system may automatically trigger activation of one or more cell site simulators located near the location of the gunshot to identify mobile communication devices within the vicinity. Further precision in identifying the locations of the mobile communication devices may be obtained by using information from radio frequency (RF) sensors that intercept wireless RF transmissions from the mobile communication devices communicating with the activated cell site simulator. The control system may be used as a tool identifying and tracking perpetrators of gun crime and may also be used to located witnesses who may otherwise not have come forward.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: John Houston Doherty
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Patent number: 9802225Abstract: One aspect of the technology involves a system for measuring the rotational position of a rotating shaft, including a field source configured to generate a measurable field, a sensor configured to measure the generated field, and a target that is configured to modify the generated field as measured by the sensor to have a shape with (a) at least one measurable feature for a zero reference point, and (b) a shape that varies throughout one or more angles such that a rotational position of the shaft is determined with a selected angular accuracy. There is also a device that receives a query for the rotational position of the shaft a device that responds to the query. Another aspect involves generating multi-frequency vibrations with a single linear resonant actuator (LRA). This LRA can exhibit a beat pattern in response to being driven by the sum of two different sinusoidal functions.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: General Vibration CorporationInventors: John Houston, Rob Morris, Charles Alexander Simpkins, Jr., Joel A. Murphy, Gabe Graham
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Patent number: 9764357Abstract: The disclosure relates to integrated modules for Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators (FIG. 125A). The modules provide physical interface, power and communication interfaces. Each module may include vibration actuators (FIG. 123A) which can be precisely attached and aligned to the module housing, a microcontroller or other microprocessor, and one or more sensors for closed loop control of actuators (FIG. 126G). Interleaved pairs of ERMs having a center of mass in the same plane eliminate parasitic torque. A single module can produce a vibration force that rotates at a specific frequency and magnitude, which on its own could cancel out some types of periodic vibrations (FIG. 125B). Two modules paired together and counter-rotating with respect to each other can produce a directional vibration at a specific frequency and magnitude, which could prove even more useful for canceling out a vibration. Such modules are also employed to produce beating patterns (FIGS. 131-133).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: General Vibration CorporationInventors: John Houston, Gabe Graham, Charles Alexander Simpkins, Jr., Rob Morris, Nathan Delson
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Publication number: 20170182517Abstract: The disclosure relates to integrated modules for Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators (FIG. 125A). The modules provide physical interface, power and communication interfaces. Each module may include vibration actuators (FIG. 123A) which can be precisely attached and aligned to the module housing, a microcontroller or other microprocessor, and one or more sensors for closed loop control of actuators (FIG. 126G). Interleaved pairs of ERMs having a center of mass in the same plane eliminate parasitic torque. A single module can produce a vibration force that rotates at a specific frequency and magnitude, which on its own could cancel out some types of periodic vibrations (FIG. 125B). Two modules paired together and counter-rotating with respect to each other can produce a directional vibration at a specific frequency and magnitude, which could prove even more useful for canceling out a vibration. Such modules are also employed to produce beating patterns (FIGS. 131-133).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: June 29, 2017Applicant: General Vibration CorporationInventors: John Houston, Gabe Graham, Charles Alexander Simpkins, JR., Rob Morris, Nathan Delson
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Publication number: 20170180926Abstract: Control systems and methods are disclosed for automatically identifying mobile communication devices located within a vicinity of a gunshot. The control system may discriminates gunshots from other environmental noise and determine the location of the gunshot from information provided by a set of acoustic sensors. Once the gunshot location is determined, the control system may automatically trigger activation of one or more cell site simulators located near the location of the gunshot to identify mobile communication devices within the vicinity. Further precision in identifying the locations of the mobile communication devices may be obtained by using information from radio frequency (RF) sensors that intercept wireless RF transmissions from the mobile communication devices communicating with the activated cell site simulator. The control system may be used as a tool identifying and tracking perpetrators of gun crime and may also be used to located witnesses who may otherwise not have come forward.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventor: John Houston DOHERTY
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Patent number: 9459632Abstract: The disclosure relates to a Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators in a Network Topology providing synchronized arrays of low-cost, readily available vibration actuators to emulate superlative single actuators and bring together sets of these emulated high-performance actuators to create a broad range of desired control effects. Such actuator arrays may operate in both spatial and temporal modes, creating haptic effects that relate to the user via their position and orientation in space. The spatial mode may create h-pulses or the amplitude of a vibrational effect may change based on position of the device. The temporal mode may create vibrational effects that interact with the user to create an awareness of time. Additionally modes include performance, bandwidth, magnitude and reliability modes. The different control modalities may be combined together into a single vector control space, which spans the haptic capabilities of sets and/or subsets of actuators.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Coactive Drive CorporationInventors: John Houston, Rob Morris, Nathan Delson, Gabe Graham
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Publication number: 20160258758Abstract: One aspect of the technology involves a system for measuring the rotational position of a rotating shaft, including a field source configured to generate a measurable field, a sensor configured to measure the generated field, and a target that is configured to modify the generated field as measured by the sensor to have a shape with (a) at least one measurable feature for a zero reference point, and (b) a shape that varies throughout one or more angles such that a rotational position of the shaft is determined with a selected angular accuracy. There is also a device that receives a query for the rotational position of the shaft a device that responds to the query. Another aspect involves generating multi-frequency vibrations with a single linear resonant actuator (LRA). This LRA can exhibit a beat pattern in response to being driven by the sum of two different sinusoidal functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: September 8, 2016Applicant: General Vibration CorporationInventors: John Houston, Rob Morris, Charles Alexander Simpkins, Jr., Joel A. Murphy, Gabe Graham
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Publication number: 20160144404Abstract: The disclosure relates to integrated modules for Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators (FIG. 125A). The modules provide physical interface, power and communication interfaces. Each module may include vibration actuators (FIG. 123A) which can be precisely attached and aligned to the module housing, a microcontroller or other microprocessor, and one or more sensors for closed loop control of actuators (FIG. 126G). Interleaved pairs of ERMs having a center of mass in the same plane eliminate parasitic torque. A single module can produce a vibration force that rotates at a specific frequency and magnitude, which on its own could cancel out some types of periodic vibrations (FIG. 125B). Two modules paired together and counter-rotating with respect to each other can produce a directional vibration at a specific frequency and magnitude, which could prove even more useful for canceling out a vibration. Such modules are also employed to produce beating patterns (FIGS. 131-133).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: COACTIVE DRIVE CORPORATIONInventors: John Houston, Gabe Graham, Charles Alexander Simpkins, JR., Rob Morris
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Patent number: 9337593Abstract: According to some embodiments, an assembly includes at least one of a plug or a receptacle. The plug includes a first electrical insulator that isolates a plurality of first electrical contacts. The first electrical insulator includes two separable halves. The receptacle includes a second electrical insulator that isolates a plurality of second electrical contacts. The second electrical insulator may also include two separable halves. The plurality of first electrical contacts are engageable with the plurality of second electrical contacts to electrically couple the plug and receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: INTERMOUNTAIN ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Dale Curtis, Shawn Norton, Tom Akers, John Houston
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Systems and methods for metering and analyzing energy consumption of events within a portable device
Patent number: 9222963Abstract: System and methods to determine the energy consumption per event type from usage data of portable devices are described. An example method includes accessing battery usage data for a first portable device, the battery usage data comprising a plurality of measurements, the measurements including an energy usage by the first portable device during a first time period and an identification of software functions executed by the first portable device during the first time period, and determining at portion of the energy usage attributable to a first one of the software functions based on the measurements.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLCInventors: John Houston, Arun Ramaswamy, Brian Hopkins -
Publication number: 20150081110Abstract: The disclosure relates to a Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators in a Network Topology providing synchronized arrays of low-cost, readily available vibration actuators to emulate superlative single actuators and bring together sets of these emulated high-performance actuators to create a broad range of desired control effects. Such actuator arrays may operate in both spatial and temporal modes, creating haptic effects that relate to the user via their position and orientation in space. The spatial mode may create h-pulses or the amplitude of a vibrational effect may change based on position of the device. The temporal mode may create vibrational effects that interact with the user to create an awareness of time. Additionally modes include performance, bandwidth, magnitude and reliability modes. The different control modalities may be combined together into a single vector control space, which spans the haptic capabilities of sets and/or subsets of actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Coative Drive CorporationInventors: John Houston, Rob Morris, Nathan Delson, Gabe Graham
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Patent number: 8981682Abstract: The disclosure relates to General Synchronized Vibration devices that provide haptic feedback to a user and improve the performance of existing vibratory devices. Different actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators including interleaved rotating mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller sends signals to one or more driver circuits to provide adjustment of vibration magnitude, frequency, and direction of the actuators. The system may apply forces onto an object, and a sensor measures a feature(s) of the object. This information is provided to a vibration device controller, which can then modify the vibration waveform to improve overall system performance. Fourier synthesis can be used to approximate arbitrarily shaped waveforms by controlling the phase and frequency of vibration actuators.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Coactive Drive CorporationInventors: Nathan Delson, John Houston, Gabe Graham
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Publication number: 20140370732Abstract: According to some embodiments, an assembly includes at least one of a plug or a receptacle. The plug includes a first electrical insulator that isolates a plurality of first electrical contacts. The first electrical insulator includes two separable halves. The receptacle includes a second electrical insulator that isolates a plurality of second electrical contacts. The second electrical insulator may also include two separable halves. The plurality of first electrical contacts are engageable with the plurality of second electrical contacts to electrically couple the plug and receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Dale Curtis, Shawn Norton, Tom Akers, John Houston
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Publication number: 20140344949Abstract: Digital rights management systems and methods for audience measurement are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include enabling a media handler implemented by a media device to begin presenting first media based on a first digital license associated with the first media. Such example methods also include retrieving a second digital license different from the first digital license from a license server separate from the media device. Such example methods further include causing the media handler to perform a first media monitoring operation based on the second digital license, the first media monitoring operation being deactivated by default.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: John Houston