Patents by Inventor John Paul Thompson

John Paul Thompson 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).

  • Patent number: 10627984
    Abstract: Methodologies, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for dynamic virtual data analysis. A first subset of performance metric data relating to a number of facilities is compared between at least two of the facilities to generate a first level comparison. A second subset of the performance metric data associated with two or more sections of at least one facility is compared to generate a second level comparison. A processor generates a graphical representation of the first level comparison and the second level comparison. A user electronic device can receive input from a user to dynamically navigate between a rendering of the graphical representation of the first level comparison and a rendering of the graphical representation of the second level comparison. The user can also modify the first subset of data or the second subset of data to update the first level comparison or the second level comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Thompson, Eric Anthony Letson, Donald High, Michael Dean Atchley, Robert C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10582190
    Abstract: A virtual training system includes a 3D scanner in recording space and a camera. A scan of the recording space are received and combined to make a sequence of models of the recording space while a tasks is being performed. The model states are presented in sequence to a trainee in a playback space and the actions of the trainee are detected. Deviation of the trainee or objects in the playback space from the trainer and objects in the recording space may be detected and alerts generated. Scanning of the recording space may be accelerated by making a full scan followed by partial scans. The partial scans may be performed in response to detected movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald High, John Paul Thompson, David Winkle, Robert C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20200008003
    Abstract: Provided is a presence-based volume control system. The system may include a surround sound receiver and a volume control unit coupled in-line between a speaker and the surround sound receiver. The volume control unit may include a microprocessor, a position sensor coupled to the microprocessor, an audio input coupled to the surround sound receiver, an audio output coupled to the speaker, and an audio amplifier coupled to and controlled by the microprocessor and coupled to the audio input and the audio output. In operation, the position sensor determines a position of a user of a virtual reality device, an augmented reality device or a mixed reality device and the microprocessor automatically adjusts a volume of the speaker coupled to the surround sound receiver in response to the proximity of the user to the speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: John Paul Thompson, Eric A. Letson
  • Patent number: 10218754
    Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments facilitate management of digitally emulated physical resources. Users can access a management system to create pairings between digitally emulated resources and physical resources. The paired resources can be consistently managed through the system, such that any user from any source can access and dynamically reserve physical and digital resources. In further embodiments, the system can create pairings between the digital emulation and physical resources based on merge operations performed on multiple digital emulations of resources, copy and pasting for other digital emulation of resources, and digital altering of existing resources. The system enables efficient management, control, and implements security for digital and physical resources using, for example, a “digital room.” Security rules and enforcement can be specified within the digital rooms based on access rights, content displays, and can be specific to each resource controlled by the digital room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald High, Michael Atchley, John Paul Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190041860
    Abstract: Described herein are a modular robotic rover and a system for a modular robotic rover. An exemplary system includes a modular robotic rover that has a motor coupled to a drive train, a body frame, at least one battery and one or more sensors. The system further includes multiple removable attachments configured to couple to the rover's body frame. The attachments include at least a temperature-controlled compartment with a configurable size. The system also includes a cooling and heating mechanism with an integrated electrical interface that is removably coupled to the body frame and configured to control a temperature of the temperature-controlled compartment. The system also includes a control system to control the drive train and to provide power to the cooling and heating mechanism via the integrated electrical interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Nathan Glenn Jones, John Paul Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190004622
    Abstract: Methodologies, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for generating an interactive virtual whiteboard. A number of motion sensors are arranged to scan a planar surface, and an electronic stylus in communication with the motion sensors estimates the location of the electronic stylus on the planar surface with respect to the motion sensors. The electronic stylus also detects an orientation or acceleration of the stylus using an inertial sensor. Based on location data and orientation data from the stylus, a computing system generates a visual representation of the motion of the electronic stylus with respect to the planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: John Jeremiah O'Brien, Steven Lewis, John Paul Thompson
  • Publication number: 20180322523
    Abstract: A system and method for voucher management comprise receiving and processing data including a rule regarding use of a voucher; generating a filtered result from the processed data; and modifying contents of a computer display output in response to the filtered result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Eric Anthony Letson, John Paul Thompson, Emily McKenzie
  • Patent number: 10070409
    Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for tracking clusters of user devices within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of network devices are distributed within a facility. The network devices may receive connection data indicating probing by at least one of a plurality of user devices within the facility. A processing unit may be coupled to the network devices and the processing unit may extract location data from the connection data received by the network devices. The location data may indicate the location of the user devices with respect in the facility. The processing unit may determine a projected path for the plurality of user devices based on the location data. The processing unit may generate a response based on then projected path of the plurality of user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Thompson, Robert C. Taylor, Donald High, Michael Dean Atchley
  • Publication number: 20180061146
    Abstract: A small, self-contained, inexpensive, vehicle maintenance system has a vehicle unit that stores and retrieves maintenance information about a vehicle. The vehicle unit mounts on the inside of a vehicle's windshield and employs a solar panel to power it. The vehicle unit stores the vehicle maintenance information in an internal nonvolatile memory. The vehicle unit employs standard wireless technology to communicate with external computing devices such as a smart phone or tablet. The vehicle unit employs open architecture to allow various mechanics to access the stored maintenance information of the vehicle and various other information such as the type of oil being used, the past history and replacement part numbers. The vehicle unit also may receive information from the external computing device to store current information and add it to the maintenance history.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Bode, John Paul Thompson
  • Publication number: 20180053365
    Abstract: A system for securely and automatically opening an entrance to a building to receive a delivered package is described. A customer interacts with an e-commerce system to purchase a product online. The system has a delivery company deliver the product and the package to the building identified by the customer. The package has an identification device attached to it that carries unique information received from the e-commerce system. The building has a smart doorbell which can read package information from the identification device. The smart doorbell is connected to a system controller which communicates with and receives package information from the e-commerce system. If they match, the system controller opens an automated lock opening an entrance of the building to receive the package. A video camera provides images of the delivery person entering the building and leaving the package, for security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Bode, John Paul Thompson, Robert C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20180039714
    Abstract: A landscape design system comprises a first processor for retrieving a two-dimensional image of a real property in response to a query by a user of the landscape design system; a second processor that generates for display a two-dimensional view of a region of the real property for simulation; a converter that converts a region of the two-dimensional view into a three-dimensional image in response to an identification of the region of the real property; and a simulator that displays the three-dimensional image of the real property modified according to possible improvements to the real property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Donald R. High, John Paul Thompson, David Winkle, Michael Dean Atchley
  • Patent number: 9798983
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to reserving physical resources in an enterprise via an electronic reservation environment. An electronic search request for an availability of one or more resources in an enterprise is received from a user through a web page and/or a mobile application and is submitted to a reservation engine. The search request includes one or more resource search parameters received via a graphical user interface associated with the electronic reservation environment. A result identifying resources that satisfy the resource search parameters in the request is received in response to the search request and an electronic metadata request is automatically submitted in response to receipt of the result. The electronic metadata request including resource identifiers corresponding to the resources identified in the result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul Thompson, Kurt Haas, Eric Letson, Christopher Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170249073
    Abstract: Methodologies, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for dynamic virtual data analysis. A first subset of performance metric data relating to a number of facilities is compared between at least two of the facilities to generate a first level comparison. A second subset of the performance metric data associated with two or more sections of at least one facility is compared to generate a second level comparison. A processor generates a graphical representation of the first level comparison and the second level comparison. A user electronic device can receive input from a user to dynamically navigate between a rendering of the graphical representation of the first level comparison and a rendering of the graphical representation of the second level comparison. The user can also modify the first subset of data or the second subset of data to update the first level comparison or the second level comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: John Paul Thompson, Eric Anthony Letson, Donald High, Michael Dean Atchley, Robert C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20170245237
    Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for tracking clusters of user devices within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of network devices are distributed within a facility. The network devices may receive connection data indicating probing by at least one of a plurality of user devices within the facility. A processing unit may be coupled to the network devices and the processing unit may extract location data from the connection data received by the network devices. The location data may indicate the location of the user devices with respect in the facility. The processing unit may determine a projected path for the plurality of user devices based on the location data. The processing unit may generate a response based on then projected path of the plurality of user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: John Paul Thompson, Robert C. Taylor, Donald High, Michael Dean Atchley
  • Publication number: 20170186073
    Abstract: A shopping cart communication system comprises a shopping cart including a head up display, the head up display operable by a mobile electronic device and a retailer application executed on the mobile electronic device that communicates with the head up display, and generates display data for output to and display at the head up display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Greg Bryan, John Paul Thompson, Eric Anthony Letson
  • Publication number: 20170180925
    Abstract: The present disclosure deals with a system and a method to track the position of moveable assets in a geographic location. Beacon generating devices, attached to moveable assets transmit beacon signals encoded with data. Sensors distributed around the geographic locations affixed to fixed assets detect the beacon signals and extract the encoded data. The Sensors transmit the data to a computing system. The computing system stores and analyzes the data. An event can be triggered by the computing system based on the analysis of the stored data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Robert C. Taylor, John Paul Thompson, Donald High
  • Publication number: 20170150127
    Abstract: A virtual training system includes a 3D scanner in recording space and a camera. A scan of the recording space are received and combined to make a sequence of models of the recording space while a tasks is being performed. The model states are presented in sequence to a trainee in a playback space and the actions of the trainee are detected. Deviation of the trainee or objects in the playback space from the trainer and objects in the recording space may be detected and alerts generated. Scanning of the recording space may be accelerated by making a full scan followed by partial scans. The partial scans may be performed in response to detected movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Donald High, John Paul Thompson, David Winkle, Robert C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9654734
    Abstract: A virtual conferencing system includes a 3D scanner in a local region and a camera. A scan of the local region and images are received and combined to make a model that is transmitted to a remote region. A remote model from the remote region is combined and rendered for a user in the local region. A reference point in the local region is mapped to a reference point in the remote region. The remote model is oriented with respect to the local region according to the reference points. Object in the remote and local regions may be filtered from models that are transmitted. Interactions with virtual objects in the local region may invoke modification virtual objects. Modifications may be transmitted to the remote region and superimposed on real objects corresponding to the virtual objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: WAL-MART STORES, INC.
    Inventors: Donald High, John Paul Thompson, David Winkle, Robert C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20170124484
    Abstract: Machine learning methods and systems are provided. A machine learning system receives item-descriptive data corresponding to a plurality of uncategorized items and programmatically associates, based on the item-descriptive data, each of the uncategorized items with a user account. The system compares, by a machine learning algorithm, the item-descriptive data with existing item-descriptive data corresponding to a number of previously categorized items and automatically decides to which of one or more item categories the uncategorized data should be assigned based on dynamically learned behavior, the one or more item categories being defined in the user account. The system automatically assigns, based on the comparison and decision, each of the plurality of uncategorized items to the one or more item categories to generate a plurality of newly categorized items and adds the automatic item category assignments and corresponding newly categorized items to the number of previously categorized items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: John Paul Thompson, Eric Anthony Letson
  • Publication number: 20170127023
    Abstract: A virtual conferencing system includes a 3D scanner in a local region and a camera. A scan of the local region and images are received and combined to make a model that is transmitted to a remote region. A remote model from the remote region is combined and rendered for a user in the local region. A reference point in the local region is mapped to a reference point in the remote region. The remote model is oriented with respect to the local region according to the reference points. Object in the remote and local regions may be filtered from models that are transmitted. Interactions with virtual objects in the local region may invoke modification virtual objects. Modifications may be transmitted to the remote region and superimposed on real objects corresponding to the virtual objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Donald High, John Paul Thompson, David Winkle, Robert C. Taylor