Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Whitcomb

Kevin J. Whitcomb 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: 11483349
    Abstract: A multi-domain operational system is provided. The system includes a data collection engine configured and operable to collect operational data from one or more collection resources within time constraints imposed by operational requirements. The system further includes a business rules engine configured and operable to execute a plurality of rules each of which comprise a plurality of conditions grouped in a sequence by a set of logical connectors. The plurality of rules are associated with a mission task. The system also includes a security engine configured to facilitate information sharing across multiple security domains based on one or more security protocols. The system further includes a mission manager software component configured and operable to manage operation of at least the data collection engine, the business rules engine and the security engine using a common information layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Baggeroer, Eric E. Thompson, Christopher M. Jengo, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Kevin J. Whitcomb, Jason R. Bruni, Kenneth L. Warren
  • Patent number: 11023531
    Abstract: A method for information fusion in multi-domain operational environment is provided. The method includes receiving a first plurality of detection tags containing domain agnostic information related to one or more targets of interest. Target detection statistics contained in the first plurality of detection tags are combined to provide a fused estimate of a probability of a correct identification of a target of the one or more targets of interest. Target geolocation statistics contained in the first plurality of detection tags are combined to provide a fused estimate of a location of the one or more targets of interest. One or more fused detection tag containing at least the combined target detection statistics and the combined target geolocation statistics are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Baggeroer, Eric E. Thompson, Christopher M. Jengo, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Kevin J. Whitcomb, Jason R. Bruni, Kenneth L. Warren
  • Patent number: 10955539
    Abstract: A layered tactical information system and a method of sharing tactical information between multiple layers are provided. The method performed by a processor of each layer of the multiple layers includes searching for relevant data available to the processor of the layer in response to at least one of a layer request from the processor of another layer of the multiple layers and a directive received by a processor of a first layer of the multiple layers. The directive specifies an end state, one or more target types, a time window, a geographic location area, and a first layer requirement of at least one layer requirement to be resolved by the processor of the first layer. The method performed by the processor further includes evaluating whether a layer requirement of the at least one layer requirement for the layer is satisfied based on at least one of (a) any found relevant data that was found by the search and (b) layer data obtained from at least one of the other layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Brett, Zachary D. Wilson, Ravi Sankar Venkata Mallajosyula, Kevin J. Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 10776316
    Abstract: A method for automated operational services across multiple data domains includes receiving requirement information related to one or more targets of interest. Information related to the one or more targets of interest is collected from one or more data sources across multiple data domains based on the received requirement information. A determination is made if the collected information meets the received requirements related to the one or more targets of interest. A classification tag containing domain agnostic information related to the one or more targets of interest is generated, responsive to determining that the collected information meets the received requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Baggeroer, Eric E. Thompson, Christopher M. Jengo, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Kevin J. Whitcomb, Jason R. Bruni, Kenneth L. Warren
  • Publication number: 20200116848
    Abstract: A layered tactical information system and a method of sharing tactical information between multiple layers are provided. The method performed by a processor of each layer of the multiple layers includes searching for relevant data available to the processor of the layer in response to at least one of a layer request from the processor of another layer of the multiple layers and a directive received by a processor of a first layer of the multiple layers. The directive specifies an end state, one or more target types, a time window, a geographic location area, and a first layer requirement of at least one layer requirement to be resolved by the processor of the first layer. The method performed by the processor further includes evaluating whether a layer requirement of the at least one layer requirement for the layer is satisfied based on at least one of (a) any found relevant data that was found by the search and (b) layer data obtained from at least one of the other layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Brett, Zachary D. Wilson, Ravi Sankar Venkata Mallajosyula, Kevin J. Whitcomb
  • Publication number: 20190215338
    Abstract: A multi-domain operational system is provided. The system includes a data collection engine configured and operable to collect operational data from one or more collection resources within time constraints imposed by operational requirements. The system further includes a business rules engine configured and operable to execute a plurality of rules each of which comprise a plurality of conditions grouped in a sequence by a set of logical connectors. The plurality of rules are associated with a mission task. The system also includes a security engine configured to facilitate information sharing across multiple security domains based on one or more security protocols. The system further includes a mission manager software component configured and operable to manage operation of at least the data collection engine, the business rules engine and the security engine using a common information layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Baggeroer, Eric E. Thompson, Christopher M. Jengo, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Kevin J. Whitcomb, Jason R. Bruni, Kenneth L. Warren
  • Publication number: 20190213285
    Abstract: A method for information fusion in multi-domain operational environment is provided. The method includes receiving a first plurality of detection tags containing domain agnostic information related to one or more targets of interest. Target detection statistics contained in the first plurality of detection tags are combined to provide a fused estimate of a probability of a correct identification of a target of the one or more targets of interest. Target geolocation statistics contained in the first plurality of detection tags are combined to provide a fused estimate of a location of the one or more targets of interest. One or more fused detection tag containing at least the combined target detection statistics and the combined target geolocation statistics are generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Baggeroer, Eric E. Thompson, Christopher M. Jengo, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Kevin J. Whitcomb, Jason R. Bruni, Kenneth L. Warren
  • Publication number: 20190213263
    Abstract: A method for automated operational services across multiple data domains includes receiving requirement information related to one or more targets of interest. Information related to the one or more targets of interest is collected from one or more data sources across multiple data domains based on the received requirement information. A determination is made if the collected information meets the received requirements related to the one or more targets of interest. A classification tag containing domain agnostic information related to the one or more targets of interest is generated, responsive to determining that the collected information meets the received requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Baggeroer, Eric E. Thompson, Christopher M. Jengo, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Kevin J. Whitcomb, Jason R. Bruni, Kenneth L. Warren
  • Patent number: 9684162
    Abstract: An optical sensor includes an array of pixels configured to convert photons into electrons for forming an image. A tunable filter assembly is optically connected to the array of pixels for passing an adjustable bandwidth of photons to the array of pixels. The tunable filter assembly includes a first mirror defining an optical axis and a second mirror spaced apart from the first mirror along the optical axis. A first electrode is mechanically connected to the first mirror and a second electrode is fixed relative to the second mirror. The first and second electrodes are positioned relative to one another to adjust the position of the first mirror with respect to the second mirror when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes to tune the spectral bands being passed through the filter assembly to the array of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Whitcomb, Robert Basedow
  • Publication number: 20160299333
    Abstract: An optical sensor includes an array of pixels configured to convert photons into electrons for forming an image. A tunable filter assembly is optically connected to the array of pixels for passing an adjustable bandwidth of photons to the array of pixels. The tunable filter assembly includes a first mirror defining an optical axis and a second mirror spaced apart from the first mirror along the optical axis. A first electrode is mechanically connected to the first mirror and a second electrode is fixed relative to the second mirror. The first and second electrodes are positioned relative to one another to adjust the position of the first mirror with respect to the second mirror when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes to tune the spectral bands being passed through the filter assembly to the array of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin J. Whitcomb, Robert Basedow
  • Patent number: 6259545
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for an optical scanner includes a base unit with a hole for receiving a post of a rotor unit that includes a laser light source that emits light towards a bar code symbol or other object that reflects the light to a collector also mounted on the rotor unit. Flexures connect the base unit to the rotor so that the post and hole arrangement limits translational movement of the rotor unit due to a shock force applied to the optical scanner. The flexures may be use to transmit power signals to the rotor unit and to provide monitoring signals from the rotor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Whitcomb, Brian M. McMaster, Alan Shearin, Anna M. Dean
  • Patent number: 6169614
    Abstract: A diffractive collector for an optical scanner includes a wedged-shaped substrate having holographic grating provided on a front surface, a conical-shaped back surface, and at least one detector. Substantially parallel light is made incident upon the front surface of the substrate, and the light is diffracted within the substrate to the back surface. The wedged shaped of the collector and the holographic grating cause the light to reflect back within the substrate at such an angle that the light remains within the substrate as the light propagates to the at least one detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Whitcomb, Brian M. McMaster, Alan Shearin, Anna M. Dean
  • Patent number: 5986758
    Abstract: An imaging spectrometer provides a three-dimensional (two (2) spatial and one (1) spectral) image cube of a target. In this apparatus, a diffractive optical element (DOE) performs the imaging and provides the dispersion necessary to separate a multi-spectral target into separate spectral images that are detected by a photodetector array. A lens (or set of lenses) relays the image formed by the DOE to the photodetector array. This lens allows the DOE and photodetector array to be mounted with a fixed separation and the spectral images to have a constant magnification. The lens is stepped or scanned along the optical axis, and each position of the lens corresponds to a particular wavelength being imaged onto the photodetector array. At each position of the relay lens the photodetector array records a spectral image by a process called diffractive spectral sectioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Denise M. Lyons, Kevin J. Whitcomb