Patents by Inventor Robert D. Underwood
Robert D. Underwood 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: 20240143180Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for facilitating a datatype engine (DTE) to support high performance computing. A network interface card (NIC) receives, via a message passing interface, a command to read data from a host memory. The NIC determines that the command indicates a first datatype descriptor stored in the NIC. The NIC forms, based on the command, a packet which indicates a base address and a length associated with the data to be read from the host memory and passes the packet to the DTE. The DTE generates a plurality of read requests comprising offsets from the base address and corresponding lengths based on the first datatype descriptor. The DTE passes the plurality of read requests to a direct memory access module, thereby allowing the NIC to access the host memory while eliminating copies of the data on the host during transfer of the command across a network.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Keith D. Underwood, Robert L. Alverson
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Publication number: 20240143494Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are provided to facilitate data structures for a datatype engine and provide inline compaction. The system receives, by a network interface card (NIC), a command to read data from a host memory, wherein the command indicates a datatype. The system generates a plurality of read requests comprising offsets from a base address and corresponding lengths based on the datatype. The system issues the plurality of read requests to the host memory to obtain the data from the host memory. The system obtains a byte-mask descriptor corresponding to the datatype. The system performs, based on the obtained data and the byte-mask descriptor, on-the-fly compaction of the obtained data, thereby allowing the NIC to return a requested subset of the obtained data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Keith D. Underwood, Robert L. Alverson, Christopher Michael Brueggen
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Patent number: 11903113Abstract: A method includes the steps of obtaining a frame from an image sensor, the frame comprising a number of pixel values, detecting a change in a first subset of the pixel values, detecting a change in the second subset of the pixel values near the first subset of the pixel values, and determining an occupancy state based on a relationship between the change in the first subset of the pixel values and the second subset of the pixel values. The occupancy state may be determined to be occupied when the change in the first subset of the pixel values is in a first direction and the change in the second subset of the pixel values is in a second direction opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLCInventors: Sten Heikman, Yuvaraj Dora, Ronald W. Bessems, John Roberts, Robert D. Underwood
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Publication number: 20220141939Abstract: A method includes the steps of obtaining a frame from an image sensor, the frame comprising a number of pixel values, detecting a change in a first subset of the pixel values, detecting a change in the second subset of the pixel values near the first subset of the pixel values, and determining an occupancy state based on a relationship between the change in the first subset of the pixel values and the second subset of the pixel values. The occupancy state may be determined to be occupied when the change in the first subset of the pixel values is in a first direction and the change in the second subset of the pixel values is in a second direction opposite the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Sten Heikman, Yuvaraj Dora, Ronald W. Bessems, John Roberts, Robert D. Underwood
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Patent number: 11229107Abstract: A method includes the steps of obtaining a frame from an image sensor, the frame comprising a number of pixel values, detecting a change in a first subset of the pixel values, detecting a change in the second subset of the pixel values near the first subset of the pixel values, and determining an occupancy state based on a relationship between the change in the first subset of the pixel values and the second subset of the pixel values. The occupancy state may be determined to be occupied when the change in the first subset of the pixel values is in a first direction and the change in the second subset of the pixel values is in a second direction opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLCInventors: Sten Heikman, Yuvaraj Dora, Ronald W. Bessems, John Roberts, Robert D. Underwood
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Patent number: 10348974Abstract: An LED-based lighting fixture sets or adjusts a parameter of a drive signal that is used to drive its LEDs to be more compatible with the camera system; the camera system sets or adjusts an image capture parameter to be more compatible with the LED-based lighting fixture, or a combination thereof. The drive signal may be a PWM signal with a variable PWM frequency and/or duty cycle, a variable DC signal, or any combination thereof. The parameter of the drive signal that may be set or adjusted includes, but is not limited to, a PWM period, PWM frequency, PWM duty cycle, amplitude of the active and inactive portions of the PWM signal, and the like. The image capture parameter that may be adjusted includes, but is not limited to, frame rate, frame period, integration time, gain, shutter type (i.e. rolling shutter, global shutter, etc.), and the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Pope, Michael James Harris, John Roberts, Ashish Ekbote, Robert D. Underwood
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Publication number: 20180225834Abstract: A method includes the steps of obtaining a frame from an image sensor, the frame comprising a number of pixel values, detecting a change in a first subset of the pixel values, detecting a change in the second subset of the pixel values near the first subset of the pixel values, and determining an occupancy state based on a relationship between the change in the first subset of the pixel values and the second subset of the pixel values. The occupancy state may be determined to be occupied when the change in the first subset of the pixel values is in a first direction and the change in the second subset of the pixel values is in a second direction opposite the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Sten Heikman, Yuvaraj Dora, Ronald W. Bessems, John Roberts, Robert D. Underwood
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Publication number: 20180041681Abstract: An LED-based lighting fixture sets or adjusts a parameter of a drive signal that is used to drive its LEDs to be more compatible with the camera system; the camera system sets or adjusts an image capture parameter to be more compatible with the LED-based lighting fixture, or a combination thereof. The drive signal may be a PWM signal with a variable PWM frequency and/or duty cycle, a variable DC signal, or any combination thereof. The parameter of the drive signal that may be set or adjusted includes, but is not limited to, a PWM period, PWM frequency, PWM duty cycle, amplitude of the active and inactive portions of the PWM signal, and the like. The image capture parameter that may be adjusted includes, but is not limited to, frame rate, frame period, integration time, gain, shutter type (i.e. rolling shutter, global shutter, etc.), and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Daniel J. Pope, Michael James Harris, John Roberts, Ashish Ekbote, Robert D. Underwood
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Patent number: 9769900Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a control system, a light source, and an image sensor module. The image sensor module is configured to capture image data and process the image data to provide derived image data, such that the derived image data is downsampled from the image data. The derived image data is used by the control system to adjust one or more characteristics of light provided by the light source.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Underwood, John Roberts
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Patent number: 9706619Abstract: A lighting fixture including a light source, a housing, an image sensor, and a lens is disclosed. The housing is coupled to the light source and includes an opening through which light from the light source is emitted to fill an illumination area. The image sensor is configured to capture one or more images of the illumination area. The lens is over the image sensor, and provides the image sensor a field of view that substantially corresponds with the illumination area. By tailoring the lens such that it provides the image sensor a field of view that substantially corresponds with the illumination area, the image sensor can collect information relevant to the lighting fixture.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Jin Hong Lim, John Roberts, Robert D. Underwood, Benjamin A. Jacobson
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Publication number: 20170127492Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a control system, a light source, and an image sensor module. The image sensor module is configured to capture image data and process the image data to provide derived image data, such that the derived image data is downsampled from the image data. The derived image data is used by the control system to adjust one or more characteristics of light provided by the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2015Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: Robert D. Underwood, John Roberts
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Patent number: 9609709Abstract: An integrated circuit component can include an integrated circuit package and a plurality of terminals provided on the exterior of the integrated circuit package. The terminals are configured to provide electrical connectivity to an interior of the integrated circuit package and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) segments that includes an LED string in the interior of the package, coupled to the plurality of terminals.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Bernd Peter Keller, Robert D. Underwood
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Patent number: 9510413Abstract: A solid state lighting apparatus can include a substrate having first and second opposing surfaces, where at least one of the opposing surfaces is configured to mount devices thereon. A string of chip-on-board light emitting diode (LED) sets, can be on the first surface of the substrate and coupled in series with one another. An ac voltage source input, from outside the solid state lighting apparatus, can be coupled to the first or second surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Praneet Jayant Athalye, Liqin Ni, Antony P. van de Ven, Robert D. Underwood
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Publication number: 20160242252Abstract: A lighting fixture including a light source, a housing, an image sensor, and a lens is disclosed. The housing is coupled to the light source and includes an opening through which light from the light source is emitted to fill an illumination area. The image sensor is configured to capture one or more images of the illumination area. The lens is over the image sensor, and provides the image sensor a field of view that substantially corresponds with the illumination area. By tailoring the lens such that it provides the image sensor a field of view that substantially corresponds with the illumination area, the image sensor can collect information relevant to the lighting fixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2015Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Jin Hong Lim, John Roberts, Robert D. Underwood, Benjamin A. Jacobson
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Patent number: 9414454Abstract: Solid state lighting apparatuses and related methods are described. In certain embodiments, a solid state lighting apparatus adapted to operate with alternating current (AC) received from an AC power source is provided. The lighting apparatus can include a substrate and an array of solid state light emitters arranged on or supported by the substrate. Multiple solid state light emitter sets of the array can be arranged to be activated and/or deactivated at different times relative to one another during a portion of an AC cycle. The lighting apparatus can also include at least one reflective structure arranged between one or more solid state light emitters and at least one driver circuit component, to reduce or eliminate absorption by the driver circuit component(s) of light generated by the solid state light emitter(s).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: George R. Brandes, Robert D. Underwood
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Patent number: 8970131Abstract: Solid state lighting apparatuses are adapted to operate with alternating current (AC) received directly from an AC power source. An exemplary apparatus includes a substrate and multiple sets of one or more solid state light emitters disposed over the substrate. Multiple sets of solid state light emitters are configured to be activated and/or deactivated at different times relevant to one another during portions of an AC cycle, and optionally have different duty cycles. Emitter configurations, color combinations, and/or circuit components reduce perceivable flicker, color shifts, and/or spatial variations in luminous flux. Color temperature and/or beam pattern are adjustable. Multiple emitters are arranged along non-coplanar substrate portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: George R. Brandes, Robert D. Underwood, Bernd P. Keller
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Patent number: 8896229Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a string of serially-connected light-emitting devices including at least a first segment and a second segment and a control circuit configured to control a relationship of light outputs of the first segment and the second segment by diverting current from a node of the string to at least one energy storage device and subsequently transferring energy from the at least one energy storage device to at least the first segment. The control circuit may be configured to divert the current responsive to a control input, such as a temperature and/or a dimming level. The at least one energy storage device may include at least one inductor. In some embodiments, the control circuit may control at least one color characteristic of light produced by the string.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Ihor Lys, Robert D. Underwood
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Publication number: 20140265886Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a string of serially-connected light-emitting devices including at least a first segment and a second segment and a control circuit configured to control a relationship of light outputs of the first segment and the second segment by diverting current from a node of the string to at least one energy storage device and subsequently transferring energy from the at least one energy storage device to at least the first segment. The control circuit may be configured to divert the current responsive to a control input, such as a temperature and/or a dimming level. The at least one energy storage device may include at least one inductor. In some embodiments, the control circuit may control at least one color characteristic of light produced by the string.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Ihor Lys, Robert D. Underwood
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Publication number: 20140232288Abstract: Solid state lighting apparatuses are adapted to operate with alternating current (AC) received directly from an AC power source. An exemplary apparatus includes a substrate and multiple sets of one or more solid state light emitters disposed over the substrate. Multiple sets of solid state light emitters can be configured to be activated and/or deactivated at different times relevant to one another during portions of an AC cycle, and may optionally have different duty cycles. Emitter configurations, color combinations, and/or circuit components may reduce perceivable flicker, color shifts, and/or spatial variations in luminous flux. Color temperature and/or beam pattern may be adjusted. Multiple emitters may be arranged along non-coplanar substrate portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: CREE, INC.Inventors: George R. Brandes, Robert D. Underwood, Bernd P. Keller
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Publication number: 20140232289Abstract: Solid state lighting apparatuses and related methods are described. In certain embodiments, a solid state lighting apparatus adapted to operate with alternating current (AC) received from an AC power source is provided. The lighting apparatus can include a substrate and an array of solid state light emitters arranged on or supported by the substrate. Multiple solid state light emitter sets of the array can be arranged to be activated and/or deactivated at different times relative to one another during a portion of an AC cycle. The lighting apparatus can also include at least one reflective structure arranged between one or more solid state light emitters and at least one driver circuit component, to reduce or eliminate absorption by the driver circuit component(s) of light generated by the solid state light emitter(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: CREE, INC.Inventors: George R. Brandes, Robert D. Underwood