Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Abbott

Thomas M. Abbott 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: 8090183
    Abstract: Correcting pattern noise projection images includes acquiring a set of projection images with an optical tomography system including a processor, where each of the set of projection images is acquired at a different angle of view. A threshold is applied to each projection image produce a set of threshold images. Each threshold image may optionally be dilated to produce a set of dilated images that are summed to form an ensemble image. Each of the dilated images is processed to produce a set of binary images. The set of binary images are summed to form an ensemble mask. The ensemble image is divided by the ensemble mask to yield a background pattern noise image. Each projection image is multiplied by a scaling factor and divided by the background pattern noise to produce a quotient image that is filtered to produce a noise corrected projection image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Visiongate, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Meyer, Jon W. Hayenga, Thomas M. Abbott, David E. Steinhauer
  • Publication number: 20100232664
    Abstract: Correcting pattern noise projection images includes acquiring a set of projection images with an optical tomography system including a processor, where each of the set of projection images is acquired at a different angle of view. A threshold is applied to each projection image produce a set of threshold images. Each threshold image may optionally be dilated to produce a set of dilated images that are summed to form an ensemble image. Each of the dilated images is processed to produce a set of binary images. The set of binary images are summed to form an ensemble mask. The ensemble image is divided by the ensemble mask to yield a background pattern noise image. Each projection image is multiplied by a scaling factor and divided by the background pattern noise to produce a quotient image that is filtered to produce a noise corrected projection image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: VISIONGATE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael G. Meyer, Jon W. Hayenga, Thomas M. Abbott, David E. Steinhauer
  • Patent number: 6213873
    Abstract: A computer-based strategic game system for, e.g., playing chess includes a kingbrain that is characterized by a rating and a queen brain. The rating of the kingbrain is automatically adjusted to the skill of the player, as determined by the queen brain, such that the kingbrain generates opponent moves to counter the player's moves with an effectiveness that is marginally above the player's ability. When the player is losing, the kingbrain can assume an aggressive heroic style of play. On the other hand, when the player is winning, the kingbrain can assume a defensive craven style of play. As the game unfolds, the queen brain evaluates each of the player's moves, and audio-visual annotations and game commentary based on the queen brain's evaluations are spooled to disk. At the end of the game, the annotations and commentary are immediately available to the player for instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sierra-On-Line, Inc.
    Inventors: Elon J. Gasper, Thomas M. Abbott, John G. Gilmore