Range Finding Patents (Class 434/27)
  • Patent number: 9452050
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method incorporating computer-implemented steps, a computing device, and a computer readable storage medium, for developing manufacturing parameters for manufacturing an orthopaedic implant. The method comprises the computer-implemented steps of being responsive to patient specific information data for deriving patient data, where the patient specific information data is indicative of one or more dynamic characteristics, being responsive to the patient data for calculating design data for the orthopaedic implant, and developing the manufacturing parameters for manufacturing the orthopaedic implant according to the design data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: CORIN LIMITED
    Inventors: Brad Peter Miles, Peter Bede O'Connor, Justin Roe, Brett Fritsch, Len Walter, Ed Marel, Michael Solomon, Brian Cheung, Milton Scott Bergeon, James William Pierrepont
  • Patent number: 9320604
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for providing surgical parameter data. The method comprises the computer-implemented steps of being responsive to patient specific information data for deriving patient data, where the patient specific information data is indicative of one or more dynamic characteristics, and determining a set of possible surgical parameter data according to the patient data and patient acquired data, the patient acquired data being indicative of one or more desired post-surgery activities, the patient acquired data comprising post-surgery activities preference data; and a further step of selecting the surgical parameter data from the set of possible surgical parameter data according to the post-surgery activities preference data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: OPTIMIZED ORTHO PTY LTD
    Inventors: Brad Peter Miles, Peter Bede O'Connor, Justin Roe, Brett Fritsch, Len Walter, Ed Marel, Michael Solomon, Brian Cheung, Milton Scott Bergeon, James William Pierrepont
  • Patent number: 8983813
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method, a computing device, and a computer readable storage medium, for providing alignment information data for the alignment of an orthopaedic implant for a joint of a patient. The computer-implemented method comprises the steps of being responsive to patient specific information data for deriving patient data, where the patient specific information data is indicative of one or more dynamic characteristics, and being responsive to the patient data for providing the alignment information data for the alignment of the orthopaedic implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Optimized Ortho Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Brad Peter Miles, Peter Bede O'Connor, Justin Roe, Brett Fritsch, Len Walter, Ed Marel, Michael Solomon, Brian Cheung, Milton Scott Bergeon, James William Pierrepont
  • Patent number: 8911235
    Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: TriggerMaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcom Baxter
  • Patent number: 8777620
    Abstract: A firearm training system provides a firearm body having a trigger and a trigger pull sensor circuit. When the trigger is pulled, the trigger pull sensor circuit provides trigger pull data allowing monitoring of the actual two-dimensional trigger pull path taken by the trigger during the trigger pull. The trigger pull path is graft on a predetermined map together with boundary lines representing a predetermined difference threshold from ideal trigger pull data. The system provides a way to monitor trigger pull path to determine whether the trigger has been pulled laterally and/or the firearm body has moved with respect to a longitudinal axis of the firearm body during the trigger pull. By repeatedly monitoring trigger pulls using the system, a user can train to improve trigger pull technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: TriggerMaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcom Baxter
  • Patent number: 8770976
    Abstract: A system and method for use in training armed personnel are described. According to one embodiment, the system includes a number of autonomous mobile units and the units are arranged to perform actions in a training area to simulate participants in a firearms training exercise, and at least one of the mobile units is arranged to base at least some of its actions at least partially on the behavior of at least one human in the training area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Marathno Robotics Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Moser
  • Patent number: 8520895
    Abstract: A system and method calculate a range and velocity of an object in image data. The range calculation includes detecting a contour of the object from the image data, forming a template from the image data based on the contour; and calculating a range to the object using pixel resolution and dimension statistics of the object. A three-dimensional velocity of the object is determined by calculating a radial component and an angular component of the velocity. The radial velocity component is calculated by determining the range of the object in two or more image frames, determining a time differential between the two or more image frames, and calculating the radial velocity as a function of the range of the object in the two or more image frames and the time differential between the two or more image frames. The angular component is calculated using spatial-temporal derivatives as a function of a motion constraint equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kwong Wing Au, Saad J. Bedros
  • Patent number: 8393900
    Abstract: A system for aligning a simulator arranged for firing a mounted on a weapon. The simulator has a radiation source arranged so as to emit a beam along a simulation axis, and for adjusting the simulation axis so that it is aligned with the weapon sight. The system includes a sighting mark at which the weapon sight is to be aimed during alignment, and a device arranged in connection with the sighting mark to emit beam along an axis representing an aligned simulation axis. The system further includes an aligning unit that is deployable at the simulator and in which at least a first part of the beam from the element is reflected along an axis representing the current position of the simulation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Per Renntoft
  • Patent number: 8162666
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, multiple networked gaming devices can participate in a secondary type game. A primary game such as poker, rotatable wheels, wheel of fortune or the like is initiated on a gaming device. A predetermined outcome (for example) of the primary game is then used to qualify the gaming device for a secondary type game. A predetermined outcome might be a wheel of fortune SPIN symbol, for example. Once the gaming device is qualified, a secondary game indication cycle is triggered. During this cycle, additional gaming devices can then qualify for the secondary type game by using one or more predetermined primary game outcomes, for example. The secondary type game is then initiated and a secondary game payout awarded to the gaming devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tyler Parham
  • Publication number: 20090199453
    Abstract: A handheld rangefinder device operable to determine ballistic hold over information is disclosed. The rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine a hold over value based on the first range and the determined angle. Such a configuration facilitates accurate firearm and bow use by providing ranges and hold over values without requiring time-consuming and manual user calculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Bushnell Inc.
    Inventors: John Cross, Jordan Vermillion
  • Publication number: 20090123894
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a direction of fire includes moving a view of at least one sensor between a target area and an impact area, where a sensor performs target location. Sensor data is received from the sensor. The sensor data includes target area sensor data generated in response to sensing the target area and impact area sensor data generated in response to sensing the impact area. Image processing is performed on the sensor data to determine at least one angle between a first line from the sensor to the target area and a second line from the sensor to the impact area. Further, a set of refinements to coordinates corresponding to the target area is determined according to the at least one angle and an impact distance between the at least one sensor and the impact area. The set of refinements is communicated in order to facilitate firing upon the target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Svane, David W. Fore, Kevin Underhill, Richard C. Vera
  • Patent number: 7505119
    Abstract: An optical system or assembly is formed of a plurality of optical sources (10, 12, 14) and components of different laser-based equipment systems. The sources and/or components may be combined and/or eliminated to reduce complexity, cost and/or overall weight of the system by consolidating multiple laser sources into a reduced number of sources, and by multiplexing (19) different wavelength signals over common carriers. A laser engagement system (12, 14) and an infrared aim light (10) (or infrared illuminator) are powered by a single laser source which is adopted for use with conventional equipment by lengthening the duration of the coded pulses emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter may be triggered in response to the heat and/or pressure generated by the blank upon firing. A visible bore light may be eliminated by connecting infrared and/or visible aim light (10) directly to a rifle barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Optical Air Data Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Philip L Rogers
  • Patent number: 7147472
    Abstract: A system, called the Laser Aim Scoring System, and method for automatically scoring gunner training sessions for simulated laser-guided missile, target engagements using the laser designator without the need for training or tactical rounds are disclosed. In the disclosed invention, a pop-up target and its surrounds are separately monitored for radiations at the laser designator frequency. “Hit” or “Miss” scoring is based on detection of the laser radiation at the laser designator frequency illuminating the appropriate region around or on the target at the appropriate time with respect to a simulated missile launch signal at the start of the training engagement, in accordance with the engagement profile programmed into the scoring computer prior to the start of training. The laser aim scoring system send a signal to lower the pop-up target in response to a “Hit” score, and if desired by the user, also sends a signal to initiate smoke and flash signals from a Hoffman Kill Simulator interfaced with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James D. Habersat, Brian C. Redman, Jonathan S. Lei, John E. Nettleton, Michael M. Quarles
  • Patent number: 7121464
    Abstract: A system for precisely timing the firing of two or more weapons in order to create a desired arrival timing of two or more projectiles on a target. Global Positioning System (“GPS”) transceivers are used to determine the position of each weapon and report that position to a command post. Heading-to-target and ranging information is also preferably transmitted so that the command post is able to accurately fix the position of the target, and the range of each weapon to the target. Computations are then performed in order to determine the firing sequence needed to achieve a desired arrival of two or more projectiles on the target. Firing of the weapons is then performed automatically in order to properly execute the computed firing sequence. Interactive command and control data is fed back and forth between the weapons and the command post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Thompkins W. White
  • Patent number: 6821206
    Abstract: There are disclosed a game machine, game route selection method and information storage medium that in case where a plurality of performance positions in a three-dimensional space where a game performance corresponding to a player's operation instruction is performed, and a plurality of moving routes interconnecting the plurality of performance positions are set, the game machine displays predetermined option images for selecting the moving routes where the viewpoint can next move in the performance positions, and allows any one of these option images to be selected by a pointing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Namco Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishida, Akio Ueyama, Masanori Katoh
  • Patent number: 6614510
    Abstract: An optical system is formed of a plurality of optical sources and components of different laser-based equipment systems. The sources and/or components may be combined and/or eliminated to reduce complexity, cost and/or overall weight of the system by consolidating multiple laser sources into a reduced number of sources, and by multiplexing different wavelength signals over common carriers. A laser engagement system and an infrared aim light (or infrared illuminator) are powered by a single laser source which is adopted for use with conventional equipment by lengthening the duration of the coded pulses emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter may be triggered in response to the heat and/or pressure generated by the blank upon firing. A visible bore light may be eliminated by connecting infrared and/or visible aim light directly to a rifle barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Optical Air Data Systems L.P.
    Inventor: Philip L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6582308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing device which allows character aspects to be changed continuously. The present device is capable of displaying a cursor point and a character in standard aspect on a screen, and by transforming and displaying character aspect in accordance with parameters for defining characters, moving the cursor point in line with movement commands from peripheral devices, and continuously changing the parameters which define the character in line with the movement of the cursor point, serves continuously to transform and display character aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Tatsuo Yamajiri, Satoshi Sakai, Manabu Kusunoki, Yukio Futatsugi, Kenichi Ikejiri
  • Patent number: 6561809
    Abstract: A computer controlled virtual battlefield simulator system that calculates virtual strikes on a playing field, such as a paintball playing field, that can eliminate players of the game by informing them via wireless communications that they have been eliminated from play. The system also tracks player movements on the field, the amount of virtual supplies and virtual support services the players and teams have in their possession. A player's equipment may include a wireless Tracking and Elimination Device that is carried on the person and is used to communicate with the computer system. Portable Arming Devices are located on the objectives for the players to arm, disarm, or repair the objective using their Tracking and Elimination Devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Battlepaint, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Lynch, Christie L. Lynch
  • Patent number: 6386879
    Abstract: A turret mounted gun on a shooter tank with a laser scanner transmitter in its barrel emits a laser beam upon a trigger pull. The laser beam is directed toward a target tank based upon a shooter's ranging and tracking using a standard fire control computer to provide conventional ranging and tracking. The target tank is scanned with the laser beam to measure target azimuth and target elevation with respect to a boresight of the gun of shooter tank. Optical receivers mounted on the turret of the target tank detect the laser beam and a system control unit determines the trigger pull time, target azimuth and target super elevation. The system control unit also determines a range to the target tank by comparing a set of GPS coordinates of the two tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Cubic Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Varshneya, Wallace Sterling Perkes
  • Patent number: 6217446
    Abstract: A device for proceeding a game in correspondence with the game scores. The game device (10) enables game play by moving a viewpoint arranged inside a three-dimensional virtual space, and comprises a storing unit (102) for storing a plurality of movement courses of the viewpoint branching off from a certain scene in the three-dimensional virtual space, together with the conditions for such branch-off, a picture processing unit (108-116) for performing data processing (101) to form pictures in accordance with the operation signals from an operating unit through the implementation of algorithms, and for performing picture conversion to form the image viewed from such viewpoint, and a course selecting unit (101) for selecting the movement course corresponding to the game score from among said plurality of viewpoint movement courses, and for moving the viewpoint along such selected movement course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushi Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Kazutomo Sanbongi, Kouji Ohto, Takashi Oda
  • Patent number: 6069654
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for far-field determination of store position and attitude for separation and ballistics. The aircraft is outfitted with two photogrammetric video cameras. The store is dropped from the aircraft and the cameras record data describing the descent of the store while the on-board avionics record data describing the flight path of the aircraft. Following the flight, the data are correlated using a computer to obtain a true store position vs. time while separating from the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Moynihan
  • Patent number: 5454720
    Abstract: A method for providing detection of timing anomalies and eliminating falsely detected positions in a hyperbolic positioning system for a simulated battlefield system. The method selects a large number of transmitters for calculation of position of an object or person on the battle field. In addition, transmitters are selected which have a high dilution of precision factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. FitzGerald, Craig T. Griffin, Glen E. Sater
  • Patent number: 5228854
    Abstract: A combat training system which includes individual navigation, communications and processing pods on each aircraft or combat platform. The pods use signals from GPS satellites to determine the position of the respective aircraft. Ordnance launch information is transmitted from an attack aircraft or other weapons platform to the target aircraft or other target platform. A target platform uses a trajectory model for the specific type of ordnance for determining the trajectory and the hit or miss of the ordnance. After the mission is completed, the recorded flight data is combined in a ground computer for reconstruction, review and training reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Morton T. Eldridge
  • Patent number: 4976619
    Abstract: A method for pinpointing the actual coordinate location of a passive location device for a simulated battlefield condition is described. A plurality of actuators transmit to a passive location device which includes the method for determining its coordinate location. The coordinate location of a desired impact point is transmitted to the location device. The determination method initializes a starting coordinate location as the impact point of a round of munition. The method then iteratively determines the gradient direction of the position and moves the position estimate in the direction of gradient. As the estimated position approaches the true position successively smaller steps are taken and additional coordinate directions introduced into the solution until the convergence solution is terminated with least rms error in the neighborhood of the true coordinate position of the passive location device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4597741
    Abstract: In a method for simulation of a field of view for battle training individual images of a terrain, targets, trajectories of projectiles and sights which are digitally stored in memories (10-16), after combining and digital/video conversion in an image synthesizing device (20), are displayed on a TV monitor (TVM). The images are stored as right and left half images, and they are displayed in a half image interlaced scanning. For simulation of a stereoscopic range meter preferably the sight memory (16) stores two half images of a stereoscopic index mark in addition. The image displacement of both half images is controlled as a function of range and a viewing unit (DO, BT1, BT2) serves to feed both half images on the TV monitor (TVM) to the eyes of the spectator (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Honeywell
    Inventor: Robert Stickel
  • Patent number: 4464115
    Abstract: A training or test device is provided operable to allow actual firing of a pulsed laser range finder in safe conditions for training or test purposes. This device, having a reflected laser beam radiation receiver and an associated range distance indicator, includes a pulsed laser light trap having a housing (2) attachable over an output aperture of the laser to receive and dissipate safely a beam of radiation therefrom without emission of an eye damaging amount of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Detras Training Aids Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Simpson, Stuart M. Peterkin, Brian T. Brooksby
  • Patent number: H613
    Abstract: A rugged portable diagnostic apparatus is configured for temporary installation and operation on board Naval ships. The apparatus provides gunnery training support by allowing a comprehensive empirical assessment and feedback of individual, team and equipment performance on an economical and environmentally responsible basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Samuel L. Stello, James M. Johnson, J. Harold Jones