Patents Represented by Attorney Craig W. Schmoyer
  • Patent number: 8309833
    Abstract: A data sonification method for representing multidimensional numerical information with a plurality of variable-timbre channels rendered in a sound field is described. The method includes generation of a plurality of variable-timbre audio waveforms, each having an audio frequency parameter and at least one timbre modulation parameter having an adjustable value that affects the timbre of the audio waveform. The method includes associating aspects of multidimensional numerical data with the timbre modulation parameter of each audio frequency waveform using a mapping element. The mapping element varies values of timbre modulation parameters responsive to selected values from the multidimensional numerical data. The method also positions each audio frequency waveform within a sonically-rendered sound field, associating aspects of multidimensional numerical data with the sonically-rendered position within the sound field. The sound field can be stereo, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8309835
    Abstract: A signal distribution system for a customizable aggregated musical instrument is described. The signal distribution system interfaces with a plurality of individual musical modules secured in a mounting frame having a plurality of mounting locations, each mounting location adapted to receive an individual musical module, and includes at least one instrument interface adapted to transmit interface signals to an external system and a signal routing infrastructure. Outgoing instrument interface signals include at least one of an outgoing audio signal, MIDI control signal, computer data signal, and video signal. Incoming instrument interface signals include at least one of an audio signal, MIDI control signal, computer data signal, and video signal. The musical instrument also includes at least one of an audio signal processing element, audio signal mixing element, audio sound production element, control signal processing element, control signal merging element, and controllable audio signal synthesizer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8247677
    Abstract: A data sonification system for representing a plurality of channels of numerical information is described. The data sonification system includes a plurality of audio waveform generator elements. Each of the audio waveform generator elements generates an associated audio frequency waveform. Each audio frequency waveform has an audio frequency parameter and at least one timbre modulation parameter having a settable value. The timbre modulation parameter affects the timbre of the audio waveform. The data sonification system includes a mapping element for associating aspects of multidimensional numerical data with the timbre modulation parameter of each audio frequency waveform. The mapping element sets the value of the timbre modulation parameter in response to multidimensional numerical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8170346
    Abstract: A method for performing a high-performance closed-form single-scan calculation of oblong-shape rotation angles from binary images of arbitrary size on a processor using running sums is disclosed. Running sums are calculated and stored throughout each scan, and the results are obtained in closed form by simple post-scan computation. An algorithmic embodiment may execute on one or more hardware processors with limited or constrained computation power, available instruction cycles, available memory, etc. Exemplary hardware processors are found in one or more CPUs of a desktop, laptop, tablet, or handheld computing device, and may be an embedded processor or a signal processor chip. The resulting method may be used for touch or optical user interfaces, real-time image recognition, real-time machine vision, and other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8169414
    Abstract: A high dimensional touchpad (HDTP) controls a variety of game aspects by detecting a user's finger movement in the left-right, forward-backward, roll, pitch, yaw, and downward pressure directions. One or more of the detected finger movements are used to control games on game devices, computers, and mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Seung E. Lim
  • Patent number: 8164832
    Abstract: A monolithic or hybrid integrated optical information processor or optical information processing system having at least one LED array and plurality of light modulating array elements, each controlled by respective control signals, and arranged so that each light modulating array element lies in a different fractional Fourier transform plane. In some implementations, at least a portion of the resulting system is implemented in a stack of element materials. In an implementation, a segment of graded index material lies between consecutive light modulating array elements. In an implementation, an LED array is used as an image source and another LED array is used as an image sensor to transform the processed image into an electrical output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8094961
    Abstract: Fractional Fourier transform properties inherent in lens systems and other light and particle-beam environments may be exploited to correct optical system misfocus utilizing fractional Fourier transform approximations rendered by numerical methods. The corrective fractional Fourier transform power value may be determined automatically or by human operator. This power value is used to calculate a Fractional Fourier transform correction operation and, if useful, to back-calculate corresponding phase restoration information. The fractional Fourier transform correction operation is applied to image data. In an embodiment, phase restoration information is also applied to image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8094969
    Abstract: A system for numerically modeling evolution of an image propagating through a medium includes image using image data and a propagation medium model. The propagation medium model aligns a propagation centerline of the propagation medium model relative to the center of the image data. The propagation medium model has a numerical operator for applying an index-shifted numerical fractional Fourier transform operation on the image data, and aligning the zero original-domain origin relative to the center of the image data. The image data has spatially-indexed amplitude values and a center located relative to the spatially-indexed amplitude values. The propagation medium model has quadratic phase properties which are defined relative to a propagation centerline of the propagation medium model. Aligning the zero original-domain origin relative to the center of the image data to produces transformed image data having a zero frequency-domain origin that is centered within the transform-domain indices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8035024
    Abstract: This invention provides a signal processing and signal synthesis technique from a family of signal processing and signal synthesis techniques designed to readily interwork or be used individually in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. Phase staggered multi-channel signal panning creates spatial perturbation and chase effects for subtle or dramatic application, and may be swept with control signals from a low-frequency oscillator, transient envelope, or other source. Phase-staggering and modulation parameters may be recalled from stored program control or modulated in real-time by arbitrary control signals, including those derived from the original input signal. The invention may be used individually or in conjunction with other signal processing and signal synthesis techniques in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. The invention may also be used in spatially-distributed timbre construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8030565
    Abstract: This invention provides a signal processing and signal synthesis technique from a family of signal processing and signal synthesis techniques designed to readily interwork or be used individually in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. A plurality of audio signal delays, each with high resonance positive feedback, distortion characteristics, and selectable delay times corresponding to a desired resonant frequency, provide twang and resonance synthesis for moments of sparkle or vibrantly-responsive ongoing backdrops. The selectable delay times may match a musical scale or other resonant frequency distribution. Delay, feedback, and signal processing characteristics and parameters may be recalled from stored program control or modulated in real-time by arbitrary control signals, including those derived from the original input signal. The invention may be used individually or in conjunction with other signal processing and signal synthesis techniques in creating new forms of rich musical timbres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8030567
    Abstract: A generalized interface for interconnecting a wide range of electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems includes an outgoing multi-channel audio interface and an outgoing control interface. The outgoing multi-channel audio interface receives instrument audio signals generated by an external musical instrument, while the outgoing control interface receives MIDI control signals generated by the same external musical instrument. The outgoing multi-channel audio interface and the outgoing control interface respectively communicate audio signals and MIDI control signals to the external signal processing system. Variations include the addition of multi-channel audio paths to the instrument using drive transducer signals to excite instrument vibrating elements; the use of control paths to the instrument to control on-instrument lighting, signal processing, drive transducers, controller interpretation, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8032258
    Abstract: A controllable multiple-channel chemical transport bus routing and transport of fluids, gasses, aerosols, slurries and the like within a larger system. The system and methods are applicable for use in Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) technology, and may be useful in the implementation of reconfigurable LoC devices. Routes through the bus are determined by control signals and/or sequences of control signals issued under algorithmic control. Several independent flows may occur simultaneously. Techniques for limiting cross-contamination are provided. Sensors may be placed at various locations along bus line segments and may be used in the control of measured flows or in clearing and/or cleaning operations. Adaptations of Clos, Banyan, and other related multi-stage architectures in the flow topology may also be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8013286
    Abstract: A multiple transistor differential amplifier is implemented on a single graphene nanoribbon. Differential amplifier field effect transistors are formed on the graphene nanoribbon from a first group of electrical conductors in contact with the graphene nanoribbon and a second group of electrical conductors insulated from, but exerting electric fields on, the graphene nanoribbon thereby forming the gates of the field effect transistors. A transistor in one portion of the differential amplifier and a transistor in another portion of the differential amplifier are responsive to an incoming electrical signal. A current source, also formed on the graphene nanoribbon, is connected with the differential amplifier, and the current source and the differential amplifier operating together generate an outgoing signal responsive to the incoming electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7996781
    Abstract: A system (and method) for selecting an entry from a list of entries on an electronic device is disclosed. The system is configured to display a plurality of banks to a user and to receive a bank selection event from the user for selecting a bank containing a set of characters. The user creates a bank selection event through an input device such as a navigation device or touch screen. The set of characters is appended to a prefix that is used to determine a current result list containing entries that match the prefix. The list of entries is reduced to the current result list and displayed to the user with the portions of the entries matching the prefix highlighted. After the list of entries is reduced to a desired size, the user enters a scrolling mode where the user scrolls through the list of entries and selects an entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Vadim Zaliva
  • Patent number: 7911698
    Abstract: A monolithic or hybrid integrated optical processor or optical processing system having a plurality of phase shifting array elements, each controlled by respective control signals, and arranged so that each phase shifting array element lies in a different fractional Fourier transform plane. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the resulting system is implemented in a stack of element materials. In one embodiment, a segment of graded index material lies between consecutive phase shifting array elements. Other features include obtaining images from an electronically-controllable image source, using an image sensor to change the processed image into an electrical output, and using at least one of the phase shifting array element to introduce a phase shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Lester Frank Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7873130
    Abstract: Systems, algorithms, circuits, and methods for pattern detection of signature events in signal dynamics defined by instantaneous states of applied square-wave signals. Selected patterns may be recognized individually or in equivalence classes, and detection may be implemented via state or transition analysis. Varieties of conditions may be detected in parallel, including phase, ambiguity states, and frequency comparison. One embodiment realizes a real-time frequency comparator for asynchronous square-wave signals. Realizations detect various classes of symmetry conditions unique to enveloping events occurring for these classes of square-wave signal pairs. This approach provides feedback-free implementations operating over an extremely wide frequency range and does not require signals of quadrature form. A typical logic circuit implementation involves two to four flip-flops, or two-stage two-bit shift registers, and modest combinational logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7858918
    Abstract: Small-signal and other circuit design techniques realized by carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) to create analog electronics for analog signal handling, analog signal processing, and conversions between analog signals and digital signals. As the CNFETs exist and operate at nanoscale, they can be readily collocated or integrated into carbon nanotube sensing and transducing systems. Such collocation and integration is at, or adequately near, nanoscale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7838809
    Abstract: Small-signal and other circuit design techniques realized by carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) to create analog electronics for analog signal handling, analog signal processing, and conversions between analog signals and digital signals. As the CNFETs exist and operate at nanoscale, they can be readily collocated or integrated into carbon nanotube sensing and transducing systems. The resulting collocation and integration may be at, or adequately near, nanoscale. One embodiment implements an analog differential amplifier having transistors which include carbon nanotubes, electrical contacts, and insulating material. The differential amplifier may be used in isolation or as an element of an operational amplifier. Negative feedback may be used to implement a wide range of analog signal processing functions, and to provide conversions among analog and digital signals. In some cases, an entire analog differential amplifier is implemented with a single carbon nanotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7830219
    Abstract: Pulse-width modulation (PWM) finds wide use in many applications including motor control, communication systems, music synthesizers, power supplies, class-D and digital amplifiers, among others. The Fourier series expansion of each period of a pulse waveform includes an additive term that is a function of the pulse width in that period. As the pulse width is varied, this additive term varies, which can be problematic in many applications. In an embodiment, a single-pulse per period pulse width modulated waveform comprising a zero d.c. term in each period regardless of pulse width is generated. In various realizations these waveforms may be generated by electronic circuitry without the use of capacitive coupling or may be generated by algorithms. Further aspects include “through-zero” pulse width modulation and zero-centered asymmetric triangle waveforms and use in instrumentation for measurement of a phase angle of an exogenous system or phenomena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: RE42187
    Abstract: Image processing utilizing numerical calculation of fractional exponential powers of a diagonalizable numerical transform operator for use in an iterative or other larger computational environments. In one implementation, a computation involving a similarity transformation is partitioned so that one part remains fixed and may be reused in subsequent iterations. The numerical transform operator may be a discrete Fourier transform operator, discrete fractional Fourier transform operator, centered discrete fractional Fourier transform operator, and other operators, modeling propagation through physical media. Such iterative environments for these types of numerical calculations are useful in correcting the focus of misfocused images which may originate from optical processes involving light (for example, with a lens or lens system) or from particle beams (for example, in electron microscopy or ion lithography).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig