Patents Assigned to Applied Minds, LLC
  • Patent number: 11930156
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for improved depth perception in stereoscopic night vision devices. Among these are embodiments for aligning information overlays in the stereo view with associated objects, and for generating stereo information from single lenses or intensifiers. In some illustrative embodiments, a camera and position sensor are provided for at least two viewers, e.g., a pilot and a copilot, such that when a scene overlaps between viewers, the system produces a stereoptic scene, in which the users can more accurately determine a difference in depth between two or more distant objects. An illustrative binocular night vision system uses a high-resolution depth map to present binocular images to a user. In some embodiments, supplementary content can be overlaid, with an appropriate binocular disparity that is based on the depth map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Clinton Blake Hope, Kevin Robert Keegan, Kjerstin Irja Williams, Bran Ferren, David Foor
  • Patent number: 11923949
    Abstract: Disclosed are passive reflector radio communications systems, such as for UHF frequencies or greater than UHF frequencies, and related deployment systems and devices that provide underground communications. Embodiments of the system include reflector elements to provide passive radio communications, structural frameworks to support and orient the reflector elements, methods for calculating reflector size, shape, and position corresponding to a desired wavelength, and deployment methods and devices to install the communication system at a desired location. The passive reflectors can be placed in a folded or otherwise compact mode, for transport into underground tunnels. Once at the desired installation location, the system can be installed, with the reflectors positioned appropriately for the radio frequencies used at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Gandy, Clinton Blake Hope, Edward Francis Adams, Donald Gregory Lariviere, Houstin L. Lichtenwalner
  • Patent number: 11917397
    Abstract: Data in a portable electronic device is protected by using external and internal status detection means to determine if the device is misplaced, lost, or stolen. The device then takes, singly or in combination, one of several actions to protect the data on the device, including declaring its location to an owner or service provider, locking the device or specific functions of the device to disable all data retrieval functionality, erasing or overwriting all the stored data in the device or, where the data has been stored in the device in an encrypted format, destroying an internally-stored encryption key, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the encrypted data in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 11907439
    Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Randall Adam Yates, Ira M. Lichtman, Clint Blake Hope
  • Patent number: 11900412
    Abstract: Techniques herein provide an audience participation software application, system and method construction that enables remote and present users of the audience participation software application, system, and method to produce an accumulated output device effect wherein, components of the output device effect may be shared between the users, stored for further use, and/or used to control outputs of one or more communicatively coupled output device systems located and operated at one or more live entertainment events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Clinton Blake Hope, Julian David Brooks
  • Patent number: 11899450
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods and devices for centralized control of autonomous vehicles. In some embodiments, a system and method allow an autonomous control system on-board an autonomous vehicle to pass control of the autonomous vehicle to an offboard panel of experts upon encountering an anomaly. In some embodiments, a system and method allow a regulatory entity to proactively distribute rules and requirements to autonomous vehicles while operating within a regulated space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 11889239
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods, systems and devices for color night vision that reduce the number of intensifiers and/or decrease noise. In some embodiments, color night vision is provided in system in which multiple spectral bands are maintained, filtered separately, and then recombined in a unique three-lens-filtering setup. An illustrative four-camera night vision system is unique in that its first three cameras separately filter different bands using a subtractive Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) color filtering-process, while its fourth camera is used to sense either additional IR illuminators or a luminance channel to increase brightness. In some embodiments, the color night vision is implemented to distinguish details of an image in low light. The unique application of the three-lens subtractive CMY filtering allows for better photon scavenging and preservation of important color information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
  • Patent number: 11847931
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronically adjustable joint, and associated systems and methods. A joint position of a multiple-axis joint, e.g., a 3-axis joint, can be tracked, as the joint moves through two or more dimensions. In an illustrative embodiment, the joint can provide a mechanical equivalent of a physical joint, e.g., a shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, which can accommodate motion in rotational angle and/or tilt angle. In some embodiments, the joint includes electronically adjustable friction. An illustrative application provides electronically adjustable joints for an aging simulation suit, wherein one or more joints can be controllably stiffened in selective ranges, such that a wearer of the suit can experience the effects of aging, arthritis and/or other ailments. In an illustrative embodiment, a sensor can use four discrete 2-axis magnetometers to calculate the position of the magnet on the arm of the joint, to continuously sense and track the angle of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Donald G Lariviere, David Foor, Andrew McGraw, Michael Keesling
  • Patent number: 11685389
    Abstract: The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 11677580
    Abstract: Disclosed are meeting spaces that are accessible through an adjoining facility or area, and associated systems and methods that provide automated levels of security for classified discussions. The meeting spaces are configured to automatically adapt to different levels of classification, e.g., from any of unclassified to top secret classifications. The meeting spaces are prevented from becoming active for their intended function until all required security features are activated. In some embodiments, the meeting spaces include one or more electronically opaquing privacy glass windows between the meeting space and the adjoining facility. The privacy glass can either appear as opaque, such as when a classified meeting or call is taking place or as a failsafe mode, or can be optically transmissive, such as when the space is unused, is used for unclassified purposes, and/or when the adjoining area is used at the same or higher level of classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 11553165
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods, systems and devices for color night vision that reduce the number of intensifiers and/or decrease noise. In some embodiments, color night vision is provided in system in which multiple spectral bands are maintained, filtered separately, and then recombined in a unique three-lens-filtering setup. An illustrative four-camera night vision system is unique in that its first three cameras separately filter different bands using a subtractive Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) color filtering-process, while its fourth camera is used to sense either additional IR illuminators or a luminance channel to increase brightness. In some embodiments, the color night vision is implemented to distinguish details of an image in low light. The unique application of the three-lens subtractive CMY filtering allows for better photon scavenging and preservation of important color information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
  • Patent number: 11456799
    Abstract: Disclosed are passive reflector radio communications systems, such as for UHF frequencies or greater than UHF frequencies, and related deployment systems and devices that provide underground communications. Embodiments of the system include reflector elements to provide passive radio communications, structural frameworks to support and orient the reflector elements, methods for calculating reflector size, shape, and position corresponding to a desired wavelength, and deployment methods and devices to install the communication system at a desired location. The passive reflectors can be placed in a folded or otherwise compact mode, for transport into underground tunnels. Once at the desired installation location, the system can be installed, with the reflectors positioned appropriately for the radio frequencies used at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Gandy, Clinton Blake Hope, Edward Francis Adams, Donald Gregory Lariviere, Houstin L. Lichtenwalner
  • Patent number: 11363251
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for improved depth perception in stereoscopic night vision devices. Among these are embodiments for aligning information overlays in the stereo view with associated objects, and for generating stereo information from single lenses or intensifiers. In some illustrative embodiments, a camera and position sensor are provided for at least two viewers, e.g., a pilot and a copilot, such that when a scene overlaps between viewers, the system produces a stereoptic scene, in which the users can more accurately determine a difference in depth between two or more distant objects. An illustrative binocular night vision system uses a high-resolution depth map to present binocular images to a user. In some embodiments, supplementary content can be overlaid, with an appropriate binocular disparity that is based on the depth map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Clinton Blake Hope, Kevin Robert Keegan, Kjerstin Irja Williams, Bran Ferren, David Foor
  • Patent number: 11320915
    Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Randall Adam Yates, Ira M. Lichtman, Clint Blake Hope
  • Patent number: 11265703
    Abstract: Data in a portable electronic device is protected by using external and internal status detection means to determine if the device is misplaced, lost, or stolen. The device then takes, singly or in combination, one of several actions to protect the data on the device, including declaring its location to an owner or service provider, locking the device or specific functions of the device to disable all data retrieval functionality, erasing or overwriting all the stored data in the device or, where the data has been stored in the device in an encrypted format, destroying an internally-stored encryption key, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the encrypted data in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 10909884
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronically adjustable joint, and associated systems and methods. A joint position of a multiple-axis joint, e.g., a 3-axis joint, can be tracked, as the joint moves through two or more dimensions. In an illustrative embodiment, the joint can provide a mechanical equivalent of a physical joint, e.g., a shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, which can accommodate motion in rotational angle and/or tilt angle. In some embodiments, the joint includes electronically adjustable friction. An illustrative application provide electronically adjustable joints for an aging simulation suit, wherein one or more joints can be controllably stiffened in selective ranges, such that a wearer of the suit can experience the effects of aging, arthritis and/or other ailments. In an illustrative embodiment, a sensor can use four discrete 2-axis magnetometers to calculate the position of the magnet on the arm of the joint, to continuously sense and track the angle of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Donald G. Lariviere, David Foor, Andrew McGraw, Michael Keesling
  • Patent number: 10887508
    Abstract: Essentially coincident with the capture of an image by the imaging device, biometric information indicating the identity of the operator of the device is obtained from at least one biometric sensor. The biometric information and captured image are then stored in a manner reliably associating each with the other. At a later time, biometric information is obtained from a supposed operator of the imaging device. By comparing this candidate biometric information with the stored biometric information, the supposed operator may be authenticated as the operator of the imaging device at the time of capture of the stored image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Clinton Blake Hope
  • Patent number: 10887000
    Abstract: Disclosed are passive reflector radio communications systems, such as for UHF frequencies or greater than UHF frequencies, and related deployment systems and devices that provide underground communications. Embodiments of the system include reflector elements to provide passive radio communications, structural frameworks to support and orient the reflector elements, methods for calculating reflector size, shape, and position corresponding to a desired wavelength, and deployment methods and devices to install the communication system at a desired location. The passive reflectors can be placed in a folded or otherwise compact mode, for transport into underground tunnels. Once at the desired installation location, the system can be installed, with the reflectors positioned appropriately for the radio frequencies used at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Gandy, Clinton Blake Hope, Edward Francis Adams, Donald Gregory Lariviere, Houstin L. Lichtenwalner
  • Patent number: 10871831
    Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Randall Adam Yates, Ira M. Lichtman, Clinton Blake Hope
  • Patent number: 10805600
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for improved depth perception in stereoscopic night vision devices. Among these are embodiments for aligning information overlays in the stereo view with associated objects, and for generating stereo information from single lenses or intensifiers. In some illustrative embodiments, a camera and position sensor are provided for at least two viewers, e.g., a pilot and a copilot, such that when a scene overlaps between viewers, the system produces a stereoptic scene, in which the users can more accurately determine a difference in depth between two or more distant objects. An illustrative binocular night vision system uses a high-resolution depth map to present binocular images to a user. In some embodiments, supplementary content can be overlaid, with an appropriate binocular disparity that is based on the depth map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Clinton Blake Hope, Kevin Robert Keegan, Kjerstin Irja Williams, Bran Ferren, David Foor