Patents Assigned to Applied Minds, LLC
  • Patent number: 10798355
    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: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
  • Patent number: 10735644
    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: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Clinton Blake Hope
  • Patent number: 10656640
    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: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 10601605
    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: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 10582173
    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: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
  • Patent number: 10554288
    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: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Gandy, Clinton Blake Hope, Edward Francis Adams, Donald Gregory Lariviere, Houstin L. Lichtenwalner
  • Patent number: 10554904
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method enables an automated extended depth of field capability that automates and simplifies the process of creating extended depth of field images. An embodiment automates the acquisition of an image “stack” or sequence and stores metadata at the time of image acquisition that facilitates production of a composite image having an extended depth of field from at least a portion of the images in the acquired sequence. An embodiment allows a user to specify, either at the time of image capture or at the time the composite image is created, a range of distances that the user wishes to have in focus within the composite image. An embodiment provides an on-board capability to produce a composite, extended depth of field image from the image stack. One embodiment allows the user to import the image stack into an image-processing software application that produces the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 10536847
    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: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 10392024
    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: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 10362285
    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 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
  • Patent number: 10310627
    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: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Randall Adam Yates, Ira M. Lichtman, Clinton Blake Hope
  • Patent number: 10154203
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method enables an automated extended depth of field capability that automates and simplifies the process of creating extended depth of field images. An embodiment automates the acquisition of an image “stack” or sequence and stores metadata at the time of image acquisition that facilitates production of a composite image having an extended depth of field from at least a portion of the images in the acquired sequence. An embodiment allows a user to specify, either at the time of image capture or at the time the composite image is created, a range of distances that the user wishes to have in focus within the composite image. An embodiment provides an on-board capability to produce a composite, extended depth of field image from the image stack. One embodiment allows the user to import the image stack into an image-processing software application that produces the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 9961541
    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: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 9894337
    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: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
  • Patent number: 9876556
    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: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Gandy, Clinton Blake Hope, Edward Francis Adams, Donald Gregory Lariviere, Houstin L. Lichtenwalner
  • Patent number: 9846131
    Abstract: A motion-based interlock apparatus, system, and method prevent an x-ray source in an x-ray machine from activating if the current relative motion between the x-ray source and an image receptor would compromise the quality of the resulting plain radiograph. The system activates the interlock based on either or both of the velocity and acceleration of the tubehead, as measured by instrumentation corresponding to any of the tubehead, the extension arm, or off board the x-ray machine. The system may preferably compare the measured motion against one or more acceptable motion thresholds. If the measured motion exceeds one or more of the acceptable motion thresholds, exposure may preferably be delayed until the motion of the tubehead subsides. By ensuring that the image is not exposed while the tubehead is moving substantially, the quality of the resultant radiograph is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 9829993
    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: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Randall Adam Yates, Ira M. Lichtman, Clinton Blake Hope
  • Patent number: 9565392
    Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing system facilitates an engaging and realistic video conferencing experience. Key design elements and video, audio, and control capabilities are provided for a video conferencing experience that cannot be attained with conventional methods, which elements and capabilities include careful design of the table and room at each site, supplementary displays showing imagery in a mirrored manner, networked environmental control, an AutoDirector with keyword and gesture recognition, and audio reflection from a display or beam splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Thomas McKnight, Rudy Yukich, Braddock Gaskill
  • Patent number: 9519808
    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: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 9503623
    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: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers