Patents Examined by Hugh Jones
  • Patent number: 8494822
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and a computer program product for joint modeling of a mean and dispersion of data. A computing system derives a loss function taking into account distributional requirements over the data. The computing system represents separate regression functions for the mean and the dispersion as stagewise expansion forms. At this time, the stagewise expansion forms include undetermined scalar coefficients and undetermined basis functions. Then, the computing system chooses the basis functions that maximally correlate with a corresponding steepest-descent gradient direction of the loss function. The computing system obtains the scalar coefficients based on a single step of Newton iteration. The computing system completes the regression functions based on the chosen basis functions and obtained scalar coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Ramesh Natarajan
  • Patent number: 8484009
    Abstract: A method and tools for providing precise timing analysis scalable to industrial case studies with large numbers of tasks and messages are provided, including the capability to model and analyze task and message response times; ECU usage; bus usage; end-to-end latency of task/message chains; and timing synchronization problems in task/message graphs. System tasks and messages are modeled in a formalism known as calendar automaton. Models are written in a modeling language such as Promela and instrumented with code specific to the analysis specification. Models and instrumentation are automatically generated from the system description and analysis specification. The system model is subjected to exhaustive state space exploration by a compatible model checker, such as SPIN. During exploration, the instrumented code produces results for different timing analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Swarup K. Mohalik, Rajeev Ariyattu Chandrasekharan, Manoj G. Dixit, Ramesh Sethu, Devesh B Chokshi
  • Patent number: 8473268
    Abstract: Methods and system for incorporating downhole and surface data with models and adjustment algorithms to back allocate flow rates of commingled zones. The models include fluid flow in the reservoir and wellbore, pressure drop across a choke, and fluid flow in the well completion. The models are coupled with an algorithm for comparing the results from the individual commingled zones to the total cumulative commingled volume and adjusting at least one predicted rate so that they match the measured flow rate over a specified time period. One method utilizes a reassignment factor for the adjustment of the predicted rates. These comparisons and allocation adjustments can be accomplished even when the frequency of the commingled flow rate and cumulative measurements, and the frequency of the predicted rates from the model differ from each other and the specified time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Timothy G Benish, Michael E McCracken
  • Patent number: 8467997
    Abstract: Methods and systems for creating numerically-simulated rigid bodies in finite element analysis are disclosed. At least one rigid finite element in a finite element model is designated for forming one or more numerically-simulated rigid bodies (RBs). Each numerically-simulated RB comprises an arbitrary number of rigid finite elements connecting to one another in an arbitrary shape. Each numerically-simulated RB is created by locating all of the elements embedded in the FEA model through shared node or nodes. A procedure of using element definition as a guide to set up an array of node flags, each node flag for one node such that all numerically-simulated RBs defined in the model can be located efficiently. Once all numerically-simulated RBs have been located, each unique numerically-simulated RB is defined as a unique linked-list of connected rigid finite elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Livermore Software Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John O. Hallquist, Brian Wainscott
  • Patent number: 8457937
    Abstract: A method of optimizing an autoclave volume utilization includes, in an exemplary embodiment, determining process parameters of an autoclave; modeling an autoclave configuration to determine airflow patterns in the autoclave, temperature variation throughout the autoclave, and the distribution of turbulent intensity in the autoclave; and modifying the autoclave configuration with hardware changes to the autoclave to alter the airflow patterns in the autoclave. The method also includes modeling the modified autoclave configuration to determine modified airflow patterns in the autoclave, modified temperature variation throughout the autoclave, and the modified distribution of turbulent intensity in the autoclave; and modeling the modified autoclave configuration with parts to be cured in the modified autoclave configuration to determine an arrangement of parts that maximizes the number of parts in the autoclave that meet predetermined cured properties of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shatil Sinha, Ram Upadhyay, Nicholas Kray, Jian Mi, Thomas Lednicky
  • Patent number: 8447579
    Abstract: A method for performing an oilfield operation at a wellsite having a drilling rig configured to advance a drilling tool into a subsurface formation. The method includes generating a borehole temperature model for an area of interest using water depth information and a vertical stress model, generating a formation temperature model using the borehole temperature model, generating a mud-weight pressure model using the formation temperature model and pressure coefficients, generating a formation pore pressure model using the mud-weight pressure model, and adjusting the oilfield operation based on the formation pore pressure model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Michael Sayers, Lennert David den Boer
  • Patent number: 8447574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating heat transfer during water quench of an aluminum part. The method includes: estimating the heat transfer of the aluminum part when a temperature of the part is greater than 500° C. using q=?(?T)??(1); estimating the heat transfer of the aluminum part when the temperature of the part is greater than T2 and less than 500° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, Cherng-Chi Chang, Jayaraman Sivakumar, Michael R. Harper
  • Patent number: 8442807
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are for estimating crowd size at a location. An exemplary method includes determining, at a crowd size analyzer, a number of wireless service users at the location, and estimating, at the crowd size analyzer, a total number of people at the location based upon the number of wireless service users determined to be at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual I, L.P.
    Inventor: Jayaraman Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 8437994
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for generating a vector-based representation of a lens flare are provided. In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes presenting a plurality of visually rendered wire frame shapes, each one of the plurality of visually rendered wire frame shapes having a geometric correspondence with a lens flare component, each lens flare component being one of: a center point, a flare ring, a flare ray, or a halo, receiving a first input to manipulate a first visually rendered wire frame shape in the plurality of visually rendered wire frame shapes to interactively change the position or form of a first corresponding lens flare component, and presenting a visual rendering of the first corresponding lens flare component where the visual rendering reflects the change in the position or the form of the first corresponding lens flare component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Ted Alspach
  • Patent number: 8437995
    Abstract: A design process and resulting bit structure is provided for drill bits wherein cutter geometries on the face of the bit are tailored to optimize the distribution of one or more of forces, torque, work, or power of each cutter relative to other cutters. Balanced are the forces, torque, work, or power generated by each cutter in respect to other cutters that are working within the same region of cut, so that all cutters within the same region of cut are generating sufficiently comparable forces, torque, work, or power. In this manner all of the cutters on the bit may share as closely as possible the work and loads required to penetrate the subterranean rock. The design process produces a bit structure in which each cutter is doing similar levels of work or creating similar levels of force, torque, or power relative to other cutters within the same region of cut on the bit, within specified ranges of design criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Matthews, Robert I. Clayton, Shilin Chen
  • Patent number: 8433550
    Abstract: A method for developing features to be used in an automobile design. The features are developed and documented in an architecture-independent manner, so that they can be used on any vehicle platform where appropriate. The feature development process includes using requirements which have been defined using formal methods, thereby assuring the quality of the requirements. The feature development process also includes the documentation and standardized use of all technical terms and data elements, the development of computer simulation models and hardware-in-the-loop simulations to verify the requirements, and review of a feature and its requirements by peer groups at various stages of the process. The result is a Feature Technical Specification which can be used by any product development team, and which contains only clear, concise and accurate requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Douglas P. Rheaume
  • Patent number: 8423335
    Abstract: A dental analysis system and method for designing the dentition of a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a visual representation of the dentition, inputting a value representative of the number of teeth on a side of the dentition, inputting at least two quantities taken from a group consisting of a ratio, an inter-teeth distance and a central incisor width, computing the position of the teeth within the dentition by applying a mathematical function to the value representative of the number of teeth on a side of the dentition and at least two quantities and juxtaposing positioning lines over the visual representation of the dentition, the positioning lines indicating the position of the teeth as computed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Alain Methot
  • Patent number: 8417491
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for control of a catheter (including an ablation catheter), bronchoscope/endoscope and beveled needle. Control of a bronchoscope (100) is calculated for a 3D environment based on capabilities of the bronchoscope and the patient morphology. This can be used to plan and simulate an optimal motion, train or compare surgical techniques or automate the procedure. A particular bronchoscope may be recommended based on its form and flexibility as well as based on the personal morphology of the patient rather than relying on statistical norms. For all tools, a 6 dimensional configuration space problem is solved using 3 storage dimensions and a ‘6D neighborhood’ for path planning. The present invention finds the kinematically feasible path from a ‘start’ to a goal, while avoiding obstacles and dangerous regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Karen I. Trovato, Eric Cohen-Solal, Douglas Summers-Stay
  • Patent number: 8412499
    Abstract: The portable simulation system is a computer-based driving simulator, which uses an actual vehicle as an input device, and a portable display to present a Virtual Driving Environment (VDE) to the driver. Vehicle's steered wheels are placed atop of the turntables permitting free operation of the steering wheel. The vehicle remains immobile while its engine and power steering can be turned off during the simulation. External non-invasive sensors can be placed under the gas and brake pedals, permitting any vehicle to be used in the simulator, including the driver's own vehicle. A digital interface to the vehicle's systems, like OBD II, can be used to increase the fidelity of the simulation. A portable computer used for driving simulation and VDE presentation provides a low cost simulation option. A simple configuration of the portable simulator does not require an external power source and can be set-up and operated at any parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Konstantin Sizov
  • Patent number: 8412498
    Abstract: Computer-implemented electronic document design systems and methods allowing a user to integrate user-specific location maps into custom printed products. During the creation of an electronic design of a product intended for subsequent printing, user-provided location information is received by a server computer and used to generate a user map suitable for high quality printing. Lower resolution display and thumbnail versions of the map suitable for displaying to the user of the client system are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Vistaprint Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Walker, Jr., Vyacheslav Nykyforov
  • Patent number: 8396699
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention involve forming a prismatic grid and solving a convection-diffusion problem using the prismatic grid and mixed finite element analysis. The prismatic grid may be formed by providing a triangular mesh on a plane of a model. The mesh is then coarsened to make cells that are less desirable larger. The coarsened grid is then projected to form the prismatic grid. Each cell of the grid is then assigned a plurality of degrees of freedom. Mixed finite element analysis of the grid produces a matrix, which is then solved to yield a solution to the convention-diffusion problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Serguei Maliassov
  • Patent number: 8386230
    Abstract: A method includes generating a first behavioral model of a circuit, the first behavioral model describing a physical circuit in a first configuration. The first configuration comprises a first logic structure configured to generate a first intermediate signal based on a received first plurality of inputs. The first configuration further comprises a logic cone configured to generate a scan output based on the first intermediate signal and a plurality of scan inputs. The first behavioral model is modified to generate a second behavioral model describing the physical circuit in a second configuration. The second configuration comprises an error circuit configured to receive the scan output and the first intermediate signal. A testability model is generated based on the second behavioral model, the testability model comprising a first structural representation of the first logic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel I. Ward, Kevin F. Reick, Bryan J. Robbins, Thomas E. Rosser, Robert J. Shadowen
  • Patent number: 8380469
    Abstract: An iterative reconstruction method to reconstruct an object includes determining, in a series of iteration steps, updated objects, wherein each iteration step includes determining a data model from an input object, and determining a stop-criterion of the data model on the basis of a chi-square-gamma statistic. The method further includes determining that the stop-criterion of the data model has transitioned from being outside the limitation of a preset threshold value to being inside the limitation, ending the iterations, and selecting one of the updated objects to be the reconstructed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Hans Vija, Amos Yahil
  • Patent number: 8374835
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to improve design, manufacture and performance of oilfield equipment and well tools using three dimensional (3D) scanning technology and one or more feedback loops. Manufacturing processes and techniques associated with a well tool may be evaluated based on comparing “as built” 3D data with a design data file for the well tool. Based on differences between “as built” 3D data and the design data file, one or more changes in associated manufacturing procedures and/or technique may be made. Computational fluid dynamic applications may be used to simulate fluid flow characteristics of a well tool using associated design data file, “as built” 3D data and/or after use 3D data. The associated design data file, manufacturing procedures and/or procedures for use of the well tool may be modified based on comparing simulated fluid flow data with desired fluid flow characteristics for the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Lind, Kevin L. Glass
  • Patent number: 8374840
    Abstract: A system and method for generating test vectors includes generating traces of a system model or program stored in memory using a simulation engine. Simulated inputs are globally optimized using a fitness objective computed using a computer processing device. The simulation inputs are adjusted in accordance with feedback from the traces and fitness objective values by computing a distance between the fitness objective value and a reachability objective. Test input vectors are output based upon optimized fitness objective values associated with the simulated inputs to test the system model or program stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Laboratories America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sriram Sankaranarayanan, Franjo Ivancic, Aarti Gupta, Truong X. Nghiem