Patents Examined by Michael Humphrey
  • Patent number: 9595202
    Abstract: A programming learning center includes a learning center workshop and a learning module generator. The learning center workshop allows a user to create a computing program by connecting programming blocks portrayed visually within the learning center workshop as building blocks. The learning module generator generates a learning module from the computing program. The learning module iterates through the computing program to generate a sequential list of steps. The learning module generator allows the user to add notations to the sequential list of steps and to reorder steps in the sequential list of steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: NEURON FUEL, INC.
    Inventors: Kelvin Voon-Kit Chong, Srinivas A. Mandyam, Krishna Vedati
  • Patent number: 9583020
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method of simulating a weather pattern for use in a simulator environment. The method includes receiving an input corresponding to a desired weather event and determining a set of weather parameters pertaining to the desired weather event. The method further includes searching a weather event database for a matching weather event. The weather event database includes weather data for a plurality of weather events. The method includes identifying the matching weather event. The matching weather event includes at least a portion of the set of weather parameters pertaining to the desired weather event. The method includes receiving weather data corresponding to the matching weather event. The method further includes creating a model of the matching weather event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kronfeld, Arlen E. Breiholz, Brian E. Planz
  • Patent number: 9583019
    Abstract: An aircraft simulation system comprising a user interface and a simulator in communication with the user interface. The user interface is configured to interact with an operator. The simulator is configured to generate a representation of controls in an aircraft that are visible from a current field of view identified by the user interface. The simulator is further configured to display the representation of the controls on the user interface. The simulator is further configured to identify interaction by the operator with the controls from user input received by the user interface. The simulator is further configured to record a sequence of performed operations from the interaction with the controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Samantha Ann Schwartz, Alexander V. Korolev, Nima Barraci
  • Patent number: 9576498
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for training transcription system trainees is provided. The system includes a memory, at least one processor coupled to the memory, and a training component executable by the at least one processor. The training component is configured to evaluate performance of at least one transcription system trainee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: 3Play Media, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger S. Zimmerman, Christopher S. Antunes, Jeremy E. Barron, Sharon Lee Tomasulo, Claudia W. Fiore, Christopher E. Johnson, Anatole Khesin, Joshua Miller
  • Patent number: 9536438
    Abstract: A reading device, such as a mobile tablet, may download an electronic reading material, such as a textbook, to local memory. The reading device may store a reader profile representing one or more aspects of a user's reading ability. The reading device may convert the downloaded reading material using the reader profile to better conform to the user's reading ability. As the user reads reading materials using the reading device, the user may provide feedback as to portions of text in the reading materials, including whether a word is not recognized, whether a grammatical construction is confusing, etc. Using the received feedback, the reading device may modify the reading profile to further improve the degree to which it represents the user's reading ability. Once modified, the reader profile may be used to re-convert already downloaded reading materials or to convert subsequently downloaded reading materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Dale Sanders, Erika Marie Sanders
  • Patent number: 9384680
    Abstract: A buttocks intramuscular injection training model is provided. The buttocks intramuscular injection training model includes a hip model having a similar shape to a human hip; injection modules inserted into both sides of the hip model and each being configured to comprise electrode layers to detect a needle and a muscle layer into which injection liquid is injected; a controller connected to the electrode layers to detect a location of the needle; and an input and output device wired or wireless connected to the controller for bidirectional communication with the controller and configured to visibly output the location of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: BT INC.
    Inventors: Seung-Jin Yang, Nam-Hyuk Kim, In-Bae Chang, Seung-Hun Jeung
  • Patent number: 9304588
    Abstract: A tactile communication apparatus that includes a signal receiver configured decode data received via a wireless signal, a tactile communication device containing a plurality of pins on one side, each pin configured to respectively move in both an outward direction and inward direction to form a plurality of pin combinations based on a plurality of activation signals, and a communication processor configured to generate the plurality of pin activation signals based on the received data so as to convey the data to a user through the plurality of pin combinations of the tactile communication device. Data conveyed to the user includes data from external events, such as sporting or theatrical events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Thieab Aldossary
  • Patent number: 9286809
    Abstract: There is provided a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) simulator enabling repeated defibrillation training to allow a user to practice CPR and use of a defibrillator, and the CPR simulator includes a dummy in a body shape similar to a human body shape; a first magnet installed on a upper right part of a chest of a body of the dummy; a second magnet installed on a bottom left side of the chest of the body of the dummy; a first training pad having a first metal sheet formed on one side thereof and a first electrode pad formed on the other side thereof; and a second training pad having a second metal sheet formed on one side thereof and a second electrode pad formed on the other side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: BT Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Jin Yang, Dae-Yong Kim, In-Bae Chang
  • Patent number: 9240129
    Abstract: Various systems, servers, methods, media, programs, and devices for providing a notification of a live event in an application to a braille display are provided. Content information of the application is transmitted to the braille display and displayed in a first display area of the braille display. The notification is transmitted to the braille display and displayed in a second display area of the braille display in response to detecting the live event for notifying a user of the braille display of the live event. The notification is transmitted independently of the content information without interrupting transmission of the content information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Florian Niemann
  • Patent number: 9230447
    Abstract: A method of recording the motion of a physical object moved under human control is described that allows repeated replay of the exact motion using a robot to cause the motion of the object to occur in such a way as to allow a human student to interact with the object and experience the fundamental movements required to reproduce the motion consistently, thereby enhancing motor learning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Yaron Gabbai
  • Patent number: 9189970
    Abstract: A miniature of a washing machine for exhibition includes: a casing having an opening at an upper portion thereof; a door for opening and closing the opening; a tub fixedly installed within the casing; a drum rotatably installed within the tub; a driving motor installed at an outer side of the tub; an electric motor unit transferring rotary force of the driving motor to the drum; a tub cover installed at an upper portion of the tub and including a guide unit for guiding water, which is discharged upwardly along an inner wall surface of the tub, to the inner side of the tub when the drum is rotated; and a light emitting unit irradiating light to the interior of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Inhyouk Seo, Hyejeong Kim
  • Patent number: 9183759
    Abstract: A Braille display system and a method for operating a refreshable Braille display 14 is provided. A string of characters is assigned to a drive signal for specifying the activation or deactivation of a tuple of dots which are raised through holes in a touch and sense surface of the Braille display 14 upon activation and which are retracted upon deactivation. The Braille display 14 is driven by a drive signal which is configured to activate and/or to deactivate the tuple of dots so as to generate a dynamic tactile display of said string of characters. The time dependent characteristic of activation and/or deactivation of the tuple of dots is defined by the string of characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Pascal Bourdon, Francois Le Clerc, Pierrick Jouet
  • Patent number: 9117374
    Abstract: In accordance with some implementations, a method for automatically generating quiz questions is disclosed. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The server system receives, from a client system, media information associated with media content displayed on a display associated with the client system. The server system then analyzes the received media information to determine one or more keywords associated with the media information. The server system retrieves one or more facts based on the one or more determined keywords. The server system then automatically generates a quiz question based on the one or more retrieved facts. The server system then transmits the generated quiz question to the client system for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: Billy Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9061189
    Abstract: A training device for rugby players, notably for a phase of the game known as the scrum, comprises: a simulation platform of the Stewart platform type, onto which a training yoke is mounted; an electronic device for closed-loop control of said simulation platform; a computer device for controlling the training device. The present invention is mainly applicable to the training, the development and the improvement of rugby players at a high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Serge Couvet, Didier Retieres, Pierre Paul Vidal, Julien Piscione
  • Patent number: 8979539
    Abstract: A hydration level measurement system and method comprising a technology embedded scale that rewards individuals for drinking an appropriate amount of liquid throughout the day. In an example embodiment, a reusable water bottle is equipped with an RFID tag and assigned to an individual so that the user's hydration level may be tracked. The RFID tag logs the individual's access as well as “before-filling” and “after-filling” weights of the bottle when placed on the scale. A computer screen acknowledges the bottle's owner, and then indicates the increased weight and how many points will be awarded to the user using an ounces-to-points conversion. Data may be transferred from the scale computer to a web server and aggregated at the server from multiple scales for multiple “hydration challenges.” A web application receives and processes user requests to display data related to each hydration challenge such as the current scores of the participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventor: Seth Snyder
  • Patent number: 8961184
    Abstract: Apparatus for teaching mathematics has numerical and mathematical operational inputs by way of coded cards placed in respective card readers and a keypad that produces number values and numerical equations. The number values and equation results are compared to the numeric value of weight objects placed on a scale by the student. The apparatus is bi-directional in that unit weights are placed on the scale to attempt to match the numeric values and the equation solution values produced by the cards and keypad or the cards and keypad entries for numerical values and equations are made to match the numeric value of the unit weight objects on the scale. The student is informed of the result of the comparison in terms of correct or incorrect, or by explanatory messages to either increase or decrease the unit weight value or change the number value or the equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kid Knowledge, Inc
    Inventor: William Banko
  • Patent number: 8961183
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an Audio-Story Engine that includes a repository of prerecorded audio files that, when played in a certain sequence, with user provided recordings placed throughout, tell a story. To obtain the user provided recordings, the Audio-Story Engine asks the user to make audio recordings of various words or phrases. For example, the Audio-Story Engine may ask the user a series of questions in order to record and store the user's audible responses. Upon completion, the Audio-Story Engine plays back a completed story that incorporates the user's audio recordings by playing an appropriate user recording after playing a prerecorded audio file. This is repeated several times in sequence to form a seamless, customized, audio story. In addition, the Audio-Story Engine may alter the pitch or sound of the user's recorded words to match the pitch of the prerecorded story.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Anne Catherine Bates, Jason Paul Gahr, Adam Samuel Scheff, Jason Blake Penrod, Stephanie Farris Young, Timothy Jay Lien, Michael Anthony Monaco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8834171
    Abstract: A simulation system for training in endoscopic operations includes an endoscope apparatus, including at least one input for inserting an endoscopic working instrument, a sensor arrangement to detect a movement of the endoscopic working instrument, a control device to generate a virtual image of an endoscopic operation scene depending on a movement of the endoscopic working instrument, transmission means to transmit measured values supplied by the sensor arrangement to the control device for use in generating the virtual image and a display device to display the virtual image, where the sensor arrangement includes at least one optic sensor that interacts with a surface of a shaft of the endoscopic working instrument to detect the movement of the endoscopic working instrument. A flexible endoscope, an endoscopic working instrument and a method for recording a movement of an endoscopic working instrument as well as a method for training in endoscopic operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Gloeggler, Bjoern Speiser, Thomas Hinding
  • Patent number: 8761660
    Abstract: A computer learning system includes a computer screen, a cover that selectively covers and reveals different amounts of the computer screen and a computer processor that senses an amount of the computer screen that is revealed by the cover. The processor causes a first learning segment to be displayed on the computer screen in response to the cover revealing a first portion of the computer screen and causes a second learning segment to be displayed on the computer screen in response to the cover revealing a second portion of the computer screen. The first learning segment may be a question and the second learning segment may be an answer to the question. The computer processor and the computer screen may be provided by a tablet computer. The table computer may be an iPad® 2 tablet computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Evernote Corporation
    Inventors: Phil Libin, Andrew Sinkov
  • Patent number: 8727783
    Abstract: A distributed drilling simulation system includes a choke manifold, a high pressure manifold, a blowout preventer console, a choke console, a remote console, a driller console, a teacher console and a graphic projecting unit, wherein the driller console, the remote console, the blowout preventer console, the choke console, the choke manifold, and the high pressure manifold are interconnected through a PPI (processor/peripheral interface) protocol. The teacher console is connected with the PPI protocol through a PPI interface. A communication program and a main control program run on a main control computer and a graphic processing program runs on a graphic computer. The invention has the advantages of realizing high-degree top driving drilling simulation, enhancing the field sense for teaching and training, shortening the training period and reducing the training cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Chengdu Esimtech Petroleum Equipment Simulation Technology Exploitation Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lixue Chen