Patents by Inventor Bran Ferren

Bran Ferren has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12224879
    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: June 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Publication number: 20240411304
    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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventor: Bran FERREN
  • Publication number: 20240411305
    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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventor: Bran FERREN
  • Patent number: 12167182
    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 19, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
  • Patent number: 12083543
    Abstract: A nozzle apparatus includes a manifold defining a nozzle cavity within an interior, a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, an air outlet passage, and an air inlet passage. A nozzle holder and a nozzle element are selectively pivotable within the nozzle cavity. In the nominal position, the nozzle element inlet is oriented toward the fluid passage inlet and the nozzle element outlet is oriented toward the fluid passage outlet such that the primary fluid flows through the fluid inlet passage and out of the nozzle outlet through the fluid outlet passage. In the cleaning position, the nozzle element inlet is oriented toward the air outlet passage and the nozzle element outlet is oriented toward the air inlet passage such that the flow of air is directed through the air inlet passage, and out of the air outlet passage to direct debris out through the air outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Donald Lariviere, James Hirahara, Robert Liebersbach
  • Patent number: 12078454
    Abstract: A laserless combat simulation device includes at least one processing device and a memory device having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processing device cause the at least one processing device to receive a trigger event from a weapon device. The instructions further cause the at least one processing device to receive image data from an optical sensor array of the weapon device of a field of view of the weapon device, receive position information and orientation information of the weapon device at the time of the trigger event, analyze the image data to determine an identity and location of a target, and calculate a ballistic outcome based at least in part on the position information and orientation information of the weapon device, the identity and location of the target, and ballistic characteristics of a simulated round fired from the weapon device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Cubic Defense Applications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Colton O'Connor, Robert Liebersbach, Julian Brooks, Clinton Hope, Houstin Lee Lichtenwalner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240276906
    Abstract: An acoustic or vibration sensor is disposed relative to a portion of an agricultural machine. A sensor signal generated by the acoustic or vibration sensor is provided to a signal processor that identifies acoustic signatures or vibration patterns to determine a machine operation characteristic responsive to the agricultural machine performing an operation. The machine operation characteristic can be a characteristic of the agricultural machine, the soil, and/or furrow opened by the agricultural machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Gerald Eric RAINS, Scott C. McCartney, Cary S. HUBNER, Houstin Lee Lichtenwalner, JR., Bran Ferren
  • Publication number: 20240279004
    Abstract: An acoustic or vibration sensor is disposed relative to a portion of an agricultural machine. A sensor signal generated by the acoustic or vibration sensor is provided to a signal processor that identifies acoustic signatures or vibration patterns to determine a blockage characteristic responsive to material moving through a material delivery system on the agricultural machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Gerald Eric RAINS, Scott C. McCartney, Cary S. HUBNER, Houstin Lee Lichtenwalner, JR., Bran Ferren
  • Publication number: 20240214547
    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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Michael KEESLING, Clinton Blake HOPE, Kevin Robert KEEGAN, Kjerstin Irja WILLIAMS, Bran FERREN, David FOOR
  • Publication number: 20240205669
    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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Bran FERREN, W. Daniel HILLIS
  • Publication number: 20240192787
    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: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2024
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Bran FERREN, W. Daniel HILLIS, Randall Adam YATES, Ira M. LICHTMAN, Clint Blake HOPE
  • Publication number: 20240184286
    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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventor: Bran FERREN
  • Publication number: 20240169389
    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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Bran FERREN, Clinton Blake HOPE, Julian David BROOKS
  • Publication number: 20240163409
    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: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2024
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Michael KEESLING, Bran FERREN, Adrian KAEHLER, Dan RUDERMAN, David BEAL, Pablo MAURIN, Eric POWERS
  • Publication number: 20240138287
    Abstract: Locations of seeds in a field can be identified using an optical seed detector. A material is applied to the field, based upon the seed locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Cary S. HUBNER, Houstin Lee Lichtenwalner, Jr., Bran Ferren
  • Publication number: 20240090363
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for furrow analysis and visualization. A system for furrow visualization includes a radar sensor configured to be coupled to a planting vehicle and acquire data relating to a furrow being created, and a visualization apparatus communicatively coupled to the radar sensor and configured to generate a point cloud of the furrow. The system further includes a furrow analyzing processor configured to analyze the point cloud and generate a visualization of the furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Houstin L. Lichtenwalner, JR., Bran Ferren, Don Lariviere, Cary S. Hubner
  • 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: 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