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).
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Publication number: 20240090363Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventors: Houstin L. Lichtenwalner, JR., Bran Ferren, Don Lariviere, Cary S. Hubner
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Patent number: 11930156Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventors: Michael Keesling, Clinton Blake Hope, Kevin Robert Keegan, Kjerstin Irja Williams, Bran Ferren, David Foor
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Patent number: 11917397Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
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Patent number: 11907439Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Randall Adam Yates, Ira M. Lichtman, Clint Blake Hope
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Patent number: 11900412Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventors: Bran Ferren, Clinton Blake Hope, Julian David Brooks
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Patent number: 11899450Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventor: Bran Ferren
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Patent number: 11896989Abstract: A self-cleaning filter apparatus includes a filter unit and a plunger unit. The filter unit includes a screen device; and a filter unit housing that houses the screen device. The plunger unit includes a rod end housing coupled to the filter unit housing; a plunger rod with a first plunger rod end positioned within the rod end housing and a second plunger rod end within the filter unit housing; and a plunger assembly secured to the second plunger rod end. During a first filter cleaning event segment, the plunger rod is configured to translate between a nominal position in which the plunger assembly is proximate the first screen device end and a cleaning position in which the plunger assembly is proximate the second screen device end. The plunger rod is configured to dislodge, at least in part, debris from within the screen device during at least the first filter cleaning event segment.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Bran Ferren, Donald Lariviere, James Hamilton
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Patent number: 11889239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 9, 2023Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
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Publication number: 20230353411Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventor: Bran FERREN
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Patent number: 11782586Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating multiple multimedia viewing planes in media display systems according to one embodiment of the invention. A method of embodiments of the invention includes using a plurality of multimedia planes corresponding to a plurality of multimedia content types. The plurality of multimedia planes may be integrated to be presented through an integrated user interface at a media processing device. The method may further include selecting, via the integrated user interface, one or more content categories from a plurality of multimedia content categories, and presenting, via a multimedia plane of the plurality of multimedia planes, contents associated with the one or more selected content categories.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Tahoe Research, Ltd.Inventors: Bran Ferren, Lakshman Krishnamurthy, Schawn A. Jasmann, David Beal, Pablo A. Maurin
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Patent number: 11695998Abstract: Techniques to customize a media processing system are described. A media processing system is described capable of integrating a large set of heterogeneous electronic devices into a single integrated system with enhanced navigation capabilities and automated configuration services. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Bran Ferren, Cory J. Booth, Genevieve Bell, David B. Andersen
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Patent number: 11685389Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLCInventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
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Patent number: 11677580Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventor: Bran Ferren
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Publication number: 20230176569Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2022Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventor: Bran FERREN
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Patent number: 11553165Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
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Publication number: 20220321865Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Michael KEESLING, Clinton Blake HOPE, Kevin Robert KEEGAN, Kjerstin Irja WILLIAMS, Bran FERREN, David FOOR
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Publication number: 20220229496Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Bran FERREN, W. Daniel HILLIS, Randall Adam YATES, Ira M. LICHTMAN, Clint Blake HOPE
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Patent number: 11363251Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventors: Michael Keesling, Clinton Blake Hope, Kevin Robert Keegan, Kjerstin Irja Williams, Bran Ferren, David Foor
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Publication number: 20220182820Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2022Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Bran FERREN, W. Daniel HILLIS
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Patent number: 11347234Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method of controlling a work vehicle includes sensing a surrounding environment of a work vehicle with a sensor, identifying an item of interest, determining a path toward or away from the item using the work vehicle's position, heading, and velocity, displaying the path, receiving a special steer command, steering the work vehicle based on the special steer command if the special steer command is received when no path is being displayed on the operator display, and autonomously controlling the work vehicle to travel along the path based on the special steer command if the special steer command is received while the path is being displayed on the operator display.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Bran Ferren