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).

  • System and method for chat message prioritization and highlighting
    Patent number: 9262531
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for chat message prioritization that uses a combination of machine-derived and user-supplied relevancy criteria to present a filtered, annotated, and/or highlighted chat stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Dimitri Negroponte
  • Modular vehicle
    Patent number: 9254877
    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: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • MOTION-BASED RADIOGRAPH INTERLOCK SYSTEMS, STRUCTURES, AND PROCESSES
    Publication number: 20160033424
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Bran FERREN
  • CONTROLLED ACCESS TO FUNCTIONALITY OF A WIRELESS DEVICE
    Publication number: 20160034901
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may be used to verify that a person being authorized by biometric techniques to use a device is a living person and not some form of recording intended to spoof the system. Some embodiments may try to cause a change in a measured biometric feature, and compare images taken before and after the change to verify the change occurred. In some embodiments, multiple stages of verification may be used, either to increase the difficulty of spoofing the security system, or to provide different levels of security for different levels of access to the device's functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • CONTROLLED ACCESS TO FUNCTIONALITY OF A WIRELESS DEVICE
    Publication number: 20160026884
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may be used to verify that a person being authorized by biometric techniques to use a device is a living person and not some form of recording intended to spoof the system. Some embodiments may try to cause a change in a measured biometric feature, and compare images taken before and after the change to verify the change occurred. In some embodiments, multiple stages of verification may be used, either to increase the difficulty of spoofing the security system, or to provide different levels of security for different levels of access to the device's functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Intelligent remote control system
    Patent number: 9235845
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a processor and a device state management module. The device state management module may be operative on the processor to receive a trigger signal from a motion sensor in a remote control, to determine the device state of one or more controlled devices and send state management instructions to be transmitted to the one or more controlled devices. The state management instructions may control a set of initial default operations that comprises altering one or more device states in the one or more controlled devices. The apparatus may further include a memory that is arranged to store the determined device state of one or more controlled devices. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Cory J. Booth, Genevieve Bell
  • Micro deflectors on touch sensor
    Patent number: 9235303
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a touch surface may comprise multiple individual sensors, each of which is capable of mechanical deflection in a direction parallel to the surface, with the device using the touch surface being able to detect such deflection in each sensor. With this capability, the device may be able to detect intended movement of a touch over the touch surface even if no additional sensors are activated by that movement. Such sensors may be useful for detecting very small motions, and may be especially useful for motions in which the shape of the user's thumb results in the same touch area being in contact with the thumb even though the thumb is executing an extension or retraction movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Michael Keesling
  • CUSTOMIZABLE AND RECONFIGURABLE VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT PANEL
    Publication number: 20150370343
    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: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Bran FERREN, W. Daniel HILLIS, Randall Adam YATES, Ira M. LICHTMAN, Clinton Blake HOPE
  • Method and apparatus maintaining eye contact in video delivery systems using view morphing
    Patent number: 9215408
    Abstract: A view morphing algorithm is applied to synchronous collections of video images from at least two video imaging devices, and interpolating between the images, creates a composite image view of the local participant. This composite image approximates what might be seen from a point between the video imaging devices, presenting the image to other video session participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: APPLIED INVENTION, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Bran Ferren, Russel Howe
  • COLOR NIGHT VISION CAMERAS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS THEREOF
    Publication number: 20150350629
    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: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Michael KEESLING, Bran FERREN, Adrian KAEHLER, Dan RUDERMAN, David BEAL, Pablo MAURIN, Eric POWERS
  • DUAL ELEMENT TURBINE BLADE
    Publication number: 20150345312
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbine blade includes providing a core element having a base portion, a tip portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the base portion and the tip portion. The intermediate portion has a non-uniform cross-section and is a high-strength fiber material. The method also includes surrounding the core element with a shell, the volume between the core element and the shell forming a void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, William D. Duncan, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • TAGGANT FOR CEMENT AUTHENTICATION
    Publication number: 20150344376
    Abstract: A traceable cement mixture includes a volume of cementitious material and a taggant disposed within the volume of cementitious material. The taggant includes data relating to a characteristic of the volume of cementitious material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bowers, Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Cameron A. Myhrvold, Conor L. Myhrvold, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Thomas J. Nugent,, Jr., Tony S. Pan, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Lowell L. Wood,, Jr.
  • Temporal control of a lumen traveling device in a body tube tree
    Patent number: 9198563
    Abstract: Methods of controlling the operation of a device traveling in a body tube tree, including determining a time based on a signal from a timing device and performing an action based on the determined time, implemented with a control system located partially or fully on the lumen traveling device. Various actions can be performed by the device for, e.g., medical or therapeutic purposes. Machine-readable media including instructions for performing the methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Intelligent graphics interface in a handheld wireless device
    Patent number: 9195816
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may allow applications and information to be clustered together in ways that simplify and automate various tasks. Other embodiments may present a graphical user interface to the user that allows the user to choose from a matrix of information categories and applications that can help provide that information. Still other embodiments may provide different user interface methods based on status awareness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Schawn A. Jasmann, Morgan J. Buck
  • Adaptive virtual keyboard for handheld device
    Patent number: 9195818
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the size, shape, and arrangement of keys on a virtual keyboard may be determined based on touchscreen contacts made by the user. Further, the actual contact patch made by the user may be analyzed to interpret which point of contact was intended, and other factors such as spelling and context may also be considered. These factors may be determined based on a calibration session and/or on continuing inputs during operation of the keyboard, and applied to future operational interpretations of the touchscreen contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Spherical three-dimensional controller
    Patent number: 9176577
    Abstract: A three-dimensional control apparatus including a casing, the casing including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being opposite to the second surface; and a three-dimensional (3D) controller including a first cap actuator, the first cap actuator including a first rounded control surface, at least a portion of the first rounded control surface extending beyond the first surface of the casing; a second cap actuator, the second cap actuator including a second rounded control surface, at least a portion of the second rounded control surface extending beyond the first surface of the casing, the first rounded control surface being aligned with the second rounded control surface; a first sensor to detect force on the first cap actuator; and a second cap sensor to detect force on the second cap actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lars A. Jangaard, Bran Ferren, Elijah H. Kleeman
  • Adaptive virtual keyboard for handheld device
    Patent number: 9171141
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the size, shape, and arrangement of keys on a virtual keyboard may be determined based on touchscreen contacts made by the user. Further, the actual contact patch made by the user may be analyzed to interpret which point of contact was intended, and other factors such as spelling and context may also be considered. These factors may be determined based on a calibration session and/or on continuing inputs during operation of the keyboard, and applied to future operational interpretations of the touchscreen contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Motion-based radiograph interlock systems, structures, and processes
    Patent number: 9170214
    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: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING TELECONFERENCING COLLABORATION
    Publication number: 20150281639
    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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Bran FERREN, W. Daniel HILLIS, Thomas McKNIGHT, Rudy YUKICH, Braddock GASKILL
  • Computing device with sensor
    Patent number: D745508
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Bran Ferren