Patents by Inventor Brian Martel

Brian Martel 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).

  • Publication number: 20260157494
    Abstract: A luggage tag includes an electronic ink display screen affixed to a surface of the luggage tag. Tag memory of the tag stores a unique identifier. An antenna receives an electromagnetic signal. Circuitry of the tag captures energy and acquires data from the electromagnetic signal received by the antenna and powers the electronic ink display with the captured energy. A processor receives the data acquired by the circuitry from the electromagnetic signal and produces an image on the electronic ink display using the acquired data if the acquired data includes a match to the unique identifier stored in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2026
    Publication date: June 11, 2026
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, John Liu, Narasimhachary Narasimhachary Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey
  • Publication number: 20260073687
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a kiosk and one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules connected to the kiosk, each module comprising a camera and a processor configured to register and track objects within a field of view of the camera of that module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2025
    Publication date: March 12, 2026
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, Brian Martel, Liisa Walsh
  • Patent number: 12557889
    Abstract: A luggage tag includes an electronic ink display screen affixed to a surface of the luggage tag. Tag memory of the tag stores a unique identifier. An antenna receives an electromagnetic signal. Circuitry of the tag captures energy and acquires data from the electromagnetic signal received by the antenna and powers the electronic ink display with the captured energy. A processor receives the data acquired by the circuitry from the electromagnetic signal and produces an image on the electronic ink display using the acquired data if the acquired data includes a match to the unique identifier stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: Position Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, John Liu, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 12561546
    Abstract: An electronic tag comprises a body housing a wireless radiofrequency (RF) receiver and a processor that is in communication with the wireless RF receiver. The body has an opening therein. The opening leads to a channel in the body sized to receive a section of a strap or similar mechanical fastener. The body has a latch or similar means for clasping this strap. The latch is coupled to the body to move between a closed position and an open position. An underside of the latch has a tensioning arm attached thereto. The tensioning arm presses against the strap and urging the strap forward into the channel when the latch is moved toward the closed position and disengaging from the strap when the latch is moved into the open position. The latch locks the strap in place when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: Position Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Martel, Peter Schmidt, Dick Sillman
  • Patent number: 12475703
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a kiosk and one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules connected to the kiosk, each module comprising a camera and a processor configured to register and track objects within a field of view of the camera of that module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2025
    Assignee: Position Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, Brian Martel, Liisa Walsh
  • Patent number: 12367366
    Abstract: A luggage tag comprises an indicator; a thin tag body including a radiofrequency (RF) receiver configured to receive an RF signal transmitted by an RF transmitter and a processor in communication with the RF receiver and the indicator, the processor being configured to acquire information from the RF signal that is received by the RF receiver and to turn on the indicator in response to the information acquired from the RF signal; and means for coupling the thin tag body of the luggage tag to luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: Position Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, John Liu, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey, Mark R. Ibbotson
  • Publication number: 20240393103
    Abstract: A system comprises a first surface; a second surface disposed opposite the first surface by a predetermined distance; and a depth-measuring system having at least one optical sensor disposed facing the first and second surfaces, the at least one optical sensor having a field of view covering at least a portion of the second surface, the at least one optical sensor being configured to measure distance to the first surface through the second surface and to measure distance to an object placed on the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Drew Anthony Schena, Bonnie B. Coffin, Estuardo Carpio
  • Publication number: 20240324745
    Abstract: A luggage tag includes an electronic ink display screen affixed to a surface of the luggage tag. Tag memory of the tag stores a unique identifier. An antenna receives an electromagnetic signal. Circuitry of the tag captures energy and acquires data from the electromagnetic signal received by the antenna and powers the electronic ink display with the captured energy. A processor receives the data acquired by the circuitry from the electromagnetic signal and produces an image on the electronic ink display using the acquired data if the acquired data includes a match to the unique identifier stored in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, John Liu, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey
  • Publication number: 20240273331
    Abstract: An electronic tag comprises a body housing a wireless radiofrequency (RF) receiver and a processor that is in communication with the wireless RF receiver. The body has an opening therein. The opening leads to a channel in the body sized to receive a section of a strap or similar mechanical fastener. The body has a latch or similar means for clasping this strap. The latch is coupled to the body to move between a closed position and an open position. An underside of the latch has a tensioning arm attached thereto. The tensioning arm presses against the strap and urging the strap forward into the channel when the latch is moved toward the closed position and disengaging from the strap when the latch is moved into the open position. The latch locks the strap in place when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Brian Martel, Peter Schmidt, Dick Sillman
  • Publication number: 20240202482
    Abstract: A luggage tag comprises an indicator; a thin tag body including a radiofrequency (RF) receiver configured to receive an RF signal transmitted by an RF transmitter and a processor in communication with the RF receiver and the indicator, the processor being configured to acquire information from the RF signal that is received by the RF receiver and to turn on the indicator in response to the information acquired from the RF signal; and means for coupling the thin tag body of the luggage tag to luggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, YiFeng Xiong, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey, Mark R. Ibbotson
  • Patent number: 12011073
    Abstract: A luggage tag includes an electronic ink display screen affixed to a surface of the luggage tag. Tag memory of the tag stores a unique identifier. An antenna receives an electromagnetic signal. Circuitry of the tag captures energy and acquires data from the electromagnetic signal received by the antenna and powers the electronic ink display with the captured energy. A processor receives the data acquired by the circuitry from the electromagnetic signal and produces an image on the electronic ink display using the acquired data if the acquired data includes a match to the unique identifier stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Position Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, YiFeng Xiong, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 11922246
    Abstract: A luggage tag comprises an indicator; a thin tag body including a radiofrequency (RF) receiver configured to receive an RF signal transmitted by an RF transmitter and a processor in communication with the RF receiver and the indicator, the processor being configured to acquire information from the RF signal that is received by the RF receiver and to turn on the indicator in response to the information acquired from the RF signal; and a coupling unit for coupling the thin tag body of the luggage tag to luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Position Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, YiFeng Xiong, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey, Mark R. Ibbotson
  • Publication number: 20230308772
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mount body by which the apparatus is secured to a structure. A camera assembly includes an image sensor adapted to capture images within its field of view. A lighting assembly houses one or more light sources including a directional light source. A control-board assembly, fixed to the mount body, houses control boards including one or more processors configured to acquire information about an object, to associate a location within the field of view of the image sensor with the object, to point light emitted by the directional light source at the location associated with the object by rotating the lighting assembly and turning the laser assembly, and, based on an image acquired from the camera assembly, to detect change within the field of view of the image sensor corresponding to placement or removal of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Martel, YiFeng Xiong, Drew Anthony Schena, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Rafal Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 11637962
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mount body by which the apparatus is secured to a structure. A camera assembly includes an image sensor adapted to capture images within its field of view. A lighting assembly houses one or more light sources including a directional light source. A control-board assembly, fixed to the mount body, houses control boards including one or more processors configured to acquire information about an object, to associate a location within the field of view of the image sensor with the object, to point light emitted by the directional light source at the location associated with the object by rotating the lighting assembly and turning the laser assembly, and, based on an image acquired from the camera assembly, to detect change within the field of view of the image sensor corresponding to placement or removal of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: POSITION IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Martel, YiFeng Xiong, Drew Anthony Schena, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Rafal Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20220151361
    Abstract: A luggage tag includes an electronic ink display screen affixed to a surface of the luggage tag. Tag memory of the tag stores a unique identifier. An antenna receives an electromagnetic signal. Circuitry of the tag captures energy and acquires data from the electromagnetic signal received by the antenna and powers the electronic ink display with the captured energy. A processor receives the data acquired by the circuitry from the electromagnetic signal and produces an image on the electronic ink display using the acquired data if the acquired data includes a match to the unique identifier stored in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: Position Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, YiFeng Xiong, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey
  • Publication number: 20210406632
    Abstract: A luggage tag comprises an indicator; a thin tag body including a radiofrequency (RF) receiver configured to receive an RF signal transmitted by an RF transmitter and a processor in communication with the RF receiver and the indicator, the processor being configured to acquire information from the RF signal that is received by the RF receiver and to turn on the indicator in response to the information acquired from the RF signal; and means for coupling the thin tag body of the luggage tag to luggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, YiFeng Xiong, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey, Mark R. Ibbotson
  • Publication number: 20210337103
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mount body by which the apparatus is secured to a structure. A camera assembly includes an image sensor adapted to capture images within its field of view. A lighting assembly houses one or more light sources including a directional light source. A control-board assembly, fixed to the mount body, houses control boards including one or more processors configured to acquire information about an object, to associate a location within the field of view of the image sensor with the object, to point light emitted by the directional light source at the location associated with the object by rotating the lighting assembly and turning the laser assembly, and, based on an image acquired from the camera assembly, to detect change within the field of view of the image sensor corresponding to placement or removal of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Martel, YiFeng Xiong, Drew Anthony Schena, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Rafal Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 11107337
    Abstract: An apparatus for helping locate an item of interest in or near a building comprises an indicator and a body with a pair of pincers adapted to operate in opposition to grasp or be placed on or near the item of interest. The body houses a radiofrequency (RF) receiver configured to receive RF signals transmitted by an RF transmitter, and a processor in communication with the RF receiver and the indicator. The processor is configured to acquire information from the RF signals that are received by the RF receiver and to turn on the indicator in response to the information acquired from the RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: POSITION IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, YiFeng Xiong, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Brian Martel, Marc Bujold, Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 11089232
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mount body by which the apparatus is secured to a structure. A camera assembly includes an image sensor adapted to capture images within its field of view. A lighting assembly houses one or more light sources including a directional light source. A control-board assembly fixed to the mount body, houses control boards including one or more processors configured to acquire information about an object, to associate a location within the field of view of the image sensor with the object, to point light emitted by the directional light source at the location associated with the obj ect by rotating the lighting assembly and turning the laser assembly, and, based on an image acquired from the camera assembly, to detect change within the field of view of the image sensor corresponding to placement or removal of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: POSITION IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Martel, YiFeng Xiong, Drew Anthony Schena, Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Rafal Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20210232820
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a kiosk and one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules connected to the kiosk, each module comprising a camera and a processor configured to register and track objects within a field of view of the camera of that module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, Brian Martel, Liisa Walsh