Patents by Inventor Charles A. Nolan

Charles A. Nolan 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: 20180020527
    Abstract: A system comprising: one or more road-side illumination sources arranged to emit illumination to illuminate at least part of a road; one or more detectors arranged to detect a value of one or more parameters of a vehicle travelling on this road or this part of the road, the one or more parameters comprising a type of the vehicle and/or an identity of one or more users of the vehicle; and a controller arranged to control the illumination emitted by the one or more illumination sources, wherein the controller is configured to adapt the illumination in dependence on the detected value or values of the one or more detected parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: JULIAN CHARLES NOLAN, MATTHEW JOHN LAWRENSON, ALEXANDER HENRICUS WALTHERUS VAN EEUWIJK, HILBRAND VANDEN WYNGAERT, HUON URBALD OGIER NORBERT VAN DE LAARSCHOT
  • Patent number: 9872362
    Abstract: A controller, method and program for controlling one or more sources of a utility to provide the utility into a space occupied by one or more users, e.g. for controlling light sources illuminating an indoor or outdoor space. An input from one or more sensors is processed to detect motions of a user in the space, to detect that the motions correspond to predetermined gestures performed by the user, and to detect a position from which each gesture was performed. Further, each of a plurality of discrete control policies is associated with a respective combination of predetermined gesture and positional demarcation within the space. Each control policy defines a respective response of the utility to the respective associated gesture. For gestures performed from each of a plurality of different positions, a different control policy is selected based on being associated with the detected gesture and detected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Julian Charles Nolan, Matthew John Lawrenson, Alexander Henricus Waltherus Van Eeuwijk, Hilbrand Vanden Wyngaert, William Nathan Chelton
  • Publication number: 20180012402
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating a finite element (FE) model of an anatomical structure based on a fitted model (340) of the anatomical structure and association data. A segmentation model (310) may be provided for segmenting the anatomical structure. Association data may be obtained which associates a segmentation model part (315) of the segmentation model (310) with a mesh property, the segmentation model part (315) representing a pre-determined anatomical region of interest. The segmentation model may be applied to a medical image (320) of a subject, thereby obtaining a fitted model (340) providing a segmentation of the anatomical structure (330). The finite element model (350) may then be generated based on the fitted model (340) and the association data, said generating comprising meshing a finite element model part of the finite element model in accordance with the mesh property, the finite element model part corresponding with the pre-determined anatomical region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Julian Charles Nolan, Matthew John Lawrenson, Juergen Weese
  • Patent number: 9860963
    Abstract: A lighting system (100) and a method of protecting a lighting device of a lighting system against theft are provided. The lighting system comprises a lighting device (110) and at least one other device (170). Both the lighting device and the at least one other device comprises a data storage (116, 176), a controller (114, 174) and a network interface (112, 172). The lighting device additionally comprises a light emitter (118). When the lighting device powers up, the other device transmits a verification value stored in its data storage to lighting device. The lighting device assesses the verification value in relation to a unique value stored in its data storage to check whether the lighting system knows the lighting device. In dependence of the assessment, the lighting device is controlled to operate in a first or in a second operational mode. In a commissioning procedure the other device may receive the verification value for storage in its data storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING B.V.
    Inventors: Matthew John Lawrenson, Julian Charles Nolan, Alexander Henricus Waltherus Van Eeuwijk, Hilbrand Vanden Wyngaert, William Nathan Chelton
  • Publication number: 20170323633
    Abstract: A computing device having the capability to dynamically select a voice that will be used by a speech synthesizer in creating synthesized speech for use in communicating with a user of the computing device is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the computing device: i) employs the speech synthesizer to have a first audible communication with the user using a first voice; ii) stores user satisfaction data that can be used to determine a user's satisfaction with an action the user took in response to the first audible communication; and iii) determines whether a different voice should be used during a second audible communication with the user based on the stored user satisfaction data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Matthew John LAWRENSON, Julian Charles NOLAN
  • Patent number: 9808404
    Abstract: A system for providing a reminder to a user is provided that comprises a reminder datastore arranged to store reminder information relating to a task for the user to be reminded about, and a reminder processor arranged to determine a time at which the reminder is due, based on the reminder information. A locating mechanism is provided to obtain information relating to a location of the user, and an output mechanism is provided to output reminder alerts through one or more reminder devices. The reminder processor is arranged to obtain information relating to a location of the user for the time at which the reminder is due, from the locating mechanism, and to identify one of the one or more reminder devices in proximity to said location of the user, based on known locations of the one or more reminder devices. The output mechanism is arranged to output a reminder alert through the identified reminder device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Julian Charles Nolan, Melanie Jane Windridge, Alex Marshal, Joyca Petra Wilma Lacroix
  • Patent number: 9814123
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computing devices are described herein for activatable lighting devices. In various embodiments, a composition of a lighting system may be ascertained based at least in part on a database (851, 951) of one or more lighting device records associated with one or more lighting devices (100, 600, 700, 800a, 800b, 900, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c) of the lighting system. In various embodiments, it may be determined, based on the ascertained composition, that a predetermined criterion is satisfied. In various embodiments, a communication may be issued in response to the determination. The communication may be configured to facilitate activation of a deactivated lighting device function of a lighting device associated with the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Julian Charles Nolan, Tim Dekker, Alexander Henricus Waltherus Van Eeuwijk, Philip Steven Newton, Hilbrand Vanden Wyngaert, Dzmitry Viktorovich Aliakseyeu, Heiko Pelzer, Ramon Antoine Wiro Clout
  • Publication number: 20170316707
    Abstract: A method (100) is implemented by a computing device for helping a particular user use a user interface (UI). Electroencephalography (EEG) data is obtained (102) that indicates brain activity of a particular user during a period in which that user views the UI and/or interprets help information that describes how to use the UI. Based on the EEG data, the computing device selects (104), from among multiple pre-defined cognitive states, the one or more cognitive states that characterize the particular user during the period. The computing device assists (106) the particular user to use the UI by customizing the help information for the particular user based on the one or more selected cognitive states. A complementary computing device and computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Matthew John LAWRENSON, Julian Charles NOLAN
  • Publication number: 20170310796
    Abstract: An apparatus that helps a user grasp a hand-held device (10) resting on an underlying surface (S) detects when the user is reaching for the hand-held device. In response to the detection, the apparatus performs an action that elevates at least a part of the hand-held device above the underlying surface. Elevating the hand-held device above the underlying surface allows the user to grasp and lift the hand-held device off of the underlying surface more easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew John Lawrenson, Till BURKERT, Julian Charles NOLAN
  • Publication number: 20170304576
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a strap member (28a-c) for use in a patient interface (10) for supplying a pressurized flow of breathable gas to an airway of a patient (12), wherein the strap member (28a-c) is configured to secure the patient interface (10) to the head of the patient (12) and comprises: —a strap portion (38) having (i) a first side (40) that is configured to contact the face of the patient (12) during use, (ii) an internal chamber forming a cavity (30), and (iii) a plurality of openings (44) which are fluidly connected to the cavity (30) and arranged at the first side (40); and —a connector (32) for fluidly connecting the cavity (30) to the pressurized flow of breathable gas supplied to the airway of the patient (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: MATTHEW JOHN LAWRENSON, JULIAN CHARLES NOLAN
  • Patent number: 9799040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of computer assisted innovation. The invention provides a method which can automatically generate suggested innovation opportunities which may then be viewed or otherwise communicated to and analysed by a user. The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining innovation opportunities by selecting one or more terms; determining trend data relating to a selected element; determining an innovation likelihood measure for said selected element in dependence upon said trend data; identifying an innovation opportunity in dependence upon said innovation likelihood measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Iprova Sarl
    Inventor: Julian Charles Nolan
  • Publication number: 20170285749
    Abstract: A mobile communication device (10) adjusts a level of friction between a surface of the device and one or more other objects (22a, 22b, 24) that may be in contact with the device (10), such as receipts, credit cards, keys, money, the user's hand or fingers, and the like. To adjust the friction, the device (10) first determines its current environmental context, such as whether it is inside the user's pocket (20) or lying on a table surface, for example. Then, based on that context, the device (10) varies a coefficient of friction to increase or decrease the friction between the surface of the device (10) and the surfaces of the other objects (22a, 22b, 24). Varying the friction allows a user to grip the device (10) easier and/or reduce the chance that the other objects (22a, 22b, 24) in contact with the device (10) are also inadvertently removed from the storage location with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Matthew John LAWRENSON, Julian Charles NOLAN
  • Publication number: 20170265277
    Abstract: A controller comprising: an output for controlling light source(s) arranged to emit light to illuminate an environment; and an input for receiving a signal output from at least one sensor. The controller is configured to: identify presence of a user and at least one further user based on the signal output from the sensor; determine lighting preferences of the users; detect an orientation of the users based on the signal from the sensor; estimate a field of view (FOV) of the users based on the detected orientation of the users; determine that at least one light source is positioned to emit light in both the FOVs of the users, arbitrate between the lighting preferences of the users to determine light settings to be applied to the at least one light source, and control said at least one light source based on the determined light settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: JULIAN CHARLES NOLAN, MATTHEW JOHN LAWRENSON, ALEXANDER HENRICUS WALTHERUS VAN EEUWIJK, HILBRAND VANDEN WYNGAERT, HUON URBALD OGIER NORBERT VAN DE LAARSCHOT
  • Publication number: 20170251066
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to virtualizing a network function in an ad-hoc group. The ad-hoc group comprises a plurality of mobile terminals (302, 304) that are configured for device-to-device communication, e.g., Proximity-Based Services (ProSe). The Pro Se-enabled mobile terminals (302, 304) subscribe to a Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) service with an NFV management server (322). The NFV management server (322) discovers the ad-hoc group that is suitable for NFV and informs an NFV application server (324) of the ad-hoc group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew John LAWRENSON, Till BURKERT, Christopher COX, Julian Charles NOLAN
  • Publication number: 20170249450
    Abstract: A device (100) for authenticating a user (130) is provided, the device being configured to receive characters typed by the user using a keyboard (112) operable as input device for the device, and, for each typed character, acquire an image from a camera (120) configured for imaging the keyboard,determine which finger of a hand is used for typing the character, and derive a respective transformed character from the received typed character based on the finger (151-153) used for typing the character. The finger used for typing the character is determined by image processing. The camera may optionally be configured for imaging a reflection (163) of the keyboard by a cornea (162) of the user. By taking into account which fmgers are used for typing characters related to authentication or access control on a keyboard, such as passwords, an increased level of security for is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew John Lawrenson, Julian Charles Nolan
  • Patent number: 9749870
    Abstract: A method for optimizing network spectrum utilization of a wireless communications network utilizing a radiofrequency spectrum includes determining, by a processor, spectrum resources at a location by determining the properties of the communication nodes and the utilization of bandwidth by all priority classes of user terminals in a defined area. Future geo-located contextual network needs for users terminals of a plurality of priority classes in the defined area is predicted by the processor based on historical profiles. The use of the radiofrequency spectrum is optimized by the processor based on the priority classes of the user terminals and the future geo-located contextual network needs of the user terminals in the defined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: DEUSTSCHE TELEKOM AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Kadel, Julian Charles Nolan
  • Patent number: 9736280
    Abstract: An apparatus that helps a user grasp a hand-held device (10) resting on an underlying surface (S) detects when the user is reaching for the hand-held device. In response to the detection, the apparatus performs an action that elevates at least a part of the hand-held device above the underlying surface. Elevating the hand-held device above the underlying surface allows the user to grasp and lift the hand-held device off of the underlying surface more easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Matthew John Lawrenson, Till Burkert, Julian Charles Nolan
  • Publication number: 20170230621
    Abstract: A device for corneal imaging is disclosed. The device comprises a first camera and processing means. The first camera is configured for imaging a cornea of a user of the device and/or an eyewear worn by the user. The processing means is operative to acquire a first image from the first camera, identify a first reflection by the cornea and/or a second reflection by a reflective surface of the eyewear, and determine a first optical transformation representing the first reflection and/or a second optical transformation representing the second reflection. Embodiments of the invention provide an improved corneal imaging solution for user operated computing devices by taking specular reflections originating from one or more reflective surfaces of an eyewear worn by the user into consideration. Also disclosed are a corresponding method, computer program, and computer program product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew John LAWRENSON, Julian Charles NOLAN
  • Publication number: 20170231063
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a plurality of lighting devices to emit light, each in dependence on at least one respective setting, the controller being configured to perform operations of: obtaining image data representing a corneal image, captured by a camera, formed by light reflected into the camera from at least a portion of at least one cornea of a user; based on the corneal image, automatically determining updates to the respective settings of one or more of the lighting devices; controlling said one or more lighting devices in accordance with the updates; and repeating these steps of obtaining, determination and control so as to dynamically adapt the settings of the lighting devices as the user moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Julian Charles NOLAN, Matthew John LAWRENSON, Hilbrand VANDEN WYNGAERT, Alexander Henricus Waltherus VAN EEUWIJK, Huon Urbald Ogier Norbert VAN DE LAARSCHOT
  • Publication number: 20170228128
    Abstract: A device comprising a touchscreen and a camera for imaging a reflection of the touchscreen by a cornea of a user operating the device is provided. The device is configured for displaying a user-interface element on the touchscreen and detecting an interaction by a finger of a hand with the user-interface element. The device is further configured for, in response to detecting the interaction, acquiring an image of the reflection of the touchscreen from the camera, determining which finger of the hand is used for interacting with the user-interface element, and performing an action dependent on the finger used for the interaction. By also assigning a meaning to the finger which is being used for interacting with touchscreen-based devices, such that different actions are performed dependent on the finger used for the interaction, embodiments of the invention support simpler, faster, and more intuitive, user interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON
    Inventors: Matthew John LAWRENSON, Julian Charles NOLAN