Patents by Inventor David Whelan

David Whelan 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: 9515826
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for a network topology aided by a smart agent download are disclosed. The method involves authenticating, with at least one authenticator device, at least one claimant. The method further involves transmitting, by at least one transmission source, the smart agent download to at least one receiving source associated with at least one claimant. In one or more embodiments, at least one transmission source is employed in a Lower Earth Orbiting (LEO) Iridium satellite. Also, the method involves receiving, by at least one receiving source, the smart agent download. In addition, the method involves executing, by at least one processor, the smart agent download. Further, the method involves monitoring, by the smart agent download, network behavior. The monitoring of network behavior includes monitoring the users on the network, monitoring data passing through the network, and monitoring the quantity of data passing through the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, Arun Ayyagari, Gregory M. Gutt, Rachel Rane′ Schmalzried
  • Patent number: 9465582
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for a significant random number generator are disclosed. The method involves sensing, with a sensor on a spacecraft, a physical phenomenon. In one or more embodiments, the system utilizes a Lower Earth Orbiting (LEO) Iridium satellite for the spacecraft. The method further involves outputting, from the sensor, a value for the physical phenomenon. Also, the method involves inputting the value of the physical phenomenon into a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). In addition, the method involves generating, with the PRNG, a sequence of random numbers using the value of the physical phenomenon as a seed for the PRNG. In some embodiments, the disclosed significant random number generator is employed by a spot beam based authentication system that is used to authenticate a claimant. In other embodiments, the disclosed significant random number generator is used for cryptology, routing network traffic, anti-jamming, certified time stamping, and secure identification applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, Gregory M. Gutt
  • Publication number: 20160170009
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for transmitting and receiving signals are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves splitting a signal into low power portions. The method further involves coding the low power portions to produce coded low power portions, where the coding comprises convolving each low power portion with a respective different code. Also, the method involves summing the coded low power portions to produce a resultant coded signal. In addition, the method involves transmitting the resultant coded signal towards a target object. Additionally, the method involves receiving a reflected resultant coded signal, where the resultant coded signal reflects off the target object to produce the reflected resultant coded signal. Also, the method involves decoding the reflected resultant coded signal to produce a decoded signal. Further, the method involves correlating the decoded signal to produce a complete received signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Atul Jain, David A. Whelan
  • Patent number: 9344147
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus according to various embodiments are disclosed herein to enable a signal in space scheme to have improved signal penetration within buildings and other attenuated environments. The disclosed enhanced signal delivery method transmits multiple bursts in a successive pattern that is known by a receiver on the ground. This successive transmission pattern of bursts effectively creates a longer correlation sequence that allows a receiver to more readily be able to pull the signal out of the noise and, thus, allows a receiver located in a more stringent, attenuated environment to receive a signal where it previously was unable to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory M. Gutt, David A. Whelan
  • Patent number: 9215244
    Abstract: The disclosed method involves monitoring behavior of at least one node, associated with at least one user, in a network to generate a behavior profile for the user(s). The method further involves comparing the behavior profile for at least one user with a baseline behavior profile for the user(s). Also, the method involves determining when there is a difference between the behavior profile for at least one user and the baseline behavior profile for the user(s). Further, the method involves flagging an event associated with the difference: when the difference exceeds a baseline threshold level, does not exceed a baseline threshold level, meets at least one criterion, and/or does not meet at least one criterion. Additionally, the method involves classifying the event to an event classification. Further, the method involves transmitting the event to at least one other node in the network and/or a network operations center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Arun Ayyagari, Timothy M. Aldrich, David E. Corman, Gregory M. Gutt, David A. Whelan
  • Patent number: 9213103
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for cells to obtain timing and positioning by using satellite systems with high power signals for improved building penetration are disclosed herein. In particular, the present disclosure relates to providing timing synchronization and geolocation for small cells or macrocells in attenuated and/or indoor environments. In order to achieve timing synchronization and geolocation, the cells utilize high power signals, which contain timing information, in conjunction with related aiding information. Satellites, such as Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) Iridium satellites, are employed to transmit the high powered signals to the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, Gregory M. Gutt
  • Patent number: 9209588
    Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus and method comprising a substrate configured to increase an intensity of light at a desired wavelength. The substrate has a front side, a back side, and an outer edge. The substrate is configured to reflect the light received on the front side of the substrate. The substrate comprises ceramic. The substrate comprises a plurality of sections. The method and apparatus also comprise a material configured to attenuate the light passing between the plurality of sections. The material surrounds an edge of each section of the plurality of sections. The apparatus and method also comprise a cooling system configured to allow liquid nitrogen to be transmitted through the cooling system and receive heat generated in the substrate from the back side of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: D. Anthony Galasso, David A. Whelan, Alan Zachary Ullman, Dennis George Harris
  • Publication number: 20150346724
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing autonomous control of a vehicle. A vehicle can be manually controlled by an operator. An autonomous system can monitor the operator's control inputs and the environment of the vehicle to determine whether the control inputs result in safe operation of the vehicle. If control inputs are not safe, then the autonomous system can modify the operator's unsafe inputs into safe inputs. In various instances, the autonomous system can operate the vehicle without operator input. In the event an operator attempts to apply control inputs to the vehicle while the autonomous system is otherwise in control, the autonomous system can check to see whether the operator's inputs result in safe operation of the vehicle. If the operator's control inputs are safe, then the autonomous system can replace its autonomous commands with the operator's commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Donovan JONES, David A. WHELAN, Lynne WENBERG
  • Patent number: 9204104
    Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an imaging and sensing assembly. The imaging and sensing assembly has a disc shaped aerodynamic member configured to spin and self-position in flight, a plurality of pulsed thrusters positioned on the member, and a plurality of imaging and sensing devices positioned along a perimeter of the member. The imaging and sensing assembly further has one or more antenna devices positioned on the member and in communication with a first processor device on the member. The first processor device receives data obtained by the plurality of imaging and sensing devices and wirelessly transmits the data to a second processor device not positioned on the member. The imaging and sensing assembly further has a power supply powering the imaging and sensing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, John W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9201131
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for secure routing based on a degree of trust are disclosed herein. The disclosed method involves assigning a level of trust to at least one network node, and utilizing the level of trust to determine a degree of security of the network node(s). The level of trust of the network node(s) is related to an amount of certainty of the physical location of the network node(s). The amount of certainty is attained from the network node(s) being located in a known secure location, and/or from verification of the physical location of the network node(s) by using satellite geolocation techniques or by using network ping ranging measurements. The method further involves utilizing the level of trust of the network node(s) to determine a degree of trust of at least one path for routing the data, where the path(s) includes at least one of the network nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, Gregory M. Gutt, David G. Lawrence, Michael Lee O'Connor, Arun Ayyagari
  • Patent number: 9176231
    Abstract: A system and methods for reducing navigation satellite receiver power usage are presented. A wireless signal is received at a portable electronic device in a signal environment. At signal characteristic of the wireless signal at the portable electronic device is measured in the signal environment. An estimated signal strength of the wireless signal in the signal environment is estimated based on the signal characteristic. The estimated signal strength is compared to an expected signal strength of the wireless signal to calculate an estimated signal-strength-change relative to the expected signal strength. A GNSS signal is tracked at the portable electronic device, if the estimated signal-strength-change indicates an expected GNSS signal attenuation is lower than a signal attenuation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, Gregory M. Gutt, Michael L. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9178894
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for secure routing based on the physical location of routers are disclosed herein. The disclosed method for secure data transmission of at least one data packet through a plurality of network nodes involves defining a source network node, a destination network node, and at least one security constraint, which is based on the physical location of at least one of the network nodes. The method further involves comparing available network nodes with the security constraint(s) to determine which of the available network nodes meet the security constraint(s) and, thus, are qualified network nodes. Additionally, the method involves determining a route comprising at least one of the qualified network nodes to route the data packet(s) through from the source network node to the destination network node. Further, the method involves transmitting the data packet(s) through the route of the qualified network node(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Lee O'Connor, Rachel Rané Schmalzried, David G. Lawrence, David A. Whelan, Gregory M. Gutt
  • Patent number: 9171548
    Abstract: A system for confirming that a subject is the source of spoken audio and the identity of the subject providing the spoken audio is described. The system includes at least one motion sensor operable to capture physical motion of at least one articulator that contributes to the production of speech, at least one acoustic signal sensor to receive acoustic signals, and a processing device comprising a memory and communicatively coupled to the at least one motion sensor and the at least one acoustic signal sensor. The processing device is programmed to correlate physical motion data with acoustical signal data to uniquely characterize the subject for purposes of verifying the subject is the source of the acoustical signal data and the identity of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: George A. Velius, David A. Whelan
  • Patent number: 9059784
    Abstract: A system and methods for location-based authentication using medium earth orbit (MEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites are presented. Location of a client device is authenticated based on at least one client received MEO satellite signal received from at least one MEO satellite at the client device and at least one client received LEO satellite signal received from at least one LEO satellite at the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Per K. Enge, David A. Whelan, Gregory M. Gutt, David Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20150149304
    Abstract: Techniques are described for retrieving advertisements for insertion into a document. Embodiments receive a document comprising a request to retrieve a plurality of advertisement creatives. In response to transmitting the request specified within the received document to the advertisement management system, a single software object defining all of the plurality of advertisement creatives is received. Embodiments insert each of the plurality of advertisement creatives into the document, prior to rendering the document, and then render the document together with the advertisement creatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jarrod David Whelan
  • Patent number: 9019375
    Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment a target locator and interceptor imaging and sensing assembly. The assembly has a disc shaped aerodynamic member configured to spin and self-position in flight, a plurality of pulsed thrusters positioned on the member, and a plurality of imaging and sensing devices positioned along a perimeter of the member. The assembly further has one or more munitions devices coupled to one or more detonators, both being coupled to the aerodynamic member. The assembly further has one or more antenna devices positioned on the member and in communication with a first processor device on the member. The first processor device receives data obtained by the plurality of imaging and sensing devices and wirelessly transmits the data to a second processor device not positioned on the member. The assembly further has a power supply powering the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, John W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9009796
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method to authenticate a claimant comprises receiving, from the claimant, at least one of a set of beam data from a spot beam transmission, comparing the claimed at least one set of beam data to a known valid data set, and authenticating the claimant when a difference between at least one set of beam data and the known valid data set is less than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Gutt, David A. Whelan, Arun Ayyagari
  • Patent number: 8989652
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for advanced timing and time transfer for satellite constellations using crosslink ranging and an accurate time source are disclosed herein. In particular, the present disclosure relates generally to systems for providing improved positioning, navigation, and/or timing information for oscillator calibration and more specifically, to use at least one satellite with accessibility to an accurate time source to calibrate the local oscillator on a crosslink paired satellite. In at least, one embodiment, time synchronization on a subset of satellites with crosslinking capabilities is used to distribute time through a network of crosslinked satellites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, Gregory M. Gutt, Peter M. Fyfe
  • Patent number: 8980405
    Abstract: An automated lenticular photographic system includes an interface that permits a user to upload image files and image processing and printing equipment that is in communication with the interface for receiving the uploaded image files and processing the uploaded image files to create an interlaced print image file that is used to produce an interlaced print sheet containing interlaced print images. A pair of registration marks is formed on the interlaced print sheet outside of borders of the interlaced print images to assist in aligning the interlaced print sheet with a lenticular lens sheet. A registration system detects whether the lenticular lens sheet is off-centered and skewed relative to the interlaced print sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventors: Stephen S. Daniell, Steven M. Spiro, David Whelan, James Anderson, Daniel L. Lau
  • Patent number: 8977843
    Abstract: A system and method for verifying and/or geolocating network nodes in attenuated environments for cyber and network security applications are disclosed. The system involves an origination network node, a destination network node, and at least one router network node. The origination network node is configured for transmitting a data packet to the destination network node through at least one router network node. The data packet contains a security signature portion, a routing data portion, and a payload data portion. The security signature portion comprises a listing of at least one network node that the data packet travelled through from the origination network node to the destination network node. In addition, the security signature portion comprises geolocation information, identifier information, and timing information for at least one network node in the listing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Gutt, Arun Ayyagari, David A. Whelan, David G. Lawrence