Patents by Inventor Dean F. Herring

Dean F. Herring 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: 10940567
    Abstract: Threads are formed in situ throughout a bore of a sleeve inserted into a corresponding hole in a substrate. A sleeve having a bore is inserted into a corresponding hole of a substrate. A mandrel is rotated through the sleeve. The mandrel has a threaded ended; the threaded end rotating throughout the bore of the sleeve forms threads throughout the bore. Prior to inserting the sleeve into the corresponding hole of the substrate, the sleeve can be placed onto the mandrel. In this case, the mandrel has an increasing diameter at the threaded end thereof, such that the sleeve rests on the mandrel towards the threaded end thereof where the bore has a smaller diameter than the mandrel. The mandrel is then rotated out of the sleeve in a direction opposite the direction in which the sleeve has been inserted into the corresponding hole of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Brower, Dean F. Herring
  • Patent number: 10339511
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a security level of a transaction system based on biometric characteristics of a customer are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes interacting with a customer at a transaction terminal. The method also includes determining a biometric characteristic of the customer based on the interaction with the customer. Further, the method may include adjusting a security level of a transaction system based on the biometric characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Bilal Aziz, Dean F. Herring, Brad M. Johnson, Jeffrey J. Smith
  • Patent number: 10216284
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing retail processes based on machine-readable images and user gestures are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes capturing one or more images including a machine-readable image and a user gesture. The method also includes identifying the machine-readable image as being associated with a product. Further, the method includes determining whether the user gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with a predetermined gesture. The method also includes implementing a predetermined retail process in association with the product in response to determining that the user gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with the predetermined gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Chirakan, Douglas Hanthorn, Dean F. Herring
  • Patent number: 10019149
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing retail processes based on machine-readable images and user gestures are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes capturing one or more images including a machine-readable image and a user hand gesture. The method also includes identifying the machine-readable image as being associated with a product. Further, the method includes determining whether the user hand gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with a predetermined gesture. The method also includes implementing a predetermined retail process in association with the product in response to determining that the user hand gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with the predetermined gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason Chirakan, Douglas Hanthorn, Dean F. Herring, Ankit Singh
  • Patent number: 9910501
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing retail processes based on machine-readable images and user gestures are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes capturing one or more images including a machine-readable image and a user gesture. The method also includes identifying the machine-readable image as being associated with a product. Further, the method includes determining whether the user gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with a predetermined gesture. The method also includes implementing a predetermined retail process in association with the product in response to determining that the user gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with the predetermined gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason Chirakan, Douglas Hanthorn, Dean F. Herring
  • Publication number: 20170169503
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing retail processes based on machine-readable images and user gestures are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes capturing one or more images including a machine-readable image and a user gesture. The method also includes identifying the machine-readable image as being associated with a product. Further, the method includes determining whether the user gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with a predetermined gesture. The method also includes implementing a predetermined retail process in association with the product in response to determining that the user gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with the predetermined gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Chirakan, Douglas Hanthorn, Dean F. Herring
  • Patent number: 9524097
    Abstract: A two-finger selection method is implemented on a touchscreen of an electronic device. One embodiment involves sensing the touch positions of two fingers on the touchscreen. In response to sensing the two simultaneous touch positions, a selection graphic is displayed and dynamically positioned on the touchscreen as a function of the two touch positions. A specific graphical object, such as a command button having an associated function, is selected in response to a separate selection input received while the selection graphic is positioned on the specific graphical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dean F. Herring, Brad M. Johnson, Adrian X. Rodriguez, Jeffrey J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9429993
    Abstract: Computing device docking systems are disclosed. According to an aspect, a computing device docking system includes a docking station component having an opening defined within a surface. The system includes a pin including a body and an end having a member extending laterally from the body. The end of the pin is receivable within an opening of a computing device component for attaching the computing device component to the docking station. The pin is moveable within the opening between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at least a portion of the body and at least a portion of the member is positioned within the opening of the docking station component. In the second position, at least a portion of the body is within the opening and the member is outside of the opening of the docking station component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff D. Thomas, Dean F. Herring, Brad M. Johnson, Robert A. Myers, Danny Addison, Phillip McLamb
  • Publication number: 20160117664
    Abstract: Systems and methods for associating object movement with a predetermined command for application in a transaction are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes associating an object with a transaction. The method also includes determining whether the object moves in accordance with a predetermined movement. Further, the method includes applying a predetermined command in the transaction in association with the object in response to determining that the object moves in accordance with the predetermined movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Dean F. Herring, Adrian X. Rodriguez, Brad M. Johnson, Jeffrey J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9164537
    Abstract: A display screen assembly is provided. The display screen defines a channel for allowing selective engagement of the display screen. A mount assembly is provided and includes a base for supporting the display screen assembly about a support surface, and a locking assembly that selectively engages the channel to thereby lock the mount assembly to the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Chiu-Jung Tsen, Zong-Han You, Cheng-Hong Chen, Wen-Yao Nien, Dean F. Herring, Jeff D. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20150279535
    Abstract: Magnetic locking mechanisms, linear movement generators, and holders are disclosed. According to an aspect, a magnetic locking mechanism includes a first component defining a first recess. The magnetic locking mechanism also includes a second component defining a second recess. Further, the magnetic locking mechanism includes a third component being attached to a first magnet and capable of being positioned in a first position such that the third component is partially within the first and second recesses for holding the first and second components together in at least one direction. Further, the third component is capable of being positioned in a second position such that the third component is outside of the first recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Stacy Arrington, Dean F. Herring, Jeff D. Thomas, David Brower, Robert A. Myers, Seth T. Teeples, Brad M. Johnson, Phillip McLamb
  • Patent number: 9082413
    Abstract: A computer program product comprises computer usable program code for receiving data describing a proposed electronic transaction between first and second communications devices. Additional computer usable program code is provided for generating a first audio signal by sound detected by a first microphone of the first communications device, and for generating a second audio signal by sound detected by a second microphone that is part of the second communications device. Still further computer usable program code provides for authenticating that the first communications device and the second communications device are in the same proximity in response to determining that the first and second audio signals were produced by the same sound event, and for completing the proposed electronic transaction between the first and second communications device in response to authenticating that the first and second communications devices are in close proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dean F. Herring, Ethan G. Holder, Brad M. Johnson, III, Adrian X. Rodriguez, Jeffrey J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150193115
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing retail processes based on machine-readable images and user gestures are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes capturing one or more images including a machine-readable image and a user hand gesture. The method also includes identifying the machine-readable image as being associated with a product. Further, the method includes determining whether the user hand gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with a predetermined gesture. The method also includes implementing a predetermined retail process in association with the product in response to determining that the user hand gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with the predetermined gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Jason Chirakan, Douglas Hanthorn, Dean F. Herring, Ankit Singh
  • Publication number: 20150192999
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing retail processes based on machine-readable images and user gestures are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes capturing one or more images including a machine-readable image and a user gesture. The method also includes identifying the machine-readable image as being associated with a product. Further, the method includes determining whether the user gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with a predetermined gesture. The method also includes implementing a predetermined retail process in association with the product in response to determining that the user gesture interacts with the machine-readable image in accordance with the predetermined gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Chirakan, Douglas Hanthorn, Dean F. Herring
  • Publication number: 20150186665
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the generation, display and capture of a data set with a broadcast signature are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method may include receiving a first data set and at least one second data set. The method may also include generating an encoded first data set for display and generating at least one encoded second data set for display, wherein the at least one encoded second data set is mathematically encrypted. Further, the method may include displaying the encoded first data set and displaying the at least one encoded second data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Dean F. Herring, Brad M. Johnson, D. Scott Miller, Jeffrey J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150138720
    Abstract: Computing device docking systems are disclosed. According to an aspect, a computing device docking system includes a docking station component having an opening defined within a surface. The system includes a pin including a body and an end having a member extending laterally from the body. The end of the pin is receivable within an opening of a computing device component for attaching the computing device component to the docking station. The pin is moveable within the opening between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at least a portion of the body and at least a portion of the member is positioned within the opening of the docking station component. In the second position, at least a portion of the body is within the opening and the member is outside of the opening of the docking station component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Jeff D. Thomas, Dean F. Herring, Brad M. Johnson, Robert A. Myers, Danny Addison, Phillip McLamb
  • Publication number: 20150100445
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interaction with objects to implement a retail function are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system may be implemented by a computing device and a wearable detection device. The detection device may obtain data associated with a user part and an object. For example, the detection device may be an image capture device, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of a retail item and interaction of a user's finger with the item. The computing device may implement a retail function manager operable to receive data associated with a user part and an object. For example, the detection device may communicate to the computing device image data representative of the interaction of the user's hand or finger with the retail item. Further, the retail function manager may implement a retail function based on the interaction of the user part and the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Brad M. Johnson, Dean F. Herring, Jeffrey J. Smith, Seth T. Teeples
  • Publication number: 20150071705
    Abstract: Threads are formed in situ throughout a bore of a sleeve inserted into a corresponding hole a substrate. A sleeve having a bore is inserted into a corresponding hole of a substrate. A mandrel is rotated through the sleeve. The mandrel has a threaded ended; the threaded end rotating throughout the bore of the sleeve forms threads throughout the bore. Prior to inserting the sleeve into the corresponding hole of the substrate, the sleeve can be placed onto the mandrel. In this case, the mandrel has an increasing diameter at the threaded end thereof, such that the sleeve rests on the mandrel towards the threaded end thereof where the bore has a smaller diameter than the mandrel. The mandrel is then rotated out of the sleeve in a direction opposite the direction in which the sleeve has been inserted into the corresponding hole of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: David M. Brower, Dean F. Herring
  • Publication number: 20150032265
    Abstract: Environmental condition control and monitoring systems and methods are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method includes determining a condition profile of an object. Further, the method includes identifying the object within an environment. The method also includes determining whether the environment meets a requirement defined by the condition profile of the object. The method also includes controlling environment conditioning equipment based on whether the environment meets the requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Dean F. Herring, Brad M. Johnson, Jeffrey J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150016051
    Abstract: A display assembly is provided. The display may include a holder defining a first portion and an electronic device defining a corresponding second portion that is in magnetic attraction to the first portion when the electronic device is positioned about the holder. At least one of the first portion and the second portion defines a magnet having an exposed magnetic surface area that increases along a length of the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Dean F. Herring, Brad M. Johnson, Jeffrey J. Smith, Robert A. Myers