Patents by Inventor Douglas Patton

Douglas Patton 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: 12372975
    Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium and methods for unlocking an autonomous drone are disclosed. Example methods include receiving an indication of a selection of a fly instruction, capturing an image using an image capturing device of the autonomous drone, processing the image to determine whether a face is present in the image, and if the face is present in the image, taking off. The face has to be within a predetermined distance of the autonomous drone. This ensures that the face is likely from the person that selected the fly instruction and ensures that the autonomous drone is far enough away from the face that the autonomous drone will not crash into the face on take-off. In some examples, the autonomous drone determines whether the autonomous drone is sitting on a hand before taking off. The autonomous drone uses a position of the face to determine an initial flight plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Mathias Andreas Hintermann, Justin Huang, Russell Douglas Patton
  • Patent number: 12360531
    Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium and methods for autonomous drone stabilization and navigation are disclosed. Example methods include capturing an image using an image capturing device of the autonomous drone, processing the image to identify an object, and navigating the autonomous drone relative to the object to one or more waypoints. The autonomous drone navigates initially based on a relative location of the autonomous drone from the object. The autonomous drone determines a distance from the object based on an estimated size of the object and a number of pixels of an image sensor the object occupies. The autonomous drone determines a height above a ground to assist in navigation. Additionally, the autonomous drone hovers to determine a windspeed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Fliszar, Russell Douglas Patton
  • Patent number: 12363420
    Abstract: System, methods, devices, and instructions are described for fast boot of a processor as part of camera operation. In some embodiments, in response to a camera input, a digital signal processor (DSP) of a device is booted using a first set of instructions. Capture of image sensor data is initiated using the first set of instructions at the DSP. The DSP then receives a second set of instructions and the DSP is programmed using the second set of instructions after at least a first frame of the image sensor data is stored in a memory of the device. The first frame of the image sensor data is processed using the DSP as programmed by the second set of instructions. In some embodiments, the first set of instructions includes only instructions for setting camera sensor values, and the second set of instructions includes instructions for processing raw sensor data into formatted image files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Brook, Russell Douglas Patton, Jonathan M Rodriguez, II
  • Publication number: 20250216857
    Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium and methods for autonomous drone navigation based on vision are disclosed. Example methods include capturing an image using an image capturing device of the autonomous drone, processing the image to identify an object, and navigating the autonomous drone relative to the object for a period of time. After the period of time a second type of navigation is used based on determining structure from motion navigation. Images are captured during the period of time to transition to the second type of navigation. The second type of navigation uses a downward pointing navigation camera and other sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2025
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: David G. Fliszar, Russell Douglas Patton
  • Patent number: 12344409
    Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium and methods for fully autonomous drone flight are disclosed. Example methods include taking off, navigating in accordance with a flight plan, and navigating the autonomous drone to land. The autonomous drone performs flight plans with only an initial command for the autonomous drone to fly and, in some examples, an indication of a landing space such as an open hand presented under the autonomous drone. After an initial fly command, the autonomous drone is not controlled by a remote-control device and does not receive any additional commands to complete the flight plan. The autonomous drone enters a lower energy state while flying where the wireless connections are turned off since the autonomous drone does not respond to commands during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Mathias Andreas Hintermann, Justin Huang, Russell Douglas Patton
  • Patent number: 12313231
    Abstract: Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame piece or element that extends upwardly from a body of the device. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame piece such that the flame piece is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame piece with respect to the body or housing. The flame piece can be coupled to a body or housing of the device using various components to suspend at least a portion of the flame piece within the body or housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Patton
  • Publication number: 20250141086
    Abstract: An antenna system includes a loop conductor and non-loop conductor configured to provide respective loop and dipole antenna functionality. A signal feed mechanism connects to both conductors at a signal feed point for simultaneous signal transceiving. The non-loop conductor comprises two elongate arms with an offset feed point creating shorter and longer arms, where the longer arm has increased width via a loop-shaped portion. When incorporated in eyewear devices, the loop-shaped portion extends circumferentially along a lens holder to retain lenses. The conductors may be configured through a diplexer for different frequency domains, with the non-loop conductor serving as a GPS antenna and the loop conductor as a data communication antenna. The radiation patterns of the conductors may be substantially orthogonal when driven by the signal feed mechanism. The system provides integrated antenna and mechanical functionality in wearable devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Mathias Andreas Hintermann, Pat Kusbel, Douglas Wayne Moskowitz, Ugur Olgun, Russell Douglas Patton, Patrick Timothy McSweeney Simons, John Bernard Ardisana, II, Teodor Dabov, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Publication number: 20250141096
    Abstract: An antenna system comprises a driven antenna element connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), and a plurality of PCB extenders provided by electrical conductors connected to a PCB ground plane for cooperation with the driven antenna element in signal communication. In an eyewear device that incorporates the antenna system, the plurality of PCB extenders are provided by conductive structural elements incorporated in an eyewear frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Andrea Ashwood, Patrick Kusbel, Jun Lin, Douglas Wayne Moskowitz, Ugur Olgun, Russell Douglas Patton, Patrick Timothy McSweeney Simons, Stephen Andrew Steger
  • Patent number: 12287647
    Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium and methods for autonomous drone navigation based on vision are disclosed. Example methods include capturing an image using an image capturing device of the autonomous drone, processing the image to identify an object, and navigating the autonomous drone relative to the object for a period of time. After the period of time a second type of navigation is used based on determining structure from motion navigation. Images are captured during the period of time to transition to the second type of navigation. The second type of navigation uses a downward pointing navigation camera and other sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Fliszar, Russell Douglas Patton
  • Publication number: 20250118014
    Abstract: An extended Reality (XR) system provides methodologies for clipping virtual content displayed to a user. The XR system generates an XR user interface with virtual content using an XR user interface model. The XR system generates clipped virtual content from the virtual content by clipping virtual content that is located outside of the user's stereoscopic field of view and provides the XR user interface containing the clipped virtual content to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Russell Douglas Patton, James Powderly
  • Publication number: 20250112477
    Abstract: Methods and devices for wired charging and communication with a wearable device are described. In one embodiment, a symmetrical contact interface comprises a first contact pad and a second contact pad, and particular wired circuitry is coupled to the first and second contact pads to enable charging as well as receive and transmit communications via the contact pads as part of various device states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2024
    Publication date: April 3, 2025
    Inventors: Yu Jiang Tham, Nicholas Larson, Peter Brook, Russell Douglas Patton, Miran Alhaideri, Zhihao Hong
  • Patent number: 12253675
    Abstract: Eyewear with camera-based compensation that improves the user experience of eyewear devices for user's having partial blindness or complete blindness. To compensate for blindness, the camera-based compensation uses eyewear cameras to communicate a video feed, and a microphone to provide an optional audio feed, to a remote operator of a remote device to responsively assist the user to complete a task. For example, the user may want audio advice on how to navigate a crowded scene or unknown obstacle. The camera-based compensation is configured to receive instructions from the remote operator to navigate, such as by receiving audio instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Venu Iyengar, Russell Douglas Patton
  • Patent number: 12255379
    Abstract: An antenna system comprises a combination of a loop antenna and a non-loop antenna. The loop antenna and the non-loop antenna is connected in common to a transceiver mechanism or signal feed mechanism. The non-loop antenna is in some embodiments provided by a dipole conductor. An eyewear device incorporates the antenna system, a loop conductor and a dipole conductor of the antenna system being integrated in a body of the eyewear device. The loop conductor may be provided by a lens ring that extends around a lens held by the body. The lens ring may serve both as loop conductor and as a lens retention mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Mathias Andreas Hintermann, Pat Kusbel, Douglas Wayne Moskowitz, Ugur Olgun, Russell Douglas Patton, Patrick Timothy McSweeney Simons, John Bernard Ardisana, II, Teodor Dabov, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Publication number: 20250088963
    Abstract: Systems and methods for device handshaking are described. Embodiments for client device and associated wearable device initiated handshaking are described. In certain embodiments, a device such as wearable camera eyeglasses having both high-speed wireless circuitry and low-power wireless circuitry communicates with a client device. The low-power wireless circuitry is used for signaling and to manage power on handshaking for the high-speed circuitry in order to reduce power consumption. An analysis of a high-speed connection status may be performed by a client device, and used to conserve power at the glasses with signaling from the client device to indicate when the high-speed circuitry of the glasses should be powered on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Alex Bamberger, Peter Brook, Nicolas Dahlquist, Matthew Hanover, Russell Douglas Patton, Jonathan M Rodriguez, II
  • Publication number: 20250067977
    Abstract: One aspect disclosed is a method including determining a location from a positioning system receiver, determining, using a hardware processor and the location, that the location is approaching a path of direction of visual direction information, displaying the visual direction information on a display of a wearable device in response to the determining, determining, using the positioning system receiver, whether the turn of the visual direction information has been made, determining, by the hardware processor, a first period of time for display of the content data based on whether the turn of the visual direction information has been made, powering on the display and displaying, using the display, content data for the first period of time, turning off the display and the hardware processor following display of the content data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Alex Bamberger, Peter Brook, Nicolas Dahlquist, Matthew Hanover, Russell Douglas Patton, Jonathan M. Rodriguez, II
  • Publication number: 20250049529
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a combined Femto and Phaco surgical system built into a single housing. The system advantageously permits each of the Femto device and Phaco surgical tray to be rotated out of the way or into the position without requiring movement of a patient. Thus, a user can switch between Femto and Phaco surgical procedures without movement of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Applicant: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Patton
  • Patent number: 12212046
    Abstract: An antenna system comprises a driven antenna element connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), and a plurality of PCB extenders provided by electrical conductors connected to a PCB ground plane for cooperation with the driven antenna element in signal communication. In an eyewear device that incorporates the antenna system, the plurality of PCB extenders are provided by conductive structural elements incorporated in an eyewear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Ashwood, Patrick Kusbel, Jun Lin, Douglas Wayne Moskowitz, Ugur Olgun, Russell Douglas Patton, Patrick Timothy McSweeney Simons, Stephen Andrew Steger
  • Patent number: 12208243
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for presenting information for managing a vital sign of a patient. A graphical user interface (GUI) can be presented that displays information concerning a vital sign of a patient, including the most current value of the vital sign received and past values of the vital sign over an elapsed time period. Preferably, the systems and methods are used with a closed-loop system that may automatically adjust a dosage rate of a medication, although manual control is also contemplated. The GUI may comprise one or more visual indicators presented on the historical data that, when selected, present additional information that may be useful to managing the care of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Perceptive Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Rinehart, Douglas Patton, Morgan McKeown
  • Patent number: 12212168
    Abstract: Methods and devices for wired charging and communication with a wearable device are described. In one embodiment, a symmetrical contact interface comprises a first contact pad and a second contact pad, and particular wired circuitry is coupled to the first and second contact pads to enable charging as well as receive and transmit communications via the contact pads as part of various device states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: SNAP INC.
    Inventors: Yu Jiang Tham, Nicholas Larson, Peter Brook, Russell Douglas Patton, Miran Alhaideri, Zhihao Hong
  • Patent number: 12190739
    Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium and methods for navigation correction for excessive wind in an autonomous drone are disclosed. Excessive winds can be a particular problem for small autonomous drones as safety and retrieval of the autonomous drones is important and the autonomous drones often have limited thrust and batteries. Autonomous drones are disclosed that detect and correct flight plans when excessive winds are detected. The autonomous drone determines based on the severity of the excessive winds whether to return to a home position which is typically a position of a user of the autonomous drone or to land in place. If the excessive winds subside, then the autonomous drone returns to its original flight plan at the point where the autonomous drone was blown off course by the excessive winds. The autonomous drone detects excessive winds either directly by sensor data or inferentially by unanticipated movement of the autonomous drone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Fliszar, Russell Douglas Patton