Patents by Inventor Edward Allen Keyes
Edward Allen Keyes 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).
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Patent number: 11146331Abstract: The disclosure provides for a system that includes a plurality of stations equipped for free-space optical communications (FSOC) in a network and a central control system. At least one station in the plurality of stations includes a wavelength selectable switch, an OEO module, and one or more first processors. The one or more first processors are configured to control the wavelength selectable switch, process an electrical signal that is extracted using the OEO module, and communicate with the central control system. The central control system includes one or more second processors that are configured to receive data regarding FSOC communication conditions at the plurality of stations, determine a path between stations through the network based on the received data, and transmit instructions to the plurality of stations.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Martin Schubert, Sylvia Smullin, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 10868615Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method of forming a communication link between two communication devices using a primary search pattern and a secondary search pattern. A misalignment between a first optical system of a first communication device and a second optical system of a second communication device is detected. The first optical system is rotated according to the primary search pattern, and the second optical system according to the secondary search pattern. At the second communication device, a set of frames is captured. Then, it is determined whether a beacon beam transmitted from the first communication device is detected in the one or more of the captured frames. When it is determined that the beacon beam is detected, the communication link is formed between the first communication device and the second communication device.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Paul Csonka, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 10763960Abstract: The disclosure provides for a system that includes a plurality of stations equipped for free-space optical communications (FSOC) in a network and a central control system. At least one station in the plurality of stations includes a wavelength selectable switch, an OEO module, and one or more first processors. The one or more first processors are configured to control the wavelength selectable switch, process an electrical signal that is extracted using the OEO module, and communicate with the central control system. The central control system includes one or more second processors that are configured to receive data regarding FSOC communication conditions at the plurality of stations, determine a path between stations through the network based on the received data, and transmit instructions to the plurality of stations.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Martin Schubert, Sylvia Smullin, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 10686522Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method of forming a communication link between two communication devices using a primary search pattern and a secondary search pattern. A misalignment between a first optical system of a first communication device and a second optical system of a second communication device is detected. The first optical system is rotated according to the primary search pattern, and the second optical system according to the secondary search pattern. At the second communication device, a set of frames is captured. Then, it is determined whether a beacon beam transmitted from the first communication device is detected in the one or more of the captured frames. When it is determined that the beacon beam is detected, the communication link is formed between the first communication device and the second communication device.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Paul Csonka, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 10627576Abstract: An optical communication terminal is configured to operate in two different complementary modes of full duplex communication. In one mode, the terminal transmits light having a first wavelength and receives light having a second wavelength along a common free space optical path. In the other mode, the terminal transmits light having the second wavelength and receives light having the first wavelength. The terminal includes a steering mirror that directs light to and from a dichroic element that creates different optical paths depending on wavelength, and also includes spatially separated emitters and detectors for the two wavelengths. A first complementary emitter/detector pair is used in one mode, and a second pair is used for the other mode. The system also includes at least two ferrules. Each ferrule operates with a single emitter/detector pair. The ferrules are designed to operate interchangeably with either emitter/detector pair.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Nam-hyong Kim, Robert Todd Belt, Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 10461855Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method of forming a communication link between two communication devices using a primary search pattern and a secondary search pattern. A misalignment between a first optical system of a first communication device and a second optical system of a second communication device is detected. The first optical system is rotated according to the primary search pattern, and the second optical system according to the secondary search pattern. At the second communication device, a set of frames is captured. Then, it is determined whether a beacon beam transmitted from the first communication device is detected in the one or more of the captured frames. When it is determined that the beacon beam is detected, the communication link is formed between the first communication device and the second communication device.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Paul Csonka, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 10162044Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon-based positioning system and method. In one example embodiment, a system includes at least three balloons, with each balloon including a position-determining module (PDM) and a position-broadcasting module (PBM). Each PDM is configured for determining a position of the respective balloon and each PBM is configured for broadcasting a balloon signal containing balloon-positioning data of the respective balloon. The balloon-positioning data includes the determined position of the respective balloon and a corresponding time of broadcast.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Richard Wayne DeVaul, Waleed Kadous, Eric Teller, Cliff Biffle, Edward Allen Keyes
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Publication number: 20180172915Abstract: An optical communication terminal is configured to operate in two different complementary modes of full duplex communication. In one mode, the terminal transmits light having a first wavelength and receives light having a second wavelength along a common free space optical path. In the other mode, the terminal transmits light having the second wavelength and receives light having the first wavelength. The terminal includes a steering mirror that directs light to and from a dichroic element that creates different optical paths depending on wavelength, and also includes spatially separated emitters and detectors for the two wavelengths. A first complementary emitter/detector pair is used in one mode, and a second pair is used for the other mode. The system also includes at least two ferrules. Each ferrule operates with a single emitter/detector pair. The ferrules are designed to operate interchangeably with either emitter/detector pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2018Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Nam-hyong Kim, Robert Todd Belt, Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 9971095Abstract: An optical communication terminal is configured to operate in two different complementary modes of full duplex communication. In one mode, the terminal transmits light having a first wavelength and receives light having a second wavelength along a common free space optical path. In the other mode, the terminal transmits light having the second wavelength and receives light having the first wavelength. The terminal includes a steering mirror that directs light to and from a dichroic element that creates different optical paths depending on wavelength, and also includes spatially separated emitters and detectors for the two wavelengths. A first complementary emitter/detector pair is used in one mode, and a second pair is used for the other mode. The system also includes at least two ferrules. Each ferrule operates with a single emitter/detector pair. The ferrules are designed to operate interchangeably with either emitter/detector pair.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Nam-Hyong Kim, Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Edward Allen Keyes, Robert Todd Belt
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Patent number: 9939651Abstract: An example beam splitting apparatus is assembled from multiple prisms that are assembled together along respective mating surfaces to form a single monolithic optical device. The beam splitting apparatus includes optical features, such as dichroic and reflective surfaces, that define optical paths for light that enters the beam splitting apparatus. The optical features allow photons in the light to be directed along different optical paths based on their wavelengths. The optical features in the beam splitting apparatus are provided by coatings, films, and/or surface treatments applied to any of the faces of the prisms. In particular, coatings, films, and/or surface treatments are applied to the mating surfaces of the prisms so that the optical features are internal to the assembled monolithic optical device. The beam splitting apparatus may be implemented in a communication terminal that exchanges data modulated light according to frequency-division duplex communications.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Robert Todd Belt, Nam-hyong Kim, Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Edward Allen Keyes
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Publication number: 20180088280Abstract: An optical communication terminal is configured to operate in two different complementary modes of full duplex communication. In one mode, the terminal transmits light having a first wavelength and receives light having a second wavelength along a common free space optical path. In the other mode, the terminal transmits light having the second wavelength and receives light having the first wavelength. The terminal includes a steering mirror that directs light to and from a dichroic element that creates different optical paths depending on wavelength, and also includes spatially separated emitters and detectors for the two wavelengths. A first complementary emitter/detector pair is used in one mode, and a second pair is used for the other mode. The system also includes at least two ferrules. Each ferrule operates with a single emitter/detector pair. The ferrules are designed to operate interchangeably with either emitter/detector pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2015Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Nam-Hyong Kim, Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Edward Allen Keyes, Robert Todd Belt
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Patent number: 9720243Abstract: An example beam splitting apparatus is assembled from multiple prisms that are assembled together along respective mating surfaces to form a single monolithic optical device. The beam splitting apparatus includes optical features, such as dichroic and reflective surfaces, that define optical paths for light that enters the beam splitting apparatus. The optical features allow photons in the light to be directed along different optical paths based on their wavelengths. The optical features in the beam splitting apparatus are provided by coatings, films, and/or surface treatments applied to any of the faces of the prisms. In particular, coatings, films, and/or surface treatments are applied to the mating surfaces of the prisms so that the optical features are internal to the assembled monolithic optical device. The beam splitting apparatus may be implemented in a communication terminal that exchanges data modulated light according to frequency-division duplex communications.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Robert Todd Belt, Nam-hyong Kim, Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Edward Allen Keyes
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Publication number: 20160154085Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon-based positioning system and method. In one example embodiment, a system includes at least three balloons, with each balloon including a position-determining module (PDM) and a position-broadcasting module (PBM). Each PDM is configured for determining a position of the respective balloon and each PBM is configured for broadcasting a balloon signal containing balloon-positioning data of the respective balloon. The balloon-positioning data includes the determined position of the respective balloon and a corresponding time of broadcast.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Richard Wayne DeVaul, Waleed KADOUS, Eric Teller, Cliff Biffle, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 9354445Abstract: Example methods and systems determine a position of a portion of a human eye based on electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the human eye. A sensor associated with a computing device can be calibrated in response to an event. The computing device can receive data indicative of electromagnetic radiation reflected from a human eye. The computing device can determine a position of a portion of the human eye based on the received data indicative of electromagnetic radiation. The computing device can generate an indication including the position of the portion of the human eye. The computing device can transmit the indication from the computing device. In some embodiments, the data indicative of electromagnetic information can be provided by electromagnetic emitter/sensors mounted on a wearable computing device directed toward a human eye of a wearer of the wearable computing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Joshua Weaver, Thad Eugene Starner, Cliff L. Biffle, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 9285450Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon-based positioning system and method. In one example embodiment, a system includes at least three balloons, with each balloon including a position-determining module (PDM) and a position-broadcasting module (PBM). Each PDM is configured for determining a position of the respective balloon and each PBM is configured for broadcasting a balloon signal containing balloon-positioning data of the respective balloon. The balloon-positioning data includes the determined position of the respective balloon and a corresponding time of broadcast.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Richard Wayne DeVaul, Waleed Kadous, Eric Teller, Cliff Biffle, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 9231698Abstract: An optical communication terminal is configured to operate in two different complementary modes of full duplex communication. In one mode, the terminal transmits light having a first wavelength and receives light having a second wavelength along a common free space optical path. In the other mode, the terminal transmits light having the second wavelength and receives light having the first wavelength. The terminal includes a steering mirror that directs light to and from a dichroic element that creates different optical paths depending on wavelength, and also includes spatially separated emitters and detectors for the two wavelengths. A first complementary emitter/detector pair is used in one mode, and a second pair is used for the other mode. The optical components are arranged such that adjusting an orientation of the steering mirror aligns the terminal to communication over a given free space optical link using either the first or second complementary pair.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Nam-hyong Kim, Edward Allen Keyes, Kyle Brookes
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Patent number: 9202280Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining eye position and/or for determining eye movement based on glints. An exemplary computer-implemented method involves: (a) causing a camera that is attached to a head-mounted display (HMD) to record a video of the eye; (b) while the video of the eye is being recorded, causing a plurality of light sources that are attached to the HMD and generally directed towards the eye to switch on and off according to a predetermined pattern, wherein the predetermined pattern is such that at least two of the light sources are switched on at any given time while the video of the eye is being recorded; (c) analyzing the video of the eye to detect controlled glints that correspond to the plurality of light sources; and (d) determining a measure of eye position based on the controlled glints.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Bo Wu, Thad Eugene Starner, Hayes Solos Raffle, Yong Zhao, Edward Allen Keyes
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Publication number: 20150244458Abstract: An optical communication terminal is configured to operate in two different complementary modes of full duplex communication. In one mode, the terminal transmits light having a first wavelength and receives light having a second wavelength along a common free space optical path. In the other mode, the terminal transmits light having the second wavelength and receives light having the first wavelength. The terminal includes a steering mirror that directs light to and from a dichroic element that creates different optical paths depending on wavelength, and also includes spatially separated emitters and detectors for the two wavelengths. A first complementary emitter/detector pair is used in one mode, and a second pair is used for the other mode. The optical components are arranged such that adjusting an orientation of the steering mirror aligns the terminal to communication over a given free space optical link using either the first or second complementary pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: Google Inc.Inventors: Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Nam-hyong Kim, Edward Allen Keyes, Kyle Brookes
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Publication number: 20150098620Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining eye position and/or for determining eye movement based on glints. An exemplary computer-implemented method involves: (a) causing a camera that is attached to a head-mounted display (HMD) to record a video of the eye; (b) while the video of the eye is being recorded, causing a plurality of light sources that are attached to the HMD and generally directed towards the eye to switch on and off according to a predetermined pattern, wherein the predetermined pattern is such that at least two of the light sources are switched on at any given time while the video of the eye is being recorded; (c) analyzing the video of the eye to detect controlled glints that correspond to the plurality of light sources; and (d) determining a measure of eye position based on the controlled glints.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: GOOGLE INC.Inventors: Bo Wu, Thad Eugene Starner, Hayes Solos Raffle, Yong Zhao, Edward Allen Keyes
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Patent number: 8955973Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems help provide for tracking an eye. An exemplary method may involve: causing the projection of a pattern onto an eye, wherein the pattern comprises at least one line, and receiving data regarding deformation of the at least one line of the pattern. The method further includes correlating the data to iris, sclera, and pupil orientation to determine a position of the eye, and causing an item on a display to move in correlation with the eye position.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Hayes Solos Raffle, Thad Eugene Starner, Josh Weaver, Edward Allen Keyes