Patents by Inventor Eric Thelen

Eric Thelen 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: 11865465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel puzzle system that includes an interactive cube puzzle game and methods of use. It provides a puzzle game concept that is implemented as a three-dimensional game or a two-dimensional game, in which a user achieves success by matching a target pattern based on manipulation of identifiable elements. It comprises a plurality of connected elements, a plurality of identifiable elements, a plurality of user interface elements and is configured to operate based on the transition of the plurality of the identifiable elements from a first position to a second position to obtain a target pattern. The transition from the first position to the second position includes variation in the plurality of the identifiable elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Eric Thelen
  • Publication number: 20220266126
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel puzzle system that includes an interactive cube puzzle game and methods of use. It provides a puzzle game concept that is implemented as a three-dimensional game or a two-dimensional game, in which a user achieves success by matching a target pattern based on manipulation of identifiable elements. It comprises a plurality of connected elements, a plurality of identifiable elements, a plurality of user interface elements and is configured to operate based on the transition of the plurality of the identifiable elements from a first position to a second position to obtain a target pattern. The transition from the first position to the second position includes variation in the plurality of the identifiable elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventor: Eric Thelen
  • Patent number: 9268411
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for controlling a display, which method comprises the steps of displaying a portion of a visual presentation (VP) on the display (4) and aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) at a target area (A) to indicate a target (PT) in the visual presentation (VP), whereby the target (PT) may be inside or outside of a portion (14) of the visual presentation (VP) currently visible on the display (4). An image (3) of the target area (A) aimed at by the pointing device (1) is generated and interpreted to determine the location of the target (PT) within the visual presentation (VP). The visual presentation (VP) is adjusted as necessary to display that portion of the visual presentation (VP) which encompasses the target (PT). The invention also describes a pointing device (1), a display control interface (8, 8?, 8?) and a system comprising such a pointing device (1) and display control interface (8, 8?, 8?) suitable for applying this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V
    Inventors: Eric Thelen, Holger R. Scholl
  • Patent number: 8994656
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of controlling a position (x?, y?) of a control point (c) on a command area (ACM). This method comprises the steps of: aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) in the direction of the command area (ACM); generating an image (I) of a target area (AI) aimed at by the pointing device; processing the target area image (I) to determine a target point (T) at which the pointing device (1) is aimed; determining position (x?, y?) of the control point (C) according to the position (x, y) of the target point (T) within a currently defined control area (ACT), which control area (Acr) includes at least partially the command area (ACM). Moreover the invention describes an adequate system and a pointing device (1) for controlling a control point position (P) on a command area (ACM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Kneissler, Eric Thelen
  • Publication number: 20150088536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a healthcare system (10, 20) comprising a care plan unit (2) for obtaining a personalized care plan (13) for a user, said care plan defining a plurality of prescribed care plan elements to be adhered to by the user, a compliance score calculation unit (3) for calculating the user's compliance score indicating the user's compliance to his care plan based on measurements (14) of the user's adherence to prescribed care plan elements, and a care plan adjustment unit (4) for dynamically adjusting the user's care plan based on the user's calculated compliance score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Eric Thelen, Frank Wartena
  • Publication number: 20140071051
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of controlling a position (x?, y?) of a control point (c) on a command area (ACM). This method comprises the steps of: aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) in the direction of the command area (ACM); generating an image (I) of a target area (AI) aimed at by the pointing device; processing the target area image (I) to determine a target point (T) at which the pointing device (1) is aimed; determining position (x?, y?) of the control point (C) according to the position (x, y) of the target point (T) within a currently defined control area (ACT), which control area (Acr) includes at least partially the command area (ACM). Moreover the invention describes an adequate system and a pointing device (1) for controlling a control point position (P) on a command area (ACM).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Kneissler, Eric Thelen
  • Patent number: 8610664
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of controlling a position (x?, y?) of a control point (c) on a command area (ACM). This method comprises the steps of: —aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) in the direction of the command area (ACM); —generating an image (I) of a target area (AI) aimed at by the pointing device; —processing the target area image (I) to determine a target point (T) at which the pointing device (1) is aimed; —determining position (x?, y?) of the control point (C) according to the position (x, y) of the target point (T) within a currently defined control area (ACT), which control area (Acr) includes at least partially the command area (ACM). Moreover the invention describes an adequate system and a pointing device (1) for controlling a control point position (P) on a command area (ACM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Kneissler, Eric Thelen
  • Patent number: 7889900
    Abstract: A method, computer program and device for creating a viewing protocol for medical images is described. At least a first site of interest is identified in a medical imaging data set captured from the patient. Patient record data or computer assisted detection information can be used to identify the site of interest, which may be a potential lesion. A viewing protocol for displaying medical images to a user is planned. The viewing protocol includes a viewing path along which an image of the site of interest will be displayed. The viewing protocol also includes a trigger associated with the site of interest. When the trigger event is encountered the dynamic mode of image display is reconfigured to dynamically highlight the site of interest. The viewing protocol can then be used to control the display of images so as to provide, for example, a virtual endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Juergen Weese, Eric Thelen, Gundolf Kiefer, Helko Lehmann, Ali Majidi, Jochen Peters
  • Patent number: 7869618
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for control of a device (1a, 1b, 1c). The method comprises visually presenting a number of user options for the device to be controlled (1a, 1b, 1c), aiming a pointing device (2) comprising a camera (3) at the visual presentation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) of the user options to choose a desired option, generating an image (5) of a target area (6) aimed at by the pointing device (2) and comparing the target area image (5) with a pre-defined template of the visual presentation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) to determine the chosen option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Eric Thelen
  • Publication number: 20100135543
    Abstract: A method, computer program and device for creating a viewing protocol for medical images is described. At least a first site of interest is identified in a medical imaging data set captured from the patient. Patient record data or computer assisted detection information can be used to identify the site of interest, which may be a potential lesion. A viewing protocol for displaying medical images to a user is planned. The viewing protocol includes a viewing path along which an image of the site of interest will be displayed. The viewing protocol also includes a trigger associated with the site of interest. When the trigger event is encountered the dynamic mode of image display is reconfigured to dynamically highlight the site of interest. The viewing protocol can then be used to control the display of images so as to provide, for example, a virtual endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Juergen Weese, Eric Thelen, Gundolf Kiefer, Helko Lehmann, Ali Majidi, Jochen Peters
  • Publication number: 20090295595
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for control of a device (D1, D2, D3), which method comprises the process steps of aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) at an object associated with the device (D1, D2, D3) to be controlled to choose an option and generating an image (3) of a target area (A) aimed at by the pointing device (1). The target area image (3) is interpreted to determine the chosen option, and a corresponding control signal (17) is generated for controlling the device (D1, D2, D3) to be controlled. Device descriptive information (ID1, ID2, ID3) associated with the device (D1, D2, D3) to be controlled is thereby detected before or during this process, and the process steps are carried out according to the device descriptive information (ID1, ID2, ID3). The invention also describes a system (15) suitable for applying this method as well as a pointing device (1) and a device control interface (8, 8?) for such a system (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Thelen, Jan Baptist Adrianus Maria Horsten
  • Publication number: 20090245568
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for control of a device (1a, 1b, 1c). The method comprises visually presenting a number of user options for the device to be controlled (1a, 1b, 1c), aiming a pointing device (2) comprising a camera (3) at the visual presentation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) of the user options to choose a desired option, generating an image (5) of a target area (6) aimed at by the pointing device (2) and comparing the target area image (5) with a pre-defined template of the visual presentation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) to determine the chosen option.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONIC, N.V.
    Inventor: Eric Thelen
  • Patent number: 7594244
    Abstract: A system and a method for program recommendation are described. In order to present a user a recommendation for a choice of audio or video content pieces broadcast consecutively at a plurality of different channels, (a) piece scores of content pieces are calculated, indicating a match of a corresponding content description with a profile, (b) and sequence scores are calculated for a plurality of sequences of content pieces, said sequence scores being based at least on said piece scores and on a correlation of content descriptions of at least two pieces contained in the sequence. A recommended sequence is chosen according to the sequence score. Preferably, one or, more preferred sequences are shown to the user in a lattice representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Holger R. Scholl, Eric Thelen, Jan Kneissler, Andreas Kellner
  • Publication number: 20090219303
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for controlling a display, which method comprises the steps of displaying a portion of a visual presentation (VP) on the display (4) and aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) at a target area (A) to indicate a target (PT) in the visual presentation (VP), whereby the target (PT) may be inside or outside of a portion (14) of the visual presentation (VP) currently visible on the display (4). An image (3) of the target area (A) aimed at by the pointing device (1) is generated and interpreted to determine the location of the target (PT) within the visual presentation (VP). The visual presentation (VP) is adjusted as necessary to display that portion of the visual presentation (VP) which encompasses the target (PT). The invention also describes a pointing device (1), a display control interface (8, 8?, 8?) and a system comprising such a pointing device (1) and display control interface (8, 8?, 8?) suitable for applying this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Thelen, Holger R. Scholl
  • Publication number: 20090033630
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hand-held device (100,200) and a method for content navigation by a user (102). A ball shaped housing (101) having a display area (103) enables a display of information (105) on the surface of the device. To determine the absolute or relative position and/or an absolute or relative orientation of said device (100,200) one or more sensors (402) are used. Based on the sensor data, the change in the absolute or relative position and/or an absolute or relative orientation of said device (100,200) is determined and correlated to the display of information on said at least one display area (103).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Eric Thelen
  • Publication number: 20080288994
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for storing broadcast contents and a broadcast content storage system. A plurality of content categories (KAT1, KAT2) is pre-defined, each of which is defined or described by at least one content descriptor (OB 1, OB2). Broadcast contents transmitted over at least one broadcast transmission channel are received, preferably continually, or over pre-defined lengths of time. Received broadcast contents, which are described by a content descriptor (OB1, OB2), are automatically assigned to the content category (KAT1, KAT2) defined or described by the corresponding content descriptor (OB1, OB2). The broadcast contents assigned to a content category (KAT1, KAT2) and the assignments of the broadcast contents to the corresponding content categories (KAT1, KAT2) are automatically stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONIC, N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Thelen, Dietrich Klakow
  • Publication number: 20080249777
    Abstract: The invention describes a dialog management system and method for control of an application (A1, A2, . . . , An). The dialog management system (1) for controlling an application (A1, A2 . . . , An) comprises a mobile pointing device comprising a camera for generating an image (22, 23, 31) of a target area in the direction (D) in which the mobile pointing device (2) is aimed and a transmission interface (4a, 4b) for transmitting the target area image (22, 23, 31) to a local interaction device (7). The local interaction device (7) comprises an audio interface arrangement (5) for detecting and processing speech input and generating and outputting audible prompts, a core dialog engine (11) for coordinating a dialog flow by interpreting user input and generating output prompts, an application interface (12) for communication between the dialog management system (1) and the application (A1, A2, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Thelen, Holger R. Scholl
  • Publication number: 20080204404
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of controlling a position (x?, y?) of a control point (c) on a command area (ACM). This method comprises the steps of: —aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) in the direction of the command area (ACM); —generating an image (I) of a target area (AI) aimed at by the pointing device; —processing the target area image (I) to determine a target point (T) at which the pointing device (1) is aimed; —determining position (x?, y?) of the control point (C) according to the position (x, y) of the target point (T) within a currently defined control area (ACT), which control area (Acr) includes at least partially the command area (ACM). Moreover the invention describes an adequate system and a pointing device (1) for controlling a control point position (P) on a command area (ACM).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Kneissler, Eric Thelen
  • Publication number: 20080126483
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for contesting at least two interactive systems (2A, 2B) against each other where a message (M) of a first of the interactive systems (2A) is output by the first interactive system in form of an audio-visual and/or tactile expression (AE, VE, TE) and where the audio-visual and/or tactile expression (AE, VE, TE) is detected by a second of the interactive systems (2B) as an input signal (ISA, ISV). The input signal (ISA, ISV) is analyzed by the second interactive system to derive a content of the message (M) and, depending on the content of the message (M) and on given competition rules, a reaction of the second system is triggered. Moreover, the invention describes an interactive system (2A, 2B) usable for taking part in a competition according to this method and an interactive system competition arrangement (1) with at least two of such interactive systems (2A, 2B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Eric Thelen
  • Publication number: 20080094354
    Abstract: The invention describes a pointing device (1) and a methode for item location and/or selection assistance, which method comprises visually presenting a number of items (M1, M2, M3, M4) in a visual presentation (VIP, VP?, aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) and a directable source (12) of a concentrated beam of light (L) at the visual presentation (VP, VP? of the items (M1, M2, M3, M4), generating image data (3) of a target area (A) at which the pointing device (1) is aimed, analysing the image data (3) in order to locate a specific point within the target area (A), generating control signals (9) for controlling the directing arrangement (4), and directing the concentrated beam of light (L) so that the point (P1) coincides with the specific point in the target area (A). The invention describes an interacting device (13) for interacting with a pointing device (1) to carry out I:he method for item location and/or selection assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Thelen, Holger Scholl