Patents by Inventor Fiona M. Gaston

Fiona M. Gaston 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: 7456727
    Abstract: A system is provided for testing and enhancing the alertness of operators who monitor video surveillance imagery. Alertness is tested by displaying any of a variety of visual elements on top of or near the video imagery, and receiving input from human operators in response to the visual elements, via one or more input devices. The system further allows for economic management of human operators by transmitting imagery from many video sources to any number of operators. Video feeds are automatically switched, via software, away from an operator who wishes to take a break or has poor alertness. In this fashion, the system maximizes operator vigilance while also maximizing workflow for all available operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Magnetic Moments, LLC
    Inventors: Marco Pinter, Bradley E. Paden, Fiona M. Gaston
  • Patent number: 7107168
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for measuring error associated with the rotation of bearings (50) used within a pointing device (11) on board a space-based platform. The apparatus includes inductive, or “eddy current,” proximity sensors (1000) adapted for measuring the positioning of bearing components. The apparatus also includes processing capabilities (1010) for receiving data from the proximity sensors (1000), and producing compensation data. The compensation data is used in one of various techniques for correcting errors in the angular measurement or pointing of the device (11). The techniques disclosed herein include conducting an initial calibration of the proximity sensors (1000) and generating calibration data. Once in active use, sensor measurements are combined with calibration data to produce compensation data. Ongoing measurements may be used to update the calibration data as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Lars E. Oystol, Fiona M. Gaston, Brad E. Paden
  • Patent number: 6985079
    Abstract: A system is provided for testing and enhancing the alertness of operators who monitor video surveillance imagery. Alertness is tested by displaying any of a variety of visual elements on top of or near the video imagery, and receiving input from human operators in response to the visual elements, via one or more input devices. The system further allows for economic management of human operators by transmitting imagery from many video sources to any number of operators. Video feeds are automatically switched, via software, away from an operator who wishes to take a break or has poor alertness. In this fashion, the system maximizes operator vigilance while also maximizing workflow for all available operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Magnetic Moments, LLC
    Inventors: Marco Pinter, Bradley E. Paden, Fiona M. Gaston
  • Publication number: 20040143413
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for measuring error associated with the rotation of bearings (50) used within a pointing device (11) on board a space-based platform. The apparatus includes inductive, or “eddy current,” proximity sensors (1000) adapted for measuring the positioning of bearing components. The apparatus also includes processing capabilities (1010) for receiving data from the proximity sensors (1000), and producing compensation data. The compensation data is used in one of various techniques for correcting errors in the angular measurement or pointing of the device (11). The techniques disclosed herein include conducting an initial calibration of the proximity sensors (1000) and generating calibration data. Once in active use, sensor measurements are combined with calibration data to produce compensation data. Ongoing measurements may be used to update the calibration data as necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Lars E. Oystol, Fiona M. Gaston, Brad E. Paden