Patents by Inventor Gerd Bruder

Gerd Bruder 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).

  • Publication number: 20260040021
    Abstract: A vehicle system uses OEM sensors and OEM speakers to spatially convey, inside the cabin, the location and distance of real-world entities relative to a driver. A processor determines a directional bearing and, when available, a distance from proximity sensors, integrated cameras, or a directional microphone. An audio generation module produces a warning that is routed only to the speakers on the side that corresponds with the bearing, with audio gain set as a function of distance so closer entities sound louder. For emergency vehicles, the system synthesizes a siren or isolates and re-broadcasts the original siren, then plays the siren only through the speakers that correspond with the detected bearing. An interior microphone gates synthesis when the original siren is already audible. The approach enables drivers to localize pedestrians and other hazards by sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2025
    Publication date: February 5, 2026
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder, Zubin Choudhary
  • Patent number: 12464309
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for generating spatially explicit auditory cues for a recipient. It includes a processor to receive real-time location data of multiple physical entities relative to the recipient's spatial position and visual orientation. An audio generation module transforms this data into distinct audio signals using Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) to simulate perceived direction and distance. The output device, such as a headset or vehicle speakers, presents these audio signals spatially to allow perception of entities' relative locations. The system can adjust volume based on entity distance, integrate Doppler effects to indicate motion, and mute entities outside predefined distance boundaries. It also supports above-ground and ground assets, with altitude information converted to audible cues. The system monitors the recipient's orientation in real-time to adjust the HRTFs accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2025
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder, Zubin Choudhary
  • Publication number: 20250008290
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for generating spatially explicit auditory cues for a recipient. It includes a processor to receive real-time location data of multiple physical entities relative to the recipient's spatial position and visual orientation. An audio generation module transforms this data into distinct audio signals using Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) to simulate perceived direction and distance. The output device, such as a headset or vehicle speakers, presents these audio signals spatially to allow perception of entities' relative locations. The system can adjust volume based on entity distance, integrate Doppler effects to indicate motion, and mute entities outside predefined distance boundaries. It also supports above-ground and ground assets, with altitude information converted to audible cues. The system monitors the recipient's orientation in real-time to adjust the HRTFs accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder, Zubin Choudhary
  • Publication number: 20240331573
    Abstract: A patient simulation system for healthcare training is provided. The system includes one or more interchangeable shells comprising a physical anatomical model of at least a portion of a patient's body, the shell adapted to be illuminated from within the shell to provide one or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shells; wherein the system comprises one or more imaging devices enclosed within the shell and adapted to render the one or more dynamic images on an inner surface of the shell and viewable on the outer surface of the shells; one or more interface devices located about the patient shells to receive input and provide output; and one or more computing units in communication with the image units and interface devices, the computing units adapted to provide an interactive simulation for healthcare training. In other embodiments, the shell is adapted to be illuminated from outside the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Gregory F. WELCH, Gerd BRUDER, Salam DAHER, Jason Eric HOCHREITER, Mindi A. ANDERSON, Laura GONZALEZ, Desiree A. DIAZ
  • Patent number: 12008917
    Abstract: A patient simulation system for healthcare training is provided. The system includes one or more interchangeable shells comprising a physical anatomical model of at least a portion of a patient's body, the shell adapted to be illuminated from within the shell to provide one or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shells; wherein the system comprises one or more imaging devices enclosed within the shell and adapted to render the one or more dynamic images on an inner surface of the shell and viewable on the outer surface of the shells; one or more interface devices located about the patient shells to receive input and provide output; and one or more computing units in communication with the image units and interface devices, the computing units adapted to provide an interactive simulation for healthcare training. In other embodiments, the shell is adapted to be illuminated from outside the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Welch, Gerd Bruder, Salam Daher, Jason Eric Hochreiter, Mindi A. Anderson, Laura Gonzalez, Desiree A. Diaz
  • Patent number: 11954900
    Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for monitoring the operational status of a home automation system through extrinsic visual and audible means. Initial training periods involve capturing image and audio data representative of nominal operation, which is then processed to identify operational indicators. Unsupervised machine learning models are trained with these indicators to construct a model of normalcy and identify expectation violations in the system's operational pattern. After meeting specific stopping criteria, real-time monitoring is initiated. When an expectation violation is detected, contrastive collages or sequences are generated comprising nominal and anomalous data. These are then transmitted to an end user, effectively conveying the context of the detected anomalies. Further features include providing deep links to smartphone applications for home automation configuration and the use of auditory scene analysis techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder, Ryan Schubert, Austin Erickson
  • Publication number: 20240069516
    Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for monitoring the operational status of a home automation system through extrinsic visual and audible means. Initial training periods involve capturing image and audio data representative of nominal operation, which is then processed to identify operational indicators. Unsupervised machine learning models are trained with these indicators to construct a model of normalcy and identify expectation violations in the system's operational pattern. After meeting specific stopping criteria, real-time monitoring is initiated. When an expectation violation is detected, contrastive collages or sequences are generated comprising nominal and anomalous data. These are then transmitted to an end user, effectively conveying the context of the detected anomalies. Further features include providing deep links to smartphone applications for home automation configuration and the use of auditory scene analysis techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder, Ryan Schubert, Austin Erickson
  • Publication number: 20240071055
    Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for monitoring the operational status of a home automation system through extrinsic visual and audible means. Initial training periods involve capturing image and audio data representative of nominal operation, which is then processed to identify operational indicators. Unsupervised machine learning models are trained with these indicators to construct a model of normalcy and identify expectation violations in the system's operational pattern. After meeting specific stopping criteria, real-time monitoring is initiated. When an expectation violation is detected, contrastive collages or sequences are generated comprising nominal and anomalous data. These are then transmitted to an end user, effectively conveying the context of the detected anomalies. Further features include providing deep links to smartphone applications for home automation configuration and the use of auditory scene analysis techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder, Ryan Schubert, Austin Erickson
  • Patent number: 11798127
    Abstract: One or more cameras capture objects at a higher resolution than the human eye can perceive. Objects are segmented from the background of the image and scaled to human perceptible size. The scaled-up objects are superimposed over the unscaled background. This is presented to a user via a display whereby the process selectively amplifies the size of the objects' spatially registered retinal projection while maintaining a natural (unmodified) view in the remainder of the visual field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Bruder, Gregory Welch, Kangsoo Kim, Zubin Choudhary
  • Publication number: 20230336804
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a system for managing interruptions to an electronic device outputting an audiovisual broadcast from a media application. The system consists of an interrupt manager, an audiovisual buffer, and a vamping module. The interrupt manager, linked to the device's operating system, is capable of temporarily halting the broadcast and issuing a notification to an end user. The audiovisual buffer collaborates with the interrupt manager, collecting a segment of audio output to create an audio segment to be played during the pause. Concurrently, the vamping module operates by broadcasting the audio segment when the interrupt manager interrupts the broadcast and releases the notification. This process shifts the focus to the notification, relegating the paused broadcast to a background state. The broadcast resumes when the interrupt manager redirects the operating system's focus back to it, promoting the paused broadcast back to the foreground state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Matthew Gottsacker, Nahal Norouzi, Gerd Bruder
  • Publication number: 20230289920
    Abstract: One or more cameras capture objects at a higher resolution than the human eye can perceive. Objects are segmented from the background of the image and scaled to human perceptible size. The scaled-up objects are superimposed over the unscaled background. This is presented to a user via a display whereby the process selectively amplifies the size of the objects’ spatially registered retinal projection while maintaining a natural (unmodified) view in the remainder of the visual field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Gerd Bruder, Gregory Welch, Kangsoo Kim, Zubin Choudhary
  • Patent number: 11729448
    Abstract: The present invention is a system to manage interrupt notifications on an operating system based on the characteristics of content in which an end user is currently immersed or engaged. For example, relatively high bitrate video throughput is indicative of corresponding high information depth and more action occurring in the scene. For periods of high information depth, interrupt notifications are deferred until the information depth falls into a relative trough. Additional embodiments of the invention process scene transitions, technical cues, dialog and lyrics to release queued interrupt notification at optimal times. A vamping process is also provided when interrupt notification are released to keep the end user prescient to the background application in which they were engaged prior to the interrupt notification coming into focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Matthew Gottsacker, Nahal Norouzi, Gerd Bruder
  • Publication number: 20230056988
    Abstract: The present invention is a system to manage interrupt notifications on an operating system based on the characteristics of content in which an end user is currently immersed or engaged. For example, relatively high bitrate video throughput is indicative of corresponding high information depth and more action occurring in the scene. For periods of high information depth, interrupt notifications are deferred until the information depth falls into a relative trough. Additional embodiments of the invention process scene transitions, technical cues, dialog and lyrics to release queued interrupt notification at optimal times. A vamping process is also provided when interrupt notification are released to keep the end user prescient to the background application in which they were engaged prior to the interrupt notification coming into focus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Matthew Gottsacker, Nahal Norouzi, Gerd Bruder
  • Patent number: 11557216
    Abstract: An anatomical feature simulation unit is a physical device designed to help simulate an anatomical feature (e.g., a wound) on an object (e.g., a human being or human surrogate such as a medical manikin) for instructing a trainee to learn or practice treatment skills. For the trainee, the simulation looks like a real body part when viewed using an Augmented Reality (AR) system. Responsive to a change in the anatomic state of the object (e.g., bending a knee or raising of an arm) not only the spatial location and orientation of the anatomical feature stays locked on the object in the AR system, but the characteristics of the anatomical feature change based on the physiologic logic of changing said anatomical state (e.g., greater or less blood flow, opening or closing of a wound).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Joseph LaViola, II, Francisco Guido-Sanz, Gerd Bruder, Mindi Anderson, Ryan Schubert
  • Patent number: 11550470
    Abstract: A system for translating text streams of alphanumeric characters into preconfigured, haptic output. Text strings are parsed against a grammar index to locate assigned haptic or vibratory output. This may include speech-to-text, chat messaging, or text arrays of any kind. When a match is located, a standardized haptic output pattern is invoked through a haptic device. A device affordance module adapts the haptic output pattern to the capabilities of the target haptic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Ryan McMahan, Gerd Bruder
  • Patent number: 11535261
    Abstract: Virtual humans exhibit behaviors associated with inputs and outputs of an autonomous control system for medical monitoring of patients. To foster the awareness and trust, the virtual humans exhibit situational awareness via apparent (e.g., rendered) behaviors based on inputs such as physiological vital signs. The virtual humans also exhibit situational control via apparent behaviors associated with outputs such as direct control of devices, functions of control, actions based on high-level goals, and the optional use of virtual versions of conventional physical controls. A dynamic virtual human who continually exhibits awareness of the system state and relevant contextual circumstances, along with the ability to directly control the system, is used to reduce negative feelings associated with the system such as uncertainty, concern, stress, or anxiety on the part of real human patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder
  • Patent number: 11467399
    Abstract: This invention relates to tracking of hand-held devices and vehicles with respect to each other, in circumstances where there are two or more users or existent objects interacting in the same share space (co-location). It extends conventional global and body-relative approaches to “cooperatively” estimate the relative poses between all useful combinations of user-worn tracked devices such as HMDs and hand-held controllers worn (or held) by multiple users. Additionally, the invention provides for tracking of vehicles such as cars and unmanned aerial vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder
  • Publication number: 20220261147
    Abstract: A system for translating text streams of alphanumeric characters into preconfigured, haptic output. Text strings are parsed against a grammar index to locate assigned haptic or vibratory output. This may include speech-to-text, chat messaging, or text arrays of any kind. When a match is located, a standardized haptic output pattern is invoked through a haptic device. A device affordance module adapts the haptic output pattern to the capabilities of the target haptic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Ryan McMahan, Gerd Bruder
  • Patent number: 11410270
    Abstract: One or more cameras capture objects at a higher resolution than the human eye can perceive. Objects are segmented from the background of the image and scaled to human perceptible size. The scaled-up objects are superimposed over the unscaled background. This is presented to a user via an augmented reality display whereby the process selectively amplifies the size of the objects' spatially registered retinal projection while maintaining a natural (unmodified) view in the remainder of the visual field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Bruder, Gregory Welch, Kangsoo Kim, Zubin Choudhary
  • Publication number: 20220221716
    Abstract: This invention relates to tracking of hand-held devices and vehicles with respect to each other, in circumstances where there are two or more users or existent objects interacting in the same share space (co-location). It extends conventional global and body-relative approaches to “cooperatively” estimate the relative poses between all useful combinations of user-worn tracked devices such as HMDs and hand-held controllers worn (or held) by multiple users. Additionally, the invention provides for tracking of vehicles such as cars and unmanned aerial vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Gregory Welch, Gerd Bruder