Patents by Inventor James Christopher Curlander

James Christopher Curlander 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: 11775930
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and system for verifying the content of items in a bin within a materials handling facility. In some implementations, a bin content verification apparatus may pass by one or more bins and capture images of those bins. The images may be processed to determine whether the content included in the bins has changed since the last time images of the bins were captured. A determination may also be made as to whether a change to the bin content was expected and, if so, if the determined change corresponds with the expected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Jules Cook Graybill, Marshall Friend Tappen, Barry James O'Brien
  • Patent number: 11416814
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and system for verifying the content of items in a bin within a materials handling facility. In some implementations, a bin content verification apparatus may pass by one or more bins and capture images of those bins. The images may be processed to determine whether the content included in the bins has changed since the last time images of the bins were captured. A determination may also be made as to whether a change to the bin content was expected and, if so, if the determined change corresponds with the expected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Jules Cook Graybill, Marshall Friend Tappen, Barry James O'Brien
  • Patent number: 11370559
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) expandable landing marker system may include a an expandable volume. The landing marker may be expanded prior to arrival of a UAV delivering an item to be received by the landing marker. The landing marker may be expanded by regulating an amount of fluid in the volume. An anchor may be coupled to the landing marker to restrain movement of the expanded landing marker. An optional retraction mechanism may retract the landing marker. The landing marker can be retracted with the deposited item, moving the item to a location for later retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Brandon William Porter, Paul Viola, Leon Robert Warman
  • Patent number: 11317077
    Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting camera calibration data using wearable devices are described. An augmented reality interface may be provided at a wearable device. Three-dimensional virtual information may be presented at the augmented reality interface. The three-dimensional information may identify a field of view of a remote camera and may be associated with collection of calibration data for the remote camera. Calibration data collected by the remote camera viewing a calibration target in the field of view may be received. The camera may be calibrated based at least in part on the calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Gur Kimchi, Barry James O'Brien, Jason Leonard Peacock
  • Patent number: 11231706
    Abstract: A delivery robot may provide an approach notification to enable people to understand and interpret actions by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as an intention to land or deposit a package at a particular location. The delivery robot may include a display, lights, a speaker, and one or more sensors to enable the robot to provide information, barcodes, and text to the UAV and/or bystanders. The robot can provide final landing authority, and can “wave-off” the UAV, if an obstacle or person exists in the landing zone. The delivery robot can receive packages and (1) store them for retrieval (2) deliver them to the delivery location and/or (3) deliver them to an automated locker system. The delivery robot can temporarily close lanes or streets to enable a package to be delivered by UAV. The system may include a shelter to secure, maintain, and charge the delivery robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Jon T. Hanlon, Scott Raymond Harris, Jason Leonard Peacock, Tally Etel Portnoi
  • Patent number: 11092961
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating autonomous vehicles are described. An autonomous vehicle may detect strategy modes and/or actions of other vehicles in a local environment. The autonomous vehicle may then select a strategy mode for its operations based on the detected strategy modes and/or actions of other vehicles, and based on an operational goal for the autonomous vehicle. The strategy modes may include an uncoupled strategy mode, a permissive strategy mode, an assistive strategy mode, and a preventative strategy mode. The autonomous vehicle may further select an action for its operations based on the selected strategy mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Stuart Battles, James Christopher Curlander, Larry Felser, Gur Kimchi, Pragyana K. Mishra
  • Patent number: 11079771
    Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating operations of a plurality of autonomous vehicles are described. An autonomous vehicle management system may receive information from the plurality of autonomous vehicles related to strategy modes, actions, and the environments. The strategy modes may include an uncoupled strategy mode, a permissive strategy mode, an assistive strategy mode, and a preventative strategy mode. The autonomous vehicle management system may then process the received information based on an operational goal for the system as a whole. The autonomous vehicle management system may then instruct modifications to operations of one or more of the plurality of autonomous vehicles to achieve the operational goal for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Stuart Battles, James Christopher Curlander, Larry Felser, Gur Kimchi, Pragyana K. Mishra
  • Patent number: 10890758
    Abstract: This disclosure describes deflecting moisture out of the field of view of an imaging device during operation of an aerial vehicle, such as a UAV. The imaging device and/or a deflector positioned in the field of view of the imaging device is positioned within a path of a propulsion motor air disturbance. The deflector protects the lens from environmental conditions, such as moisture and rain and is positioned such that the force of the propulsion motor air disturbance moves any moisture, rain, or other debris contacting the surface of the deflector across the deflector surface and out of the field of view of the imaging device. As a result, distortion of image data generated by the imaging device as a result of water or moisture on the lens or in the field of view of the lens of the imaging device is reduced, if not eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Scott Raymond Harris
  • Patent number: 10872476
    Abstract: Systems and methods for broadcasting strategy modes of autonomous vehicles are described. An autonomous vehicle may include one or more notification devices that broadcast a selected strategy mode for the autonomous vehicle. The selected strategy mode may include an uncoupled strategy mode, a permissive strategy mode, an assistive strategy mode, and a preventative strategy mode. The notification devices may include visual, audio, or signal notification devices. In addition, the autonomous vehicle may broadcast other information associated with the vehicle, such as a position, a velocity, a priority, or an identity of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Stuart Battles, James Christopher Curlander, Larry Felser, Gur Kimchi, Pragyana K. Mishra
  • Patent number: 10870437
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining strategy modes for autonomous vehicles are described. An autonomous vehicle may detect aspects of other vehicles and aspects of the environment using one or more sensors. The autonomous vehicle may then determine strategy modes of the other vehicles, and select a strategy mode for its own operation based on the determined strategy modes and an operational goal for the autonomous vehicle. The strategy modes may include an uncoupled strategy mode, a permissive strategy mode, an assistive strategy mode, and a preventative strategy mode. The autonomous vehicle may further determine elements in the environment and topological constraints associated with the environment, and select the strategy mode for its own operation based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Stuart Battles, James Christopher Curlander, Larry Felser, Gur Kimchi, Pragyana K. Mishra
  • Patent number: 10664692
    Abstract: Visual task feedback for workstations in a materials handling facility may be implemented. Image data of a workstation surface may be obtained from image sensors. The image data may be evaluated with regard to the performance of an item-handling task at the workstation. The evaluation of the image data may identify items located on the workstation surface, determine a current state of the item-handling task, or recognize an agent gesture at the workstation. Based, at least in part on the evaluation, one or more visual task cues may be selected to project onto the workstation surface. The projection of the selected visual task cues onto the workstation surface may then be directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Robert Alexander Colburn
  • Patent number: 10614416
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and system for verifying the content of items in a bin within a materials handling facility. In some implementations, a bin content verification apparatus may pass by one or more bins and capture images of those bins. The images may be processed to determine whether the content included in the bins has changed since the last time images of the bins were captured. A determination may also be made as to whether a change to the bin content was expected and, if so, if the determined change corresponds with the expected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Jules Cook Graybill, Marshall Friend Tappen, Barry James O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10554950
    Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting camera calibration data using wearable devices are described. An augmented reality interface may be provided at a wearable device. Three-dimensional virtual information may be presented at the augmented reality interface. The three-dimensional information may identify a field of view of a remote camera and may be associated with collection of calibration data for the remote camera. Calibration data collected by the remote camera viewing a calibration target in the field of view may be received. The camera may be calibrated based at least in part on the calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Gur Kimchi, Barry James O'Brien, Jason Leonard Peacock
  • Patent number: 10484617
    Abstract: The high-intensity specular reflection of light from a surface of an object may create distortions in images of the object, in locations determined based on a perspective of an optical sensor. Multiple images of the object taken from different perspectives may include multiple specular artifacts in different locations, and a composite image of the object that omits such artifacts may be generated based on the multiple images. In particular, pixels of each of the images corresponding to the locations of the specular artifacts and having optimal intensities may be identified. The composite image may be generated based on the pixels having optimal intensities, and by excluding the pixels corresponding to the specular artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alexander Colburn, James Christopher Curlander
  • Patent number: 10447995
    Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting camera calibration data using wearable devices are described. An augmented reality interface may be provided at a wearable device. Directions for a user to present a calibration target to a camera may be presented at the augmented reality interface. Calibration data collected by the camera viewing the calibration target may be received. Existing calibration data for the camera may be validated based at least in part on the collected calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Gur Kimchi, Barry James O'Brien, Jason Leonard Peacock
  • Publication number: 20190258853
    Abstract: Visual task feedback for workstations in a materials handling facility may be implemented. Image data of a workstation surface may be obtained from image sensors. The image data may be evaluated with regard to the performance of an item-handling task at the workstation. The evaluation of the image data may identify items located on the workstation surface, determine a current state of the item-handling task, or recognize an agent gesture at the workstation. Based, at least in part on the evaluation, one or more visual task cues may be selected to project onto the workstation surface. The projection of the selected visual task cues onto the workstation surface may then be directed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Robert Alexander Colburn
  • Patent number: 10388155
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for coordination of autonomous vehicles in a roadway. A roadway management system can generate lane configurations for a roadway or a portion of the roadway. The roadway management system can determine the direction of travel for lanes in a roadway and direct autonomous automobiles to enter the roadway in a particular lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Ryan Scott Russell, Allan Scott Bathurst, Udit Madan, Jules Cook Graybill, Jonathan Blair Norwood, Wesley Scott Lauka, Pragyana K. Mishra, Darren Ernest Canavor
  • Patent number: 10304175
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods for utilizing depth videos to analyze material handling tasks. A material handling facility may comprise a depth video system and a control system programmed to receive a plurality of depth videos including performances of the material handling task. For each of the plurality of depth videos, training data may identify sub-tasks of the material handling task and corresponding portions of the video including the sub-tasks. The plurality of depth videos and the training data may be used to train a model to identify the sub-tasks from depth videos. The control system may apply the model to a captured depth video of a human agent performing the material handling task at a workstation to identify a first sub-task of the material handling task being performed by the human agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Robert Alexander Colburn, Ryan Scott Russell
  • Patent number: 10304034
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and system for verifying the content of items in a bin within a materials handling facility. In some implementations, a bin content verification apparatus may pass by one or more bins and capture images of those bins. The images may be processed to determine whether the content included in the bins has changed since the last time images of the bins were captured. A determination may also be made as to whether a change to the bin content was expected and, if so, if the determined change corresponds with the expected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Jules Cook Graybill, Marshall Friend Tappen, Barry James O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10282600
    Abstract: Visual task feedback for workstations in a materials handling facility may be implemented. Image data of a workstation surface may be obtained from image sensors. The image data may be evaluated with regard to the performance of an item-handling task at the workstation. The evaluation of the image data may identify items located on the workstation surface, determine a current state of the item-handling task, or recognize an agent gesture at the workstation. Based, at least in part on the evaluation, one or more visual task cues may be selected to project onto the workstation surface. The projection of the selected visual task cues onto the workstation surface may then be directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Robert Alexander Colburn