Patents by Inventor James S. Webb

James S. Webb 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: 20180173320
    Abstract: A method is performed in a virtual-reality system that includes a head-mounted display (HMD), a camera, and a hand-held controller having a plurality of illumination sources to provide light that is detectable by the camera. The method includes displaying, on the HMD, an image of a hand and using the camera to detect movement of the hand-held controller by tracking positions of respective illumination sources of the plurality of illumination sources. The method further includes displaying, on the HMD, motion of the image of the hand corresponding to the detected movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Peter Wesley Bristol, Yi-yaun Chen, Jason Andrew Higgins, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Neil Warren Konzen, James S. Webb
  • Patent number: 9921642
    Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a user-input surface, a grip coupled to the user-input surface, and a cage coupled to the user-input surface at two points without the grip interposed between the user-input surface and the cage. The hand-held controller includes may further include a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: OCULUS VR, LLC
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Peter Wesley Bristol, Jason Andrew Higgins, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Yi-yaun Chen, Neil Warren Konzen
  • Patent number: 9898091
    Abstract: A virtual-reality system includes a head-mounted display (HMD), a forward-looking camera coupled to the HMD and a hand-held controller communicatively coupleable to the HMD. The hand-held controller includes a first user-input key, a grip, and an outward-facing surface coupled to the grip. The outward-facing surface includes a plurality of illumination sources which provide light that is detectable by the camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Wesley Bristol, Yi-yaun Chen, Jason Andrew Higgins, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Neil Warren Konzen, James S. Webb
  • Publication number: 20170262048
    Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a user-input surface, a grip coupled to the user-input surface, and a cage coupled to the user-input surface at two points without the grip interposed between the user-input surface and the cage. The hand-held controller includes may further include a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Peter Wesley Bristol, Jason Andrew Higgins, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Yi-yaun Chen, Neil Warren Konzen
  • Patent number: 9678566
    Abstract: There is provided a handheld controller for a virtual reality system. The hand-held controller includes a user-input surface and a grip coupled to the user-input surface. The user-input surface has a first user-input key. The hand-held controller further includes a cage coupled to the user-input surface. The cage includes a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the cage, which provide light to be detected by a camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: OCULUS VR, LLC
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Peter Wesley Bristol, Jason Andrew Higgins, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Yi-yaun Chen, Neil Warren Konzen
  • Publication number: 20160357249
    Abstract: There is provided a handheld controller for a virtual reality system. The hand-held controller includes a user-input surface and a grip coupled to the user-input surface. The user-input surface has a first user-input key. The hand-held controller further includes a cage coupled to the user-input surface. The cage includes a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the cage, which provide light to be detected by a camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Peter Wesley Bristol, Jason Andrew Higgins, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Yi-yaun Chen, Neil Warren Konzen
  • Publication number: 20160357261
    Abstract: A virtual-reality system includes a head-mounted display (HMD), a forward-looking camera coupled to the HMD and a hand-held controller communicatively coupleable to the HMD. The hand-held controller includes a first user-input key, a grip, and an outward-facing surface coupled to the grip. The outward-facing surface includes a plurality of illumination sources which provide light that is detectable by the camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Wesley Bristol, Yi-yaun Chen, Jason Andrew Higgins, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shalesh Talati, Neil Warren Konzen, James S. Webb
  • Patent number: 8985119
    Abstract: A nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light-generating source is operatively coupled to an optical fiber, which in turn is coupled to a plug in the end of a holder in a sheath. Light is then passed from the light source through the optical fiber to the holder and out a selected optical tip on the sheath to provide an efficacious amount of light to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. Some embodiments omit the fiber and use light directly from the laser diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Charles E. Hamilton, Heather A. Ralph, Mark P. Bendett, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8929973
    Abstract: Medical researchers use various optical devices for diagnosis, detection, treatment, and therapy. In some embodiments, they do not have the equipment necessary to determine how much light is emitted by the optical device or how far it penetrates tissue. The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for characterizing light from an optical device by using a tissue phantom. The method includes coupling light from an optical source into a device, transmitting the light through a tissue phantom, detecting a transmitted light, optionally electrically processing the detected output, and displaying the corresponding optical characterization. In some embodiments, the apparatus obtains input light from an optical source, and may include a tissue phantom, an optical detector, an electrical processing unit, and a display for displaying the corresponding optical characterization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Heather A. Ralph, Mark P. Bendett
  • Patent number: 8784461
    Abstract: A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Charles I. Miyake, Mark P. Bendett, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Publication number: 20140052221
    Abstract: A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Charles I. Miyake, Mark P. Bendett, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8632577
    Abstract: An optical-signal vestibular-nerve stimulation device and method that provides different nerve stimulation signals to a plurality of different vestibular nerves, including at least some of the three semicircular canal nerves and the two otolith organ nerves. In some embodiments, balance conditions of the person are sensed by the implanted device, and based on the sensed balance conditions, varying infrared (IR) nerve-stimulation signals are sent to a plurality of the different vestibular nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mark P. Bendett, James S. Webb
  • Patent number: 8551150
    Abstract: An optical-signal vestibular-nerve stimulation device and method that provides different nerve stimulation signals to a plurality of different vestibular nerves, including at least some of the three semicircular canal nerves and the two otolith organ nerves. In some embodiments, balance conditions of the person are sensed by the implanted device or external device, and based on the sensed balance conditions, varying laser nerve-stimulation signals are sent to a plurality of the different vestibular nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Mark P. Bendett, Heather A. Ralph, Jonathon D. Wells
  • Patent number: 8506613
    Abstract: A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Charles I. Miyake, Mark P. Bendett, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8498699
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Lockheed Martin Company, Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Jonathon D. Wells, Mark P. Bendett, James S. Webb, Charles A. Lemaire, Austin R. Duke, E. Duco Jansen, Peter E. Konrad, Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
  • Patent number: 8357187
    Abstract: An optical-signal vestibular-nerve stimulation device and method that provides different nerve stimulation signals to a plurality of different vestibular nerves, including at least some of the three semicircular canal nerves and the two otolith organ nerves. In some embodiments, balance conditions of the person are sensed by the implanted device, and based on the sensed balance conditions, varying infrared (IR) nerve-stimulation signals are sent to a plurality of the different vestibular nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mark P. Bendett, James S. Webb
  • Patent number: 8317848
    Abstract: An optical-signal vestibular-nerve stimulation device and method that provides different nerve stimulation signals to a plurality of different vestibular nerves, including at least some of the three semicircular canal nerves and the two otolith organ nerves. In some embodiments, balance conditions of the person are sensed by the implanted device or external device, and based on the sensed balance conditions, varying laser nerve-stimulation signals are sent to a plurality of the different vestibular nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Mark P. Bendett, Heather A. Ralph, Jonathon D. Wells
  • Patent number: 8160696
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mark P. Bendett, Jonathon D. Wells, James S. Webb, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Publication number: 20110238141
    Abstract: A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Charles I. Miyake, Mark P. Bendett, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8012189
    Abstract: An optical-signal vestibular-nerve stimulation device and method that provides different nerve stimulation signals to a plurality of different vestibular nerves, including at least some of the three semicircular canal nerves and the two otolith organ nerves. In some embodiments, balance conditions of the person are sensed by the implanted device or external device, and based on the sensed balance conditions, varying laser nerve-stimulation signals are sent to a plurality of the different vestibular nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Mark P. Bendett, Heather A. Ralph, Jonathon D. Wells