Patents by Inventor James Walter Exner

James Walter Exner 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: 11115602
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of emulating light sensitivity of a target includes, for each of at least some frames of a video recording, receiving an image. The method also includes accessing image metadata associated with the image. The method also includes discovering, from the image metadata, information related to an exposure setting and a gain value used by a camera in capture of the image. The method also includes deriving, from stored camera metadata for the camera, information related to a luminous flux associated with the exposure setting and the gain value used by the camera in the capture of the image. The method also includes determining an adjusted gain value corresponding to a target light sensitivity using the derived information related to the luminous flux. The method also includes generating an adjusted image using the adjusted gain value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: WATCHGUARD VIDEO, INC.
    Inventors: Robert V. Vanman, James Walter Exner
  • Publication number: 20200396366
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of emulating light sensitivity of a target includes, for each of at least some frames of a video recording, receiving an image. The method also includes accessing image metadata associated with the image. The method also includes discovering, from the image metadata, information related to an exposure setting and a gain value used by a camera in capture of the image. The method also includes deriving, from stored camera metadata for the camera, information related to a luminous flux associated with the exposure setting and the gain value used by the camera in the capture of the image. The method also includes determining an adjusted gain value corresponding to a target light sensitivity using the derived information related to the luminous flux. The method also includes generating an adjusted image using the adjusted gain value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: WatchGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert V. VANMAN, James Walter EXNER
  • Patent number: 10848368
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a first status message from a first recording device. The first status message includes a first recording identifier. The method further includes determining to initiate a second recording on a particular recording device based, at least in part, on the first status message and configuration settings. In addition, the method includes initiating a second recording on the particular recording device. Furthermore, the method includes creating a second recording identifier. The method also includes storing information related to the first recording identifier and the second recording identifier in a metadata file. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a second status message for receipt by other recording devices. The second status message includes the second recording identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: WATCHGUARD VIDEO, INC.
    Inventors: David C. Thompson, Eric Riley, James Walter Exner, Brent G. Robertson
  • Patent number: 10341605
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes continuously receiving, from a camera, raw video frames at an initial resolution. The method also includes, for each raw video frame, as the raw video frame is received: downscaling the raw video frame to a first resolution to yield a first scaled video frame; downscaling the raw video frame to a second resolution distinct from the first resolution to yield a second scaled video frame; identifying a location of a target; cropping at least video frame based, at least in part, on the location of the target; and storing the first scaled video frame, the second scaled video frame, and information related to the cropped at least one video frame as part of a first video stream, a second video stream, and a third video stream, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: WatchGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert V. Vanman, James Walter Exner
  • Patent number: 10250433
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a first status message from a first recording device. The first status message includes a first recording identifier. The method further includes determining to initiate a second recording on a particular recording device based, at least in part, on the first status message and configuration settings. In addition, the method includes initiating a second recording on the particular recording device. Furthermore, the method includes creating a second recording identifier. The method also includes storing information related to the first recording identifier and the second recording identifier in a metadata file. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a second status message for receipt by other recording devices. The second status message includes the second recording identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: WatchGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Thompson, Eric Riley, James Walter Exner, Brent G. Robertson
  • Patent number: 10172436
    Abstract: A system and method for attaching a device to a user includes securing a first plate to a user. The first plate can be secured to the user, for example, via one or more straps and/or a hook and loop fastener. The system and method further include securing a second plate to the first plate, wherein an article of the user's clothing is sandwiched in between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and second plate may be secured to each other by a magnetic connection, by engagement of a sliding pin that pierces a portion of the first plate and the second plate, or a combination of a magnetic connection and an engagement of a sliding pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: WatchGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert V. Vanman, Jim Dulaney, Larry Hall, Gary Burton, James Walter Exner
  • Publication number: 20180049538
    Abstract: A system and method for attaching a device to a user includes securing a first plate to a user. The first plate can be secured to the user, for example, via one or more straps and/or a hook and loop fastener. The system and method further include securing a second plate to the first plate, wherein an article of the user's clothing is sandwiched in between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and second plate may be secured to each other by a magnetic connection, by engagement of a sliding pin that pierces a portion of the first plate and the second plate, or a combination of a magnetic connection and an engagement of a sliding pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Enforcement Video, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. VANMAN, Jim DULANEY, Larry HALL, Gary BURTON, James Walter EXNER
  • Patent number: 9888205
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes initiating a mobile device operable to continuously capture a live media stream such that recording of the live media stream is deactivated. The method further includes refraining from recording the live media stream while recording of the live media stream is deactivated. In addition, the method includes monitoring environmental conditions for one or more preconfigured indicators that the mobile device has exited the defined physical area. Also, the method includes, responsive to detection of at least one of the one or more preconfigured indicators, determining to activate recording of the live media stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: WatchGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Todd McHenry, James Walter Exner, Michael John Von Ahnen, William Brian Wall, Brent G. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9861178
    Abstract: A system and method for attaching a device to a user includes securing a first plate to a user. The first plate can be secured to the user, for example, via one or more straps and/or a hook and loop fastener. The system and method further include securing a second plate to the first plate, wherein an article of the user's clothing is sandwiched in between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and second plate may be secured to each other by a magnetic connection, by engagement of a sliding pin that pierces a portion of the first plate and the second plate, or a combination of a magnetic connection and an engagement of a sliding pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: WatchGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert V. Vanman, Jim Dulaney, Larry Hall, Gary Burton, James Walter Exner
  • Publication number: 20170150090
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes initiating a mobile device operable to continuously capture a live media stream such that recording of the live media stream is deactivated. The method further includes refraining from recording the live media stream while recording of the live media stream is deactivated. In addition, the method includes monitoring environmental conditions for one or more preconfigured indicators that the mobile device has exited the defined physical area. Also, the method includes, responsive to detection of at least one of the one or more preconfigured indicators, determining to activate recording of the live media stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Enforcement Video, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Todd McHenry, James Walter Exner, Michael John Von Ahnen, William Brian Wall, Brent G. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9602761
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes initiating a mobile device operable to continuously capture a live media stream such that recording of the live media stream is deactivated. The method further includes refraining from recording the live media stream while recording of the live media stream is deactivated. In addition, the method includes monitoring environmental conditions for one or more preconfigured indicators that the mobile device has exited the defined physical area. Also, the method includes, responsive to detection of at least one of the one or more preconfigured indicators, determining to activate recording of the live media stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Enforcement Video, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Todd McHenry, James Walter Exner, Michael John Von Ahnen, William Brian Wall, Brent G. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7511764
    Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronization system comprising a base unit and at least one video camera. The base unit includes a master time-base adapted to set a time period that samples a frame of video data, a memory, and a base unit communications transceiver. The base unit communications transceiver is adapted to transmit a frame synchronization signal to a video camera communications transceiver. The video camera includes an image sensor adapted to store the video data, an exposure control adapted to control an exposure level of the image sensor, and a camera time-base adapted to receive the frame synchronization signal from the video camera communications transceiver. The camera time-base is further adapted to receive the frame synchronization signal, reset its time and initiates its internal timing sequence, transmit signals to the exposure control to control a length of the exposure, and transmit timing signals to the image sensor to read the video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner
  • Patent number: 7312816
    Abstract: A digital observation system and method for processing and transmitting video data between a video camera, or video cameras, and a base unit. The video data is transmitted, for example, by a communication protocol that is compliant with Ethernet physical drivers for transmitting and receiving data at around 100 Mbps. Video is captured at a sensor in the video camera, digitally processed and transmitted, thus overcoming limitations associated with analog processing and allowing unique features to be added. Images and other data may be transmitted efficiently in their native format, with reduced overhead, and in a non-compressed format due to the data transmission rate at or below 100 Mbps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Freestone Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner
  • Patent number: 7298397
    Abstract: The present invention provides a video transmission system that comprises a camera and a base unit. The camera includes a sensor memory adapted to store video data until each line of the video data is sequentially transmitted, a data buffer adapted to receive and store the sequentially transmitted video data until it is completely received at a base unit memory without errors, a data port adapted to receive from the data buffer and transmit to a camera physical transceiver the data buffered video data, a controller adapted to control data flow between the camera and the base unit, and the camera physical transceiver adapted to transfer the data buffered video data to a physical transceiver of the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Freestone Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner
  • Publication number: 20040017478
    Abstract: The present invention provides a video transmission system that comprises a camera and a base unit. The camera includes a sensor memory adapted to store video data until each line of the video data is sequentially transmitted, a data buffer adapted to receive and store the sequentially transmitted video data until it is completely received at a base unit memory without errors, a data port adapted to receive from the data buffer and transmit to a camera physical transceiver the data buffered video data, a controller adapted to control data flow between the camera and the base unit, and the camera physical transceiver adapted to transfer the data buffered video data to a physical transceiver of the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner
  • Publication number: 20040017477
    Abstract: The present invention provides a digital observation system that comprises a digital camera and a base unit. The digital camera includes a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor memory, a CCD image sensor, a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit, and a physical interface. The CCD image sensor memory is adapted to store video data, while the CCD image sensor is adapted to transmit the stored video data in analog RGB color space format native to the CCD image sensor (analog RGB data), where the CCD image sensor comprises the CCD image sensor memory. The CDS circuit is adapted to receive the analog RGB data from the CCD image sensor and convert the analog RGB data into digital RGB data and the physical interface is adapted to receive the digital RGB data and transmit the digital RGB data with reduced operational overhead and increased operational functionality. The base unit includes a base unit physical interface, a base unit programmable logic device (PLD), and a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner
  • Publication number: 20040017333
    Abstract: The present invention provides a universal serial bus (USB) display unit comprising a microprocessor with a USB interface, where the USB interface is adapted to receive video data from a first source, and a video decoder adapted to receive other video data from a second source. The USB unit also comprises a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) adapted to process the video data and the other video data, a memory adapted to store the processed video data and the processed other video data, and a display adapted to contemporaneously display the processed video data and the processed other video data. The microprocessor is adapted to transmit the processed other video data to the first source via the USB interface which is adapted to receive audio data from the first source. The USB unit further comprises an audio circuit adapted to provide the audio data via the FPGA, where the video decoder, the audio circuit, the microprocessor, the display, and the memory are operably coupled to the FPGA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner
  • Publication number: 20040017486
    Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronization system comprising a base unit and at least one video camera. The base unit includes a master time-base adapted to set a time period that samples a frame of video data, a memory, and a base unit communications transceiver. The base unit communications transceiver is adapted to transmit a frame synchronization signal to a video camera communications transceiver. The video camera includes an image sensor adapted to store the video data, an exposure control adapted to control an exposure level of the image sensor, and a camera time-base adapted to receive the frame synchronization signal from the video camera communications transceiver. The camera time-base is further adapted to receive the frame synchronization signal, reset its time and initiates its internal timing sequence, transmit signals to the exposure control to control a length of the exposure, and transmit timing signals to the image sensor to read the video data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner
  • Patent number: RE43786
    Abstract: A digital observation system and method for processing and transmitting video data between a video camera, or video cameras, and a base unit. The video data is transmitted, for example, by a communication protocol that is compliant with Ethernet physical drivers for transmitting and receiving data at around 100 Mbps. Video is captured at a sensor in the video camera, digitally processed and transmitted, thus overcoming limitations associated with analog processing and allowing unique features to be added. Images and other data may be transmitted efficiently in their native format, with reduced overhead, and in a non-compressed format due to the data transmission rate at or below 100 Mbps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Immersive Media of Texas, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner
  • Patent number: RE44924
    Abstract: A digital observation system and method for processing and transmitting video data between a video camera, or video cameras, and a base unit. The video data is transmitted, for example, by a communication protocol that is compliant with Ethernet physical drivers for transmitting and receiving data at around 100 Mbps. Video is captured at a sensor in the video camera, digitally processed and transmitted, thus overcoming limitations associated with analog processing and allowing unique features to be added. Images and other data may be transmitted efficiently in their native format, with reduced overhead, and in a non-compressed format due to the data transmission rate at or below 100 Mbps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Star Co.
    Inventors: Alan Neal Cooper, Christopher Michael Fritz, James Walter Exner