Patents by Inventor Jeffrey John Smith

Jeffrey John Smith 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: 11933510
    Abstract: This application relates to a building energy analysis and management system for measurement and verification of building performance. The system can analyze, optimize, manage, maintain, trouble shoot, and/or modify building systems, such as HVAC systems, in connection with the building energy usage. Measurements may be gathered for one or more HVAC units coupled to pressure independent valves, and sent to one or more Surge Panels that pass data to remote analysis servers, which can receive other system or external data. The analysis servers compare measurements to predicted values and can standardize the predicted values to account for external conditions. The comparison can result in difference values used to generate probable causes and optimization recommendations. The system outputs reports or other data display using a graphical user interface that can be adjusted for an anticipated user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: FlowEnergy, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Arthur Neal Smith, Joshua Jerome Doerr, Christopher Tillman Reed, Jeffrey Michael Creighton, Christopher John Robson, Andrew James Horn, David Anthony Rogers, Larry Ray Willis, Jr., Billy Joe Melin, Sr., Tamara Jewell Hansen
  • Patent number: 11514497
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system to perform a sale transaction are provided. The method includes identifying each item of a plurality of items, based on at least one image of the plurality of items, determining a cost for each item, optionally identifying a person based on an image of the person, adding each of the items and each of the costs to a sale transaction, and charging the person for the sale transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: John David Landers, Jr., Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Jeffrey John Smith, David John Steiner, Phuc Ky Do
  • Patent number: 11257095
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for managing a return transaction within an environment having a plurality of purchasable item. The method acquires, using at least one visual sensor disposed within the environment, first image information including a first person and including a first item associated with the first person. The method identifies the first person using image analysis performed on the first image information. Further, the method determines, using image analysis performed on the first image information and based on one or more predetermined criteria, that the first item is eligible to be returned by the first person within the return transaction. Upon completion of one or more predefined return tasks specified for the first item within the return transaction, the method updates a first data structure representing an inventory of the environment to reflect the returned first item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Ankit Singh, Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Jeffrey John Smith
  • Patent number: 11182175
    Abstract: The apparatus for workflow capture and display is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of capturing task workflow information, storing the task workflow information captured by the capture module in a data storage device, retrieving a portion of the task workflow information from the data storage device in response to a first event, and presenting the task workflow information in response to a second event. These modules in the described embodiments include a capture module, a storage module, an assembly module, and a presentation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Smith, David Thomas Windell
  • Patent number: 11127061
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system to identify one or more items in a transaction are provided. The method includes capturing images of the items, determining a set of possible identifications for each item based on the images, determining information regarding the transaction, selecting an identification for each item from the sets of possible identifications, based on the determined information, and adding the selected identifications to the transaction. Identifications for items may be selected based on confidence factors, price thresholds, and customer information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Ankit Singh, Jeffrey John Smith, Adrian Xavier Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20200402130
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system to perform a sale transaction are provided. The method includes identifying each item of a plurality of items, based on at least one image of the plurality of items, determining a cost for each item, optionally identifying a person based on an image of the person, adding each of the items and each of the costs to a sale transaction, and charging the person for the sale transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: John David LANDERS, JR., Dean Frederick HERRING, Brad Matthew JOHNSON, Jeffrey John SMITH, David John STEINER, Phuc Ky DO
  • Patent number: 10825068
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system to perform a sale transaction are provided. The method includes identifying each item of a plurality of items, based on at least one image of the plurality of items, determining a cost for each item, optionally identifying a person based on an image of the person, adding each of the items and each of the costs to a sale transaction, and charging the person for the sale transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
    Inventors: John David Landers, Jr., Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Jeffrey John Smith, David John Steiner, Phuc Ky Do
  • Patent number: 10810648
    Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems for operating a retail environment using unmanned vehicles are provided. The methods include observing a person interacting with one or more items with a camera carried by an unmanned vehicle, identifying the one or more items based on data received from the unmanned vehicle, and adding each identified item to a transaction for the person. The methods can further include charging the person for the transaction, presenting promotions, retrieving a desired item, answering questions, following a person, guiding a customer to a location, and showing images of inventory items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Ankit Singh, Jeffrey John Smith, Seth Teeples
  • Patent number: 10776844
    Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to provide assistance to at least a first person during a transaction within an environment having a plurality of items. The method includes identifying the first person within the environment, and analyzing acquired image information to determine at least one item interaction of the transaction and thereby associate the identified first person with the transaction. The method further includes determining whether the first person is associated with a personal profile that includes information related to the environment, the information including at least one of personal preferences and personal historical data reflecting one or more previous transactions of the first person. When the first person is determined to be associated with a personal profile, the method further includes determining, based on the information in the personal profile, an amount of assistance to provide to the first person during the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Adrian Xavier Rodriguez, Jeffrey John Smith, Kathleen Wahrer
  • Patent number: 10672051
    Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to facilitate an audit of a checkout transaction, where the checkout transaction is associated with a virtual transaction record reflecting interactions of a person with a first set of one or more items of a plurality of items within an environment. The method includes acquiring image information including a shopping receptacle associated with the checkout transaction, and identifying a second set of one or more items of the plurality of items that are included in the shopping receptacle using the acquired image information. The method further includes comparing the first and second sets of items, and determining, based on the comparison, whether to perform an audit of the checkout transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Adrian Xavier Rodriguez, Ankit Singh, Jeffrey John Smith
  • Patent number: 10417878
    Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to trigger one or more events during an interaction of a person with an item and within an environment having a plurality of items. The method includes acquiring, using a first visual sensor disposed within the environment, image information including the item and identifying the item using the image information. The method further includes acquiring, using a second visual sensor disposed within the environment, behavior information for the person relative to the identified item, analyzing the behavior information to identify at least a first behavior of the person, and classifying the first behavior into one of a number of predefined behavior types. The method further includes performing, based on the identified item and the classified first behavior, one or more predefined events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Ankit Singh, Jeffrey John Smith, Adrian Xavier Rodriquez
  • Publication number: 20190139375
    Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to facilitate an audit of a checkout transaction, where the checkout transaction is associated with a virtual transaction record reflecting interactions of a person with a first set of one or more items of a plurality of items within an environment. The method includes acquiring image information including a shopping receptacle associated with the checkout transaction, and identifying a second set of one or more items of the plurality of items that are included in the shopping receptacle using the acquired image information. The method further includes comparing the first and second sets of items, and determining, based on the comparison, whether to perform an audit of the checkout transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Frederick HERRING, Brad Matthew JOHNSON, Adrian Xavier RODRIGUEZ, Ankit SINGH, Jeffrey John SMITH
  • Publication number: 20190096198
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system to perform a sale transaction are provided. The method includes identifying each item of a plurality of items, based on at least one image of the plurality of items, determining a cost for each item, optionally identifying a person based on an image of the person, adding each of the items and each of the costs to a sale transaction, and charging the person for the sale transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: John David LANDERS, JR., Dean Frederick HERRING, Brad Matthew JOHNSON, Jeffrey John SMITH, David John STEINER, Phuc Ky DO
  • Patent number: 10176677
    Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to facilitate an audit of a checkout transaction, where the checkout transaction is associated with a virtual transaction record reflecting interactions of a person with a first set of one or more items of a plurality of items within an environment. The method includes acquiring image information including a shopping receptacle associated with the checkout transaction, and identifying a second set of one or more items of the plurality of items that are included in the shopping receptacle using the acquired image information. The method further includes comparing the first and second sets of items, and determining, based on the comparison, whether to perform an audit of the checkout transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Adrian Xavier Rodriguez, Ankit Singh, Jeffrey John Smith
  • Patent number: 10157413
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system to perform a sale transaction are provided. The method includes identifying each item of a plurality of items, based on at least one image of the plurality of items, determining a cost for each item, optionally identifying a person based on an image of the person, adding each of the items and each of the costs to a sale transaction, and charging the person for the sale transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: John David Landers, Jr., Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Jeffrey John Smith, David John Steiner, Phuc Ky Do
  • Publication number: 20180114228
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for managing a return transaction within an environment having a plurality of purchasable item. The method acquires, using at least one visual sensor disposed within the environment, first image information including a first person and including a first item associated with the first person. The method identifies the first person using image analysis performed on the first image information. Further, the method determines, using image analysis performed on the first image information and based on one or more predetermined criteria, that the first item is eligible to be returned by the first person within the return transaction. Upon completion of one or more predefined return tasks specified for the first item within the return transaction, the method updates a first data structure representing an inventory of the environment to reflect the returned first item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Ankit SINGH, Dean Frederick HERRING, Brad Matthew JOHNSON, Jeffrey John SMITH
  • Patent number: 9679327
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for providing a security check of items being purchased by a consumer. A digital image of items for purchase arranged on a scale is captured. An estimated total weight and a cumulative center of mass of the items are estimated. An actual total weight and cumulative center of mass of the items are measured using the scale. If the estimated total weight of the items differs from the actual total weight by more than a first threshold amount and/or if the estimated cumulative center of mass of the items differs from the measured cumulative center of mass by more than a second threshold amount, an alert can be output. The alert can include an instruction for the customer or a store employee to rearrange the items on the scale to attempt to resolve the discrepancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Jeffrey John Smith, Edward John Vitek
  • Publication number: 20160171516
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products to perform an operation comprising: calculating a first duration of time of a first interaction between a first person and an object, detecting a second interaction between the first person and a second person based on at least one of: a proximity between the first person and the second person, the proximity being detected by a proximity detection module, and a second duration of time during which the first person and the second person remain in the proximity, and upon determining that the first person has purchased the object: computing, by operation of one or more processors, an award to apply to the second person; wherein the processors compute the award on the basis of one or more rules that take as inputs the first interaction and the second interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Susan Winter BROSNAN, Dean Frederick HERRING, Brad Matthew JOHNSON, Adrian Xavier RODRIGUEZ, Jeffrey John SMITH
  • Publication number: 20160110703
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system to identify one or more items in a transaction are provided. The method includes capturing images of the items, determining a set of possible identifications for each item based on the images, determining information regarding the transaction, selecting an identification for each item from the sets of possible identifications, based on the determined information, and adding the selected identifications to the transaction. Identifications for items may be selected based on confidence factors, price thresholds, and customer information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Frederick HERRING, Brad Matthew JOHNSON, Ankit SINGH, Jeffrey John SMITH, Adrian Xavier RODRIGUEZ
  • Publication number: 20160110772
    Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to trigger one or more events during an interaction of a person with an item and within an environment having a plurality of items. The method includes acquiring, using a first visual sensor disposed within the environment, image information including the item and identifying the item using the image information. The method further includes acquiring, using a second visual sensor disposed within the environment, behavior information for the person relative to the identified item, analyzing the behavior information to identify at least a first behavior of the person, and classifying the first behavior into one of a number of predefined behavior types. The method further includes performing, based on the identified item and the classified first behavior, one or more predefined events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Ankit Singh, Jeffrey John Smith, Adrian Xavier Rodriquez