Patents by Inventor John Black

John Black 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: 11624700
    Abstract: One example provides a system for reading birefringent data. The system comprises one or more light sources, a first polarization state generator positioned to generate first polarized light from light of a first wavelength band output by the one or more light sources, a second polarization state generator positioned to generate second polarized light from light of a second wavelength band output by the one or light sources, an image sensor configured to acquire an image of the sample region via the first polarized light and the second polarized light, a polarization state analyzer disposed between the sample region and the image sensor, a first bandpass filter configured to pass light of the first wavelength band onto the image sensor, and a second bandpass filter configured to pass light of the second wavelength band onto the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ariel Gomez Diaz, David Lara Saucedo, Peter Gyula Scholtz, Ioan Alexandru Stefanovici, Pashmina Jonathan Cameron, Govert Michael Verkes, Richard John Black, Timothy John Deegan, James Hilton Clegg, Antony Ian Taylor Rowstron
  • Patent number: 11602841
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remote operating and/or monitoring of a robot are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can be communicatively coupled to a remote network. The remote network can send and receive signals with the robot. In some exemplary implementations, the remote network can receive sensor data from the robot, allowing the remote network to determine the context of the robot. In this way, the remote network can respond to assistance requests and also provide operating commands to the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Brain Corporation
    Inventors: Cody Griffin, Roger Unwin, John Black
  • Publication number: 20230053467
    Abstract: A method of reading from a storage medium to recover a group of information sectors, each comprising a respective information payload. The medium stores redundancy data comprising a plurality of separate redundancy codes for the group, each code being a linear sum of terms, each term in the sum being the information payload from a different respective one of the information sectors in the group weighted by a respective coefficient of a set of coefficients for the redundancy code. The method comprises, after the redundancy data has already been stored on the medium: identifying a set of k? information sectors to be recovered; selecting k? of the redundancy codes; determining a square matrix E of the k? information sectors by the k? sets of coefficients of the selected codes; determining a matrix D being a matrix inverse of E; and recovering the k? information payloads from the inverse matrix D.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Christos GKANTSIDIS, Antony Ian Taylor ROWSTRON, Andromachi CHATZIELEFTHERIOU, Richard John BLACK, Austin N. DONNELLY, István HALLER
  • Publication number: 20220404268
    Abstract: One example provides a system for reading birefringent data. The system comprises one or more light sources, a first polarization state generator positioned to generate first polarized light from light of a first wavelength band output by the one or more light sources, a second polarization state generator positioned to generate second polarized light from light of a second wavelength band output by the one or light sources, an image sensor configured to acquire an image of the sample region via the first polarized light and the second polarized light, a polarization state analyzer disposed between the sample region and the image sensor, a first bandpass filter configured to pass light of the first wavelength band onto the image sensor, and a second bandpass filter configured to pass light of the second wavelength band onto the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ariel GOMEZ DIAZ, David LARA SAUCEDO, Peter Gyula SCHOLTZ, Ioan Alexandru STEFANOVICI, Pashmina Jonathan CAMERON, Govert Michael VERKES, Richard John BLACK, Timothy John DEEGAN, James Hilton CLEGG, Antony Ian Taylor ROWSTRON
  • Publication number: 20220401027
    Abstract: A precision forward-looking image-guided diagnostic and therapeutic surgical probe and needle insert for microsurgery in support of imagery, neurology, neurosurgical procedures, and ophthalmic surgical applications comprising an introducer needle (stylet), a fiber carrier, a therapeutic conduit, and a spirographic method for scanning a target and associated algorithms to create and render a reconstructed image for display to a physician in real-time or near real-time. The probe implements Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to provide high-resolution extended imagery of an intended therapeutic or target tissue. A separate therapeutic conduit provides surgical access for therapeutic devices such as a cutting or ablation laser, an RF electrode for locally heating tissue, a lumen for local injection of neurolytics/paralytics, placement of electrodes for neuromodulation, and deployment of a micro-endoscopic imaging tool. A third working channel supports the delivery of neurolytic and other fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: NeurOCTix
    Inventors: Thomas Mowery, John Black, David Smith, Kenneth A. Murray, JR.
  • Publication number: 20220369101
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to assigning scrambling identifiers to user equipments. A first scrambling identifier can be assigned to each user equipment of a group, such that the first scrambling identifier is the same for each of the user equipments of the group. A second scrambling identifier can be assigned to each of the user equipments of the group, such that the second scrambling identifier is different for each of the user equipments of the group. A selected scrambling identifier can be used to generate a reference signal sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Wanlu Sun, Jing Jiang, Tamer Adel Kadous, Michael J. Roe, Peter John Black
  • Publication number: 20220345336
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to reference signal channel estimation. A wireless communication channel between two nodes can be estimated based on a received reference signal, such as a Sounding Reference Signal. Techniques are disclosed to improve performance of reference signal channel estimation and make channel estimates more robust in the presence of one or more of a variety of impairments. Frequency domain processing and/or time domain processing can be performed to reduce distortion in channel estimates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Peter John Black, Jinghu Chen, Jing Jiang, Tamer Adel Kadous, Wanlun Zhao
  • Publication number: 20220345335
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a time-division duplex (TDD) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system that includes a plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes collectively includes antennas divided into groups. Reference signals can be transmitted from each group of antennas to one or more other groups of antennas during respective time slots. Channel estimates can be generated based on the received reference signals. The channel estimates can be jointly processed to generate calibration coefficients. Each calibration coefficient can represent a ratio associated with a transmit coefficient and a receive coefficient. Example algorithms for the joint processing are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Jinghu Chen, Wanlun Zhao, Tamer Adel Kadous, Peter John Black, Michael Mingxi Fan
  • Publication number: 20220342081
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for tracking the location of an individual during a fitness activity are disclosed. A method of tracking a participant engaged in a fitness activity includes determining a location of the participant during the fitness activity based on data received at a portable fitness device used by the participant; determining a location of a spectator during the fitness activity based on data received at a mobile spectator device used by the spectator; from a server, sending an alert to a spectator at a spectator device during the fitness activity indicating that the participant is within a predetermined distance of the spectator; and sending an alert to the portable fitness device during the fitness activity indicating that the spectator is within a predetermined distance of the participant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Jon Harald WERNER, Christian DIBENEDETTO, Stephen John BLACK, Amy Jones VATERLAUS
  • Patent number: 11432698
    Abstract: A control system for a robotic floor cleaning machine configured to perform a cleaning operation along a cleaning path can comprise a controller, and a plurality of sensors. The controller can be configured to control autonomous movement of the robotic floor cleaning machine along the cleaning path and autonomous performance of the cleaning operation. The plurality of sensors can be configured to sense a location of the robotic floor cleaning machine relative to surroundings of the robotic floor cleaning machine. At least two sensors from the plurality of sensors are configured to locate the robotic floor cleaning machine in overlapping areas of the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Nilfisk A/S
    Inventors: Kipp Knutson, Stuart McDonald, Stephen Klopp, John Black, Dave Wood, Donald Joseph Legatt
  • Patent number: 11422086
    Abstract: One example provides a system for reading birefringent data. The system comprises one or more light sources, a first polarization state generator positioned to generate first polarized light from light of a first wavelength band output by the one or more light sources, a second polarization state generator positioned to generate second polarized light from light of a second wavelength band output by the one or light sources, an image sensor configured to acquire an image of the sample region via the first polarized light and the second polarized light, a polarization state analyzer disposed between the sample region and the image sensor, a first bandpass filter configured to pass light of the first wavelength band onto the image sensor, and a second bandpass filter configured to pass light of the second wavelength band onto the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ariel Gomez Diaz, David Lara Saucedo, Peter Gyula Scholtz, Ioan Alexandru Stefanovici, Pashmina Jonathan Cameron, Govert Michael Verkes, Richard John Black, Timothy John Deegan, James Hilton Clegg, Antony Ian Taylor Rowstron
  • Patent number: 11411779
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to reference signal channel estimation. A wireless communication channel between two nodes can be estimated based on a received reference signal, such as a Sounding Reference Signal. Techniques are disclosed to improve performance of reference signal channel estimation and make channel estimates more robust in the presence of one or more of a variety of impairments. Frequency domain processing and/or time domain processing can be performed to reduce distortion in channel estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: XCOM Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter John Black, Jinghu Chen, Jing Jiang, Tamer Adel Kadous, Wanlun Zhao
  • Patent number: 11411778
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a time-division duplex (TDD) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system that includes a plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes collectively includes antennas divided into groups. Reference signals can be transmitted from each group of antennas to one or more other groups of antennas during respective time slots. Channel estimates can be generated based on the received reference signals. The channel estimates can be jointly processed to generate calibration coefficients. Each calibration coefficient can represent a ratio associated with a transmit coefficient and a receive coefficient. Example algorithms for the joint processing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: XCOM Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinghu Chen, Wanlun Zhao, Tamer Adel Kadous, Peter John Black, Michael Mingxi Fan
  • Patent number: 11399686
    Abstract: A control system for a robotic floor cleaning machine configured to perform a cleaning operation along a cleaning path can comprise a controller, and a plurality of sensors. The controller can be configured to control autonomous movement of the robotic floor cleaning machine along the cleaning path and autonomous performance of the cleaning operation. The plurality of sensors can be configured to sense a location of the robotic floor cleaning machine relative to surroundings of the robotic floor cleaning machine. At least two sensors from the plurality of sensors are configured to locate the robotic floor cleaning machine in overlapping areas of the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Nilfisk A/S
    Inventors: Kipp Knutson, Stuart McDonald, Stephen Klopp, John Black, Dave Wood, Donald Joseph Legatt
  • Patent number: 11385354
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for tracking the location of an individual during a fitness activity are disclosed. A method of tracking a participant engaged in a fitness activity includes determining a location of the participant during the fitness activity based on data received at a portable fitness device used by the participant; determining a location of a spectator during the fitness activity based on data received at a mobile spectator device used by the spectator; from a server, sending an alert to a spectator at a spectator device during the fitness activity indicating that the participant is within a predetermined distance of the spectator; and sending an alert to the portable fitness device during the fitness activity indicating that the spectator is within a predetermined distance of the participant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Jon Harald Werner, Christian Dibenedetto, Stephen John Black, Amy Jones Vaterlaus
  • Publication number: 20220180998
    Abstract: Program products, methods, and systems for providing fitness monitoring are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for scheduling training activities for a user of a fitness monitoring device includes: defining a cardio training plan including one or more cardio training activities and defining a non-cardio training plan including one or more non-cardio training activities; scheduling execution of the non-cardio training plan and the cardio training plan in a training calendar; and providing a graphical display of the training calendar including the cardio training plan and the non-cardio training plan to the user of the fitness monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Tony HOPE, Stephen John Black, Maya Ann Powch
  • Publication number: 20220166467
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to user equipment assisted multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) downlink configuration. Features are described for a user equipment determination of a desired transmission mode and/or active set of serving nodes for wireless communication service(s). The user equipment may submit a request for the desired mode and/or nodes to a network controller such as a baseband unit. The user equipment may subsequently receive a configuration for the requested wireless communication service(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Peter John Black, Matthew Stuart Grob, Michael Mingxi Fan, Tamer Adel Kadous
  • Patent number: 11341620
    Abstract: One example provides a computer-implemented method for reading data stored as birefringence values in a storage medium. The method comprises acquiring an image of a voxel of the storage medium, applying a first low-pass filter with a first cutoff frequency to the image of the voxel to obtain a first background image, applying a second low-pass filter with a second cutoff frequency to the image of the voxel to obtain a second background image, the second cutoff frequency being different than the first cutoff frequency, determining an enhanced background image from the first background image and the second background image, determining birefringence values for the enhanced background image, determining birefringence values for the image of the voxel, and correcting the birefringence values for the image of the voxel based upon the birefringence values for the enhanced background image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ariel Gomez Diaz, David Lara Saucedo, Peter Gyula Scholtz, Patrick Neil Anderson, Rokas Drevinskas, Richard John Black, James Hilton Clegg
  • Publication number: 20220117674
    Abstract: A holographic augmented reality visualization and guidance system for performing a medical procedure includes an augmented reality system for displaying operating information to a user. The operating information can include preoperative data, intraoperative data, and fused data of an anatomical structure. A computer system is in communication with the augmented reality system and is configured to selectively generate the fused data by merging the preoperative data and the intraoperative data, identify deformation of the anatomical structure via differences between the preoperative data and the intraoperative data, transmit the operating information to the augmented reality system, and compensate for the deformation of the anatomical structure according to the deformation engine in real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventor: John Black
  • Patent number: 11290163
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a selection scheme implemented by a scheduler in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) network to identify which users to schedule simultaneously during the same time slot. For downlink communications and a particular frequency wholeband or sub-band, the scheduler can determine downlink channel information using uplink channel information for channels between base stations and UEs. The scheduler can then determine a strength of the channels using the downlink channel information, order the UEs using a fairness metric based on the channel strengths, and compute one or more QR decompositions to identify whether a spatial dimension of a UE is roughly or approximately orthogonal to spatial dimension(s) of other UEs selected to be served during a time slot being scheduled. If the spatial dimensions are roughly or approximately orthogonal, the scheduler selects the UE to be served at the same time as other UEs already selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: XCOM Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Wanlun Zhao, Jinghu Chen, Tamer Adel Kadous, Michael Mingxi Fan, Peter John Black