Patents by Inventor John J. O'Brien

John J. O'Brien 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: 20190188781
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to adjustment of the display of a simulated online store on a user device based on computing usage at the user device. In some embodiments, the system includes: a shopping server for receiving a user request to view a simulated shopping environment; a user device resource module for determining the computing resource usage of the user device; and a control circuit for causing the display of simulated shopping images at the user device in an interactive simulation view, communicating with the user device resource module, determining a real time computing resource usage of the user device, and in certain circumstances, providing additional computing resources to display the simulated shopping environment at the user device at a first, higher consumption level or adjusting the display of the simulated shopping environment at the user device to a second, lower consumption level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: John J. O'Brien, David Tovey, Nicholas Ray Antel, Steven J. Lewis, John P. Thompson, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Publication number: 20190187239
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for identifying, on an autonomous vehicle which is traveling, a loss of a primary location system, and activating a secondary location system. The secondary location system performs a radio frequency sweep of a geographic area around the autonomous vehicle to identify radio frequency beacons, compares the radio frequency beacons to known ground stations, performs a visual scan of the geographic area to identify visual beacons, each visual beacon having a particular visual frequency, and compares the particular visual frequency of each of the visual beacons to known visual beacons. The secondary location system then identifies a current location of the autonomous vehicle by triangulating the verified radio frequency beacons and the verified visual beacons and the autonomous vehicle generates a route to a stopping location based on the current location produced by the secondary location system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John J. O'BRIEN, Robert CANTRELL, David WINKLE, Todd MATTINGLY, Donald R. HIGH
  • Publication number: 20190191311
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for intrusion protection on autonomous vehicles. As threats are detected, the nature of the threat is analyzed. A tiered response to the threat is then implemented, with an ultimate implementation including putting the autonomous vehicle in a “turtle” mode, and intermediate implementations including isolation of various subsystems. As the threats are identified and the autonomous vehicle implements the tiered responses, the autonomous vehicle records data regarding the efficiency the responses in diminishing the threat, then modifies the code which forms the autonomous algorithms such that, over time, the autonomous vehicle improves how it recognizes and responds to threats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John J. O'BRIEN, Robert CANTRELL, David WINKLE, Todd MATTINGLY, Donald R. HIGH
  • Publication number: 20190180237
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided herein useful to the secure delivery of merchandise using unmanned aerial vehicles forming a delivery chain. In some embodiments, the system includes: multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in which each UAV includes a motorized flight system, a navigational system, a merchandise storage system, a memory, a transceiver, and a UAV control circuit. The system further includes: a UAV delivery chain including a starting location, a delivery location, and one or more intermediate transfer locations; and a centralized storage and processing node configured to host a hash chain database containing delivery parameters of the UAVs. In the system, each UAV control circuit is configured to communicate with and cause the centralized node to: retrieve delivery parameters assigned to the UAV, decrypt the delivery parameters; identify another UAV as a transferee to accept receipt of the merchandise, and update the hash chain database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Todd D. Mattingly, John J. O'Brien, Donald R. High, Robert L. Cantrell, Brian G. McHale
  • Publication number: 20190168966
    Abstract: Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein useful for autonomously delivering lockers. In some embodiments, a system comprises a carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle comprising a storage area, a docking station including a plurality of storage docks, each of the plurality of storage docks configured to secure at least one locker, wherein the docking station is located within the storage area, and a retrieval point, a plurality of lockers each configured to house at least one product, a delivery vehicle, the delivery vehicle comprising a delivery dock, wherein the delivery dock is configured to receive, at the retrieval point, at least one locker, and a propulsion mechanism, wherein the propulsion mechanism propels the delivery vehicle, and a control circuit, the control circuit configured to identify, from the plurality of lockers, a selected locker, and cause the selected locker to move to the retrieval point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Donald R. High, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Brian G. McHale, Nicholas Ray Antel, John J. O'Brien, Todd D. Mattingly, Bruce W. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 10305576
    Abstract: Autonomous vehicles such as UAVs or cars provide network access points. User devices connect to the network access points and network access is monitored. User location data is also monitored. A profile of the user is generated from the gathered data. Advertisements are selected based on a profile of the user and the current location of the user. The autonomous vehicles may be distributed geographically to provide a network access to a geographic area. In response to detecting that a user device is moving out of a coverage area of an autonomous vehicle, nearby autonomous vehicles are identified. If the user device is in the coverage area of a nearby autonomous vehicle, the network connection to the user device is transferred to that vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Michael D. Atchley, John J. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20190156685
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that provide for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) experiencing emergency landings and providing emergency alerts to the predicted emergency landing locations of the UAV. Each UAV includes sensors configured to detect at least one status input associated with the UAV during flight along its flight route. Each UAV analyzes the status inputs while in flight in order to predict an emergency landing location where the UAV would land if unable to fly due to an emergency condition. The UAV is configured to transmit an alert signal to electronic devices proximate the predicted emergency landing location to notify users of the electronic devices that the unmanned aerial vehicle is going to experience an emergency landing at the predicted emergency landing location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: David C. Winkle, John J. O'Brien, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Publication number: 20190156282
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for receiving and storing delivered items. In some embodiments, a secured delivery locker is described herein that can communicate with delivery vehicles and/or users. In several embodiments, an autonomous delivery vehicle can communicate with a secured delivery locker to authenticate itself. The secured delivery locker can then grant access to the delivery vehicle, such as by opening a door to an interior thereof, so that the delivery vehicle can deposit a package therein. The locker can then confirm receipt of the package and close the door. Thereafter, the locker and/or the delivery vehicle can update a system to indicate that the package was delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: David C. Winkle, Robert C. Taylor, Todd D. Mattingly, Michael D. Atchley, Robert L. Cantrell, John J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10296005
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for field monitoring. A system for field monitoring comprises a plurality of types of sensor modules, an unmanned vehicle comprising a sensor system, and a control circuit configured to: receive onboard sensor data from the sensor system of the unmanned vehicle, detect an alert condition at a monitored area based on the onboard sensor data, select one or more types of sensor modules from the plurality of types of sensor modules to deploy at the monitored area based on the onboard sensor data, and cause the unmanned vehicle and/or one or more other unmanned vehicles to transport one or more sensor modules of the one or more types of sensor modules to the monitored area and deploy the one or more sensor modules by detaching from the one or more sensor modules at the monitored area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon, Nathan G. Jones, Robert C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20190130086
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to secure access. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for securing access using decentralized biometric authentication data through a blockchain network including: a user interface product operable on a user device and configured to: receive a first one or more biometric data; receive near real-time location data associated with the first one or more biometric data; receive a token comprising a second one or more biometric data; determine whether the first one or more biometric data matches within a threshold with the second one or more biometric data; determine whether the first one or more biometric data and the second one or more biometric data are associated with the user device; determine whether the near real-time location data is within a threshold distance from a storage and retrieval system (SRS); and provide data associated with unlocking the SRS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: David G. Tovey, John J. O'Brien, Bruce W. Wilkinson, Brian G. McHale, Robert L. Cantrell, Donald R. High
  • Patent number: 10273001
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for unmanned flight optimization. A system for unmanned flight comprises a set of motors configured to provide locomotion to an unmanned aerial vehicle, a set of wings coupled to a body of the unmanned aerial vehicle via an actuator and configured to move relative to the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a sensor system on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a control circuit. The control circuit being configured to: retrieve a task profile for a task assigned to the unmanned aerial vehicle, cause the set of motors to lift the unmanned aerial vehicle, detect condition parameters based on the sensor system, determine a position for the set of wings based on the task profile and the condition parameters, and cause the actuator to move the set of wings to the wing position while the unmanned aerial vehicle is in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon
  • Patent number: 10274952
    Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that comprise multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; and a propulsion system coupled with the motor and configured to enable the respective UAVs to move themselves; and wherein a first UAV control circuit of a first UAV of the multiple UAVs is configured to identify a second UAV carrying a first tool system configured to perform a first function, cause a notification to be communicated to the second UAV directing the second UAV to transfer the first tool system to the first UAV, and direct a first propulsion system of the first UAV to couple with the first tool system being transferred from the second UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon, Nathan G. Jones, Robert C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10254766
    Abstract: Some embodiments include systems, methods, and apparatuses capable of determining a leader of a group of autonomous vehicles. In some embodiments, a system of autonomous vehicles comprises two or more autonomous vehicles each having a communication device and in communication with one another, each of the two or more autonomous vehicles configured to travel as a group, receive and transport goods, communicate with others of the two or more autonomous vehicles in the group, and conduct a negotiation to establish at least one leader, wherein any one of the two or more autonomous vehicles can become the at least one leader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Brian G. McHale, Nicholas Ray Antel, John J. O'Brien, Todd D. Mattingly, Nathan G. Jones
  • Patent number: 10246187
    Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon, Nathan G. Jones, Robert C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10235651
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for receiving and storing delivered items. In some embodiments, a secured delivery locker is described herein that can communicate with delivery vehicles and/or users. In several embodiments, an autonomous delivery vehicle can communicate with a secured delivery locker to authenticate itself. The secured delivery locker can then grant access to the delivery vehicle, such as by opening a door to an interior thereof, so that the delivery vehicle can deposit a package therein. The locker can then confirm receipt of the package and close the door. Thereafter, the locker and/or the delivery vehicle can update a system to indicate that the package was delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Winkle, Robert C. Taylor, Todd D. Mattingly, Michael D. Atchley, Robert L. Cantrell, John J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10227178
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein that are useful for autonomously delivering lockers. In some embodiments, a system comprises a carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle comprising a storage area, a docking station including a plurality of storage docks, each of the plurality of storage docks configured to secure at least one locker, wherein the docking station is located within the storage area, and a retrieval point, a plurality of lockers each configured to house at least one product, a delivery vehicle, the delivery vehicle comprising a delivery dock, wherein the delivery dock is configured to receive, at the retrieval point, at least one locker, and a propulsion mechanism, wherein the propulsion mechanism propels the delivery vehicle, and a control circuit, the control circuit configured to identify, from the plurality of lockers, a selected locker, and cause the selected locker to move to the retrieval point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Brian G. McHale, Nicholas Ray Antel, John J. O'Brien, Todd D. Mattingly, Bruce W. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20190070995
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that for transporting and deploying unmanned aerial vehicles. The unmanned aerial vehicles may be deployed from mobile stations that include receptacles each configured to retain an unmanned aerial vehicle. The receptacles may be independently movable into relative positions that permit multiple unmanned aerial vehicles to be deployed simultaneously from the mobile stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, Donald R. High, Brian G. McHale, Nicholas R. Antel, Gregory A. Hicks, Nathan G. Jones, John J. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20190064913
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for distributing computing resources among two or more devices. As a device determines that it needs additional computing resources, it sends a request to other devices requesting that those other devices take on a portion of the computing which needs to occur. As devices receive the request, responses to the request are generated and sent back to the requesting device, each response providing an answer as to the ability of each respective device to fulfill the request. The requesting device receives the responses, aggregates and/or analyzes the responses, and determines how to transition information and resources to a new computing configuration based on the responses. These changes would be broadcast to the group through the mesh network, with any computing resource transitions likewise similarly being broadcast to the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John J. O'Brien, Donald R. High, Brian McHale, Todd Mattingly, Robert Cantrell, Trey Bishop, Nick Antel
  • Publication number: 20190066047
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that provide for validating products to be delivered to customers via unmanned aerial vehicles. Each UAV includes sensors configured to detect at least one actual physical characteristic and/or actual identifying characteristic of a product being loaded into the UAV and/or being transported by the UAV to a delivery destination. The actual physical characteristic information and/or the actual identifying information detected by the sensors is compared to predefined physical characteristic information and/or predefined identifying information stored in an electronic database in order to validate that the product that is being loaded into the UAV and/or being transported by the UAV is not damaged and corresponds to the order being fulfilled. If validation of one or more products is not successful, the UAV is restricted from delivering such products to the delivery destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: John J. O'Brien, Robert L. Cantrell, David C. Winkle, Donald R. High
  • Publication number: 20190065544
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for distributing database information among two or more devices. As a device determines that it needs additional computing resources, it sends a request to other devices requesting that those other devices provide at least a portion of the database information needed. As devices receive the request, responses to the request are generated and sent back to the requesting device, each response providing an answer as to the ability of each respective device to fulfill the request. The requesting device receives the responses, aggregates and/or analyzes the responses, and determines how to transition information and resources to a new computing configuration based on the responses. These changes would be broadcast to the group through the mesh network, with any computing resource transitions likewise similarly being broadcast to the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John J. O'Brien, Donald R. High, Brian McHale, Todd Mattingly, Robert Cantrell, Trey Bishop, Nick Antel