Patents by Inventor John Towers

John Towers 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: 10102773
    Abstract: An aviation performance evaluation methodology that can be implemented in various ways depending on the applications of interest. Baseline standards for expected performance are stored in one or more databases. One database may contain performance parameters and another database may contain baseline standards such as expert gaze data. Real-time actual performance data is acquired using an eye tracker system comprising at least one video camera, at least one infrared light source, and a computer system which receives image data from the video camera(s). More specifically, the actual and expected performance data are input to a computer system that is programmed to analyze the actual performance based on a comparison of the actual and expected performance data. Based on the results of the comparative analysis, context-adjusted inferences can be made regarding performance, adopted strategies, gaze scan quality, alertness or distraction, situational awareness, and workload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Towers, Johann F. Thaheld, Nathan C. Perry
  • Publication number: 20160027336
    Abstract: An aviation performance evaluation methodology that can be implemented in various ways depending on the applications of interest. Baseline standards for expected performance are stored in one or more databases. One database may contain performance parameters and another database may contain baseline standards such as expert gaze data. Real-time actual performance data is acquired using an eye tracker system comprising at least one video camera, at least one infrared light source, and a computer system which receives image data from the video camera(s). More specifically, the actual and expected performance data are input to a computer system that is programmed to analyze the actual performance based on a comparison of the actual and expected performance data. Based on the results of the comparative analysis, context-adjusted inferences can be made regarding performance, adopted strategies, gaze scan quality, alertness or distraction, situational awareness, and workload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Towers, Johann F. Thaheld, Nathan C. Perry
  • Publication number: 20130280678
    Abstract: An aircrew training system and method utilizes an analytical software tool to assess student pilot gaze activity and flight performance against established baseline standards. The system comprises databases that contain information detailing the expected state of aircraft instrumentation and characteristics of experienced gaze behavior associated with activities undertaken throughout each phase of flight. These databases provide operational context and a baseline reference for performance evaluation. The resultant output provides the instructor with insight into student gaze intersection, scan activity, adopted strategies, and other performance metrics based on cumulative data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Towers, William Cheung