Patents by Inventor Lawrence Andrews

Lawrence Andrews 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: 10332272
    Abstract: A method for testing a perception system is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a processor, one or more objects in a composite image, the composite image including a first image and at least a portion of a second image. A first set of objects are detected in the first image. Further, the method includes comparing, by the processor, a second set of objects of the one or more objects detected in the portion of the second image with a set of previously detected objects in the portion of the second image. Furthermore, the method includes validating, the performance of the processor in the detection of the first set of objects in the first image by ensuring the second set of objects detected in the at least a portion of a second image matches the set of previously detected objects in the portion of the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Joseph Forcash, Tod Andrew Oblak, Jeffrey T. Stringer, Mark Hartman, Jeffrey J. Carter, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190168609
    Abstract: A vision system for assisting an operator of a machine is provided. An image capturing device, mounted on the machine, is configured to capture an image of an environment of the machine. The vision system includes a controller configured to apply an object detection process to detect an object in the image. The controller determines a bounding box comprising one or more pixels associated with the object. The controller determines a height and a range associated with the object based on the bounding box. The controller extracts the one or more pixels within the bounding box. The controller is further configured to generate a three-dimensional (3D) view comprising the object based on the image captured by the image capturing device. The controller reinserts the one or more pixels as a vertical pop-up element with respect to a ground plane in the 3D view. A display is provided to display the 3D view to the operator of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Michael Hoffelder
  • Patent number: 10305763
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for monitoring quality of audio delivered over a communications channel are presented. One method includes an operation for defining timestamps. The timestamps are associated with a measure of time while delivering audio to a client computer, where each timestamp includes a plurality of timestamp bits. Further, the method includes an operation for modulating an audio signal with pseudo noise (PN) codes when a timestamp bit has a first logical value, and modulating the audio signal with a negative of the PN codes when the timestamp bit has a second logical value. After transmitting the modulated audio signal to the client computer, the timestamp bits are extracted from a received modulated audio signal to obtain received timestamps. The quality of the audio is assessed based on the received timestamps, and the quality of the audio is stored in computer memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: VMware, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Spracklen
  • Publication number: 20190102902
    Abstract: A method for detecting an object in an environment of a machine is provided. The method includes determining a first height of the object by applying sliding window detection process on an image. The method determines a score indicating a probability that the object detected in the image matches a predefined set of characteristics. The method further includes determining a minimum and a maximum vertical pixel associated with the object. The method includes determining a second height of the object based on a range of the object, the minimum vertical pixel, the maximum vertical pixel, intrinsic and extrinsic calibration parameters of the image capturing device. The method includes comparing the first height with the second height and accordingly, modifying the score regarding the detection of the object in the image based on whether a difference between the first height and the second height meets a predetermined criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Michael Hoffelder, Jeffrey Thomas Stringer
  • Publication number: 20190064032
    Abstract: A vibration monitoring system described herein is used to detect and analyze mechanical characteristics such as vibrations emanating from a rotating system (including the shaft and bearing system). The analysis of the mechanical characteristics yields decision data as to whether and which component connected with the rotating system is faulty so that it may be replaced. An example of a rotating system would be any of the rotating accessories present in an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Laricchiuta, Joseph M. Ambrosio, Michael J. Kuhl, John O'Brien, Joshua I. Romero, George Jacob, Steven Massaro
  • Publication number: 20190039813
    Abstract: Disposable wipes packages containing improved opening and closing arrangements are disclosed. The packages are targeted for usage by adult caregivers and can provide reduced waste in comparison to some currently marketed wipe packages. Different forms of the packages disclosed herein include ratios of characteristics of the package closure fitments and those of the package body of wipes contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: John Norman Simmons, Lawrence Andrew Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20190043213
    Abstract: A method for testing a perception system is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a processor, one or more objects in a composite image, the composite image including a first image and at least a portion of a second image. A first set of objects are detected in the first image. Further, the method includes comparing, by the processor, a second set of objects of the one or more objects detected in the portion of the second image with a set of previously detected objects in the portion of the second image. Furthermore, the method includes validating, the performance of the processor in the detection of the first set of objects in the first image by ensuring the second set of objects detected in the at least a portion of a second image matches the set of previously detected objects in the portion of the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Joseph Forcash, Tod Andrew Oblak, Jeffrey T. Stringer, Mark Hartman, Jeffrey J. Carter, JR.
  • Patent number: 10163033
    Abstract: A method of classifying a work machine within a worksite is provided. The method may include receiving one or more captured images of the work machine from one or more image capture devices, identifying at least two classifiers within the captured images of the work machine, determining spatial relationships between the classifiers within the captured images, determining a classification and a pose of the work machine based on the spatial relationships, and displaying analytics based on the classification and the pose of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Bradley Scott Kriel
  • Patent number: 10132060
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an implement of a work machine is provided. The system may include one or more image sensors mounted on the work machine configured to capture one or more images of a field of view associated with the implement, and an implement controller in electrical communication with the image sensors. The implement controller may be configured to receive the images from the image sensors, identify one or more interactive targets within the images, select one of the interactive targets based on proximity, and align the implement to the selected interactive target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Forcash, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Paul Edmund Rybski
  • Publication number: 20180245316
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an implement of a work machine is provided. The system may include one or more image sensors mounted on the work machine configured to capture one or more images of a field of view associated with the implement, and an implement controller in electrical communication with the image sensors. The implement controller may be configured to receive the images from the image sensors, identify one or more interactive targets within the images, select one of the interactive targets based on proximity, and align the implement to the selected interactive target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Forcash, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Paul Edmund Rybski
  • Publication number: 20180187398
    Abstract: A work tool recognition system for a work tool coupled to a machine is provided. The system includes an image capturing assembly configured to capture an image feed of the work tool. A controller is communicably coupled to the image capturing assembly. The controller receives the image feed of the work tool from the image capturing assembly. The controller extracts a plurality of features of the work tool from the image feed. The controller classifies the extracted image and determine a confidence value. The controller estimates a size of the work tool. The controller estimates a position and an orientation of the work tool. The controller determines verification features of the work tool and compares the image feed of the work tool with a predetermined dataset based on the classification. The controller identifies a type of the work tool based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Forcash, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Paul Edmund Rybski
  • Patent number: 10011976
    Abstract: A work tool recognition system for a work tool coupled to a machine is provided. The system includes an image capturing assembly configured to capture an image feed of the work tool. A controller is communicably coupled to the image capturing assembly. The controller receives the image feed of the work tool from the image capturing assembly. The controller extracts a plurality of features of the work tool from the image feed. The controller classifies the extracted image and determine a confidence value. The controller estimates a size of the work tool. The controller estimates a position and an orientation of the work tool. The controller determines verification features of the work tool and compares the image feed of the work tool with a predetermined dataset based on the classification. The controller identifies a type of the work tool based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Forcash, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Paul Edmund Rybski
  • Publication number: 20180165502
    Abstract: A method of classifying a work machine within a worksite is provided. The method may include receiving one or more captured images of the work machine from one or more image capture devices, identifying at least two classifiers within the captured images of the work machine, determining spatial relationships between the classifiers within the captured images, determining a classification and a pose of the work machine based on the spatial relationships, and displaying analytics based on the classification and the pose of the work machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Bradley Scott Kriel
  • Patent number: 9830184
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein facilitate determining desktop readiness using interactive measures. A host is in communication with a server and the host includes a virtual desktop and a virtual desktop agent. The virtual desktop agent is configured to perform one or more injecting events via one or more monitoring agents, wherein each of the injecting events is a simulated input device event. The desktop agent is further configured to receive, via a display module, a response to the injecting event(s), wherein the response is a display update causing pixel color values for the display module to alter. The desktop agent is also configured to identify, via the monitoring agent(s), whether the response to the injecting event(s) is an expected response. The desktop agent is also configured to determine, via the monitoring agent(s), a readiness of the virtual desktop based on the expected response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: VMware, Inc.
    Inventors: Banit Agrawal, Lawrence Andrew Spracklen, Rishi Bidarkar
  • Patent number: 9771199
    Abstract: A pet food composition comprising a supplement is provided. The supplement can comprise a Probiotic component, a cocoa butter component, and a sweetener component. A process for making the supplement can comprise providing a sweetener component, a cocoa butter component, and a Probiotic component, mixing the cocoa butter component and Probiotic component to form a mixture in a temperature and humidity controlled chamber; mixing the mixture with the sweetener component in the temperature and humidity controlled chamber to form a final mixture; optionally mixing in a colorant with the final mixture; and cooling the final mixture. A package for the supplement can comprise a secondary container housing a primary container, which houses a supplement. An array of packages is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: George Scott Kerr, Gregory Dean Sunvold, Lawrence Andrew Schumacher, David William Schuller, Robbert H ter Haar, Michael J Bittner
  • Patent number: 9674562
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for measuring quality of multimedia delivery to a client are presented. A method includes operations for embedding video markers in a video stream of a multimedia stream, and embedding audio markers in an audio stream of the multimedia stream. The video stream and the audio stream are then transmitted separately to the client. Further, video markers received at the client are extracted from the transmitted video stream, and audio markers received at the client are extracted from the transmitted audio stream. A measure of the audio-video synchronization quality is obtained by determining a quantifiable time difference between the video stream and the audio stream received at the client, where the quantifiable time difference is calculated based on the extracted video markers and the extracted audio markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: VMware, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Spracklen, Banit Agrawal, Rishi Bidarkar
  • Publication number: 20170143008
    Abstract: A pet supplement is provided and comprises an amount of probiotic microorganisms coated with a first fat component having a first melting point and a source of a sweetener component comprising sugar and a second fat component having a second melting point. The second melting point is higher than the first melting point. Methods of making the pet supplement are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: George Scott Kerr, Gregory Dean Sunvold, Lawrence Andrew Schumacher, David William Schuller, Robbert H. ter Haar, Michael J. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20170147369
    Abstract: The current application is directed to architected hardware support within computer processors for detecting and monitoring various types of potential performance imbalances with respect to simultaneously executing hardware threads in simultaneous multi-threading (“SMT”) processors and SMT-processor cores. The architected hardware support may include various types of performance-imbalance-monitoring registers that accumulate indications of performance imbalances and that can be used, by performance-monitoring software and by human analysts to detect performance-degrading conflicts between simultaneously executing hardware threads. Such conflicts can be ameliorated by changing the scheduling of virtual machines, tasks, and other computational entities, by redesigning and re-implementing all or portions of performance-limited and performance-degrading applications, by altering resource-allocation strategies, and by other means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: VMware, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Spracklen
  • Patent number: 9614892
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a performance-monitoring system that computes a display performance metric of a remote application. During operation, the system performs a sequence of input events, and receives information which updates a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI displays a sequence of frames rendered by a remote application in response to the input events. The system then samples colors at a number of pivot points on the GUI, and matches the a respective frame to a previously performed input event based on the sampled colors. The system subsequently computes a display performance metric for the remote application based on the frames and the corresponding input events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: VMware, Inc.
    Inventors: Rishi Bidarkar, Banit Agrawal, Lawrence Andrew Spracklen, Hari Sivaraman
  • Patent number: 9591938
    Abstract: Purse hooks are disclosed. Methods of making and using purse hooks are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrews, Anthony R. Bradley