Patents by Inventor Lester F. Ludwig

Lester F. Ludwig 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: 8734736
    Abstract: An article of laboratory glassware for directing the flow of chemical materials is described. The article includes a glass manifold having a plurality of input ports and at least one output port, and a plurality of stopcocks. Each stopcock has an inlet port and an outlet port connected by a passageway through the plug. Each of the stopcock output ports is connected to one of the manifold input ports, and each of the stopcock input ports is connected with one end of a hollow glass tube, and the other end of the hollow glass tube is connected to a female ground glass joint. The output ports of the manifold are terminated to a male ground glass joint. Each plug is rotated by an electrical motor or a servo, and sensed by a sensor. The rotation of each rotating plug is controlled by a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140132548
    Abstract: Touch screen user interfaces for controlling software applications, computers, devices, machinery, and process environments with touch gestures. Such user interfaces can be manipulated by users and provide a wide range of uses with computer applications, assistance to the disabled, and control of electronic devices, machines, and processes. Enhancements can include velocity and pressure sensing capabilities. The touch screen can be realized with a touchscreen having a touch sensor array in physical contact with a visual display. Implementations can include a touch screen having a transparent sensor array in physical contact with a visual display to form a touch screen configured to process a touch on the touch screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140132549
    Abstract: Touch screen user interfaces configured to detect a touch gesture for controlling software applications, computers, devices, machinery, and process environments. Such user interfaces can be manipulated by users and provide a wide range of uses with computer applications, assistance to the disabled, and control of electronic devices, machines, and processes. Enhancements can include velocity and pressure sensing capabilities. The touch screen can be realized with a transparent touch sensor array positioned over a visual display. The touch screen can be configured to measure a spatial pressure distribution profile from a touch on the touch screen and recognize gestures based on dynamics among spatial pressure distribution profiles. In an example implementation, the gesture recognition may rely solely on dynamics of shape differences between hand contact patterns and omit the use of pressure, as the shape of the spatial pressure distribution profile does not vary much by pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140129196
    Abstract: Computer utilities for adapting data and properties of computer modeled biochemical pathways for use in a modified form. Utilities can be provided for split, break, substitute, and fragment-splice operations are presented for computer models of enzyme cascades, metabolic signal transduction, signaling pathways, catalytic chemical reaction networks, and immunology. Substitution operations can be used in situations where a specific portion of a modeled biochemical pathway is identified and replaced with an alternate topologically-compatible portion of a modeled biochemical pathway. Split/break operations can be used to break a modeled biochemical pathway into two or more fragments. Splice operations can be used to splice fragments obtained from previous editing operations. These and other operations can be used to introduce a new node or pathway hop in a step in a modeled biochemical pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8717303
    Abstract: Touchscreen user interfaces for controlling software applications, computers, devices, machinery, and process environments with at least finger flick touch gestures. Such user interfaces can be manipulated by users and provide a wide range of uses with computer applications, assistance to the disabled, and control of electronic devices, machines, and processes. Enhancements can include velocity and pressure sensing capabilities. The touchscreen can be realized with a transparent touch sensor array positioned over a visual display. Dynamically assigned labels can be provided by the visual display. Gestures other than finger flicks can be recognized. Multitouch capabilities can be included that are responsive to additional contact, for example by other parts of a user hand. Displayed visual content, including visual content selection, motion, and sizing, can be controlled by finger flicks and other touch gestures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8716585
    Abstract: A customizable electronic musical instrument comprising a mounting frame for securing a plurality of user-installable electronic musical modules of various types including a type for generating at least one real-time control signal responsive to user operation, a type for generating audio signals, responsive to a real-time control signal, and a for processing audio signals responsive to at least one of a real-time control signal. The instrument can transmit electrical signals to an external system and can include internal sound amplification. The instrument can include one or more of a keyboard, touchpad, strumpad, impact sensor, slider control, expression wheel, joystick, ribbon controller, button, switch, pressure sensor, multiple-position selector, knob potentiometer, and music synthesizer elements. Signals may be routed among modules by a switch or bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8712185
    Abstract: Methods for numerically generating a centered discrete fractional Fourier transform matrix on a computer, the centered discrete fractional Fourier transform matrix of size N by N where N is an odd integer. Centering is obtained by simple barrel roll operations on eigenvectors. High-accuracy is obtained by numerically calculating the eigenvectors of the discrete fractional Fourier transform matrix from a closed-form mathematical formula and then iteratively performing a Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization procedure until a resulting set of improved-orthogonal eigenvectors is produced that is sufficiently orthogonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140109753
    Abstract: A modular approach to large string array electronic musical instruments such as specialized harps, zithers, sympathetic string arrays, the Harry Partch Kithara, the Harry Partch Harmonic Cannon, and other large string array electronic musical instruments is presented. A mounting frame is used to interchangeably secure a plurality of a plurality of musical instrument modules, each comprising a plurality of strings configured to vibrate and create electronic signals. An electronic interface is configured to transmit electrical signals from the plurality of musical instrument modules to an external system. The electronic interface can be configured to provide a multichannel output. The arrangement can further comprise either or both of at least one audio mixer and at least one signal processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. LUDWIG
  • Patent number: 8706449
    Abstract: A method for synthesis of a hysteresis function of a plurality of inputs is described. The method includes receiving and processing of a plurality of input signals with at least a parameterized multivariable nonlinearity, the parameterized multivariable nonlinearity serving as a parameterized hysteron, to produce at least one output signal. The plurality of input signals is also processed by at least a controller function, the controller function comprising memory and producing at least one control signal responsive to at least one of the plurality of input signals, the at least once control signal for controlling the parameterized hysteron. The at least one control signal is used to control the parameterized hysteron so as to create a hysteretic response to at least one of the plurality of input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140104475
    Abstract: A lensless camera with image formation performed by image processing software rather than by lens. Image formation operations are coordinated with a micro-optical element array that can comprise apertures, micro-optic layers, etc. configured so light received from a distant source overlaps onto multiple photosensors. Algorithms for image formation are determined by pixel overlap functions resulting from micro-optic elements directing light to a photosensor array, and can include deconvolution, edge-effect handling, decimation, and interpolation. Image formation operations can comprise frequency-domain operations or other approaches. The micro-optical element array can be configured to produce a spatial light pattern on the photosensor array with optimized detection characteristics. Light-detecting photosensors can comprise elements capable of light emission, for example organic materials with electroluminescent properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. LUDWIG
  • Publication number: 20140104220
    Abstract: Touchscreen user interfaces configured to detect a finger flick touch gesture for controlling software applications, computers, devices, machinery, and process environments. Such user interfaces can be manipulated by users and provide a wide range of uses with computer applications, assistance to the disabled, and control of electronic devices, machines, and processes. Enhancements can include velocity and pressure sensing capabilities. The touchscreen can be realized with a transparent touch sensor array positioned over a visual display. Dynamically assigned labels can be provided by the visual display. Multitouch capabilities can be included that are responsive to additional contact, for example by other parts of a user hand. Displayed visual content, including visual content selection, motion, and sizing, can be controlled by a finger flick gesture. Finger movement trajectories can be tracked, and pluralities of control parameters can be associated with the finger flick gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140104219
    Abstract: Touchscreen user interfaces for controlling software applications, computers, devices, machinery, and process environments with touch gestures. Such user interfaces can be manipulated by users and provide a wide range of uses with computer applications, assistance to the disabled, and control of electronic devices, machines, and processes. Enhancements can include velocity and pressure sensing capabilities. The touchscreen can be realized with a transparent touch sensor array positioned over a visual display. Dynamically assigned labels can be provided by the visual display. Multitouch capabilities can be included that are responsive to additional contact, for example by other parts of a user hand. Displayed visual content, including visual content selection, motion, and sizing, can be controlled by finger flicks and other touch gestures. Finger movement trajectories can be tracked, and pluralities of control parameters can be associated with each gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140109025
    Abstract: An apparatus including a touch user interface device including a sensor array configured to sense spatial information associated with one or more contiguous regions of contact and a processing device in communication with the touch user interface device configured to discern a first contiguous region of contact corresponding to a first finger from the one or more contiguous regions of contact, determine a first spatial distribution profile of the first contiguous region at a first time, determine a second spatial distribution profile of the first contiguous region at a second time, analyze a shape variation of the second spatial distribution profile in comparison to the first spatial distribution profile to determine a rotational movement of the first finger, generate a control signal in response to the detected rotational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140098068
    Abstract: A method and system for calculating oblong-shape rotation angles from optical image data of arbitrary size for user interface applications is described without the need of eigenvector routines and storage of the image data. The oblong shape may be of arbitrary size and location and need not be precisely elliptical. A few running sums are calculated and stored throughout each scan, and the results are obtained in closed form by simple post-scan computation. An algorithmic embodiment can execute on one or more hardware processors with limited or otherwise constrained computation power, available instruction cycles, available memory, etc. Hardware processors may CPUs found in desktops, laptops, tablets, or handheld computing devices. The resulting arrangement may be used for touch or optical user interfaces and other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: LESTER F. LUDWIG
  • Publication number: 20140098279
    Abstract: An approach is presented for a lensless imaging camera wherein image formation is implemented in software image processing operations rather than by means of a lens. The image formation operations are coordinated with an array of micro-optical elements that impose light diffraction. The array of micro-optical elements can comprise one or more micro-optic layers, and micro-optic layers can be configured so that different portions of the micro-optic layer affect light in different ways. The image formation operation can include deconvolution based on an impulse response determined by the array of micro-optical elements which can be configured to produce a desired spatial light intensity pattern on the array of photosensors so as to optimize detection characteristics. The image formation operation can comprise include frequency-domain division operations, and the system can be configured to avoid division by zero values of the frequency-domain impulse response of the array of micro-optical elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. LUDWIG
  • Patent number: 8692100
    Abstract: A method and user interface for data sonification for representing multidimensional numerical information with a plurality of variable-timbre channels are described. The method includes providing a user interface that includes a plurality of metaphors and spatial sound rendering operations resulting in stereo audio output. In one implementation, a metaphor is used in making parameter assignments according to which audio-frequency waveforms having adjustable timbre attributes are generated. In another implementation, timbre attributes are adjustable over a range of timbre variation and are further associated with corresponding metaphors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8693500
    Abstract: A Unified Bandwidth Manager that functions as a multi-service bandwidth manager to interface with and hierarchically manage a plurality of service-specific bandwidth reservation and session management systems is described. The Unified Bandwidth Manager includes at least a hierarchical control structure, and an interface for providing observed information relevant to policy, goal, and resource usage to the hierarchical control structure. The hierarchical control structure is provided with a plurality of feedback inputs that are responsive to associated ongoing observation information from each of an associated observation reporting element. The hierarchical control structure uses the plurality of feedback inputs, together with policy information or goal information, to produce at least one element of outgoing control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Avistar Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Lester F. Ludwig, Jozef Paul Chris Lauwers
  • Publication number: 20140092229
    Abstract: Arrangements for small-sized, inexpensive, and innovative lensless and other micro-optic microscopy imaging and tomography are presented. An imaging region comprising flat or curved surfaces is provided with an illumination source proximate to the imaging region or arranged for collimated illumination. Light travels through the imaging region and produces a resulting light field affected by objects, materials, fluids, organisms, etc. in the light path and is presented to an image sensing surface proximate to the imaging region, responsively creating electrical image signals. The illumination surface can be light emitting elements such as LEDs, OLEDs, or OLET whose illumination can be sequenced in an image formation or tomography process. Light-emission and light detection elements can be printed, permitting extremely low-cost manufacturing and readily accommodating imaging regions having curved shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. LUDWIG
  • Patent number: 8686960
    Abstract: Methods for piecewise-linear and piecewise-affine transformations parameter decoupling in High Dimensional Touchpad (HDTP) user touch interfaces including those with multitouch capabilities are described. A calculation chain provides a first-order calculation of up to six touch parameters (left-right, front-back, downward pressure, roll angle, pitch angle, yaw angle) responsive in real-time to user touch on a touch-responsive sensor array. A piecewise-affine transformation is applied to these first-order calculations to produce parameter decoupling. The piecewise-affine transformation can be structured to depend only on current numerical values from the first-order calculation. Alternatively, the piecewise-affine transformation can be structured to additionally depend on the positive or negative direction of change over time of at least one numerical value from the first-order calculation, thereby providing a correction for hysteresis effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8682937
    Abstract: A building energy and environment information system for buildings and campuses. The invention provides an entirely elective and private incrementally deployed, incrementally modifiable, relatively inexpensive building information system that provides for a range of energy and environmental capabilities including room and building environment sensing (one or more of temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.), statistical processing software, modeling software, analysis software, information visualization software, decision support software, data logging, storage and recall, control arrangements, and interfacing with existing building systems (HVAC, solar, valves, power systems, etc.), external information systems and networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig