Patents by Inventor Mark A. Alexander
Mark A. Alexander 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).
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Publication number: 20240045060Abstract: A computing system may operate a LIDAR device to emit light pulses in accordance with a time sequence including a time-varying dither. The system may then determine that the LIDAR detected return light pulses during corresponding detection periods for each of two or more emitted light pulses. Responsively, the system may determine that the detected return light pulses have (i) detection times relative to corresponding emission times of a plurality of first emitted light pulses that are indicative of a first set of ranges and (ii) detection times relative to corresponding emission times of a plurality of second emitted light pulses that are indicative of a second set of ranges. Given this, the system may select between using the first set of ranges as a basis for object detection and using the second set of ranges as a basis for object detection, and may then engage in object detection accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventor: Mark Alexander Shand
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Patent number: 11860626Abstract: An example method involves detecting a sensor-testing trigger. Detecting the sensor-testing trigger may comprise determining that a vehicle is within a threshold distance to a target in an environment of the vehicle. The method also involves obtaining sensor data collected by a sensor of the vehicle after the detection of the sensor-testing trigger. The sensor data is indicative of a scan of a region of the environment that includes the target. The method also involves comparing the sensor data with previously-collected sensor data indicating detection of the target by one or more sensors during one or more previous scans of the environment. The method also involves generating performance metrics related to the sensor of the vehicle based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Stephanie McArthur, Mark Alexander Shand, Colin Braley
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Publication number: 20230400564Abstract: Embodiments are provided for managing the operation of sensors in an electronic device. According to certain aspects, the electronic device may detect a change in motion from a set of lower-sensitivity sensor data generated by a sensor(s) operating in a lower-sensitivity mode. When the change in motion is detected and during a timeout window, the sensor(s) may generate an additional set of lower-sensitivity sensor data and a set of higher-sensitivity sensor data. The electronic device may initially confirm the change in motion based on analyzing the set of higher-sensitivity sensor data. Further, the electronic device may determine that the additional set of lower-sensitivity does not indicate an additional change in motion, and may deem the confirmation of the change in motion as a false positive.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Applicant: Google LLCInventors: Andrew Felch, Christopher Findeisen, JinJie Chen, Mark Alexander, Shang Shi, Zhuo Wang
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Patent number: 11841464Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate light detection and ranging operations. An example method includes determining, for at least one light-emitter device of a plurality of light-emitter devices, a light pulse schedule. The plurality of light-emitter devices is operable to emit light along a plurality of emission vectors. The light pulse schedule is based on a respective emission vector of the at least one light-emitter device and a three-dimensional map of an external environment. The light pulse schedule includes at least one light pulse parameter and a listening window duration. The method also includes causing the at least one light-emitter device of the plurality of light-emitter devices to emit a light pulse according to the light pulse schedule. The light pulse interacts with an external environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Mark Alexander Shand
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Publication number: 20230359430Abstract: Media input audio data corresponding to a media stream and microphone input audio data from at least one microphone may be received. A first level of at least one of a plurality of frequency bands of the media input audio data, as well as a second level of at least one of a plurality of frequency bands of the microphone input audio data, may be determined. Media output audio data and microphone output audio data may be produced by adjusting levels of one or more of the first and second plurality of frequency bands based on the perceived loudness of the microphone input audio data, of the microphone output audio data, of the media output audio data and the media input audio data. One or more processes may be modified upon receipt of a mode-switching indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing CorporationInventors: Mark Alexander, Chunjian Li, Joshua Brandon Lando, Alan J. Seefeldt, C. Phillip Brown, Dirk Jeroen Breebaart
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Patent number: 11804057Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to a systems and methods for a digital asset generation platform. The digital asset generation platform may ingest an ingest input. The digital asset generation platform may utilize a document identification engine corresponding to a first stage of a multi-stage convolutional neural network for identifying document types of documents. The digital asset generation platform may utilize an object detector engine corresponding to a second stage of the multi-stage convolutional neural network for detecting a dynamic mapping in the digital file. The digital asset generation platform may utilize a post-processing engine for classifying the dynamic mapping in the at least one digital file. The digital asset generation platform may dynamically generate a digital asset representative of the document based on the key value data pairs extracted from the dynamic mapping.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2023Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: LiquidX, Inc.Inventors: James Toffey, Frank Dimarco, Coby Dodd, Shayan Hemmatiyan, Venkat Naidu, Edmond Costantini, Mark Alexander, Vishal Panchamia
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Publication number: 20230322551Abstract: A process is described for steam reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock containing one or more nitrogen compounds, comprising passing a mixture of the hydrocarbon feedstock and steam through a catalyst bed consisting of one nickel steam reforming catalysts disposed within a plurality of externally heated tubes in a tubular steam reformer, wherein each tube has an inlet to which the mixture of hydrocarbon and steam is fed, an outlet from which a reformed gas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, steam, ammonia and methane is recovered, and the steam reforming catalyst at least at the outlet of the tubes is a particulate eggshell steam reforming catalyst comprising 2.5 to 9.5% by weight nickel, expressed as NiO, wherein the nickel is provided in a layer at the surface of the catalyst and the thickness of layer is in the range of 100 to 1000 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2021Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Mileta BABOVIC, Mikael CARLSSON, Mark Alexander KENT, Andrew Edward RICHARDSON
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Patent number: 11782149Abstract: Embodiments are provided for managing the operation of sensors in an electronic device. According to certain aspects, the electronic device may detect a change in motion from an initial set of sensor data generated by a sensor(s). A memory cache may store the initial set of sensor data or additional sensor data generated by the sensor(s). The electronic device may initiate a supplemental algorithm that analyzes the cached data. Based on the analysis of the cached data and whether the change in motion is confirmed or whether additional motion is detected, the electronic device may manage the operation of the supplemental algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Andrew Felch, Christopher Findeisen, JinJie Chen, Mark Alexander, Shang Shi, Zhuo Wang
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Publication number: 20230310284Abstract: There is herein described a teeth whitening strip or film. In particular, the present invention relates to a dissolvable or substantially dissolvable hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) teeth whitening strip or film comprising a concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at or above 10 wt. % of the strip or film. There is also described a process for the manufacture of a dissolvable or substantially dissolvable tooth whitening strip or film along with the method of using a strip or film comprising a concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at or above 10 wt. % of the strip or film to whiten and/or bleach teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2021Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: John Edward CULLEN, Mark Alexander LIVINGSTONE, Melanie MACFARLANE, Robert CRICHTON
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Patent number: 11774590Abstract: A computing system may operate a LIDAR device to emit light pulses in accordance with a time sequence including a time-varying dither. The system may then determine that the LIDAR detected return light pulses during corresponding detection periods for each of two or more emitted light pulses. Responsively, the system may determine that the detected return light pulses have (i) detection times relative to corresponding emission times of a plurality of first emitted light pulses that are indicative of a first set of ranges and (ii) detection times relative to corresponding emission times of a plurality of second emitted light pulses that are indicative of a second set of ranges. Given this, the system may select between using the first set of ranges as a basis for object detection and using the second set of ranges as a basis for object detection, and may then engage in object detection accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Mark Alexander Shand
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Patent number: 11744244Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the compatibility of aqueous herbicide solutions containing at least one of a water soluble salt of an aryloxyalkanoic acid, a water soluble salt of a pyridyloxyalkanoic acid, and a water soluble salt of glyphosate, and optionally ?16% of one or more fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate, by adding certain polymeric crystallization inhibitors are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignees: CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE LLC, NOURYON CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL B.V.Inventors: Mark Alexander, Anne Austin, Alex Kennedy, Lei Liu, Klin A. Rodrigues, Holger Tank
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Patent number: 11740859Abstract: Media input audio data corresponding to a media stream and microphone input audio data from at least one microphone may be received. A first level of at least one of a plurality of frequency bands of the media input audio data, as well as a second level of at least one of a plurality of frequency bands of the microphone input audio data, may be determined. Media output audio data and microphone output audio data may be produced by adjusting levels of one or more of the first and second plurality of frequency bands based on the perceived loudness of the microphone input audio data, of the microphone output audio data, of the media output audio data and the media input audio data. One or more processes may be modified upon receipt of a mode-switching indication.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing CorporationInventors: Mark Alexander, Chunjian Li, Joshua Brandon Lando, Alan J. Seefeldt, C. Phillip Brown, Dirk Jeroen Breebaart
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Patent number: 11723863Abstract: The present invention provides oral care compositions. The compositions may be provided in a solid form, such as a film. The compositions can comprise one or more film forming polymers, one or more bioadhesive agents, one or more plasticizers, benzocaine (and optionally one or more further active ingredients), one or more polymeric solvents, and an aqueous solvent. The oral care composition can be a solid or semi-solid composition up to a temperature of at least 40° C. Methods of providing such an oral care compositions are also provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.Inventors: Sarah Lindsay Grant, Dominic Gregory Walsh, Mark Alexander Livingstone
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Publication number: 20230210729Abstract: A tooth whitening and/or tooth sensitivity strip or film comprising: about 1-20 wt. % hydroxyapatite (HAP). A process for the manufacture of a tooth whitening strip or film, the process comprising at least the steps of: —mixing at least one or a combination of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymers wherein the amount of the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymers is greater than 75 wt. % of the film or strip; and —an amount at least about 1-20 wt. % hydroxyapatite (HAP); and —at least one or a combination of polycarbophils; —with water to provide an aqueous tooth whitening liquid; —applying the aqueous tooth whitening liquid to a substrate to provide a substrate carrying the aqueous tooth whitening liquid; —drying the aqueous tooth whitening liquid to provide a tooth whitening film on the substrate, said film having a thickness from about 50 pm to about 500 pm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2021Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: John Edward CULLEN, Mark Alexander LIVINGSTONE, Melanie MACFARLANE, Robert CRICHTON
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Publication number: 20230198617Abstract: Systems and methods for performing operations based on LIDAR communications are described. An example device may include one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to receive data associated with a modulated optical signal emitted by a transmitter of a first LIDAR device and received by a receiver of a second LIDAR device coupled to a vehicle and the device, generate a rendering of an environment of the vehicle based on information from one or more LIDAR devices coupled to the vehicle, and update the rendering based on the received data. Updating the rendering includes updating an object rendering of an object in the environment of the vehicle. The instructions further cause the device to provide the updated rendering for display on a display coupled to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Salil Shree Pandit, Mark Alexander Shand, Reed Gerard Alexander Morse
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Patent number: 11659818Abstract: Techniques for monitoring the individual feed and water intake and pharmaceutical use and unmetabolized residual alerting in the livestock industry. Livestock have sensors installed on or in their bodies to detect consumption of feed and water for each animal in an environment where multiple animals are present. Sensors communicate data regarding the duration and timing of individual animals feeding habits. Health and efficiency status data is recorded per animal and analyzed to determine whether to issue an alert indicating problems with individual animals. The system tracks the health and efficiency data for each animal, pen or farm and generates statistical information regarding the sensor data. The system communicates with user interface to display notifications and statistical data. In addition, the pharmaceutical monitoring system alerts when any unmetabolized residual pharmaceuticals are still in the animals when the animal is being readied for shipping to a packing plant.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Tricon Sales LLCInventors: Kent Deric Eldredge, Howard Gene Trott, Anand Rajaratnam, Mark Alexander Thomas, Scott A. Bevan
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Publication number: 20230147270Abstract: One example system comprises a LIDAR sensor that rotates about an axis to scan an environment of the LIDAR sensor. The system also comprises one or more cameras that detect external light originating from one or more external light sources. The one or more cameras together provide a plurality of rows of sensing elements. The rows of sensing elements are aligned with the axis of rotation of the LIDAR sensor. The system also comprises a controller that operates the one or more cameras to obtain a sequence of image pixel rows. A first image pixel row in the sequence is indicative of external light detected by a first row of sensing elements during a first exposure time period. A second image pixel row in the sequence is indicative of external light detected by a second row of sensing elements during a second exposure time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2023Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Benjamin Ingram, Andreas Wendel, Mark Alexander Shand
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Publication number: 20230120380Abstract: Example embodiments relate to selective deactivation of light emitters for interference mitigation in light detection and ranging (lidar) devices. An example method includes deactivating one or more light emitters within a lidar device during a firing cycle. The method also includes identifying whether interference is influencing measurements made by the lidar device. Identifying whether interference is influencing measurements made by the lidar device includes determining, for each light detector of the lidar device that is associated with the one or more light emitters deactivated during the firing cycle, whether a light signal was detected during the firing cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventor: Mark Alexander Shand
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Patent number: 11626098Abstract: A method of designing an acoustic waveguide in which acoustic waves travelling along the waveguide are treated as exhibiting single parameter behaviour, and in which the waveguide provides a boundary confining the acoustic waves as they travel along the wave propagation path and has two substantially parallel, primary surfaces spaced apart a distance less than a wavelength of a high frequency acoustic wave. The primary surfaces may be planar, curved, or a combination of planar portions and curved portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: GP ACOUSTICS INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventors: Jack Anthony Oclee-Brown, Mark Alexander Dodd
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Publication number: 20230108351Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to LIDAR systems and their operation. An example method includes partitioning a plurality of light-emitter devices into a plurality of groups. Each light-emitter device is associated with a given group of the plurality of groups. The method also includes selecting a group from the plurality of groups according to a predetermined group order and selecting one or more light-emitter devices from the plurality of light-emitter devices of the selected group according to a firing order. The method yet further includes, at a predetermined shot dither time, causing the selected light-emitter device to emit at least one light pulse. The predetermined shot dither time is based on a shot dither schedule. The method may additionally include repeating the method to provide a complete scan in which each light-emitter device of the plurality of light-emitter devices has emitted at least one light pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventor: Mark Alexander Shand