Patents by Inventor Michael A. Smith

Michael A. Smith 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: 12282700
    Abstract: A computer-generated scene is generated as background for a live action set, for display on a panel of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Characteristics of light output by the LED panel are controlled such that the computer-generated scene rendered on the LED panel, when captured by a motion picture camera, has high fidelity to the original computer-generated scene. Consequently, the scene displayed on the screen more closely simulates the rendered scene from the viewpoint of the camera. Thus, a viewpoint captured by the camera appears more realistic and/or truer to the creative intent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Zink, Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20250124231
    Abstract: This is a system for sentiment analysis and misinformation detection for text transcriptions of conversations and statement. More particularly, this is a software system that uses neural network, machine learning (ML) models, which have been trained solely on text sourced from the internet, for the classification of the sentiment and risk of misinformation conveyed through a piece of text as it relates to a specified subject matter. Such a system typically is used on digital communication platforms, such as social media sites, to enable the determination of public opinion and perception in order to provide competitive intelligence for decision-making.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2024
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Inventors: Scott G. Wilkinson, Marshall McCraw, Michael Smith, Zachary Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20250124534
    Abstract: A system includes a camera system configured to capture images of items in a tote. The camera system is configured to interface with an artificial intelligence (AI) system to process images in a variety of ways to support picking and/or placing operations by a robot. Such processing includes planning pick points for items, applying a filter to an image, and planning movement of a robot to perform a picking operation. The camera system further includes an augmented reality tag (ARTag) that is used to calibrate cameras and other devices. The system is configured to train the AI system based on images collected by the camera system wherein the camera system randomly varies the camera settings for each image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Applicant: Bastian Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Cass, Eric Michael Smith, Amey Sunil Kulkarni, Shelby Lynne Cass, Ruthvik Vaila, Paola Andrea Gutierrez Guzman
  • Patent number: 12278286
    Abstract: High voltage isolation devices for semiconductor devices and associated systems, are disclosed herein. The isolation device may support operations of a 3-dimensional NAND memory array of the semiconductor device. In some embodiments, during high voltage operations (e.g., erase operations), the isolation device may provide a high voltage to the memory array while isolating other circuitry supporting low voltage operations of the memory array from the high voltage. The isolation device may include a set of narrow active areas separating the low voltage circuitry from the high voltage and a gate over the narrow active areas. In a further embodiment, the isolation device includes interdigitated narrow active areas and a common gate over the interdigitated narrow active areas to reduce an area occupied by the isolation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Smith
  • Patent number: 12274057
    Abstract: Method of forming an isolation structure might include forming a first conductive region in a first section of a semiconductor material, forming a first trench in a second section of the semiconductor material adjacent a first side of the first section of the semiconductor material and forming a second trench in a third section of the semiconductor material adjacent a second side of the first section of the semiconductor material, extending the first and second trenches to a depth below the first conductive region and removing a portion of the first section of the semiconductor material overlying the first conductive region, forming second and third conductive regions in the semiconductor material below bottoms of the first and second trenches, respectively, and forming a dielectric material overlying the first conductive region and filling the first and second trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20250105664
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for facilitating harnessing terahertz electromagnetic waves for photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Accordingly, the system may include an electromagnetic wave generator configured for generating first electromagnetic waves having first wave energy. Further, the system may include a wave conversion element comprised of a 3D crystal material. Further, the wave conversion element may be configured for converting the first electromagnetic waves to second electromagnetic waves having second wave energy. Further, the second electromagnetic waves are in a second frequency range. Further, the system may include a photovoltaic device configured to operate in the second frequency range. Further, the photovoltaic device may be configured for harvesting the second wave energy of the second electromagnetic waves of the second frequency range. Further, the photovoltaic device may be configured for generating the electrical energy from the second wave energy based on the harvesting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Robert Smith, David Lark, Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20250099114
    Abstract: A surgical tool for and method of removing a bone wherein a working end of the tool eccentrically rotates with one or more cutting edges, such that in a first position the one or more cutting edges is shielded by one or more surfaces of the distal end of the main body of the tool and in a second position at least one or more of the one or more cutting edges are exposed for cutting a bone in contact therewith. The main body has a foot plate which guides positioning of the working end and protects soft tissue and adjacent structures while removing bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventor: Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 12259893
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides various systems and methods for indexing digital (electronic) documents and providing various error reporting and identification functions. The systems and methods may utilize various software, hardware, and firmware modules to identify notations, such as sheet names, anchors, and anchor references on construction documents. Various algorithms and methods may be employed to identify errors, erroneous notations, missing sheets, missing details, and/or the like to aid in the correction of construction documents. Identified notations are indexed and used to create hyperlinked pages that are easily navigable. In some embodiments, the hyperlinked pages may include previous- and next-sheet hyperlinks that allow for direct navigation within a set of pages, according to an order provided in an index sheet (e.g., a table of contents sheet).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: Blink Forward, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Melvin Smith, Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20250095441
    Abstract: A bonusing system for gaming devices provides a first bonus award eligible to be won via participating gaming devices. The bonusing system is configured to: register a plurality of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and a plurality of table gaming devices to participate in the first bonus award; receive, from a first electronic gaming machine (EGM), a first wager event message indicating a first wager being performed by a first player at the first EGM; receive, from a first table gaming device, a second wager event message indicating a second wager being performed by a second player at the first table gaming device; determine that one of the first and second wager events results in an award of the first bonus award based on a random output; and award the first bonus award to the winning player at the winning gaming device based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Gavin McPhail, Rajneesh Sharma, Mohit Churiyal, Joshua Adams, Michael Smith, Samarth Raman
  • Publication number: 20250092655
    Abstract: A toilet includes at least a water supply valve, a solenoid configured to open and close the water supply valve, and a printed circuit board (PCB) for controlling the solenoid. The PCB includes a first input corresponding to a first flush volume, a second input corresponding to a second flush volume, and a control circuit configured to open a valve for a first time period corresponding to the first flush volume when the first input is connected and open the valve for a second time period corresponding to the first flush volume when the second input is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventor: Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20250092957
    Abstract: Shape memory alloys (“SMAs”) may be used within and for many different contexts. The unique structure and makeup of SMAs may be more efficient and effective than existing solutions and may provide more advantageous benefits. For example, SMAs may be used to control direction and flow of water in bathing appliances. As another example, SMAs may be used to control the positioning of water outlets or different fixtures. SMAs may be used to control and adjust bathing products, which may further enhance user experience when handling such products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Andrew Smith, Clay Garrels, Lawrence Grin, Niels Eilmus, Michael Smith, William Kuru, Jason Kwacz
  • Publication number: 20250089842
    Abstract: Described are soles for shoes, and shoes with such soles. The sole includes a first partial region and a second partial region, a cushioning element, and a protection element. The cushioning element is arranged within at least a portion of the first partial region and within at least a portion of the second partial region. The protection element is also arranged within at least a portion of the first partial region and within at least a portion of the second partial region. The cushioning element has a greater stiffness in the first partial region than in the second partial region. When a wearer treads down with the sole on a surface, the protection element has a larger contact area with the surface in the first partial region than in the second partial region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Paul Leonard Michael Smith, James Tarrier, Angus Wardlaw, Heiko Schlarb
  • Patent number: 12243393
    Abstract: A bingo gaming system, machine, and method include a main bingo game, a feature bingo game, a main reel game associated with the main bingo game, and a feature reel game associated with the feature bingo game. The main reel game simulates outcomes of the main bingo game. The feature reel game simulates outcomes of the feature bingo game. A feature bingo game may be triggered by a main bingo game outcome. Before the feature bingo game begins, a player may be given an opportunity to select a volatility option for the feature bingo game. The volatility selection may impact the probability of winning the feature bingo game (and/or feature reel game), as well as the reward(s) associated with winning the feature bingo game (and/or feature reel game).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Michael P. Casey, David Michael Smith, Jose Antonio Uberuaga, Joshua Wade Davis, Kelton F. Flinn, Zhao Ming Fei, Kenner Scott Warren
  • Patent number: 12242507
    Abstract: Systems and methods for folder synchronization and offline synchronization via a mobile platform in a web-based collaboration environment are disclosed. One embodiment includes synchronizing user selected folders and/or sub-folders via the mobile platform, using portable devices including smart phones and tablets using any mobile operating system to allow offline access. Child or sub-folders of the selected folders and/or sub-folders are automatically detected and synchronized for offline access. Any change or new content detected on the client side or on the server side is also synchronized such that the selected folders and/or sub-folders on the client and server sides are up to date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Box, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 12237278
    Abstract: Active protection circuits for semiconductor devices, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. The active protection circuits may protect various components of the semiconductor devices from process induced damage—e.g., stemming from process charging effects. In some embodiments, the active protection circuit includes an FET and a resistor coupled to certain nodes (e.g., source plates for 3D NAND memory arrays) of the semiconductor devices, which may be prone to accumulate the process charging effects. The active protection circuits prevent the nodes from reaching a predetermined voltage during process steps utilizing charged particles. Subsequently, metal jumpers may be added to the active protection circuits to deactivate the FETs for normal operations of the semiconductor devices. Further, the FET and the resistor of the active protection circuit may be integrated with an existing component of the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Smith, Kenneth W. Marr
  • Patent number: 12231828
    Abstract: A system is provided for generating video content with hue-preservation in virtual production. The system comprises a memory for storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions. Based on the executed instructions, the processor is further configured to control a saturation of scene linear data based on mapping of a first color gamut corresponding to a first encoding format of raw data to a second color gamut corresponding to a defined color space. The processor is further configured to determine a standard dynamic range (SDR) video content in the defined color space based on the scene linear data. Based on a scaling factor that is applied to three primary color values that describe the first color gamut, hue of the SDR video content is preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Michael Zink, Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20250045782
    Abstract: A system for retail forecasting and task management. The system includes a sales history database storing sales histories associated with a plurality of store locations; a network adapter; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to: provide, via the network adapter, a retail task user interface on a user device at a store location; cluster a plurality of store locations based on shared characteristics; determine a local sales forecast value on a future date for the store location based on a sales history of the store location using a first forecast model; determine a group sales forecast value on the future date based on sales histories of other store locations using the first forecast model; determine an adjusted sales forecast for the store location based on the local sales forecast value and the group sales forecast value; and provide the adjusted sales forecast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: Yuting Han, Wenyue Shi, Michael Smith
  • Patent number: PP36434
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Buxus plant named ‘WINTER JADE’ is disclosed, characterized by an upright plant habit with dense branching and dense foliage cover. Plants have shown resistance to the normal diseases and pests of Boxwood. Foliage is dark lush green. Plants have been observed to tolerate temperatures between 0 degrees F. to 110 degrees F. without negative effects. The dark green foliage color is maintained in both winter and summer under both low and high temperatures. The new cultivar is a Buxus, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Inventor: Michael Smith
  • Patent number: D1069569
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Inventors: Lawrence George Morano, III, John Hobson Cooling, Jr., Andrew Neal Gilje, Benjamin Michael Smith, Martin Kim Mund, Kevin Russel Leiter, Shawn David Ward
  • Patent number: D1070065
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: DELTA T, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Smith