Patents by Inventor Michael E. Bowman

Michael E. Bowman 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).

  • Publication number: 20260138600
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for predicting collisions between uncrewed vehicles and preventing those collisions. A collision prevention system may generate collision spheroids for a multitude of uncrewed vehicles. Those collision spheroids may represent a plurality of three-dimensional points around each uncrewed vehicle. When the collision prevention system determines that collision spheroids corresponding to two uncrewed vehicles intersect, the collision prevention system may determine that a collision is imminent and may attempt to prevent the collision by causing one or both uncrewed vehicles to change velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2026
    Publication date: May 21, 2026
    Applicant: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. BOWMAN, Mark B. MOFFETT, Daniel R. HEDMAN, Michael E. BOWMAN, Bryce KORTE, Matthew D. SUMMER
  • Publication number: 20260079500
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for navigating a vehicle. A target location may be received, and based on the target location and vehicle parameters, an acceleration profile for the vehicle may be generated. The acceleration profile may include a first duration for accelerating the vehicle and a second duration for not accelerating the vehicle. When the acceleration profile is generated, a trajectory profile for travelling to the target location may be generated using the acceleration profile. The trajectory profile may include multiple instances of the acceleration profile. When the trajectory profile is being executed, a distance travelled by the vehicle after each instance of the acceleration profile is executed may be calculated. Based on the distance travelled after each instance of the acceleration profile is executed, an instance of when the target location is reached may be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2024
    Publication date: March 19, 2026
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. BOWMAN, Michael E. BOWMAN, Mark B. MOFFETT, Matthew D. SUMMER, Matthew R. DANKO
  • Patent number: 12566509
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for detecting motion-induced errors received from inertial-type input devices and for generating accurate vehicle control commands that account for operator movement. These methods and systems may determine, using motion data from inertial sensors, whether the hand/arm of the operator is moving in the same motion as the body of the operator, and if both are moving in the same way, these systems and methods may determine that the motion is not intended to be a motion-induced command. However, if the hand/arm of the operator is moving in a different motion from the body of the operator, these methods and systems may determine that the operator intended the motion to be a motion-induced command to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2025
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2026
    Assignee: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Bowman, William S. Bowman, Daniel R. Hedman, Matthew D. Summer, Andrew D. Falendysz, Kevin Makovy, Michael W. Holt
  • Patent number: 12559096
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for predicting collisions between uncrewed vehicles and preventing those collisions. A collision prevention system may generate collision spheroids for a multitude of uncrewed vehicles. Those collision spheroids may represent a plurality of three-dimensional points around each uncrewed vehicle. When the collision prevention system determines that collision spheroids corresponding to two uncrewed vehicles intersect, the collision prevention system may determine that a collision is imminent and may attempt to prevent the collision by causing one or both uncrewed vehicles to change velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Bowman, Mark B. Moffett, Daniel R. Hedman, Michael E. Bowman, Bryce Korte, Matthew D. Summer
  • Patent number: 12561837
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for determining three-dimensional locations of objects within identified portions of images. An image processing system may receive an image and an identification of location within an image. The image may be input into a machine learning model to detect one or more objects within the identified location. Multiple images may then be used to generate location estimations of those objects. Based on the location estimations, an accurate three-dimensional location may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Hedman, Matthew D. Summer, William S. Bowman, Michael E. Bowman, Brad Truesdell, Andrew D. Falendysz
  • Publication number: 20260001529
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for predicting collisions between uncrewed vehicles and preventing those collisions. A collision prevention system may generate collision spheroids for a multitude of uncrewed vehicles. Those collision spheroids may represent a plurality of three-dimensional points around each uncrewed vehicle. When the collision prevention system determines that collision spheroids corresponding to two uncrewed vehicles intersect, the collision prevention system may determine that a collision is imminent and may attempt to prevent the collision by causing one or both uncrewed vehicles to change velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2024
    Publication date: January 1, 2026
    Applicant: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. BOWMAN, Mark B. MOFFETT, Daniel R. HEDMAN, Michael E. BOWMAN, Bryce KORTE, Matthew D. SUMMER
  • Publication number: 20250232467
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for enabling aerial vehicle navigation in GPS-denied areas. The system may use a camera to record images of terrain as the aerial vehicle is flying to a target location. The system may then detect (e.g., using a machine learning model) objects within those images and compare those objects with objects within an electronic map that was loaded onto the aerial vehicle. When the system finds one or more objects within the electronic map that match the objects detected within the recorded images, the system may retrieve locations (e.g., GPS coordinates) of the objects within the electronic map and calculate, based on the coordinates, the location of the aerial vehicle. Once the location of the aerial vehicle is determined, the system may navigate to a target location or otherwise adjust a flight path of the aerial vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2025
    Publication date: July 17, 2025
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. BOWMAN, Mark B. MOFFETT, Andrew D. FALENDYSZ, Michael E. BOWMAN, Michael W. HOLT, Timothy M. WILLIAMS, Matthew R. DANKO, Matthew D. SUMMER
  • Publication number: 20250147598
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for detecting motion-induced errors received from inertial-type input devices and for generating accurate vehicle control commands that account for operator movement. These methods and systems may determine, using motion data from inertial sensors, whether the hand/arm of the operator is moving in the same motion as the body of the operator, and if both are moving in the same way, these systems and methods may determine that the motion is not intended to be a motion-induced command. However, if the hand/arm of the operator is moving in a different motion from the body of the operator, these methods and systems may determine that the operator intended the motion to be a motion-induced command to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. BOWMAN, William S. BOWMAN, Daniel R. HEDMAN, Matthew D. SUMMER, Andrew D. FALENDYSZ, Kevin MAKOVY, Michael W. HOLT
  • Patent number: 12293538
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for enabling aerial vehicle navigation in GPS-denied areas. The system may use a camera to record images of terrain as the aerial vehicle is flying to a target location. The system may then detect (e.g., using a machine learning model) objects within those images and compare those objects with objects within an electronic map that was loaded onto the aerial vehicle. When the system finds one or more objects within the electronic map that match the objects detected within the recorded images, the system may retrieve locations (e.g., GPS coordinates) of the objects within the electronic map and calculate, based on the coordinates, the location of the aerial vehicle. Once the location of the aerial vehicle is determined, the system may navigate to a target location or otherwise adjust a flight path of the aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Bowman, Mark B. Moffett, Andrew D. Falendysz, Michael E. Bowman, Michael W. Holt, Timothy M. Williams, Matthew R. Danko, Matthew D. Summer
  • Publication number: 20250086831
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for determining three-dimensional locations of objects within identified portions of images. An image processing system may receive an image and an identification of location within an image. The image may be input into a machine learning model to detect one or more objects within the identified location. Multiple images may then be used to generate location estimations of those objects. Based on the location estimations, an accurate three-dimensional location may be calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. HEDMAN, Matthew D. SUMMER, William S. BOWMAN, Michael E. BOWMAN, Brad TRUESDELL, Andrew D. FALENDYSZ
  • Publication number: 20250054175
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for enabling aerial vehicle navigation in GPS-denied areas. The system may use a camera to record images of terrain as the aerial vehicle is flying to a target location. The system may then detect (e.g., using a machine learning model) objects within those images and compare those objects with objects within an electronic map that was loaded onto the aerial vehicle. When the system finds one or more objects within the electronic map that match the objects detected within the recorded images, the system may retrieve locations (e.g., GPS coordinates) of the objects within the electronic map and calculate, based on the coordinates, the location of the aerial vehicle. Once the location of the aerial vehicle is determined, the system may navigate to a target location or otherwise adjust a flight path of the aerial vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. BOWMAN, Mark B. MOFFETT, Andrew D. FALENDYSZ, Michael E. BOWMAN, Michael W. HOLT, Timothy M. WILLIAMS, Matthew R. DANKO, Matthew D. SUMMER
  • Patent number: 12223124
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for detecting motion-induced errors received from inertial-type input devices and for generating accurate vehicle control commands that account for operator movement. These methods and systems may determine, using motion data from inertial sensors, whether the hand/arm of the operator is moving in the same motion as the body of the operator, and if both are moving in the same way, these systems and methods may determine that the motion is not intended to be a motion-induced command. However, if the hand/arm of the operator is moving in a different motion from the body of the operator, these methods and systems may determine that the operator intended the motion to be a motion-induced command to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Bowman, William S. Bowman, Daniel R. Hedman, Matthew D. Summer, Andrew D. Falendysz, Kevin Makovy, Michael W. Holt
  • Publication number: 20250030576
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for a layered fail-safe redundancy system and architecture for privileged operation execution. The system may receive vehicle maneuvering commands from a controller over a first channel. When a user input is received to initiate a privileged mode for executing privileged commands, the system may receive a privileged command over a second channel. The system may identify, based on the privileged mode of operation and the privileged command, a privileged operation to be performed by a vehicle. The system may then transmit a request to the vehicle to perform the privileged operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. BOWMAN, Andrew D. FALENDYSZ, Kevin M. MAKOVY, Matthew D. SUMMER, Michael E. BOWMAN, Michael W. HOLT, Mark B. MOFFETT
  • Publication number: 20250022167
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for determining three-dimensional locations of objects within identified portions of images. An image processing system may receive an image and an identification of location within an image. The image may be input into a machine learning model to detect one or more objects within the identified location. Multiple images may then be used to generate location estimations of those objects. Based on the location estimations, an accurate three-dimensional location may be calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. HEDMAN, Matthew D. SUMMER, William S. BOWMAN, Michael E. BOWMAN, Brad TRUESDELL, Andrew D. FALENDYSZ
  • Patent number: 12198377
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for determining three-dimensional locations of objects within identified portions of images. An image processing system may receive an image and an identification of location within an image. The image may be input into a machine learning model to detect one or more objects within the identified location. Multiple images may then be used to generate location estimations of those objects. Based on the location estimations, an accurate three-dimensional location may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Tomahawk Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Hedman, Matthew D. Summer, William S. Bowman, Michael E. Bowman, Brad Truesdell, Andrew D. Falendysz
  • Publication number: 20240005801
    Abstract: A common command and control architecture (alternatively termed herein as a “universal control architecture”) is disclosed that allows different unmanned systems, including different types of unmanned systems (e.g., air, ground, and/or maritime unmanned systems), to be controlled simultaneously through a common control device (e.g., a controller that can be an input and/or output device). The universal control architecture brings significant efficiency gains in engineering, deployment, training, maintenance, and future upgrades of unmanned systems. In addition, the disclosed common command and control architecture breaks the traditional stovepipe development involving deployment models and thus reducing hardware and software maintenance, creating a streamlined training/proficiency initiative, reducing physical space requirements for transport, and creating a scalable, more connected interoperable approach to control of unmanned systems over existing unmanned systems technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics
    Inventors: Matthew D. SUMMER, William S. BOWMAN, Andrew D. FALENDYSZ, Daniel R. HEDMAN, Brad TRUESDELL, Jeffrey S. COOPER, Michael E. BOWMAN, Sean WAGONER, Kevin MAKOVY
  • Patent number: 11854410
    Abstract: A common command and control architecture (alternatively termed herein as a “universal control architecture”) is disclosed that allows different unmanned systems, including different types of unmanned systems (e.g., air, ground, and/or maritime unmanned systems), to be controlled simultaneously through a common control device (e.g., a controller that can be an input and/or output device). The universal control architecture brings significant efficiency gains in engineering, deployment, training, maintenance, and future upgrades of unmanned systems. In addition, the disclosed common command and control architecture breaks the traditional stovepipe development involving deployment models and thus reducing hardware and software maintenance, creating a streamlined training/proficiency initiative, reducing physical space requirements for transport, and creating a scalable, more connected interoperable approach to control of unmanned systems over existing unmanned systems technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Tomahawk Robotics
    Inventors: Matthew D. Summer, William S. Bowman, Andrew D. Falendysz, Daniel R. Hedman, Brad Truesdell, Jeffrey S Cooper, Michael E. Bowman, Sean Wagoner, Kevin Makovy
  • Publication number: 20230333671
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for detecting motion-induced errors received from inertial-type input devices and for generating accurate vehicle control commands that account for operator movement. These methods and systems may determine, using motion data from inertial sensors, whether the hand/arm of the operator is moving in the same motion as the body of the operator, and if both are moving in the same way, these systems and methods may determine that the motion is not intended to be a motion-induced command. However, if the hand/arm of the operator is moving in a different motion from the body of the operator, these methods and systems may determine that the operator intended the motion to be a motion-induced command to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Tomahawk Robotics
    Inventors: Michael E. BOWMAN, William S. BOWMAN, Daniel R. HEDMAN, Matthew D. SUMMER, Andrew D. FALENDYSZ
  • Patent number: 11675445
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for detecting motion-induced errors received from inertial-type input devices and for generating accurate vehicle control commands that account for operator movement. These methods and systems may determine, using motion data from inertial sensors, whether the hand/arm of the operator is moving in the same motion as the body of the operator, and if both are moving in the same way, these systems and methods may determine that the motion is not intended to be a motion-induced command. However, if the hand/arm of the operator is moving in a different motion from the body of the operator, these methods and systems may determine that the operator intended the motion to be a motion-induced command to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Tomahawk Robotics
    Inventors: Michael E. Bowman, William S. Bowman, Daniel R. Hedman, Matthew D. Summer, Andrew D. Falendysz, Kevin Makovy, Michael W. Holt
  • Publication number: 20220413490
    Abstract: A common command and control architecture (alternatively termed herein as a “universal control architecture”) is disclosed that allows different unmanned systems, including different types of unmanned systems (e.g., air, ground, and/or maritime unmanned systems), to be controlled simultaneously through a common control device (e.g., a controller that can be an input and/or output device). The universal control architecture brings significant efficiency gains in engineering, deployment, training, maintenance, and future upgrades of unmanned systems. In addition, the disclosed common command and control architecture breaks the traditional stovepipe development involving deployment models and thus reducing hardware and software maintenance, creating a streamlined training/proficiency initiative, reducing physical space requirements for transport, and creating a scalable, more connected interoperable approach to control of unmanned systems over existing unmanned systems technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew D. Summer, William S. Bowman, Andrew D. Falendysz, Daniel R. Hedman, Brad Truesdell, Jeffrey S. Cooper, Michael E. Bowman, Sean Wagoner, Kevin Makovy