Patents by Inventor Michael E. Walker

Michael E. Walker 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: 12427664
    Abstract: Systems and methods for human-robot communication. More particularly, some embodiments use augmented reality to facilitate communication of robot intention and teleoperation in human-robot cooperative environments. Various embodiments of the present technology provide a middleware that integrates augmented reality (AR) with novel teleoperation interfaces to increase operation effectiveness, support the user in conducting concurrent work, and decrease stress. Various embodiments provide predictive graphical interfaces such that a teleoperator controls a virtual robot surrogate, rather than directly operating the robot itself, providing the user with foresight regarding where the physical robot will end up and how it will get there. In accordance with various embodiments a user may select between two AR interfaces using such a surrogate: one focused on real-time control and one inspired by waypoint delegation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2025
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Daniel Szafir, Michael E. Walker, Hooman Hedayati
  • Publication number: 20240424673
    Abstract: Systems and methods for human-robot communication. More particularly, some embodiments use augmented reality to facilitate communication of robot intention and teleoperation in human-robot cooperative environments. Various embodiments of the present technology provide a middleware that integrates augmented reality (AR) with novel teleoperation interfaces to increase operation effectiveness, support the user in conducting concurrent work, and decrease stress. Various embodiments provide predictive graphical interfaces such that a teleoperator controls a virtual robot surrogate, rather than directly operating the robot itself, providing the user with foresight regarding where the physical robot will end up and how it will get there. In accordance with various embodiments a user may select between two AR interfaces using such a surrogate: one focused on real-time control and one inspired by waypoint delegation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Daniel Szafir, Michael E. Walker, Hooman Hedayati
  • Patent number: 11986963
    Abstract: Systems and methods for human-robot communication are proved. More particularly, some embodiments use augmented reality to facilitate communication of robot intention and teleoperation in human-robot cooperative environments. Various embodiments of the present technology provide a middleware that integrates augmented reality (AR) with novel teleoperation interfaces to increase operation effectiveness, support the user in conducting concurrent work, and decrease stress. Various embodiments provide predictive graphical interfaces such that a teleoperator controls a virtual robot surrogate, rather than directly operating the robot itself, providing the user with foresight regarding where the physical robot will end up and how it will get there. In accordance with various embodiments a user may select between two AR interfaces using such a surrogate: one focused on real-time control and one inspired by waypoint delegation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Daniel Szafir, Michael E. Walker, Hooman Hedayati
  • Patent number: 11584208
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the rain and sun protection of a golf cart roof using a rain and sun shield device. The rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart is semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The device is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile (i.e. are sized to fit within the perimeter of any standard golf cart roof when in the closed position) of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SWIC, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20210178876
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the rain and sun protection of a golf cart roof using a rain and sun shield device. The rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart is semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The device is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile (i.e. are sized to fit within the perimeter of any standard golf cart roof when in the closed position) of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20210094180
    Abstract: Systems and methods for human-robot communication are proved. More particularly, some embodiments use augmented reality to facilitate communication of robot intention and teleoperation in human-robot cooperative environments. Various embodiments of the present technology provide a middleware that integrates augmented reality (AR) with novel teleoperation interfaces to increase operation effectiveness, support the user in conducting concurrent work, and decrease stress. Various embodiments provide predictive graphical interfaces such that a teleoperator controls a virtual robot surrogate, rather than directly operating the robot itself, providing the user with foresight regarding where the physical robot will end up and how it will get there. In accordance with various embodiments a user may select between two AR interfaces using such a surrogate: one focused on real-time control and one inspired by waypoint delegation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Daniel Szafir, Michael E. Walker, Hooman Hedayati
  • Patent number: 10953734
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the rain and sun protection of a golf cart roof using a rain and sun shield device. The rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart is semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The device is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile (i.e. are sized to fit within the perimeter of any standard golf cart roof when in the closed position) of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: SWIC, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20200101825
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the rain and sun protection of a golf cart roof using a rain and sun shield device. The rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart is semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The device is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile (i.e. are sized to fit within the perimeter of any standard golf cart roof when in the closed position) of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 10525805
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the rain and sun protection of a golf cart roof using a rain and sun shield device. The rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart is semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The device is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SWIC, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, Jr., Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20190225062
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the rain and sun protection of a golf cart roof using a rain and sun shield device. The rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart is semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The idevice is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, JR., Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Publication number: 20190225061
    Abstract: A rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The device is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, JR., Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 10343504
    Abstract: A rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The idevice is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SWIC, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, Jr., Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 10160298
    Abstract: A rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The idevice is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SWIC, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, Jr., Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 10093161
    Abstract: A portable, light weight sun and rain shield for golfers that fits in the umbrella pocket of a golf bag and is positioned on top of a golf cart which when opened extends beyond the width of the golf cart roof to protect the golfer from sun and rain. A nylon or fabric cover provides a shield extending from approximately 2 to 10 feet on each side of the golf cart's roof. A device that is easily opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SWIC, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Seitz, Jr., Michael E. Walker, Philip C. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 5697183
    Abstract: A fishing rod holding device adaptable to either a fly rod, spinning rod or bait casting rod, with attachment means for use with an inflatable fisherman's flotation device. The holding device supports the rod securely in an upright position, clear of the waterline, allowing the fisherman free use of his hands to remove hooks or other tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Sound Inventions, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Walker