Patents by Inventor Michael J. Bolick

Michael J. Bolick 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: 7839417
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. Alternatively, the system includes a head-mounted display unit that displays a virtual spray painting environment in which the virtual surface is defined. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: University of Northern Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, Jeremiah G. Treloar, Richard J. Klein, II, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, James B. Fisher, Leslie C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7839416
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: University of Northern Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, Jeremiah G. Treloar, Richard J. Klein, II, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, James B. Fisher, Leslie C. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100077959
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system realistically simulates airless spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates the instrumented airless spray gun controller which is instrumented with a tracking device and an electronic on/off switch for the trigger. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the airless spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to the setup parameters and the position and orientation of the airless spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface. The primary purpose of the system is to enhance training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jeremiah G. Treloar, Christopher A. Lampe, Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, John Whiting, Richard J. Klein, II, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, Warren C. Couvillion, JR., Stephen R. Gray
  • Publication number: 20080124698
    Abstract: A computer simulation and virtual reality system for teaching proper spray painting techniques has features to foster structured training via planned lesson curriculum, and network capabilities that allow students to remotely view an instructor demonstrating technique on the system. The system also provides instructors software for developing lesson curriculum, managing classes, and reviewing lesson results of the students.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Jason M. Ebensberger, Jeremiah G. Treloar, Michael J. Bolick, Richard J. Klein, Chad J. Zalkin, Malachi J. Wurpts, Stephen R. Gray, James B. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20070209586
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. Alternatively, the system includes a head-mounted display unit that displays a virtual spray painting environment in which the virtual surface is defined. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, Jeremiah G. Treloar, Richard J. Klein, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, James B. Fisher, Leslie C. Hughes