Patents by Inventor Michael K. Barron

Michael K. Barron 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: 8624924
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a collaborative visualization system, which integrates motion capture and virtual reality, along with kinematics and computer-aided design (CAD), for the purpose of, for example, virtual training on a task. A portable motion capture system tracks the movements of one or more trainers and records full-body motion capture data for one or more trainers performing one or more tasks. A virtual reality simulator receives the recorded motion capture data and animates scaled avatars within a three-dimensional virtual reality simulation responsive to recorded motion capture data. An immersive observation system displays the virtual reality simulation, including the animated avatars, as a three-dimensional image that appears to surround one or more trainees using one or more head mounted displays so that the one or more trainees can analyze the one or more tasks performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Dobbins, Pascale Rondot, Eric D. Shone, Michael R. Yokell, Kevin J. Abshire, Anthony Ray Harbor, Sr., Scott Lovell, Michael K. Barron
  • Patent number: 8615383
    Abstract: A collaborative visualization system integrates motion capture and virtual reality, along with kinematics and computer-aided design (CAD), for the purpose, for example, of evaluating an engineering design. A virtual reality simulator creates a full-scale, three-dimensional virtual reality simulation responsive to computer-aided design (CAD) data. Motion capture data is obtained from users simultaneously interacting with the virtual reality simulation. The virtual reality simulator animates in real time avatars responsive to motion capture data from the users. The virtual reality simulation, including the interactions of the one or more avatars and also objects, is displayed as a three-dimensional image in a common immersive environment using one or more head mounted displays so that the users can evaluate the CAD design to thereby verify that tasks associated with a product built according to the CAD design can be performed by a predetermined range of user sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Dobbins, Pascale Rondot, Eric D. Shone, Michael R. Yokell, Kevin J. Abshire, Anthony Ray Harbor, Sr., Scott Lovell, Michael K. Barron
  • Publication number: 20090213114
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a collaborative visualization system, which integrates motion capture and virtual reality, along with kinematics and computer-aided design (CAD), for the purpose of, for example, virtual training on a task. A portable motion capture system tracks the movements of one or more trainers and records full-body motion capture data for one or more trainers performing one or more tasks. A virtual reality simulator receives the recorded motion capture data and animates scaled avatars within a three-dimensional virtual reality simulation responsive to recorded motion capture data. An immersive observation system displays the virtual reality simulation, including the animated avatars, as a three-dimensional image that appears to surround one or more trainees using one or more head mounted displays so that the one or more trainees can analyze the one or more tasks performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Dobbins, Pascale Rondot, Eric D. Shone, Michael R. Yokell, Kevin J. Abshire, Anthony Ray Harbor, SR., Scott Lovell, Michael K. Barron
  • Publication number: 20090187389
    Abstract: A collaborative visualization system integrates motion capture and virtual reality, along with kinematics and computer-aided design (CAD), for the purpose, for example, of evaluating an engineering design. A virtual reality simulator creates a full-scale, three-dimensional virtual reality simulation responsive to computer-aided design (CAD) data. Motion capture data is obtained from users simultaneously interacting with the virtual reality simulation. The virtual reality simulator animates in real time avatars responsive to motion capture data from the users. The virtual reality simulation, including the interactions of the one or more avatars and also objects, is displayed as a three-dimensional image in a common immersive environment using one or more head mounted displays so that the users can evaluate the CAD design to thereby verify that tasks associated with a product built according to the CAD design can be performed by a predetermined range of user sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Dobbins, Pascale Rondot, Eric D. Shone, Michael R. Yokell, Kevin J. Abshire, Anthony Ray Harbor, SR., Scott Lovell, Michael K. Barron
  • Publication number: 20080315054
    Abstract: A bracket useful for suspending terrestrial transportation devices, such as scooters, from a vertical support contains a vertical flange, a horizontal flange, and a support arm. The vertical flange is connected to the horizontal flange, which in turn is connected to the support arm, each preferably perpendicular to the other. The vertical flange of the bracket is connected to the vertical support. One or more scooter supports are located on the support arm. The scooter supports include one or more notches. The necks of suspended scooters nest in the notches of the scooter supports. Scooters are suspended from the bracket by draping the scooters over the support arm, with the deck and steering unit on opposite sides of the support arm. The bracket may be covered with a soft, preferably polymeric, coating to prevent scratches to the terrestrial transportation devices supported by the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Michael K. Barron
  • Patent number: 5010907
    Abstract: A mobile enclosure, which allows access to a vehicle in an unsafe environment and minimizes the possibility of contamination of the cockpit includes a trailer that is subdivided into plural subcompartments. A decontamination area is provided for decontaminating personnel ingressing the enclosure. The enclosure also has a vehicle maintenance area for receiving the vehicle personnel hatchway portion of a vehicle. The maintenance area has docking doors which are contoured to fit around the vehicle and open and close automatically to admit the vehicle. Decontamination facilities are provided immediately outside of the docking doors, to decontaminate the vehicle personnel hatchway portion as it is admitted to the enclosure. A crew compartment is provided where personnel, including the pilot, can rest, eat, and work. The enclosure has an auxiliary power unit that provides decontaminated air and water, electricity and heat for hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Henson, Michael K. Barron