Patents by Inventor Mike E. Ciholas

Mike E. Ciholas 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: 11566932
    Abstract: A sonic monitor system for a tank is disclosed in which the system comprises a remote tank sensor device for installation in a bung opening of a storage tank for determining a level of fluid within the storage tank and for generating a signal indicative of the level of fluid within the storage tank, and a receiver device for receiving the signal indicative of the level of fluid within the storage tank, the receiver device having a display and a siren with the receiver device actuating the siren when the receiver device determines that the level of fluid within the tank is at a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventors: Roger E. Wiersma, Christopher D Gander, Mike E Ciholas
  • Publication number: 20210218886
    Abstract: A method for increasing dynamic range of a time-delay integration (TDI) image includes assigning a value N to a line-number setting and generating each line of the TDI image by (i) selecting N lines from N corresponding images of an image sequence, and (ii) integrating the N lines. The brightness of the TDI image is evaluated, after which the line-number setting is updated to a new value. In another method, the value of a TDI pixel is initialized to the value of a corresponding pixel in a first image of the image sequence. While the TDI pixel value is less than a ceiling, a contribution is added to the TDI pixel value, the contribution being based on the value of an additional corresponding pixel in an additional image of the image sequence. After adding, the resulting TDI pixel value may be scaled based on the number of contributions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas
  • Patent number: 10986267
    Abstract: A method for generating time delay integration color images at increased resolution includes (a) capturing sequential digital two-dimensional color images of a scene using an area scan color image sensor including lines of color sensor pixels, wherein each color sensor pixel including a Bayer-type array of photosites, and (b) processing the sequential digital two-dimensional color images to generate a time delay integration color image of an object moving in the scene, wherein the processing includes increasing resolution of the time delay integration color image by including crossover pixels formed by combining photosites from sequentially captured two-dimensional color images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: LYNX SYSTEM DEVELOPERS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas
  • Patent number: 10962336
    Abstract: A system for scoring darts that includes multiple cameras placed substantially parallel to the surface of a dartboard. With a field of view extending across the board, the cameras can be configured to capture images of darts projecting outwardly from the board as they are thrown, and the system can use this image data to calculate the location of each dart, and the corresponding score. Various algorithms may be used to orient the system and calibrate the system to account for irregularities in the images captured by the cameras to accurately determine the location. Proper scoring may be achieved for a variety of dartboards with different patterns of scoring regions based on game rules and corresponding board configurations maintained by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert A. Hollinger, Jeremy W. Aldridge, Mike E. Ciholas, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock
  • Publication number: 20200036891
    Abstract: A method for generating time delay integration color images at increased resolution includes (a) capturing sequential digital two-dimensional color images of a scene using an area scan color image sensor including lines of color sensor pixels, wherein each color sensor pixel including a Bayer-type array of photosites, and (b) processing the sequential digital two-dimensional color images to generate a time delay integration color image of an object moving in the scene, wherein the processing includes increasing resolution of the time delay integration color image by including crossover pixels formed by combining photosites from sequentially captured two-dimensional color images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas
  • Publication number: 20200018576
    Abstract: A system for scoring darts that includes multiple cameras placed substantially parallel to the surface of a dartboard. With a field of view extending across the board, the cameras can be configured to capture images of darts projecting outwardly from the board as they are thrown, and the system can use this image data to calculate the location of each dart, and the corresponding score. Various algorithms may be used to orient the system and calibrate the system to account for irregularities in the images captured by the cameras to accurately determine the location. Proper scoring may be achieved for a variety of dartboards with different patterns of scoring regions based on game rules and corresponding board configurations maintained by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Indian Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert A. Hollinger, Jeremy W. Aldridge, Mike E. Ciholas, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock
  • Patent number: 10443987
    Abstract: A system for scoring darts that includes multiple cameras placed substantially parallel to the surface of a dartboard. With a field of view extending across the board, the cameras can be configured to capture images of darts projecting outwardly from the board as they are thrown, and the system can use this image data to calculate the location of each dart, and the corresponding score. Various algorithms may be used to orient the system and calibrate the system to account for irregularities in the images captured by the cameras to accurately determine the location. Proper scoring may be achieved for a variety of dartboards with different patterns of scoring regions based on game rules and corresponding board configurations maintained by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert A. Hollinger, Jeremy W. Aldridge, Mike E. Ciholas, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock
  • Patent number: 10375300
    Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of input images associated with a respective plurality of input times, the input images and input times being provided by an event timing system, comprises: selecting an output frame rate; generating a plurality of output images, corresponding to the output frame rate, from the plurality of input images; and assigning to each output image a final output time provided by the event timing system, the final output time being the input time associated with an input image contributing to the output image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: LYNX SYSTEM DEVELOPERS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas
  • Publication number: 20180302188
    Abstract: A system and method whereby a group of synchronized anchor nodes transmit the identical radio signal packet at a specified time or specified times, which multiple signal packets are received at one or more tag/receiving nodes located within the area of use is provided. First, the time of each of the plurality of anchor nodes is synchronized relative to the other anchor nodes. A transmit time is then specified for each of the anchor nodes to transmit the identical data packet of information from each individual anchor node. The identical data packet of information and specified transmit time are then provided to each of the anchor nodes. The identical data packet of information is then transmitted from each anchor node into the area of use, wherein each of the identical data packets are transmitted from each respective one of the plurality of anchor nodes at the transmit time specified for that anchor node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: CIHOLAS INC
    Inventors: MIKE E. CIHOLAS, JUSTIN E. BENNETT, JEREMY W. ALDRIDGE, TIM M. DEBAILLIE
  • Patent number: 9971916
    Abstract: System and method for scheduling and coordinating transmission signals in a wireless data communications network, comprising a master node and at least one tag node. In some embodiments, the network may also include a slave node. The master node divides time into repeating time division blocks comprising a configuration window and at least one transaction window. During the configuration window, the master node provides operating parameters to the tag or slave nodes, including a time slot within the transaction window that is reserved for the tag or slave nodes to broadcast data to the master node. The transaction window is subdivided into multiple reserved time slots, and each slot is assigned to a specific tag or slave node. When a reserved time slot arrives, the tag or slave node will broadcast data signals to the master node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SHOTTRACKER, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Ianni, Davyeon D. Ross, Justin E. Bennett, Mike E. Ciholas, Herb A. Hollinger, Kyle D. Singer, Dirk B. Vanvorst
  • Publication number: 20180121688
    Abstract: System and method for scheduling and coordinating transmission signals in a wireless data communications network, comprising a master node and at least one tag node. In some embodiments, the network may also include a slave node. The master node divides time into repeating time division blocks comprising a configuration window and at least one transaction window. During the configuration window, the master node provides operating parameters to the tag or slave nodes, including a time slot within the transaction window that is reserved for the tag or slave nodes to broadcast data to the master node. The transaction window is subdivided into multiple reserved time slots, and each slot is assigned to a specific tag or slave node. When a reserved time slot arrives, the tag or slave node will broadcast data signals to the master node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: ShotTracker, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. IANNI, Davyeon D. ROSS, Justin E. BENNETT, Mike E. CIHOLAS, Herb A. HOLLINGER, Kyle D. SINGER, Dirk B. VANVORST
  • Patent number: 9858451
    Abstract: System and method for scheduling and coordinating transmission signals in a wireless data communications network, comprising a master node and at least one tag node. In some embodiments, the network may also include a slave node. The master node divides time into repeating time division blocks comprising a configuration window and at least one transaction window. During the configuration window, the master node provides operating parameters to the tag or slave nodes, including a time slot within the transaction window that is reserved for the tag or slave nodes to broadcast data to the master node. The transaction window is subdivided into multiple reserved time slots, and each slot is assigned to a specific tag or slave node. When a reserved time slot arrives, the tag or slave node will broadcast data signals to the master node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SHOTTRACKER, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Ianni, Davyeon D. Ross, Justin E. Bennett, Mike E. Ciholas, Herb A. Hollinger, Kyle D. Singer, Dirk B. VanVorst
  • Publication number: 20170307341
    Abstract: A system for scoring darts that includes multiple cameras placed substantially parallel to the surface of a dartboard. With a field of view extending across the board, the cameras can be configured to capture images of darts projecting outwardly from the board as they are thrown, and the system can use this image data to calculate the location of each dart, and the corresponding score. Various algorithms may be used to orient the system and calibrate the system to account for irregularities in the images captured by the cameras to accurately determine the location. Proper scoring may be achieved for a variety of dartboards with different patterns of scoring regions based on game rules and corresponding board configurations maintained by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Herbert A. Hollinger, Jeremy W. Aldridge, Mike E. Ciholas, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock
  • Publication number: 20170205493
    Abstract: A system and method for location of objects in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional space using a minimum number of timed RF transmissions. System consists of a mobile device and a plurality of surveyed anchors. Two-Way Ranging (TWR) is done between the tag and any single anchor and the distance between the tag and remaining anchors is determined through listening to, or snooping, the TWR packet transmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Mike E. Ciholas, Justin Emrys Bennett, Daniel Lawrence Morris
  • Publication number: 20160292469
    Abstract: System and method for scheduling and coordinating transmission signals in a wireless data communications network, comprising a master node and at least one tag node. In some embodiments, the network may also include a slave node. The master node divides time into repeating time division blocks comprising a configuration window and at least one transaction window. During the configuration window, the master node provides operating parameters to the tag or slave nodes, including a time slot within the transaction window that is reserved for the tag or slave nodes to broadcast data to the master node. The transaction window is subdivided into multiple reserved time slots, and each slot is assigned to a specific tag or slave node. When a reserved time slot arrives, the tag or slave node will broadcast data signals to the master node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: ShotTracker, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Ianni, Davyeon D. Ross, Justin E. Bennett, Mike E. Ciholas, Herb A. Hollinger, Kyle D. Singer, Dirk B. VanVorst
  • Patent number: 9413926
    Abstract: A system for processing event timing images includes: area scan image sensor for generating sequential digital two-dimensional images of a scene; and time delay integration module for processing the sequential digital two-dimensional images to generate a time delay integration image of a moving object in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: LYNX SYSTEM DEVELOPERS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas, Evan A. Hallam
  • Patent number: 9398196
    Abstract: A method for processing event timing images includes: capturing sequential digital two-dimensional images of a scene using an area scan image sensor; and processing the sequential digital two-dimensional images to generate a time delay integration image of an object moving in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: LYNX SYSTEM DEVELOPERS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas, Herb A. Hollinger
  • Publication number: 20150312504
    Abstract: A system is provided for recording and timing of events, and includes: a camera system for capturing images of the events and comprising a clock; an event recorder for detecting the events and being communicatively coupled with the clock; and a data processing system capable of assigning times provided by the clock to the images captured by the camera system and events detected by the event recorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Isolynx, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas, Paul R. Blaylock
  • Publication number: 20150312497
    Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of input images associated with a respective plurality of input times, the input images and input times being provided by an event timing system, comprises: selecting an output frame rate; generating a plurality of output images, corresponding to the output frame rate, from the plurality of input images; and assigning to each output image a final output time provided by the event timing system, the final output time being the input time associated with an input image contributing to the output image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas
  • Publication number: 20150312493
    Abstract: A method for processing event timing images includes: capturing sequential digital two-dimensional images of a scene using an area scan image sensor; and processing the sequential digital two-dimensional images to generate a time delay integration image of an object moving in the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Aldridge, Kirk Sigel, Douglas DeAngelis, Mike E. Ciholas, Herb A. Hollinger