Patents by Inventor Randolph Gregory Farmer

Randolph Gregory Farmer 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).

  • Method and apparatus for imaging a target using cloud obscuration prediction and detection
    Patent number: 7414706
    Abstract: A method is provided for imaging targets using an unmanned air vehicle. The method comprises the steps of making a determination of cloud obscuration of a target, selecting an imaging sensor based on the cloud obscuration determination, and using the selected imaging sensor to produce an image of the target. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Nichols, Randolph Gregory Farmer, Gerard Michael LaColla
  • Method and apparatus for collaborative aggregate situation awareness
    Patent number: 7123169
    Abstract: A surveillance method comprises the steps of: sending information requests to one or more of a plurality of unmanned airborne platforms, each carrying one or more sensors for gathering information; coordinating processing of the requests among the plurality of airborne platforms; and transmitting responses to the requests to one or more requesters. A surveillance system that can be used to perform the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph Gregory Farmer, William Mark Nichols
  • Automatic taxi manager
    Patent number: 7050909
    Abstract: A method for moving a vehicle to a predetermined location comprises the steps of producing a real time image of a potential taxi route, comparing the real time image with a stored image to determine if the potential taxi route is clear between the location of the vehicle and a predetermined waypoint, and taxiing the vehicle to the waypoint if the potential taxi route is clear. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Nichols, Randolph Gregory Farmer
  • Virtual map store/cartographic processor
    Patent number: 6404431
    Abstract: A digital map system has a storage device for storing digital map data and a cartographic processor for generating maps utilizing digital map data from the storage device. The cartographic processor is configured to generate maps in a plurality of different formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Randolph Gregory Farmer