Patents by Inventor Robert B. Wood
Robert B. Wood 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).
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Patent number: 8903207Abstract: A Head Up Display can be utilized to find light from an energy source. The Head Up Display includes a first waveguide having a first input coupler and a first output coupler. The Head Up Display can also include a second waveguide having a second input coupler and a second output coupler. The first waveguide has a first major surface and the second waveguide has a second major surface, which are disposed approximately parallel to each other. The first waveguide and the second waveguide are positioned as a combiner and allowing viewing an outside feed and information from an image source. The first input coupler diffracts light in the first field of view into the first waveguide and light in a second field of view reaches the second input coupler and is diffracted into the second waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Brown, Kurt A. Stahl, Robert B. Wood
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Patent number: 8830143Abstract: An aircraft optical display system for implementing an enhanced vision system based on light available within the flight deck of an aircraft. The display system includes a visible light imager configured to receive light within a spectral range defined by the photon transmissivity of windshield of the aircraft and generate image data. The system further includes a combiner configured to enable viewing of the world outside of the combiner, and allowing viewing of an enhanced vision image. The system yet further includes an image processing system configured generate an enhanced vision image representative of an external scene to the aircraft based at least in part on the image data from the visible light imager, wherein the enhanced vision image is conformally mapped onto the combiner.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Randall S. Pitchford, Robert B. Wood
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Patent number: 8804415Abstract: A method for adaptive voltage range management in non-volatile memory is described. The method includes establishing an adaptive voltage range for a memory element of an electronic memory device. The memory element includes at least two states. The adaptive voltage range comprises a lower state and an upper state. The method also includes establishing an adjustment process to implement a first adjustment of an abode characteristic of a first state and to implement a second adjustment of an abode characteristic of a second state in the adaptive voltage range in response to a trigger event, wherein the first adjustment of an abode characteristic of the first state is different from the second adjustment of an abode characteristic of the second state.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Fusion-io, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Wood, Jea Woong Hyun, Hairong Sun, Warner Losh, David Flynn
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Patent number: 8749890Abstract: A head up display includes an image source, collimating optics, and a combiner. The collimating optics are disposed between the combiner and the image source. The combiner receives collimated light from the collimating optics at an input and provides the collimated light to an output. The collimating light travels from the input to the output within the combiner by total internal refraction. An input diffraction grating is disposed in a first area and an output diffraction grating is disposed in a second area. The first area is smaller than the second area.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Wood, Ricky J. Theriault, Duane P. M. Pond, Lincoln J. Burns, Robert D. Brown
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Publication number: 20130336072Abstract: A method for adaptive voltage range management in non-volatile memory is described. The method includes establishing an adaptive voltage range for a memory element of an electronic memory device. The memory element includes at least two states. The adaptive voltage range comprises a lower state and an upper state. The method also includes establishing an adjustment process to implement a first adjustment of an abode characteristic of a first state and to implement a second adjustment of an abode characteristic of a second state in the adaptive voltage range in response to a trigger event, wherein the first adjustment of an abode characteristic of the first state is different from the second adjustment of an abode characteristic of the second state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Fusion-ioInventors: Robert B. Wood, Jea Woong Hyun, Hairong Sun, Warner Losh, David Flynn
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Patent number: 8547456Abstract: A method for monitoring inactive pixels in a scene imaging system may include determining a location of at least one inactive pixel in a focal plane array. The method may include sensing an environment image based upon a surrounding environment of an aircraft. The method may include generating an image associated with the environment image. The method may include evaluating a location for one or more inactive pixels in the generated image in comparison to a location for the at least one inactive pixel in the focal plane array. The method may include determining whether a fault exists in image generation or image display based upon the evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Carlo L. Tiana, Robert B. Wood, Michael J. Oldham, Robert A. Armstrong
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Patent number: 8234399Abstract: A serial ATA interface calibrates serially connected components of a computer system linked by the interface to a negotiated data transmission speed. The interface negotiates the fastest data transmission speed supported by the serially connected components. Link parameters associated with the negotiated data transmission speed are calibrated and implemented in a Phy layer of the interface before data is transmitted across the interface. The calibrated link parameters include signal transmission settings for amplitude, pre-emphasis, equalization and timing. Default settings of the link parameters correspond to the slowest data transmission speed supported by the serially connected components. The serially connected components are calibrated each time system power is initialized. The serially connected components can be a host computer linked to a data storage device such as a backplane-based storage subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventor: Robert B. Wood
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Publication number: 20120173827Abstract: A controller is used for an electronic memory device which has multi-level cell (MLC) memory elements. Each MLC memory element is capable of storing at least two bits. The controller includes a physical interface to couple the controller to the electronic memory device. The controller also includes a processing unit coupled to the physical interface. The processing unit operates the electronic memory device in a single-level cell (SLC) mode using a restricted number of programming states for a single data bit. The restricted number of programming states includes a first state which is an erase state. The restricted number of programming states also includes a second state, other than the erase state, which is closest to a natural threshold voltage of the MLC memory elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Robert B. Wood, Jea Woong Hyun
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Patent number: 8089568Abstract: A head up display (HUD) includes an image source, a first lens, a second lens, a focusing mirror, a polarizing beam splitter, a second beam splitter and a combiner. The first lens is disposed between the image source and polarizing beam splitter. The second lens is disposed between the polarizing beam splitter and the second beam splitter. The polarizing beam splitter is disposed between the first lens, the mirror, and the second lens. The optical system for the HUD forms an intermediate image between the second lens and the second beam splitter. The intermediate image is located at the focal point of the curved combiner, and therefore the curved combiner collimates the display light upon reflection. The HUD can be compact and have a wide field of view.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Brown, Robert B. Wood, Kurt A. Stahl
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Patent number: 7733572Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, apparatus, and method for employing a catadioptric optical system in a Head-Up Display (“HUD”) system are disclosed. A catadioptric optical module is configured to produce a large image size within a small space envelope by folding the optical path back through module and separating the paths by use of a beam splitter. Such module comprised of a beam splitter, collimating mirror, and correcting lens produces collimated beams of light from an image source providing either polarized or non-polarized beams of light. If polarized beams are provided, the module includes a quarter-wave retarder, and the configuration of the module permits the image source to provide either s-polarized or p-polarized beams. A combiner arm assembly comprising of at least one combiner receives the collimated beams, where the employment of a plurality of combiners extends the relatively small instantaneous field of view.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Brown, Kurt A. Stahl, Gerhardt A. Quast, Robert B. Wood, Kevin E. Jopes
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Patent number: 7617022Abstract: An enhanced vision system for an aircraft is disclosed. The invention includes a display apparatus having a display element positioned between the pilot and a scene. The display element permits the pilot to view the scene therethrough. A first sensor is mounted adjacent to the display element. The first sensor is configured to detect light having a first radiation spectrum emanating from a first portion of the scene. A second sensor is mounted upon the aircraft away from the display element. The second sensor is configured to detect light having a second radiation spectrum emanating from a second portion of the scene. The display element is configured to visually represent the detected light with the first radiation spectrum precisely conformal with the scene as viewed by the pilot. The display element is configured to visually represent the detected light with the second radiation spectrum substantially conformal with the scene as viewed by the pilot.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Wood, Carlo L. Tiana
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Patent number: 7605774Abstract: A head-up display (HUD) system for an aircraft is disclosed. The HUD comprises a computer receiving information representative of an aircraft flight path. The HUD also comprises a head-up display unit comprising a projector and a combiner. The combiner receives an image from the projector. An imaging sensor is coupled to the computer. The imaging sensor has a pointing direction and a field of view. A region of special processing is defined within the imaging sensor field of view. A program is running on the computer. The program determines an offset for the region of special processing. The offset is based on the aircraft flight path and the imaging sensor pointing direction. The offset is used in the computer to cause display region of special processing to be moved based on the direction of the aircraft flight path.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence C. Brandt, Robert B. Wood
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Patent number: 7480754Abstract: The queue execution mode is selected based on the unique tag that is assigned to the command. In one method embodiment a tag is assigned for each of several disc access commands sent by the host. Two or more queues are created, each having a queue execution mode. Which of the queues is assigned to the command depends on the command's tag. One device embodiment comprises a data storage disc, a memory, and a controller. The memory is configured to hold several pending commands for accessing the disc(s),each of the commands having a unique tag. The controller is configured to execute each queued command according to a mode that is determined base on the command's tag.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Seagate Technology, LLCInventors: Anthony L. Priborsky, Robert B. Wood
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Patent number: 7355179Abstract: A scene imaging system (SIS) integrity monitor for monitoring the required operation of an imaging sensor of an SIS. The SIS is of a type including: i) an imaging sensor, ii) an imaging system processor, and iii) an imaging system display. The SIS integrity monitor includes a signal emitter assembly for receiving emitter drive signals from an imaging system processor and directing a monitoring image into the active field of view of an imaging sensor for sensed image generation. The generated image is provided to the imaging system processor for analysis. The imaging system processor evaluates the location and modulation state of the generated image to determine if faults exist in the image generation or image display paths.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Wood, John G. Wilson, Kenneth A. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 7308532Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage subsystem includes a plurality of storage arrays each including a plurality of storage devices. The storage subsystem also includes a plurality of array controllers each coupled to one or more of the plurality of storage arrays. One or more of the arrays corresponds to a failure group. Each array controller may create a storage volume including storage devices belonging to one or more of plurality of storage arrays. In addition, the storage subsystem includes a redundancy controller that may be configured to implement N+K redundancy. The redundancy controller includes configuration functionality that may determine a number of redundant system data blocks to be stored on different storage devices for a given stripe of data that is dependent upon particular values of N and K and upon physical system configuration information.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Wood, Nisha D. Talagala
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Patent number: 7196329Abstract: An enhanced vision system for an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes an imaging sensor mounted on the aircraft. The imaging sensor detects a range of radiation emanating from a scene. A display-generating processor is operationally connected to the imaging sensor and generates symbology representing information useful to operation of the aircraft. The display-generating processor combines the generated symbology with the detected range of radiation from the imaging to create a representation of the scene. The representation of the scene is created such that the generated symbology is scaled to conformally overlay the detected range of radiation. A display is operationally connected to the processor. The display is configured to display the representation of the scene such that the representation of the scene is non-conformal with a pilot's view out of a windshield of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Wood, John P. Desmond, John G. Wilson
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Patent number: 7089092Abstract: A method of increasing positional awareness of a pilot of an aircraft during a landing approach of the aircraft. First data from a navigational aid is received. The first data is analyzed to determine a first position of the aircraft at a predetermined time. Second data is received. The second data is independent of the first data. The second data is analyzed to determine a second position of the aircraft at the predetermined time. The first position of the aircraft and the second position of the aircraft are compared, and the pilot is alerted to a difference between the first position of the aircraft and the second position of the aircraft. The second data may be displayed in a form that is convenient for the pilot to view during landing.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Wood, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Carlo L. Tiana
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Publication number: 20040264284Abstract: The queue execution mode is selected based on the unique tag that is assigned to the command. In one method embodiment, a tag is assigned for each of several disc access commands sent by the host. Two or more queues are created, each having a queue execution mode. Which of the queues is assigned to the command depends on the command's tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Anthony L. Priborsky, Robert B. Wood
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Publication number: 20040243666Abstract: A serial ATA interface calibrates serially connected components of a computer system linked by the interface to a negotiated data transmission speed. The interface negotiates the fastest data transmission speed supported by the serially connected components. Link parameters associated with the negotiated data transmission speed are calibrated and implemented in a Phy layer of the interface before data is transmitted across the interface. The calibrated link parameters include signal transmission settings for amplitude, pre-emphasis, equalization and timing. Default settings of the link parameters correspond to the slowest data transmission speed supported by the serially connected components. The serially connected components are calibrated each time system power is initialized. The serially connected components can be a host computer linked to a data storage device such as a backplane-based storage subsystem.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Robert B. Wood
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Patent number: 6816957Abstract: An intelligent data storage manager is operational in a virtual data storage system that uses a storage element to store data for a host processor. The storage manager includes a host interface and a controller. The host interface receives a virtual volume having virtual blocks from a host processor. The controller sequentially segments the virtual volume into data pages. Each data page includes virtual blocks of the virtual volume. The controller generates a meta data page associated with the virtual volume to map the data pages to the virtual blocks of the virtual volume. The controller uses the meta data page to selectively store the data pages onto the storage element. The storage element has a partitioning configuration and the amount of the virtual blocks included by each data page is a function of the partitioning configuration of the storage element. The meta data page associated with the virtual volume includes meta data page records.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Storage Technology CorporationInventors: Steven Halladay, David Allen Major, Robert B. Wood