Patents by Inventor Robert J. Cortelyou

Robert J. Cortelyou 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).

  • Tracking system and method for use in surveying amusement park equipment
    Patent number: 10788603
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Retro-reflective optical system for controlling amusement park devices based on a size of a person
    Patent number: 10729985
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
  • System and method for tracking vehicles in parking structures and intersections
    Patent number: 10467481
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of vehicles within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated devices as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Christopher Oliver
  • OPTICAL TRACKING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATION OF AMUSEMENT PARK ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20190143228
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
  • Optical tracking system for automation of amusement park elements
    Patent number: 10207193
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
  • TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN SURVEYING AMUSEMENT PARK EQUIPMENT
    Publication number: 20180341040
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING VEHICLES IN PARKING STRUCTURES AND INTERSECTIONS
    Publication number: 20180341815
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of vehicles within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated devices as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Christopher Oliver
  • Tracking system and method for use in surveying amusement park equipment
    Patent number: 10061058
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Special effects techniques
    Patent number: 10058793
    Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a ground controller and an unmanned aerial vehicle including communications circuitry configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the ground controller. The system may also include a vehicle controller configured to execute a flight plan and at least one special effects module. The system may also include a special effects module controller configured to cause the special effect to be activated in response to an activation signal from the ground controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Amanda Zielkowski
  • Tracking system and method for use in surveying amusement park equipment
    Patent number: 10031259
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • System and method for tracking vehicles in parking structures and intersections
    Patent number: 10025990
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of vehicles within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated devices as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Christopher Oliver
  • Enhanced interactivity in an amusement park environment using passive tracking elements
    Patent number: 9616350
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of machines and people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control the machines or other equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Amanda K. Zielkowski
  • SPECIAL EFFECTS TECHNIQUES
    Publication number: 20170056784
    Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a ground controller and an unmanned aerial vehicle including communications circuitry configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the ground controller. The system may also include a vehicle controller configured to execute a flight plan and at least one special effects module. The system may also include a special effects module controller configured to cause the special effect to be activated in response to an activation signal from the ground controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Amanda Zielkowski
  • Special effects techniques
    Patent number: 9504930
    Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a ground controller and an unmanned aerial vehicle including communications circuitry configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the ground controller. The system may also include a vehicle controller configured to execute a flight plan and at least one special effects module. The system may also include a special effects module controller configured to cause the special effect to be activated in response to an activation signal from the ground controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Amanda Zielkowski
  • Optical tracking for controlling pyrotechnic show elements
    Patent number: 9429398
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from show elements within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to determine whether the show elements are to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • SPECIAL EFFECTS TECHNIQUES
    Publication number: 20160059145
    Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a ground controller and an unmanned aerial vehicle including communications circuitry configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the ground controller. The system may also include a vehicle controller configured to execute a flight plan and at least one special effects module. The system may also include a special effects module controller configured to cause the special effect to be activated in response to an activation signal from the ground controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Amanda Zielkowski
  • TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN SURVEYING AMUSEMENT PARK EQUIPMENT
    Publication number: 20150338548
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • OPTICAL TRACKING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATION OF AMUSEMENT PARK ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20150336013
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
  • OPTICAL TRACKING FOR CONTROLLING PYROTECHNIC SHOW ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20150338196
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from show elements within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to determine whether the show elements are to be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING VEHICLES IN PARKING STRUCTURES AND INTERSECTIONS
    Publication number: 20150339920
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of vehicles within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated devices as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Christopher Oliver