Patents by Inventor Robert Joseph Szczerba

Robert Joseph Szczerba 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: 6182007
    Abstract: A route planning algorithm for a vehicle takes into account the aspect angle which the vehicle presents to threats in the environment. A flag is set in each map grid cell for which intervisibility with a threat exists. For each cell in which the flag is set, an aspect angle pointer points to a mathematical function which represents the cost value function attributable to the type of vehicle, the type of threat, and the aspect angle of the path segment. A determination is made as to whether an auxiliary function representing the probability of the threat is associated with the cell under consideration, and if so the auxiliary function is evaluated. If the result of the auxiliary function is nonzero, the aspect angle function is evaluated, and added to the map cost function to form a total cost. If not, the route planning algorithm continues without taking aspect angle into account. If so, the route planner uses the total cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp.
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Szczerba
  • Patent number: 6175804
    Abstract: A processor-based system performs overwatch location and routing determinations for plural independent entities acting as a team. The system accepts data representing a “map” and uses that portion including the objective location or direction, together with data about known features of the environment and the capabilities of the team entities. An initial coarse route is inputted. The data is processed by designation of one of the team members as the overwatcher, and the other as the bounder. The procedure includes the steps of determination of an area to which bounding is permitted, and pruning out those grid cells in that area which cannot be seen from the first overview location. For the remaining grid cells of the pruned set, a cost function is determined for each remaining grid location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp.
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Szczerba