Patents by Inventor Robert T. Knight

Robert T. Knight 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).

  • Publication number: 20180049688
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to identify an emotion evoked by media are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a synthesizer to generate a first synthesized sample based on a pre-verbal utterance associated with a first emotion. A feature extractor is to identify a first value of a first feature of the first synthesized sample. The feature extractor to identify a second value of the first feature of first media evoking an unknown emotion. A classification engine is to create a model based on the first feature. The model is to establish a relationship between the first value of the first feature and the first emotion. The classification engine is to identify the first media as evoking the first emotion when the model indicates that the second value corresponds to the first value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Robert T. Knight, Ramachandran Gurumoorthy, Alexander Topchy, Ratnakar Dev, Padmanabhan Soundararajan, Anantha Pradeep
  • Publication number: 20180035740
    Abstract: A helmet detects shear force impacts. Indicator elements in the helmet or protective gear provides a visual indication, an audio indication, or a combination is contained in the surface of the outer shell of the helmet and detects when there is a mechanical force imparted on the helmet. One or more sensors are embedded in the helmet and detect when a shear force is imparted on the helmet. In other embodiments, the sensors can detect that there was a mechanical force on the helmet and also measure the energy of the force. The outer surface of the helmet may have a lining that changes appearance with a shear impact force hits the surface of the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9886981
    Abstract: A stimulus compression device determines neuro-feedback significance corresponding to stimulus material and modifies the stimulus material using neuro-feedback significance measures. For example, the stimulus compression device determines portions of a media stream corresponding to low neuro-feedback significance and removes them from the media stream. Compression of stimulus material may involve removal, modification, repetition, bit rate adjustment, resolution adjustment, etc. Transitions can be smoothed or lengthened to further improve processed stimulus material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
    Inventors: Anantha Pradeep, Robert T. Knight, Ramachandran Gurumoorthy
  • Patent number: 9826284
    Abstract: A system provides programming and advertising to a video decoder such as a digital video recorder, computer system, software or hardware player, etc. When a user makes a request to skip a commercial by issuing a command such as 30 second skip forward, alternate media is provided. In some examples, an image advertisement is provided for a predetermined period of time either during the commercial break or when regular programming resumes. In other examples, a substitute commercial is shown. The substitute commercial may be shortened or compressed. The alternate media may be perceptually encoded in a video stream, hidden in a video stream, or provided in a separate stream. In some examples, survey based and neuro-response based data is used to evaluate and select alternate media for particular programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
    Inventors: Robert T. Knight, Ramachandran Gurumoorthy, Anantha Pradeep
  • Patent number: 9788777
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to identify a mood of media are disclosed. An example method includes accessing a known audio known to evoke a first emotion. A first synthesized sample is synthesized based on the known audio sample. A first value of a first feature of the first synthesized sample is calculated. A mood model is created based on the first feature. The mood model is to establish a relationship between the first feature and the first emotion. A second value of the first feature of first media evoking an unknown emotion is identified. The unknown emotion is identified as the first emotion when the mood model indicates that the second value corresponds to the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Neilsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Robert T. Knight, Ramachandran Gurumoorthy, Alexander Topchy, Ratnakar Dev, Padmanabhan Soundararajan, Anantha Pradeep
  • Publication number: 20170280809
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9750296
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9723889
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9704176
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine efficiencies of media delivery across platforms are disclosed. An example method includes measuring, with a sensor, first neuro-response data from a person when exposed to media output via a first media delivery platform type. Measuring second neuro-response data from the person when exposed to media output via a second media delivery platform type, different than the first media delivery platform type. Accessing a first and second performance metric for the respective media delivery platform type, the performance metrics based on a first and second reach of the respective media delivery platform types with respect to a target group of audience members. Accessing a first and second effectiveness metric for the respective media delivery platform types, the effectiveness metric based on the respective neuro-response data. Rating at least one of the first or second media delivery platform types based on the first and the second platform metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Ramachandran Gurumoorthy, Robert T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20170083934
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine efficiencies of media delivery across platforms are disclosed. An example method includes measuring, with a sensor, first neuro-response data from a person when exposed to media output via a first media delivery platform type. Measuring second neuro-response data from the person when exposed to media output via a second media delivery platform type, different than the first media delivery platform type. Accessing a first and second performance metric for the respective media delivery platform type, the performance metrics based on a first and second reach of the respective media delivery platform types with respect to a target group of audience members. Accessing a first and second effectiveness metric for the respective media delivery platform types, the effectiveness metric based on the respective neuro-response data. Rating at least one of the first or second media delivery platform types based on the first and the second platform metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Ramachandran Gurumoorthy, Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9591883
    Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Avery Audrey Kwan, Robert T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20170055621
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20170039591
    Abstract: A system analyzes neuro-response measurements including regional electroencephalography (EEG) measurements from subjects exposed to stimulus materials to determine locations in stimulus materials eliciting controlled attention and automatic attention. Additional stimulus materials are inserted into locations having salient attention attributes. In some examples, a challenging task is used to direct controlled attention onto a location and additional stimulus material is subtly presented in the location to benefit from automatic attention and salient attention measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Robert T. Knight, Ramachandran Gurumoorthy, Anantha Pradeep
  • Patent number: 9560984
    Abstract: A system analyzes neuro-response measurements including regional electroencephalography (EEG) measurements from subjects exposed to stimulus materials to determine locations in stimulus materials eliciting controlled attention and automatic attention. Additional stimulus materials are inserted into locations having salient attention attributes. In some examples, a challenging task is used to direct controlled attention onto a location and additional stimulus material is subtly presented in the location to benefit from automatic attention and salient attention measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Anantha Pradeep, Robert T. Knight, Ramachandran Gurumoorthy
  • Patent number: 9552589
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine efficiencies of media delivery across platforms are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining a first effectiveness metric for a first platform, obtaining a first reach of the first platform with respect for a target group of audience members, and calculating a first performance metric based on the first effectiveness metric and the first reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Ramachandran Gurumoorthy, Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9521874
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Braingaurd Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9516909
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20160309828
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Publication number: 20160270469
    Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Avery Audrey Kwan, Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9414635
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight