Patents by Inventor Robert Tower

Robert Tower 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: 20230305922
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling serial attached Non-Volatile (NV) memory are provided. In some embodiments, a method of operation of a computing system including: in an NV Random Access Memory module (NVRAM) having a non-volatile device, a volatile memory device with data, a NV Controller unit (NVC), and a serial host interface, the method includes: receiving a request for data on the serial host interface and providing the requested data, from the volatile memory device with data, on the serial host interface. The method also includes: detecting a disruptive volatile memory event; copying the data of the volatile memory device to the NV device based on the disruptive volatile memory event; and restoring the data of the volatile memory device from the NV device. In this way, Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) level endurance and speed/latency can be provided while making it NV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Tower Frey, Kelvin Marino
  • Patent number: 11663829
    Abstract: Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Ren, Avishkar Misra, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Liefeng Bo, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan, Christopher Robert Towers, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Patent number: 11182325
    Abstract: A deaggregated computing system having a memory centric computing storage controller can transfer data from a source to a destination node while dynamically updating a transfer route between them. The transfer route can be recalculated based on the current conditions of the routing nodes between the source and destination. Recalculating the transfer route can be based on power status, bandwidth, in-use status, current capacity, or failure conditions. The deaggregated computing system can include one or more processor units coupled to one or more storage and memory units all connected by the memory centric computing storage controller that can route control and data packets between the processor units and the storage and memory units. The processor units and the storage units can be connected by a combination of serial data communication links and a data storage fabric network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Tower Frey
  • Patent number: 11034516
    Abstract: An item stowed at an inventory location may rest or be supported by a surface, such as a shelf, that includes an optical sensor array. The optical sensor array comprises a plurality of optical sensors that detect light intensity values. When a light source illuminates the item resting on the surface, a footprint or shadow is cast by the item onto the surface. Such a shadow is detected by the light intensity values at the optical sensors in the optical sensor array. Once the shadow is detected, information about the area, shape, and perimeter of the shadow can be determined and saved as footprint data for a single item. Such a process can be performed at intake of the item to the facility and later accessed to determine a quantity of the item on a shelf of a facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Navid Shiee, Michel Leonard Goldstein, Ramanathan Palaniappan, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Xiaofeng Ren, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Christopher Robert Towers, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Patent number: 10974953
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, embodiments of a material dispenser configured to dispense material while tracking an amount of dispensed material and messaging to a user, in near-real-time, the amount of dispensed materials, a running cost of the dispensed materials, and/or the like. The material dispenser may include one or more weight sensors to track an amount of dispensed material and a display to indicate to a user a running amount of material that has been dispensed and a running cost to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Towers, Sridhar Boyapati, Dilip Kumar, Gianna Lise Puerini, Jason Michael Famularo
  • Patent number: 10789483
    Abstract: Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Ren, Avishkar Misra, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Liefeng Bo, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan, Christopher Robert Towers, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Patent number: 10671856
    Abstract: Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Ren, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Avishkar Misra, Liefeng Bo, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan, Christopher Robert Towers, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Patent number: 10551557
    Abstract: Disclosed optical mounts are resistant to the various stresses that may be experienced by optical display devices. An optical mount is provided with mechanical compliance and resiliency. Such mechanical compliance and resiliency associated with the disclosed optical mounts are intended to absorb thermal and/or mechanical stresses, while protecting and preserving the operational functionality of optical waveguides coupled to the disclosed optical mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Towers, David Douglas Bohn
  • Patent number: 10384869
    Abstract: An item stowed at an inventory location may rest on a surface such as a shelf or may be supported above the surface. The item may exhibit a footprint that is representative of a physical perimeter of the item. For example, the footprint may be an edge of a shadow cast by the item. Information about a size and shape of a footprint associated with a particular item may be stored. An optical sensor array may acquire sensor image data indicative of the footprint of one or more of the items stored at an inventory location. A quantity of items at the inventory location may be determined by comparing the sensor image data with the stored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Navid Shiee, Michel Leonard Goldstein, Ramanathan Palaniappan, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Xiaofeng Ren, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Christopher Robert Towers, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Publication number: 20190196095
    Abstract: Disclosed optical mounts are resistant to the various stresses that may be experienced by optical display devices. An optical mount is provided with mechanical compliance and resiliency. Such mechanical compliance and resiliency associated with the disclosed optical mounts are intended to absorb thermal and/or mechanical stresses, while protecting and preserving the operational functionality of optical waveguides coupled to the disclosed optical mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Robert TOWERS, David Douglas BOHN
  • Patent number: 10169660
    Abstract: Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Ren, Avishkar Misra, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Liefeng Bo, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan, Christopher Robert Towers, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Patent number: 10169677
    Abstract: Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Ren, Liefeng Bo, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Avishkar Misra, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan, Christopher Robert Towers, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Patent number: 10068139
    Abstract: Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Ren, Avishkar Misra, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Liefeng Bo, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan, Christopher Robert Towers, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Patent number: 9996818
    Abstract: Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Ren, Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam, Avishkar Misra, Liefeng Bo, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan, Christopher Robert Towers, Gopi Prashanth Gopal, Yasser Baseer Asmi
  • Patent number: 9779016
    Abstract: An integrated circuit system, and a method of operation thereof, including: a memory unit having a volatile memory device with data and a non-volatile controller unit; a memory unit controller of the non-volatile controller unit for receiving a snoop signal for indicating an error; a non-volatile device of the memory unit for synchronously receiving data of the volatile memory device based on the snoop signal, the data autonomously copied without any intervention from outside the memory unit to prevent loss of the data; and an in-band command received by the memory unit, for autonomously restoring the data to the volatile memory device from the non-volatile device without any intervention from outside the memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinying Shen, Robert Tower Frey, Kelvin Marino
  • Patent number: 9754634
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of the memory management system includes: fabricating a dual in-line memory module carrier; mounting a volatile memory device on the dual in-line memory module carrier; mounting a non-volatile memory on the dual in-line memory module carrier on a side opposite the volatile memory device; mounting an uninterruptible power supply on the dual in-line memory module carrier for maintaining a memory module power when a system power input decays; and mounting a controller logic integrated circuit on the dual in-line memory module carrier coupled to the volatile memory device, the non-volatile memory, and the uninterruptible power supply for copying data content of the volatile memory device to the non-volatile memory when the uninterruptible power supply detects the decay of the system power input to a first cross-over level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinying Shen, Robert Tower Frey, Kelvin Marino, Joshua Harris Brooks
  • Patent number: 9684520
    Abstract: A method for operating a computing system includes: monitoring a central interface for a power event; accessing a high-speed memory for pre-shutdown data; accessing a non-volatile memory during the power event for the pre-shutdown data previously stored on the high-speed memory; selecting a multiplexer for allowing external access to the high-speed memory; and formatting the pre-shutdown data in the non-volatile memory for access through a non-disruptive interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Tower Frey, Joshua Harris Brooks
  • Publication number: 20130128685
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of the memory management system includes: fabricating a dual in-line memory module carrier; mounting a volatile memory device on the dual in-line memory module carrier; mounting a non-volatile memory on the dual in-line memory module carrier on a side opposite the volatile memory device; mounting an uninterruptible power supply on the dual in-line memory module carrier for maintaining a memory module power when a system power input decays; and mounting a controller logic integrated circuit on the dual in-line memory module carrier coupled to the volatile memory device, the non-volatile memory, and the uninterruptible power supply for copying data content of the volatile memory device to the non-volatile memory when the uninterruptible power supply detects the decay of the system power input to a first cross-over level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jingying Shen, Robert Tower Frey, Kelvin Marino, Joshua Harris Brooks
  • Publication number: 20130103887
    Abstract: A method for operating a computing system includes: monitoring a central interface for a power event; accessing a high-speed memory for pre-shutdown data; accessing a non-volatile memory during the power event for the pre-shutdown data previously stored on the high-speed memory; selecting a multiplexer for allowing external access to the high-speed memory; and formatting the pre-shutdown data in the non-volatile memory for access through a non-disruptive interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Tower Frey, Joshua Harris Brooks
  • Patent number: 8171170
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments relate to a storage switch including task processing synchronization. In embodiments of the present invention, the packet processing units may generate and store Task Index and Generation Count information that prevents the processing of expired commands or responses. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the present invention may further employ timeout sequences to prevent previous instances of a stale task resource from disrupting the current use of the task resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Tower Frey, Chao Zhang