Patents by Inventor Steven E. Koenck

Steven E. Koenck 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: 9117722
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) sensor is described. The IC sensor includes a pixel array and IC components. The pixel array has a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel includes an EMR absorption region including a detector material having a plurality of nanoparticles embedded in a matrix material and exhibiting a nano-plasmonic property. The IC components are arranged to provide amplification of a voltage signal from the EMR absorption region, and to select the voltage signal from the EMR absorption region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, David W. Jensen, Robert G. Brown
  • Patent number: 8908054
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic vision system. The system implements at least 3 apertures. A first aperture is set at near focus, while second and third apertures (positioned to the left and right of the first aperture respectively) are set at far focus. The fields of view of the left and right apertures may be spaced apart relative to each other, thereby forming a blind spot in the overall field of view of the system. However, the field of vision of the center aperture overlaps the blind spot, thereby reducing the blind spot for the system. The system includes a computer configured for receiving electronic image data from the apertures and rendering display data derived from the received image data. The system includes a display mounted to a mounting structure (ex.—helmet) for receiving the display data and displaying visual images of the display data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, David W. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8860850
    Abstract: A method for low-light imaging may include, but is not limited to: detecting one or more photons via the least one photon-counting sensor; determining an orientation of at least one photon-counting sensor; and correlating data associated with the at least one photon-counting sensor with the orientation of the at least one photon-counting sensor. A system for low-light imaging may include, but is not limited to: one or more photon-counting sensors configured for detecting one or more photons via the least one photon-counting sensor; one or more inertial sensors; and at least one processing unit configured for: determining an orientation of at least one photon-counting sensor and correlating data associated with the at least one photon-counting sensor with the orientation of the at least one photon-counting sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, David W. Jensen, Jaclyn A. Hoke, Shubha L. Kadambe
  • Patent number: 8836066
    Abstract: An avalanche photodiode includes silicon crystal doped with impurities, where the doping profile of the silicon crystal includes a smoothly arcing donor-acceptor concentration curve decreasing with respect to distance into the interior of the silicon crystal that is interrupted by a narrower peak of increased concentration in the interior of the silicon crystal prior to further decreasing with respect to distance along the smoothly arcing donor-acceptor concentration curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Brown, Steven E. Koenck
  • Patent number: 8681218
    Abstract: A system for providing RF spatial awareness of an environment includes an RF detection system and a control system. The RF detection system includes an antenna array for receiving RF signals from a plurality of RF sources; and, a receiver system operatively connected to the antenna array using digital beamforming (DBF) techniques for processing the received RF signals and providing measurements of the RF signals as output. The control system receives the measurements of the RF signals and displays a plurality of indicia indicating the RF sources, thereby providing a visual survey of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana J. Jensen, Steven E. Koenck
  • Patent number: 8509260
    Abstract: A portable data terminal includes at least two communication transceivers having different operating characteristics, one for conducting data communications on a wired subnetwork and one for conducting data communications on a wireless subnetwork. A communication processor converts data received by the communication transceivers to a predetermined format for a base module and converts data in a predetermined format from the base module to a format for transmission by a selected one of the first and second communication transceivers, thereby isolating the base module from differing characteristics of the transceivers. The communication processor is arranged to relay communications received by one transceiver for re-transmission by the other transceiver and to transfer communications from one subnetwork to the other, without activating the base module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Patrick W. Kinney, Ronald L. Mahany, Robert C. Meier, Julie Ann Miller
  • Patent number: 8489846
    Abstract: A computing system includes a processor and a partition management unit (PMU). The partition management unit allocates partitions of memory and processing time. The PMU can allocate a partition for at least one of the following: 1. a service attack monitor, 2. a virus monitor, 3. a spyware monitor, and 4. a deterministic routine, the deterministic routine being in a separate partition and from a non-deterministic routine. In an alternative, with transition of control between partitions, the computing system enforces 1. a power management mode change, and 2. a preload or change to at least, one of the cache data peripheral settings or FPGA content mode change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Jensen, Steven E. Koenck
  • Patent number: 8446503
    Abstract: An imaging system may include: at least one photon sensing pixel; at least one digital counting circuit; and at least one processing core programmed to apply at least one image processing algorithm to at least one pixel sample of the at least one digital counting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: Rockwell Collins, Inc., Teledyne Dalsa, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, David W. Jensen, Cees Draijer
  • Patent number: 8389939
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an apparatus for detecting radiance at a plurality of wavelengths is disclosed. The system and method includes an arrayed pixel sensor with a plurality of sub-pixel sections including a first sub-pixel section configured to detect radiance received from a radiating body at a first wavelength and a second sub-pixel section configured to detect radiance received from the radiating body at a second wavelength. The system and method also determines a ratio of the radiance detected at the first wavelength and the radiance detected at the second wavelength to determine a temperature of the radiating body based on the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Stanley, Steven E. Koenck
  • Patent number: 8160251
    Abstract: A system providing a scalable distributed operating environment is provided. The system may include a cryptographic module for encrypting communications for transmission over an external network. Further, more than one classified processor may be communicatively coupled to the cryptographic module for handling classified processes and information. In addition, more than one unclassified processor may also be communicatively coupled to the cryptographic module for handling unclassified processes and information. The number of classified and unclassified processors activated upon selection of a waveform is dependent upon the degree of complexity of the waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Allen P. Mass, Julianne R. Crosmer, James A. Marek, Carlen R. Welty
  • Patent number: 7992788
    Abstract: Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Guy J. West, Ronald L. Mahany, Patrick W. Kinney
  • Patent number: 7941248
    Abstract: An avionics system including a software defined radio (SDR) is provided. The SDR includes configurable avionics function implementation circuitry configured to implement each of multiple avionics functions. Also included in the SDR is a priority arbitrator. The priority arbitrator is configured to receive priority control parameters and, based on a make-up of the received priority control parameters, responsively direct the configurable avionics function implementation circuitry to implement a particular priority-based subset (less than all) of the multiple avionics functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Demetri Tsamis, Joel M. Wichgers, Steven E. Koenck, Andrew M. Vesel, Frank Pourahmadi, Steve J. Nieuwsma
  • Patent number: 7920496
    Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mahany, Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Robert C. Meier, Phillip Miller, Julie Ann Miller, legal representative, Roger L. Wolf, George E. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7918401
    Abstract: Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Keith K. Cargin, Jr., George E. Hanson, Ronald L. Mahany, Phillip Miller, Steven H. Salvay, Arvin D. Danielson, Guy J. West
  • Patent number: 7885242
    Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mahany, Steven E. Koenck, Alan G. Bunte, Robert C. Meier, Phillip Miller, Julie Ann Miller, legal representative, Roger L. Wolf, George E. Hanson, Ronald E. Luse, Guy J. West, Charles D. Gollnick, Keith K. Cargin, Jr., Steven H. Salvay, Arvin D. Danielson
  • Patent number: 7853254
    Abstract: Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Guy J. West, Ronald L. Mahany, Patrick W. Kinney
  • Patent number: 7843554
    Abstract: A high dynamic range sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensing sets that are organized into a sensing array. Each of the sensing sets includes a set of sensing elements for sensing physical phenomena. Each set of sensing elements has a locally selectable integration time. An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter operatively connected to the set of sensing elements acquires and converts an analog signal from each of the sensing elements into a digital signal. A processor operatively connected to the A/D converter and to the set of sensing elements manages the selectable integration time for the set of sensing elements and analyzes the digital signals from each of the sensing elements in the set of sensing elements. The digital signals from each of the sensing elements are measured by the processor and an integration scaling factor for the set of sensing elements is computed and controlled by the processor to adjust the integration time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, David W. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20100282852
    Abstract: Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Guy J. West, Ronald L. Mahany, Patrick W. Kinney
  • Patent number: 7757956
    Abstract: Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, Guy J. West, Ronald L. Mahany, Patrick W. Kinney
  • Patent number: D711949
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, David W. Jensen, John D. Reasoner