Patents by Inventor Thomas Plocher

Thomas Plocher 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: 20070205886
    Abstract: A locator system, including a transmitter device such as a PAS device to be carried by a first individual such as a first responder in a fire fighting event. The transmitter transmits an acoustic sound and a RF pulse. A RF receiver is carried by a second individual, such as someone dispatched to rescue the first individual. The receiver receives the acoustic sound using a pair of acoustic receivers and RF pulse and calculates the distance to and bearing of the transmitter device. Both transmitter and receiver may include temperature data for calculating the ambient speed of sound. A display informs the second individual of the distance and bearing. The acoustic sound receivers are spaced from each other to permit triangulation calculations to determine the distance and bearing. The transmitter is activated by the first individual by choice and when the first individual is motionless for a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Huseth, Soumitri Kolavennu, Anoop Mathur, Thomas Plocher, Kristen Law
  • Publication number: 20070132586
    Abstract: A system and method for visualizing the location and movement of people in facilities. The facility is provided with a plurality of sensors such as RF or IR sensors that communicate with a badge worn by each individual and selected physical assets in the facility. The sensors send data to a processor which displays the data on a monitor in a form that permits ready visualization of the individuals, and allows the observer to select information as needed. The display may directly indicate certain specifics about an individual based on data stored in the processor or entered by the observer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Plocher, Jeffrey Rye, Liana Kiff, Michelle Raymond
  • Publication number: 20070132756
    Abstract: A system and method for aiding spatial orientation of displayed graphical models of structures. A monitor displays the graphical model and an input commands a processor to selectively display the model as a two dimensional model or a three dimensional model. The processor displays selected features such as specific areas of the structure, fire hydrants, elevators, smoke detectors, fire detectors, stairways, and individuals within the structure. The processor selectively changes between a two dimensional model to a three dimensional model over a noticeable period of time. A selected floor is shown as decreased transparency and the remaining floors with increased transparency or it is tinted. A wire frame can highlight the one floor or the entire structure. Exterior features of the structure may be shown. A circular scroll bar controls rotation of the three dimensional structure while maintaining the user's orientation in virtual space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Plocher, Jeffrey Rye, Rui Zhang, Zhaoxia Jin
  • Publication number: 20070124119
    Abstract: A method and system of rendering buildings in three-dimensional space first renders a respective floor, then adds objects and finally walls to bound each of the floors. The result, a three-dimensional rendering of a building, has translucent walls and illustrates the position of objects within the building in addition to presenting the overall shape of the building. The building can be rotated or enlarged to clarify the position of the various objects in space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rye, Thomas Plocher
  • Publication number: 20070107371
    Abstract: A method and system of rendering buildings in three-dimensional space first renders a respective floor, then adds objects and finally walls to bound each of the floors. The result, a three-dimensional rendering of a building illustrates the position of objects within the building in addition to presenting the overall shape of the building. The rendering can be discontinuously rotated, about an axis, in response to user inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Plocher, Jeffrey Rye
  • Publication number: 20070039017
    Abstract: A system accumulates trend related physiological information pertaining to an individual. Non-textual icons can be used to graphically present trend and condition information to the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Plocher
  • Publication number: 20060277501
    Abstract: A display for identifying a floor of a building being monitored presents a plurality of groups of floors and a plurality of floors in a group. The groups can be of floors and selected plurality of floors automatically presented to identify one or more floors that are exhibiting a selected ambient condition being monitored. Alternately, a slide can be used to identify one of a plurality of floors. A zoom function can also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Plocher, Jeffrey Rye, Xianghong Sun