Patents by Inventor Tom Plocher

Tom 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).

  • Patent number: 9256853
    Abstract: A portable radio-frequency identifier (RFID) reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an RFID reading device, and a display. The portable RFID reading terminal can be configured to display a scan trace provided by a line comprising a plurality of time varying points. Each point can be defined by a projection of a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage shape of the RFID reading device onto a chosen plane at a given moment in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Vargas, Tom Plocher, Ynjiun Paul Wang, Sriharsha Putrevu, Philip Zumsteg
  • Publication number: 20160018226
    Abstract: A system includes one or more computer processors configured to receive structure data for a building, receive location data relating to a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the building, receive data from the sensors, and determine one or more of a safe space within the building and a safe evacuation route through the building as a function of the building structure, the location of the plurality of sensors, and the sensor data. The system further includes a plurality of display units positioned throughout the building and configured to display one or more of a message relating to an event within the building, an instruction on where to proceed in the building, and symbols indicating a direction for evacuation out of the building as a function of one or more of the safe space and the safe evacuation route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Tom PLOCHER, Enyi CHEN, John BEANE, Andrew BEREZOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20160012388
    Abstract: A method of mapping the location of at least one object in three dimensional space, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space by an EIR terminal which contains a microprocessor, memory, a scanning device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The method includes scanning a signal of decodable indicia located at a pre-defined area of a physical object, locating the decodable indicia within this signal, decoding the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoded message is an identifier for said physical object, which is then displayed. After receiving an interface command, the EIR terminal is placed in mechanical contact with the pre-defined area of the physical object and a first spatial position is stored as a point of origin in the EIR terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Philip ZUMSTEG, Tom PLOCHER, Sriharsha PUTREVU, Joseph VARGAS
  • Patent number: 9213960
    Abstract: A method for filtering scanned objects displayed on a reader is provided. The reader may scan one or more transponders, and obtain, from a database, an image for each scanned transponder. Each transponder may be associated with an object (e.g., an item of retail inventory). The obtained image for each object may be presented on an interface, and a selection of an object category may be received using the obtained images. A determination may be made as to which objects are associated with the selected object category. A display screen may display data associated with only the objects associated with the selected object category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Vargas, Tom Plocher, Sriharsha Putrevu, Ynjiun Wang
  • Publication number: 20150302821
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for displaying an image are described herein. One or more device embodiments include a user interface configured to display an image, a motion sensor configured to sense movement of the device, and a processor configured to convert the movement of the device to a corresponding movement of the display of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Robert E. De Mers, Tom Plocher
  • Patent number: 9165279
    Abstract: A method of mapping the location of at least one object in three dimensional space, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space by an EIR terminal which contains a microprocessor, memory, a scanning device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The method includes scanning a signal of decodable indicia located at a pre-defined area of a physical object, locating the decodable indicia within this signal, decoding the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoded message is an identifier for said physical object, which is then displayed. After receiving an interface command, the EIR terminal is placed in mechanical contact with the pre-defined area of the physical object and a first spatial position is stored as a point of origin in the EIR terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Zumsteg, Tom Plocher, Sriharsha Putrevu, Joseph Vargas
  • Publication number: 20150254607
    Abstract: A portable radio-frequency identifier (RFID) reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an RFID reading device, and a display. The portable RFID reading terminal can be configured to display a scan trace provided by a line comprising a plurality of time varying points. Each point can be defined by a projection of a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage shape of the RFID reading device onto a chosen plane at a given moment in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph VARGAS, Tom PLOCHER, Ynjiun Paul WANG, Sriharsha PUTREVU, Philip ZUMSTEG
  • Publication number: 20150243152
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for providing a diagnosis of a system of a building are described herein. One method includes displaying a system of a building, wherein the display of the system includes an identification of a particular component of the system, identifying, within the display of the system, a number of components of the system related to the particular component, and identifying, within the display of the system, a relationship between the particular component and the number of components and a relative operational status of the particular component and the number of components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Conrad B. Beaulieu, Wendy Foslien, Henry Chen, Tom Plocher
  • Patent number: 9070174
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for providing a diagnosis of a system of a building are described herein. One method includes displaying a system of a building, wherein the display of the system includes an identification of a particular component of the system, identifying, within the display of the system, a number of components of the system related to the particular component, and identifying, within the display of the system, a relationship between the particular component and the number of components and a relative operational status of the particular component and the number of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad B. Beaulieu, Wendy Foslien, Henry Chen, Tom Plocher
  • Patent number: 9041518
    Abstract: A portable radio-frequency identifier (RFID) reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an RFID reading device, and a display. The portable RFID reading terminal can be configured to display a scan trace provided by a line comprising a plurality of time varying points. Each point can be defined by a projection of a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage shape of the RFID reading device onto a chosen plane at a given moment in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Vargas, Tom Plocher, Ynjiun Paul Wang, Sriharsha Putrevu, Philip Zumsteg
  • Publication number: 20150131871
    Abstract: Methods, machine-readable media, and devices for floor plan space detection are described herein. For example, one or more embodiments include receiving an image of a floor plan, enhancing the image of the floor plan through processing, detecting a location of a door associated with a space in the image of the floor plan through a histogram of gradient of pattern feature, setting a seed in the space based on the location of the door associated with the space, spreading the seed in the space until the seed reaches a boundary of the space, and associating the seed that has been spread with the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Henry Chen, Geng Du, Yan Xia, Xiaoli Wang, Liana M. Kiff, Tom Plocher
  • Patent number: 9019273
    Abstract: A process for sensor placement and analysis using a virtual environment includes receiving into a computer processor a model of an area, a position in the model that represents a placement of a virtual sensor, and an orientation of the virtual sensor. A shadow map of the area is generated as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor. The shadow map is used to determine one or more portions of the area that can be sensed by the virtual sensor. The area of the model that is covered as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor is determined, and information relating to the area of the model that is covered as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor is transmitted to an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Hao Bai, Henry Chen, Jian Geng Du, Tom Plocher
  • Publication number: 20150113462
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for generating an operational user interface for a building management system are described herein. One method includes generating a widget using geometrical information associated with a building information modeling object and relationship information associated with the building information modeling object, assigning a state variable to the widget by analyzing properties of the building information modeling object or an ontology definition of the building information modeling object, associating the state variable with a point from the building operation system by mapping the point to the state variable, and changing the state variable based on input received from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Henry Chen, Jian Geng Du, Hao Bai, Tom Plocher, Liana M. Kiff, Conrad B. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 8995678
    Abstract: A tactile-based guidance system incorporating tactors in headgear, such as a hat, helmet, or hood. Tactors may provide tactile sensations at different places about the head to convey information to a person such as direction, bearing, movement, orientation, and the like, of the person wearing the tactors. The system may also include an optional multi-dimensional sound mechanism which provides indications of direction, bearing, and other information. One or more tactors may be resorted to for resolving any ambiguity in the sound indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. DeMers, Tom Plocher, Steve Huseth
  • Patent number: 8990049
    Abstract: An approach for developing information about a building of which little or no information is known at a time when firefighters need to enter the building. The approach may incorporate obtaining an image of the building from a publicly available resource. An outside boundary of the building may be determined from the image. The number of floors may be determined. A 3D floor plan may be generated from the boundary and the number of floors. Structural components may be added to the 3D floor plan, which are deduced from movements of firefighters, and the movements may be deduced from their locations. The locations may be transmitted by devices on the firefighters. Structural components of the building indicated by persons in the vicinity of the building may also be added to the 3D floor plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Plocher, Henry Chen
  • Publication number: 20150053761
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a motion sensing device, a communication interface; and a processor. The processor may receive a point of origin that corresponds to a spatial position of the apparatus. The processor may determine, responsive to detecting a user interface command and based on a plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, a spatial position of the apparatus relative to the point of origin, and to acquire an image of an object in a field of view of the apparatus. The processor may also determine a scale factor of the image based on at least the spatial position of the apparatus relative to the point of origin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Philip ZUMSTEG, Tom PLOCHER, Sriharsha PUTREVU
  • Patent number: 8957967
    Abstract: A system includes a video sensing device, a computer processor coupled to the video sensing device, and a display unit coupled to the computer processor. The system displays on the display unit a field of view of the video sensing device, and displays a three dimensional widget within the field of view. The widget includes one or more features for altering one or more of a location or size of the widget, thereby altering an area in the field of view covered by the widget. The system then alters one or more of a pan, a tilt, and a zoom of the video sensing device as a function of the alteration of the location or size of the widget, thereby altering the field of view of the video sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Hari Thiruvengada, Paul Derby, Tom Plocher, Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 8934017
    Abstract: A system for automatically determining the placement of cameras receives data relating to a plurality of polygons. T polygons represent one or more of a surveillance area, a non-surveillance area, a blank area, and an obstacle. The system selects one or more initial cameras, including one or more initial camera positions, initial camera orientations, and initial camera features, wherein the initial camera positions and the initial camera orientations cause one or more fields of view of the initial cameras to cover at least a part of the surveillance area. The system alters one or more of a number of cameras, an orientation of the cameras, a location of the cameras, a type of the cameras, and a crossover of two or more cameras. The system uses a fitness function to evaluate all of the cameras and all of the camera positions, and selects one or more cameras and the locations and orientations of the one or more cameras as a function of the fitness function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Chen, Hao Bai, Tom Plocher, Hari Thiruvengada
  • Publication number: 20150001293
    Abstract: A method for filtering scanned objects displayed on a reader is provided. The reader may scan one or more transponders, and obtain, from a database, an image for each scanned transponder. Each transponder may be associated with an object (e.g., an item of retail inventory). The obtained image for each object may be presented on an interface, and a selection of an object category may be received using the obtained images. A determination may be made as to which objects are associated with the selected object category. A display screen may display data associated with only the objects associated with the selected object category.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph VARGAS, Tom PLOCHER, Sriharsha PUTREVU, Ynjiun WANG
  • Publication number: 20140365181
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for generating a three dimensional building management system are described herein. One method includes inputting, into a three dimensional graphics rendering engine, building information modeling data associated with a building, inputting, into the three dimensional graphics rendering engine, real time building management system data associated with the building, and generating, by the three dimensional graphics rendering engine, a three dimensional building management system for the building based on the building information modeling data and the real time building management system data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Cockburn, Richard Denning, Shailesh Rasane, Henry Chen, Tom Plocher, Conrad B. Beaulieu, Liana M. Kiff