Patents by Inventor Tom S. Thompson

Tom S. Thompson 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: 6683609
    Abstract: A method of processing meteorological data to combine meteorological threat products for presentation in a single graphical image is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, meteorological data is received from at least one meteorological data source, and the received meteorological data is processed to generate more than one distinct threat products for a given geographic area. The distinct threat products are then combined to create a composite threat product, which may be graphically displayed together with a graphical representation of the geographic area affected by the threat products. A system for processing meteorological data for the graphical display of more than one threat product in a single graphical image is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Brian Patrick Davis
  • Publication number: 20030120426
    Abstract: A system for providing real-time site specific weather information comprises a weather alert manager that receives meteorological data and combines the meteorological data with a geographical grid covering a predefined geographic area to produce a storm profile for the storms within the geographical area, wherein the geographic grid partitions the geographic area into a plurality of cells. A distribution network distributes the storm profiles to remote units that are responsive to the storm profiles. The remote units are configured to process the storm profiles and present real-time site specific weather information based upon the storm profile. The storm profiles may include a cell identifier that identifies a cell of the geographic grid that is affected by the storm. In addition, the storm profiles may further include a storm identifier, a storm type identifier, and a presence qualifier associated with each cell identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Patent number: 6493633
    Abstract: An event notification system in accordance with the present invention includes a computer system configured to receive data indicative of an event to be warned for and to process the data to define a boundary for an area affected by the event. A distribution site communicates with the computer system to distribute information indicative of the boundary of the area affected by the event to a plurality of devices remote from the distribution site and each other. The plurality of remote devices communicate with the distribution site to receive information indicative of the boundary of the area affected by the event and each is configured to determine if it is affected by the event and to respond accordingly. A method of remotely activating a warning device in response to an event notification is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Patent number: 6490525
    Abstract: A system for providing real-time site specific weather information comprises a weather alert manager that receives meteorological data and combines the meteorological data with a geographical grid covering a predefined geographic area to produce a storm profile for the storms within the geographical area, wherein the geographic grid partitions the geographic area into a plurality of cells. A distribution network distributes the storm profiles to remote units that are responsive to the storm profiles. The remote units are configured to process the storm profiles and present real-time site specific weather information based upon the storm profile. The storm profiles may include a cell identifier that identifies a cell of the geographic grid that is affected by the storm. In addition, the storm profiles may further include a storm identifier, a storm type identifier, and a presence qualifier associated with each cell identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Publication number: 20020091488
    Abstract: A computer based method of detecting and displaying rotational wind shear. Radial wind velocities within first and second adjacent gate sweeps produced by a radar system are detected in a predetermined geographic area, and are compared at points of equal radial distance from the radar system. The radial location of gate to gate wind shear at positions between the radar system and the boundary of the radar systems range are identified and compared to a predetermined threshold wind velocity value to determine the location of high priority gate to gate wind shear. The high priority gate to gate wind shear is then graphically displayed relative to its geographic location on a graphical representation of the predetermined geographic area. A computer based system for detecting and displaying rotational wind shear is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Paul J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6401039
    Abstract: The subject invention provides an improved system and method for combining data obtained from the NEXRAD™ system of the National Weather Service (“NWS”) with geographical and topological database information to achieve an improved and informative graphical storm-tracking display able to project the movement of a storm with a single user-operation. The method of projecting storm movement includes the following steps: collecting NEXRAD data attributes from a weather data source; calculating storm position using the collected NEXRAD attributes; calculating projected storm movement using the storm position and the collected NEXRAD attributes; displaying a graphic representation of the projected storm movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Patent number: 6384830
    Abstract: A method of processing weather data in real-time for graphical display is disclosed. A plurality of subsets of weather data defining a detectable volume of a weather event affecting a geographic area are received over a period of time. Each of the subsets defines a volumetric portion of the weather event, and each subset is processed as it is received to create a plurality of components, each corresponding to a particular volumetric portion of the weather event. Each component is associated with a graphical representation of the affected geographic area as each component becomes available to create a then current three-dimensional model of the detectable volume of the weather event. A graphical representation of the then current three-dimensional model may be displayed during the associating step such that a viewer can observe the graphical representation changing a component at a time over the period of time. A system for processing weather data in real-time for graphical display is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Brian Patrick Davis
  • Patent number: 6356843
    Abstract: A computer based method of detecting and displaying rotational wind shear. Radial wind velocities within first and second adjacent gate sweeps produced by a radar system are detected in a predetermined geographic area, and are compared at points of equal radial distance from the radar system. The radial location of gate to gate wind shear at positions between the radar system and the boundary of the radar systems range are identified and compared to a predetermined threshold wind velocity value to determine the location of high priority gate to gate wind shear. The high priority gate to gate wind shear is then graphically displayed relative to its geographic location on a graphical representation of the predetermined geographic area. A computer based system for detecting and displaying rotational wind shear is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Paul J. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20020016677
    Abstract: A system for providing real-time site specific weather information comprises a weather alert manager that receives meteorological data and combines the meteorological data with a geographical grid covering a predefined geographic area to produce a storm profile for the storms within the geographical area, wherein the geographic grid partitions the geographic area into a plurality of cells. A distribution network distributes the storm profiles to remote units that are responsive to the storm profiles. The remote units are configured to process the storm profiles and present real-time site specific weather information based upon the storm profile. The storm profiles may include a cell identifier that identifies a cell of the geographic grid that is affected by the storm. In addition, the storm profiles may further include a storm identifier, a storm type identifier, and a presence qualifier associated with each cell identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Publication number: 20020004705
    Abstract: An event notification system in accordance with the present invention includes a computer system configured to receive data indicative of an event to be warned for and to process the data to define a boundary for an area affected by the event. A distribution site communicates with the computer system to distribute information indicative of the boundary of the area affected by the event to a plurality of devices remote from the distribution site and each other. The plurality of remote devices communicate with the distribution site to receive information indicative of the boundary of the area affected by the event and each is configured to determine if it is affected by the event and to respond accordingly. A method of remotely activating a warning device in response to an event notification is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Publication number: 20010017623
    Abstract: A method of processing weather data in real-time for graphical display is disclosed. A plurality of subsets of weather data defining a detectable volume of a weather event affecting a geographic area are received over a period of time. Each of the subsets defines a volumetric portion of the weather event, and each subset is processed as it is received to create a plurality of components, each corresponding to a particular volumetric portion of the weather event. Each component is associated with a graphical representation of the affected geographic area as each component becomes available to create a then current three-dimensional model of the detectable volume of the weather event. A graphical representation of the then current three-dimensional model may be displayed during the associating step such that a viewer can observe the graphical representation changing a component at a time over the period of time. A system for processing weather data in real-time for graphical display is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Brian Patrick Davis
  • Patent number: 6278947
    Abstract: The subject invention provides an improved system and method for combining data obtained from the NEXRAD™ system of the National Weather Service (“NWS”) with geographical and topological database information to achieve an improved and informative graphical storm-tracking display able to project the movement of a storm with a single user-operation. The method of projecting storm movement includes the following steps: collecting NEXRAD data attributes from a weather data source; calculating storm position using the collected NEXRAD attributes; calculating projected storm movement using the storm position and the collected NEXRAD attributes; displaying a graphic representation of the projected storm movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Patent number: 6275774
    Abstract: A system for providing real-time site specific weather information comprises a weather alert manager that receives meteorological data and combines the meteorological data with a geographical grid covering a predefined geographic area to produce a storm profile for the storms within the geographical area, wherein the geographic grid partitions the geographic area into a plurality of cells. A distribution network distributes the storm profiles to remote units that are responsive to the storm profiles. The remote units are configured to process the storm profiles and present real-time site specific weather information based upon the storm profile. The storm profiles may include a cell identifier that identifies a cell of the geographic grid that is affected by the storm. In addition, the storm profiles may further include a storm identifier, a storm type identifier, and a presence qualifier associated with each cell identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Patent number: 6272433
    Abstract: A computer based method of detecting and displaying rotational wind shear. Radial wind velocities within first and second adjacent gate sweeps produced by a radar system are detected in a predetermined geographic area, and are compared at points of equal radial distance from the radar system. The radial location of gate to gate wind shear at positions between the radar system and the boundary of the radar systems range are identified and compared to a predetermined threshold wind velocity value to determine the location of high priority gate to gate wind shear. The high priority gate to gate wind shear is then graphically displayed relative to its geographic location on a graphical representation of the predetermined geographic area. A computer based system for detecting and displaying rotational wind shear is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Paul J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6266063
    Abstract: A method of graphically displaying weather data in real-time is disclosed. A plurality of subsets of weather data defining a detectable volume of a weather event affecting a geographic area are received over a period of time. Each of the subsets defines a volumetric portion of the weather event, and each subset is processed as it is received to create a plurality of components, each corresponding to a particular volumetric portion of the weather event. Each component is associated with a graphical representation of the affected geographic area as each component becomes available to create a then current three-dimensional model of the detectable volume of the weather event. A graphical representation of the then current three-dimensional model may be displayed during the associating step such that a viewer can observe the graphical representation changing a component at a time over the period of time. A system for graphically displaying weather data in real-time is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Brian Patrick Davis
  • Publication number: 20010001134
    Abstract: A computer based method of detecting and displaying rotational wind shear. Radial wind velocities within first and second adjacent gate sweeps produced by a radar system are detected in a predetermined geographic area, and are compared at points of equal radial distance from the radar system. The radial location of gate to gate wind shear at positions between the radar system and the boundary of the radar systems range are identified and compared to a predetermined threshold wind velocity value to determine the location of high priority gate to gate wind shear. The high priority gate to gate wind shear is then graphically displayed relative to its geographic location on a graphical representation of the predetermined geographic area. A computer based system for detecting and displaying rotational wind shear is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Paul J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6188960
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to weather forecasting systems which can predict the direction of a storm's movement. More particularly, the invention will receive and record weather data from any of a variety of weather data sources. The invention will then allow a user to request a storm tracking prediction, and graphically display said prediction with a high degree of accuracy. The weather data is stored in a time-tagged fashion. By storing the weather data in a time-tagged fashion, the weather system constructs an easily accessible weather database containing the locations of storms and other weather phenomena as a function of time. The weather system provides a Graphical User Interface which allows the user to call up a graphical representation of current weather data being supplied to the weather system. The weather system also provides the user with the ability to call up a graphical representation of any of the time-tagged historical weather data stored in the weather database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Tony L. Benson, Tom S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6163756
    Abstract: A computer based method of detecting and displaying rotational wind shear. Radial wind velocities within first and second adjacent gate sweeps produced by a radar system are detected in a predetermined geographic area, and are compared at points of equal radial distance from the radar system. The radial location of gate to gate wind shear at positions between the radar system and the boundary of the radar systems range are identified and compared to a predetermined threshold wind velocity value to determine the location of high priority gate to gate wind shear. The high priority gate to gate wind shear is then graphically displayed relative to its geographic location on a graphical representation of the predetermined geographic area. A computer based system for detecting and displaying rotational wind shear is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald J. Phillips, Tom S. Thompson, Paul J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6125328
    Abstract: The subject invention provides an improved system and method for combining data obtained from the NEXRAD.TM. system of the National Weather Service ("NWS") with geographical and topological data base information to achieve an improved and informative graphical storm-tracking display able to project the movement of a storm with a single user-operation. The method of projecting storm movement includes the following steps: collecting NEXRAD data attributes from a weather data source; calculating storm position using the collected NEXRAD attributes; calculating projected storm movement using the storm position and the collected NEXRAD attributes; displaying a graphic representation of the projected storm movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson
  • Patent number: 6018699
    Abstract: A system for providing real-time site specific weather information comprises a weather alert manager that receives meteorological data and combines the meteorological data with a geographical grid covering a predefined geographic area to produce a storm profile for the storms within the geographical area, wherein the geographic grid partitions the geographic area into a plurality of cells. A distribution network distributes the storm profiles to remote units that are responsive to the storm profiles. The remote units are configured to process the storm profiles and present real-time site specific weather information based upon the storm profile. The storm profiles may include a cell identifier that identifies a cell of the geographic grid that is affected by the storm. In addition, the storm profiles may further include a storm identifier, a storm type identifier, and a presence qualifier associated with each cell identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Tom S. Thompson, Tony L. Benson