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Blake, GB

Alex Sean Blake, West Sussex GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120219880Fuel Cells - A liquid electrolyte fuel cell comprises means to define an electrolyte chamber, and electrodes on opposite sides of the electrolyte chamber. The electrode comprises an electrically conductive sheet (08-30-2012

Andrew Blake, Stapleford GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090153526DETERMINING THE LOCATION OF THE TIP OF AN ELECTRONIC STYLUS - An electronic stylus system includes an electronic stylus and base receiving unit. The electronic stylus includes a first ultrasonic transmitter, a second ultrasonic transmitter, an electromagnetic transmitter, and a writing tip. The base receiver unit includes a first ultrasonic receiver, a second ultrasonic receiver, and an electromagnetic receiver. The ultrasonic receivers of the base unit are operable to receive signals transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitters of the electronic stylus. Similarly, the electromagnetic receiver of the base unit is operable to receive signals transmitted by the electromagnetic transmitter of the stylus. The location of the tip of the electronic stylus relative to a given reference point is determined using the locations of two ultrasonic transmitters relative to the two ultrasonic receivers.06-18-2009
20100220921STEREO IMAGE SEGMENTATION - Real-time segmentation of foreground from background layers in binocular video sequences may be provided by a segmentation process which may be based on one or more factors including likelihoods for stereo-matching, color, and optionally contrast, which may be fused to infer foreground and/or background layers accurately and efficiently. In one example, the stereo image may be segmented into foreground, background, and/or occluded regions using stereo disparities. The stereo-match likelihood may be fused with a contrast sensitive color model that is initialized or learned from training data. Segmentation may then be solved by an optimization algorithm such as dynamic programming or graph cut. In a second example, the stereo-match likelihood may be marginalized over foreground and background hypotheses, and fused with a contrast-sensitive color model that is initialized or learned from training data. Segmentation may then be solved by an optimization algorithm such as a binary graph cut.09-02-2010
20120071239STEREO VIDEO FOR GAMING - A real-time stereo video signal of a captured scene with a physical foreground object and a physical background is received. In real-time, a foreground/background separation algorithm is used on the real-time stereo video signal to identify pixels from the stereo video signal that represent the physical foreground object. A video sequence may be produced by rendering a 3D virtual reality based on the identified pixels of the physical foreground object.03-22-2012
20120323110MRI SCANNER THAT OUTPUTS BONE STRENGTH INDICATORS - Described herein are various technologies pertaining to diagnosing and/or prescribing treatment for osteoporosis. A bone of a patient is subjected to an MRI scan, and the resultant signal is subjected to a likelihood function. The output of the likelihood function are values that are parameters that are employed to ascertain connectivity of trabeculae in the bone of the patient and volumetric trabecular density of the bone.12-20-2012

Patent applications by Andrew Blake, Stapleford GB

Andrew Blake, Cambridge GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090003687Segmenting Image Elements - A method of segmenting image elements into a foreground and background is described, such that only the foreground elements are part of a volume of interest for stereo matching. This reduces computational burden as compared with computing stereo matching over the whole image. An energy function is defined using a probabilistic framework and that energy function approximated to require computation only over foreground disparities. An optimization algorithm is used on the energy function to perform the segmentation.01-01-2009
20090074292Optimization of Multi-Label Problems in Computer Vision - A method of labeling pixels in an image is described where the pixel label is selected from a set of three or more labels. The pixel labeling problem is reduced to a sequence of binary optimizations by representing the label value for each pixel as a binary word and then optimizing the value of each bit within the word, starting with the most significant bit. Data which has been learned from one or more training images is used in the optimization to provide information about the less significant bits within the word.03-19-2009
20090129700Image Blending - Previously, Poisson blending has been used for image blending including cloning an object onto a target background and blending pairs of source images together. Such Poisson blending works well in many situations. However, whilst this method is always workable, we have found that discolorations sometimes occur. We realized that these discolorations occur when the gradient of the source image is preserved too insistently, at the expense of preserving object and background color. In some situations object outlines become smeared or blurred. We develop a color preservation term and a fragility measure to address these problems. This gives a user additional control to obtain smooth compositions and reduce discoloration artifacts.05-21-2009
20100119147IMAGE SEGMENTATION - Segmentation of foreground from background layers in an image may be provided by a segmentation process which may be based on one or more factors including motion, color, contrast, and the like. Color, motion, and optionally contrast information may be probabilistically fused to infer foreground and/or background layers accurately and efficiently. A likelihood of motion vs. non-motion may be automatically learned from training data and then fused with a contrast-sensitive color model. Segmentation may then be solved efficiently by an optimization algorithm such as a graph cut. Motion events in image sequences may be detected without explicit velocity computation.05-13-2010
20100128984Labeling Image Elements - An image processing system is described which automatically labels image elements of a digital image. In an embodiment an energy function describing the quality of possible labelings of an image is globally optimized to find an output labeled image. In the embodiment, the energy function comprises terms that depend on at least one non-local parameter. For example, the non-local parameter describes characteristics of image elements having the same label. In an embodiment the global optimization is achieved in a practical, efficient manner by using a tree structure to represent candidate values of the non-local parameter and by using a branch and bound process. In some embodiments, the branch and bound process comprises evaluating a lower bound of the energy function by using a min-cut process. For example, the min-cut process enables the lower bound to be evaluated efficiently using a graphical data structure to represent the lower bound.05-27-2010
20110164819Optimization of Multi-Label Problems in Computer Vision - A method of labeling pixels in an image is described where the pixel label is selected from a set of three or more labels. The pixel labeling problem is reduced to a sequence of binary optimizations by representing the label value for each pixel as a binary word and then optimizing the value of each bit within the word, starting with the most significant bit. Data which has been learned from one or more training images is used in the optimization to provide information about the less significant bits within the word.07-07-2011
20110216965Image Segmentation Using Reduced Foreground Training Data - Methods of image segmentation using reduced foreground training data are described. In an embodiment, the foreground and background training data for use in segmentation of an image is determined by optimization of a modified energy function. The modified energy function is the energy function used in image segmentation with an additional term comprising a scalar value. The optimization is performed for different values of the scalar to produce multiple initial segmentations and one of these segmentations is selected based on pre-defined criteria. The training data is then used in segmenting the image. In other embodiments further methods are described: one places an ellipse inside the user-defined bounding box to define the background training data and another uses a comparison of properties of neighboring image elements, where one is outside the user-defined bounding box, to reduce the foreground training data.09-08-2011
20110216976Updating Image Segmentation Following User Input - Methods of updating image segmentation following user input are described. In an embodiment, the properties used in computing the different portions of the image are updated as a result of one or more user inputs. Image elements which have been identified by a user input are given more weight when updating the properties than other image elements which have already been assigned to a particular portion of the image. In another embodiment, an updated segmentation is post-processed such that only regions which are connected to an appropriate user input are updated.09-08-2011
20110274352Image Segmentation Using Star-Convexity Constraints - Image segmentation using star-convexity constraints is described. In an example, user input specifies positions of one or more star centers in a foreground to be segmented from a background of an image. In embodiments, an energy function is used to express the problem of segmenting the image and that energy function incorporates a star-convexity constraint which limits the number of possible solutions. For example, the star-convexity constraint may be that, for any point p inside the foreground, all points on a shortest path (which may be geodesic or Euclidean) between the nearest star center and p also lie inside the foreground. In some examples continuous star centers such as lines are used. In embodiments a user may iteratively edit the star centers by adding brush strokes to the image in order to progressively change the star-convexity constraints and obtain an accurate segmentation.11-10-2011
20120162354Remote Workspace Sharing - Existing remote workspace sharing systems are difficult to use. For example, changes made on a common work product by one user often appear abruptly on displays viewed by remote users. As a result the interaction is perceived as unnatural by the users and is often inefficient. Images of a display of a common work product are received from a camera at a first location. These images may also comprise information about objects between the display and the camera such as a user's hand editing a document on a tablet PC. These images are combined with images of the shared work product and displayed at remote locations. Advance information about remote user actions is then visible and facilitates collaborative mediation between users. Depth information may be used to influence the process of combining the images.06-28-2012
20120219209Image Labeling with Global Parameters - Image labeling with global parameters is described. In an embodiment a pose estimation system executes automatic body part labeling. For example, the system may compute joint recognition or body part segmentation for a gaming application. In another example, the system may compute organ labels for a medical imaging application. In an example, at least one global parameter, for example body height is computed for each of the images to be labeled. In an example, the global parameter is used to modify an image labeling process. For example the global parameter may be used to modify the input image to a canonical scale. In another example, the global parameter may be used to adaptively modify previously stored parameters of the image labeling process. In an example, the previously stored parameters may be computed from a reduced set of training data.08-30-2012

Patent applications by Andrew Blake, Cambridge GB

David Blake, Bath GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090234263SUPPORT DEVICES - A support device (09-17-2009

James Bartholomew Blake, Ipswich GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130127228FURNITURE - The present invention provides a stool which is very versatile and comprises a simple cylindrical shape. The stool can be quickly and easily installed at any suitable location and, in particular, can be included in outside areas, for example, parks, school playgrounds and shopping precincts. The stool includes an interior chamber into which a ballast can be located in order to weigh the stool down. This ballast inhibits the easy movement of the stool and, in particular, prevents the inadvertent movement of the stool. The stool is located outside and the ballast is collected from adjacent to the installation site. The stool includes a recycled cut down drum as an inner core with a thermosetting outer covering moulded thereto. Accordingly, the stool and is environmentally friendly and is manufactured using recycled and sustainable materials and is anchored using a locally sourced sustainable ballast material.05-23-2013

Peter Blake, Hertford GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110017390Method and Article - A method of making an article 01-27-2011

Peter W. Blake, Aberdeenshire GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110067881SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING MATERIAL TO A SUBSEA WELL - A system and method for delivering a material from a vessel at a surface facility to a subsea location and into a subsea well are provided. The system generally includes a first-stage pump that is located at the surface facility and is configured to receive the material from the vessel. A tubular member extends from the first-stage pump to the subsea location. A second-stage pump is located at the subsea location and connected to the tubular member. The first-stage pump is configured to deliver the material through the tubular member to the second-stage pump at a first pressure, and the second-stage pump being configured to receive the material from the tubular member and inject the material into the well at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.03-24-2011

Philip Andrew Blake, Tiverton GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120060729Slurry distributor - A slurry distributor comprises a slurry delivery pipe (B) to which, in use, the slurry is supplied, the slurry delivery pipe having a longitudinally extending slot (E). There is an injector rotor (A) within which the slurry delivery pipe (B) is disposed, a plurality of tines (C) and a plurality of outlet ports (D) on the injector rotor (A). The tines (C) are adapted for cutting into the soil upon movement of the injector rotor (A) over the soil surface and the arrangement is such that, as the outlet ports (D) of the injector rotor (A) pass the slot (E) during rotation of the injector rotor (A) relative to the slurry delivery pipe (B), the slurry will pass through the slot (E) into the outlet ports (D).03-15-2012

Philip R. Blake, Eastleigh GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090240820Quality of Service for Network Connected Clients - A mechanism is provided for network communication. The mechanism establishes a connection between a network server and a network client. The connection is established using a connection-oriented protocol. The network server has a first server configuration stored in a memory of the network server. The first server configuration comprises a set of server parameters specific to a network application that the network server provides to the network client. The mechanism identifies the network client configuration. The mechanism replaces, in the memory of the network server, the first server configuration with a second server configuration. Responsive to a determination that the client configuration is incompatible with the second server configuration, the mechanism disconnects the network client.09-24-2009

Stephen Francis Blake, Oxfordshire GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090313760Pregnancy Support Cushion - A support cushion for supporting a person (e.g. a pregnant woman) lying on their side includes a first cushion part configured to support the person's back, a second cushion part spaced-apart from the first cushion part and configured to support the front of the person's abdomen and/or the person's legs, and a connecting part that connects the first cushion part to the second cushion part, the connecting part configured to extend under the person's side. The first and second cushion parts may be elongate and generally in the form of cylinders, and the connecting part may be in the form of a flexible cushioned panel. The second cushion part may support a pregnant woman's swollen abdomen and may extend between, and support, her legs.12-24-2009

Trevor Martin Blake, Chelmsford GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090303124Deployable Antenna System - A rapidly deployable HF surface wave radar phased array antenna system is provided, including a plurality of separate antenna elements that are relatively movable to desired spaced apart positions, each antenna element including a respective receiver for receiving HF radio signals, wherein, in order to determine and control properties of the radar system, each element includes a GPS receiver for determining the location of each element and for timing and frequency synchronisation.12-10-2009
20090303127Phase Correction in a Deployable Antenna System - A method and corresponding apparatus are provided for phase correction in a deployable antenna system, in particular a redeployable HF surface wave radar phased array antenna system, the antenna system including a master control unit and a plurality of separate antenna elements which are relatively moveable to desired spaced-apart locations, wherein each antenna element is provided with RF signal processing means, the method including the steps of: 12-10-2009

Vanessa Robyn Blake, Oxfordshire GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090313760Pregnancy Support Cushion - A support cushion for supporting a person (e.g. a pregnant woman) lying on their side includes a first cushion part configured to support the person's back, a second cushion part spaced-apart from the first cushion part and configured to support the front of the person's abdomen and/or the person's legs, and a connecting part that connects the first cushion part to the second cushion part, the connecting part configured to extend under the person's side. The first and second cushion parts may be elongate and generally in the form of cylinders, and the connecting part may be in the form of a flexible cushioned panel. The second cushion part may support a pregnant woman's swollen abdomen and may extend between, and support, her legs.12-24-2009