Michael A Benjamin

US Patent:

7139741, Nov 21, 2006

Filed:

Jul 31, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/631527

Inventors:

Michael R. Benjamin - Boston MA, US

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G06F 17/00
G06N 5/00

US Classification:

706 45, 706 46

Abstract:

A mathematical programming method in which a common decision space is defined by identifying decision variables, and a set of objective functions is developed as piecewise defined functions. Each objective function is dependent on at least one of the decision variables and corresponds to a goal. The objective function has a plurality of pieces, such that the objective function has only one piece for each combination of decision variables. A value function is developed in additive preference form based on weights and the objective functions. The value function is optimized by searching through the decision variable values to find the values of the decision variables that maximize the developed value function. An action dictated by the decision variable values can then be executed.

US Patent:

7356484, Apr 8, 2008

Filed:

Oct 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/970455

Inventors:

Michael H. Benjamin - Dover MA, US
Francis A. Waldman - Stoneham MA, US
Richard von Turkovich - Cambridge MA, US
Everette T. Jordan - Needham MA, US

Assignee:

Agile Software Corporation - San Jose CA

International Classification:

G06Q 10/00

US Classification:

705 11, 705 10

Abstract:

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for creating a supplier-rating matrix for rating services of a supplier. The method includes defining a plurality of job attributes each including a plurality of sub-attributes, each sub-attribute representing a range of job attribute values and defining a job attribute vector associated with the supplier, the job attribute vector including a plurality of dimensions each corresponding to a sub-attribute. The method further includes defining a plurality of performance metrics and defining a performance vector associated with the supplier, the performance vector including a plurality of dimensions each corresponding to a performance metric. The method further includes defining a initial values for the job attribute vector and the performance vector and generating a supplier rating matrix for the supplier by mathematically combining the job attribute vector and the performance vector.

US Patent:

7613553, Nov 3, 2009

Filed:

Jul 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/911765

Inventors:

Michael R. Benjamin - Boston MA, US

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G08G 9/02
G01C 22/00
G05B 19/18

US Classification:

701 26, 701 27, 701301, 700250, 700253

Abstract:

A method for autonomously controlling a vehicle includes establishing decision variables for maneuvering the vehicle. Behavior functions are established for behaviors of the vehicle as a function of at least one of the established decision variables. These behavior function give a score which may be weighted, indicating the desirability of engaging in the associated behavior. A summation of the weighted behavior functions can be solved while the vehicle is operating to determine the values of the decision variables giving the highest summation of scores. In a preferred method, an optimal structure for the behavior functions and summation solution is taught. The method then guides the vehicle in accordance with the determined decision variable values.

US Patent:

20090118998, May 7, 2009

Filed:

Nov 7, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/267276

Inventors:

Terry Chau - Newton MA, US
Lorraine Flynn - Newton MA, US
Mary Flynn - Newton MA, US
James Steinberg - Melrose MA, US
Michael H. Benjamin - Dover MA, US
Everette Jordan - Needham MA, US

Assignee:

FLIGHTVIEW INC. - Allston MA

International Classification:

G06G 7/76
G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

701120, 705 14

Abstract:

A computer-based method of displaying real time flight information for aircraft. includes retrieving data previously stored for which there is real time flight information and causing display, on a screen of a client computing device, automatically and repetitively of a plurality of views of a geographic map. Such views collectively display all viewable flights in a pre-specified category. The embodiment additionally includes causing display simultaneously on the screen of the client computing device, with the geographic map, of a list of flights in the pre-specified category. The list scrolls automatically at least to the extent necessary to cause repetitive display of the entire list. Additionally, contents of the list are coordinated with each of the views.

US Patent:

20140003193, Jan 2, 2014

Filed:

Jun 28, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/536037

Inventors:

Henrik Schmidt - Norfolk MA, US
Michael Benjamin - Reading MA, US

Assignee:

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01S 15/93

US Classification:

367 88

Abstract:

A system for providing collision avoidance in underwater vehicles contains a spectral analysis module for determining expectation value of acoustic (incoherent) intensity. The system also contains an intercept time estimation module for: receiving continuous time series of a current incoherent acoustic intensity and low pass filtering the time series of the current incoherent acoustic intensity; estimating temporal intensity rate of change; determining an estimated time to collision for an approaching source; and performing statistical regression analysis resulting in an estimated time of potential collision and an uncertainty measure.

US Patent:

54625033, Oct 31, 1995

Filed:

Jan 18, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/375166

Inventors:

Michael H. Benjamin - Quincy MA
Aaron F. Bobick - Newton MA
Harvey A. Koselka - Newton MA
W. Thatcher Ulrich - Boston MA

Assignee:

CyberGear, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

A63B 6900

US Classification:

482 4

Abstract:

An interactive exercise apparatus engages a user's mind and body. The apparatus comprises a support structure for supporting a user. An exercise mechanism and a steering mechanism are proximal to the support structure. A simulated environment is generated by a computer and displayed on a display system. The user manipulates the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to freely navigate through the simulated environment. The computer monitors the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to determine user position in the simulated environment. The display is periodically updated by the computer to provide a continuous visual display of the user's position as the user travels through the simulated environment.

US Patent:

48569933, Aug 15, 1989

Filed:

Oct 2, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/104731

Inventors:

William L. Maness - Boston MA
Robert F. Golden - Boston MA
Michael H. Benjamin - Quincy MA
Robert M. Podoloff - Cambridge MA

Assignee:

Tekscan, Inc. - Boston MA

International Classification:

A61C 1904

US Classification:

433 68

Abstract:

A contact sensor for detecting points on a grid where the sensor is being contacted on opposing sides by teeth surfaces or other contacting points. The sensor is especially useful for measuring dental occlusion. The contact sensor includes two sets of parallel electrodes which are each formed on a thin, flexible supporting sheet. The electrodes are separated by a thin, pressure-sensitive resistive coating such as molydenum disulphide. Two such electrode structures are oriented at approximately right angles to create a grid where the intersecting electrodes cross separated by the resistive coatings. Several arrangements of resistive coating over electrodes as disclosed. In the absence of an external force, the material between the electrodes sets provides a high resistance between intersecting electrodes. The resistance between electrode intersections changes as pressure on opposite sides of the intersection changes. The sensor output is dynamic in that the resistance will vary as external pressure is repeatedly applied and removed.

US Patent:

50332910, Jul 23, 1991

Filed:

Dec 11, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/448127

Inventors:

Robert M. Podoloff - Framingham MA
Michael H. Benjamin - Quincy MA
Jay Winters - Andover MA
Robert F. Golden - Boston MA

Assignee:

Tekscan, Inc. - Boston MA

International Classification:

A61B 500
G01M 1900

US Classification:

73172

Abstract:

A force and pressure sensor is provided having two sets of parallel electrodes which are positioned facing one another and arranged so that electrodes of one set cross the electrodes of the second set at an angle to create a plurality of electrode intersections. Pressure-sensitive resistive material lies between the electrodes at each intersection. An adhesive layer is applied to at least one of the electrode sets in areas between electrode intersections to secure the first and second electrode sets in facing relationship, the adhesive layer preferably being applied in a pattern which provides passages where the adhesive layer does not exist to allow air to escape from interior areas of the electrode set. The thickness of the adhesive layer may be adjusted to permit preloading or to provide a threshold level for the sensor. In order to permit electrodes of the electrode set to be trimmed around their periphery, electrical contact to each electrode of the electrode sets is made intermediate the ends of the electrodes.