Research and invention record
Ryan Kirk's public research, publication, and invention record spans machine learning, decision support, human-computer interaction, data modeling, geospatial intelligence, learning systems, and operational forecasting. The throughline is practical: organize complex information so people and systems can make better decisions.
How to read this record
Research, patents, and advisory work point to the same operating question.
The record below is not an academic archive bolted onto the site. It is evidence for how Applied Analysis evaluates AI projects: decision quality, data environments, human adoption, governance, and durable capability.
- Decision-support research informs project framing.
- Human-computer interaction informs adoption and workflow design.
- Patents and applied analytics experience inform production constraints.
Granted patents
US 12,721,253 · 2026
Methods and apparatus to determine soft boundaries through variable confidence intervals
Assignee: Deere & Company. Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Mo Fotouhi, Jared Grove, Matthew Burke, and Benjamin Edward Bitzko.
US 12,694,729 · 2026
Method for estimating time period until empty for material in a tank of vehicle
Assignee: Deere & Company. Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Mayur Deo, and Palash Gupta.
US 12,524,714 · 2026
Systems and methods for time estimation for machine operations
Assignee: Deere & Company. Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Palash Gupta, and Mayur Deo.
US 10,438,124 · 2019
Machine discovery of aberrant operating states
Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC. Inventor: Ryan Kirk.
US 10,346,756 · 2019
Machine discovery and rapid agglomeration of similar states
Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC. Inventors include Ryan Kirk and Victor Sletten.
US 10,162,881 · 2018
Machine-assisted key discovery and join generation
Assignee listed by Google Patents: Avathon Inc. Inventors include Ryan Allen Kirk and collaborators.
Published patent applications
US 2025/0139559 · Application
Operations progress prediction, output, and control
Inventors include Timothy Marquis, Dylan J. Roth, Ryan Kirk, Kelly Sikkema, and Noel W. Anderson.
US 2025/0138508 · Application
Systems and methods for time estimation for machine full
Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Mayur Deo, and Brian Rodriguez.
US 2025/0133981 · Application
Interrogative inference system and methods for adjusting guidance for generative decision-support tools based upon inferring interrogative intent
Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Dylan J. Roth, and Noel W. Anderson.
US 2025/0130582 · Application
Methods and apparatus to determine soft boundaries through variable confidence intervals
Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Mo Fotouhi, Jared Grove, Matthew Burke, and Benjamin Edward Bitzko.
US 2025/0130587 · Application
Methods and apparatus to determine zones for machine operation
Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Mo Fotouhi, Jared Grove, Matthew Burke, and Noel Wayne Anderson.
US 2025/0130999 · Application
Methods and apparatus to compress tabular geospatial data
Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Mo Fotouhi, Jared Grove, and Matthew Burke.
US 2025/0078586 · Application
Method for estimating time period until empty for material in a tank of vehicle
Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Mayur Deo, and Palash Gupta.
US 2025/0045652 · Application
Systems and methods for time estimation for machine operations
Inventors include Ryan Kirk, Palash Gupta, and Mayur Deo.
US 2020/0034730 · Application
Machine discovery of aberrant operating states
Inventor: Ryan Kirk.
US 2018/0211172 · Application
Machine discovery and rapid agglomeration of similar states
Inventors include Ryan Kirk and Victor Sletten.
US 2018/0211171 · Application
Machine discovery of aberrant operating states
Inventor: Ryan Kirk.
Research
Conference paper · AHFE 2020
Mitigating misinformation: Using simulations to examine the effectiveness of potential strategies
Applies simulation thinking to misinformation dynamics and strategy evaluation.
Conference paper · HIMI 2018
Embodiment Support Systems: Extending the DEAR Causal Inference Framework Through Application to Naturalistic Environments and Inclusion Within a Decision Support System
Extends the DEAR decision-support framework into naturalistic environments and applied support systems.
Conference paper · AC 2017
Grounded Approach for Understanding Changes in Human Emotional States in Real Time Using Psychophysiological Sensory Apparatuses
Connects psychophysiological sensing, real-time inference, and human-state modeling.
Conference paper · HIMI 2017
Introducing a Decision Making Framework to Help Users Detect, Evaluate, Assess, and Recommend (DEAR) Action Within Complex Sociotechnical Environments
Introduces the DEAR framework for structuring action in complex sociotechnical environments.
Book chapter · CCIS 2016
Decision making for complex ecosystems: A technique for establishing causality in dynamic systems
Frames causality and dynamic-system reasoning as practical tools for complex decision environments.
Book chapter · 2015
Combating the coming data deluge: Creating real-time awareness in the age of the Internet of Things
Examines how real-time awareness and IoT-era data streams change decision-making needs.
Dissertation · 2015
Evaluating a cognitive tool built to aid decision making using decision making approach as a theoretical framework and using unobtrusive, behavior-based measures for analysis
Evaluates a cognitive decision-support tool using behavior-based measures and decision-making theory. Semantic Scholar lists it with DOI 10.31274/ETD-180810-3720; the Iowa State dissertation record remains linked as the publisher archive.
Symposium paper · IMPI 2014
Accessing Causality Relationships in Microwave Heating Simulations
Applies causal analysis concepts to simulation environments and technical decision support.
Journal article · 2012
Predictors of Employer Satisfaction: Technical and Non-technical Skills
Studies technical and non-technical predictors of employer satisfaction, reinforcing the Applied Analysis view that human systems and technical skill have to be evaluated together.
Conference proceeding · CALICO 2011
Scaling Up Automated Writing Evaluation for Learning
Explores automated writing evaluation as a learning-support system at larger scale.
Conference proceeding · AECT 2011
Designing a learning approach to community-based decision-making: Using analytical statistics and decision trees to optimize a data structure
Uses analytical statistics and decision trees to support community-based decision-making design.
Conference paper · HCI 2011
Reducing uncertainty in human-centered design approach: Using Actor-Network Theory analysis to establish fluid design guidelines
Uses actor-network theory to reason about complex relationships in design settings and reduce uncertainty before a technical intervention is chosen.
Conference paper · HCI 2011
Extracts Cognitive Artifacts from Text through Combining Human and Machine Learning in an Iterative Fashion
Explores an iterative human-and-machine approach to categorizing information, connecting cognitive models, text analysis, and machine learning.
Conference presentation · IAMSE 2011
Association between a case-based writing exercise and North American Veterinary License Exam Scores
Examines the relationship between case-based writing exercises and professional exam outcomes.
Conference presentation · WinVR 2010
Executive decision support system for use in complex environments
Connects executive decision support, complex environments, and applied visualization.
Conference presentation · ComETS 2010
Information visualization for decision makers: A case study
Uses a case-study format to examine information visualization for decision-makers.
Conference presentation · 2010
Characterizing the Performance of the Fmr1 Knockout Mouse on a Progressive Ratio Schedule: Measuring Motivation and the Effects of Clonidine on Performance
Reports behavioral research on motivation and performance measurement in an experimental model.
How this research helps you choose AI projects
This record is not here as an academic archive. It shows the operating lens Applied Analysis brings when leaders are deciding which AI and data projects deserve funding, how they should be governed, and what has to be true before they can change real work.
Decision-support and human-centered design research help separate interesting technical ideas from work that changes a real business choice.
Research on information structure, cognitive artifacts, and data modeling translates into sharper questions about sources, relationships, quality, and missing context.
Human-computer interaction and learning-system work help AI transformation efforts account for adoption, judgment, trust, and the operating friction around the tool.
Patents and research themes around forecasting, classification, geospatial structure, and decision systems point to the same endpoint: governed production capability that improves how the organization acts.