Patents Examined by Rufus C Point
  • Patent number: 11627853
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a robotic cleaner may include a battery; a driving device for moving the robotic cleaner; a cleaning device for allowing the robotic cleaner to perform cleaning work; and a processor configured to determine, as a zone that can be cleaned, a first zone in the entire space by considering the residual capacity of the battery and the location of a charging device, operate the driving device and cleaning device to perform cleaning of the first zone, and perform control such that the robotic cleaner moves to the location of the charging device. Other embodiments are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minji Park, Jeehyeok Kim
  • Patent number: 11626001
    Abstract: The disclosed wearable device systems include several features for alerting and guiding persons who are approaching or near to potentially hazardous or high-risk conditions in their nearby environment. Sensor data from wearable devices (also referred to herein as “wearables”) are used to determine the presence of various unsafe environmental conditions and phenomenon, including dangerous terrain or other unusual conditions. The wearable would be used to warn a person, for example via auditory or haptic-based feedback, if the person is about to encounter an unsafe condition. In particular, the proposed systems can be of great benefit to the visually impaired, those persons with physical disabilities, or persons otherwise vulnerable to particular environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Yevgeniy Viatcheslavovich Khmelev, Christopher Russell, Gregory David Hansen, Nathan Lee Post, Ashley Raine Philbrick, Nolan Serrao, Ruthie D. Lyle, Pooja Krishnaswamy, Noemy Diosdado
  • Patent number: 11620332
    Abstract: A network device is configured to (i) play back a media item indicated by a remote playback queue provided by a cloud-based computing system, (ii) receive an indication that a playback device is available for playback, (iii) display a now playing screen including (a) information identifying the media item, and (b) an icon that indicates that the network device is not in a connected state with any other network device, (iv) receive a first input selecting the icon, (v) in response to the first input, display a list of one or more available network devices including the playback device, (vi) receive a second input selecting the playback device from the list (vii) after receiving the second input, update the list to indicate that the playback device is selected for playback of the remote playback queue, and (viii) transfer playback of the remote playback queue from the network device to the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Andrew Schulert, Robert Andrew Lambourne, Arthur L. Coburn, IV
  • Patent number: 11610483
    Abstract: A dashboard apparatus configured to detect a wrist band device within a first range of the dashboard apparatus; to select at least one of a plurality of audio messages stored in a computer memory of the dashboard apparatus, and to play the at least one of the plurality of audio messages stored in the computer memory of the dashboard apparatus through an audio speaker of the dashboard apparatus. In addition, the wrist band device may be configured to detect the dashboard apparatus within the first range of the wrist band device; to select at least one of a plurality of audio messages stored in a computer memory of the wrist band device, and to play the at least one of the plurality of audio messages stored in the computer memory of the wrist band device through an audio speaker of the wrist band device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Pathfins C. Okezie
  • Patent number: 11607991
    Abstract: A school bus stop sign assembly for enhancing safety of children entering and exiting a school bus includes a hinging unit that is coupled to an outer wall of a school bus. The hinging unit is actuated into a deployed position and a stored position. A member is coupled to the hinging unit and the member extends outwardly from the school bus when the hinging unit is actuated into the deployed position. Thus, the member extends across a roadway on which the school bus is driving to inhibit a vehicle from passing the school bus thereby enhancing safety for children entering or exiting the school bus. A pair of video cameras is each coupled to the member to capture imagery of the environment around the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Jose Torres, Jose Torres, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11604959
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an artificial intelligence-based apparatus and method for providing wake-up and bed time information. The artificial intelligence-based apparatus for providing wake-up and bed time information includes a communication unit configured to receive usage information for an electronic device used by a user from the electronic device; a memory configured to store the usage information; and a processor configured to load the usage information from the memory, analyze usage time of the electronic device, extract a life pattern of the user, and predict an average wake-up or bed time of the user based on the life pattern. According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide services for tasks which the user needs to do at the wake-up or bed time and provide convenience to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ilhwan Choi, Soojin Lee, Sunghyun Park, Munho Yun, Jinhwa Hong
  • Patent number: 11593427
    Abstract: A network device is configured to (i) play back a media item indicated by a remote playback queue provided by a cloud-based computing system, (ii) receive an indication that a playback device is available for playback, (iii) display a now playing screen including (a) information identifying the media item, and (b) an icon that indicates that the network device is not in a connected state with any other network device, (iv) receive a first input selecting the icon, (v) in response to the first input, display a list of one or more available network devices including the playback device, (vi) receive a second input selecting the playback device from the list (vii) after receiving the second input, update the list to indicate that the playback device is selected for playback of the remote playback queue, and (viii) transfer playback of the remote playback queue from the network device to the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Andrew Schulert, Robert Andrew Lambourne, Arthur L. Coburn, IV
  • Patent number: 11586203
    Abstract: A method for training a central artificial intelligence module (“AI module”) for highly or fully automated operation of a vehicle, the central AI module to translate input signals into output signals, and the translation is carried out using a processing chain that is adaptable by modifying values of internal processing parameters, wherein the training of the central AI module takes place by modifying the internal processing parameters based on further internal processing parameters of further AI modules, the further AI modules being in a plurality of vehicles and translating input signals into output signals in each case, and the translations taking place using processing chains that are able to be adapted by modifying values of further internal processing parameters, the further AI modules having been trained using input signals that are based on environment data acquired with using environment sensor systems installed in the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Marlon Ramon Ewert
  • Patent number: 11584546
    Abstract: Airport gate visual docking guidance system digital twin methods, systems, and devices are described herein. One method includes: identifying that a device of the visual docking guidance system is non-responsive, determining which device is non-responsive, initiating start-up of one visual docking guidance system program selected from: a visual docking guidance system software program, a central computing system program, or an operating station program, selecting a digital twin data set corresponding to the device of the visual docking guidance system that was non-responsive, wherein the set includes parameter data that was customized by a user of the visual docking guidance system and is particular to the device of the visual docking guidance system that was non-responsive, and sending the digital twin parameter data to the device of the visual docking guidance system that was non-responsive to update one or more parameters stored in association with the visual docking guidance system program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jayaprakash Meruva, Rajesh V. Poojary, Sachin Kumar S., Ganapati Hegde
  • Patent number: 11550843
    Abstract: A network device is configured to (i) play back a media item indicated by a remote playback queue provided by a cloud-based computing system, (ii) receive an indication that a playback device is available for playback, (iii) display a now playing screen including (a) information identifying the media item, and (b) an icon that indicates that the network device is not in a connected state with any other network device, (iv) receive a first input selecting the icon, (v) in response to the first input, display a list of one or more available network devices including the playback device, (vi) receive a second input selecting the playback device from the list (vii) after receiving the second input, update the list to indicate that the playback device is selected for playback of the remote playback queue, and (viii) transfer playback of the remote playback queue from the network device to the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Andrew Schulert, Robert Andrew Lambourne, Arthur L. Coburn, IV
  • Patent number: 11547252
    Abstract: An apparatus, product monitoring system, and a method of measuring an amount of product on a roller are provided. The method includes receiving a first position distance between a position sensor and an exterior edge of the roller. The method also includes comparing the first position distance with a predetermined position distance. The predetermined position distance defines the distance between the position sensor and the exterior edge of the roller at a specific amount of product left on the roller. The method further includes determining the amount of product left on the roller based on the comparison of the first position distance and the predetermined position distance. The method still further includes causing the transmission of a signal relating to the amount of product left on the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Hunter James Hollister
  • Patent number: 11545379
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling a semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A control system includes a sensor unit capturing a set of data related to a gas pressure in the equipment, a sensor interface receiving the set of data and generating at least one input signal for a database server, and a control unit. The control unit includes a front end subsystem, a calculation subsystem, and a message and feedback subsystem. The front end subsystem performs a front end process to generate a data signal. The calculation subsystem performs an artificial intelligence analytical process to determine, according to the data signal, whether a malfunction related to the gas pressure has occurred and generate an output signal. The message and feedback subsystem generates an alert signal and a feedback signal according to the output signal and transmits the alert signal to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sun-Fu Chou
  • Patent number: 11514106
    Abstract: A network device is configured to (i) play back a media item indicated by a remote playback queue provided by a cloud-based computing system, (ii) receive an indication that a playback device is available for playback, (iii) display a now playing screen including (a) information identifying the media item, and (b) an icon that indicates that the network device is not in a connected state with any other network device, (iv) receive a first input selecting the icon, (v) in response to the first input, display a list of one or more available network devices including the playback device, (vi) receive a second input selecting the playback device from the list (vii) after receiving the second input, update the list to indicate that the playback device is selected for playback of the remote playback queue, and (viii) transfer playback of the remote playback queue from the network device to the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Andrew Schulert, Robert Andrew Lambourne, Arthur L. Coburn, IV
  • Patent number: 11514105
    Abstract: A first connection state may be entered on a computing device. While the computing device is in the first connection state, actions taken on a playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and not applied to a playback queue associated with a zone. An input may be received via the computing device, indicating a selection of the zone. In response to receiving the input, a second connection state may be entered. Entering the second connection state may comprise establishing a connected state between the computing device and the one or more playback devices. While the connected state is established, one or more actions taken on the playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and transmitted, in a message to the zone over a network. The one or more actions may be one or more corresponding actions applied to the playback queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Andrew Schulert, Robert Andrew Lambourne, Arthur L. Coburn, IV
  • Patent number: 11514767
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a security system. The methods comprise: monitoring an area for a presence of an individual or vehicle using wireless signals of a first type that are received by a first radio of the security system; operating the first radio as a wireless sensor for generating sensor data; determining whether the individual or vehicle is exhibiting an unusual behavior using the sensor data and pre-programmed or machine learned patterns of unusual behavior; changing an operating frequency of the first radio when a determination is made that the individual or vehicle is exhibiting unusual behavior; and communicating a wireless signal of a second type from the first radio when the individual or vehicle is exhibiting unusual behavior, where the second type is different than the first type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: Melwyn F. Sequeira, Hubert A. Patterson
  • Patent number: 11501633
    Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a control system is provided for controlling electronic devices, the control system comprising: an ultra-wideband communication unit configured to receive ultra-wideband signals from the electronic devices, and a processing unit configured to select a specific electronic device among said electronic devices for further communication, wherein the processing unit is configured to select said specific electronic device using an angle of arrival of the ultra-wideband signals received from the electronic devices. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding control method for controlling electronic devices is conceived. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a control system for controlling electronic devices, cause said control system to carry out or control a method of the kind set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Ghiath Al-kadi, Michael Schober, Derek Park
  • Patent number: 11501634
    Abstract: The present invention is an information management apparatus, capable of communicating with a plurality of vehicles, the apparatus comprising a receiving unit for receiving information indicating an occurrence of a failure in one vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, from the one vehicle, and a transmission unit for transmitting information based on the failure to the other vehicles of the plurality of vehicles, thereby, a recurrence of a similar failure in a predetermined region can be appropriately prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Takegoshi, Satoshi Nishimiya, Hiroki Muta, Teruki Hatano, Yoshimi Watanabe, Hibiki Koga
  • Patent number: 11500392
    Abstract: A method includes identifying a plurality of vehicles within a geographic area; transmitting a first signal to a device of a customer, the first signal being configured to control each of the plurality of vehicles; receiving a selection of a vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles; and transmitting a second signal to the device in response to receiving the selection, the second signal modifying the first signal to be disabled from controlling the plurality of vehicles except the selected vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11484273
    Abstract: An approach is described with respect to functional age analysis. A method pertaining to such approach may include receiving sensor data collected on a plurality of individuals via a plurality of sensor devices. The method further may include constructing an age indices model by applying machine learning to the collected sensor data. The method further may include determining one or more functional age indices for a subject individual by applying the age indices model to profile data associated with the subject individual. In an embodiment, the method further may include transmitting the one or more functional age indices determined for the subject individual to a professional or a knowledge base, and receiving and processing one or more prescribed recommendations for the subject individual. According to such embodiment, the method further may include updating the age indices model based upon feedback received with respect to the one or more prescribed recommendations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nadiya Kochura, Fang Lu
  • Patent number: 11480949
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, may cause processor to receive a set of user data associated with a user that is attempting to access an electronic lock, receive a request to actuate a locking mechanism of the electronic lock configured to prevent the user from accessing a machine in an industrial automation system, actuate the locking mechanism in response to the request and the set of user data corresponding to an expected set of data, store a log of the request and the set of user data, and send the log to a cloud-based computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Main-Reade, Derek Jones, David A. Vasko