Patents Examined by Thomas D. Alunkal
-
Patent number: 11554787Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for determining when to provide and providing secondary disengage alerts for a vehicle having autonomous and manual driving modes. For instance, while the vehicle is being controlled in the autonomous driving mode, user input is received at one or more user input devices of the vehicle. In response to receiving the user input, the vehicle may be transitioned from the autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode and provide a primary disengage alert to an occupant of the vehicle regarding the transition. Whether to provide a secondary disengage alert may be determined based on at least circumstances of the user input. After the transition, the secondary disengage alert may be provided based on the determination.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Philip Nemec, Keith Hutchings, Julien Mercay, Annissa Al-Alusi, Saswat Panigrahi, Cristi Landy, Matthew Schwall
-
Patent number: 11551223Abstract: A station device in a biometric pre-identification system uses identity to perform one or more actions. Identities are determined (such as via a backend) using biometric information. A biometric pre-identification device obtains biometric information and/or a digital representation thereof from a person approaching the station device. The biometric pre-identification device transmits such to the station device, facilitating the station to begin and/or perform various actions. The station device begins or performs the actions using the identity determined based on the biometric information before the person arrives at the station device.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: ALCLEAR, LLCInventor: Joe Trelin
-
Patent number: 11548743Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring components of a loading dock station that implement a remote monitoring and authorization system are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide information regarding the status of various components of the loading dock station to a remote monitoring and authorization control unit, where a supervisor or the like is capable of reviewing real time information regarding the status of the components and progress through and adherence to a workflow protocol. The systems and methods can also provide for authorization requests to be sent to the remote monitoring and authorization control unit, such as requests to override certain components of the docking station. The user at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit can then grant or deny requests based on status information and other data provided at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems ABInventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Daryl Day
-
Patent number: 11537835Abstract: Disclosed is a smart badge device that can be included into a private LTE network established in a facility. The device includes position tracking and estimating capabilities, and operates along with a cloud-based service suite. The cloud services act as a platform between the device and a number of facility software systems. The device also operates with internal and external equipment so that an administrator can track employees and establish data flow between the badge and the facility software systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Weavix, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Turpin, Benjamin Burrus
-
Patent number: 11527119Abstract: Systems and methods for a storage unit are disclosed. A storage unit includes a container defining an interior storage space and an opening configured to provide access to the interior storage space, a door configured to open and close the opening, a heating/cooling mechanism configured to adjust a temperature in the interior storage space, a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature in the interior storage space. A control unit is configured to receive the temperature in the interior storage space, receive a required temperature of an item in the storage unit, receive a signal indicative of a distance of a delivery vehicle, and activate the heating/cooling mechanism based on the temperature, the required temperature, and the distance of the delivery vehicle. The heating/cooling mechanism is activated at a time configured to achieve the required temperature within the interior storage space when the delivery vehicle arrives at the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Jennifer Hedges
-
Patent number: 11518345Abstract: An embodiment vehicle includes at least one first camera, a communicator, and a controller connected to the at least one first camera and the communicator. The controller is configured to identify an ignition-off state of the vehicle, acquire at least one first image through the at least one first camera based on the ignition-off state of the vehicle, identify a possibility of occurrence of a security-related dangerous situation of the vehicle based on the acquired at least one first image, and in response to the identifying on the possibility of occurrence of the security-related dangerous situation of the vehicle, and transmit information on the possibility of occurrence of the security-related dangerous situation of the vehicle to at least one external device through the communicator.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia CorporationInventor: Singu Kim
-
Patent number: 11513582Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes predicting, via a predictive analytical model, a time interval associated with a future key-on event for a vehicle. The predictive analytical model is based at least in part on key-on event data. The method includes generating, based at least in part on the predicted time interval, a power mode instruction configured to cause a vehicle Telematics Control Unit (TCU) or Phone as a Key (PaaK) system to change a TCU state from a low energy state to a higher energy state, and transmitting, based on the predicted time interval, the power mode instruction to the vehicle TCU.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Timothy Thivierge, Jr., Fouad Bounefissa, Jalal Jawany, Jochen Schubert
-
Patent number: 11510397Abstract: To provide a management apparatus capable of capturing a position of a specific individual satisfying a predetermined condition. A management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a control unit. The control unit extracts, on the basis of first information that is generated by a sensor device worn by an individual and is related to a living body of the individual, a specific individual satisfying a predetermined condition, and generates, on the basis of position information related to a position of the specific individual, search information for causing a mobile object to move to the position of the specific individual.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masakazu Yajima, Hideo Niikura
-
Patent number: 11514196Abstract: A lock for an information handling system includes a sensor configured to detect removal of an element from a chassis prior to verification of a user credential, and a plunger that engages the chassis at a first position. A security controller verifies the user credential, and causes the muscle wire to move the plunger from the first position to a second position in response to the verified user credential.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Nicholas D. Grobelny, Michael David, Christian L. Critz
-
Patent number: 11508196Abstract: An inventory tracking scaled locking canister has a housing, a closure, a commodity container positioned within the housing and releasably sealed within the housing by the closure through an electrically disengageable magnetic locking mechanism, at least one weight sensor, a processing unit, a biometric sensor, a digital display, a data storage unit, a wireless communication device, a power source, and a GPS module. The commodity container may have multiple nested frames with perforations that allow smaller byproducts of the contents of the central frame to be separated from the bulk of the contents. The weight of each frame is measured individually through one or more load cells. The biometric sensor prevents unauthorized access to the commodity container. The processing unit facilitates data collection, storage, and transmittal through the wireless communication device to a remote server. The GPS module tracks the location of the canister in case of theft.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Inventors: Jamal Straughter, Stacye Braswell, Nicholas Williams, Ronald Houston
-
Patent number: 11492839Abstract: A system includes a plurality of portable lockers. Each of the portable lockers includes a lockable compartment configured to contain contents. The system also includes a docking station that includes a vault configured to secure the plurality of portable lockers, a user input device configured to receive a request from a user to take a first portable locker of the plurality of portable lockers, a biometrics sensor configured to collect a biometric from the user, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to determine, based on the biometric, whether the user has permission to take the first portable locker and control the vault to release the first portable locker to the user in response to a determination that the user has permission to take the first portable locker.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventors: Darren M. Goetz, Chris Kalaboukis, Lisa R. Magana, Andrew L. Martinez, Uma Meyyappan, Dennis E. Montenegro, Marla M. Pacis, Timothy R. Ward
-
Patent number: 11485320Abstract: A method for vehicle function control includes: in response to determining that a distance between a vehicle and a terminal is within a bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication distance and the terminal has a digital vehicle key of the vehicle, establishing a BLE connection between the vehicle and the terminal and performing a BLE ranging; and when a BLE ranging result meets a preset condition, controlling the vehicle to unlock a door lock.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Guangjun Qiao
-
Patent number: 11486188Abstract: A secure enclosure is described which is designed to offer inventory management and tamper detection for the storage and removal of rolled coins and other valuable items. Within the secure enclosure a plurality of shelves are provided. Each shelf may have its own scale for the purpose of weighing the contents supported by its shelf. Each shelf may be designed for the storage of one particular denomination of rolled coin. Monitoring circuitry interfaces with the scales for the purpose of determining the quantity of rolls upon each shelf, and the possibility for an erroneous deposit or removal of rolls supported by a shelf or an improper access to other contents on the shelf. A further approach detects multiple types of rolls of coins utilizing a single scale.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Ellenby Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Aaron H. Dobbins, James M. Henry
-
Patent number: 11488396Abstract: A shared vehicle authenticates a holder of a driver's license prior to the holder accessing and operating the shared vehicle. Previously captured biometric data of at least one biometric feature of the holder of the driving license is obtained from the driver's license. Newly captured biometric data of a corresponding biometric feature of the holder is detected when the holder wants to operate the shared vehicle. The previously captured biometric data and the newly captured biometric data are compared to verify the holder is authorized to operate the shared vehicle. When the biometric data match, the shared vehicle is released for use by the holder. In some instances, biometric data of the driver of the shared vehicle is captured at select times while the shared vehicle is operated to confirm the driver is the holder of the driver's license.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventor: Pit Boye
-
Patent number: 11485317Abstract: A method for a device for a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the device comprises a key chip. The method comprises obtaining information relating to the release of a key signal or of an immobilizer signal from a central computer via a wireless mobile communication system. The method further comprises providing a control signal to the key chip based on the information relating to the release of the key signal or of the immobilizer signal, wherein the control signal is designed to allow the key chip to generate the key signal or the immobilizer signal. The method further comprises providing the key signal and/or the immobilizer signal, by the key chip, via a wireless communication link to a central locking system and/or an immobilizer system of the vehicle after the control signal is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Andrei Hutanu, Maurice Mücke, Gerald Koch, Dmitri Dragunow
-
Patent number: 11474227Abstract: The disclosed apparatus may include at least one transponder that (1) is located on a wearable device worn by a user and (2) retransmits signals received at the transponder after shifting frequencies of the received signals to a certain frequency range. The apparatus may also include at least one radar device that (1) transmits a frequency-modulated radar signal to the transponder and (2) receives signals whose frequencies are within the certain frequency range. In addition, the apparatus may include a processing device that (1) detects a signal returned to the radar device from the transponder, (2) calculates, based on the returned signal, a distance between the transponder and the radar device, and then (3) determines, based on the distance between the transponder and the radar device, a current physical location of at least a portion of the user. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: Riccardo DeSalvo, Giuseppe Castaldi, Andrea Cusano, Vincenzo Galdi, Paolo Mattera, Roberto Parente, Fereydoun Daneshgaran, Joseph Minh Tien, Dustin Krogstad
-
Patent number: 11465586Abstract: In some exemplary processes for accessing a vehicle, a transit request is initiated. The transit request summons a vehicle towards a location of a user device. Information generated in response to the transit request is received. The information includes first authentication information and second authentication information. Third authentication information from the vehicle is received using a first wireless communication protocol. A determination is made as to whether the third authentication information corresponds to the first authentication information. In accordance with determining that the third authentication information corresponds to the first authentication information, a wireless communication connection is established with the vehicle using a second wireless communication protocol and the second authentication information. The second wireless communication protocol is different from the first wireless communication protocol.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Lyon, Donald J. Novotney, James J. Reuther, Birju N. Shah, Kurt R. Stiehl
-
Patent number: 11458947Abstract: A vehicle includes a control device. The control device stops an operation of a flow path switching valve simultaneously with limiting output of a fuel cell when an authentication of a mobile device is performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidetaka Tanoue, Masato Nonaka
-
Patent number: 11454965Abstract: An industrial vehicle remote control system includes a forklift that has a vehicle communication unit and a remote control device that has a remote communication unit and is used to remotely control the forklift. A vehicle wireless CPU of the industrial vehicle remote control system acquires the received radio wave intensity of a remote control signal by which the two communication units wirelessly communicate, and, on the basis of the results thereof, determines whether the forklift is positioned in a permission range or in a prohibition range.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Tomonori Kamiya, Koji Hika, Hironobu Okamoto, Nobutoshi Kajiya, Shinya Goto
-
Patent number: 11450163Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery portal for a residential home. The portal can be accessed by delivery personnel via an exterior door. A lock on the exterior door is controlled via a key code or similar authentication means. Once accessed, the delivery personnel can leave packages in a climate controlled environment. A refrigerator can be provided within the portal for food items. Ultraviolet lighting can be provided for sanitizing packages. Residents access the portal through a separate, interior door. Preferably, the locks on the interior and exterior doors are computer controlled to prevent both being unlocked at the same time. This avoids residents coming into contact with delivery personnel.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Forty Three Marketing and Consulting Inc.Inventor: Regan S. Weiss