Patents by Inventor Eric C. Berkobin
Eric C. Berkobin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 9224249Abstract: A telematics method and system includes, and uses, a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface link. The telematics device may be embodied in an access device, which may include the position-locating system. The access device may be a smartphone, or similar device, that retrieves/transmits diagnostic data/information, and other data/information to/from the vehicle via the short range wireless link.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: HTI IP, L.L.C.Inventors: Larkin Hill Lowrey, Matthew Banet, Bruce Lightner, Diego Borrego, Alan Wettig, Paul Washicko, Eric C. Berkobin, Charles M. Link, II
-
Patent number: 9009773Abstract: A novel advanced set top terminal capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide menu generation capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) with hundreds of channels of programming, providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g., 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports advanced set top functionality through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input/output ports (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, Richard E. Wunderlich, Eric C. Berkobin
-
Publication number: 20150032291Abstract: A telematics method and system includes, and uses, a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface link. The telematics device may be embodied in an access device, which may include the position-locating system. The access device may be a smartphone, or similar device, that retrieves/transmits diagnostic data/information, and other data/information to/from the vehicle via the short range wireless link.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Larkin H. Lowrey, Diego A. Borrego, Alan Wettig, Bruce Davis Lightner, Matthew J. Banet, Paul Washicko, Eric C. Berkobin, Charles M. Link, II
-
Publication number: 20150002281Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, internet, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Alex Berkobin, Deep Kalinadhabhotla
-
Publication number: 20140278837Abstract: A software method controlling a computer device compares operational performance data collected and stored from a vehicle to a predetermined criterion and determines, based on the comparison, whether to adjust a baseline charge for usage of a vehicle during the period. The software may compare data corresponding to one, or more, different parameters to determine the charge adjustment, the parameters including average MPG, engine revolutions, revolution-minutes, or fuel used during the period. The software method may use average values for MPG for the particular vehicle obtained prepared by a governmental agency. The method may also use criterion derived from governmental information. Or, the criterion may be a predetermined value based on a business consideration, such as number of engine revolutions corresponding to a given number of miles traveled. If the vehicle's engine turns more than the predetermined number during a period, the charge corresponding to use during period is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Frederick T. Blumer, Eric C. Berkobin, Randy Holmes
-
Patent number: 8823502Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, internet, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: HTI IP, L.L.C.Inventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Alex Berkobin, Deep Kalinadhabhotla
-
Publication number: 20140062730Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, internet, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: HTI IP, LLCInventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Alex Berkobin, Deep Kalinadhabhotla
-
Patent number: 8527135Abstract: A telematics method and system includes, and uses, a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface link. The telematics device may be embodied in an access device, which may include the position-locating system. The access device may be a smartphone, or similar device, that retrieves/transmits diagnostic data/information, and other data/information to/from the vehicle via the short range wireless link.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: HTI IP, L.L.C.Inventors: Larkin H. Lowrey, Diego A. Borrego, Alan Wettig, Bruce Davis Lightner, Matthew J. Banet, Paul Washicko, Eric C. Berkobin, Charles M. Link, II
-
Patent number: 8423239Abstract: A software method controlling a computer device compares operational performance data collected and stored from a vehicle to a predetermined criterion and determines, based on the comparison, whether to adjust a baseline charge for usage of a vehicle during the period. The software may compare data corresponding to one, or more, different parameters to determine the charge adjustment, the parameters including average MPG, engine revolutions, revolution-minutes, or fuel used during the period. The software method may use average values for MPG for the particular vehicle obtained prepared by a governmental agency. The method may also use criterion derived from governmental information. Or, the criterion may be a predetermined value based on a business consideration, such as number of engine revolutions corresponding to a given number of miles traveled. If the vehicle's engine turns more than the predetermined number during a period, the charge corresponding to use during period is increased.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: HTI IP, L.L.C.Inventors: Frederick T. Blumer, Eric C. Berkobin, Randy Holmes
-
Patent number: 8347345Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for a television terminal with a modem. The television terminal may be a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. The modem may be integral to the terminal or may be provided as a hardware upgrade unit or expansion card connected to the terminal to modularly enhance the functionality of the terminal. The modem enables the terminal to communicate with interactive services and on-line databases, including services and databases outside of the television program delivery system. The services and databases may provide home shopping, airline reservations, news, financial information, classified advertisements, home banking, and/or interactive teletext.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, Richard E. Wunderlich, Eric C. Berkobin
-
Patent number: 8276183Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for a television terminal with data storage. The television terminal may be a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. The data storage may be integral to the terminal or may be provided as a hardware upgrade unit or expansion card connected to the terminal to modularly enhance the functionality of the terminal. The data storage may be in the form of a disc, such as a compact disc storage device or a CD-ROM. The data stored on the storage device may relate to games, education, encyclopedias, reference, or economics. The television terminal may additionally include a microprocessor that is programmed to react to information within a television signal to access the data stored on the storage device.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, Richard E. Wunderlich, Eric C. Berkobin
-
Publication number: 20120109417Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining driver behavior based on vehicle operating parameters, adjusting insurance premiums accordingly, and preventing fraudulent manipulation of the methods, systems, and apparatuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Diego Borrego, Fred Blumer
-
Publication number: 20120053759Abstract: A telematics method and system includes, and uses, a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface link. The telematics device may be embodied in an access device, which may include the position-locating system. The access device may be a smartphone, or similar device, that retrieves/transmits diagnostic data/information, and other data/information to/from the vehicle via the short range wireless link.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Larkin H. Lowrey, Diego A. Borrego, Alan Wettig, Bruce Davis Lightner, Matthew J. Banet, Paul Washicko, Eric C. Berkobin, Charles M. Link, II
-
Patent number: 8117049Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining driver behavior based on vehicle operating parameters, adjusting insurance premiums accordingly, and preventing fraudulent manipulation of the methods, systems, and apparatuses.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: HTI IP, LLCInventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Diego Borrego, Fred Blumer
-
Patent number: 8055403Abstract: A telematics method and system includes, and uses, a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface link. The telematics device may be embodied in an access device, which may include the position-locating system. The access device may be a smartphone, or similar device, that retrieves/transmits diagnostic data/information, and other data/information to/from the vehicle via the short range wireless link.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: HTI IP, LLCInventors: Larkin H. Lowrey, Diego A. Borrego, Alan Wettig, Bruce Davis Lightner, Matthew J. Banet, Paul Washicko, Eric C. Berkobin, Charles M. Link, II
-
Publication number: 20110125363Abstract: A software method controlling a computer device compares operational performance data collected and stored from a vehicle to a predetermined criterion and determines, based on the comparison, whether to adjust a baseline charge for usage of a vehicle during the period. The software may compare data corresponding to one, or more, different parameters to determine the charge adjustment, the parameters including average MPG, engine revolutions, revolution-minutes, or fuel used during the period. The software method may use average values for MPG for the particular vehicle obtained prepared by a governmental agency. The method may also use criterion derived from governmental information. Or, the criterion may be a predetermined value based on a business consideration, such as number of engine revolutions corresponding to a given number of miles traveled. If the vehicle's engine turns more than the predetermined number during a period, the charge corresponding to use during period is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Frederick T. Blumer, Eric C. Berkobin, Randy Holmes
-
Publication number: 20110118934Abstract: A telematics method and system includes, and uses, a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface link. The telematics device may be embodied in an access device, which may include the position-locating system. The access device may be a smartphone, or similar device, that retrieves/transmits diagnostic data/information, and other data/information to/from the vehicle via the short range wireless link.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Larkin H. Lowrey, Diego A. Borrego, Alan Wettig, Bruce Davis Lightner, Matthew J. Banet, Paul Washicko, Eric C. Berkobin, Charles M. Link, II
-
Patent number: 7904219Abstract: A telematics system is disclosed including a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface. The telematics device is further configured to communicate with at least one access device or sensor other than the diagnostic system and the position-locating system, and the communication interface is configured to universally interface with a plurality of access devices or sensors.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: HTIIP, LLCInventors: Larkin H. Lowrey, Diego A. Borrego, Alan Wettig, Bruce Davis Lightner, Matthew J. Banet, Paul Washicko, Eric C. Berkobin, Charles M. Link, II
-
Patent number: 7673319Abstract: A method of displaying menus on a screen of a television using a set-top terminal connected to the television is described. The method receives a video signal including video of a plurality of programs transmitted from a source remote from the television and the set-top terminal, generates a submenu that includes a plurality of selectable program listings, each program listing corresponding to one of the plurality of programs, displays the submenu on the screen during broadcast of the plurality of programs, displays the video of one of the plurality of programs on the screen in response to a user selection of the corresponding program listing, generates an overlay menu that includes selectable options, and displays the overlay menu together with the displayed video of the program on the screen.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, Eric C. Berkobin
-
Publication number: 20090319341Abstract: A telematics control unit in a vehicle couples to a vehicle communication network bus and monitors signals on the bus that correspond to various parameters related to entertainment devices in the vehicle, such as, for examples, a radio, a telephone, and a video player. During a predetermined period, the TCU monitors the entertainment device signals and stores information represented by the signals to a memory. The TCU transmits the entertainment device signal information from the memory to a telematics operations center server operated by a telematics services provider. The TOC is configured to analyze the status of the entertainment signal information to determine various entertainment device settings in the vehicle and how they correlate with given entertainment programming, based on programs being broadcast when the TCU monitors the signal, or programs an occupant of the vehicle plays from storage media. Advertisers may obtain the information analysis and tailor advertising accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Jeffrey Leddy