Patents by Inventor Eric Huls

Eric Huls 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: 10360636
    Abstract: Telematics and external data relating to the real-time driving of a driver of a taxi vehicle may be collected and used to calculate a driving score. A telematics device installed in the taxi vehicle may collect vehicle data, trip data, and passenger data from one or more sensors. A computing device in communication with the telematics device may calculate a driving score for the taxi vehicle during a trip based on a type of vehicle, a type of trip, a number of miles driven during the trip, a duration of the trip, a number of passengers in the taxi vehicle during the trip, and a type of the passengers in the taxi vehicle during the trip. As one example, the driving score may be provided to an employer of a driver of the taxi vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Daniel Kraft, Thomas Michael Warden, Eric Huls, Nathan M. Bryer, Margaret A. Brinkmann
  • Patent number: 10332390
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event by the vehicle. The driving analysis server also may receive corresponding image data, video, or object proximity data from the vehicle or one or more other data sources, and may use the image, video, or proximity data to analyze the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event. A driver score for the vehicle or driver may be calculated or adjusted based on the analysis of the data and the determination of one or more causes of the driving event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 10163274
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle location data and/or operation data from one or more vehicle systems, identify driving trips and/or driving patterns based on the vehicle data, determine risk assessment values corresponding to the driving trips and driving patterns, and calculate driver scores based on the analyzed driving trip and driving pattern data. Destination locations may be identified for a vehicle's driving trips, and information relating to the destination locations may be retrieved and analyzed to determine risk factors and risk assessment values associated with driving to and from the destination, as well as parking at the destination. Specific driving trip types or purposes may be identified, and driving scores may be calculated based on the vehicle location and time data, including the risk factors, risk assessment values, and the determined trip types or purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 10163275
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle location data and/or operation data from one or more vehicle systems, identify driving trips and/or driving patterns based on the vehicle data, determine risk assessment values corresponding to the driving trips and driving patterns, and calculate driver scores based on the analyzed driving trip and driving pattern data. Destination locations may be identified for a vehicle's driving trips, and information relating to the destination locations may be retrieved and analyzed to determine risk factors and risk assessment values associated with driving to and from the destination, as well as parking at the destination. Specific driving trip types or purposes may be identified, and driving scores may be calculated based on the vehicle location and time data, including the risk factors, risk assessment values, and the determined trip types or purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas M. Warden
  • Patent number: 10109014
    Abstract: Systems and methods involving a rating module that accesses a single, voluminous table or multiple tables stored in a searchable data store (e.g., database) to execute various queries (e.g., SQL JOIN) to search the table(s) is disclosed. The system may include—an underlying linear programming platform (e.g., optimization engine and associated components) that includes an application programmer's interface (e.g., Python API) that may be used to perform optimization using illustrative optimization libraries (e.g., optimizer). The system may be communicatively coupled with a vehicle and/or other device to communicate/output ratings information to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Bischoff, Nicholas J. Reed, Timothy S. Lenahan, Eric Huls
  • Patent number: 10005471
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors and telematics devices of a first vehicle, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior by the first vehicle. The driving analysis server also may retrieve corresponding vehicle operation data from one or more other vehicles, and may compare the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior of the first vehicle to corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles. A driver score for the first vehicle may be calculated or adjusted based on the comparison of the driving behavior in the first vehicle to the corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 9984346
    Abstract: A system and method for evaluating, scoring, and encouraging group performance towards a common goal is disclosed. In an embodiment, individuals of a group have an incentive to encourage other group members to drive better and achieve an improved overall driving score for the group. A group driving score is determined based on the driving performances of members of the group. The group may establish a driving score goal and work toward achieving that goal using real-time group reinforcement communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Warden, Eric Huls
  • Patent number: 9947217
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event by the vehicle. The driving analysis server also may receive corresponding image data, video, or object proximity data from the vehicle or one or more other data sources, and may use the image, video, or proximity data to analyze the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event. A driver score for the vehicle or driver may be calculated or adjusted based on the analysis of the data and the determination of one or more causes of the driving event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 9934627
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event by the vehicle. The driving analysis server also may receive corresponding image data, video, or object proximity data from the vehicle or one or more other data sources, and may use the image, video, or proximity data to analyze the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event. A driver score for the vehicle or driver may be calculated or adjusted based on the analysis of the data and the determination of one or more causes of the driving event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 9676392
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors and telematics devices of a first vehicle, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior by the first vehicle. The driving analysis server also may retrieve corresponding vehicle operation data from one or more other vehicles, and may compare the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior of the first vehicle to corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles. A driver score for the first vehicle may be calculated or adjusted based on the comparison of the driving behavior in the first vehicle to the corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 9672570
    Abstract: At least a system for providing telematics data associated with a vehicle being driven by a driver is described. The vehicular telematics data may be obtained by tracking the movements of a wireless communications device of a driver of the vehicle. The telematics data may provide, among other things, speed, acceleration, deceleration, times of operation, duration of operation, mileage driven per day, and day of the week the vehicle has been used. At least a system for determining risk behavior of a driver is also described. While a vehicle is being driven, data is obtained related to the position and movement of a wireless communications device. The data may indicate the type of behavior exhibited by the driver while the vehicle is being driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Mark V. Slusar, Joseph Kleinhenz, Eric Huls
  • Patent number: 9558656
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors and telematics devices of a first vehicle, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior by the first vehicle. The driving analysis server also may retrieve corresponding vehicle operation data from one or more other vehicles, and may compare the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior of the first vehicle to corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles. A driver score for the first vehicle may be calculated or adjusted based on the comparison of the driving behavior in the first vehicle to the corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 9535878
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event by the vehicle. The driving analysis server also may receive corresponding image data, video, or object proximity data from the vehicle or one or more other data sources, and may use the image, video, or proximity data to analyze the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event. A driver score for the vehicle or driver may be calculated or adjusted based on the analysis of the data and the determination of one or more causes of the driving event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 9524269
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event by the vehicle. The driving analysis server also may receive corresponding image data, video, or object proximity data from the vehicle or one or more other data sources, and may use the image, video, or proximity data to analyze the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving event. A driver score for the vehicle or driver may be calculated or adjusted based on the analysis of the data and the determination of one or more causes of the driving event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 9141582
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle location data and/or operation data from one or more vehicle systems, identify driving trips and/or driving patterns based on the vehicle data, determine risk assessment values corresponding to the driving trips and driving patterns, and calculate driver scores based on the analyzed driving trip and driving pattern data. Destination locations may be identified for a vehicle's driving trips, and information relating to the destination locations may be retrieved and analyzed to determine risk factors and risk assessment values associated with driving to and from the destination, as well as parking at the destination. Specific driving trip types or purposes may be identified, and driving scores may be calculated based on the vehicle location and time data, including the risk factors, risk assessment values, and the determined trip types or purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 9141995
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle location data and/or operation data from one or more vehicle systems, identify driving trips and/or driving patterns based on the vehicle data, determine risk assessment values corresponding to the driving trips and driving patterns, and calculate driver scores based on the analyzed driving trip and driving pattern data. Destination locations may be identified for a vehicle's driving trips, and information relating to the destination locations may be retrieved and analyzed to determine risk factors and risk assessment values associated with driving to and from the destination, as well as parking at the destination. Specific driving trip types or purposes may be identified, and driving scores may be calculated based on the vehicle location and time data, including the risk factors, risk assessment values, and the determined trip types or purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas M. Warden
  • Patent number: 9112937
    Abstract: A system and method for evaluating, scoring, and encouraging group performance towards a common goal is disclosed. In an embodiment, individuals of a group have an incentive to encourage other group members to drive better and achieve an improved overall driving score for the group. A group driving score is determined based on the driving performances of members of the group. The group may establish a driving score goal and work toward achieving that goal using real-time group reinforcement communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Warden, Eric Huls
  • Patent number: 9104535
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors and telematics devices of a first vehicle, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior by the first vehicle. The driving analysis server also may retrieve corresponding vehicle operation data from one or more other vehicles, and may compare the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior of the first vehicle to corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles. A driver score for the first vehicle may be calculated or adjusted based on the comparison of the driving behavior in the first vehicle to the corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas M. Warden
  • Patent number: 9081650
    Abstract: A driving analysis server may be configured to receive vehicle operation data from vehicle sensors and telematics devices of a first vehicle, and may use the data to identify a potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior by the first vehicle. The driving analysis server also may retrieve corresponding vehicle operation data from one or more other vehicles, and may compare the potentially high-risk or unsafe driving behavior of the first vehicle to corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles. A driver score for the first vehicle may be calculated or adjusted based on the comparison of the driving behavior in the first vehicle to the corresponding driving behaviors in the other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Margaret A. Brinkmann, Daniel Kraft, Nathan M. Bryer, Eric Huls, Thomas Michael Warden
  • Patent number: 8751563
    Abstract: A system and method for evaluating, scoring, and encouraging group performance towards a common goal is disclosed. In an embodiment, individuals of a group have an incentive to encourage other group members to drive better and achieve an improved overall driving score for the group. A group driving score is determined based on the driving performances of members of the group. The group may establish a driving score goal and work toward achieving that goal using real-time group reinforcement communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Warden, Eric Huls