Patents by Inventor Patrick H. Boyer

Patrick H. Boyer 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: 11808856
    Abstract: In a method and system for scanning a structure, a structure scanner may acquire multiple scans of a surface of a structure. Each of the scans may correspond to different portions of the surface. The property inspection system may generate a 3D model of the surface using the scans. To account for potential changes in position and/or orientation of the structure scanner between scans, the structure scanner may self-calibrate using a fiducial marker. By correcting for changes in position and orientation over time, the structure scanner may accurately map the scans of the different portions of the surface to a 3D model of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Patrick H. Boyer, James M. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20230350067
    Abstract: In a method and system for scanning a structure, a structure scanner may acquire multiple scans of a surface of a structure. Each of the scans may correspond to different portions of the surface. The property inspection system may generate a 3D model of the surface using the scans. To account for potential changes in position and/or orientation of the structure scanner between scans, the structure scanner may self-calibrate using a fiducial marker. By correcting for changes in position and orientation over time, the structure scanner may accurately map the scans of the different portions of the surface to a 3D model of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Patrick H. Boyer, James M. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20230290066
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11694404
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Publication number: 20220189117
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11295523
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11270504
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV receives an instruction to collect information on at least one aspect of a property, and identifies one or more onboard sensors of the UAV to collect the information on the at least one aspect of the property, where the UAV is configured to identify a first set of one or more onboard sensors to collect a first type of data and to identify a second set of one or more onboard sensors to collect a second type of data. The UAV also collects the information on the at least one aspect of the property using the one or more onboard sensors, and identifies, based on the collected information, a type of damage incurred on the at least one aspect of the property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11170491
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing a physical structure are provided. Information indicative of an infrared image that includes a portion of the physical structure is received, and one or more indicators within the infrared image exceeding a heat threshold are determined. A plurality of characteristics of the one or more indicators are determined. One or more edges of the portion of the physical structure are detected, and an area associated with an intended use of one or more fasteners associated with the physical structure is determined according to the detected edges. An amount of the one or more indicators corresponding to the area is determined, and the one or more indicators are classified as fasteners according to the determined amount. Based on the classification of the one or more indicators, a condition of the physical structure is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10997668
    Abstract: A shading system creates a shaded region on a structure, enabling 3D scanning techniques that rely on light detection to generate a 3D model. The shading system includes a vehicle or device that moves the shading system into place. A light, such as a laser dot or line, can be projected onto the shaded region of the structure and detected by a 3D scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Publication number: 20200387940
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Publication number: 20200387939
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV receives an instruction to collect information on at least one aspect of a property, and identifies one or more onboard sensors of the UAV to collect the information on the at least one aspect of the property, where the UAV is configured to identify a first set of one or more onboard sensors to collect a first type of data and to identify a second set of one or more onboard sensors to collect a second type of data. The UAV also collects the information on the at least one aspect of the property using the one or more onboard sensors, and identifies, based on the collected information, a type of damage incurred on the at least one aspect of the property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10716378
    Abstract: A disposable container for solvent contaminated wipes and a method of using the disposable container to prevent solvent contaminated wipes from spontaneously combusting is disclosed. The disposable container may be a flexible bag made of a material having a solvent-resistant, non-permeable layer and optionally other layers. The disposable container has an oxygen-reduction system including an air-tight seal, which may be formed in a variety of ways, and an oxygen-removal mechanism, such as a small pump that is integral to the flexible bag or a pump outlet that can be connected to an external pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick H. Boyer, John Donovan, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10679262
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. The 3D scanner generates 3D data. A point cloud or 3D model is constructed from the 3D data. The point cloud or 3D model is then analyzed to determine the condition of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10663591
    Abstract: In a method and system for scanning a structure, a structure scanner may acquire multiple scans of a surface of a structure. Each of the scans may correspond to different portions of the surface. The property inspection system may generate a 3D model of the surface using the scans. To account for potential changes in position and/or orientation of the structure scanner between scans, the structure scanner may self-calibrate using a fiducial marker. By correcting for changes in position and orientation over time, the structure scanner may accurately map the scans of the different portions of the surface to a 3D model of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Patrick H. Boyer, James M. Freeman
  • Patent number: 10515445
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing a physical structure are provided. Information indicative of an infrared image that includes a portion of the physical structure is received, and one or more indicators within the infrared image exceeding a heat threshold are determined. A plurality of characteristics of the one or more indicators are determined. Information indicative of an image of the portion of the physical structure, corresponding to the infrared image, is received, and locations of the one or more indicators are determined. The image is analyzed according to the locations of the one or more indicators to determine information indicative of (i) a fastener coupled to the physical structure or (ii) damage to the physical structure, and the one or more indicators are classified according to the analysis. Based on the classification of the one or more indicators, a condition of the physical structure is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10471285
    Abstract: A video flame detection system and method for controlling a range. The system includes a video flame detector assembly coupled to an electric range and having a camera. A relay control board is coupled to the video flame detector assembly and includes a smoke contact, a flame contact, a relay module, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor. A range control system is coupled to the relay control board and includes a control relay. When the video flame detector assembly detects smoke, the video flame detector assembly activates the smoke contact of the relay module, causing the range control system to modulate the electric current of a heating element of the range according to at least one of a first pattern or a second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick H. Boyer, John Donovan, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10242497
    Abstract: In a system and method for inspecting a property, a microphone receives one or more audio waves propagating from a structure. One or more processors generate a 3D point cloud based on the received audio waves, analyzed the generated 3D point cloud to identify features of a surface or subsurface of the structure, and generate an estimate of a condition of the surface or subsurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10241201
    Abstract: In a method and system for inspecting the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. The 3D scanner includes a sensing system having one of a radar sensing device or an ultrasonic detection device. The sensing system detects 3D information about a subsurface of the structure, and the 3D scanner generates 3D data points based on the information detected by one or more of the radar sensing device and the ultrasonic detection device. A 3D model is constructed from the 3D data and is then analyzed to determine the condition of the subsurface of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick H. Boyer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10228318
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. The 3D contact scanner includes a tactile sensor system having at least one tactile sensor for generating 3D data points based on tactile feedback resulting from physical contact with at least part of the structure. A 3D model is constructed from the 3D data and is then analyzed to determine the condition of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Patrick H. Boyer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Brian N. Harvey
  • Patent number: 10176632
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. The 3D scanner generates 3D data. A point cloud or 3D model is constructed from the 3D data. The point cloud or 3D model is then analyzed to determine the condition of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II