Patents by Inventor Thomas William Creech

Thomas William Creech 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: 7289905
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling navigation guidance in a vehicle. The method includes: a) determining a re-route instruction based on a non-executed guidance instruction; b) presenting the re-route instruction; c) determining a non-execution of a re-route instruction; d) repeating steps a) through c) for a pre-determined number of re-route attempts; e) prompting for cancellation of navigation guidance after the pre-determined number of re-route attempts; and f) altering navigation guidance upon acceptance of the prompt for alteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Todd H. Fast, Thomas William Creech
  • Patent number: 6998972
    Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. A driving workload estimate is calculated in response to the workload estimation data. The driving workload estimate is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. The driving workload estimate is then output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignees: General Motors Corporation, Saab Automobile AB
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa
  • Patent number: 6995663
    Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. Driving conditions responsive to the workload estimation data are detected. An impact value of at least one of the driving conditions is calibrated. The impact values are combined to determine a current driving workload estimate. The current driving workload estimate is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Lisa Schreiner, Stefano Marica, Flavio Nardi
  • Patent number: 6892116
    Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data for a vehicle. The method also comprises receiving an information message from the vehicle and a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A control signal responsive to said vehicle feature data, said information message, said driver preference data and said driving workload estimate is provided to initiate the activation or disablement of a function of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Lisa Schreiner, Stefano Marica, Flavio Nardi
  • Patent number: 6882906
    Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data. The method also comprises receiving a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A subroutine corresponding to at least one of the vehicle feature data is executed. The subroutine initiates the activation or disablement of a function of a vehicle and is responsive to the driver preference data and the driving workload estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignees: General Motors Corporation, Saab Automobile AB
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa
  • Publication number: 20040122562
    Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data for a vehicle. The method also comprises receiving an information message from the vehicle and a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A control signal responsive to said vehicle feature data, said information message, said driver preference data and said driving workload estimate is provided to initiate the activation or disablement of a function of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Lisa Schreiner, Stefano Marica, Flavio Nardi
  • Publication number: 20040113799
    Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. Driving conditions responsive to the workload estimation data are detected. An impact value of at least one of the driving conditions is calibrated. The impact values are combined to determine a current driving workload estimate. The current driving workload estimate is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Lisa Schreiner, Stefano Marica, Flavio Nardi
  • Publication number: 20040088084
    Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data. The method also comprises receiving a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A subroutine corresponding to at least one of the vehicle feature data is executed. The subroutine initiates the activation or disablement of a function of a vehicle and is responsive to the driver preference data and the driving workload estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa
  • Publication number: 20040088205
    Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. A driving workload estimate is calculated in response to the workload estimation data. The driving workload estimate is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. The driving workload estimate is then output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa