For Taxi Patents (Class 340/434)
  • Patent number: 11625993
    Abstract: A system for an automated-taxi includes a display and a controller. The display is viewable by one or more of a plurality of clients of an automated-taxi. The controller-circuit is in communication with the display. The controller is configured to determine a seating-arrangement of the plurality of clients transported by the automated-taxi. The seating-arrangement is determined in accordance with destinations of the plurality of clients. The controller is also configured to operate the display to show the seating-arrangement to one or more of the plurality of clients. A method of operating an automated-taxi includes receiving destinations of a plurality of clients to transported by an automated-taxi; determining a seating-arrangement of the plurality of clients in accordance with the destinations; and operating a display viewable by one or more of a plurality of clients of an automated-taxi to show the seating-arrangement to one or more of the plurality of clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Nandita Mangal, Michael H. Laur
  • Patent number: 11600154
    Abstract: A system for an automated-taxi includes a display and a controller. The display is viewable by one or more of a plurality of clients of an automated-taxi. The controller-circuit is in communication with the display. The controller is configured to determine a seating-arrangement of the plurality of clients transported by the automated-taxi. The seating-arrangement is determined in accordance with destinations of the plurality of clients. The controller is also configured to operate the display to show the seating-arrangement to one or more of the plurality of clients. A method of operating an automated-taxi includes receiving destinations of a plurality of clients to transported by an automated-taxi; determining a seating-arrangement of the plurality of clients in accordance with the destinations; and operating a display viewable by one or more of a plurality of clients of an automated-taxi to show the seating-arrangement to one or more of the plurality of clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Nandita Mangal, Michael H. Laur
  • Patent number: 10696228
    Abstract: A device comprises: a rear video data acquiring unit 42 configured to acquire first video data from a rear camera that is arranged on a rear part of the vehicle and configured to image a rear side of the vehicle; a clipping unit 50 configured to clip a first area that is a part of the first video data acquired by the rear video data acquiring unit 42; a detecting unit 70 configured to perform moving object recognition and detect presence of a rear moving object in the first video data; and a display control unit 90 configured to display video clipped as the first area on a rearview monitor 140 that displays rear video of the vehicle, and display video clearly indicating presence of a detected rear moving object if the detecting unit 70 detects presence of the rear moving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: JVC KENWOOD Corporation
    Inventors: Izumi Saeki, Hideaki Okamura
  • Patent number: 10688919
    Abstract: A computing system is configured to receive a request for a transport service from a user device of a requesting user. In response to receiving the request, the computing system identifies a service provider to fulfill the request and determines a state for the service provider. The computing system transmits, to a provider device of the service provider, configuration data indicating an output configuration for the request. The provider device is communicatively coupled to an indication device to cause the indication device to transition from displaying a default configuration to displaying the output configuration for the request based on the determined state of the service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Kalanick, Shalin Amin
  • Patent number: 10668851
    Abstract: A door handle includes a casing inside which an accommodation space is provided, and a lamp unit disposed in the accommodation space. The lamp unit includes: a light emission element; a circuit board on which the light emission element is mounted; a combination member including a housing that supports the circuit board, and a light guiding lens that guides light emitted from the light emission element in a first predetermined direction and emits the guided light from an emission surface; and a light guide that includes a light entrance surface facing at least a portion of the emission surface and guides the light entering the light guide through the light entrance surface in a second predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruhito Takahashi, Shigehiko Kazaoka, Masashi Tateishi, Masaki Yoshino, Yoshiki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9937857
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring an indication device is described. An on-demand service system arranges a transport service for a user to be provided by a driver. The system determines whether the user has specified an output configuration for an indication device in an account of the user. In response to determining that the user has specified an output configuration for the indication device, the system identifies data corresponding to the output configuration and transmits the data to a driver device of the driver to enable the driver device to control the indication device of the driver based on the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Kalanick, Shalin Amin
  • Patent number: 9811786
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to reservations-based intelligent roadway traffic management. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a roadway usage management (“RUM”) system can receive, from a user device, a reservation request. The RUM system can extract, from the reservation request, a route to a destination location. The route can include a roadway segment to be used by a user vehicle for travel to the destination location. The RUM system can determine a time block during which entry to the roadway segment is available. The RUM system can generate a reservation response that includes the time block available to satisfy the reservation request and can send the reservation response to the user device. The user vehicle can be a partially autonomous vehicle or a fully autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: David B. Small, Thomas Spencer, IV
  • Patent number: 9734534
    Abstract: A method for reporting cash transactions comprises: registering with the federal and local government as a cashed based business; reporting of cash transaction by the cash based business at designated time frames; offering benefits by the federal and local government to the cash based business for accurate reporting of cash transactions; and accessing a penalty to the cashed based business if reporting of cash transactions by the cash based business is not done by the designated time frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Alina P Deibler EA, PLLC
    Inventor: Alina Deibler
  • Patent number: 9718397
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring an indication device is described. An on-demand service system arranges a transport service for a user to be provided by a driver. The system determines whether the user has specified an output configuration for an indication device in an account of the user. In response to determining that the user has specified an output configuration for the indication device, the system identifies data corresponding to the output configuration and transmits the data to a driver device of the driver to enable the driver device to control the indication device of the driver based on the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Kalanick, Shalin Amin
  • Patent number: 9536271
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring an indication device is described. An on-demand service system arranges a transport service for a user to be provided by a driver. The system determines whether the user has specified an output configuration for an indication device in an account of the user. In response to determining that the user has specified an output configuration for the indication device, the system identifies data corresponding to the output configuration and transmits the data to a driver device of the driver to enable the driver device to control the indication device of the driver based on the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Kalanick, Shalin Amin
  • Patent number: 9430932
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hand luggage reminder comprising a mainbody (1) operationally connected with a first and a second electric switch boxes (21, 22), a small permanent magnetic rod set (33), and a strong permanent magnet (43); and the mainbody further comprises a main electric switch box (5) operationally connected with a battery box (11), a sound generator box (12), and a permanent magnetic push-to-break switch (16) for easy controlling the sound for reminding a passenger on a vehicle to take out personal belongings while leaving the vehicle. After depressing a button (161) of the push-to-break switch (16) to stop the reminding sound, it needs no another button pressing to restore the reminding function because the reminder cannot be switched off by pressing the button (161). Closing the car door can also stop the reminding sound. The present invention is waterproof, low in cost, easy in installation and operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: REMINDER COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Kwok Fai Jim
  • Publication number: 20150022333
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hand luggage reminder comprising a mainbody (1) operationally connected with a first and a second electric switch boxes (21, 22), a small permanent magnetic rod set (33), and a strong permanent magnet (43); and the mainbody further comprises a main electric switch box (5) operationally connected with a battery box (11), a sound generator box (12), and a permanent magnetic push-to-break switch (16) for controlling and switching the sound generator box for easy generation and termination of a reminding sound for reminding a passenger on a vehicle to take out personal belongings while leaving the vehicle. The present invention is waterproof, low in cost, easy in installation and operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Kwok Fai Jim
  • Patent number: 8669855
    Abstract: An indicator portion (55) includes a first indicator portion (110) and a second indicator portion (112). The first indicator portion (110) indicates an accelerator pedal opening degree that changes in accordance with an operated amount of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The second indicator portion (112) includes a division line (114) and regions (116, 118) divided by the division line (114). The division line (114) shows an accelerator pedal opening degree where traveling modes (EV mode and HV mode) are switched. The regions (116, 118) show the ranges of accelerator pedal opening degrees where traveling is performed in EV mode and HV mode, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Suzuki, Motohiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8494439
    Abstract: A method of operating a personal electronic device and an in-vehicle infotainment system includes running an application on one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. It is sensed that the personal electronic device has been, or soon will be, moved into or out of a proximity of the in-vehicle infotainment system. Information regarding a state of the one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system is transferred to the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. An application is selected for the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. The selected application is used to replicate the state of the one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system on the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Faenger
  • Publication number: 20130061044
    Abstract: A computer system storing parameters pertaining to the regulatory restrictions placed on a for-hire vehicle compares the parameters to a current operating environment of the for-hire vehicle. In some embodiments, the computer system acts as the meter (such as a taximeter) of the for-hire vehicle. The operating parameters may include expiration or exclusion parameters that define the scope of operation of the for-hire vehicle stemming from the for-hire vehicle's medallion or certificate of public convenience and necessity. The expiration or exclusion parameters may also correspond to a driver's permit or any general regulation enacted by the regulatory agency. If the current operating environment does not comply with the expiration or exclusion parameters, the computer system shuts down, or enters a standby mode, and may not accept additional passenger fares until the current operating environment complies with the expiration and exclusion parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: FRIAS TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Collins Pinkus, Mark A. James, James Alan Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8144033
    Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus includes an image capturing device, a display device and an image processing device. The image capturing device is configured and arranged to capture a first original image of a region rearward of a vehicle and a second original image of a region laterally rearward of the vehicle. The display device includes a first display area and a second display area disposed on a lateral side of the first display area. The image processing device is configured to display a first displayed image from the first original image in the first display area and to display a second displayed image from the second original image in the second display area to form a combined image on the display device with the second displayed image being horizontally compressed from the second original image to at least a greater degree than the first displayed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Chinomi, Takura Yanagi, Takeshi Akatsuka, Yoshinori Nakano, Tsutomu Kawano
  • Patent number: 7941267
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for matching a passenger with a driver for a trip to a destination. Characteristic information about a plurality of drivers is received and a plurality of selection criteria are received from the passenger. A request for the trip is received from the passenger. One of the drivers is automatically identified as a candidate driver for the trip based on the selection criteria and the characteristic information responsive to the received request. Contact information is provided to the passenger and/or the identified candidate driver to match the passenger with the identified candidate driver. One or more of the drivers may be associated with transportation service providing companies and the request for the trip may be a reservation request for a planned trip at a scheduled time in the future and the reservation request may include a date and/or time defining the scheduled time in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Maria Adamczyk, Steven Tischer
  • Publication number: 20110102165
    Abstract: A taxi sign device, which can display various details is provided; the taxi sign device utilizes the unit which is installed today on the taxi's roof (the yellow hat with the writing “TAXI”) and comprises a keypad or buttons for entering the driver's commands, a control unit controlling the display on the taxi's roof according to commands entered a fixed display which is not changeable for identification, an internal display which allow the driver to see status reports or to see an image of what is shown in the display on the roof; it is possible to also display distress signs and calling for help initiated by the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Avner Rahamim
  • Patent number: 7191057
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products match a passenger with a driver for a trip to a destination. Candidate driver(s) for the trip are automatically identified based on a current location for the candidate driver(s) responsive to a request from the passenger. The passenger is provided an identification of the identified candidate driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Maria Adamczyk
  • Patent number: 7158015
    Abstract: A vision-based object detection decision-making system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes multiple vision sensing systems (14) that have vision receivers (20) and that generate an object detection signal. A controller (16) includes a plurality of sensing system aid modules (18) that correspond to each of the vision sensing systems (14). The controller (16) operates the sensing system aid modules (18) in response to a vehicle parameter and generates a safety system signal in response to the object detection signal. The sensing system aid modules (18) have associated operating modes and operate the vision sensing systems (14) in the operating modes in response to the vehicle parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Gary Steven Strumolo, Samuel Edward Ebenstein, Gregory H. Smith
  • Patent number: 7053769
    Abstract: A vehicle safety system is disclosed. There are three major parts of the system—the proximity reader (200) mounted in the taxi (201), the host system (202) at a central location (203) and the data replication facility. The vehicular system (10) is essentially a computer having inputs and outputs. The inputs to the system (10) include, for example, passenger identification information (11) which is supplied by a sensor (12) which communicates with a wireless smart card (13), which is carried by a passenger (14). In its most rudimentary form, the smart card (13) transmits a unique identification number. In more sophisticated embodiments, the smart card (13) may also transmit biometric information such as fingerprint information or facial image information. The passenger (14) may also be requested to input a PIN number to a keypad (15) mounted on the exterior of the vehicle (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: David Vassallo
  • Patent number: 6879250
    Abstract: The invention relates to an outside element for a motor vehicle, the element being designed to be fitted to the vehicle, e.g. on its bodywork, and comprising an essentially non-conductive protective screen (3), the element being characterized in that behind said protective screen if further comprises an electrically insulating film having two faces, each of which is covered at least in part in an electrically conductive material. The invention also provides a piece of bodywork provided with such a conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Arnold Fayt, Olivier Hilmarcher, Sebastien Guyon
  • Patent number: 6756913
    Abstract: A system and method for dispatcher free vehicle allocation. A client requesting taxi service calls a taxi dispatch center using a cellular phone equipped with a location identification device. The location identification device provides the current location information to the dispatch center. The taxi dispatch center keeps track of available taxis and their locations and stores them in a database. After determining the client location data, a processor searches the available taxis database for a taxi whose location matches the client's location. The client location data is converted to an address and sent to the assigned taxi. The address is displayed on a mobile data terminal in the taxi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Mourad Ben Ayed
  • Patent number: 6708038
    Abstract: A locomotive communication system for communicating between a locomotive and a fixed site. A communication system commissioning process is utilized to ensure that the locomotive phone number and locomotive road number are paired at the fixed site so that data downloaded from the locomotive, in response to a call from the fixed site using the locomotive phone number will be identified with the correct locomotive road number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Juan Laguer-Diaz, David Joseph Schroeck
  • Patent number: 6686834
    Abstract: A taxi meter system mounted on a taxicab for accurately computing a fare for a taxicab trip as function of time and distance is disclosed. The system provides discrimination means that eliminate the contribution to the fare that may otherwise be created by illegal means that degrade the performance of the taxi meter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Amos Tamam, Arie Klebaner
  • Patent number: 6456207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent taxi total service system having an intelligent automatic management system, which provides automation functions such as inquiring, broadcasting positioning, tracing, recording, searching, confirming, charging, receipt printing, navigating, real time traffic information, security, emergency help requesting and communication, so as to achieve a total service system with efficacy of high security, high reliability, and time saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: John Yen
  • Patent number: 6127924
    Abstract: A security system includes a control center, a controller installed in a car, a plurality of base stations installed in gas stations and houses, and a releaser. When a car owner finds that his/her car has been stolen, he/she can make a telephone call to the control center. The control center is guided to call the controller through a pager network and command the controller to enter into a searching mode to transmit a searching signal to search for a base station. After a base station receives and confirms the searching signal, the base station transmits a control signal to activate the controller to stop supplying gas and electricity to the car whereby the car is locked and located. In addition, each base station is integrated with a home security and remote control system to enhance its capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Hui Hung
  • Patent number: 6101377
    Abstract: A method for improving multi-channel radio communication. Firstly, providing a motor vehicle having a multi-channel radio. Secondly, mounting a visual display device to the motor vehicle in such a manner that the visual display device is visible from a distance to persons observing the motor vehicle. Thirdly, displaying a number representing a channel frequency to which the multi-channel radio is tuned on the visual display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignees: Gaetan Rochette, John Garfield Moller
    Inventors: Gaetan Rochette, Greg Wengreniuk, Kelly Weiss
  • Patent number: 5973619
    Abstract: An automated vehicle dispatch and payment honoring system which is comprised of a computerized system with specialized software which enables a user to select a particular Taxi or vehicular transport company from a menu, along with the desired destination and number of passengers traveling. The software provides multi-lingual, user-friendly menu driven choices, which might include advertising for restaurants, hotels, etc. The system then displays the approximate fare and provides alternative forms of payment which are honored by that particular transport company. This system might include individualized computerized stands or wall unit strategically positioned in such crowded places as airports, hotels, and banks. Such stands could electronically receive and scan credit or debit cards. The software system might also be accessed via computer or telephonic link. The finalized request for service is relayed to a dispatcher via telecommunication, satellite, or computer link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Alexis Paredes
  • Patent number: 5754098
    Abstract: A taxi cab emergency signal including an emergency light situated on a roof of a taxi cab. The emergency light adapted to create a visual signal upon the receipt of power. Further included is an emergency switch discretely situated within the taxi cab adjacent a driver thereof and electrically connected between a power source and the emergency light for allowing the supply of power thereto upon the actuation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Holban
  • Patent number: 5629856
    Abstract: An electronic device, placed in an impregnable envelope and electrically connected between an electronic sensor and a taximeter or chronotachograph, tests at least one of the internal characteristics of the active dipole present between two output wires of the sensor or electrical characteristics of a signal present at its terminals. The test values are then compared with one or several reference values. An electronic anti-fraud action is triggered in the event of non-conformity between the test values and the reference values. One anti-fraud action includes preventing the functioning of the taximeter or chronotachograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Claude Ricard
  • Patent number: 5581230
    Abstract: An illuminated door handle assembly includes a door handle seamed to a door at a defined location and moveable between latching and unlatching positions, a signal generator for transforming energy into a signal and an energy receiver in communication with the signal generator for receiving the signal therefrom and conducting the signal to the door handle such that the signal is emitted from the door handle to indicate the location thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Amerisafe Corporation
    Inventor: Robert R. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5430431
    Abstract: A method and system for protecting a vehicle comprises detecting the actuation of the ignition and producing a first signal when actuated, sensing opening and closing of at least one door and for producing a second signal when the passenger door is open, energizing a camera and a recorder in the vehicle when the ignition is actuated and controlling the recorder in response to the first and second signals to record when any door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Louis J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5297010
    Abstract: A lighted grab handle particularly adapted for use at entry doorways on a large vehicle. The handle has a chamber in one end at an interior facing surface and which contains a recessed light socket. In use, light splashes on the vehicle wall on which the grab handle is mounted, making the handle easier to see in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: ITC Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Camarota, James H. Miller, Steven R. Isenga
  • Patent number: 5121097
    Abstract: A system for preventing fraud when using a taximeter that utilizes a stage for detecting a load condition in a taxi and for recording signals corresponding to the load and driving condition of the taxi and to whether the taximeter is switched on or off. The load detection stage is adapted to detect the load on at least the rear wheels (2b) of the taxi (1), and to detect a change from a zero point indicating the unloaded condition. Another stage detects the fuel consumption and emits a signal for adjusting, at least at intervals, the load zero point in correspondence with this consumption. The load detection stage (13) is adapted to emit an alarm signal when the detected load change exceeds a given threshold value while the taximeter (4) is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Locs B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. van Zeggeren
  • Patent number: 4841277
    Abstract: An alarm signaling system, in which a pair of warning lights can be activated from inside the omnibus under emergency conditions, but in which hidden control apparatus prevents the deactivation of the warning lights from within the omnibus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: The Hijack Light, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Wilson