Code Programming Patents (Class 340/5.22)
  • Patent number: 11856110
    Abstract: A system and method for sharing a digital key for a vehicle. The system includes a first digital key device having a digital key stored thereon, a second digital key device, and a vehicle server. The first digital key device sends a request to the vehicle server for a key sharing session. The vehicle server commences a key sharing session in response to the request. The first digital key device shares the digital key to a second digital key device. The vehicle server ends the key sharing session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jinzhu Chen, Fan Bai, John Sergakis, Thomas E. Utter
  • Patent number: 11532039
    Abstract: A system and method of transferring information comprising an input module configured to receive an access parameter from an entity authorized to provide the access parameter, an access module configured to access a first database or a second database and communicate information from the first database to the second database wherein the information is configured to perform an authorized function. The function can be authorized bill payment. The information to be transferred can include financial information, and can include account information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Regions Bank
    Inventor: Benjamin T. Wallach
  • Patent number: 11529928
    Abstract: When an autonomous driving vehicle picks a user up, a control device performs departure condition confirmation processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11373151
    Abstract: A computer-based ticket system enables users to electronically transfer tickets to other users, and to obtain tickets from other users. A first software module executing in a server is configured to cancel a first ticket for a first seat at first event associated with a first user, and issue a second ticket for the first seat to a second user at least partly in response to an instruction from the first user received from a first user terminal and an instruction from the second user received from a second user terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Denker, Sean Moriarty, David Scarborough, Charles Plamondon, Matthew Siegel
  • Patent number: 11373469
    Abstract: An access control system includes an electrically powered access control device for locking and unlocking a barrier, and an access controller coupled to the access control device. A Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit receives power over an Ethernet cable and powers the access control device and the access controller. An active power supply buffer connects the access control device and the access controller with the PoE circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: John C. Carpenter, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Kevin P. Oehler
  • Patent number: 11356726
    Abstract: A method for managing user interface includes displaying related information of an in-vehicle device using a first user interface. An authority of accessing related information of a handheld device is acquired when the handheld device is in communication with the in-vehicle device. Once the related information of the handheld device is obtained, the related information of the in-vehicle device and the related information of the handheld device are displayed using a second user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Mobile Drive Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Yu-Yang Chih, Hsin-Chieh Lin, Po-Jung Huang
  • Patent number: 11330694
    Abstract: A programmable light apparatus includes a LED module and a driver. The driver has a current adjustable circuit that supports multiple types of LED modules. By sending a programming signal to a wireless circuit of the driver, the current adjustable circuit determines a correct setting to provide a necessary driving current to a corresponding LED module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Liping Lin, Wenhui Yang, Xinghan Lai, Tian Lan, Shuisheng Wen, Xiaodeng Chen
  • Patent number: 11295401
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for predicting a hotel room arrival for a guest at a hotel. The method comprises a hotel computer system receiving calendar information for the guest from a mobile device for the guest of the hotel while the guest is in the hotel. The method predicts the hotel room arrival for the guest at the hotel using the calendar information. The method performs an action in the hotel based on the hotel room arrival predicted for the guest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen
  • Patent number: 11256222
    Abstract: A server obtains a message that an authorization for requesting an action via a first apparatus is allocated, wherein the action can be caused by a separate control unit. The server compiles information that identifies the action and that allows the first apparatus to check the authorization. The compiled information is transmitted to a second apparatus. The first apparatus can obtain a message from the second apparatus, which is used to request the causing of the action. The first apparatus checks the authorization for the request on the basis of the obtained message and whether the action is an action that is to be caused by the first apparatus or by the control unit. If it is established that authorization exists and that the action is to be caused by the control unit, then the first apparatus transmits a request to the control unit to cause the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventor: Ralph Wiechers
  • Patent number: 11200770
    Abstract: An aerosol delivery or electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) device may include smoking articles that produce aerosol. The device may operate upon authentication. The authentication may first include an age verification before an authentication allows for operation of the device. The authentication may include a control signal communication to the device. The control signal communication may include an audio signal, such as an authentication tone that is detected by a microphone or pressure sensor on the device. The control signal communication may include a visual, optical, or light signal that is detected by a light sensor or photodiode on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Sawyer Hubbard, Charles A. Leyes, Vince Ireland, Sean Daugherty, Sean Lukan, Jared Aller
  • Patent number: 11176763
    Abstract: An electronic key system is provided with: an electronic key issuing apparatus configured to issue an electronic key associated with a moving body; a determinator configured to determine whether or not an electronic key with a first key code as the electronic key is normal; and a requester configured to request the electronic key issuing apparatus to reissue the electronic key on condition that it is determined by the determinator that the electronic key with the first key code is not normal. The electronic key issuing apparatus is configured to issue an electronic key with a second key code, which is different from the first key code, as the electronic key, on condition that the electronic key issuing apparatus is requested to reissue the electronic key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshio Mukaiyama
  • Patent number: 11138818
    Abstract: An electronic key system is provided with: an electronic key issuing apparatus configured to issue an electronic key associated with a moving body; a determinator configured to determine whether or not an electronic key with a first key code as the electronic key is normal; and a requester configured to request the electronic key issuing apparatus to reissue the electronic key on condition that it is determined by the determinator that the electronic key with the first key code is not normal. The electronic key issuing apparatus is configured to issue an electronic key with a second key code, which is different from the first key code, as the electronic key, on condition that the electronic key issuing apparatus is requested to reissue the electronic key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshio Mukaiyama
  • Patent number: 11120657
    Abstract: An integrated lock management and smart device control system comprises lock controllers configured to authenticate lock management system (LMS) credentials and also act as a hub for a collection of smart devices. The system also comprises a guest app that can receive and store an LMS credential or a functional derivative thereof and use the credential to unlock an entrance. The guest app also provides smart device controls. When these are selected, the guest app issues a command to the lock controller or an Internet gateway, backed by the LMS credential. After authenticating the LMS credential, the lock controller or gateway transmits a command to the smart device that is backed by a configurable smart device credential. Guest control of the smart devices is terminated by disabling the LMS credential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Townsteel, Inc.
    Inventors: Sybor Ma, Yongping Du
  • Patent number: 11113968
    Abstract: A method for assisting in the parking of a vehicle in a vacant parking area, wherein the position of at least one vacant parking area is calculated on the basis of a vehicle-to-vehicle and/or a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication from the current position of the vehicle and is conveyed to a navigation apparatus of the vehicle, wherein a parking process is started by virtue of a radio key of the vehicle being placed onto a smartphone display, so that a lens in the vehicle key captures a flashing code and the radio key returns the flashing codes to the vehicle by radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Bieger
  • Patent number: 11104301
    Abstract: When an autonomous driving vehicle picks a user up, a control device performs departure condition confirmation processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11105883
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed and include receiving, at a plurality of azimuth angles, a signal via a first communication channel and a second signal via a second communication channel. The method includes determining a plurality of first and second communication channel phase angle differences of the antenna system that each correspond to one of the plurality of azimuth angles. The method includes generating a first reference curve and a second reference curve based on the plurality of first and second communication channel phase angle differences, respectively. The method includes determining a first set and a second set of phase difference limits, and for each set, the method includes: identifying a minimum and maximum capping region; determining a minimum phase difference limit based on a central location of the minimum capping region; and determining a maximum phase difference limit based on a central location of the maximum capping region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Videtich, Raymond Michael Stitt
  • Patent number: 11086979
    Abstract: A security system comprises a personal digital key (PDK), a reader and a computing device. The PDK is a portable, personal transceiver that includes a controller and one or more passwords or codes. The computing device includes a detection engine, vault storage and a set up module. The detection engine detect events relating to the access of any files and third-party systems by the computing device and receives information from the reader as to whether the PDK is present/linked. The detection engine controls whether a user is able to access any of the functionality provided by the computing device based upon whether the PDK is in communication with the reader or not. The present invention also includes a number of methods such as a method for initializing the security system, a method for setting up a computing device, and a method for controlling access to computing resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Proxense, LLC
    Inventor: John J. Giobbi
  • Patent number: 10940984
    Abstract: Battery powered, keyless locking container cap configured securing a bayonet filler neck or threaded filler neck remaining unlocked after attachment. A timer circuit powers off placing the invention into an energy saving, mode; a compression spring forces a coupler into engagement. While engaged, the cap can be removed and replaced. Cap rotation by an unauthorized user, locks the cap. A backup, rotary pin coded lock is in the interior inaccessible. Cap rotation enters a pin code to unlock or lock the cap. The invention supplied is with a transmitter configured as a key fob or a cigarette lighter power plug. the transmitter signals the cap not to lock thereby providing removal. rotational Comprising rotary frictional slippage prevents unauthorized removal by limiting both speed and the rotational force to a level insufficient to override the attachment torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Ponticelli, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10873581
    Abstract: A system is provided for the storage of data, the system having: an encrypted host platform disposed in a specific territory and upon which export controlled data is stored; a controller configured to allow a primary user to set permission settings and identify authorized end users and degrees of access granted to each the authorized end user, the authorized end user being pre-cleared for compliance with export controls pertaining to the export controlled data; the controller configured to permit access to the encrypted host platform only if the host platform is located within a specific territory and if the hosting platform is in compliance with predefined data security protocols the controller configured to allow the authorized end user access to the export controlled data, and the controller configured to exclude access to both a provider of the system for storage and a system host platform provider; at least one individual computing device accessible by at least one the authorized end user, disposed withi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: RegDOX Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: William Lawrence O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10841308
    Abstract: A system is provided for the storage of data, the system having: an encrypted host platform disposed in a specific territory and upon which export controlled data is stored; a controller configured to allow a primary user to set permission settings and identify authorized end users and degrees of access granted to each the authorized end user, the authorized end user being pre-cleared for compliance with export controls pertaining to the export controlled data; the controller configured to permit access to the encrypted host platform only if the host platform is located within a specific territory and if the hosting platform is in compliance with predefined data security protocols the controller configured to allow the authorized end user access to the export controlled data, and the controller configured to exclude access to both a provider of the system for storage and a system host platform provider; at least one individual computing device accessible by at least one the authorized end user, disposed withi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: RegDOX Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: William Lawrence O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10816693
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system for performing motion analysis in a field of interest is disclosed. Further, the system may include a plurality of motion sensors configured to generate a plurality of motion data corresponding to at least one motion of at least one object in the field of interest. Further, the system may include a communication device configured for receiving configuration data associated with the field of interest from at least one data source. Further, the system may include a processing device configured for generating a digital model corresponding to the field of interest based on the configuration data using a simulation module and generating one or more of a plurality of motion signatures corresponding to a plurality of predetermined motions and a plurality of object signatures corresponding to a plurality of predetermined objects based on the digital model using the simulation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: RELIANCE CORE CONSULTING LLC
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Leduc
  • Patent number: 10642727
    Abstract: A microcontroller may be implanted to manage migration events performed by a separate memory controller to non-volatile memory. Migration events, such as failed writes at the memory controller or wear leveling migrations to move data from one storage location to another may be detected by the microcontroller. The destination location and the data to be migrated may be identified by the microcontroller. The microcontroller may then instruct the memory controller to copy the data to the destination location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Volpe, Mark Anthony Banse, Steven Scott Larson
  • Patent number: 10465423
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a bored lock has a lock chassis, a locking element, a motor housing, a reversible electric motor, an auger, and a spiral lock spring disposed between the locking element and the motor. The motor may drive the auger in a first or second rotational direction to move the spring towards/away from the motor to reduce/increase spring force on the locking element, thereby moving the locking element to an unlocked/locked position. One of the locking element and motor housing has a projection while the other has a guideway for slideably receiving the projection. The guideway prevents rotation of the locking element with respect to the motor as it moves between locked and unlocked positions. The projection and guideway are interlocked to prevent disassembly of the locking element and motor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SARGENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Wai P Wong, Michael Lorello, Adam O'Day
  • Patent number: 10364594
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting a deadbolt to a main housing of a lock. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door while receiving electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt. The energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt can be proximate to one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to one or more components in the main housing via conductive components of a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a male detent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the bolt carriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and also aligns pogo pins with electrical components of the bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt to the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA THINGS, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 10352067
    Abstract: An electronic lockset mounted on a door, the electronic lock including a lock to prevent the door from opening when in a locked state, a handle to open the door when the lock is in an unlocked state, a sensor to sense whether a non-electronic key has attempted to open the lock, and a printed circuit board to store information sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Proxess, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Cahill, Jon P. Torre
  • Patent number: 10306443
    Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to receive at least a first Bluetooth low energy (BLE) signal from a BLE beacon and enable a first function of the first device at least in part in based on receipt of the first BLE signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: David Rivera, Peter Hamilton Wetsel, Philip John Jakes, Daniel Justin Hebel, Joseph Nicholas Laltrello
  • Patent number: 10300886
    Abstract: A keyless entry and start system for a vehicle includes a vehicle subsystem configured to control at least one of access to an interior compartment of the vehicle and starting of the vehicle. The system further includes an actuator movable between first and second positions and a switch coupled to the actuator. The switch assumes a first state when the actuator is in the first position and a second state when the actuator is in the second position. The system further includes a controller coupled to the switch and configured to detect an actuation sequence of the actuator, the actuation sequence corresponding to an access code. The controller is further configured to compare the access code to an authorization code and generate a control signal configured to cause the vehicle subsystem to switch states when the entry code corresponds to the authorization code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Berezin, Amanda J. Kalhous, Nikola J. Pudar
  • Patent number: 10210681
    Abstract: Merchandise security systems and methods are provided. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of electronic keys and a plurality of merchandise security devices located within a retail store. Each electronic key and each merchandise security device is configured to store one or more serial numbers. In addition, each electronic key is configured to be authorized for communication with one or more merchandise security devices within the retail store. An electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for locking, unlocking, arming, and/or disarming the merchandise security device when the serial numbers match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Jonathon D. Phillips, Christopher J. Fawcett, Karen Bellum Bomber, Larry T. McKinney, William M. Warren
  • Patent number: 10121476
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media relating to speaker verification. In one aspect, a system receives a first user identity from a second user, and, based on the identity, accesses voice characteristics. The system randomly generates a challenge sentence according to a rule and/or grammar, based on the voice characteristics, and prompts the second user to speak the challenge sentence. The system verifies that the second user is the first user if the spoken challenge sentence matches the voice characteristics. In an enrollment aspect, the system constructs an enrollment phrase that covers a minimum threshold of unique speech sounds based on speaker-distinctive phonemes, phoneme clusters, and prosody. Then user utters the enrollment phrase and extracts voice characteristics for the user from the uttered enrollment phrase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ilija Zeljkovic, Taniya Mishra, Amanda Stent, Ann K. Syrdal, Jay Wilpon
  • Patent number: 10096188
    Abstract: A system for controlling a remote device from a vehicle includes a control device in the vehicle. The control device includes an operator input device configured to receive a user, input, a control circuit coupled to the operator input device, and a first communications device coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to transmit a control signal in response to the user input. The system further includes a trainable transceiver remote from the vehicle including a second communications device configured to receive the control signal, a processing circuit coupled to the second communications device, and a transceiver circuit coupled to the processing circuit. The processing circuit configured to format an activation signal in response to the control signal, and the processing circuit is further configured to transmit the activation signal via the transceiver circuit, wherein the activation signal is configured to control the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven L. Geerlings
  • Patent number: 10089804
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a technology for allowing access to an area having a blocked entrance, wherein the blocking of the entrance is controlled by an access controller arranged to unblock the entrance upon receipt of an authorized credential. The technology is implemented to repeatedly updating an override credential in the access controller, sending updated override credential the access controller to a remote node, repeatedly checking the connectivity between the remote node and the access controller, detecting failure of connectivity between the access controller and the remote node, setting the override credential as an authorized credential in the access controller in response to the detection of failure of connectivity, and allowing access through the blocked entrance upon receipt of the override credential in an access request to the area received by the access controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventors: Gustaf Scheja, Christoffer Cronström
  • Patent number: 10062230
    Abstract: A system is provided including a smartphone configured to wirelessly communication with an electronic lock. The smartphone wirelessly transmits data relating to a personalized user interface configuration, and the electronic lock receives the data from the smartphone, implements the personalized user interface configuration, receives additional information from the smartphone, and performs at least one function based on the additional information and the personalized user interface configuration. A method is also provided including personalizing a user interface configuration, transmitting the personalized user interface configuration from a smartphone an electronic lock, implementing the personalized user interface configuration to the electronic lock, and performing via the electronic lock a function based upon the personalized user interface configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: John R. Ahearn, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Gabriel D. Focke, Michael S. Henney
  • Patent number: 10043325
    Abstract: An access control system detects movement at a door to which a user has been granted access. A travel time is determined that describes how long the user is expected to need to travel between that door and another door in the area. After the travel time has elapsed, the other door is unlocked. Thus, the user can travel to and open the other door without having to present a credential for the other door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventor: Paul Friedli
  • Patent number: 10044710
    Abstract: A method of validating a user for accessing a secure system comprising selecting a picture that is prompted to the user, generating, through the user, an intelligent voice print in regards to the selected picture, matching the intelligent voice print associated with the selected picture to a stored authentication voice print and picture pair, authenticating the user when the intelligent voice print is matched to within a predetermined voice tolerance, verifying a textual component of the intelligent voice print to within a predetermined textual tolerance, validating the authenticating and the verifying of the user, and receiving access to the secure system based on the validating of the user against the stored intelligent voice print and picture pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: BPIP LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
    Inventor: Kurt Ransom Yap
  • Patent number: 10017960
    Abstract: A key box (1) has a housing (10) and a cooperating door (11) which, in combination, form a secured space (9) when the door (11) is closed, wherein the door (11) is locked by means of an electric locking system. The locking system comprises an electric locking mechanism (21), an electronic control unit (22) and a wireless communication unit (23). The electronic control unit (22) is configured to communicate wirelessly with a mobile unit (40) by means of the wireless communication unit (23). The electronic control unit (22) is configured to verify access rights relative to the mobile unit (40) and, if the access rights are authenticated, to cancel the locking effect of the locking mechanism (21). The control unit (22) and the wireless communication unit (23) are accommodated within the secured space (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Bekey A/S
    Inventor: Torben Kristensen
  • Patent number: 10021337
    Abstract: Systems and methods for saving and restoring scenes in a multimedia system with minimal configuration are provided. The techniques of the present invention can allow the states of the components in the multimedia system to be captured in a scene. Once the scene has been saved, the scene can be restored at a later time. A remote control system for recommending scenes by comparing states of components in the current scene with states of components in saved scenes is also provided. The remote control system can also recommend scenes based on usage patterns. Moreover, the remote control system can allow users to designate one or more saved scenes as favorite scenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Cannistraro
  • Patent number: 9981615
    Abstract: A remote function control system for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle and coupled to vehicle devices may include a wireless data bus device in the vehicle coupled to a wired vehicle electrical power system. The wireless data bus device may include a wired interface coupled to the data communications bus in the vehicle, and a first wireless device coupled to the wired interface. A remote function device coupled to the wired electrical system may include a second wireless device to wirelessly communicate within the vehicle with the first wireless device and a third wireless device to wirelessly communicate with a remote control device away from the vehicle. The remote function device may also include a controller coupled to the second and third wireless devices to permit communication between the remote control device and a vehicle device coupled to the data communications bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: OMEGA PATENTS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 9911086
    Abstract: A system and methods for providing variable distribution and access control for purchased event tickets are described. In one embodiment, a network-based system receives an order for electronic tickets purchased by a buyer, receives one or more recipients other than the buyer for one or more of the electronic tickets, receives delivery options for the recipients from the buyer, receives delivery information for the recipients from the buyer, and delivers electronic ticket information to the recipients. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Ashley Gibson, Cass Patrick Costello, Geoffrey Wolfe, Julian Green
  • Patent number: 9781575
    Abstract: A portable electronic device may generate a (RF) radio frequency fingerprint that includes information representative of at least a portion of RF signals received at a given physical location. The RF fingerprint may include, for example, a unique identifier and a signal strength that are both logically associated with at least a portion of the received RF signals. The portable electronic device may also receive data representative of a number of environmental parameters about the portable electronic device. These environmental parameters may be measured using sensors carried by the portable electronic device. Considered in combination, these environmental parameters provide an environmental signature for a given location. When combined into a data cluster, the RF fingerprint and the environmental signature may provide an indication of the physical subdivision where the portable electronic device is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chieh-Yih Wan, Lei Yang, Jonathan J. Huang, Hong Lu, Rahul C. Shah, Lama Nachman
  • Patent number: 9652907
    Abstract: A system for controlling a remote device from a vehicle includes a control device in the vehicle. The control device includes an operator input device configured to receive a user, input, a control circuit coupled to the operator input device, and a first communications device coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to transmit a control signal in response to the user input. The system further includes a trainable transceiver remote from the vehicle including a second communications device configured to receive the control signal, a processing circuit coupled to the second communications device, and a transceiver circuit coupled to the processing circuit. The processing circuit configured to format an activation signal in response to the control signal, and the processing circuit is further configured to transmit the activation signal via the transceiver circuit, wherein the activation signal is configured to control the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven L. Geerlings
  • Patent number: 9512645
    Abstract: A locking device includes an integrated circuit board specially shaped to fit the locking device and to bring a sensor on the circuit board adjacent to a moving lock component. The circuit board is preferably routed to form a convex shape that matches the locking device and provides printed circuit wiring to connect one or more sensors or other components to an external wiring harness, thereby reducing point-to-point wiring within the lock. Multiple different circuits may be provided on the same circuit board, which are automatically selected by the connectors used on different corresponding wiring harnesses and/or actuators. The design reduces assembly costs and allows rapid electrification of existing mechanical locking devices with minimal modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SARGENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott B. Lowder, Todd C. Zimmer, Jeff P. Tonon
  • Patent number: 9449479
    Abstract: Known security systems issue an audible and/or visible alarm to alert all those local to a secured article that the article has been compromised. However, for various reasons, passers-by do not respond to such an alarm/alert. According to the present invention, if an intruder interferes with a secured article, a sensor may detect an event associated with an article being interfered with and/or compromised. This detection will trigger (via a processor) an alarm condition, and a transceiver will send an alarm signal to a monitoring device over a communication network; however, no indication of the alarm condition is detectable outside the housing by means other than via the alarm signal. In this way, an intruder compromising an article is not alerted to detection of the event by the sensor. Therefore, authorities may be summoned to apprehend the intruder without the intruder being provided with the opportunity to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Colin Rogers
  • Patent number: 9447609
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system is configured to be in communication with a mobile device. The intelligent door lock system includes a drive shaft of a lock device for a door. A circuit is coupled to an engine with a memory. A device is provided that converts energy into mechanical energy and is coupled to the drive shaft. The intelligent door lock system is configured to be in communication with a mobile device that includes a vibration/tapping sensing device. The vibration/tapping sensing device is configured to lock or unlock the door in response to knocking or tapping at the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: August Home, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Johnson, Shih Yu Thomas Cheng
  • Patent number: 9392456
    Abstract: A service call between a service user and a call center for a service provider is established when the service user is contacted or calls into the call center of the service provider. The service provider may request basic account information for verification of the identity of the service user. If the service provider determines that a further verification of the user's identity is necessary, the service provider may send a verification code to the service user via the user communication device. The verification code is relayed back to the service provider. The transmitted verification code and the relayed verification code are compared and if the codes match, the user is authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: TeleSign Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Disraeli, Paul Stovall
  • Patent number: 9257040
    Abstract: Methods and device for learning electromagnetic signals, saving the signals, and pairing the signals with commands interpreted by a processor. The methods comprise the steps of detecting an electromagnetic signal transmitted from an external device; converting the detected electromagnetic signal into a numerical representation; placing the numerical representation into an array; associating the array with a reference or transforming the array with an algorithm and adding the reference or transformation into a memory table; and associating the reference or transformation with a computer command or combination of computer commands and adding the associated computer command or combination of commands into the memory table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Flirc, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Kotzin
  • Patent number: 9151262
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine, an authentication processing unit for permitting the engine to be started only when stored authentication information and authentication information inputted by a manual operation are identical to each other, storage means for pre-storing the stored authentication information, a first switch and a second switch for performing the manual operation, authentication information identifying means for comparing the inputted authentication information acquired by the authentication processing unit with the stored authentication information, and power controlling means for allowing power to be supplied to a starter motor of the engine when the inputted authentication information is identical to the stored authentication information at the authentication information identifying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroo Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9024746
    Abstract: An automatic locking system for a medical treatment device helps to ensure that an assistant is present during treatment of a patient. Among the features disclosed biometric authentication to verify that a trained assistant is present, a presence detector to ensure the assistant is continuously present during treatment, and warning and recovery processes that allow intermittent lapses in the continuous presence of the assistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Nxstage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu, James M. Brugger
  • Patent number: 9019086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a universal wireless trainable transceiver unit with integrated bidirectional wireless interface functionality, and a method for same. Using a scan, push button or untrained channel mode, a user may enter into a wireless bidirectional interface mode of a trainable transceiver. The interface mode allows a user to select a sub-set of modes that include diagnostics, flash and vehicle interface. Each mode provides the trainable transceiver to communicate wirelessly in a bidirectional manner with another remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Horia Eduard Pilat, Chris H. Vuyst
  • Patent number: 9019070
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for managing access control devices. In overview, an access control device is configured to function on the basis of an applied set of configuration data. For example, the manner in which the device processes an access request is dependent on the configuration data. A device according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to locally maintain plurality of uniquely applicable sets of configuration data. Each set, when applied, causes the device to function in accordance with a respective mode of operation. The device is configured to change which set of configuration data is applied in response to a predetermined command, thereby allowing the device to shift between modes of operation relatively quickly and without the need to download additional configuration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Neelendra Bhandari, Sanjay Roy, Chandrakantha Reddy
  • Patent number: 9000914
    Abstract: A method for automatically adding a first sensor device to a first personal area network in a healthcare application includes receiving a signal with out-of-band pairing data at the first sensor device. The first sensor device is disposed on a patient's body. The out-of-band pairing data is injected into the patient's body by a second sensor device disposed on the patient's body. Pairing data is extracted from the received signal at the first sensor device. Using the pairing data, the first sensor device is added to the first personal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Robert J. Kahlke