Patents Examined by George Chen
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Patent number: 10936992Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product for a transporting of a good. An embodiment operates by receiving a user request for the transporting of the good from a pickup location to a destination location. Thereafter, a corresponding pickup, first intermediate, a second intermediate, and destination node are identified on a pre-generated graph, and transportation edges each relating to a transit cost associated with one of the pickup, first intermediate, second intermediate, and destination locations. Subsequently, a subgraph of of the pre-generated graph comprising the pickup, first intermediate, second intermediate, and destination node, as well as the transportation edges, are generated. Based on the subgraph, Based on subgraph, a preferred route from the pickup location to the destination location having a lowest transit cost for transporting the good is generated.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Airspace Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Rusnak, Calvin Linford
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Patent number: 10927590Abstract: A computing device determines that one or more users have departed a vehicle. The computing device determines whether a vehicle door is ajar. A power door subsystem is actuated to close the vehicle door when the vehicle door is ajar and the vehicle has no users. A fare is determined when the vehicle door is in a latched position. A message is sent to the at least one of the one or more users indicating the fare.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David A. Herman, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden
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Patent number: 10922642Abstract: A method for linking an event to video documenting the event is disclosed. Such a method includes detecting an event, wherein the event is one of (1) completion of a delivery; and (2) access to an enclosure. The method determines a first timing associated with the event and identifies video documenting the event by correlating the first timing with a second timing associated with the video. The method automatically provides, to a user, information to enable the user to view the video. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Hall Labs LLCInventors: Mark Hall, Craig Boswell, Daniel Nelson
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Patent number: 10922641Abstract: Systems and methods which provide known shipper information in association with unknown shipper indicia as disclosed. Embodiments operate to collect information regarding a shipper and associate the shipper information with unknown shipper indicia. Where shipper information satisfactory to a known shipper requirement has not otherwise been collected, embodiments operate to perform a transaction matrix analysis to determine a shipper identification risk level. Such transaction matrix analysis may operate to analyze multiple pieces of shipper information (e.g., collected from different sources) to provide a determination as to a level of risk that the shipper information correctly and/or uniquely identifies the shipper.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Biswas, J P Leon
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Patent number: 10909790Abstract: Provided is a method involving obtaining an identifier at a control unit of a compartment system having compartments provided with respective locks and respective lock control units that are configured to communicate with the control unit; obtaining information indicating that one compartment has been closed, and causing storing of the identifier in the lock control unit assigned to the compartment. Also provided is a method comprising detecting, at a lock control unit assigned to a compartment of a compartment system comprising a control unit and compartments provided with respective locks and lock control units configured to communicate with the control unit, that the compartment has been closed; transmitting a piece of information identifying the lock control unit to the control unit if it has been detected that the compartment has been closed; obtaining an identifier from the control unit; and storing the identifier in the lock control unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Deutsche Post AGInventors: Jochen Jansen, Ramin Benz, Christoph Dautz, Christian Carstens, Dirk Schusdziara, Erwin Hirtreiter, Franz A. Schießl, Christian Eisenhart, Stanislav Bulygin
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Patent number: 10902485Abstract: A parking garage system includes a plurality of parking garages. Each parking garage has a plurality of parking sectors and each parking sector has a plurality of parking spaces. A digital system tracks an occupancy level of each parking sector and an anticipated departure time of vehicles parked in each parking space. The digital system further directs vehicles to a particular parking sector based on the driver's anticipated departure time. The digital system also advises potential customers of occupancy level and parking rates and communicates information regarding occupancy level and parking rates to other parking garages.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: SPACES OPERATIONS, LLCInventor: Sourabh Sen
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Patent number: 10902353Abstract: The present invention provides a computer implemented method, system, and computer program product for monitoring a ticket, the method including receiving credentials by a processing unit from a device via manual presentation of the device to a manual sensor logically coupled to the processing unit, generating a ticket identifier (ID) based on the credentials, transmitting the ticket ID from the processing unit to the device, establishing a wireless connection between the device and the processing unit, checking the wireless connection before each occurrence of an event, checking the wireless connection after each occurrence of the event, and updating a status of a ticket in light of the checking. In an exemplary embodiment, a ticket system includes a processing unit, a manual sensor, a wireless sensor, and a device, where the processing unit transmits the ticket ID, and where the processing unit verifies continued connection at key events.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kai Feng, Shuang Shuang Jia, Yong Tang, Jun Long Xiang, Xin Zhao
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Patent number: 10903650Abstract: An asset manager controls power distribution within an aggregated distributed energy resources system (“DERs system”) having a plurality of assets. The asset manager is configured to operate with a given asset. As such, the asset manager has 1) an interface to receive asset information relating to the given asset and to communicate with another asset manager in the DERs system, and 2) a function generator configured to produce a local cost function using data relating to the given asset only. The local cost function represents a portion of a system cost function for the DERs system. The asset manager also has 3) a controller configured to use the local cost function for the given asset to manage operation of the given asset in the DERs system. In addition, the controller also is configured to determine, using the local cost function, an operating point for the given asset.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Heila Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jorge Elizondo Martinez, Albert Tak Chun Chan, Jose Jamil Dunia Dahdah, Francisco A. Morocz Bazzani
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Patent number: 10899315Abstract: A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: The Crawford Group, Inc.Inventors: E. Paul Reh, Michele Muscarella Harmon, Robert Connors
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Patent number: 10891563Abstract: Systems and methods for fingerprint recognition-based event admission are provided. A user may use a user device to purchase a ticket for an event and provide a fingerprint scanned on the user device to a fingerprint validation system. The fingerprint validation system may associate the purchased ticket with the user and store the fingerprint template associated with the user as a reference template. When the user arrives at an entrance of the event, the user may scan a fingerprint at a fingerprint scan device at the entrance. Fingerprint validation system may compare the received fingerprint template with stored fingerprint reference templates, validate that the user is associated with a purchased ticket, and grant access to the event.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: STUBHUB, INC.Inventor: Yongzhi Nie
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Patent number: 10885369Abstract: Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing image data for a first vehicle and obtaining license plate data from the accessed image data for the first vehicle. A set of records is accessed. Each record includes license plate data for a vehicle. The license plate data for the first vehicle is compared with the license plate data for vehicles in the set of records. Based on the results of the comparison of the license plate data, a set of vehicles is identified from the vehicles having records in the set of records. Vehicle fingerprint data is accessed for the first vehicle. The vehicle fingerprint data for the first vehicle is based on the image data for the first vehicle. Vehicle fingerprint data for a vehicle in the set of vehicles is accessed. Using a processing device, the vehicle fingerprint data for the first vehicle is compared with the vehicle fingerprint data for the vehicle in the set of vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Accenture Global Services LimitedInventors: Jay E. Hedley, Neal Patrick Thornburg
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Patent number: 10885473Abstract: Provide herein is a method and system capable of authenticating transactions involving at least one service provider and one or more users who are each in electronic communication. This electronic communication can be, for example, SMS, MMS, e-mail, or online account messaging. It is an aspect of certain embodiments where the transaction is an authentication and/or verification of an entity. Examples of such entities are products, actions and users.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventor: Jukka Salonen
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Patent number: 10878369Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating label-less returns. The apparatus may include a memory and a processor(s) configured to receive a shipment identifier of an item(s) responsive to a device scanning a label or marking(s) on the item(s) delivered to a customer for a shipper. The processor is also configured to determine whether the customer is registered in a returns program and whether the item(s) qualifies for return based on analyzing the identifier. The processor is also configured to generate a return authorization number (RAN) or indicator for the item(s) and link the RAN/indicator to the identifier responsive to verifying that the customer is registered and that the item(s) qualifies for return. The processor is further configured to cause return delivery of the item(s) to the shipper using the label or the marking(s) on the item(s) responsive to verifying the RAN/indicator is linked to the identifier. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Douglas S. Takeuchi, Deborah H. Carpenter, David Kaga
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Patent number: 10872305Abstract: Provided are various mechanisms and processes for optimizing real-time, on-demand deliveries of perishable goods. In one aspect, a method is provided for aggregating on-demand deliveries using a depot dispatch protocol. The method comprises dispatching runners to pick up on-demand orders for drop off at a depot where the orders are aggregated and batched based on optimized delivery routes and destination proximities. Batches of orders are then assigned to couriers who may arrive at the depot to receive the batched orders without having to navigate through areas of high congestion. Such delivery routing system may be implemented alongside a delivery tracking system for generating estimated time of arrival predictive updates for real-time delivery of perishable goods.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: DoorDash, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Ning Han, Dan Michael Babcock, Thomas Scott Stephens, Cody Duane Aughney
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Patent number: 10867261Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating an optimized ship schedule to deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) from one or more LNG liquefaction terminals to one or more LNG regasification terminals using a fleet of ships. The method involves modeling the ship schedule via an LNG ship scheduling model and a LNG ship rescheduling model to provide optimized decisions for the LNG supply chain. The LNG supply chain includes the one or more LNG liquefaction terminals, the one or more LNG regasification terminals, and the fleet of ships.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Yufen Shao, Vikas Goel, Joshua R. Lowry, Bora Tarhan, Kevin C. Furman
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Patent number: 10866591Abstract: A device can receive a request for a schedule that assigns a fleet of vehicles to a set of deliveries. The device can determine that a parameter is not included in the request that is needed to generate a new schedule or that is needed to generate an existing schedule. The device can obtain the parameter using a historical user request, a historical schedule, or a scheduling template. The device can generate or obtain the schedule based on information included in the request and the obtained parameter. The device can provide the schedule to a user device and/or to one or more devices associated with the fleet of vehicles carrying out the set of deliveries. The device can modify the schedule based on a trigger. The device can provide the modified schedule to the user device and/or to the one or more devices associated with the fleet of vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Verizon Connect Ireland LimitedInventors: Valerio Arena, Francesco Sambo, Leonardo Sarti, Matteo Simoncini, Nicola Tommasi
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Patent number: 10860967Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided in controlling product deliveries to customers. Some embodiments provide a system, comprising: a delivery control system comprising: a delivery control circuit; and a memory coupled to the delivery control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the delivery control circuit cause the delivery control circuit to: identify that a first customer has traveled beyond a first geo-location boundary associated with the first customer; trigger, in response to identifying that the first customer has traveled beyond the first geo-location boundary, a change in monitoring activity of movements of the first customer; identify that the first customer has traveled beyond a second geo-location boundary associated with the first customer; and automatically suspend the scheduled delivery of the one or more products to the delivery site in response to identifying that the first customer has traveled beyond the second geo-location boundary.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventor: Bruce W. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 10846633Abstract: In one embodiment a request from a computing device of a passenger for a driver for a specified duration of time is received at a server comprising at least one processor. The request may include a start time and a pickup location. A first driver may be selected from a plurality of drivers to pick up the passenger. The selection of the first driver may be based on the start time and the pickup location specified in the request. Navigational data may be transmitted to the first driver to enable the first driver to pick up the passenger.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: LYFT, INC.Inventors: Igor Magazinik, Ofer Samocha
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Patent number: 10839685Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing information through a display of parking devices is provided. A multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces is managed through a server. Smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators are associated with at least one of the parking spaces. Use of the parking spaces is managed through the server. The parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are activated. Occupancy of at least one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and the location of the parking space is provided to the server. An identity of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined through the nearest smart parking device and the identity of the driver is provided to the server. Information associated with the identity of the driver is displayed on the smart parking device.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Conduent Business Services, LLCInventors: Mark Jeffrey Stefik, Alan G. Bell, Craig Eldershaw, Lance E. Good, Daniel H. Greene, Francisco Eduardo Torres, Serdar Uckun, David Preston Cummins
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Patent number: 10832294Abstract: The disclosed systems can regulate access to an online mode for a dynamic transportation matching system. For example, based on a provider efficiency parameter associated with the dynamic transportation matching system, the disclosed systems can prevent a transportation provider device from switching to the online mode within a geographic area. In addition, the disclosed systems can detect a pattern of behavior and, based on a comparison between the pattern of behavior and a behavioral threshold, cause a transportation provider device to switch from the online mode to an offline mode. Further, the disclosed systems can provide a map interface that indicates where a transportation provider device can switch from the offline mode to the online mode. Additionally, the disclosed systems can determine priorities associated with transportation provider devices and, based on the prioritization, selectively allow the transportation provider devices to switch from the offline mode to the online mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: LYFT, INC.Inventors: Helen Wai-Quen Bentley, Aidan Church, John Torres Fremlin, Matthew Lawrence Green, Mayank Gulati, Yilei Li, Demitri Nava, Mengqi Niu, Daniel Allen Sullivan, Garrett van Ryzin, Rachel Marie Wasko, Shashi Kant Sharma