Patents Examined by Joshua D Bradley
  • Patent number: 10089693
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining risk associated with operation of fully autonomous vehicles are provided. According to certain aspects, autonomous operation features associated with a vehicle may be determined, including types and version of sensors, control systems, and software. This information may be used to determine a risk profile reflecting risk levels for a plurality of features, which may be based upon test data regarding the features or actual loss data. Expected use levels may further be determined and used with the risk profile to determine a total risk level associated with operation of the vehicle by the autonomous operation features. The expected use levels may indicate expected vehicle use, as well as traffic, weather, or other conditions in which the vehicle is likely to operate. The total risk level may be used to determine or adjust aspects of an insurance policy associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 10068301
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for a predictive approach to contract management. In one embodiment, acceptable contract parameters are predicted based, at least in part on historic data and specified thresholds of identified contract parameters. Predicting acceptable contract parameters can help reduce negotiation cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Judy J. Kogut-O'Connell, Sanjeev V. Pradhan, Ajay Sinha, Sunil Sridhar
  • Patent number: 10062077
    Abstract: A first request for a transfer of data is transmitted in response to the use of a user device; it is determined that the first request for the transfer of data has been declined; an event is detected that indicates that the transfer of data in response to the use of the user device can be accepted; and a second request for the transfer of data is transmitted in dependence on detecting that the event has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward W. Judge, Anouska Ladds, Michael J. Cowen, James C. Noe
  • Patent number: 10055794
    Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating the effectiveness of autonomous operation features of autonomous vehicles are provided. According to certain aspects, information regarding autonomous operation features associated with a vehicle may be determined and used to determine a likelihood of an accident for the vehicle. Determining the likelihood of an accident may include determining risk factors for the features related to the ability of the features to make control decisions that successfully avoid accidents. This may include reference to test data or actual loss data associated with the features, as well as usage data regarding expected use of the features during vehicle operation. Effectiveness of the features may be evaluated relative to location or operating conditions, as well as types and severity of accidents. The determined effectiveness of the features of a vehicle may further be used to determine or adjust aspects of an insurance policy associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 10026130
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining collision risk associated with operation of partially autonomous vehicles are provided. According to certain aspects, autonomous operation features associated with a vehicle may be determined, including types and version of sensors, control systems, and software. This information may be used to determine collision risk levels associated with the features, which may be based upon test data regarding the features or actual collisions. Additional collision risk levels associated with operation by a vehicle operator may also be determined. Expected use levels may further be determined and used with the collision risk levels to determine a total collision risk level associated with operation of the vehicle. The expected use levels may include feature use levels set by the operator under various environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 10013694
    Abstract: An improved technique involves inputting data in postings from social media or news websites into a risk engine. A posting extraction device continually observes postings aggregated in social media and news websites, such as Twitter, Facebook, CNN, and the like. The posting extraction device parses postings that contain specified keywords such as “credit card,” “account number,” and the like. The posting extraction device also parses these postings for metadata such as user identifiers, times, and locations. The posting extraction device then stores the parsed information in a transaction database that is accessed by an adaptive authentication engine for risk score assignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Shachar Israeli, Ereli Eran, Alex Zaslavsky, Marcelo Blatt
  • Patent number: 9990794
    Abstract: A system for processing bank notes and a corresponding method comprises at least one bank-note processing machine having a central control device on which only those software modules are implemented that are necessary for the standard operation of the bank-note processing machine for counting, checking and/or sorting bank notes. At least one application server is connected to the bank-note processing machine via an external communication network and has implemented thereon at least one further software module which is executed on the application server and provides an application which provides at least one function going beyond the standard operation of the bank-note processing machine. The application provided on the application server involves a configuration application, a serial-number application, a reporting application and/or a servicing application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: GIESECKE+DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventor: Andrej Pietschker
  • Patent number: 9972053
    Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, systems, methods, apparatus and computer program code for creating and administering virtual affinity groups are provided. Pursuant to some embodiments, a computer implemented processing method is provided which includes receiving, at an insurance processing platform, information identifying at least a first characteristic of a virtual affinity group, receiving, at the insurance processing platform, information identifying at least a first feature of the virtual affinity group and at least a first insurance related benefit to be offered to the virtual affinity group, automatically identifying at least a first individual matching the at least first characteristic, and communicating to the at least first individual information allowing the at least first individual to participate in the virtual affinity group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company
    Inventors: Ryan Owen Denning, Mushter Munib Moin, Deborah L. Perschy
  • Patent number: 9972054
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining fault for an accident involving a vehicle having one or more autonomous and/or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, performance data indicative of the performance of the features may be used to determine fault for a vehicle accident, such as a collision, by allocating fault for the accident between a vehicle operator, the autonomous operation features, or a third party. The allocation of fault may be used to determine an adjustment to an insurance policy and/or adjust coverage levels for an insurance policy. The allocation of fault may further be used to adjust risk levels or profiles associated with the autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features, which may be applied to other vehicles having the same or similar features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 9947057
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing online promotions integrated with social network-based platforms are disclosed. Promotion details such as rules, offered prizes, incentives and descriptions, survey questions, display banners, terms and conditions, privacy policy, and social networks to integrate the promotion with, are provided by the sponsoring organization to a server. The server generates a custom promotion application or widget for integrating with the organization's social network webpage external to social networks. A participant enters the promotion through these webpages or other links and lists friends in the social network to receive an invitation to enter the promotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Victoria Ransom, Alain Chuard
  • Patent number: 9940681
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for a predictive approach to contract management. In one embodiment, acceptable contract parameters are predicted based, at least in part on historic data and specified thresholds of identified contract parameters. Predicting acceptable contract parameters can help reduce negotiation cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Judy J. Kogut-O'Connell, Sanjeev V. Pradhan, Ajay Sinha, Sunil Sridhar
  • Patent number: 9904957
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to systems and/or methods for providing enhanced control over potentially sensitive data sharable among and/or between different parties. For example, certain example embodiments provide views into computer-enabled workflows managed by external parties, including views into what sensitive data has been accessed, who has accessed it, etc., e.g., throughout the lifecycle of a product granted on the basis of an analysis of such data. A computer-enabled system for automatically assessing received sensitive data in accordance with one or more digitized rule sets also is provided in certain example embodiments, as are computer-mediated tools for helping to automatically, semi-automatically, and/or manually resolve issues detected in the assessments, e.g., via enhanced communication and collaboration, among and/or between parties to a transaction, as well as third-parties who indirectly are involved in the transaction. The data remains secure and traceable, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: FinLocker LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Garcia, Peter P. Esparrago
  • Patent number: 9892462
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automating best practices involved in the underwriting process are disclosed. A computer system performs a risk classification of a potential customer based on a set of factors, company's underwriting standards, and best practices gathered from top performing underwriters. The computer system is able to improve the quality of its output over time by learning from previous outcomes, updating underwriting standards, and updating best underwriting practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
    Inventors: Gareth Ross, Tricia Walker
  • Patent number: 9875469
    Abstract: When a merchant sells goods or services in a sales transaction, a merchant device can generate a bill. The bill includes an itemized list of the goods and services, a price for each item, and an identifier of the sales transaction. A first customer and a second customer split the bill using a first customer device and a second customer device, respectively. The first customer device establishes communication between the first customer device and the merchant device. Using the identifier of the sales transaction, the first customer device pays a portion of the itemized list of the goods and services at the merchant device. The second customer device establishes communication between the second customer device and the merchant device. Using the identifier, the second customer device pays a remaining portion of the itemized list of the goods and services at the merchant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Chin, Dan Seeman
  • Patent number: 9858616
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for facilitating presentation of activity-based advertising. During operation, the system receives a set of contextual data of a customer and makes a prediction of the customer's future activity. The system then receives a number of advertisements from the advertisers. Based on the prediction, the system chooses a received advertisement to present to the customer. The system further determines the customer's subsequent activity and confirms the prediction of the customer's activity. The system then receives payments from the advertisers whose advertisement is presented based on whether the prediction is confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel H. Greene, Kurt E. Partridge, James M. A. Begole
  • Patent number: 9858621
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the effectiveness of one or more autonomous (and/or semi-autonomous) operation features of a vehicle are provided. According to certain aspects, information regarding autonomous operation features of the vehicle may be used to determine an effectiveness metric indicative of the ability of each autonomous operation feature to avoid or mitigate accidents or other losses. The information may include operating data from the vehicle or other vehicles having similar autonomous operation features, test data, or loss data from other vehicles. The determined effectiveness metric may then be used to determine part or all of an insurance policy, which may be reviewed by an insured and updated based upon the effectiveness metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 9852475
    Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating the effectiveness of autonomous operation features of autonomous vehicles using an accident risk model are provided. According to certain aspects, an accident risk model may be determined using effectiveness information regarding autonomous operation features associated with a vehicle. The effectiveness information may indicate a likelihood of an accident for the vehicle and may include test data or actual loss data. Determining the likelihood of an accident may include determining risk factors for the features related to the ability of the features to make control decisions that successfully avoid accidents. The accident risk model may further include information regarding effectiveness of the features relative to location or operating conditions, as well as types and severity of accidents. The accident risk model may further be used to determine or adjust aspects of an insurance policy associated with an autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 9805423
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining fault for an accident involving a vehicle having one or more autonomous and/or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, performance data indicative of the performance of the features may be used to determine fault for a vehicle accident, such as a collision, by allocating fault for the accident between a vehicle operator, the autonomous operation features, or a third party. The allocation of fault may be used to determine an adjustment to an insurance policy and/or adjust coverage levels for an insurance policy. The allocation of fault may further be used to adjust risk levels or profiles associated with the autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features, which may be applied to other vehicles having the same or similar features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 9792656
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining fault for an accident involving a vehicle having one or more autonomous (and/or semi-autonomous) operation features and paying claims associated with such accidents are provided. According to certain aspects, operating data from sensors within or near the vehicle may be used to determine the occurrence of a vehicle accident, such as a collision. The operating data may further be used to determine an allocation of fault for the accident between a vehicle operator, the autonomous operation features, or a third party. The allocation of fault may be used to further determine and make claims payments related to the accident. In some embodiments, claims may be rejected based upon the operating data and determined allocation of fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 9767516
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and alerting an operator of a vehicle having one or more autonomous (and/or semi-autonomous) operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, operating data from sensors within the vehicle may be used to determine risks associated with use of the features, which may include use at particular levels or with certain settings. The risk levels may be compared with warning thresholds to determine whether safe operation may be maintained under the operating conditions. When the risk levels exceed a threshold, a warning may be generated and presented to the vehicle operator, which may include information regarding the risks. The vehicle operator may then change the use levels or select an option to change the use levels of the features. The response of the vehicle operator may be used to determine or adjust aspects of an insurance policy associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris