Patents Examined by Mary Cheung
-
Patent number: 9714021Abstract: A system and method for compensation of turbo lag in hybrid vehicles is disclosed. The system identifies a zero boost power limit of the engine and a torque curve power limit. A turbocharger dynamic model is then developed based on measurements of the input engine power and the output max available engine power. The model is used to determine an overall propulsion power limit based on the combination of the engine and motor in operation. A power request by the driver may then be limited to the overall propulsion power limit to compensate for the effect of the turbocharger when propelling the vehicle using both the engine and motor and better simulate the engine-only response.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventor: Stephen T. West
-
Patent number: 9709986Abstract: A system for autonomously navigating a vehicle along a road segment may be based on a predetermined landmark location. The system may include at least one processor programmed to receive from a camera, at least one image representative of an environment of the vehicle, and determine a position of the vehicle along a predetermined road model trajectory associated with the road segment based, at least in part, on information associated with the at least one image. The at least one processor may be further programmed to identify a recognized landmark forward of the vehicle based on the determined position, wherein the recognized landmark is beyond a sight range of the camera, and determine a current distance between the vehicle and the recognized landmark by comparing the determined position of the vehicle with a predetermined position of the recognized landmark.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Yoram Gdalyahu, Amnon Shashua, Yoav Taieb, Daniel Braunstein, David Huberman, Levi Bellaiche
-
Patent number: 9710813Abstract: A method for a consumer or business to protect against loss associated with specified forms of check fraud. Upon purchasing checks, a consumer or business can subscribe to a check fraud protection program, for an additional fee. A consumer or business may purchase Check Fraud Protection for an additional fee independent of purchasing checks. The subscription will enable the consumer or business to obtain reimbursement from the service provider for the consumer's losses due to specified causes. The consumer or business reciprocally assigns any right of recovery from the consumer's or business's bank or financial institution to the service provider, which can then seek reimbursement from the bank, or financial institution and institute proceedings against the fraud perpetrator. Protection may be obtained for forged signatures, forged endorsements and altered check. A symbol to indicate such protection is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: EZShield, Inc.Inventors: John C. Browning, Ken Illingworth, Brian D. Briggs
-
Patent number: 9709407Abstract: A method comprising providing or receiving updated information, the previous and said updated information associated with a geographic region, said previous information comprising information about one or more links usable for connecting to one or more links in a different geographic region, and said updated information comprising at least said previous information and new information about one or more links for connecting to one or more links in said different geographic region.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventor: Martin Pfeifle
-
Patent number: 9699968Abstract: Calibrating a distance sensor on an agricultural vehicle provided for measuring the distance between the sensor and a set of points on a ground surface in front of the agricultural vehicle, includes: performing a reference measurement when the agricultural vehicle is standing on a paved and substantially flat ground surface; processing the results of the reference measurement to reference data for use as reference during further measurements; storing the reference data in a memory.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: John H. Posselius, Pieter Vanysacker, Didier Verhaeghe, Joachim Boydens
-
Patent number: 9688115Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a guidance application capable of coordinating the interior features of a vehicle (e.g., the heating/cooling system, automatic windows, automatic seats, automatic sunroof, seat heaters, etc.) to produce the current environmental conditions (e.g., sunshine, heat, wind, etc.) displayed in a media asset being accessed in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Satinderpal S. Sikh
-
Patent number: 9676292Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control device is provided for controlling a drive system in a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle control device is provided with a hybrid control module that controls an operation start timing of a DC/DC converter at vehicle startup. When an ignition switch is pressed, after connecting a high power relay that is interposed between the motor/generator and the high power battery, the hybrid control module starts operation of the DC/DC converter upon determining that the outputtable electric power by the high power battery is a prescribed value or greater.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shuichi Orita
-
Patent number: 9672514Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing transactions and managing communications using a trusted third party. In one embodiment, a sender transfers an encrypted version of a file (such as a digitally encoded audio track, movie, document, or the like) to someone who wishes to receive it. The receiver computes a first hash of at least a portion of the encrypted data content, and sends the first hash to a third party configured to compare at least a portion of the first hash to at least a portion of a second hash. The receiver receives a file decryption key from the third party, and decrypts at least the portion of the received encrypted data content with the decryption key. In some cases, multiple hashes of the encrypted data content may be computed, each using a different portion of the encrypted data content.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Intertrust Technologies Corp.Inventors: Binyamin Pinkas, Tomas Sander, William G. Horne
-
Patent number: 9663114Abstract: A method is disclosed for estimating the residual energy of an electric energy accumulator that supplies an electric assistance traction drive of a motor vehicle with electrical energy. The method includes determining a future operating intensity of the assistance traction drive based on at least one input that characterizes the driving style of a section of route lying ahead, and reserving an energy component of a total quantity of energy available from the energy accumulator. The reserved energy component is determined from the determined future operating intensity based on a predefined consumption parameter. The consumption parameter characterizes the drive-specific consumption of electrical energy via the electrical assistance traction drive. The method further includes estimating the residual energy by reducing the total amount of energy available by the reserved energy component.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Friedrich Graf, Franz Pellkofer
-
Patent number: 9639670Abstract: An entitlement card can be assigned a product key real-time to provide a custom order of benefits including product and/or service, amount, and time. A method facilitating product key assignment for an entitlement can include receiving a request for activating a custom entitlement product key from, for example, a point of purchase. The request includes a request for particular benefits to a redeemer, including the particular product and/or service to be provided and the quantity and time period for the product and/or service. The method further includes assigning the benefits to the product key at the time of the request and activating the product key, which may be later redeemed for the assigned benefits.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Jignesh Kacharia, Anand Doshi, Keerti Rane, Tulasi Pratipati, Peter Richard Ricci
-
Patent number: 9630519Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1), comprising an electrical energy storage device (2) chargeable via an external charging device (3), and a charging cable (4) for connecting the motor vehicle (1) to the charging device (3), wherein the motor vehicle (1) further comprises a detection device for wireless detection of the presence of the charging cable (4) in at least one region of the motor vehicle (1) and a control unit (10, 11) communicating with the detection device. The control unit is designed, in particular upon start-up of the motor vehicle (1), to inform a driver and/or to block vehicle operation when the detection result indicates the absence of a charging cable (4).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Björn Elias, Reinhard Peer, Achim Enthaler
-
Patent number: 9611002Abstract: A motorized bicycle includes: a frame; a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame; pedals coupled to the frame for driving at least one of the wheels; a motor coupled to the pedals and at least one of the wheels; a battery for supplying power to the motor; and a controller. When the controller determines that the motorized bicycle is traveling on a flat terrain or a decline, it enters or maintains a regeneration mode, where electric power is generated when a rider of the motorized bicycle pedals, and the electric power is used to charge the battery. When the controller determines that the motorized bicycle is traveling on an incline, it enters or maintains an assistance mode, where any regeneration of the battery is stopped, and power output from the motor is used to assist the rider in propelling the motorized bicycle forward.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Sunluxe Enterprises LimitedInventors: Henry Shum, Adam Rand
-
Patent number: 9595056Abstract: A method and system to automatically qualify a party to participate within a network-based commerce transaction is described. The system receives information from a first party. The information relates to an item to be transacted via a network-based commerce system. The system transmits the information that relates to the item to a second party and receives, from the second party, a request to be qualified to transact the item via the network-based commerce system. The system further transmits, to the first party, a communication comprising information that is related to the second party including a credit score related to the second party. The system further receives, from the first party, a response that corresponds to the communication and automatically performs an authorization process based on the response.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: eBay Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Taylor, Noel Morin, Annette Goodwine, Vicky Sze, James Hsin, Elaine Fung, Vered Shaviv, Reed Maltzman
-
Patent number: 9592851Abstract: A trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment, provides a sensor that senses a hitch angle between a trailer and a vehicle. The trailer backup assist system also provides a selection device for selecting a longitudinal direction of the trailer or the vehicle in a static orientation. Further, the trailer backup assist system provides a controller that generates a steering command to the vehicle when reversing based on the hitch angle to guide the trailer in the selected longitudinal direction. The controller determines a kinematic relationship of the trailer and the vehicle based on a length of the trailer and a wheelbase of the vehicle, whereby the steering command is generated based on the kinematic relationship.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode
-
Patent number: 9593617Abstract: A method for diagnosing an exhaust-gas catalytic converter (28) arranged in an exhaust-gas system (20) of an internal combustion engine (12) for the catalytic conversion of at least one exhaust-gas component from the internal combustion engine (12), which has an exhaust-gas recirculation means with which a partial stream of the exhaust gas can be drawn off downstream of the catalytic converter (14) and fed into the combustion air of the internal combustion engine (12), involves determining the current raw emission (NOx—raw) of the internal combustion engine (12) in of the exhaust-gas component; measuring the current concentration of the exhaust-gas component (NOx—meas) in the exhaust gas upstream of the catalytic converter (28); and determining a diagnostic value for the catalytic converter (28) in terms of the conversion of the exhaust-gas component as a function of the modelled raw emission (NOx—raw) from the internal combustion engine (12) and the measured concentration of the exhaust-gas component (NOx—meType: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Burkhard Veldten, Maciej Kulaszewski
-
Patent number: 9580120Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a robotic vehicle relative to a structure. A set of tracks associated with a base of the robotic vehicle may be deployed. A number of attachment units associated with the set of tracks may be aligned with a corresponding portion of a number of structural members of the structure in a forward sequence as the set of tracks is deployed. The number of attachment units may be secured to the corresponding portion of the number of structural members in the forward sequence.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Gregg W. Podnar
-
Patent number: 9562772Abstract: A method for determining initial data for determining position data of a vehicle based on driving dynamics data, the method including: assigning a determined environment status at a determined position of the vehicle to the determined position of the vehicle; detecting on environment status; and—using the determined position as initial data if a contrast of the detected environment status and the determined environmental status satisfies a predetermined condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Michael Zalewski, Klaus Rink, Marc Menzel, Ulrich Stählin
-
Patent number: 9558512Abstract: Techniques for providing a user terminal with a web application, which is customized in respect of terminal-specific properties and, optionally, user-specific parameters. An application server stores a template for the customized web application and a feature set for each of several terminal types; receives a request for creation of the customized web application, and determines the user-specific parameters based on the request; sends the user terminal a data message which triggers a request from the user terminal; determines the user terminal's type based on the request; determines the terminal-specific properties based on the determined type; creates the customized web application based on the template, the user-specific parameters and the terminal-specific properties; inserts the customized web application into a set of delivery files for a data communication system and transmits the set of delivery files to the user terminal.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: INTELLIPOCKET OYInventor: Pekka Rehtijärvi
-
Patent number: 9558522Abstract: A request to activate a license file is received by a licensing system. The license file comprises a number of licenses. A license may be any type of license. The license file is assigned a license file identifier. A license extension is assigned to the license file identifier. A request to acquire a portion (or all) of the number of licenses of the license file is received from an entity. The portion (or all) of the number of licenses of the license file is assigned to the entity based on the license extension. The entity can then use the licenses as necessary.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Avaya Inc.Inventors: William Thomas Walker, Chinmoy Gangolli
-
Patent number: 9533540Abstract: An automatic air suspension control system is provided for use in combination with a vehicle having a liftable non-driven rear axle, a driven rear axle, a parking brake, and an air suspension associated with the rear axles to apply a load to the rear axles. The air suspension control system is programmed to determine whether the rear axles are subject to a load condition under which the non-driven rear axle is to be moved between lifted and deployed conditions. If the rear axles are subject to a load condition under which the non-driven rear axle is to be moved, the air suspension control system also determines whether the parking brake is engaged. If the parking brake is disengaged, then the air suspension control system causes the non-driven rear axle to be moved; otherwise, if the parking brake is engaged, then the non-driven rear axle is prevented from moving.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventor: Sean Lindsay