Patents by Inventor Brian Marks

Brian Marks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11529959
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the performance of a driver of a vehicle based on changes, over time, in the context and environment in which the vehicle operates, and any resultant driver behavior are disclosed. A set of driver response data is created from based on an analysis of time-series data indicative of the driver's operation of the vehicle in conjunction with time-series data indicative of changes in the vehicle's context/environment. The driver response data indicates the types and magnitudes of the driver's responses to various changes in the vehicle's operating context/environment and the driver's time-to-respond for each of the responses. That is, the driver response data indicates how a driver compensated his or her behavior (if at all) in response to different changes in the vehicle's context and/or environment. The driver response data may be compared to one or more thresholds to determine the driver's performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventor: Brian Mark Fields
  • Patent number: 11532187
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status and/or configuration of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined, such as via an on-board computer system or mobile device, and/or then directly or indirectly wirelessly communicated via data transmission from the vehicle computer system or mobile device to a remote server. An adjustment to one or more risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may also be determined, and an auto insurance policy, premium, or discount may be adjusted based upon the adjustment to the risk levels and presented to the customer for their review and approval. As a result, insurance cost savings may be passed onto risk averse customers that opt into to a rewards program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A Wazeer, Shawn C Bennett, Steven C Cielocha, Ronny S Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Publication number: 20220392342
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating a vehicle-to-vehicle traffic alert and updating a vehicle-usage profile. Various aspects include detecting, via one or more processors associated with a first vehicle, that an abnormal traffic condition exists in an operating environment of the first vehicle. An electronic message is generated and transmitted wirelessly, via a vehicle-mounted transceiver associated with the first vehicle, to alert a nearby vehicle of the abnormal traffic condition and to allow the nearby vehicle to avoid the abnormal traffic condition. The first vehicle receives telematics data regarding operation of the nearby vehicle after the nearby vehicle received the electronic message, and transmits the telematics data to a remote server for updating a vehicle-usage profile associated with the nearby vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steven C. Cielocha, Jacob J. Alt, Laura A. Uphoff, Leo Nelson Chan, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Justin Davis Davis, Nathan W. Baumann, Giles Roll
  • Publication number: 20220374996
    Abstract: A system for movement-based device control is presented. The system may include a target device and a control device. The control device may be configured to determine an indication of the target device. The control device may also be configured to detect at least one movement associated with the control device. The movement(s) may correspond to at least one control command associated with the target device. The control device may additionally be configured to generate a control signal indicative of the control command(s) associated with the target device based on the movement(s) associated with the control device. The control device may also be configured to transmit the control signal indicative of the control command(s) associated with the target device to the target device based on the indication of the target device so that the target device is controlled according to the control command(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Lee Marvin John Assam
  • Patent number: 11507086
    Abstract: Vehicles may have the capability to navigate according to various levels of autonomous capabilities, the vehicle having a different set of autonomous competencies at each level. In certain situations, the vehicle may shift from one level of autonomous capability to another. The shift may require more or less driving responsibility from a human operator. Sensors inside the vehicle collect human operator parameters to determine an alertness level of the human operator. An alertness level is determined based on the human operator parameters and other data including historical data or human operator-specific data. Notifications are presented to the user based on the determined alertness level that are more or less intrusive based on the alertness level of the human operator and on the urgency of an impending change to autonomous capabilities. Notifications may be tailored to specific human operators based on human operator preference and historical performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Leo Nelson Chan, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Aaron Williams
  • Patent number: 11500377
    Abstract: According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer's permission, an identity of a vehicle operator may be identified and a vehicle operator profile may be retrieved. Operating data regarding autonomous operation features operating the vehicle may be received from vehicle-mounted sensors. When a request to disable an autonomous feature is received, a risk level for the autonomous feature is determined and compared with a driver behavior setting for the autonomous feature stored in the vehicle operator profile. Based upon the risk level comparison, the autonomous vehicle retains control of vehicle or the autonomous feature is disengaged depending upon which is the safer driver—the autonomous vehicle or the vehicle human occupant. As a result, unsafe disengagement of self-driving functionality for autonomous vehicles may be alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 11497050
    Abstract: A system for 5G radio access networks, that enables smart RF signal repeater devices to perform many of the functions of a 5G base station to extend millimeter wave coverage for 5G communication networks while reducing costs, increasing versatility and optimizing coverage for user devices (UEs). The devices may include outdoor network repeaters and indoor subscriber repeaters, and other mmWave network transmitter devices in a mmWave network. Different types of 5G wireless communication networks may be employed including Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), and Next Gen Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Pivotal Commware, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric James Black, Mersad Cavcic, Brian Mark Deutsch, Andjela Ilic-Savoia, Alexander Remley Katko, Steven Howard Ostroff, Colby John Harper
  • Patent number: 11494175
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for real-time determination of the status of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer's permission, the operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be monitored to obtain operating data from one or more autonomous operation features. An operating status of the autonomous features may be determined based upon the operating data. After which, a change in the operating status of the autonomous features may be identified, and a report containing information regarding the change in the operating status of the autonomous features may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A Wazeer, Shawn C Bennett, Steven Cielocha, Ronny S Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 11487284
    Abstract: In a network of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, an alert may be triggered when one of the vehicles switches from autonomous to manual mode. The alert may be communicated to nearby autonomous vehicles so that drivers of those vehicles may become aware of a potentially unpredictable manual driver nearby. Drivers of autonomous vehicles who may have become disengaged (e.g., sleeping, reading, talking, etc.) during autonomous driving may become re-engaged upon noticing the alert. A re-engaged driver may choose to switch his/her own vehicle from autonomous to manual mode in order to appropriately react to an unpredictable nearby manual driver. In additional or alternative embodiments, the alert may be triggered or intensified when indications of impairment of a nearby driver or malfunction of a nearby vehicle are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Steve Roberson, Brian Mark Fields
  • Patent number: 11482097
    Abstract: An alert may be triggered to notify a pedestrian of the current operational mode of a nearby vehicle. For instance, a vehicle may operate in an autonomous or manual mode, and may occasionally switch from one mode to the other. A pedestrian who may be unaware of the current operational mode of a nearby vehicle may notice the alert and proceed accordingly. In one embodiment, an indication of the current operational mode of the nearby vehicle may be transmitted to an electronic device associated with the pedestrian. The device may generate a notification to the pedestrian based on the current operational mode. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the alert may be transmitted by the vehicle externally to be visible or audible to the pedestrian. In some embodiments, the alert may be triggered only for particular operational modes (e.g., only for autonomous or only for manual).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson
  • Publication number: 20220318924
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for generating or updating usage-based insurance policies for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles may be provided. A request to generate an insurance quote may be received via wireless communication, and with the customer's permission, risk levels associated with intended usage by the customer of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined. An insurance policy may be adjusted based upon the risk levels and the intended vehicle usage. The insurance policy may then be presented on the customer's mobile device for review and approval. In some aspects, the vehicle may be rented, and the intended vehicle usage is measured in distance or duration of vehicle operation. Insurance discounts may be provided to risk averse vehicle owners based upon low risk levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen A. Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Publication number: 20220314839
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an interior configuration of a vehicle. The system may include an interior vehicle component, an actuator component configured to adjust a physical configuration of the interior vehicle component, an external communication component configured to collect driving environment data representing an external environment of the vehicle, and one or more processors configured to receive driving environment data and detect, by processing the driving environment data, an external driving condition. When the one or more processors detect the external driving condition, the one or more processors may cause the actuator component to adjust the interior vehicle component from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration, or may cause the actuator component to restrict movement of the interior vehicle component to a predetermined range of physical configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson, Scott Thomas Christensen, Stephen R. Prevatt
  • Publication number: 20220308736
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method comprises: obtaining a first input from a user of a client device associated with creating a personal transportation center within a virtual environment; in response to obtaining the first input, instantiating the personal transportation center within the virtual environment; in response to obtaining a second user input from the user of the client device, instantiating a first portal within the personal transportation center, wherein the first portal corresponds to a first destination environment within the virtual environment specified by the user; and in response to obtaining a third user input from the user of the client device, instantiating a second portal different from the first portal within the personal transportation center, wherein the second portal corresponds to a second destination environment different from the first destination environment within the virtual environment specified by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • Publication number: 20220309727
    Abstract: A method for managing a multi-user animation platform is disclosed. A three-dimensional space within a computer memory is modeled. An avatar of a client is located within the three-dimensional space, the avatar being graphically represented by a three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional space. The avatar is responsive to client input commands, and the three-dimensional figure includes a graphical representation of client activity. The client input commands are monitored to determine client activity. The graphical representation of client activity is then altered according to an inactivity scheme when client input commands are not detected. Following a predetermined period of client inactivity, the inactivity scheme varies non-repetitively with time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • Publication number: 20220309726
    Abstract: A computer system is used to host a virtual reality universe process in which multiple avatars are independently controlled in response to client input. The host provides coordinated motion information for defining coordinated movement between designated portions of multiple avatars, and an application responsive to detect conditions triggering a coordinated movement sequence between two or more avatars. During coordinated movement, user commands for controlling avatar movement may be in part used normally and in part ignored or otherwise processed to cause the involved avatars to respond in part to respective client input and in part to predefined coordinated movement information. Thus, users may be assisted with executing coordinated movement between multiple avatars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Mark SHUSTER
  • Publication number: 20220300877
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques for determining optimal safe driving behaviors and optimal safety thresholds of the various parameters for particular routes are disclosed. Historical driver data for a plurality of drivers operating vehicles over various routes during different contextual situations and/or different combinations of conditions along the routes is analyzed to determine respective, relative weightings/contributions of various parameters towards driving safety. Data indicative of a particular driver's behavior along a particular route during a particular set of conditions or contexts is obtained and compared to the analysis results to thereby determine or assess the driver's safety performance. The driver's safety performance may be evaluated in real-time, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Mark Fields
  • Patent number: 11450206
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating a vehicle-to-vehicle traffic alert and updating a vehicle-usage profile. Various aspects include detecting, via one or more processors associated with a first vehicle, that an abnormal traffic condition exists in an operating environment of the first vehicle. An electronic message is generated and transmitted wirelessly, via a vehicle-mounted transceiver associated with the first vehicle, to alert a nearby vehicle of the abnormal traffic condition and to allow the nearby vehicle to avoid the abnormal traffic condition. The first vehicle receives telematics data regarding operation of the nearby vehicle after the nearby vehicle received the electronic message, and transmits the telematics data to a remote server for updating a vehicle-usage profile associated with the nearby vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steven C. Cielocha, Jacob J. Alt, Laura A. Uphoff, Leo Nelson Chan, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Justin Davis, Nathan W. Baumann, Giles Roll
  • Patent number: 11443472
    Abstract: A method for managing a multi-user animation platform is disclosed. A three-dimensional space within a computer memory is modeled. An avatar of a client is located within the three-dimensional space, the avatar being graphically represented by a three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional space. The avatar is responsive to client input commands, and the three-dimensional figure includes a graphical representation of client activity. The client input commands are monitored to determine client activity. The graphical representation of client activity is then altered according to an inactivity scheme when client input commands are not detected. Following a predetermined period of client inactivity, the inactivity scheme varies non-repetitively with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: PFAQUTRUMA RESEARCH LLC
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • Publication number: 20220284484
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods incorporate machine learning to assess damage to vehicles. An example method includes: accessing image data representing one or more digital images of damage to a vehicle; selecting, using one or more processors, an applicable machine learning algorithm from a plurality of different trained machine learning algorithms, wherein the plurality of different machine learning algorithms are trained for respective different combinations of one or more of vehicle make, vehicle model, vehicle year, or area of damage; processing the image data, with the applicable machine learning algorithm using one or more processors, to determine assessed damage for the vehicle; accessing actual damage information for the vehicle; determining, using one or more processors, differences between the actual damage and the assessed damage; and iterating, using one or more processors, the applicable machine learning algorithm based on the differences to improve its damage assessment accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Lee Marvin John Assam
  • Patent number: 11431382
    Abstract: A platform that automates providing wireless communication between one or more of a plurality of antennas and a moving vehicle that is traveling along a path. One or more of the plurality of antennas are employed to detect wireless signals communicated by the vehicle and/or wireless devices for the vehicle's passengers. In one or more embodiments, characteristics of the detected wireless signals and the plurality of antennas is employed to select an antenna to provide wireless communication with the vehicle and/or wireless devices for the vehicle's passengers at a current location on the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Pivotal Commware, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mark Deutsch, Shannon Lee Hitchen, Alexander Remley Katko