Patents by Inventor Bryan Allen Plummer
Bryan Allen Plummer 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).
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Patent number: 10088899Abstract: A gaze tracking system captures images of a vehicle operator. The gaze tracking system may detect facial features in the images and track the position of the facial features over time. The gaze tracking system may detect a triangle in an image, wherein the vertices of the triangle correspond to the facial features. The gaze tracking system may analyze the detected triangle to identify a surface normal for the triangle, and may track the surface normal (e.g., across multiple images) to track the eye gaze direction of the driver over time. The images may be captured and analyzed in near-real time. By tracking movement of the driver's head and eyes over time, the gaze analysis system may predict or estimate head position and/or gaze direction when one or more facial features are not detectable.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown, Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson
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Patent number: 10013720Abstract: A damage assessment module operating on a computer system automatically evaluates a roof, estimating damage to the roof by analyzing a point cloud of a roof. The damage assessment module identifies individual shingles from the point cloud and detects potentially damaged areas on each of the shingles. The damage assessment module then maps the potentially damaged areas of each shingle back to the point cloud to determine which areas of the roof are damaged. Based on the estimation, the damage assessment module generates a report on the roof damage.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Drew Cross, Nathan L. Tofte
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Patent number: 9959780Abstract: In an embodiment, movement-data is gathered with one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, GPS receivers, etc.) during a driver's driving session. A score may be calculated for the driving session, and the driver's progress is evaluated by a driver-evaluation system. A driving session report or graphical user-interface (GUI) is generated with a computer processor and displayed at a display device. The displayed report or GUI includes a graphic representing the driver's progress relative to historical data.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson, Abhishek Harish, Hyunji Lim, Matthew James Waughtel, Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown
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Patent number: 9932042Abstract: In a computer-implemented method, data about potential vehicle operator impairment is retrieved. The data is generated by monitoring a vehicle operator, the environment ahead of the vehicle, and/or force in one or more directions. For each of a plurality of trips, an impairment score is generated by analyzing the data about potential vehicle operator impairment, and determining whether the vehicle operator was impaired during the trip by comparing the impairment score to a threshold value. A specific time period during which the vehicle operator tends to be most impaired is determined based on the determinations of whether the vehicle operator was impaired. Recommendations to reduce operator impairment of the vehicle operator are identified and communicated to the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown, Jibo He, Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson, Steve Cielocha, Jufeng Peng
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Patent number: 9868352Abstract: The method, system, and computer-readable medium facilitates monitoring one or more eyes of a vehicle operator during a driving session to generate a plurality of gaze location logs with gaze location values. The gaze location value may be generated by determining a location of the vehicle operator's gaze, determining which area of the vehicle is associated with the gaze location, and assigning the gaze location value based on the area of the vehicle associated with the gaze location. The gaze location logs may be analyzed to determine the duration of the vehicle operator's gaze at each area of the vehicle. Based on the duration of the vehicle operators gaze, one or more recommendations to improve vehicle operator performance may be identified and communicated to the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown, Jibo He, Brian M. Fields, Steve Roberson, Steve Cielocha, Jufeng Peng
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Patent number: 9758173Abstract: In a computer-implemented method, data about potential vehicle operator impairment is retrieved. The data is generated by monitoring a vehicle operator with a first sensor, monitoring the environment ahead of the vehicle with a second sensor, and monitoring force in one or more directions with a third sensor. A plurality of scores is assigned. Each of the plurality of scores corresponds to a respective impairment indicator, and wherein each of the plurality of scores is based on the data about potential operator impairment. An impairment score is generated by performing a mathematical operation on the plurality of scores. It is determined whether the vehicle operator is impaired by comparing the impairment score to a threshold value. Recommendations to reduce operator impairment of the vehicle operator are identified by analyzing the data about potential vehicle operator impairment.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown, Jibo He, Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson, Steve C. Cielocha, Jufeng Peng
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Publication number: 20170186094Abstract: A damage assessment module operating on a computer system automatically evaluates a property, estimating damage to the property by analyzing a point cloud of a property. The damage assessment module identifies individual point clusters or segments from the point cloud and detects potentially damaged areas of the property surface by identifying outlier points in the point clusters. The damage assessment module may be used to determine the financial cost of the damage and/or determine whether the property should be replaced or repaired. In addition to eliminating the need for an estimator to visit the property in person, the damage assessment module improves the consistency and accuracy associated with estimating damage to a property.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Drew Cross, Nathan L. Tofte
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Publication number: 20170132951Abstract: In an embodiment, movement-data is gathered with one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, GPS receivers, etc.) during a driver's driving session. A score may be calculated for the driving session, and the driver's progress is evaluated by a driver-evaluation system. A driving session report or graphical user-interface (GUI) is generated with a computer processor and displayed at a display device. The displayed report or GUI includes a graphic representing the driver's progress relative to historical data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2017Publication date: May 11, 2017Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson, Abhishek Harish, Hyunji Lim, Matthew James Waughtel, Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown
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Patent number: 9633146Abstract: A damage assessment module operating on a computer system automatically evaluates a property, estimating damage to the property by analyzing a point cloud of a property. The damage assessment module identifies individual point clusters or segments from the point cloud and detects potentially damaged areas of the property surface by identifying outlier points in the point clusters. The damage assessment module may be used to determine the financial cost of the damage and/or determine whether the property should be replaced or repaired. In addition to eliminating the need for an estimator to visit the property in person, the damage assessment module improves the consistency and accuracy associated with estimating damage to a property.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Drew Cross, Nathan L. Tofte
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Publication number: 20170083087Abstract: A gaze tracking system captures images of a vehicle operator. The gaze tracking system may detect facial features in the images and track the position of the facial features over time. The gaze tracking system may detect a triangle in an image, wherein the vertices of the triangle correspond to the facial features. The gaze tracking system may analyze the detected triangle to identify a surface normal for the triangle, and may track the surface normal (e.g., across multiple images) to track the eye gaze direction of the driver over time. The images may be captured and analyzed in near-real time. By tracking movement of the driver's head and eyes over time, the gaze analysis system may predict or estimate head position and/or gaze direction when one or more facial features are not detectable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown, Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson
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Patent number: 9586591Abstract: In an embodiment, movement-data is gathered with one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, GPS receivers, etc.) during a driver's driving session. A score may be calculated for the driving session, and the driver's progress is evaluated by a driver-evaluation system. A driving session report or graphical user-interface (GUI) is generated with a computer processor and displayed at a display device. The displayed report or GUI includes a graphic representing the driver's progress relative to historical data.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson, Abhishek Harish, Hyunji Lim, Matthew James Waughtel, Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown
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Patent number: 9547798Abstract: A gaze tracking system captures images of a vehicle operator's face using an image sensor device positioned within a vehicle. The gaze tracking system may be detect facial features from each image and track the position of facial features over time. The gaze tracking system may use the detected facial features to track the vehicle operator's head pose and gaze direction. The images may be captured and analyzed in near-real time. By tracking movement of the driver's head and eyes over time, the gaze analysis system may predict or estimate head position and/or gaze direction when one or more facial features are not detectable. The gaze tracking system may generate a report regarding the vehicle operator's gaze distribution. The report may be saved to memory and may be graphically displayed at a screen.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown, Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson
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Patent number: 9530333Abstract: A method includes, during a driving session in which a student driver operates a vehicle, gathering driving skill data indicative of at least one of behavior of the student driver, acceleration of the vehicle, braking of the vehicle, or steering of the vehicle, and gathering comments from a driving instructor about the driving session. The method also includes generating a driving session report corresponding to the driving session. The driving session report includes at least one score based on the driving skill data, and the comments from the driving instructor about the driving session. Still further, the method includes causing the driving session report to be displayed on a display device.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Brian Mark Fields, Jibo He, John A. Nepomuceno, Steve Roberson, Bryan Allen Plummer, Kurtis C. Houdek, Neeraj Jain
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Patent number: 9478150Abstract: A method includes, for each of two or more driving sessions in which a student driver operates a vehicle, gathering driving skill data indicative of at least one of behavior of the student driver, acceleration of the vehicle, braking of the vehicle, or steering of the vehicle, and generating a driving session report. The method further includes causing the driving session reports corresponding to the two or more driving sessions to be displayed to a driving instructor, and receiving comments from the driving instructor about the two or more driving sessions of the student driver. Still further, the method includes storing the driving session reports corresponding to the two or more driving sessions along with the received comments from the driving instructor.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Brian Mark Fields, Jibo He, John Adrian Nepomuceno, Steve Roberson, Bryan Allen Plummer, Kurtis C. Houdek, Neeraj Jain
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Patent number: 9342993Abstract: A method includes, during a driving session in which a student driver operates a vehicle, gathering driving skill data indicative of at least one of behavior of the student driver, acceleration of the vehicle, braking of the vehicle, or steering of the vehicle, and gathering comments from a driving instructor about the driving session. The method also includes generating a driving session report corresponding to the driving session. The driving session report includes at least one score based on the driving skill data, and the comments from the driving instructor about the driving session. Still further, the method includes causing the driving session report to be displayed on a display device.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Brian Mark Fields, Jibo He, John A. Nepomuceno, Steve Roberson, Bryan Allen Plummer, Kurtis C. Houdek, Neeraj Jain
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Patent number: 9275552Abstract: A method includes, for each of two or more driving sessions in which a student driver operates a vehicle, gathering driving skill data indicative of at least one of behavior of the student driver, acceleration of the vehicle, braking of the vehicle, or steering of the vehicle, and generating a driving session report. The method further includes causing the driving session reports corresponding to the two or more driving sessions to be displayed to a driving instructor, and receiving comments from the driving instructor about the two or more driving sessions of the student driver. Still further, the method includes storing the driving session reports corresponding to the two or more driving sessions along with the received comments from the driving instructor.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Brian Mark Fields, Jibo He, John A. Nepomuceno, Steve Roberson, Bryan Allen Plummer, Kurtis C. Houdek, Neeraj Jain
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Patent number: 9275532Abstract: The method, system, and computer-readable medium facilitates monitoring one or more eyes of a vehicle operator during a driving session to generate a plurality of gaze location logs with gaze location values and timestamps. The gaze location value may be generated by determining a focal point of the vehicle operator's gaze, determining which of a plurality of areas of the vehicle is associated with the focal point, and assigning the gaze location value based on the area of the vehicle associated with the focal point. The gaze location logs may be analyzed to determine the duration of the vehicle operator's gaze at each area of the vehicle. Based on the duration of the vehicle operators gaze, recommendations to improve vehicle operator performance may be determined and communicated to the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown, Jibo He, Brian M. Fields, Steve Roberson, Steve Cielocha, Jufeng Peng
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Patent number: 9262564Abstract: A damage assessment module operating on a computer system automatically evaluates a roof, estimating damage to the roof by analyzing a point cloud of a roof. The damage assessment module identifies individual shingles from the point cloud and detects potentially damaged areas on each of the shingles. The damage assessment module then maps the potentially damaged areas of each shingle back to the point cloud to determine which areas of the roof are damaged. Based on the estimation, the damage assessment module generates a report on the roof damage.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Drew Cross, Nathan L. Tofte
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Publication number: 20150339527Abstract: A gaze tracking system captures images of a vehicle operator's face using an image sensor device positioned within a vehicle. The gaze tracking system may be detect facial features from each image and track the position of facial features over time. The gaze tracking system may use the detected facial features to track the vehicle operator's head pose and gaze direction. The images may be captured and analyzed in near-real time. By tracking movement of the driver's head and eyes over time, the gaze analysis system may predict or estimate head position and/or gaze direction when one or more facial features are not detectable. The gaze tracking system may generate a report regarding the vehicle operator's gaze distribution. The report may be saved to memory and may be graphically displayed at a screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: November 26, 2015Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown, Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson
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Patent number: 9098655Abstract: A damage assessment module operating on a computer system generating a model undamaged roof shingle includes using a method based on the average nearest-neighbor distance. The damage assessment module identifies a set of points comprising a first point cloud representing a first shingle and a set of points from a second point cloud representing a second shingle. The damage assessment module then calculates an average nearest-neighbor distance for the set of points. Based on the average, the damage assessment module calculates a threshold distance. The damage assessment module then stores the set of points to memory as a point cloud representing a model roof shingle that can be later retrieved and compared to point clouds of individual shingles. The damage assessment module improves the consistency and accuracy associated with assessment of the roof and eliminates the need for the estimator to use subjective assessment results, which can be inadequate.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Drew Cross, Nathan L. Tofte