Patents by Inventor Darrin A. Smith

Darrin A. Smith 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: 10380696
    Abstract: An image processing system automatically processes a plurality of images of a damaged vehicle and determines replacements parts that are needed to repair the vehicle therefrom. The system includes a network interface via which the images are received, an image extraction component that generates a set of image attributes from the received images, a parts identifier component that generates indications of the needed replacement parts based on the image attributes and an information identification model, and an output interface via which the generated indications are provided. Additionally, the system includes a data storage entity storing data from multiple historical vehicle insurance claims, and a model generation component that generates the information identification model based on the historical claim data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: CCC INFORMATION SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: John Laurence Haller, Jr., Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10373262
    Abstract: An image processing system automatically processes a plurality of images of a damaged vehicle and determines replacements parts that are needed to repair the vehicle therefrom. The system includes a network interface via which the images are received, an image extraction component that generates a set of image attributes from the received images, a parts identifier component that generates indications of the needed replacement parts based on the image attributes and an information identification model, and an output interface via which the generated indications are provided. Additionally, the system includes a data storage entity storing data from multiple historical vehicle insurance claims, and a model generation component that generates the information identification model based on the historical claim data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CCC INFORMATION SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: John Laurence Haller, Jr., Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10373260
    Abstract: An image processing system includes a first image processor that creates a composite 3-D image or model of a damaged vehicle from a plurality of 2-D images of the damaged vehicle. The first image processor or another image processor of the system generates deformation data that is indicative or descriptive of points/areas of damage on the vehicle based on a comparison of the composite 3-D image/model with a 3-D image/model of a pristine vehicle. Based on the deformation data, a deformation model component generates indications of replacement parts and/or other items corresponding to repairing the vehicle by utilizing a model generated from historical claim data. Aside from receiving the initial set of images of the damaged vehicle, the system does not require any user input, and may generate the indications of replacement parts and/or other items corresponding to repairing the vehicle in real-time, such as at FNOL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CCC INFORMATION SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: John Laurence Haller, Jr., Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9846093
    Abstract: In an example, a system includes a Monte Carlo simulation module to calculate a collision force on a first vehicle based at least in part on first information, calculate a crush depth for a second vehicle (having unknown damage) based at least in part on the calculated collision force on the first vehicle and second information, calculate first total energy absorbed by the first vehicle based on the first information, calculate second total energy absorbed by the second vehicle based on the calculated crush depth and the second information; and calculate a first estimated impact severity for the first vehicle using the first total energy and a second estimated impact severity for the second vehicle using the second total energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: CCC Information Services Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Kenna Henn
  • Patent number: 9500545
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: CCC Information Services Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Palmer
  • Publication number: 20160178465
    Abstract: In an example, a system includes a Monte Carlo simulation module to calculate a collision force on a first vehicle based at least in part on first information, calculate a crush depth for a second vehicle (having unknown damage) based at least in part on the calculated collision force on the first vehicle and second information, calculate first total energy absorbed by the first vehicle based on the first information, calculate second total energy absorbed by the second vehicle based on the calculated crush depth and the second information; and calculate a first estimated impact severity for the first vehicle using the first total energy and a second estimated impact severity for the second vehicle using the second total energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Kenna Henn
  • Patent number: 9228834
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a computer-implemented method to collect information to determine damage to a vehicle involved in a collision using photogrammetric techniques. When determined, this vehicle damage information, which may be in the form of crush measurement information such as a crush damage profile, can be displayed in a computer-generated view of the subject vehicle with a crush damage profile and used to estimate the impact severity. In some embodiments, based on the photogrammetric information derived, a direction of any shifting of the vehicle's components may be obtained and used along with other information to estimate a principal direction of force (PDOF) for one or more vehicles involved in the collision. Still further embodiments may be used to generate and/or audit repair estimates based at least in part on the photogrammetric information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: CCC Information Services Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Kidd, Darrin A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140229123
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: CCC Information Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Palmer
  • Patent number: 8612170
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: CCC Information Services Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Palmer
  • Publication number: 20120265698
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a computer-implemented method to collect information to determine damage to a vehicle involved in a collision using photogrammetric techniques. When determined, this vehicle damage information, which may be in the form of crush measurement information such as a crush damage profile, can be displayed in a computer-generated view of the subject vehicle with a crush damage profile and used to estimate the impact severity. In some embodiments, based on the photogrammetric information derived, a direction of any shifting of the vehicle's components may be obtained and used along with other information to estimate a principal direction of force (PDOF) for one or more vehicles involved in the collision. Still further embodiments may be used to generate and/or audit repair estimates based at least in part on the photogrammetric information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Scott D. Kidd, Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8239220
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a computer-implemented method to collect information to determine damage to a vehicle involved in a collision using photogrammetric techniques. When determined, this vehicle damage information, which may be in the form of crush measurement information such as a crush damage profile, can be displayed in a computer-generated view of the subject vehicle with a crush damage profile and used to estimate the impact severity. In some embodiments, based on the photogrammetric information derived, a direction of any shifting of the vehicle's components may be obtained and used along with other information to estimate a principal direction of force (PDOF) for one or more vehicles involved in the collision. Still further embodiments may be used to generate and/or audit repair estimates based at least in part on the photogrammetric information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Injury Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Kidd, Darrin A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110264395
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Palmer
  • Patent number: 7974808
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Injury Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Paimer
  • Publication number: 20100228432
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Paimer
  • Patent number: 7716002
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Injury Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Palmer
  • Patent number: 7698086
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a computer-implemented method for receiving information regarding a vehicle involved in an accident, determining availability of event data recorder (EDR) data from the vehicle based on the information, and if the EDR data is available, assigning a level of suitability for data collection from the EDR based at least in part on a type of the EDR and information regarding the accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Injury Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Kidd, Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7502772
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data for a vehicle involved in an accident, analyzing the data for classification of damaged components and operations to be performed on the vehicle, and generating a triage decision for the vehicle based on a rules-based analysis of the classification and the operations. The triage decision may be used to route a claim corresponding to the accident to an appropriate resource for analysis and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Injury Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Kidd, Darrin A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080126137
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a computer-implemented method for receiving information regarding a vehicle involved in an accident, determining availability of event data recorder (EDR) data from the vehicle based on the information, and if the EDR data is available, assigning a level of suitability for data collection from the EDR based at least in part on a type of the EDR and information regarding the accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Scott D. Kidd, Darrin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7359821
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Injury Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Palmer
  • Publication number: 20070288135
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a computer-implemented method to collect information to determine damage to a vehicle involved in a collision using photogrammetric techniques. When determined, this vehicle damage information, which may be in the form of crush measurement information such as a crush damage profile, can be displayed in a computer-generated view of the subject vehicle with a crush damage profile and used to estimate the impact severity. In some embodiments, based on the photogrammetric information derived, a direction of any shifting of the vehicle's components may be obtained and used along with other information to estimate a principal direction of force (PDOF) for one or more vehicles involved in the collision. Still further embodiments may be used to generate and/or audit repair estimates based at least in part on the photogrammetric information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Scott D. Kidd, Darrin A. Smith