Patents by Inventor Gary Watkins
Gary Watkins 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: 9014968Abstract: A commuter route learning program learns a telematics subscriber's common travel routes (e.g. work-home, home-school, etc.) and offers traffic reports based on the routes. In one aspect, three modes are used to establish routes and offer traffic reports. These modes include a Learn Mode during which the commuter route learning program learns new commuter trips, a Pattern Recognition Mode during which the commuter route learning program recognizes and categorizes routes from patterns of trips, and an Execution Mode during which the commuter route learning program automatically provides commuter route traffic congestion information to a subscriber.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: General Motors LLCInventor: Gary A. Watkins
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Patent number: 8526930Abstract: A system and method for configuring communications between a wireless device and a vehicle telematics unit over a short-range wireless communication link includes receiving a serial port profile (SPP) software application at a wireless device from a central facility; storing the SPP software application at the wireless device; identifying third-party software applications stored on the wireless device using the SPP software application; sending the identity of the third-party software applications to the central facility; and communicating between the wireless device and a vehicle telematics unit via a short-range wireless communication link using the stored SPP software application and data transmitted using one or more software templates that have been received by the vehicle telematics unit in response to the identity of the third-party software applications sent.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Richard C. Vanitvelt, Leonard C. Nieman
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Publication number: 20130012179Abstract: A system and method for configuring communications between a wireless device and a vehicle telematics unit over a short-range wireless communication link includes receiving a serial port profile (SPP) software application at a wireless device from a central facility; storing the SPP software application at the wireless device; identifying third-party software applications stored on the wireless device using the SPP software application; sending the identity of the third-party software applications to the central facility; and communicating between the wireless device and a vehicle telematics unit via a short-range wireless communication link using the stored SPP software application and data transmitted using one or more software templates that have been received by the vehicle telematics unit in response to the identity of the third-party software applications sent.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Richard C. Vanitvelt, Leonard C. Nieman
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Patent number: 8321125Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a recommended route, based, in part, on fuel consumption, to a requesting vehicle using data collected from other vehicles. The system includes, but is not limited, to a communication system that is configured to receive vehicle data from a plurality of vehicles. A data storage system is in communication with the communication system and is configured to store the vehicle data as compiled vehicle data. A processor is in communication with the data storage system and the communication system. The processor is configured to utilize the compiled vehicle data to calculate a recommended route that is based, in part, on fuel consumption. The communication system is further configured to transmit the recommended route to the requesting vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: General Motors LLCInventors: Steven C. Tengler, Richard A. Johnson, Gary A. Watkins, Laurence J. Tretyak, Jr.
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Patent number: 8000452Abstract: A method for a predictive interactive voice recognition system includes receiving a voice call, associating said voice call with a behavioral pattern, and invoking a service context responsive to said behavioral pattern. The system provides advantages of improved voice recognition and more efficient use of the voice user interface to obtain services.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: General Motors LLCInventors: Gary A. Watkins, James M. Smith
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Patent number: 7945359Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing vehicle maintenance client notification within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle that includes monitoring the mobile vehicle for vehicle system maintenance information, determining an oil-life value based on the vehicle system maintenance information, determining when the oil-life value exceeds at least one oil-life threshold level, sending the vehicle system maintenance information to a call center responsive to the oil-life threshold level determination, and generating a service reminder, at the call center, based on the received vehicle system maintenance information. The step of determining when the oil-life value exceeds the oil-life threshold level may include comparing the determined oil-life value with the at least one oil-life threshold level, determining at least one oil-life threshold level that is exceeded by the oil-life value, and initiating a vehicle data upload based on the at least one exceeded oil-life threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: General Motors LLCInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Michael J. Devereux, Jon M. Brancheau
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Publication number: 20100332113Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a recommended route, based, in part, on fuel consumption, to a requesting vehicle using data collected from other vehicles. The system includes, but is not limited, to a communication system that is configured to receive vehicle data from a plurality of vehicles. A data storage system is in communication with the communication system and is configured to store the vehicle data as compiled vehicle data. A processor is in communication with the data storage system and the communication system. The processor is configured to utilize the compiled vehicle data to calculate a recommended route that is based, in part, on fuel consumption. The communication system is further configured to transmit the recommended route to the requesting vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: STEVEN C. TENGLER, RICHARD A. JOHNSON, GARY A. WATKINS, LAURENCE J. TRETYAK, JR.
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Publication number: 20100185524Abstract: A method of operating a telematics unit comprising the steps of: first operating the telematics unit in a logistical support mode containing a first set of operations assisting tracking of at least one of (a) the telematics unit and (b) a vehicle containing the telematics unit through storage and travel; and second operating the telematics unit in a customer service mode containing a second set of operations supporting a customer associated with the vehicle, wherein the first set of operations contains at least one operation unique from the second set of operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Christopher L. Oesterling, Wylie R. Burt
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Publication number: 20100082245Abstract: A system and method for individually updating a location-based geometric boundary of a subscriber vehicle that is one of many subscriber vehicles are disclosed herein. The method includes obtaining a garage address of the subscriber vehicle, and determining a location-based geometric boundary of the subscriber vehicle from at least the garage address. The method further includes monitoring at least one of a service event including at least a vehicle registration event, a driving distance, or a driving speed to determine a driving pattern of the subscriber vehicle. The location-based geometric boundary of the subscriber vehicle is dynamically updated based at least on the driving pattern of the subscriber vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: RUSSELL A. PATENAUDE, CHRISTINE E. MEISSNER, GARY A. WATKINS
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Publication number: 20090322560Abstract: A system and method are provided for enhancing subscriber privacy while delivering location-based in-vehicle alerts to the subscribers of a mobile traffic reporting system by disassociating subscriber information from location information transmitted by a traffic probe vehicle. In various examples, the in-vehicle alerts include Flash Flood alerts, Hurricane alerts, Amber alerts, as well as non-crisis alerts, such as traffic hotspots, locations of inexpensive gas stations, and various points of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Steven C. Tengler, Richard A. Johnson, Gary A. Watkins
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Patent number: 7599843Abstract: A method of operating a telematics unit comprising the steps of: first operating the telematics unit in a logistical support mode containing a first set of operations assisting tracking of at least one of (a) the telematics unit and (b) a vehicle containing the telematics unit through storage and travel; and second operating the telematics unit in a customer service mode containing a second set of operations supporting a customer associated with the vehicle, wherein the first set of operations contains at least one operation unique from the second set of operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Christopher L Oesterling, Wylie R Burt
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Publication number: 20090177351Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing vehicle maintenance client notification within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle that includes monitoring the mobile vehicle for vehicle system maintenance information, determining an oil-life value based on the vehicle system maintenance information, determining when the oil-life value exceeds at least one oil-life threshold level, sending the vehicle system maintenance information to a call center responsive to the oil-life threshold level determination, and generating a service reminder, at the call center, based on the received vehicle system maintenance information. The step of determining when the oil-life value exceeds the oil-life threshold level may include comparing the determined oil-life value with the at least one oil-life threshold level, determining at least one oil-life threshold level that is exceeded by the oil-life value, and initiating a vehicle data upload based on the at least one exceeded oil-life threshold level.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Michael J. Devereux, Jon M. Brancheau
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Patent number: 7548815Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a telematics device within a mobile vehicle communication system. The method includes generating at least one personal route profile, comparing predetermined GPS hotspots to the personal route profiles, detecting real-time traffic updates associated with the predetermined GPS hotspots, identifying GPS hotspots corresponding to the personal route profile and based on the real-time traffic updates, and providing information relating to selected identified GPS hotspots based on the real-time traffic updates. The personal route profile may be generated from a user interface. The predetermined GPS hotspots may be created based on user interface input. The selected GPS hotspots may include all identified GPS hotspots within a predetermined geographic area of the personal route profile. The selected GPS hotspots may include GPS hotspots in the forward path of a vehicle including the telematics device.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Thomas P. Grau
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Patent number: 7522980Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing vehicle maintenance client notification within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle that includes monitoring the mobile vehicle for vehicle system maintenance information, determining an oil-life value based on the vehicle system maintenance information, determining when the oil-life value exceeds at least one oil-life threshold level, sending the vehicle system maintenance information to a call center responsive to the oil-life threshold level determination, and generating a service reminder, at the call center, based on the received vehicle system maintenance information. The step of determining when the oil-life value exceeds the oil-life threshold level may include comparing the determined oil-life value with the at least one oil-life threshold level, determining at least one oil-life threshold level that is exceeded by the oil-life value, and initiating a vehicle data upload based on the at least one exceeded oil-life threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Michael J. Devereux, Jon M. Brancheau
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Publication number: 20090088973Abstract: A commuter route learning program learns a telematics subscriber's common travel routes (e.g. work-home, home-school, etc.) and offers traffic reports based on the routes. In one aspect, three modes are used to establish routes and offer traffic reports. These modes include a Learn Mode during which the commuter route learning program learns new commuter trips, a Pattern Recognition Mode during which the commuter route learning program recognizes and categorizes routes from patterns of trips, and an Execution Mode during which the commuter route learning program automatically provides commuter route traffic congestion information to a subscriber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: General Motors CorporationInventor: Gary A. Watkins
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Patent number: 7406169Abstract: The current invention provides a method for automated unit service requests from a telematics unit. A unit request call trigger is set at the telematics unit from a call center. A unit request call is received based on the unit request call trigger. The telematics unit is configured in response to the received unit request call. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for automated unit service requests from a telematics unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David W. Rockett, Gary A. Watkins
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Patent number: 7403098Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of deploying disaster alerts to a mobile vehicle. The method includes determining disaster area coordinates of a disaster area and calculating buffer coordinates of a buffer region based on the disaster area coordinates. The method further describes a vehicle circle based on a radius of at least one location coordinate of the mobile vehicle and compares the vehicle circle with the buffer region coordinates. The disaster area coordinates are compared with the vehicle circle. The method then deploys at least one disaster alert based on the comparison of the vehicle circle and buffer region coordinates and disaster area coordinates.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Jie Song, Nebojsa Nedeljkovic, Dwayne A. Crocker, Christine E. Meissner
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Patent number: 7286047Abstract: A method of monitoring electronic module data in a mobile vehicle. The method includes receiving at least one trigger event status indicator responsive to a trigger set from at least one of a plurality of vehicles at a vehicle analysis engine, via a wireless network, modifying the trigger set based on the trigger event status indicators and sending the modified trigger set to the plurality of vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Gary A. Watkins, Wanli Chiu
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Patent number: 7245951Abstract: A method for telematic data transfer comprising the steps of: monitoring parameters for personal communications made through a telematics unit in a vehicle between the telematics unit and at least one remote location; determining a communication requirement for communicating between the telematics unit and the remote location; and scheduling and executing the determined communication responsive to the monitored parameters to increase likelihood of success of the determined communication.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Gary A. Watkins, Jeffrey M. Stefan
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Patent number: 7194073Abstract: In a system including a telematics unit and a data center, a method for automatically replenishing pre-paid calling units within the telematics is based on an occurrence of a trigger event as detected by the telematics units. Upon being notified of the trigger event, the data center automatically uploads a replenishment package to the telematics unit or uploads a replenishment package selected by the telematics unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gary A. Watkins, Christopher L. Oesterling