Patents by Inventor Jeffrey M. Stefan

Jeffrey M. Stefan 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: 10185323
    Abstract: A system to reduce vehicle resource depletion risk which includes a memory, controller, efficiency module, mobile computing device, and fleet vehicle. The memory includes executable instructions. The controller executes the instructions. The controller communicates with an efficiency module. The efficiency module causes a fleet vehicle to optimally perform a rideshare task. The mobile computing device generates first location data and communicates the first location data to the controller. The fleet vehicle includes a vehicle system and a vehicle controls device and can communicate with the controller. The vehicle system generates second location data. The vehicle controls device commands the fleet vehicle to perform a rideshare task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Publication number: 20180348772
    Abstract: A system to reduce vehicle resource depletion risk which includes a memory, controller, efficiency module, mobile computing device, and fleet vehicle. The memory includes executable instructions. The controller executes the instructions. The controller communicates with an efficiency module. The efficiency module causes a fleet vehicle to optimally perform a rideshare task. The mobile computing device generates first location data and communicates the first location data to the controller. The fleet vehicle includes a vehicle system and a vehicle controls device and can communicate with the controller. The vehicle system generates second location data. The vehicle controls device commands the fleet vehicle to perform a rideshare task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Publication number: 20180057347
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fueling a vehicle with a fuel delivery service. A telematics unit is adapted for installation on the vehicle and configured to determine a fuel level of the vehicle. A remote server has a database of vehicle scheduling information and is configured to transmit a fueling request to the fuel delivery service. The telematics unit is further configured to transmit a vehicle fueling request to the remote server based on the fuel level of the vehicle. The remote server is further configured to transmit the fueling request based on the vehicle fueling request and the vehicle scheduling information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER L. OESTERLING, PAUL H. PEBBLES, DANA B. FECHER, JEFFREY M. STEFAN
  • Patent number: 9564120
    Abstract: A method of and system for speech synthesis. First and second text inputs are received in a text-to-speech system, and processed into respective first and second speech outputs corresponding to stored speech respectively from first and second speakers using a processor of the system. The second speech output of the second speaker is adapted to sound like the first speech output of the first speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Stefan, Gaurav Talwar, Rathinavelu Chengalvarayan
  • Patent number: 8754766
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a communication about a potential vehicular crash via a vehicle telematics unit and a personal mobile device. In one embodiment, the method carried out by the system receives a notification of a potential vehicular crash from a personal mobile device located at the vehicle. Then, the method confirms the occurrence of the crash by the vehicle telematics unit. Later, the method provides a wireless communication about the crash to one or more parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Patent number: 8751241
    Abstract: The current invention provides a method and system for enabling a device function of a vehicle. A speech input stream is received at a telematics unit. A speech input context is determined for the received speech input stream. The received speech input stream is processed based on the determination and the device function of the vehicle is enabled responsive to the processed speech input stream. A vehicle device in control of the enabled device function of the vehicle is directed based on the processed speech input stream. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for enabling a device function of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, William E. Mazzara, Jr., Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Patent number: 8718621
    Abstract: A notification method involves creating a template via a web server interface, where the template includes a statement having at least one tag, and triggering a transmission of raw data from a mobile communications device to the web server interface. The method further involves completing the template via the web server interface using the raw data transmitted to the mobile communications device. The template is completed by substituting the tag(s) with an alphanumeric expression deduced from the raw data. The method also involves uploading the completed template onto a remotely accessible social networking page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Ross, Jeffrey M. Stefan, Jeffrey G. Ravas
  • Publication number: 20130130639
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a communication about a potential vehicular crash via a vehicle telematics unit and a personal mobile device. In one embodiment, the method carried out by the system receives a notification of a potential vehicular crash from a personal mobile device located at the vehicle. Then, the method confirms the occurrence of the crash by the vehicle telematics unit. Later, the method provides a wireless communication about the crash to one or more parties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Patent number: 8326484
    Abstract: A system employing a vehicle module, and an intelligent connector in communication with the vehicle module implements a method for controlling the vehicle module. First, the intelligent connector receives a wireless transmission of a command signal. Second, the intelligent connector determines one or more control actions responsive to the command signal. Finally, the intelligent connector communicates one or more control signals indicative of the control action(s) to the vehicle module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. McGarry, Chester A. Huber, Dwayne A. Crocker, Christopher L. Oesterling, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Publication number: 20110282668
    Abstract: A method of and system for speech synthesis. First and second text inputs are received in a text-to-speech system, and processed into respective first and second speech outputs corresponding to stored speech respectively from first and second speakers using a processor of the system. The second speech output of the second speaker is adapted to sound like the first speech output of the first speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Stefan, Gaurav Talwar, Rathinavelu Chengalvarayan
  • Publication number: 20110207439
    Abstract: A notification method involves creating a template via a web server interface, where the template includes a statement having at least one tag, and triggering a transmission of raw data from a mobile communications device to the web server interface. The method further involves completing the template via the web server interface using the raw data transmitted to the mobile communications device. The template is completed by substituting the tag(s) with an alphanumeric expression deduced from the raw data. The method also involves uploading the completed template onto a remotely accessible social networking page.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Ross, Jeffrey M. Stefan, Jeffrey G. Ravas
  • Publication number: 20090070034
    Abstract: A method that is used with a vehicle navigation system and enables a driver or other vehicle occupant to record personalized information, such as verbal annotations, so that they may be automatically played back at a later time. When the voice annotations are recorded, the vehicle navigation system assigns them a location tag that indicates the place where they were recorded. Therefore, when that vehicle navigation system, or another navigation system installed on a different vehicle, comes within a certain proximity of the location identified by the location tag, the associated voice annotation is played back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher L Oesterling, Jeffrey M Stefan
  • Publication number: 20080215336
    Abstract: The current invention provides a method and system for enabling a device function of a vehicle. A speech input stream is received at a telematics unit. A speech input context is determined for the received speech input stream. The received speech input stream is processed based on the determination and the device function of the vehicle is enabled responsive to the processed speech input stream. A vehicle device in control of the enabled device function of the vehicle is directed based on the processed speech input stream. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for enabling a device function of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, William E. Mazzara, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Publication number: 20080073429
    Abstract: A method is provided for post purchase monitoring comprising the steps of receiving purchase information for a purchased item, monitoring for a price change for the purchased item, and notifying a consumer of the price change of the purchased item. The method further comprises registering consumer contact information, and purchase information, wherein the purchase information is comprised of a name of the purchased item, a description of the purchased item, a name of the retail outlet where the item was purchased, a price paid for the purchased item, and a date the item was purchased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Patent number: 7245951
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Gary A. Watkins, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Patent number: 7142959
    Abstract: The current invention provides a system and method for providing status data for vehicle maintenance. A GPS location trigger is monitored for at a telematics unit. Communication between the telematics unit and a call center is initiated responsive to the GPS location trigger. Status data is sent from the vehicle to the call center through the telematics unit. At least a portion of the status data is sent from the call center to a service center associated with the GPS location trigger. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for providing status data for vehicle maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Frederick J. Beiermeister, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Patent number: 7024308
    Abstract: A telematic system includes a first telematic unit incorporated within a stolen vehicle, a call center, and a second telematic unit incorporated with a police vehicle. The telematic system implements a method for real-time routing to the stolen vehicle. The method cyclically involves a determination of the GPS coordinates of the stolen vehicle and the police vehicle by the respective telematic unit, a calculation of a complete route from the police vehicle to the stolen vehicle, and a calculation of a partial route extending from the police vehicle to the stolen vehicle. The GPS coordinates of the stolen vehicle can be pushed to the police vehicle whereby the second telematic unit obtains the route calculations. Alternatively, the GPS coordinates of both the stolen vehicle and the police vehicle can be pushed to the call center whereby the call center performs the route calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Anthony J Sumcad, Jeffrey M. Stefan, Ernest B. Rennells
  • Patent number: 7016771
    Abstract: A method for flexible discontinuous receive management for telematics includes monitoring vehicle usage parameters and altering discontinuous receive behavior responsive to said monitored vehicle usage parameters. In an example, the method improves communication opportunity to vehicles that are inactive, to allow telematics operation in circumstances where the operation would have been delayed or even not possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Watkins, Christopher L. Oesterling, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Patent number: 7010289
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for vehicle data upload by activating at least one action trigger as a function of a vehicle communication unit, collecting at least one attribute data within a mobile vehicle, transmitting the attribute data from the vehicle communication unit to a mobile network intelligence, determining a second attribute data, producing a second action trigger, transmitting the second action trigger from the mobile network intelligence to the vehicle communication unit, and overwriting the action trigger as the second action trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jasmin Jijina, Edward J. Abeska, Richard J. Kacel, Jeffrey M. Stefan
  • Patent number: 6973323
    Abstract: A method and system for mobile telephone restriction boundary determination are provided. The method provides boundary information to a user of a mobile telephone by determining geographic boundary information regarding mobile telephone usage restriction, and responsive to the determined geographical boundary information, providing an indication to the user of the mobile telephone of mobile telephone usage restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Jeffrey M. Stefan, Steven P. Schwinke, William E. Mazzara, Jr.