Patents by Inventor Kyle Zachary Hatcher

Kyle Zachary Hatcher 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: 10878693
    Abstract: Methods and systems to improve the accuracy of traffic signal state change predictions are disclosed. Predictions can be broadcast to vehicle drivers or autonomous systems to improve safety, fuel efficiency and reduce delays. Predictions for fixed-time signals are generated based on their scheduled timing plan and the current clock/time, but these predictions are subject variations, for example, due to traffic signal controller clock drift. Real-time actual, not predicted, data is collected and utilized to correct for these variations. Further, real-time probe data is collected and used to validate correctness of the generated predictions in real time. In one embodiment, GPS data from travelers' devices is utilized to assess validity of the generated predictions, looking particularly at signal stop line crossings relative to predicted green time window. If crossings observed in real time contradict the predicted signal state, the data service providing predictions to users may be suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jingtao Ma, Thomas Bauer, Kyle Zachary Hatcher, Alex Thomas Marineau
  • Publication number: 20200126406
    Abstract: Methods and systems to improve the accuracy of traffic signal state change predictions are disclosed. Predictions can be broadcast to vehicle drivers or autonomous systems to improve safety, fuel efficiency and reduce delays. Predictions for fixed-time signals are generated based on their scheduled timing plan and the current clock/time, but these predictions are subject variations, for example, due to traffic signal controller clock drift. Real-time actual, not predicted, data is collected and utilized to correct for these variations. Further, real-time probe data is collected and used to validate correctness of the generated predictions in real time. In one embodiment, GPS data from travelers' devices is utilized to assess validity of the generated predictions, looking particularly at signal stop line crossings relative to predicted green time window. If crossings observed in real time contradict the predicted signal state, the data service providing predictions to users may be suspended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jingtao MA, Thomas BAUER, Kyle Zachary HATCHER, Alex Thomas MARINEAU
  • Patent number: 10192436
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating a timely and reliable warning message before a traffic control signal changes to a red light state. A preferred process leverages traffic signal state data, state change predictions, and signal timing plans. The warning message may be distributed for various uses by downstream users and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher, Paul-Gerard Joseph Albert Pellekoorne, Frank Offermann
  • Patent number: 10140862
    Abstract: Computer-implemented predictions of upcoming traffic control signal states or state changes can be used to improve driver convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Such information can be used advantageously by a human operator, or by an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle control system. Predictions can be computed with suitable machines installed in a vehicle, in cooperation with a remote back-end server system. The prediction computations in the vehicle may be supported by data communicated to the vehicle computing machinery over various wireless communications, including telecom systems, DSRC, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kiel Roger Ova, Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher
  • Publication number: 20180276991
    Abstract: Computer-implemented predictions of upcoming traffic control signal states or state changes can be used to improve driver convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Such information can be used advantageously by a human operator, or by an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle control system. Predictions can be computed with suitable machines installed in a vehicle, in cooperation with a remote back-end server system. The prediction computations in the vehicle may be supported by data communicated to the vehicle computing machinery over various wireless communications, including telecom systems, DSRC, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kiel Roger Ova, Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher
  • Publication number: 20180190116
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating a timely and reliable warning message before a traffic control signal changes to a red light state. A preferred process leverages traffic signal state data, state change predictions, and signal timing plans. The warning message may be distributed for various uses by downstream users and applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher, Paul-Gerard Joseph Albert Pellekoorne, Frank Offermann
  • Patent number: 10008113
    Abstract: Computer-implemented predictions of upcoming traffic control signal states or state changes can be used to improve driver convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Such information can be used advantageously by a human operator, or by an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle control system. Predictions can be computed with suitable machines installed in a vehicle, in cooperation with a remote back-end server system. The prediction computations in the vehicle may be supported by data communicated to the vehicle computing machinery over various wireless communications, including telecom systems, DSRC, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Traffic Technology Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiel Roger Ova, Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher
  • Patent number: 9928738
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating a timely and reliable warning message before a traffic control signal changes to a red light state. A preferred process leverages traffic signal state data, state change predictions, and signal timing plans. The warning message may be distributed for various uses by downstream users and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Traffic Technology Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher, Paul-Gerard Joseph Albert Pellekoorne, Frank Offermann
  • Publication number: 20160293006
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating a timely and reliable warning message before a traffic control signal changes to a red light state. A preferred process leverages traffic signal state data, state change predictions, and signal timing plans. The warning message may be distributed for various uses by downstream users and applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Traffic Technology Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher, Paul-Gerard Joseph Albert Pellekoorne, Frank Offermann
  • Publication number: 20160284215
    Abstract: Computer-implemented predictions of upcoming traffic control signal states or state changes can be used to improve driver convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Such information can be used advantageously by a human operator, or by an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle control system. Predictions can be computed with suitable machines installed in a vehicle, in cooperation with a remote back-end server system. The prediction computations in the vehicle may be supported by data communicated to the vehicle computing machinery over various wireless communications, including telecom systems, DSRC, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Traffic Technology Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiel Roger Ova, Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher
  • Patent number: 9396657
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for predicting the state and/or upcoming state changes of a traffic control signal. The traffic control signal may be an upcoming traffic control signal along a route of a motor vehicle. The prediction information may communicated to a prediction display made available to a driver or passenger in such a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Traffic Technology Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Jingtao Ma, Kyle Zachary Hatcher