Patents by Inventor Luke Plurkowski

Luke Plurkowski 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: 8224571
    Abstract: A system and method for rideshare security is provided. A rideshare participant device is made available to at least one rideshare participant during a rideshare. A security check is triggered while the rideshare is in progress. An action is performed based on the security check. Security information regarding the rideshare participant device is gathered and analyzed for inconsistencies. A security response provider is contacted when the inconsistency is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Patent number: 8095305
    Abstract: A system and method for financing a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare transaction is arranged. Potential participants are identified for the rideshare transaction. Two or more of the potential participants are matched for inclusion in the rideshare transaction. Revenue is derived through an offering of insurance coverage for the arranged rideshare transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Patent number: 8086400
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the security of participants in a rideshare environment is provided. A rideshare transaction is monitored between two or more rideshare participants. At least one of the rideshare participants is associated with a rideshare participant device. A predetermined route for the rideshare transaction is identified. A location of the rideshare participant device is monitored. A security check is triggered when the rideshare participant device location is inconsistent with the predetermined route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Patent number: 8036824
    Abstract: A system and method for setting a rideshare transaction fee is provided. Data is maintained for rideshare transactions, each associated with a route. At least one rideshare transaction that travels along a particular route is identified. A number of drivers offering transportation on that particular route and a number of passengers seeking transportation on the particular route are determined. A transaction fee for the rideshare transaction along the particular route is set. The transaction fee is increased when there are more passengers seeking transportation than drivers offering transportation. The transaction fee is decreased when there are more drivers offering transportation than passengers seeking transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20110196709
    Abstract: A system and method for setting a rideshare transaction fee is provided. Data is maintained for rideshare transactions, each associated with a route. At least one rideshare transaction that travels along a particular route is identified. A number of drivers offering transportation on that particular route and a number of passengers seeking transportation on the particular route are determined. A transaction fee for the rideshare transaction along the particular route is set. The transaction fee is increased when there are more passengers seeking transportation than drivers offering transportation. The transaction fee is decreased when there are more drivers offering transportation than passengers seeking transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20110196708
    Abstract: A system and method for financing a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare transaction is arranged. Potential participants are identified for the rideshare transaction. Two or more of the potential participants are matched for inclusion in the rideshare transaction. Revenue is derived through an offering of insurance coverage for the arranged rideshare transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Patent number: 7974779
    Abstract: A system and method for financial transactions in a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare environment with multiple rideshare transactions is maintained. Each rideshare transaction includes one or more participants. Bids are received from potential participants for a position in at least one of the rideshare transactions. At least one potential participant is assigned to one of the rideshare transactions based on one of the bids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Patent number: 7970533
    Abstract: A method and system for matching participants in a rideshare program is provided. A participant rating is identified in a rideshare environment. A rideshare participation score is generated for the identified participant. The identified participant is assigned to a rideshare transaction with at least one other participant in the rideshare program based on the rideshare participation score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20110093193
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the security of participants in a rideshare environment is provided. A rideshare transaction is monitored between two or more rideshare participants. At least one of the rideshare participants is associated with a rideshare participant device. A predetermined route for the rideshare transaction is identified. A location of the rideshare participant device is monitored. A security check is triggered when the rideshare participant device location is inconsistent with the predetermined route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Patent number: 7930098
    Abstract: A system and method for financial transactions in a rideshare system is provided. An economic demand is determined for a rideshare transaction. An economic supply is also determined for the rideshare transaction. A rideshare transaction price is set based at least in part upon the economic supply and the economic demand determined for the rideshare transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20110022491
    Abstract: A system and method for financial transactions in a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare environment with multiple rideshare transactions is maintained. Each rideshare transaction includes one or more participants. Bids are received from potential participants for a position in at least one of the rideshare transactions. At least one potential participant is assigned to one of the rideshare transactions based on one of the bids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20110018719
    Abstract: A system and method for rideshare security is provided. A rideshare participant device is made available to at least one rideshare participant during a rideshare. A security check is triggered while the rideshare is in progress. An action is performed based on the security check. Security information regarding the rideshare participant device is gathered and analyzed for inconsistencies. A security response provider is contacted when the inconsistency is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Patent number: 7869945
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring participant security in a rideshare environment is provided. A rideshare participant device is made available to at least one rideshare participant during a rideshare. A security check is triggered while the rideshare is in progress. An action is performed based on the security check during which security information is gathered regarding the rideshare participant device. The security information is analyzed for any inconsistencies. A security response provider is contacted when the inconsistency is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20100280852
    Abstract: A system and method for financial transactions in a rideshare system is provided. An economic demand is determined for a rideshare transaction. An economic supply is also determined for the rideshare transaction. A rideshare transaction price is set based at least in part upon the economic supply and the economic demand determined for the rideshare transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20100280854
    Abstract: A method and system for matching participants in a rideshare program is provided. A participant rating is identified in a rideshare environment. A rideshare participation score is generated for the identified participant. The identified participant is assigned to a rideshare transaction with at least one other participant in the rideshare program based on the rideshare participation score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20100280752
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring participant security in a rideshare environment is provided. A rideshare participant device is made available to at least one rideshare participant during a rideshare. A security check is triggered while the rideshare is in progress. An action is performed based on the security check during which security information is gathered regarding the rideshare participant device. The security information is analyzed for any inconsistencies. A security response provider is contacted when the inconsistency is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Patent number: 7756633
    Abstract: A method and system for a comprehensive security-enhanced rideshare system is provided. The rideshare program includes localization, mapping and ride matching for participants. Participation incentives and revenue methods provide for the financial viability of the rideshare system. Participant security is monitored in near real-time using location-determining communication devices used by the participants in the system. The rideshare system monitors a number of security-indicating criteria and takes action when an anomalous condition is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20090246744
    Abstract: A method of automatically generating personalized text for teaching a student to learn to read. Based upon inputs of the students reading ability/level, either from a self assessment or teacher input and input of personal data, the system automatically searches selected libraries and chooses appropriate text and modifies the text for vocabulary and topics of character identification of personal interest to the student. An optional function of previewing by one of the student's teacher, parent or advocate is included. The system generates a local repository of generated text associated with a particular student.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicants: Xerox Corporation, Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M. Lofthus, Kristine A. German, Frederique Segond, Tracy Holloway King, Marilyn Whalen, Luke Plurkowski, Margaret Helen Szymanski, Qingfeng Huang
  • Publication number: 20080277183
    Abstract: A method and system for a comprehensive security-enhanced rideshare system is provided. The rideshare program includes localization, mapping and ride matching for participants. Participation incentives and revenue methods provide for the financial viability of the rideshare system. Participant security is monitored in near real-time using location-determining communication devices used by the participants in the system. The rideshare system monitors a number of security-indicating criteria and takes action when an anomalous condition is recognized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Qingfeng Huang, David K. Fork, Luke Plurkowski, Dave Weinerth