Patents by Inventor Mark E. Clauss

Mark E. Clauss 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).

  • Publication number: 20210350472
    Abstract: A system and method may collect telematics and/or other data, and apply the data to insurance-based applications. From the data, an insurance provider may determine accurate vehicle usage information, including information regarding who is using a vehicle and under what conditions. An insurance provider may likewise determine risk levels or a risk profile for an insured driver (or other drivers), which may be used to adjust automobile or other insurance policies. The insurance provider may also use the data collected to adjust behavior based insurance using incentives, recommendations, or other means. For customers that opt-in to the data collection program offered, the present embodiments present the opportunity to demonstrate a low or moderate risk lifestyle and the chance for insurance-related savings based upon that low or moderate risk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Potter, Atlanta Bonnom, Jennifer L. Lawyer, Dustin Carter, Nathan W. Baumann, Craig B. Cope, Megan Baumann, Douglas A. Graff, Curtis L. Simpson, Mark E. Clauss
  • Publication number: 20210225155
    Abstract: A method of vehicle accident response includes generating, by a mobile device located inside a vehicle, telematics data associated with operation of the vehicle, and transmitting, from the mobile device to one or more processors via wireless communication, the telematics data. The method also includes analyzing the telematics data to determine that an accident involving the vehicle has occurred, analyzing the telematics data to determine a likelihood of injury due to the accident, and generating a communication (i) based upon the telematics data and the likelihood of injury and (ii) in response to determining that the accident has occurred. The method further includes transmitting, to the mobile device, the communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann, Douglas Albert Graff
  • Patent number: 11069221
    Abstract: A method of responding to a vehicle accident includes receiving data indicating that vehicle is involved in an accident. The method further includes transmitting a communication to a mobile device of a user in response to receiving the data. Still further, the method includes displaying the communication via a mobile device application on the mobile device, the communication prompting the user to provide responses to one or more questions regarding the accident. The method further includes determining a likely severity of the accident based on the received data, receiving an indication of a response to the one or more questions from the user, and, based on the determination of the likely severity of the accident and the received indication of the response, prompting the user with an emergency assistance recommendation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann, Douglas Albert Graff
  • Patent number: 11068995
    Abstract: In systems and methods for accident scene reconstruction, accident data associated with a vehicle accident involving a driver may be collected. The accident data may include vehicle telematics and/or other data, and/or the driver may be associated with an insurance policy. The accident data may be analyzed and, based upon the analysis of the accident data, a sequence of events occurring before, during, and/or after the vehicle accident may be determined. Based upon the determined sequence of events, a virtual reconstruction of the vehicle accident and/or a scene of the vehicle accident may be generated. The virtual reconstruction may include images of vehicles and/or road, weather, traffic, or construction conditions at the time of the accident. Based upon the virtual reconstruction, fault of the driver, or lack thereof, for the accident may be determined. The determined fault may be used to handle an insurance claim associated with the vehicle accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Patent number: 11049183
    Abstract: The devices, methods, systems and computer-readable mediums of the present disclosure provide automatic data collection for insurance rating purposes. In particular, a wireless transceiver device may be attached to a personal item of an insured individual. The wireless transceiver device may automatically trigger a mobile computing device to begin storing data related to use of the personal item when the mobile telephone is proximate the wireless transceiver device. The mobile telephone may periodically transmit the stored data to a remote server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark E. Clauss, Richard J. Lovings, David W. Thurber
  • Patent number: 11030696
    Abstract: A system and method may collect telematics and/or other data, and apply the data to insurance-based applications. From the data, an insurance provider may determine accurate vehicle usage information, including information regarding who is using a vehicle and under what conditions. An insurance provider may likewise determine risk levels or a risk profile for an insured driver (or other drivers), which may be used to adjust automobile or other insurance policies. The insurance provider may also use the data collected to adjust behavior based insurance using incentives, recommendations, or other means. For customers that opt-in to the data collection program offered, the present embodiments present the opportunity to demonstrate a low or moderate risk lifestyle and the chance for insurance-related savings based upon that low or moderate risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Patent number: 10997849
    Abstract: A method of vehicle accident response includes generating telematics data associated with operation of a vehicle via a mobile device inside the vehicle. The method further includes transmitting the telematics data to one or more remote servers from the mobile device and analyzing the telematics data to determine that an accident involving the vehicle has occurred. Still further, the method includes transmitting a communication to the mobile device in response to determining that the accident has occurred. The method further includes displaying, by a mobile device application of the mobile device, the communication, the communication including a list of next steps that the driver should take after the accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann, Douglas Albert Graff
  • Patent number: 10974693
    Abstract: In system and methods for theft prevention or mitigation, driver-related data associated with one or more authorized drivers of an insured vehicle may be collected over time. The authorized drivers and the insured vehicle may be covered by an insurance policy issued by an insurance provider. Based upon the collected driver-related data, a database associated with the authorized drivers may be built. Current driver-related data associated with an individual currently driving, attempting to start, or sitting in a seat of the insured vehicle may be collected. It may be determined, using both the database and the current driver-related data, that the individual is not among the authorized drivers. A disablement of an operation of the insured vehicle may be caused, and/or the individual may be caused to be prevented from starting or otherwise operating the insured vehicle, to facilitate preventing or mitigating theft of the insured vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20210043061
    Abstract: In system and methods for loss mitigation, accident data associated with a vehicle accident involving a driver may be collected. The accident data may be analyzed, and a likely severity of the vehicle accident may be determined based upon the analysis of the accident data. A communication related to emergency assistance or an emergency assistance recommendation may be generated based upon the determined likely severity of the vehicle accident, and transmitted, via wireless communication, from one or more remote servers to a mobile device associated with the driver. A wireless communication from the driver indicating approval or modification of the emergency assistance or emergency assistance recommendation may be received. A third party may be notified, via a communication sent from the remote server(s), of requested emergency assistance as approved or modified by the driver. An estimated insurance claim may also be generated based upon vehicle accident likely severity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20210042844
    Abstract: A system and method may collect telematics and/or other data, and apply the data to insurance-based applications. From the data, an insurance provider may determine accurate vehicle usage information, including information regarding who is using a vehicle and under what conditions. An insurance provider may likewise determine risk levels or a risk profile for an insured driver (or other drivers), which may be used to adjust automobile or other insurance policies. The insurance provider may also use the data collected to adjust behavior based insurance using incentives, recommendations, or other means. For customers that opt-in to the data collection program offered, the present embodiments present the opportunity to demonstrate a low or moderate risk lifestyle and the chance for insurance-related savings based upon that low or moderate risk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20210042805
    Abstract: A trusted data bank organizes and manages access to streams of personal data owned by users with their permission. The data bank accepts incoming streams of personal data from users (such as financial, utility account, medical, insurance, activity, hobby, life style, consumer preferences, commercial transactions, telematics or smart home data, etc.), and applies user-defined privacy directives. The data bank receives personal data stream criteria and offers for goods, services, discounts, or incentives from personal data consumers (end users). The data bank may compare available streams of personal data and associated privacy directives for potential matches with criteria specified by consumers of personal data, and display offers to qualifying owners of personal data streams. If the owner accepts the offer, the data bank facilitates supplying the personal data stream to the consumer of personal data, and retains the ability to discontinue access to the stream at the owner's request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Mark E. Clauss, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10832270
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing vehicle operation data associated with a temporary or periodic usage of a vehicle by a driver. In aspects, the driver may associate with an electronic device within the vehicle that may record or collect the vehicle operation data. After the vehicle operation has concluded, the vehicle operation data may be analyzed to assess a performance of the driver during operation of the vehicle, whereby the performance may be influenced by positive or negative driving events. Based on the performance of the driver, a profile or account of the user may be processed accordingly such that the user may be incentivized to modify certain driving behaviors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kerry Cote, Nicholas R. Baker, Mark E. Clauss, Todd Binion, Andrea Lee Rhoades, Steven J. Balbach, Brian Mark Fields, Kyle Pott
  • Patent number: 10832299
    Abstract: A trusted data bank organizes and manages access to streams of personal data owned by users with their permission. The data bank accepts incoming streams of personal data from users (such as financial, utility account, medical, insurance, activity, hobby, life style, consumer preferences, commercial transactions, telematics or smart home data, etc.), and applies user-defined privacy directives. The data bank receives personal data stream criteria and offers for goods, services, discounts, or incentives from personal data consumers (end users). The data bank may compare available streams of personal data and associated privacy directives for potential matches with criteria specified by consumers of personal data, and display offers to qualifying owners of personal data streams. If the owner accepts the offer, the data bank facilitates supplying the personal data stream to the consumer of personal data, and retains the ability to discontinue access to the stream at the owner's request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark E. Clauss, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10832327
    Abstract: A system and method may collect telematics and/or other data, and apply the data to insurance-based applications. From the data, an insurance provider may determine accurate vehicle usage information, including information regarding who is using a vehicle and under what conditions. An insurance provider may likewise determine risk levels or a risk profile for an insured driver (or other drivers), which may be used to adjust automobile or other insurance policies. The insurance provider may also use the data collected to adjust behavior based insurance using incentives, recommendations, or other means. For customers that opt-in to the data collection program offered, the present embodiments present the opportunity to demonstrate a low or moderate risk lifestyle and the chance for insurance-related savings based upon that low or moderate risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Patent number: 10825326
    Abstract: In system and methods for loss mitigation, accident data associated with a vehicle accident involving a driver may be collected. The accident data may be analyzed, and a likely severity of the vehicle accident may be determined based upon the analysis of the accident data. A communication related to emergency assistance or an emergency assistance recommendation may be generated based upon the determined likely severity of the vehicle accident, and transmitted, via wireless communication, from one or more remote servers to a mobile device associated with the driver. A wireless communication from the driver indicating approval or modification of the emergency assistance or emergency assistance recommendation may be received. A third party may be notified, via a communication sent from the remote server(s), of requested emergency assistance as approved or modified by the driver. An estimated insurance claim may also be generated based upon vehicle accident likely severity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Patent number: 10723312
    Abstract: In system and methods for theft prevention or mitigation, driver-related data associated with one or more authorized drivers of an insured vehicle may be collected over time. The authorized drivers and the insured vehicle may be covered by an insurance policy issued by an insurance provider. Based upon the collected driver-related data, a database associated with the authorized drivers may be built. Current driver-related data associated with an individual currently driving, attempting to start, or sitting in a seat of the insured vehicle may be collected. It may be determined, using both the database and the current driver-related data, that the individual is not among the authorized drivers. A disablement of an operation of the insured vehicle may be caused, and/or the individual may be caused to be prevented from starting or otherwise operating the insured vehicle, to facilitate preventing or mitigating theft of the insured vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Patent number: 10540723
    Abstract: A system and method may collect telematics and/or other data, and apply the data to insurance-based applications. From the data, an insurance provider may determine accurate vehicle usage information, including information regarding who is using a vehicle and under what conditions. An insurance provider may likewise determine risk levels or a risk profile for an insured driver (or other drivers), which may be used to adjust automobile or other insurance policies. The insurance provider may also use the data collected to adjust behavior based insurance using incentives, recommendations, or other means. For customers that opt-in to the data collection program offered, the present embodiments present the opportunity to demonstrate a low or moderate risk lifestyle and the chance for insurance-related savings based upon that low or moderate risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Patent number: 10534968
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory media are described for verifying a vehicle's odometer mileage that is associated with an insurance policy. The described techniques include sending a notification to a mobile computing device requesting an update of the odometer mileage. The notification may be generated in response to the current date being within a threshold number of days prior to the insurance policy's expiration date. In response to the notification, a user may capture an image of the odometer with the mobile computing device, which may also include data indicative of the status of the mobile computing device. One or more optical character recognition (OCR) processes may be applied to the captured image to determine various odometer mileages. Aspects include verifying the odometer mileage when different OCR processes produce the same odometer mileage result and using the status of the mobile computing device to flag potentially fraudulent images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark E. Clauss, David W. Thurber, Matthew Eric Riley, Sr., Richard J. Lovings, Steven J. Balbach, Nicholas R. Baker, J. Lynn Wilson
  • Patent number: 10475127
    Abstract: A system and method may collect telematics and/or other data, and apply the data to insurance-based applications. From the data, an insurance provider may determine accurate vehicle usage information, including information regarding who is using a vehicle and under what conditions. An insurance provider may likewise determine risk levels or a risk profile for an insured driver (or other drivers), which may be used to adjust automobile or other insurance policies. The insurance provider may also use the data collected to adjust behavior based insurance using incentives, recommendations, or other means. For customers that opt-in to the data collection program offered, the present embodiments present the opportunity to demonstrate a low or moderate risk lifestyle and the chance for insurance-related savings based upon that low or moderate risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Patent number: 10387962
    Abstract: In systems and methods for accident scene reconstruction, accident data associated with a vehicle accident involving a driver may be collected. The accident data may include vehicle telematics and/or other data, and/or the driver may be associated with an insurance policy. The accident data may be analyzed and, based upon the analysis of the accident data, a sequence of events occurring before, during, and/or after the vehicle accident may be determined. Based upon the determined sequence of events, a virtual reconstruction of the vehicle accident and/or a scene of the vehicle accident may be generated. The virtual reconstruction may include images of vehicles and/or road, weather, traffic, or construction conditions at the time of the accident. Based upon the virtual reconstruction, fault of the driver, or lack thereof, for the accident may be determined. The determined fault may be used to handle an insurance claim associated with the vehicle accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann