Patents by Inventor Mark J. Davidson

Mark J. Davidson 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: 20130281133
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for identifying overlapping areas. For example, in one embodiment, telematics data can be collected as vehicles traverse various geographic areas. Then, the areas traversed by the vehicles can be displayed to identify overlapping areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: MARK J. DAVIDSON
  • Publication number: 20130218446
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for determining carbon emissions of one or more vehicles. For instance, in one example embodiment, an apparatus may calculate miles traveled by the vehicles along a predefined route and may calculate a fuel usage of the vehicles for traveling along the route to obtain one or more fuel values. The apparatus may also analyze data indicating the miles traveled and the fuel values to determine fuel efficiency values corresponding to the vehicles traveling the route. The apparatus may also determine an estimate of an amount of carbon emissions for each of the vehicles based in part on applying at least one carbon emission value to respective fuel values associated with corresponding determined fuel efficiency values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Bradley, John A. Olsen, III, Mark J. Davidson
  • Patent number: 8423287
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geographic area, wherein the parameters may be used to associate a speed limit with the geographic area. For example, in one embodiment, a geofenced area that comprises one or more street segments is identified. Additionally, speed data associated with one of more of the street segments is received. After receiving the speed data, a speed limit is determined for one or more of the street segments and associated with one or more of the street segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Patent number: 8416067
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Patent number: 8407152
    Abstract: A computer system that is configured to: (A) define a geofence surrounding a geographic area; (B) gather information associated with the geofenced area; and (C) assign one or more parameters to the geofenced area based on the information gathered, wherein at least one of the assigned parameters is used to monitor the performance of a delivery vehicle driver while the delivery vehicle driver is operating a delivery vehicle within the geofenced area. In particular embodiments, the parameters include a backup limit defining a number of times a delivery vehicle operating within the geofenced area is permitted to back up while operating the delivery vehicle within the geofenced area (e.g., during a particular delivery cycle). In other embodiments, the parameters include a maximum speed limit for the geofenced area. The system may be adapted to automatically generate an alert in response to the delivery vehicle operating outside of the defined parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: John A. Olsen, III, Mark J. Davidson
  • Patent number: 8380640
    Abstract: A computer system that is configured to: (A) define a geofence surrounding a geographic area; (B) gather information associated with the geofenced area; and (C) assign one or more parameters to the geofenced area based on the information gathered, wherein at least one of the assigned parameters is used to monitor the performance of a delivery vehicle driver while the delivery vehicle driver is operating a delivery vehicle within the geofenced area. In particular embodiments, the parameters include a backup limit defining a number of times a delivery vehicle operating within the geofenced area is permitted to back up while operating the delivery vehicle within the geofenced area (e.g., during a particular delivery cycle). In other embodiments, the parameters include a maximum speed limit for the geofenced area. The system may be adapted to automatically generate an alert in response to the delivery vehicle operating outside of the defined parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: John A. Olsen, III, Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130030873
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an asset management computer system for assessing operational data indicative of the movement of one or more mobile assets within a work environment. The mobile assets may be, for example, employees, packages, or vehicles moving through a work environment. According to various embodiments, the asset management computer system may be configured for analyzing the operational data and segmenting it into a plurality of position segments representing periods of time classified according to the mobile asset's position in relation to one or virtual work areas. In addition, the asset management computer system may be further configured to determine operational characteristics for each of the position segments, generate a graphical representation of the position segments, and provide operational statistics based on the position segments, which can be used to assess asset behavior and the efficiency of a work environment's design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130031029
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for estimating taxes. In one embodiment, the location of a vehicle can be monitored by a variety of computing entities. By using the vehicle's location, it can be determined when the vehicle enters and/or exits defined geofences. After a determination that the vehicle has entered or exited a defined geofenced area, telematics data can be collected and used to estimate taxes, such as road use taxes and fuel use taxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: MARK J. DAVIDSON
  • Publication number: 20120307064
    Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatus, systems, computing devices, computing entities, and/or the like for detecting possible traffic violations of vehicles. For example, in one embodiment, this may include receiving an indication that a school bus has entered or is entering a stopped position. After receiving an indication that the school bus has entered or is entering the stopped position, an area proximate the school bus can be monitored to detect possible traffic violations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Schenken, Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120253587
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system configured for assessing vehicle backing According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured to assess operational data associated with one or more vehicles and identify vehicle backing events occurring during a particular time period. In various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is also configured to determine one or more backing characteristics for the identified backing events and generate a graphical display providing backing information indicative of the backing characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120253550
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geographic area, wherein the parameters may be used to associate a speed limit with the geographic area. For example, in one embodiment, a geofenced area that comprises one or more street segments is identified. Additionally, speed data associated with one of more of the street segments is received. After receiving the speed data, a speed limit is determined for one or more of the street segments and associated with one or more of the street segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Publication number: 20120253867
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system configured for assessing operational delays. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system may be configured for assessing service data in order to identify delay code segments representing an occurrence indicated by a vehicle operator as delaying a delivery-related activity. In certain embodiments, the fleet management computer system may be configured for generating a graphical representation of such delay code segments. In addition, various embodiments of the fleet management computer system may be configured for comparing planning data and operational data to identify off-course portions of a travel path of a vehicle that do not follow a predefined planned route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120253548
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an efficiency management system configured for evaluating various operational efficiencies based on operational data. In certain embodiments, the efficiency management system is adapted for use as a vehicle fleet management system and configured for receiving operational data from a fleet of vehicles and vehicle operators, and for segmenting the received operational data into a plurality of activity segments. Various embodiments of the vehicle fleet management system may also be further configured for generating a graphical representation of the identified activity segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120253892
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system for assessing delivery performance. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system may be configured for assessing operational data to identify the occurrence of one or more delivery stops, identify one or more stop attributes for each of the identified delivery stops, and generate a graphical display indicating the identified delivery stops and stop attributes. In addition, the fleet management computer system may be configured to assess the operational data to determine dispatch statistics including cumulative or average delivery performance statistics grouped according to various working shifts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120253889
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an asset management computer system configured for assessing the efficiency of one or more assets, such as human employees. According to various embodiments, the asset management computer system may be configured for analyzing operational data indicative of one or more asset dynamics and segmenting the operational data into a plurality of activity segments representing periods of time classified according to asset activity. In addition, the asset management computer system may be further configured to determine one or more operational characteristics for each of said activity segments and generate a graphical representation of the activity segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Publication number: 20120253861
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a mapping management computer system. According to various embodiments, the mapping management computer system may be configured for updating geographical maps by assessing map data and operational data including vehicle telematics data to identify portions of a vehicle path that do not correspond to known travel paths. In various embodiments, the system is configured to define these identified portions as new known travel paths corresponding to a public road, private road, parking lot lane, or the like, and update the map data to reflect the new known travel paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Publication number: 20120253888
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system for assessing vehicle efficiency. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured for receiving and assessing vehicle telematics data in order to determine an idle percentage of engine run time value representing the percentage of the vehicle's engine run time during which the vehicle's engine was idling during the one or more time periods. In addition, the fleet management computer system may be configured for assessing vehicle telematics data in order to identify segment of engine idle time and generate a graphical display indicating various attributes of the identified idle time segments. The idle time percentage and idle time segments generated by the system can be used to assess the efficiency of vehicles and/or vehicle operators in an associated fleet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120253632
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system configured for forecasting travel delays within a geographic area. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured to assess operational data, including vehicle telematics data. In various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is further configured to determine, based on the operational data, a value indicative of the average amount of travel delay time per unit of distance within the geographic area, such as the average amount of idle time second per mile of travel with the geographic area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120253862
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system configured for providing a fleet management user interface. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured for assessing operational data to determine a vehicle travel path and one or more operational characteristics indicated by the operational data. In addition, according to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured for generating a graphical user interface that includes an evaluation results display showing the operational characteristics and a geographical map showing the vehicle travel path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Patent number: 8219312
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geographic area, wherein the parameters may be used to associate a speed limit with the geographic area. For example, in one embodiment, a geofenced area that (a) corresponds to a geographic area and (b) comprises one or more street segments is identified. Additionally, speed data associated with one of more of the street segments is received. After receiving the speed data, a speed limit is (a) determined for one or more of the street segments and (b) associated with the geofenced area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III