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: 20120146810
    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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN A. OLSEN, III, MARK J. DAVIDSON
  • Publication number: 20110196644
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geofenced 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 defined. Speed parameters can be assigned to the geofenced area. After receiving speed data, it can be determined whether the speed parameters have been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Publication number: 20100100507
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geographic area to provide more accurate cost and fee estimates associated with a delivery vehicle visit (e.g., a package pickup/delivery) to a location within the geographic area. For example, a geographic area may be defined and information collected that is associated with the geographic area. After defining the geographic area and collecting relevant information, an estimated cost associated with a delivery vehicle visit to a location within the geographic area can be determined, based, for example, at least in part on the information gathered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Publication number: 20100100315
    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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Publication number: 20100094688
    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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: John A. Olsen, III, Mark J. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20100094769
    Abstract: A routing and scheduling computer system that is adapted to define a plurality of geofenced areas and to monitor vehicle activity within each of those areas (e.g., via telematics sensors mounted on vehicles traveling within the areas). The system may be adapted to use information regarding the monitored vehicle activity to estimate: (1) a first amount of time associated with the delivery of a plurality of parcels to one or more respective locations within a first one of the geofenced areas; and (2) a second amount of time associated with the delivery of a plurality of parcels to one or more respective locations within a second one of the geofenced areas. The system may then route a particular vehicle to make one or more pickups or deliveries within the first or second geographic areas based at least in part on the first and second estimates of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Publication number: 20100088163
    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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III