Patents by Inventor Mark Schunder

Mark Schunder 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: 11518241
    Abstract: One or more embodiments include systems and methods for regulating control of a vehicle infotainment system. In one embodiment, a vehicle computing system includes a user interface which has one or more output components and one or more input components. Software executing in memory of the vehicle computing system may be programmed with rules to reduce driver distraction such as preventing inputs or outputs during vehicle operation. Inputs may be intercepted from the one or more input components of the user interface. Additionally or alternatively, outputs may be intercepted to the output components of the user interface. The intercepted inputs or intercepted outputs may be evaluated for one or more violations based on the rules. If the one or more violations are detected, the inputs or outputs may be prevented during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, Julius Marchwicki
  • Patent number: 10839583
    Abstract: Information about a device may be emotively conveyed to a user of the device. Input indicative of an operating state of the device may be received. The input may be transformed into data representing a simulated emotional state. Data representing an avatar that expresses the simulated emotional state may be generated and displayed. A query from the user regarding the simulated emotional state expressed by the avatar may be received. The query may be responded to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dimitar Petrov Filev, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Erica Klampfl, Yifan Chen, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Perry Macneille, Mark Schunder, Thomas Giuli, Basavaraj Tonshal
  • Patent number: 10097993
    Abstract: A computer-implemented authentication method includes receiving a request to access one or more features of a vehicle computing system (VCS) from an application running on a wireless device in communication with the VCS. The method further includes preparing a secure access rights request to a remote server including one or more characteristics associated with the application and sending the secure request from the VCS, through the wireless device to the remote server. The method additionally includes receiving a response to the request having been sent from the remote server through the wireless device. The method includes verifying the authenticity of the received response and updating a policy table including information from the received response, the information including at least an expiration trigger and access rights for the application. Also, the method includes validating the application for usage based at least on the information included in the updated policy table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Evert Esselink, Michael Raymond Westra, Mark Schunder, David Chase Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9964416
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and systems for locating health facilities based on a cost of healthcare. Information may be received identifying a source for receiving health service cost information. Further, vehicle user insurance information may be transmitted to obtain health service cost information. The health service cost information may be received from the identified source and presented at a vehicle computer. The identified source may include information by or from a health facilities and/or information from one or more members of the public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Clark Nelson, Gary Steven Strumolo, Mark Schunder
  • Patent number: 9915755
    Abstract: A system for providing weather conditions includes a server in communication with a weather data provision service. The server includes a middleware application operable to process weather data requests. The system also includes a gps module, and at least one component control system, operable to adjust at least one parameter associated with at least one vehicle component. Finally, the illustrative system includes a vehicle computing system, in communication with the GPS module, the at least one component control system, and the server. In response to a request for data from the component control system, the vehicle computing system passes GPS data to the server, including the request for data, and the vehicle computing system responsively receives the requested data from the server. The vehicle computing system relays the received data to the component control system that requested the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Robinson MacNeille, Steven Joseph Szwabowski, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Mark Schunder
  • Publication number: 20180047201
    Abstract: Information about a device may be emotively conveyed to a user of the device. Input indicative of an operating state of the device may be received. The input may be transformed into data representing a simulated emotional state. Data representing an avatar that expresses the simulated emotional state may be generated and displayed. A query from the user regarding the simulated emotional state expressed by the avatar may be received. The query may be responded to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Dimitar Petrov Filev, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Erica Klampfl, Yifan Chen, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Perry Macneille, Mark Schunder, Thomas Giuli, Basavaraj Tonshal
  • Patent number: 9846046
    Abstract: A vehicle based computing system processor is operable to receive the coordinates from a GPS and transmit the coordinates to a remote network. The processor is operable to receive map data pertaining to a route to be traveled by the vehicle, including a recommended starting road. The processor is able to audibly announce the recommended starting road name on which the vehicle is not presently traveling and to determine if the vehicle has reached that road. The processor is operable to output at least initial instructions for the route to be traveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, Joseph J. Berry, Mark Scalf
  • Patent number: 9811935
    Abstract: Information about a device may be emotively conveyed to a user of the device. Input indicative of an operating state of the device may be received. The input may be transformed into data representing a simulated emotional state. Data representing an avatar that expresses the simulated emotional state may be generated and displayed. A query from the user regarding the simulated emotional state expressed by the avatar may be received. The query may be responded to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dimitar Petrov Filev, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Erica Klampfl, Yifan Chon, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Perry Macneille, Mark Schunder, Thomas Giuli, Basavaraj Tonshal
  • Patent number: 9709410
    Abstract: A computer implemented method includes accessing a list containing one or more items for purchase. The method further includes receiving a vehicle location. The method also includes searching for one or more stores within a predefined distance of the vehicle location, which sell at least one item from the list, and the prices those stores offer. Additionally, the method includes recommending a stop at at least one of the one or more stores, and providing directions to a store for which a stop was recommended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Robinson MacNeille, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Yimin Liu, Mark Schunder
  • Publication number: 20170147137
    Abstract: One or more embodiments include systems and methods for regulating control of a vehicle infotainment system. In one embodiment, a vehicle computing system includes a user interface which has one or more output components and one or more input components. Software executing in memory of the vehicle computing system may be programmed with rules to reduce driver distraction such as preventing inputs or outputs during vehicle operation. Inputs may be intercepted from the one or more input components of the user interface. Additionally or alternatively, outputs may be intercepted to the output components of the user interface. The intercepted inputs or intercepted outputs may be evaluated for one or more violations based on the rules. If the one or more violations are detected, the inputs or outputs may be prevented during vehicle operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Mark SCHUNDER, Julius MARCHWICKI
  • Patent number: 9568325
    Abstract: An illustrative method of data gathering includes determining that a vehicle traveling characteristic has changed beyond an expected parameter. The method further includes recording the GPS coordinates of the vehicle and ceasing recording the GPS coordinates of the vehicle when the vehicle traveling characteristic resumes the expected parameter. Finally, the method includes determining and storing a traffic control feature associated with at least one set of the GPS coordinates, if the recorded GPS coordinates of the vehicle correspond to previously recorded GPS coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, David DiMeo, Mark Scalf
  • Patent number: 9558015
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of application control includes receiving a list of applications available on a wireless device in communication with a vehicle computing system (VCS). The method also includes storing a list of applications, including triggers associated with one or more of the applications, in a local memory. The method further includes monitoring, via the VCS, one or more vehicle sensors or other input mechanisms for a state which corresponds to a trigger. This method also includes comparing, via the VCS, the trigger to the triggers associated with one or more of the applications upon detection of a state which corresponds to a trigger. Finally, the method includes recommending at least one application having an associated trigger that is the same as the trigger to which the state corresponds for activation, via the VCS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Schunder
  • Patent number: 9529752
    Abstract: A vehicle-based computing apparatus includes a computer processor in communication with persistent and non-persistent memory. The apparatus also includes a local wireless transceiver in communication with the computer processor and configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless device located at the vehicle. The processor is operable to receive, through the wireless transceiver, a connection request sent from a nomadic wireless device, the connection request including at least a name of an application seeking to communicate with the processor. The processor is further operable to receive at least one secondary communication from the nomadic device, once the connection request has been processed. The secondary communication is at least one of a speak alert command, a display text command, a create phrase command, and a prompt and listen command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nello Joseph Santori, David P. Boll, L. Mark Shaker, Micah J. Kaiser, Mark Schunder, Joseph N. Ross
  • Patent number: 9451030
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of gathering data includes querying, via a vehicle computing system, a plurality of weather sensors included with a vehicle and in communication with a vehicle network. The method also includes determining whether or not appropriate conditions exist for storage of data from the sensor, for each of the sensors. Additionally, the method includes storing the data from the sensor if appropriate conditions exist. Finally, the method includes sending, from the vehicle computing system to a remote network, data from one or more queried sensors and current GPS coordinates of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, Steven Joseph Szwabowski, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Perry Robinson MacNeille
  • Patent number: 9449514
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes connecting to a remote system and requesting data relating to a quality of air level in the vicinity of a known vehicle location. The method further includes receiving data relating to the quality of air level and comparing the data to one or more predetermined threshold levels of tolerance. If the data exceeds at least one threshold level of tolerance an automatic vehicle computing system response is instructed. In this example, the method also includes activating one or more vehicle systems in response to the data exceeding the at least one threshold level of tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, Gary Steven Strumolo, Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad
  • Patent number: 9310216
    Abstract: A computer implemented method includes accessing a list containing one or more items for purchase. The method further includes receiving a vehicle location. The method also includes searching for one or more stores within a predefined distance of the vehicle location, which sell at least one item from the list, and the prices those stores offer. Additionally, the method includes recommending a stop at at least one of the one or more stores, and providing directions to a store for which a stop was recommended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Robinson MacNeille, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Yimin Liu, Mark Schunder
  • Patent number: 9307012
    Abstract: An application activation method includes interfacing a vehicle computing system with a remote device using an interface protocol. The method also includes sending a query from the vehicle computing system to the remote device to determine applications and/or services available on the remote device that are capable of interaction with the vehicle computing system. Once the applications have been determined, the method includes selecting, at the vehicle computing system, an application or service from the determined available applications and/or services for interaction. The method also includes sending an instruction from the vehicle computing system to an agent on the remote device, the instruction including an indication that the selected application or service is to be activated. Finally, the method includes receiving confirmation, at the vehicle computing system, that the application or service has been activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Julius Marchwicki, Joseph N. Ross, Mark Schunder
  • Patent number: 9306983
    Abstract: A vehicle-based computing apparatus includes a computer processor in communication with persistent and non-persistent memory. The apparatus also includes a local wireless transceiver in communication with the computer processor and configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless device located at the vehicle. The processor is operable to receive, through the wireless transceiver, a connection request sent from a nomadic wireless device, the connection request including at least a name of an application seeking to communicate with the processor. The processor is further operable to receive at least one secondary communication from the nomadic device, once the connection request has been processed. The secondary communication is at least one of a speak alert command, a display text command, a create phrase command, and a prompt and listen command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Boll, Nello Joseph Santori, Joseph N. Ross, Mark Shaker, Micah J. Kaiser, Brian Woogeun Joh, Mark Schunder
  • Publication number: 20160065444
    Abstract: A method for monitoring control traffic in a network is provided. A network monitoring probe passively monitors one or more network performance metrics related to control traffic. A plurality of threshold values associated with the one or more network performance metrics is received from a user. An alert notification message is sent to the user via an alert engine, in response to determining that at least one of the plurality of threshold values has been reached by the control traffic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Arbor Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, R. G. Reed, Joseph Welch, Carl Anderson, Joanna Markel
  • Publication number: 20150260537
    Abstract: A computer implemented method includes accessing a list containing one or more items for purchase. The method further includes receiving a vehicle location. The method also includes searching for one or more stores within a predefined distance of the vehicle location, which sell at least one item from the list, and the prices those stores offer. Additionally, the method includes recommending a stop at at least one of the one or more stores, and providing directions to a store for which a stop was recommended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Perry Robinson MacNeille, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Yimin Liu, Mark Schunder