Patents by Inventor Melvin A. Rode

Melvin A. Rode 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: 7706967
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Publication number: 20080183376
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6970783
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system and a centralized server system. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link. The vehicle receives a reference signal from a positioning system, computes position data related to the location of the vehicle using the received reference signal, and transmits the position data to the server. The vehicle receives from the server position correction data and determines estimated coordinates of the vehicle, including combining data computed from the received reference signal and the position correction data. Computing the position data and determining the estimated coordinates are performed repeatedly for an interval of time using the same received position correction data, and subsequent to the interval of time, are performed repeatedly without using the received correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6968311
    Abstract: A combination of manual and voice input for a telematics system reduces visual distraction, works reliably, and is low cost. The telematics system uses a menu-based interface to communicate with the driver. This menu-based interface is accessible to the driver using both manual interactions and by voice. A reliable manual input mechanism is available using turn or push buttons in addition to voice recognition, which may not be accurate in all operating conditions. Voice recognition inputs can be limited to small numbers of words or phrases that can be more easily distinguished by a voice recognizer. Furthermore, voice outputs of the system are tailored to that they are readily recognizable to the driver. Manual input is optionally rejected in operating conditions in which such input is dangerous or prohibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Melvin A. Rode, Gregory Delgiudice
  • Patent number: 6968272
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6909398
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6812888
    Abstract: An information system for providing services including traffic and navigation services, as well as other information services to a driver. One versions of the system makes use of existing components of a wireless telephone system, for example, by using the input and output capabilities of a telephone handset. Another version is a portable system that includes multiple switches for initiating access to a remote server in one of a number of operating modes. For instance the system has switches for initiating traffic information, roadside assistance, personal information, or emergency modes. The system includes a positioning system for generating position data related to a geographic location of the system, and a wireless communication device. The system also includes an audio output device, such as a speaker for presenting the received information. The system can also include a storage for a unique identification of the information system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Bob Drury, Ronald P. Knockeart, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher
  • Patent number: 6784832
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Publication number: 20040104842
    Abstract: An information system for providing services including traffic and navigation services, as well as other information services to a driver. One versions of the system makes use of existing components of a wireless telephone system, for example, by using the input and output capabilities of a telephone handset. Another version is a portable system that includes multiple switches for initiating access to a remote server in one of a number of operating modes. For instance the system has switches for initiating traffic information, roadside assistance, personal information, or emergency modes. The system includes a positioning system for generating position data related to a geographic location of the system, and a wireless communication device. The system also includes an audio output device, such as a speaker for presenting the received information. The system can also include a storage for a unique identification of the information system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Bob Drury, Ronald P. Knockeart, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher
  • Publication number: 20040066330
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Publication number: 20040064245
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Publication number: 20040056797
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6707421
    Abstract: An information system for providing services including traffic and navigation services, as well as other information services to a driver. One versions of the system makes use of existing components of a wireless telephone system, for example, by using the input and output capabilities of a telephone handset. Another version is a portable system that includes multiple switches for initiating access to a remote server in one of a number of operating modes. For instance the system has switches for initiating traffic information, roadside assistance, personal information, or emergency modes. The system includes a positioning system for generating position data related to a geographic location of the system, and a wireless communication device. The system also includes an audio output device, such as a speaker for presenting the received information. The system can also include a storage for a unique identification of the information system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Bob Drury, Ronald P. Knockeart, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher
  • Publication number: 20040049337
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation, a Dalaware corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Publication number: 20040049336
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6680694
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6664924
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6639550
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz
  • Patent number: 6633482
    Abstract: A system for installing an interactive driver information system into an existing vehicle is disclosed. An off-the-shelf driver-to-vehicle interface device such as a PDA is received in a corresponding docking station. A custom adapter device mechanically and electrically receives the PDA components and enables a mechanical and electrical connection from the PDA components to the vehicle. The custom adapter device is configured in a variety of embodiments to interfit with a pre-existing cavity in the vehicle such as a cup holder, ashtray cavity, coin holder, or seam in the dashboard. The custom adapter device further provides an electrical connection from the PDA components to the power system of the vehicle and to an electronic on board controller. The PDA docking station may be structurally integrated with a microphone, a speaker, and a control panel of manually operable elements to be manipulated by a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin A. Rode
  • Patent number: 6628233
    Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Knockeart, Bob Drury, Melvin A. Rode, Steven Brown, Harry Asher, Paul A. Jozefowicz