Patents by Inventor Nathan C. Summers

Nathan C. Summers 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: 12665987
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating virtual collaboration between users within virtual environments are disclosed. A plurality of users access a collaborative virtual environment system using interface devices to establish a virtual collaboration session in which users communicate via a bidirectional real-time communication channel and interact within a virtual environment. Annotations or other user interactions within the virtual environment are automatically propagated to each user in the virtual collaboration session in order to facilitate collaboration. Data from such virtual collaboration sessions may be captured for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Nathan C. Summers, Deanna L. Stockweather, An Ho, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Vicki King
  • Patent number: 12646126
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for curating virtual models and populating overlays within a virtual environment are described herein. A server may receive a data request from a user electronic device. The data request may comprise a property of interest located at a particular portion of an overall region. The server may then dynamically acquire a virtual model for rendering the property within a virtual environment at the user electronic device based on the data request. The server may then curate the virtual model in accordance with rules that emphasize features associated with the property that are relevant to assessing risks associated with the property when assessing the property. The server may then identify the curated property modeled by the virtual model, obtain annotation records associated with the features of the property, and populate an annotations overlay rendered in the virtual environment with information included in the annotation records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, An Ho, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Nathan C. Summers, Deanna L. Stockweather, Vicki King
  • Publication number: 20260134679
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for virtual visualization of overall regions are disclosed. Images of an overall region may be obtained by a server and used to generate a virtual model of the overall region. The server may generate a virtual environment that includes the virtual model of the overall region. A user may indicate a specific area of the virtual environment. The server may then dispatch an imaging vehicle to the location of the indicated area to capture additional image data representative of the indicated area. This additional set of image data may be used by the server to generate higher resolution virtual models of the indicated area that are integrated into the virtual environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2026
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Inventors: Bryan R. Nussbaum, Rebecca A. Little, Kevin L. Mitchell, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho
  • Patent number: 12525011
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for virtual visualization of overall regions are disclosed. Images of an overall region may be obtained by a server and used to generate a virtual model of the overall region. The server may generate a virtual environment that includes the virtual model of the overall region. A user may indicate a specific area of the virtual environment. The server may then dispatch an imaging vehicle to the location of the indicated area to capture additional image data representative of the indicated area. This additional set of image data may be used by the server to generate higher resolution virtual models of the indicated area that are integrated into the virtual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Bryan R. Nussbaum, Rebecca A Little, Kevin L. Mitchell, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho
  • Publication number: 20260004363
    Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing property based on predictive analytics techniques that use external data are described herein. A server may identify a reference set of information for a reference property evaluated with a reference risk score in accordance with a risk score rule that meets a predetermined threshold. The server may obtain an external data file from an external data source, wherein the external data file includes an external set of information for a prospective property. The server may compare the reference set of information with the external set of information to identify a common feature, condition, or attribute, and if identified, may evaluate the prospective property by determining a predicted risk score based on the external set of information in accordance with the risk score rule. If the predicted risk score is determined to meet the threshold, the server may indicate the prospective property as pre-approved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2025
    Publication date: January 1, 2026
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Vicki King, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Nathan C. Summers, Deanna L. Stockweather, An Ho
  • Publication number: 20260004360
    Abstract: This application discloses methods, systems, and computer-implemented virtualization software applications and computer-implemented graphical user interface tools for remote virtual visualization of structures. Images are captured by an imaging vehicle of a structure and the captured images are transmitted to a remote server via a communication network. Using virtual 3D digital modeling software the server, using the images received from the imaging vehicle, generates a virtual 3D digital model of the structure and stores it in a database. This virtual 3D digital model can be accessed by remote users, using virtualization software applications, and used to view images of the structure. The user is able to manipulate the images and to view them from various perspectives and compare the before-the-damage images with images taken after damage have occurred. Based on all this the user is enabled to remotely communicate with an insurance agent and/or file an insurance claim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2025
    Publication date: January 1, 2026
    Applicant: Nearmap US, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan R. Nussbaum, An Ho, Nathan C. Summers, Kevin L. Mitchell, Rebecca A. Little
  • Publication number: 20250315898
    Abstract: Methods and systems for developing virtual models and assessing a condition of a feature of a modeled property within a virtual environment are described herein. A server may receive a data request from a user electronic device. The data request may comprise a property of interest located in an overall region. The server may then dynamically acquire a virtual model for rendering the property within a virtual environment at the user electronic device based on the data request. The server may then determine to assess a condition of the feature associated with the property represented in the virtual model in accordance with rules. The condition of the feature is relevant to assessing risks associated with the one or more properties. The server may subsequently obtain an assessment of the condition associated with the feature of the property based on a representation of the condition within the virtual environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2025
    Publication date: October 9, 2025
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Deanna L. Stockweather, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho, Vicki King
  • Patent number: 12423756
    Abstract: This application discloses methods, systems, and computer-implemented virtualization software applications and computer-implemented graphical user interface tools for remote virtual visualization of structures. Images are captured by an imaging vehicle of a structure and the captured images are transmitted to a remote server via a communication network. Using virtual 3D digital modeling software the server, using the images received from the imaging vehicle, generates a virtual 3D digital model of the structure and stores it in a database. This virtual 3D digital model can be accessed by remote users, using virtualization software applications, and used to view images of the structure. The user is able to manipulate the images and to view them from various perspectives and compare the before-the-damage images with images taken after damage have occurred. Based on all this the user is enabled to remotely communicate with an insurance agent and/or file an insurance claim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: NEARMAP US, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan R. Nussbaum, An Ho, Nathan C. Summers, Kevin L. Mitchell, Rebecca A. Little
  • Patent number: 12423754
    Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing property based on predictive analytics techniques that use external data are described herein. A server may identify a reference set of information for a reference property evaluated with a reference risk score in accordance with a risk score rule that meets a predetermined threshold. The server may obtain an external data file from an external data source, wherein the external data file includes an external set of information for a prospective property. The server may compare the reference set of information with the external set of information to identify a common feature, condition, or attribute, and if identified, may evaluate the prospective property by determining a predicted risk score based on the external set of information in accordance with the risk score rule. If the predicted risk score is determined to meet the threshold, the server may indicate the prospective property as pre-approved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Deanna L. Stockweather, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho, Vicki King
  • Patent number: 12346972
    Abstract: Methods and systems for developing virtual models and assessing a condition of a feature of a modeled property within a virtual environment are described herein. A server may receive a data request from a user electronic device. The data request may comprise a property of interest located in an overall region. The server may then dynamically acquire a virtual model for rendering the property within a virtual environment at the user electronic device based on the data request. The server may then determine to assess a condition of the feature associated with the property represented in the virtual model in accordance with rules. The condition of the feature is relevant to assessing risks associated with the one or more properties. The server may subsequently obtain an assessment of the condition associated with the feature of the property based on a representation of the condition within the virtual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Deanna L. Stockweather, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho, Vicki King
  • Publication number: 20250166523
    Abstract: A virtual environment may be provided, the virtual environment including a procedurally generated virtual landscape. The virtual landscape may include various components, such as natural terrain elements, infrastructural elements, and residential/commercial properties, that are automatically generated based upon procedural rules so as to provide uniqueness of any one virtual landscape. A user may enter the virtual environment and, via various virtual tools, identify aspects of the generated virtual landscape that affect risk to one or more of the properties therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Deanna L. Stockweather, Nathan C. Summers, Vicki King, Teresa Ho
  • Publication number: 20250157169
    Abstract: A virtual environment may be generated, the environment including a procedurally generated virtual property. The virtual property may include various features automatically generated based upon a procedural rule set, so as to provide variability between two or more virtual properties. One or more procedurally generated virtual properties may be provided to a user, and various virtual tools may be provided via which the user may identify relevant aspects corresponding to risk associated with the virtual property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Nathan C. Summers, Deanna L. Stockweather, Karen Wylie
  • Publication number: 20250157025
    Abstract: Methods and system for guiding user data capture during a scan of a vehicle using a mobile device are disclosed. A user may scan a vehicle using a camera or other sensors of the mobile device to capture data from which a three-dimensional virtual model may be generated. During the scanning process, models may be generated and evaluated according to quality metrics. Visual cues may be determined and presented to the user during scanning to indicate areas sufficiently scanned or areas requiring additional scanning to meet data quality requirements for model generation. Damage to vehicle components may be identified by analysis of the generated model, and addition data capture or user annotation entry may be directed based upon the identified damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Bryan R. Nussbaum, Rebecca A. Little, Kevin L. Mitchell, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho
  • Patent number: 12299871
    Abstract: Methods and system for guiding user data capture during a scan of a vehicle using a mobile device are disclosed. A user may scan a vehicle using a camera or other sensors of the mobile device to capture data from which a three-dimensional virtual model may be generated. During the scanning process, models may be generated and evaluated according to quality metrics. Visual cues may be determined and presented to the user during scanning to indicate areas sufficiently scanned or areas requiring additional scanning to meet data quality requirements for model generation. Damage to vehicle components may be identified by analysis of the generated model, and addition data capture or user annotation entry may be directed based upon the identified damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Bryan R. Nussbaum, Rebecca A. Little, Kevin L. Mitchell, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho
  • Patent number: 12249251
    Abstract: A virtual environment may be provided, the virtual environment including a procedurally generated virtual landscape. The virtual landscape may include various components, such as natural terrain elements, infrastructural elements, and residential/commercial properties, that are automatically generated based upon procedural rules so as to provide uniqueness of any one virtual landscape. A user may enter the virtual environment and, via various virtual tools, identify aspects of the generated virtual landscape that affect risk to one or more of the properties therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Deanna L. Stockweather, Nathan C. Summers, Vicki King, Teresa Ho
  • Patent number: 12205234
    Abstract: A virtual environment may be generated, the environment including a procedurally generated virtual property. The virtual property may include various features automatically generated based upon a procedural rule set, so as to provide variability between two or more virtual properties. One or more procedurally generated virtual properties may be provided to a user, and various virtual tools may be provided via which the user may identify relevant aspects corresponding to risk associated with the virtual property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Karen Wylie, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Nathan C. Summers, Deanna L. Stockweather
  • Publication number: 20250003758
    Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems for deploying response vehicles based on a virtual environment. A server may obtain a virtual model of an overall region wherein the virtual model was generated based upon a plurality of images captured by a remote imaging vehicle. The server may then provide the virtual model to a user electronic device for rendering in a virtual environment. The server may then determine a target location within the overall region at which the response vehicle should be deployed and generate a route for the response vehicle to follow. The route may be based on damage indicated by the virtual model of the overall region. The server may then provide the route to the user electronic device and/or the response vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Bryan R. Nussbaum, Rebecca A. Little, Kevin L. Mitchell, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho
  • Publication number: 20250005680
    Abstract: A method and system for generating a three-dimensional representation of a vehicle to assess damage to the vehicle. A mobile device may capture multispectral scans of a vehicle from each a plurality of cameras configured to scan the vehicle at a different wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum. A virtual model of the vehicle may be generated from the multispectral scan of the vehicle, such that anomalous conditions or errors in individual wavelength data are omitted from model generation. A representation of the virtual model may be presented to the user via the display of the mobile device. The virtual model of the vehicle may further be analyzed to assess damage to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventor: Nathan C. Summers
  • Publication number: 20240354084
    Abstract: A polygon simplification computer system for performing polygon simplification within a web application pipeline has a memory device including a three-dimensional data model (3D data model), a Node.js environment, and a polygon simplification module for performing one or more polygon simplification operations on the 3D data model. The polygon simplification module has a binding component including a set of bindings that convert JavaScript into C++ source code, and a mesh simplification module comprising a C++ compiled polygon simplification framework. The polygon simplification module receives a request for the 3D data model, converts the request into a set of C++ instructions, transmits the instructions to the mesh simplification module, receives a 3D simplified data model, and transmits the 3D simplified data model to a client computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Little, Nathan C. Summers, Kevin L. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20240346786
    Abstract: Methods and systems for populating overlays within a virtual environment. An example method includes obtaining a virtual reality model of an overall region; accessing a plurality of records associated with respective ones of a plurality of properties modeled in the virtual reality model, wherein each of the plurality of records represents a respective status of a respective insurance claim for the respective property, and wherein all of the insurance claims are related to a same damage-causing event for the overall region; generating a plurality of overlays for respective ones of the plurality of records, wherein each of the plurality of overlays depicts the status of the claim for the respective property; and causing the pluralities of overlays to be rendered in a virtual environment for the virtual reality model at substantially the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Bryan Nussbaum, Rebecca A. Little, Kevin L. Mitchell, Nathan C. Summers, An Ho