Patents by Inventor Nathan L. Tofte

Nathan L. Tofte 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: 20240053816
    Abstract: The following relates generally to using augmented reality (AR) for inspection of a property. In some examples, underlay layer data may be received (e.g., from a camera of an AR viewer device); and overlay layer data may be received (e.g., from a different camera or other overlay layer device). An AR display may be created by correlating the underlay layer data with the overlay layer data. A property inspection indicia may be identified based upon the correlated overlay layer data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Brian M. Fields, Nathan L. Tofte, Aaron C. Williams, Joseph P. Harr, Vicki King
  • Publication number: 20240051563
    Abstract: The following generally relates to using Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance the in-vehicle experience. In some examples, AR techniques are applied to provide AR indications of vehicle safety indicia to alert vehicle occupants to information that may not otherwise be perceptible. In other example, AR techniques are applied to provide emergency vehicle warnings to improve the likelihood of safe responses thereto. In yet other examples, AR techniques are applied to generated personalized outdoor displays, for example, to ameliorate conditions that may impair safe operation of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Brian M. Fields, Nathan L. Tofte, Aaron C. Williams, Joseph P. Harr, Vicki King
  • Publication number: 20240054733
    Abstract: The following generally relates to using Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance the in-vehicle experience. In some examples, AR techniques are applied to provide AR indications of vehicle safety indicia to alert vehicle occupants to information that may not otherwise be perceptible. In other example, AR techniques are applied to provide emergency vehicle warnings to improve the likelihood of safe responses thereto. In yet other examples, AR techniques are applied to generated personalized outdoor displays, for example, to ameliorate conditions that may impair safe operation of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Brian M. Fields, Nathan L. Tofte, Aaron C. Williams, Joseph P. Harr, Vicki King
  • Publication number: 20240051562
    Abstract: The following generally relates to using Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance the in-vehicle experience. In some examples, AR techniques are applied to provide AR indications of vehicle safety indicia to alert vehicle occupants to information that may not otherwise be perceptible. In other example, AR techniques are applied to provide emergency vehicle warnings to improve the likelihood of safe responses thereto. In yet other examples, AR techniques are applied to generated personalized outdoor displays, for example, to ameliorate conditions that may impair safe operation of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Brian M. Fields, Nathan L. Tofte, Aaron C. Williams, Joseph P. Harr, Vicki King
  • Publication number: 20240054779
    Abstract: The following generally relates to using Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance pedestrian navigation. In some examples, AR techniques are applied to provide AR indications of a location of a group member that includes two or more AR devices. In these examples, AR techniques may be applied to determine a relative position of the group member and/or provide navigational guidance to the group member. In other examples, AR techniques are applied to provide AR-assisted pedestrian guidance. In these examples, AR techniques may be applied to present an AR display that includes information for a point of interest along a route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Brian M. Fields, Nathan L. Tofte, Aaron C. Williams, Joseph P. Harr, Vicky King
  • Publication number: 20240053162
    Abstract: The following generally relates to using Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance pedestrian navigation. In some examples, AR techniques are applied to provide AR indications of a location of a group member that includes two or more AR devices. In these examples, AR techniques may be applied to determine a relative position of the group member and/or provide navigational guidance to the group member. In other examples, AR techniques are applied to provide AR-assisted pedestrian guidance. In these examples, AR techniques may be applied to present an AR display that includes information for a point of interest along a route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Brian M. Fields, Nathan L. Tofte, Aaron C. Williams, Joseph P. Harr, Vicki King
  • Publication number: 20240035478
    Abstract: Example systems and methods for manipulating control of sump pumps in order to extend lifespans of the sump pumps are disclosed. An example method includes activating a sump pump a first time; deactivating the sump pump when a first current water level in a sump basin in which the sump pump is disposed reaches a first low-water mark; and determining, by one or more processors, a time since a last activation of the sump pump wherein the last activation occurred when the sump pump activated the first time. When the time satisfies a threshold, the method activates the sump pump at second time, determines, by one or more processors, a second current water level in the sump basin, and in response to determining that the second current water level in the sump basin is below a second low-water mark corresponding to a bottom of an impeller of the sump pump, deactivates the sump pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Jonathan Christopher Hull, John R. Donovan, Richard Jan Tjaden
  • Publication number: 20240003352
    Abstract: A sump pump system may implement adaptive learning and machine learning techniques to facilitate improved control of sump pumps. A sump pump system may implement the described techniques to generate, train, and/or implement a machine learning model that is capable of predicting or estimating one or more conditions of the sump pump system (e.g., water level in the basin, motor malfunction, stuck impeller, geyser effect, blocked outlet pipe, faulty level sensor/switch, faulty bearing, failure to engage pump at high-water mark, etc.) based on one or more detected input variables (e.g., acceleration or vibration patterns detected in water, on a pump, or on a pipe; capacitance values of water; audio signatures; electrical signatures, such as power or current draw; pump motor rotation speed; water pressure signatures or values, such as those detected at the bottom of a sump basin; etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Jonathan Christopher Hull, John R. Donovan, Richard Jan Tjaden
  • Publication number: 20240003351
    Abstract: A sump pump system detects backflow from an outlet pipe in a sump pump system and implements control of the sump pump in light of the detected backflow (or lack thereof). The sump pump system may detect the backflow (or lack thereof) by detecting and comparing water rise rates in a sump basin before activation or engagement of the sump pump (e.g., immediately before the pump starts pumping) and after the pump has disengaged or deactivated (e.g., immediately after the pump stops pumping). The rises rates may be detected via sensors configured to detect motion or acceleration (e.g., accelerometers, inertial measurement units, or force acceleration sensors) placed in the sump basin such that detect motion of water in the basin corresponding to changing water levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Jonathan Christopher Hull, John R. Donovan, Richard Jan Tjaden
  • Patent number: 11859620
    Abstract: A sump pump system may detect and utilize motion or acceleration of water in sump basins when implementing control of sump pumps. To detect the motion or acceleration, the sump pump system may utilize a sensor that is configured to detect motion or acceleration, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope. The sump pump system may identify a water level in a sump basin based on the detected motion or acceleration, which may be compared to a reading or expected signal from the sump pump system's “typical” sensor (e.g., float switch) that is used to detect one or more water levels. In this manner, the sump pump system may detect a malfunctioning level sensor that is used by the pump to detect high-water and low-water marks at which the sump pump activates and deactivates, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Jonathan Christopher Hull, John Donovan, Richard Jan Tjaden
  • Publication number: 20230386331
    Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time detection and mitigation anomalous behavior of a remote vehicle are provided, e.g., vehicle behavior that is consistent with distracted or unexpectedly disabled driving. On-board and off-board sensors associated with a subject vehicle may monitor the subject vehicle's environment, and behavior characteristics of a remote vehicle operating within the subject vehicle's environment may be determined based upon collected sensor data. The remote vehicle's behavior characteristics may be utilized to detect or determine the presence of anomalous behavior, which may be anomalous for the current contextual conditions of the vehicles' environment. Mitigating actions for detected remote vehicle anomalous behaviors may be suggested and/or automatically implemented at the subject vehicle and/or at proximate vehicles to avoid or reduce the risk of accidents, injury, or death resulting from the anomalous behavior. In some situations, authorities may be notified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: John A. Nepomuceno, Scott T. Christensen, Duane Christiansen, Steven C. Cielocha, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Michael Bernico, Nathan L. Tofte, Steve Roberson, Brian Fields
  • Patent number: 11816736
    Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may facilitate insurance-related tasks. UAVs may actively be dispatched to an area surrounding a property, and collect data related to property. A location for an inspection of a property to be conducted by a UAV may be received, and one or more images depicting a view of the location may be displayed via a user interface. Additionally, a geofence boundary may be determined based on an area corresponding to a property boundary, where the geofence boundary represents a geospatial boundary in which to limit flight of the UAV. Furthermore, a navigation route may be determined which corresponds to the geofence boundary for inspection of the property by the UAV, the navigation route having waypoints, each waypoint indicating a location for the UAV to obtain drone data. The UAV may be directed around the property using the determined navigation route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Rosemarie Geier Grant, Michael Shawn Jacob, Timothy W. Ryan, Nathan W. Baumann, Joshua David Lillie, Brian N. Harvey, Roxane Lyons
  • Patent number: 11808856
    Abstract: In a method and system for scanning a structure, a structure scanner may acquire multiple scans of a surface of a structure. Each of the scans may correspond to different portions of the surface. The property inspection system may generate a 3D model of the surface using the scans. To account for potential changes in position and/or orientation of the structure scanner between scans, the structure scanner may self-calibrate using a fiducial marker. By correcting for changes in position and orientation over time, the structure scanner may accurately map the scans of the different portions of the surface to a 3D model of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Patrick H. Boyer, James M. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20230350067
    Abstract: In a method and system for scanning a structure, a structure scanner may acquire multiple scans of a surface of a structure. Each of the scans may correspond to different portions of the surface. The property inspection system may generate a 3D model of the surface using the scans. To account for potential changes in position and/or orientation of the structure scanner between scans, the structure scanner may self-calibrate using a fiducial marker. By correcting for changes in position and orientation over time, the structure scanner may accurately map the scans of the different portions of the surface to a 3D model of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Patrick H. Boyer, James M. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20230334583
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to generate insurance claim estimates that an insured individual may quickly review, approve, or modify. When an insurance-related event occurs, such as a vehicle collision, crash, or disaster, one or more UAVs are dispatched to the scene of the event to collect various data, including data related to vehicle or real property (insured asset) damage. With the insured's permission or consent, the data collected by the UAVs may then be analyzed to generate an estimated insurance claim for the insured. The estimated insurance claim may be sent to the insured individual, such as to their mobile device via wireless communication or data transmission, for subsequent review and approval. As a result, insurance claim handling and/or the online customer experience may be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Timothy W. Ryan, Nathan W. Baumann, Michael Shawn Jacob, Joshua David Lillie, Brian N. Harvey, Roxane Lyons, Rosemarie Geier Grant
  • Patent number: 11788535
    Abstract: Example systems and methods for manipulating control of sump pumps in order to extend lifespans of the sump pumps are disclosed. An example method includes activating a sump pump a first time; deactivating the sump pump when a first current water level in a sump basin in which the sump pump is disposed reaches a first low-water mark; and determining, by one or more processors, a time since a last activation of the sump pump wherein the last activation occurred when the sump pump activated the first time. When the time satisfies a threshold, the method activates the sump pump at second time, determines, by one or more processors, a second current water level in the sump basin, and in response to determining that the second current water level in the sump basin is below a second low-water mark corresponding to a bottom of an impeller of the sump pump, deactivates the sump pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Jonathan Christopher Hull, John Donovan, Richard Jan Tjaden
  • Publication number: 20230325935
    Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may facilitate insurance-related tasks. UAVs may actively be dispatched to an area surrounding a property, and collect data related to property. A location for an inspection of a property to be conducted by a UAV may be received, and one or more images depicting a view of the location may be displayed via a user interface. Additionally, a geofence boundary may be determined based on an area corresponding to a property boundary, where the geofence boundary represents a geospatial boundary in which to limit flight of the UAV. Furthermore, a navigation route may be determined which corresponds to the geofence boundary for inspection of the property by the UAV, the navigation route having waypoints, each waypoint indicating a location for the UAV to obtain drone data. The UAV may be directed around the property using the determined navigation route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Timothy W. Ryan, Nathan W. Baumann, Joshua David Lillie, Brian N. Harvey, Roxane Lyons, Rosemarie Geier Grant, Michael Shawn Jacob
  • Patent number: 11773856
    Abstract: A sump pump system detects backflow from an outlet pipe in a sump pump system and implements control of the sump pump in light of the detected backflow (or lack thereof). The sump pump system may detect the backflow (or lack thereof) by detecting and comparing water rise rates in a sump basin before activation or engagement of the sump pump (e.g., immediately before the pump starts pumping) and after the pump has disengaged or deactivated (e.g., immediately after the pump stops pumping). The rises rates may be detected via sensors configured to detect motion or acceleration (e.g., accelerometers, inertial measurement units, or force acceleration sensors) placed in the sump basin such that detect motion of water in the basin corresponding to changing water levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Jonathan Christopher Hull, John Donovan, Richard Jan Tjaden
  • Patent number: 11761447
    Abstract: A sump pump system may implement adaptive learning and machine learning techniques to facilitate improved control of sump pumps. A sump pump system may implement the described techniques to generate, train, and/or implement a machine learning model that is capable of predicting or estimating one or more conditions of the sump pump system (e.g., water level in the basin, motor malfunction, stuck impeller, geyser effect, blocked outlet pipe, faulty level sensor/switch, faulty bearing, failure to engage pump at high-water mark, etc.) based on one or more detected input variables (e.g., acceleration or vibration patterns detected in water, on a pump, or on a pipe; capacitance values of water; audio signatures; electrical signatures, such as power or current draw; pump motor rotation speed; water pressure signatures or values, such as those detected at the bottom of a sump basin; etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Jonathan Christopher Hull, John Donovan, Richard Jan Tjaden
  • Patent number: 11763669
    Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time detection and mitigation anomalous behavior of a remote vehicle are provided, e.g., vehicle behavior that is consistent with distracted or unexpectedly disabled driving. On-board and off-board sensors associated with a subject vehicle may monitor the subject vehicle's environment, and behavior characteristics of a remote vehicle operating within the subject vehicle's environment may be determined based upon collected sensor data. The remote vehicle's behavior characteristics may be utilized to detect or determine the presence of anomalous behavior, which may be anomalous for the current contextual conditions of the vehicles' environment. Mitigating actions for detected remote vehicle anomalous behaviors may be suggested and/or automatically implemented at the subject vehicle and/or at proximate vehicles to avoid or reduce the risk of accidents, injury, or death resulting from the anomalous behavior. In some situations, authorities may be notified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Fields, John A. Nepomuceno, Scott Thomas Christensen, Duane Christiansen, Steven C. Cielocha, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Michael Bernico, Nathan L. Tofte, Steve Roberson