Patents by Inventor Robert A. Hrabak

Robert A. Hrabak 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: 10264399
    Abstract: A system and method of wireless communication between a location-based wireless communications device and a vehicle, the method including the steps of: detecting when the vehicle is within an operating range of the location-based wireless communications device; establishing a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) connection between the location-based wireless communications device and the vehicle, wherein the SRWC connection is carried out over at least a first frequency band that enables a multi-Gbps data transfer rate; and transferring data between the location-based wireless communications device and the vehicle over the SRWC connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Hrabak, John Sergakis, Nadav Lavi, Thomas M. Forest
  • Publication number: 20190075423
    Abstract: A system and method of wireless communication between a location-based wireless communications device and a vehicle, the method including the steps of: detecting when the vehicle is within an operating range of the location-based wireless communications device; establishing a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) connection between the location-based wireless communications device and the vehicle, wherein the SRWC connection is carried out over at least a first frequency band that enables a multi-Gbps data transfer rate; and transferring data between the location-based wireless communications device and the vehicle over the SRWC connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Robert A. Hrabak, John Sergakis, Nadav Lavi, Thomas M. Forest
  • Publication number: 20180368030
    Abstract: A system and method of managing short-range wireless communication connections at a vehicle, the method including: receiving a wireless signal from a personal mobile device at the vehicle, wherein the wireless signal is received using a first short-range wireless communication (SRWC) technology; determining whether to perform a connection handover based on the received wireless signal; when it is determined that the connection handover is to be performed, then carrying out the connection handover that includes establishing an alternative carrier connection between a wireless communications device and the personal mobile device using a second SRWC technology, wherein the wireless communications device is installed in the vehicle; and when it is determined that the connection handover is not to be performed, then setting the wireless communications device to operate in a discovery mode, wherein the discovery mode includes sending an inquiry message indicating availability of a connection to the wireless communi
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Robert A. Hrabak, John Sergakis, Nikhil N. Neti
  • Patent number: 10159044
    Abstract: A first Bluetooth-enabled device includes an interface controller that determines proximity between a first Bluetooth module and a second Bluetooth module of a second Bluetooth-enabled device, and controls transitions, based on the proximity between the first Bluetooth module and the second Bluetooth module, between a first set of operating states of a classical Bluetooth interface of the first Bluetooth module that include an enabled state and a disabled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Hrabak
  • Publication number: 20180278738
    Abstract: A multi-modal projection system, such as a smartphone, a wearable, or a generic universal-serial-bus-class (generic USB-class), for use in projecting device output via a host apparatus, such as a transportation vehicle. The system includes a hardware-based processing unit (processor), and a base data-processing resource needed by each of a plurality of interface components to generate the output to be projected via the host apparatus. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage component having the interface components that, when executed by the processing unit, generate the output to be projected via the host apparatus. The storage component further includes a plurality of virtual data-processing components being virtual representations of the base data-processing resource. The storage component further includes a mapping module that, when executed, controls access for the interface components to the base data-processing component by way of the virtual data-processing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Dan Shan, Fan Bai, Robert A. Hrabak, Nikhil N. Neti
  • Publication number: 20180247067
    Abstract: A gateway apparatus for managing local-device access to vehicle data, including an input/output component for receiving requests for vehicle data from a local device and sending vehicle data to the local device. The apparatus also includes a tangible processing unit in communication with the input/output component and the input/output component, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device. An access unit of the apparatus has access-unit code that receives, by way of the input/output component, a request for the vehicle data from a local device and determines whether the gateway apparatus may satisfy the request. A control unit has control-unit code that, when executed by the processing unit, determines what vehicle data will be provided. A data unit has data-unit code that prepares the vehicle data to be provided to the local device, and sends the vehicle data to the local device by way of the input/output component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Robert A. Hrabak, Fan Bai, Jinzhu Chen, Donald K. Grimm
  • Publication number: 20180152880
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling use of vehicular Wi-Fi hotspots by a handheld wireless device includes: detecting that the handheld wireless device is communicating via a Wi-Fi hotspot; determining at the handheld wireless device that that the Wi-Fi hotspot is provided by a vehicle; and enabling one or more default prohibitions against transmitting low-priority data from the handheld wireless device via a cellular wireless carrier system while the handheld wireless device communicates with the Wi-Fi hotspot provided by the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventor: Robert A. Hrabak
  • Patent number: 9955331
    Abstract: Methods for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices using wireless communication standards are provided. In one embodiment, a method for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices includes receiving a device prioritization designation for at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The prioritization designation designates a first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices as having a higher priority than another of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The method further includes connecting with each of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices and providing an audio signal to the first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert A Hrabak, Matthew G. Przybylski, Paula J. Vandermuss
  • Patent number: 9949303
    Abstract: A short range wireless communication (SRWC) system for a vehicle and a method of using the SRWC system. The system includes a first SRWC node in the vehicle having a SRWC receiver and a SRWC transmitter, and a second SRWC node in the vehicle adapted to send and receive SRWC data. The first and second SRWC nodes are configured so that when the first and second SRWC nodes are operable, an SRWC object device perceives the first and second SRWC nodes as a single SRWC device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wen Gu, David P. Pop, Amanda J. Kalhous, Robert A. Hrabak
  • Patent number: 9948762
    Abstract: A system and method for providing wireless communication between a handheld mobile device and an embedded vehicle system of a motor vehicle. The system includes a communication module that utilizes at least two different short range wireless communication technologies to facilitate communication and/or pairing of an occupant's smartphone or other mobile device with an embedded vehicle system such as a vehicle infotainment system. This includes the use of a very short range communication technology, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), to communicate between the mobile device and an embedded vehicle system that is located outside of the operational range of the NFC or other very short range communication technology used by the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Karen Juzswik, Robert A. Hrabak, Wen Gu
  • Publication number: 20170331936
    Abstract: A system and method for providing wireless communication between a handheld mobile device and an embedded vehicle system of a motor vehicle. The system includes a communication module that utilizes at least two different short range wireless communication technologies to facilitate communication and/or pairing of an occupant's smartphone or other mobile device with an embedded vehicle system such as a vehicle infotainment system. This includes the use of a very short range communication technology, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), to communicate between the mobile device and an embedded vehicle system that is located outside of the operational range of the NFC or other very short range communication technology used by the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Karen JUZSWIK, Robert A. HRABAK, Wen GU
  • Publication number: 20170318612
    Abstract: A short range wireless communication (SRWC) system for a vehicle and a method of using the SRWC system. The system includes a first SRWC node in the vehicle having a SRWC receiver and a SRWC transmitter, and a second SRWC node in the vehicle adapted to send and receive SRWC data. The first and second SRWC nodes are configured so that when the first and second SRWC nodes are operable, an SRWC object device perceives the first and second SRWC nodes as a single SRWC device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Wen GU, David P. POP, Amanda J. KALHOUS, Robert A. HRABAK
  • Patent number: 9554249
    Abstract: A system comprising a processor and comprising computer-executable instructions that cause a processor to perform operations comprising determining that user-system location data is needed by an application running at a user device. Operations of the system further include determining a first user-system location and determining a privacy parameter based on a location-accuracy requirement associated with the application. The operations further include generating, based on the privacy parameter and the first user-system location, privacy-adjusted location data indicating a second user-system location being less accurate than the first user-system location by an amount corresponding to a value of the privacy parameter. The operations also include providing the privacy-adjusted location data to a destination for use in providing a location-dependent service by way of the application at the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Fan Bai, Donald K. Grimm, Leonard C. Nieman, Robert A. Hrabak
  • Publication number: 20160373913
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for updating vehicles. A vehicle is located via a device that is disposed in proximity to the vehicle via a wireless search. A wireless connection is generated between the device and the vehicle. The wireless connection includes an assessment of an update required by the vehicle. The update is automatically, wirelessly provided from the device to the vehicle following the wireless connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: JONATHAN R. SCHWARZ, ROBERT A. HRABAK
  • Publication number: 20160366539
    Abstract: A communication system that includes a vehicle and a mobile device, and a method of indicating to a mobile device an availability to hand-over a first short-range wireless communication (SRWC) link for a second SRWC link, which is carried out using the communication system. The method includes the steps of: establishing the first SRWC link between the mobile device and a first wireless hotspot device; providing wireless hotspot data to the mobile device using the first SRWC link; discovering a second wireless hotspot device using the first wireless hotspot device; determining whether credentials of the second wireless hotspot device are known to the first wireless hotspot device or the mobile device; and when the credentials are known, providing an indication to the mobile device of the availability of the second SRWC link via the first SRWC link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Lakshmi V. THANAYANKIZIL, Robert A. HRABAK
  • Publication number: 20160328197
    Abstract: A method for rendering vehicle information includes receiving from an application of a user device a request for information. The request identifies the application requesting vehicle information. A filter is applied to determine whether the requested information is allowable information. The allowable information includes information that the vehicle is authorized to output to the user device. A format-type of information is determined to be output to the user device. A quality level of information is determined to provide to the user device. The quality level of information determined as a function of variable parameters in response to the requested information being allowable information. The vehicle information is processed as a function of the quality level of information and the format-type of information. The processed vehicle information is output to the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: FAN BAI, DONALD K. GRIMM, LEONARD C. NIEMAN, ROBERT A. HRABAK, CEM U. SARAYDAR
  • Publication number: 20160316332
    Abstract: A system comprising a processor and comprising computer-executable instructions that cause a processor to perform operations comprising determining that user-system location data is needed by an application running at a user device. Operations of the system further include determining a first user-system location and determining a privacy parameter based on a location-accuracy requirement associated with the application. The operations further include generating, based on the privacy parameter and the first user-system location, privacy-adjusted location data indicating a second user-system location being less accurate than the first user-system location by an amount corresponding to a value of the privacy parameter. The operations also include providing the privacy-adjusted location data to a destination for use in providing a location-dependent service by way of the application at the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: FAN BAI, DONALD K. GRIMM, LEONARD C. NIEMAN, ROBERT A. HRABAK
  • Patent number: 9480095
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system and a method of using the system that includes coupling a second device in a vehicle using short range wireless communication (SRWC) based on a pairing of a first device in the vehicle. The method includes the steps of: pairing at the vehicle the first device with a SRWC module, by performing a pairing procedure; after the pairing step, determining an identifying association of the first and second devices; and partially performing the pairing procedure between the SRWC module and the second device based on the pairing of the first device and the identified association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Hrabak, Amanda J. Kalhous
  • Patent number: 9477989
    Abstract: A system and method for sharing information from a vehicle for comparison to information from other vehicles. The system and method include collecting vehicle trace data and sharing the vehicle trace data using a communications network such that the vehicle trace data is compared and ranked relative to the vehicle trace data of other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Donald K. Grimm, Fan Bai, Leonard C. Nieman, Robert A. Hrabak
  • Patent number: 9467392
    Abstract: A method for initiating a projection session between one of a plurality devices and an infotainment system of a motor vehicle includes establishing communications with each of the plurality of mobile devices. Each of the plurality of devices is identified against a predetermined priority, such that each of the plurality of devices identified with a predetermined priority is assigned the predetermined priority. Each of the plurality of devices is prioritized from the highest to lowest based on the predetermined priority. A user configuration of the one of the plurality of devices with the highest priority is red. A connection between the one of the plurality of devices with the highest priority and the infotainment system of the motor vehicle is attempted. A communication session between the one of the plurality of devices with the highest priority and the infotainment system of the motor vehicle is then established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Hrabak, Wen Gu, Lakshmi V. Thanayankizil, David P. Pop