Patents by Inventor Roger D. Schmidgall

Roger D. Schmidgall 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: 20230290066
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11694404
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11676258
    Abstract: A method and system may survey a property using aerial images captured from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a manned aerial vehicle (MAV) or from a satellite device. The method may include identifying a commercial property for a UAV to perform surveillance, and directing the UAV to hover over the commercial property and capture aerial images at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, the method may include receiving the aerial images of the commercial property captured at the predetermined time intervals, detecting a surveillance event at the commercial property, generating a surveillance alert, and transmitting the surveillance alert to an electronic device associated with an owner of the commercial property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte, Roger D. Schmidgall, Michael Jeffrey Aviles, Kyle Pott, Rosemarie Geier Grant, Eric Haefli, Michael Shawn Jacob
  • Publication number: 20230081273
    Abstract: A method and system may survey a property using aerial images captured from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a manned aerial vehicle (MAV) or from a satellite device. The method may include identifying a commercial property for a UAV to perform surveillance, and directing the UAV to hover over the commercial property and capture aerial images at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, the method may include receiving the aerial images of the commercial property captured at the predetermined time intervals, detecting a surveillance event at the commercial property, generating a surveillance alert, and transmitting the surveillance alert to an electronic device associated with an owner of the commercial property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte, Roger D. Schmidgall, Michael Jeffrey Aviles, Kyle Pott, Rosemarie Geier Grant, Eric Haefli, Michael Shawn Jacob
  • Publication number: 20220189117
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11295523
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11270504
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV receives an instruction to collect information on at least one aspect of a property, and identifies one or more onboard sensors of the UAV to collect the information on the at least one aspect of the property, where the UAV is configured to identify a first set of one or more onboard sensors to collect a first type of data and to identify a second set of one or more onboard sensors to collect a second type of data. The UAV also collects the information on the at least one aspect of the property using the one or more onboard sensors, and identifies, based on the collected information, a type of damage incurred on the at least one aspect of the property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 11069050
    Abstract: A method and system may assess the damage to infrastructure using aerial images captured from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a manned aerial vehicle (MAV) or from a satellite device. Specifically, an item of infrastructure may be identified for assessing damage. The UAV, MAV, or satellite device may then capture aerial images within an area which surrounds the identified infrastructure item. Subsequently, the aerial images may be analyzed to determine a condition and the extent and/or severity of the damage to the infrastructure item. Furthermore, the aerial images along with indications of the extent of the damage may be displayed on a computing device, where one indication of the severity of the damage surrounds another indication of the severity of the damage on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte, Roger D. Schmidgall, Michael Jeffrey Aviles, Kyle Pott, Rosemarie Geier Grant, Eric Haefli, Michael Shawn Jacob
  • Publication number: 20200387939
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV receives an instruction to collect information on at least one aspect of a property, and identifies one or more onboard sensors of the UAV to collect the information on the at least one aspect of the property, where the UAV is configured to identify a first set of one or more onboard sensors to collect a first type of data and to identify a second set of one or more onboard sensors to collect a second type of data. The UAV also collects the information on the at least one aspect of the property using the one or more onboard sensors, and identifies, based on the collected information, a type of damage incurred on the at least one aspect of the property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Publication number: 20200387940
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Data collected by the UAV corresponding to points on a surface of a structure is received and a 3D point cloud is generated for the structure, where the 3D point cloud is generated based at least in part on the received UAV data. A 3D model of the surface of the structure is reconstructed using the 3D point cloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10730617
    Abstract: A tethering system for a remote-controlled device including a tether line having a first end adapted to be connected to a ground support and a second end adapted to be connected to the remote-controlled device. The system further includes an anchor-point disposed between the first and second ends of the tether line, the anchor point having an eyelet for securing the tether line and allowing the tether line to slide through the eyelet during use. The anchor-point and eyelet enable the tether line to flex or bend and the remote-controlled device to maneuver one or more of over or around the target area without interfering with any nearby obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte
  • Patent number: 10679262
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. The 3D scanner generates 3D data. A point cloud or 3D model is constructed from the 3D data. The point cloud or 3D model is then analyzed to determine the condition of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10565659
    Abstract: A method and system may display real-time aerial images of insured properties in a neighborhood captured from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a manned aerial vehicle (MAV), or from a satellite device. For example, aerial images of a neighborhood having insured properties, that have been affected by a catastrophe, may be received from the UAV, MAV, or the satellite device. Aerial images of each insured property may be analyzed to determine a damage severity level and assign a damage severity level indicator to the damage severity level. As a result, the property owner may receive a notification that a catastrophe has impacted her neighborhood. Moreover, the real-time images, with damage severity level indicators overlaying the property, may be transmitted via a web page to the property owner's web-enabled device after the property owner logs in to a customer account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte, Roger D. Schmidgall, Michael Jeffrey Aviles, Kyle Pott, Rosemarie Geier Grant, Eric Haefli, Michael Shawn Jacob
  • Patent number: 10565658
    Abstract: A method and system may determine the condition of insured properties in a neighborhood using aerial images captured from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or from a satellite device. The neighborhood may be selected by identifying a neighborhood that includes properties which are insured by a particular insurance provider. Aerial images of the entire neighborhood may then be captured and received from the UAV or the satellite device. For each insured property in the neighborhood, a condition and level of risk may be automatically determined based on the received aerial images. Then a level of risk indicator may be assigned to the insured property based on the determined level of risk. The aerial images of the insured property may be displayed on a user interface with indications of the level of risk overlaying the aerial images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte, Roger D. Schmidgall, Michael Jeffrey Aviles, Kyle Pott, Rosemarie Geier Grant, Michael Shawn Jacob
  • Patent number: 10275833
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods automatically assess buildings and structures. A device may receive one or more images of a structure, such as a building or portion of the building, and then label and extract relevant data. The device may then train a system to automatically assess other data describing similar buildings or structures based on the labeled and extracted data. After training, the device may then automatically assess new data, and the assessment results may be sent directly to a client or to an agent for review and/or processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Roger D. Schmidgall, James M. Freeman
  • Patent number: 10242497
    Abstract: In a system and method for inspecting a property, a microphone receives one or more audio waves propagating from a structure. One or more processors generate a 3D point cloud based on the received audio waves, analyzed the generated 3D point cloud to identify features of a surface or subsurface of the structure, and generate an estimate of a condition of the surface or subsurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10176632
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method and system for capturing the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. The 3D scanner generates 3D data. A point cloud or 3D model is constructed from the 3D data. The point cloud or 3D model is then analyzed to determine the condition of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10134092
    Abstract: A method and system may assess the damage to insured properties in a neighborhood using aerial images captured from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or from a satellite device. The neighborhood may be selected by identifying a neighborhood affected by a catastrophe and having a large concentration of properties which are insured by a particular insurance provider. Aerial images of the entire neighborhood may then be captured and received from the UAV or the satellite device. For each insured property in the neighborhood, a condition and the extent and/or severity of the damage may be automatically determined based on the received aerial images. The aerial images along with indications of the extent of the damage may be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte, Roger D. Schmidgall, Michael Jeffrey Aviles, Kyle Pott, Rosemarie Geier Grant, Michael Shawn Jacob
  • Publication number: 20180218537
    Abstract: In a system and method for inspecting a property, a microphone receives one or more audio waves propagating from a structure. One or more processors generate a 3D point cloud based on the received audio waves, analyzed the generated 3D point cloud to identify features of a surface or subsurface of the structure, and generate an estimate of a condition of the surface or subsurface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Patrick H. Boyer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Jonathan D. Maurer, Nathan L. Tofte, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 10023308
    Abstract: A tethering system for a remote-controlled device includes a tether line having a first end adapted to be connected to a ground support and a second end adapted to be connected to the remote-controlled device. The system further includes an anchor-point disposed between the first and second ends of the tether line, the anchor point having an eyelet for securing the tether line and allowing the tether line to slide through the eyelet during use. The anchor-point and eyelet enable the tether line to flex or bend and the remote-controlled device to maneuver one or more of over or around the target area without interfering with any nearby obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Freeman, Roger D. Schmidgall, Brian N. Harvey, Nathan L. Tofte