Patents by Inventor Ronny S. Bryant

Ronny S. Bryant 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: 10915965
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for generating or updating usage-based insurance policies for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles may be provided. A request to generate an insurance quote may be received via wireless communication, and with the customer's permission, risk levels associated with intended usage by the customer of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined. An insurance policy may be adjusted based upon the risk levels and the intended vehicle usage. The insurance policy may then be presented on the customer's mobile device for review and approval. In some aspects, the vehicle may be rented, and the intended vehicle usage is measured in distance or duration of vehicle operation. Insurance discounts may be provided to risk averse vehicle owners based upon low risk levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Publication number: 20210031779
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, with the customer's permission, a vehicle operator in an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined by a sensor disposed within the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle or a mobile computing device associated with the vehicle operator. A determination may be made as to whether the vehicle operator is authorized to operate the vehicle based upon the determined identity of the vehicle operator; and if the vehicle operator is not authorized, an alert may be generated and/or the vehicle may be caused to not operate. Alternatively, autonomous operation features may be automatically engaged to automatically drive the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to a safe location when the operator is not authorized. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the anti-theft functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Publication number: 20210031791
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for real-time determination of the status of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer's permission, the operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be monitored to obtain operating data from one or more autonomous operation features. An operating status of the autonomous features may be determined based upon the operating data. After which, a change in the operating status of the autonomous features may be identified, and a report containing information regarding the change in the operating status of the autonomous features may be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Publication number: 20210031756
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status of the features, the identity of a vehicle operator, risk levels for operation of the vehicle by the vehicle operator, or damage to the vehicle may be determined based upon sensor or other data. According to further aspects, decisions regarding transferring control between the features and the vehicle operator may be made based upon sensor data and information regarding the vehicle operator. Additional aspects may recommend or install updates to the autonomous operation features based upon determined risk levels. Some aspects may include monitoring transportation infrastructure and communicating information about the infrastructure to vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion, Aaron Scott Chan
  • Patent number: 10846800
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mitigating risks of insurance-related events to a property are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, within, or proximate to a property, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of property damage exists, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically issue commands to one or more smart devices to take actions that mitigate the risk. The smart home controller may also transmit information about the actual or potential risks and any mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider remote processor may interpret the transmitted data to perform insurance activities, such as providing a discount and/or adjusting an insurance premium or policy associated with the property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronny S. Bryant, Shawn M. Call, Daryoush Hakimi-Boushehri, John H. Weekes, Jennifer Criswell, Todd Binion, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Elisabeth McDermeit, John Donovan
  • Patent number: 10831204
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, vehicle operation safety may be enhanced. An environmental or weather condition (e.g., hail, storm, wind) may be identified that presents a hazard to an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. With the customer's permission, when it is determined that the vehicle is parked in an unprotected location, a protected or covered location to park the vehicle may be identified, a route to that location may be determined, and the vehicle may be directed to travel automatically to the protected location under the operation of autonomous operation features. Insurance discounts or cost savings may be provided to risk averse insurance customers based upon the self-parking functionality that will reduce or mitigate damage to insured vehicles caused by adverse conditions, falling trees or power lines, hail, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10831191
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status of the features, the identity of a vehicle operator, risk levels for operation of the vehicle by the vehicle operator, or damage to the vehicle may be determined based upon sensor or other data. According to further aspects, decisions regarding transferring control between the features and the vehicle operator may be made based upon sensor data and information regarding the vehicle operator. Additional aspects may recommend or install updates to the autonomous operation features based upon determined risk levels. Some aspects may include monitoring transportation infrastructure and communicating information about the infrastructure to vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion, Aaron Scott Chan
  • Patent number: 10824415
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. In certain aspects, with the customer's permission, a computer-implemented method for updating an autonomous operation feature may be provided. An indication of a software update associated with the autonomous operation feature may be received, and several autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the feature may be identified. The update may be installed within the several vehicles, such as via wireless communication. Also, a change in a risk level associated with the update to the autonomous operation feature may be determined, and an insurance discount may be determined or adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A Wazeer, Shawn C Bennett, Steven C Cielocha, Ronny S Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10824144
    Abstract: According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer's permission, an identity of a vehicle operator may be identified and a vehicle operator profile may be retrieved. Operating data regarding autonomous operation features operating the vehicle may be received from vehicle-mounted sensors. When a request to disable an autonomous feature is received, a risk level for the autonomous feature is determined and compared with a driver behavior setting for the autonomous feature stored in the vehicle operator profile. Based upon the risk level comparison, the autonomous vehicle retains control of vehicle or the autonomous feature is disengaged depending upon which is the safer driver—the autonomous vehicle or the vehicle human occupant. As a result, unsafe disengagement of self-driving functionality for autonomous vehicles may be alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A Wazeer, Shawn C Bennett, Steven Cielocha, Ronny S Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10821971
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status of the features, the identity of a vehicle operator, risk levels for operation of the vehicle by the vehicle operator, or damage to the vehicle may be determined based upon sensor or other data. According to further aspects, decisions regarding transferring control between the features and the vehicle operator may be made based upon sensor data and information regarding the vehicle operator. Additional aspects may recommend or install updates to the autonomous operation features based upon determined risk levels. Some aspects may include monitoring transportation infrastructure and communicating information about the infrastructure to vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion, Aaron Scott Chan
  • Patent number: 10733671
    Abstract: Methods and systems for predictively generating an insurance claim in response to detecting an imminent insurance-related event are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may store a first set of data received from smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property. This data may be analyzed to detect that an insurance-related event is imminent and calculate a likelihood that a property owner will file an insurance claim in response to damage caused by the imminent insurance-related event. If there is a sufficient likelihood that an insurance claim will be filed, the smart home controller or remote processor may store a second set of data received from the smart devices. Subsequently, according to certain aspects, the second set of data may be analyzed to prepopulate an automatically generated insurance claim with information detailing damage to the property caused by the insurance-related event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Daryoush Hakimi-Boushehri, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Shawn M. Call, John H. Weekes, Ronny S. Bryant, Jennifer Criswell, Todd Binion, Elisabeth McDermeit, John Donovan
  • Publication number: 20200219197
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies are provided. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for generating or adjusting an insurance policy is provided. With an insurance customer's permission, data regarding several factors associated with the customer may be received via wireless communication from their mobile device, vehicle controller, or smart home controller. The data may be related to (i) the customer's home, (ii) an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, and/or (iii) home and vehicle features, maintenance history, and/or repairs performed to each over time. Risk levels may be determined using the data received. Aspects of one or more insurance policies (auto, home, life, etc.) may be adjusted based upon the risk levels. An updated insurance discount may be transmitted to the customer's mobile device via wireless communication for their review and approval. As a result, insurance discounts may be provided to risk averse insurance customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10685402
    Abstract: Methods and systems for homeowner-directed risk mitigation for damage to a property associated with insurance-related events are provided. A smart home controller may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of property damage exists, the smart home controller may transmit an alert to a homeowner detailing the risk. The homeowner may respond to the alert by transmitting an instruction to mitigate or prevent damage associated with the risk back to the smart home controller. Subsequently, the smart home controller may transmit information about the actual or potential risks and any homeowner-directed mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider may interpret the transmitted data and perform insurance activities, such as providing discounts and adjusting an insurance policy associated with the property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronny S. Bryant, Shawn M. Call, Daryoush Hakimi-Boushehri, John H. Weekes, Jennifer Criswell, Todd Binion, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Elisabeth McDermeit, John Donovan
  • Patent number: 10679292
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing insurance policies associated with properties may be provided. A property may be populated with a plurality of smart devices or devices that are connected to a central controller, such as via wired or wireless communication, whereby the plurality of devices are covered by an insurance policy, such as a homeowners, renters, or personal articles insurance policy. The central controller may receive identifications for the devices, and may update an inventory list to include the plurality of devices. A total market value of the devices may be calculated, and the central controller may estimate any modification to the insurance policy based upon the total market value. The controller may facilitate the modification to the insurance policy with a customer and an insurance provider. The smart devices may be, or be associated with, appliances, electronics, computers, televisions, jewelry, vehicles, furniture, or other equipment or personal belongings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Shawn M. Call, Daryoush Hakimi-Boushehri, John H. Weekes, Ronny S. Bryant, Jennifer Criswell, Todd Binion, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Elisabeth McDermeit, John Donovan
  • Patent number: 10607295
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a cause of loss to a property for damage associated with an insurance-related event based upon data received from a second property. A smart home (or other building) controller and/or an insurance provider remote processor may generate a time sequence of events for damage associated with an insure-related event. The smart home controller or remote processor may also receive a time-sequence of events generated by a smart home controller associated with a second property. The smart home controller or remote processor may compare the two time-sequences of events to determine causes of loss associated with damage to the property. The compared data may be further used to assign a portion of the overall damage to each cause of loss. Subsequently, the smart home controller or remote processor may automatically generate an insurance claim for damage to the property associated with the insurance-related event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Daryoush Hakimi-Boushehri, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Shawn M. Call, John H. Weekes, Ronny S. Bryant, Jennifer Criswell Kellett, Todd Binion, Elisabeth McDermeit, John Donovan
  • Patent number: 10514669
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing the operation of devices within a property, and processing insurance policies associated therewith. A property is populated with a plurality of smart devices, smart appliances, and/or other devices that are connected to, and/or in wired or wireless communication with a central controller, such as a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor, whereby the plurality of devices and/or property are covered by an insurance policy. The central controller may collect sensor data from the plurality of devices and/or determine whether the property is occupied or not. The central controller may also identify a desired operating state of a device, generate a command according to the desired operating state, and/or transmit the command the device to facilitate prevention or reduction of risk or damage to the property. The central controller may also generate and/or process insurance claims associated with damage to the devices and/or property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Shawn M. Call, Daryoush Hakimi-Boushehri, John H. Weekes, Ronny S. Bryant, Jennifer Criswell, Todd Binion, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Elisabeth McDermeit, John Donovan
  • Patent number: 10431018
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status and/or configuration of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined, such as via an on-board computer system or mobile device, and/or then directly or indirectly wirelessly communicated via data transmission from the vehicle computer system or mobile device to a remote server. An adjustment to one or more risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may also be determined, and an auto insurance policy, premium, or discount may be adjusted based upon the adjustment to the risk levels and presented to the customer for their review and approval. As a result, insurance cost savings may be passed onto risk averse customers that opt into to a rewards program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10416670
    Abstract: According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer's permission, an identity of a vehicle operator may be identified and a vehicle operator profile may be retrieved. Operating data regarding autonomous operation features operating the vehicle may be received from vehicle-mounted sensors. When a request to disable an autonomous feature is received, a risk level for the autonomous feature is determined and compared with a driver behavior setting for the autonomous feature stored in the vehicle operator profile. Based upon the risk level comparison, the autonomous vehicle retains control of vehicle or the autonomous feature is disengaged depending upon which is the safer driver—the autonomous vehicle or the vehicle human occupant. As a result, unsafe disengagement of self-driving functionality for autonomous vehicles may be alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10366370
    Abstract: Methods and systems for retrieving and compiling vehicle information from a variety of sources, and assessing circumstances or events based upon the vehicle information. A central entity, such as an insurance provider, may receive the vehicle information and avail information related to a plurality of vehicles to vehicle owners or operators in a single source dashboard. The central entity may assess the vehicle circumstances to determine whether to notify the individuals of an event, such as a vehicle recall or upcoming maintenance, and then generate notifications and communicate the notifications to the individuals. The notifications may enable the individuals to take maintenance, repair, update, and/or other actions to manage the circumstances and potentially avoid situations that may cause unnecessary financial commitments or vehicle damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd Binion, Andrea Lee Rhoades, Steven C. Cielocha, Jessica Shull, Brian Mark Fields, Wayne Louis Cecil, Steven Schmidt, Ronny S. Bryant, Ed Weidmann, Gregory Hayward, Stacey Gorsuch, John Anthony Argenziano, Carol Marie Csanda, Catherine Sue Schwamberger, Courtney Clarke, Christina P. Mullen
  • Patent number: 10353694
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status of the features, the identity of a vehicle operator, risk levels for operation of the vehicle by the vehicle operator, or damage to the vehicle may be determined based upon sensor or other data. According to further aspects, decisions regarding transferring control between the features and the vehicle operator may be made based upon sensor data and information regarding the vehicle operator. Additional aspects may recommend or install updates to the autonomous operation features based upon determined risk levels. Some aspects may include monitoring transportation infrastructure and communicating information about the infrastructure to vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion, Aaron Scott Chan