Patents by Inventor Scott T. Christensen
Scott T. Christensen 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).
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Publication number: 20230056551Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to generating emergency vehicle warnings, automatic control of autonomous vehicles based upon the emergency vehicle warnings. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to generating data representative of emergency vehicle warnings and alternate autonomous vehicle routing based upon real-time information related to an emergency vehicle. The information related to the emergency vehicle may include emergency vehicle origination location data, emergency vehicle current location data, emergency vehicle route data, and/or emergency vehicle destination location data. An emergency vehicle warning and/or alternate vehicle routing for autonomous vehicles may be generated based further on information related to an autonomous vehicle. In one aspect, an emergency vehicle may wirelessly communicate with the autonomous vehicle and/or an insurance provider remote server.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventor: Scott T. Christensen
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Patent number: 11580604Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use and determining risks associated with operation of a vehicle having one or more autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, operating data may be recorded during operation of the vehicle. This may include information regarding the vehicle, the vehicle environment, use of the autonomous operation features, and/or control decisions made by the features. The control decisions may include actions the feature would have taken to control the vehicle, but which were not taken because a vehicle operator was controlling the relevant aspect of vehicle operation at the time. The operating data may be recorded in a log, which may then be used to determine risk levels associated with vehicle operation based upon risk levels associated with the autonomous operation features. The risk levels may further be used to adjust an insurance policy associated with the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
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Publication number: 20230043047Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous vehicles may be automatically refueled by routing the vehicles to available fueling stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A fuel level within a tank of an autonomous vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a refueling threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to refuel the vehicle may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a fueling station, refill a fuel tank, and return to its starting location in order to refuel when not in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
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Publication number: 20230037543Abstract: Methods and systems autonomously parking and retrieving vehicles are disclosed. Available parking spaces or parking facilities may be identified, and the vehicle may be navigated to an available space from a drop-off location without passengers. Special-purpose sensors, GPS data, or wireless signal triangulation may be used to identify vehicles and available parking spots. Upon a user request or a prediction of upcoming user demand, the vehicle may be retrieved autonomously from a parking space. Other vehicles may be autonomously moved to facilitate parking or retrieval.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance CompanyInventors: Blake S. Konrardy, Gregory L. Hayward, Scott Farris, Scott T. Christensen
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Publication number: 20230025002Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous electric vehicles may be automatically recharged by routing the vehicles to available charging stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A charge level of the battery of an autonomous electric vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a recharging threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to recharge may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a charging station, recharge the battery, and return to its starting location in order to recharge when not in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
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Publication number: 20230028916Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle control relating to malfunctions are disclosed. Malfunctioning sensors or software of autonomous vehicles may be identified from operating data of the vehicle, and a component maintenance requirement status associated with such malfunctioning component may be generated. Based upon such status, usage restrictions may be enacted to limit operation of the vehicle while the component is malfunctioning. This may include disabling or restricting use of certain autonomous or semi-autonomous features of the vehicle until the component is repaired or replaced. Repair may be accomplished by automatically scheduling repair of the vehicle or installing an updated or uncorrupted version of a software program, in various embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
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Publication number: 20230013136Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an interior configuration of a vehicle following a collision. Sensor data that includes, or is derived from data that includes, data collected by one or more sensors is received, and a vehicle accident condition indicative of an accident having occurred is detected by processing the sensor data. After detecting the vehicle accident condition, an actuator component is caused to prevent a passenger from adjusting an interior vehicle component outside a predetermined range of physical configurations, while allowing the passenger to adjust the interior vehicle component within the predetermined range of physical configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Scott T. Christensen, Brian M. Fields, Stephen R. Prevatt, Steve Roberson
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Patent number: 11554736Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving safety of one or more vehicle occupants. An example method for improving safety of one or more vehicle occupants includes accessing interior vehicle configuration data that is generated by, or derived from data generated by an interior data collection component, the data representing an interior space of a vehicle; determining, by processing the interior vehicle configuration data, location and orientation of one or more vehicle occupants; selecting a plurality of vehicle safety components to be active based on the location and orientation of the one or more vehicle occupants, and setting the plurality of vehicle safety components to an active state in which the plurality of vehicle safety components are deployed, when an emergency condition is detected.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Scott T. Christensen, Brian M. Fields, Stephen R. Prevatt, Steve Roberson
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Patent number: 11526167Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle control relating to malfunctions are disclosed. Malfunctioning sensors or software of autonomous vehicles may be identified from operating data of the vehicle, and a component maintenance requirement status associated with such malfunctioning component may be generated. Based upon such status, usage restrictions may be enacted to limit operation of the vehicle while the component is malfunctioning. This may include disabling or restricting use of certain autonomous or semi-autonomous features of the vehicle until the component is repaired or replaced. Repair may be accomplished by automatically scheduling repair of the vehicle or installing an updated or uncorrupted version of a software program, in various embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
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Publication number: 20220390245Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle routing are disclosed. Roadway suitability for autonomous operation is scored to facilitate use in route determination. Maps of roadways suitable for various levels of autonomous operation may be generated. Such map data may be used by autonomous vehicles or other computer devices in determining routes based upon criteria for vehicle trips. Such routes may be automatically updated based upon changes in road conditions, vehicle conditions, operator conditions, or environmental conditions. Emergency routing using such map data is described, such as automatic routing and travel when a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
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Publication number: 20220388463Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicles and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Vehicle collision and/or smart home incident monitoring, damage detection, and responses are also described, with particular focus on the particular challenges associated with incident response for unoccupied vehicles and/or smart homes. Operating data associated with the autonomous vehicle and/or smart home may be received. Within the operating, an unusual condition indicative of a likelihood of incident may be detected. Based on the unusual condition, it may be determined that the incident occurred. Accordingly, a response to the incident may be determined. The response may be implemented by the autonomous vehicle and/or smart home.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris, Scott T. Christensen
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Publication number: 20220391992Abstract: Methods and systems for determining fault for an accident involving a vehicle having one or more autonomous (and/or semi-autonomous) operation features and paying claims associated with such accidents are provided. According to certain aspects, operating data from sensors within or near the vehicle may be used to determine the occurrence of a vehicle accident, such as a collision. The operating data may further be used to determine an allocation of fault for the accident between a vehicle operator, the autonomous operation features, or a third party. The allocation of fault may be used to further determine and make claims payments related to the accident. In some embodiments, claims may be rejected based upon the operating data and determined allocation of fault.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
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Patent number: 11513521Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous vehicles may be automatically refueled by routing the vehicles to available fueling stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A fuel level within a tank of an autonomous vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a refueling threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to refuel the vehicle may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a fueling station, refill a fuel tank, and return to its starting location in order to refuel when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COPMANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
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Patent number: 11511736Abstract: Methods and systems autonomously parking and retrieving vehicles are disclosed. Available parking spaces or parking facilities may be identified, and the vehicle may be navigated to an available space from a drop-off location without passengers. Special-purpose sensors, GPS data, or wireless signal triangulation may be used to identify vehicles and available parking spots. Upon a user request or a prediction of upcoming user demand, the vehicle may be retrieved autonomously from a parking space. Other vehicles may be autonomously moved to facilitate parking or retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance CompanyInventors: Blake S. Konrardy, Gregory L. Hayward, Scott Farris, Scott T. Christensen
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Patent number: 11501639Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to generating emergency vehicle warnings, automatic control of autonomous vehicles based upon the emergency vehicle warnings. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to generating data representative of emergency vehicle warnings and alternate autonomous vehicle routing based upon real-time information related to an emergency vehicle. The information related to the emergency vehicle may include emergency vehicle origination location data, emergency vehicle current location data, emergency vehicle route data, and/or emergency vehicle destination location data. An emergency vehicle warning and/or alternate vehicle routing for autonomous vehicles may be generated based further on information related to an autonomous vehicle. In one aspect, an emergency vehicle may wirelessly communicate with the autonomous vehicle and/or an insurance provider remote server.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventor: Scott T. Christensen
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Patent number: 11485254Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an interior configuration of a vehicle. The system may include an interior vehicle component; an actuator component configured to adjust/restrict movement of a physical configuration of the interior vehicle component; one or more sensors configured to collect data corresponding to a state of the vehicle, an action of the vehicle, and/or an internal or external environment of the vehicle; and one or more processors configured to receive sensor data and detect, by processing the sensor data, a vehicle accident condition. After the one or more processors detect the vehicle accident condition, the one or more processors may cause the actuator component to adjust the interior vehicle component from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration, or may cause the actuator component to restrict movement of the interior vehicle component to a predetermined range of physical configurations.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Scott T. Christensen, Brian M. Fields, Stephen R. Prevatt, Steve Roberson
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Publication number: 20220318921Abstract: Provided herein is a computing system that includes a processor in communication with a memory. The processor is configured to (1) receive a plurality of data records associated with a plurality of users that include historical user data; (2) generate a model based upon the plurality of data records, wherein the model (i) predicts travel behavior of a user, and/or (ii) outputs an insurance policy and associated premium for the user based upon the predicted travel behavior; (3) retrieve current user data associated with the candidate user; (4) apply the model to (i) determine a user trial travel behavior, and/or (ii) output a trial insurance policy and associated premium for the candidate user; and/or (5) transmit a notification to the user computing device that includes a prompt for the user to register for the insurance policy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Benjamin J. Tucker, Jody A. Thoele, Scott T. Christensen
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Publication number: 20220318920Abstract: Provided herein is a computing system that includes a processor in communication with a memory. The processor is configured to (1) receive a plurality of data records associated with a plurality of users that include historical user data; (2) build a model based upon the plurality of data records, wherein the model (i) predicts modes of transportation commonly used by the plurality of users, and/or (ii) outputs insurance policies and associated premiums of the plurality of users based upon the historical user data; (3) retrieve current user data associated with the candidate user; (4) utilize the model to (i) determine the modes of transportation commonly used by the candidate user, and/or (ii) output an insurance policy and an associated premium for the candidate user; and/or (5) transmit a notification to the user computing device that includes a prompt for the user to register for the insurance policy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Benjamin J. Tucker, Jody A. Thoele, Scott T. Christensen
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Patent number: 11440494Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicles and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Vehicle collision and/or smart home incident monitoring, damage detection, and responses are also described, with particular focus on the particular challenges associated with incident response for unoccupied vehicles and/or smart homes. Operating data associated with the autonomous vehicle and/or smart home may be received. Within the operating, an unusual condition indicative of a likelihood of incident may be detected. Based on the unusual condition, it may be determined that the incident occurred. Accordingly, a response to the incident may be determined. The response may be implemented by the autonomous vehicle and/or smart home.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance CompanyInventors: Blake S. Konrardy, Gregory L. Hayward, Scott Farris, Scott T. Christensen
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Patent number: 11441916Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle routing are disclosed. Roadway suitability for autonomous operation is scored to facilitate use in route determination. Maps of roadways suitable for various levels of autonomous operation may be generated. Such map data may be used by autonomous vehicles or other computer devices in determining routes based upon criteria for vehicle trips. Such routes may be automatically updated based upon changes in road conditions, vehicle conditions, operator conditions, or environmental conditions. Emergency routing using such map data is described, such as automatic routing and travel when a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris