Patents by Inventor Steven C. Cielocha

Steven C. Cielocha 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: 11977874
    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, an identity of a vehicle operator may be determined and a vehicle operator profile and/or operating data regarding autonomous operation features of the vehicle may be received after the vehicle operator opts into a rewards program and agrees to share their data. Autonomous operation and vehicle operator risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined. Based upon the risk levels and/or comparison thereof, one or more autonomous operation features may be disengaged. A preparedness level of the vehicle operator to assume or reassume control of operating the vehicle is determined prior to disengagement. If satisfactory, an alert is presented to the vehicle operator prior to disengagement of the autonomous operation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    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: 20240095761
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method, alert responsiveness data indicating how responsive a driver is to one or more types of vehicle alerts is received. The method also includes generating or modifying a driver profile associated with the driver, the driver profile including alert responsiveness profile information based upon the alert responsiveness data, and identifying, based at least upon the generated or modified driver profile, a suggested vehicle type. Identifying the suggested vehicle type includes determining that the generated or modified driver profile meets a set of one or more matching criteria associated with the suggested vehicle type at least in part by determining that the alert responsiveness profile information meets one or more criteria indicative of reliability of the suggested vehicle type. The method also includes causing an indication of the suggested vehicle type to be displayed to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Leo Nelson Chan, Jacob J. Alt, Matthew S. Megyese, Steven C. Cielocha, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Brian Mark Fields
  • Patent number: 11875366
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method, telematics data collected during one or more time periods by one or more electronic subsystems of a vehicle, and/or by a mobile electronic device of the driver or a passenger, is received. The telematics data includes operational data indicative of how a driver of the vehicle operated the vehicle. The received telematics data is analyzed to identify driving behaviors of the driver during the time period(s). Based at least upon the driving behaviors, a driver profile is generated or modified. Based at least upon the generated or modified driver profile, a suggested vehicle type is identified, at least by determining that the profile meets a set of one or more matching criteria associated with the suggested vehicle type. An indication of the suggested vehicle type is displayed to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Leo Nelson Chan, Jacob J. Alt, Matthew S. Megyese, Steven C. Cielocha, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Brian Mark Fields
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 11748085
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    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: 11740885
    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: June 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    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 A. 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: 11726763
    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: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    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: 20230251848
    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: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: 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: 11720968
    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 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    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 A. 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: 11656094
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for educating vehicle drivers. Auto insurance claim data may be analyzed to identify hazardous areas associated with an abnormally high amount or severity of vehicle collisions. A virtual navigation map of roads within the hazardous areas may be built or generated. A common cause of several vehicle collisions at a hazardous area may be identified, and a virtual reconstruction of a scenario involving the common cause and/or a road map of collisions locations of may be created. The virtual reconstruction of the scenario may be displayed on a driver education virtual simulator to enhance driver education and reduce the likelihood of vehicle collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Leo N. Chan, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Roxane Lyons, William J. Leise, John A. Nepomuceno, Rajiv C. Shah, Edward P. Matesevac, III, Jennifer Criswell Kellett, Steven C. Cielocha, Jeremy Myers, Matthew S. Megyese, Jennifer L. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20230153842
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method for detecting and acting upon driver behavior while driving with passengers, telematics data is collected by one or more electronic subsystems of a vehicle and/or mobile electronic device of a driver or passenger. The collected data is transmitted to a computer system, and analyzed to identify respective time periods during which the driver of the vehicle drove with and without passengers, and one or more driving behaviors of the driver during those time periods. The method also includes determining, based upon the driving behavior(s) of the driver during the time periods with and without passengers, how the driver modifies his or her driving when driving with or without passengers, and conveying to an entity at least a portion of a driver profile associated with the driver that has been adjusted based upon how the driver modifies his or her driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Leo Nelson Chan, Jacob J. Alt, Matthew S. Megyese, Steven C. Cielocha, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Brian Mark Fields
  • Patent number: 11645064
    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: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    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
  • Publication number: 20230070573
    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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Applicant: 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: 20230053773
    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 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: 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: 11532187
    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: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    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: 20220392342
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating a vehicle-to-vehicle traffic alert and updating a vehicle-usage profile. Various aspects include detecting, via one or more processors associated with a first vehicle, that an abnormal traffic condition exists in an operating environment of the first vehicle. An electronic message is generated and transmitted wirelessly, via a vehicle-mounted transceiver associated with the first vehicle, to alert a nearby vehicle of the abnormal traffic condition and to allow the nearby vehicle to avoid the abnormal traffic condition. The first vehicle receives telematics data regarding operation of the nearby vehicle after the nearby vehicle received the electronic message, and transmits the telematics data to a remote server for updating a vehicle-usage profile associated with the nearby vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steven C. Cielocha, Jacob J. Alt, Laura A. Uphoff, Leo Nelson Chan, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Justin Davis Davis, Nathan W. Baumann, Giles Roll
  • Publication number: 20220318924
    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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: 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 A. 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: 11450206
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating a vehicle-to-vehicle traffic alert and updating a vehicle-usage profile. Various aspects include detecting, via one or more processors associated with a first vehicle, that an abnormal traffic condition exists in an operating environment of the first vehicle. An electronic message is generated and transmitted wirelessly, via a vehicle-mounted transceiver associated with the first vehicle, to alert a nearby vehicle of the abnormal traffic condition and to allow the nearby vehicle to avoid the abnormal traffic condition. The first vehicle receives telematics data regarding operation of the nearby vehicle after the nearby vehicle received the electronic message, and transmits the telematics data to a remote server for updating a vehicle-usage profile associated with the nearby vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steven C. Cielocha, Jacob J. Alt, Laura A. Uphoff, Leo Nelson Chan, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Justin Davis, Nathan W. Baumann, Giles Roll
  • Patent number: 11393041
    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: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    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 A. Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion