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: 10387967
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a computer implemented system and method for automatically generating insurance policy related data. The system and method may determine a vehicle operator and generate empirical vehicle operator identity data. The system and method may further acquire empirical vehicle operation data related to the actual vehicle operator, and correlate the empirical vehicle operator identity data and the empirical vehicle operation data to generate vehicle insurance policy related data. The system and method may further include processing one or more insurance options, including underwriting and pricing, based at least in part on the vehicle insurance policy related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hayward, Scott T. Christensen, Christopher E. Gay, Steven C. Cielocha, 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
  • Patent number: 10343605
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing alerts. In various aspects, sensor data is received at one or more sensors associated with a vehicle, where the sensor data defines an electronic vehicle environment that indicates an electronic location of the vehicle. An electronic pedestrian or cyclist location is identified within the electronic vehicle environment, which is determined by a mobile device associated with a pedestrian or cyclist. Where a determination is made that the pedestrian or cyclist meets predetermined alert criteria based upon the electronic vehicle location and the electronic pedestrian or cyclist location, an alert is generated that indicates the presence of the pedestrian or cyclist within the vicinity of the vehicle. The alert is presented on a display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automotive Insurance Company
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steven C. Cielocha, Jacob J. Alt, Laura Anne Uphoff, Leo Nelson Chan, Mohamed A Wazeer, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Justin Davis, Nathan W Baumann, Giles Roll
  • Patent number: 10336321
    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: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 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: 10325491
    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: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    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: 10282981
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving vehicle awareness and safety by generating and transmitting alerts in response to detecting a hazard in the environment omnidirectional to a vehicle awareness system. Omnidirectional environment data, representing kinematic information pertaining to one or more physically detectable elements omnidirectional to the primary vehicle, is acquired by one or more sensors communicatively coupled to a vehicle. The system analyzes the omnidirectional environment data to detect if one or more hazards in the omnidirectional environment data, representing a change in the kinetic behavior of the one or more physically detectable elements omnidirectional to the vehicle awareness system, has occurred. When the system detects one or more hazards in the omnidirectional environment data, the system generates and transmits an alert to vehicles, vehicle operators, mobile devices, or pedestrians at risk from the hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: John A. Nepomuceno, Leo Nelson Chan, Steven C. Cielocha, Roxane Lyons, Matthew S. Megyese, William J. Leise, Jennifer Criswell Kellett, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Jennifer L. Crawford, Jeremy Myers, Edward P. Matesevac, III, Rajiv C. Shah
  • Patent number: 10266180
    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 operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With a vehicle owner's permission, a vehicle operator identity may be determined; and operating data regarding the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be received from one or more vehicle-mounted sensors. Based upon the received operating data, (i) autonomous operation risk levels associated with autonomous vehicle operation; and (ii) operator risk levels associated with autonomous vehicle operation by the vehicle operator may be determined. Based upon a comparison of the autonomous operation versus vehicle operator risk levels, the autonomous features may be engaged if it is safer for the vehicle to travel autonomously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 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: 10246097
    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: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 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: 10241509
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may include identifying a vehicle operator and retrieving an associated vehicle operator profile. Operating data regarding operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be received that includes data from sensors disposed within the vehicle. When a request to enable an autonomous operation feature is received, (i) autonomous operation risk levels associated with vehicle operation by the autonomous operation feature based upon the received operating data, and (ii) operator risk levels associated with vehicle operation by the vehicle operator based upon the vehicle operator profile are determined. Autonomous operation feature enablement may be allowed based upon a comparison of (i) autonomous operation risk levels with (ii) operator risk levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 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: 10242513
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the use of a shared vehicle are described. In various aspects, telematics data regarding operation of a shared vehicle is collected from one or more sensors, where the shared vehicle is associated with a shared vehicle operator and a shared vehicle stakeholder. One or more processors determine whether a driving event has occurred based upon the telematics data, where the driving event is indicative of improper usage of the shared vehicle by the shared vehicle operator. The one or more processors generate a notification regarding the driving event. The notification includes a driver rating determined from the telematics data regarding operation of the shared vehicle by the shared vehicle operator. The notification is transmitted, via a network, to the shared vehicle stakeholder for presentation to the shared vehicle stakeholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    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: 10233679
    Abstract: Systems and methods for control systems for facilitating situational awareness of a vehicle are provided. Sensors located around a stationary vehicle may detect moving objects that pose potentially dangerous situations for the vehicle occupants and for the object. This can cause the doors to lock automatically in order to make the situation safer. Additionally, electromagnetic radiation sensors located around the vehicle may detect the lights and sounds of emergency vehicles. If the electromagnetic data from the electromagnetic radiation sensors match a known pattern of electromagnetic data emitted by emergency vehicles stored in a library an alarm may be sounded through the speakers of the vehicle in order to alert the vehicle occupants of an emergency vehicle in the vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Leo 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
  • Patent number: 10222228
    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: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Leo Nelson 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
  • Patent number: 10204518
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying high risk parking lots. High risk parking lots may be, for example, parking lots that pose a higher than average risk of collisions and/or theft. Auto insurance claim data may be analyzed to identify hazardous areas. A virtual navigation of roads within the hazardous area may be identified. Public parking lots within the virtual navigation map may be defined, with each public parking lot determined as either in a hazardous area or not. A vehicle may be determined to be approaching or parking in a parking lot in a hazardous area, and a nearby public parking lot not associated with the hazardous area may be selected instead. A route from a current position to the nearby public parking lot may be generated, and the vehicle may be routed to the nearby public parking lot. As a result, collisions and thefts may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: John A. Nepomuceno, Leo Nelson Chan, Steven C. Cielocha, Roxane Lyons, Matthew S. Megyese, William J. Leise, Jennifer Criswell Kellett, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Jennifer L. Crawford, Jeremy Myers, Edward P. Matesevac, III, Rajiv C. Shah
  • Patent number: 10166994
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 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: 10163350
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing vehicular driver alerts. In various aspects a vehicle operating environment may be monitored by one or more sensors associated with a first vehicle operating within the vehicle operating environment. The first vehicle may be determined to be in proximity to a second vehicle based upon sensor data obtained from the one or more sensors. An identifier associated with the second vehicle may be determined based upon the sensor data and the identifier may be used to receive evaluation data associated with the second vehicle. The evaluation data may indicate a quality level associated with operation of the second vehicle. Based upon the evaluation data, it may be determined that the second vehicle is associated with a heightened risk of a vehicle accident. A warning regarding the heightened risk may be generated and presented, by an output device, to a vehicle operator of the first vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    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: 10157423
    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, with the insurance customer's permission, operation of an autonomous (or semi-autonomous vehicle) by a vehicle operator may be monitored. Based upon vehicle and/or other data analysis, an identity of the operator may be determined, and operating data regarding the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle while the operator at least partially controls the autonomous vehicle may be monitored. A vehicle operator profile that includes information regarding an operating style of the vehicle operator based upon the operating data may be determined. Risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous vehicle based upon the information regarding the vehicle operator's operating style may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    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: 10106083
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing alerts. In various aspects, sensor data is received at one or more sensors associated with a vehicle, where the sensor data defines an electronic vehicle environment that indicates an electronic location of the vehicle. An electronic pedestrian or cyclist location is identified within the electronic vehicle environment, which is determined by a mobile device associated with a pedestrian or cyclist. Where a determination is made that the pedestrian or cyclist meets predetermined alert criteria based upon the electronic vehicle location and the electronic pedestrian or cyclist location, an alert is generated that indicates the presence of the pedestrian or cyclist within the vicinity of the vehicle. The alert is presented on a display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steven C. Cielocha, Jacob J. Alt, Laura Anne Uphoff, Leo Nelson Chan, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Justin Davis, Nathan W. Baumann, Giles Roll
  • Patent number: 10026237
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the use of a shared vehicle are described. In various aspects, telematics data regarding operation of a shared vehicle is collected from one or more sensors, where the shared vehicle is associated with a shared vehicle operator and a shared vehicle stakeholder. One or more processors determine whether a driving event has occurred based upon the telematics data, where the driving event is indicative of improper usage of the shared vehicle by the shared vehicle operator. The one or more processors generate a notification regarding the driving event. The notification includes a driver rating determined from the telematics data regarding operation of the shared vehicle by the shared vehicle operator. The notification is transmitted, via a network, to the shared vehicle stakeholder for presentation to the shared vehicle stakeholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steven C. Cielocha, Jacob J. Alt, Laura Anne Uphoff, Leo Nelson Chan, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Justin Davis, Nathan W. Baumann, Giles Roll
  • Patent number: 10026309
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving vehicle awareness and safety by generating and transmitting alerts in response to detecting a hazard in the environment omnidirectional to a vehicle awareness system. Omnidirectional environment data, representing kinematic information pertaining to one or more physically detectable elements omnidirectional to the primary vehicle, is acquired by one or more sensors communicatively coupled to ta vehicle. The system analyzes the omnidirectional environment data to detect if one or more hazards in the omnidirectional environment data, representing a change in the kinetic behavior of the one or more physically detectable elements omnidirectional to the vehicle awareness system, has occurred. When the system detects one or more hazards in the omnidirectional environment data, the system generates and transmits an alert to vehicles, vehicle operators, mobile devices, or pedestrians at risk from the hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Nepomuceno, Leo Chan, Steven C. Cielocha, Roxane Lyons, Matthew S. Megyese, William J. Leise, Jennifer Criswell Kellett, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Jennifer L. Crawford, Jeremy Myers, Edward P. Matesevac, III, Rajiv C. Shah