Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
  • Patent number: 9607478
    Abstract: A plurality of gaming terminals provided in a parallel manner, a plurality of upper displays which are provided in a parallel manner independently from the gaming terminals and form a single common effect display screen, a plurality of display controllers controlling image display on the respective upper displays, and a center controller controlling the display controllers are provided. The center controller controls the display controllers so that the upper displays perform image display as one common effect display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Munakata, Kenta Sugano, Daisyun Okamoto, Masumi Fujisawa, Takehisa Itagaki
  • Patent number: 9607479
    Abstract: A tournament gaming system offers a wagering game tournament to players and includes displaying game-play series on a first display device and a second display device. A plurality of players, including a first player and a second player, participate in the game-play series. In accordance with respective randomly selected outcomes achieved in the plurality of game-play series, the players are assigned a tournament rank. A tournament element is shared between the first player and the second player in response to a tournament incentive. The tournament element has an effect on the tournament rank. A tournament award is awarded based on the tournament rank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Robbins, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel P. Louie, Zachary T. Salem, Aaron Jon Schurman, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 9607480
    Abstract: Systems for providing a lottery ticket to a player of a hybrid game are provided. Systems include an entertainment software engine that provides an entertainment game, the entertainment game including a first type of enabling element and a second type of enabling element; a real world engine that provides a gambling game, and generates random gambling outcomes for a gambling bet in real world credits; and a game world engine coupled to the entertainment software engine and the real world engine via a network, that: receives a lottery ticket; monitors, via the network, the player's skillful play of the entertainment game; pays out game world credit to the player; triggers the gambling bet in the gambling game; receives a gambling outcome; determines to award the lottery ticket to the player on the basis of attendant rules; and issues the lottery ticket to the player via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 9607481
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more objects in a platform based game. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more objects in a platform based game. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more platform results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Curtis Ryan
  • Patent number: 9607482
    Abstract: On a display screen in a gaming device is displayed an upper set of reels, a lower set of reels, and a larger shared reel that extends between the upper set of reels and the lower set of reels, the shared reel containing special symbols, wherein symbols on an upper section of the shared reel are combinable with symbols on the upper set of reels; and wherein symbols on a lower section of the shared reel are combinable with symbols on the lower set of reels. The special symbols may include wild symbols, free spin symbols, instant awards, mystery wild symbols, and secondary game play symbols. Since the player can focus on only one reel, the shared reel, which frequently determines whether the player wins, the player becomes more involved in the game and enjoys it more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: IGT Canada Solutions ULC
    Inventors: Ginette Mckay, Shane Littlefield
  • Patent number: 9607483
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an automated banking machine operable to perform cash withdrawals. If a withdrawal is below a threshold, authorization is obtained from a first transaction authorization computer. If a withdrawal is greater than or equal to the threshold, a first portion of the cash is dispensed responsive to authorization from a first transaction authorization computer and a second portion of the cash amount is dispensed responsive to authorization from a second transaction authorization computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Block, H. Thomas Graef, Paul D. Magee, Donald S. Nelson, James Meek, Daniel S. McIntyre, Mark DePietro, Natarajan Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 9607484
    Abstract: A method is provided of operating a self-service check depositing terminal to provide a check deposit transaction receipt. The method comprises receiving a check from a depositor, capturing original check image data which is representative of an image of the check, embedding at least some alphanumeric text data which is representative of alphanumeric text into at least some of the original check image data to provide modified check image data which is representative of a composite image of the check and the alphanumeric text, and printing the composite image of the check and the alphanumeric text onto a check deposit transaction receipt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Manuel Albeto de Abreu Amorim
  • Patent number: 9607485
    Abstract: A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The card data is usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: David N. Lewis, Jeffery M. Enright, Natarajan Ramachandran, Mark A. Douglass, Tim Crews, Songtao Ma, Randall W. Jenkins, H. Thomas Graef, Sathish M. Irudayam, Klaus Steinbach
  • Patent number: 9607486
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process aiding a customer scan and rapid checkout process can include monitoring a shopping cart basket weight. The process includes monitoring, in a computerized processor installed to a shopping cart of a customer, a signal from a weight device configured to monitor the shopping cart basket weight. The process further includes automatically generating a basket weight output value based upon the shopping cart basket weight. The basket weight output value includes one of a check against an expected weight of an item from a database, a billing statement total for a bulk good, a check against an expected total order weight to confirm presence of an un-scanned item in the shopping cart basket, and a check against unsafe use of the shopping cart. The process further includes providing a message based upon the basket weight output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: WAL-MART STORES, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Bennett Acker, Jr., Douglas James Pedley, Richard Neil Cancro
  • Patent number: 9607487
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for projecting light to indicate a device status are provided. In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter, systems for projecting light to indicate a device status are provided, the systems comprising: a hardware processor that: determines a light status; determines whether to turn a light source on; selects a light format corresponding to the light status; projects light of a light source according to the light format; and determines whether to turn the light source off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Dureau
  • Patent number: 9607488
    Abstract: A vehicle information indicator and a method of indicating vehicle information using the indicator are disclosed. The indicator is configured such that a driver who wears the indicator is capable of coordinating devices within a vehicle and can give commands to the coordinated devices. The indicator includes a coordinate setting module which designates a space within the vehicle as spatial coordinates, recognizes the distance of a change in line-of-sight of the user based on an eye zone, and designates a desired zone as detailed zone coordinates. A user command module recognizes a body motion pattern of the user and the number of times of the motion, or a direction and distance that the line-of-sight of the user moves, and provides commands to the devices. In addition, a wireless communication module provides wireless communication between the user command module and the vehicle. A battery is configured to supply power to the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Beom Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9607489
    Abstract: A household appliance includes an information light device that projects light onto a surface to enable a user to determine whether or not the household device is in operation. The information light device may include a light guide. The light guide may be disposed along a side portion of the household appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsay Roberson, Michael Georg Rosenbauer, Metin Tastan, Ralf Winkler
  • Patent number: 9607490
    Abstract: There is provided a haptic device including a small-size haptic unit. The haptic device includes a weight, a magnet fixed to the weight, a coil that generates a magnetic field to reciprocate the magnet along a predetermined direction, and a current control unit that presents a haptic sensation to a user by controlling a current flowing in the coil to vibrate the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Osawa, Takeshi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 9607491
    Abstract: A planar reciprocating actuator (PRA) provides a linear motor configured and optimized for small displacement and oscillation, and can use the effect of a designed mechanical or magnetic spring to increase the amplitude of displacement at certain operating points. The PRA is intended to be used in vibrotactile and haptic applications. The PRA can generate various types of vibratory characteristics that may be perceived as distinct and readily user-identifiable haptic stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce J. P. Mortimer, Gary A. Zets, Anthony C. Morcos
  • Patent number: 9607492
    Abstract: A device that produces patterned tactile sensations or events discernible to human touch from micro-actuators housed in a fabric, or other pliable material, where such actuated sensations or events are discernible by a user donning the fabric. The device is configured to convert electronically stored music or audio data into a sequence of patterned tactile sensations or events in a matrix across the fabric, providing a tactile representation of the music or audio data to the user. The discernible tactile sensations or events may alternately comprise retractable physical features, electric stimuli, and/or combinations of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Douglas D. Churovich
  • Patent number: 9607493
    Abstract: An apparatus embodiment includes a security module having a guard frame, a dome slidably engaged with the guard frame, and an alarm system inside the dome. The alarm system includes a controller and a radio frequency transceiver. The security module further includes a suction cup coupled to the dome, a valve in fluid communication with the suction cup and electrically connected to the controller, and a suction cup in fluid communication with the valve. An embodiment may further include a client application including software instructions for arming the alarm system, disarming the alarm system, and opening the valve. The security module may autonomously seek and/or link with another security module, thereby forming an ad hoc communications network to protect an object tethered to the security module by a wireless communications link and/or a security cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Bryan Ulrich McClain, Demetrius Madrigal, Daniel Nicholas Peknik, Michael Hill
  • Patent number: 9607494
    Abstract: A smoke alarm system for providing interconnect supervision between detectors includes smoke detectors configured so that an interconnect line extends between each of the smoke detectors. In one embodiment using a wired connection, each of the smoke detectors includes an interconnect input and an interconnect output for connecting the smoke detectors into a loop configuration. Similarly, the system may also operate to provide interconnect supervision in a wireless manner such that each of the smoke detectors is polled on a periodic basis. Thus, the smoke alarm system uses interconnect supervision for alerting other detectors of a smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarm as well as altering other detectors to a fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Greg R. Pattok, Darin D. Tuttle, David E. Christian, Scott R. Edwards, David L. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 9607495
    Abstract: A controlling device (110) is configured for controlling a state of an alarm limit of an alarm device (108). The alarm device (108) is configured for generating an alarm signal in association with a monitored physiological parameter of a patient. The alarm limit triggers the generation of the alarm signal. In order to automatically control the state of the alarm limit, the controlling device (110) comprises a receiving unit (146) configured for receiving information indicating an administration of a treatment to the patient, a determining unit (148) configured for determining whether the treatment is administered to the patient based on the received information, and a controlling unit (150) configured for controlling the state of the alarm limit based on a result of the determination of the determining unit (148).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Gerhard Tivig, Rolf Neumann, Michael Mathias Spaeth, Harald Greiner, Guenter Gegner
  • Patent number: 9607496
    Abstract: Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example hazard warning system for a forktruck includes a controllable light source to project light onto a floor adjacent the forktruck. A hazard discriminator determines when the forktruck poses a hazard to an entity of interest in a vicinity of the forktruck, and responsively generates a hazard output. A controller receives the hazard output and controls the light source such that the light source is in a first state when the hazard output is not received and a second state when the hazard output is received, where the first state is different than the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan P. Beggs, James C. Boerger, David J. Hoffmann, Ken Markham, Matthew McNeill, Timothy Muhl, Kyle Nelson, James Oates, Jason Senfleben
  • Patent number: 9607497
    Abstract: An event venue, such as a sports stadium, can use a security system to wireless communicate about security issues. The event venue may have one or more wireless transmitters with transmission zones within the event venue. When a central security office system receives a security alert from a device belonging to a security guard or an eventgoer, or from a law enforcement or first responder network, or from security cameras or emergency beacons (e.g., a fire alarms), information detailing the security issue can be composed into an electronic message, which may include camera footage. The electronic message can then be sent out to at least a subset of the devices in the event venue using the wireless transmitters, for example to summon security guards to deal with a brawl, or to warn eventgoers of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ProSports Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Cronin
  • Patent number: 9607498
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for detecting fall events of a person. Fall events are falls that are likely to occur, are occurring, or have occurred. Fall detectors and fall detector systems detect fall events of the person. Data relating to the person are received from sensors and analyzed to perform fall detection. Data relating to the person includes accelerations and forces experience by the person, changes in body position of the person, movements of the person, and body signals and sounds of the person. Neurological tests are administered to determine levels of responsiveness and awareness of the person in response to detections. Warnings are issued, and safety measures are deployed, in response to detections. Data relating to fall events are recorded and logged. Fall event histories based upon the logged data and fall detection algorithm performance are used to improve future fall detection and prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Ivan Osorio
  • Patent number: 9607499
    Abstract: A satellite aided location tracking and data services with user interface. A graphical user interface is provided that enables users to monitor the status of movable assets. Detailed information in a position history enables the user to obtain status information (e.g., starts and stops) at each position report. This status information promotes visibility into the journey of each movable asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.
    Inventor: Rich Battista
  • Patent number: 9607500
    Abstract: Embodiments that are described herein provide improved methods and systems for predicting threatened POIs. In some embodiments, an automated location tracking system tracks the locations of one or more target individuals. The locations of the target individuals may be tracked, for example, by tracking the cellular phones of the targets, or using various other automated location tracking techniques. Based on the tracked locations, a prediction system anticipates the future locations of the targets. Over time, the system uses this information to progressively narrow down the list of possibly-threatened POIs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: VERINT SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventor: Gideon Hazzani
  • Patent number: 9607501
    Abstract: A personal security system for use with a personal communication device is disclosed that is capable of sending position information regarding the location of the device to a remote computer-aided dispatch system. The computer-aided dispatch system is coupled to a plurality of security resources within a defined geographic area, and includes a dynamic resource database that includes security resource location information regarding each of a plurality of security resources; and a processing unit for receiving triggering event location data from the personal communication device and for identifying, responsive to the triggering event location data, at least one security resource that is proximate the triggering event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Elerts Corporation
    Inventor: Edward English
  • Patent number: 9607502
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system are disclosed for real-time incident control and site management, which enables update-to-date monitoring of every location of a multi-unit site and efficient direction of operations on a site-wide basis. The system communicates with parties onsite via text messaging or similar means, analyzes the communication to determine a status for each unit of the site, and presents a graphical overview of the site with the status information, which allows a commander using the system to control the actions of the parties onsite in an efficient and effective manner. The system also coordinates with support agencies, such as law enforcement agencies, to facilitate assistance of the parties onsite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SWIFTREACH NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventor: Nicholas Felmlee
  • Patent number: 9607503
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for event management, allowing authorized users or authorities to distribute and display communications on digital displays. In one aspect, an event management communications system receives event data sent from a detection system comprised of a network of sensors. The event management communications system processes the event data to determine an event perimeter, and then selects one or more digital displays based upon the event data or the determined event perimeter. Next, the event management communications system authors one or more contextual communications corresponding to the one or more digital displays and sends said one or more authored communications to said one or more digital displays, thereby allowing the one or more digital displays to display the corresponding one or more communications to a relevant, identified audience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: THINXTREAM TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Ranga Raj, Laxman Bhat, Sanjiv Shet
  • Patent number: 9607504
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for remote control in a short-range network system, and a system supporting the same are provided, in which from a remote device that remotely controls the application execution device using a predetermined Control User Interface (CUI), information about capability of the remote device is collected, a CUI request requesting a CUI to be used for remotely controlling a currently executed application and the information about the capability of the remote device are sent to an application server, a CUI matching the capability of the remote device is received from the application server in response to the CUI request, and the received CUI is sent to the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ho-Yeon Park, Sung-Oh Hwang, Bo-Sun Jung, Jun-Hyung Kim, Ji-Eun Keum
  • Patent number: 9607505
    Abstract: An electronic device configured for closed loop remote control functionality and related methods are disclosed herein. In particular, in one embodiment, an electronic device configured for closed loop remote control functionality is provided. The device includes a processor and a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit instructions to a remotely controlled device. Additionally, the device includes an input device configured to allow a user to provide input to the electronic device related to remote control and one or more sensors configured to obtain information related to a state of the remotely controlled device. The processor is configured to use the information obtained by the one or more sensors to determine the state of the remote controlled devices upon receiving the input from a user to transmit instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Fletcher Rothkopf, Stephen Brian Lynch
  • Patent number: 9607506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable universal wireless controller configured to generate control signals for controlling a plurality of devices without the need for hardware or software modification. Such controller comprises a plurality of stretch sensors and switch sensors associated with at least one glove or similar structure configured for being associated with a users' hand. The controller detects finger and hand movements and generates the appropriate communication signal based on values contained in a configuration table. The same wireless controller can control a plurality of devices without the need for reprogramming or mode selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Lloyd Douglas Manning
  • Patent number: 9607507
    Abstract: Described are techniques and systems for determining a state of activity of a user, and performing operations responsive to the state. The state may be determined using environmental data and operational data. The environmental data provides data indicative of the user's level of activity and may include data from sensors such as cameras, microphones, motion sensors, and so forth. The operational data includes data about performance of one or more services which may be associated with the user. The state may indicate that the user is resting, awake, working, exercising, and so forth. For example, while the user is inactive, such as while resting, resource-intensive operations may be performed. By determining when the user is inactive and detecting unusual levels of activity by the service problems such as damage to the service or malicious activity may be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jon Arron McClintock, Darren Ernest Canavor
  • Patent number: 9607508
    Abstract: A wireless, remote foot controller and a wireless instrument in direct communication with one another and method of operation. The remote foot controller can determine the wireless instrument in the hand of the dental professional and can determine whether the instrument is operational in an continuously variable mode or whether the instrument is operational at discrete speeds. The remote foot controller can then respond to activation by a user to provide a predetermined signal that drives the handheld unit with the appropriate signal. The remote foot controller is activated by application of pressure to the foot controller that provides tactile, sensory feedback to the user. The foot controller includes a circuit board, antenna and battery so that it is wireless. The circuit board includes communications protocol to permit the foot controller to communicate with several dental instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Kenneth Lint, Jared Witmer, Joseph Robert Reagan
  • Patent number: 9607509
    Abstract: A framework for identifying parking areas from vehicle trajectory data is described herein. Vehicle trajectory data collected from a sensor network having a plurality of sensor stations for detecting vehicles is provided. The vehicle trajectory data is pre-processed to generate a tracking table of vehicles and analyzed to determine an interstation parking area between first and second sensor stations of interest based on input parameters from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SAP SE
    Inventors: Jing Liu, Junpeng Hu, Yinling Ni, Yongxun Li, Siyi Chen, Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 9607510
    Abstract: A sign (100) displays moving, still, or blank images (130). In one aspect the sign is mounted over a roadways for viewing by occupants of vehicular traffic (105) and pedestrians. In another aspect the sign is mounted on a vehicle. An associated sensor (125, 220, 221, 222) senses the motion of traffic in the vicinity of the sign. When traffic moves at less than a predetermined speed, the sign displays moving or changing information. At greater speeds the display on the sign is either still or blank, so as to avoid distracting nearby drivers. An electronic system (135) provides various aspects that augment sign operation such as GPS, reception of signage information for use in particular locations, advertiser billing information based on sign usage, and collection and reporting of demographics that aid advertisers in maximizing their impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DeLorean, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Z. DeLorean
  • Patent number: 9607511
    Abstract: This vehicle guidance system carries out guidance of vehicles that are traveling on roads making up a road network, the vehicle guidance system being provided with: a flow detection unit that detects the flow of vehicles on each of the roads making up a road network, and generates flow information indicating the detection result; a storage unit that creates associations between the flow information for the roads which has been generated by the flow detection unit, and road-identifying information indicating the corresponding roads, and storing the information; a decision unit that, for each of the roads making up the road network, specifies a candidate road that is a road which vehicles flow from the road in question, acquires the flow information that is stored in association with the road-identifying information indicating the specified candidate road in question, and based on the acquired flow information, decides on a flow increase or decrease policy of vehicles on the candidate road; and a guidance unit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisaya Wakayama, Naoki Shiota, Junpei Kamimura, Norihisa Iga
  • Patent number: 9607512
    Abstract: A method and system utilize a logic based controller and a user actuatable device to provide a command to the logic based controller. The logic based controller receives the command, which may be prioritized, and processes the command in accordance with predefined logic to determine whether to actuate a vehicle barrier switch to raise or lower a vehicle barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cinch Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Curtis Christianson, Bryan L. Peterson, Gregory Brett Olson
  • Patent number: 9607513
    Abstract: A method for informing a driver of a vehicle of lane passing regulations on a road. The method includes detecting a start of a no passing zone on a road, notifying the driver of the no passing zone, detecting an end of the no passing zone, and notifying the driver that the no passing zone has ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Williams, Takayuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 9607514
    Abstract: A drive assist device assists a driver who is driving a vehicle by showing, on a display unit, information related to an indication state of a traffic signal including a remaining time until the indication state of the traffic signal changes. The drive assist device includes a processor configured to output a representation of the remaining time to the display unit. The processor is configured to set the representation of the remaining time to a first representation when the remaining time is greater than a predetermined value and set the representation of the remaining time to a second representation when the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined value. The second representation differs from the first representation in at least one of brightness, saturation, and hue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Morimoto, Katsuhiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9607515
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for interaction with digital signage are described herein. A system for interacting with digital signage, includes an identification module to identify, at an onboard system in a vehicle, a first roadside digital signage, the first roadside digital signage having first content; a communication module to receive a first option to perform a first action related to the first content; and a presentation module to display the first option via the onboard system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tomer Rider, Shahar Taite, Igor Ljubuncic
  • Patent number: 9607516
    Abstract: A remaining energy supply warning system provides different low fuel level reminders and warnings according to a driving area determined by a navigation apparatus. When within a life domain of the driver, low fuel level reminders and warnings may be set at lower threshold amounts since the driver is well-acquainted with the area. Therefore, the driver of the vehicle will not be bothered by low fuel reminders and warnings when the amount of fuel remaining is still relatively high considering the driver's knowledge of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nozomi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9607517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the position determination of objects (62, 707,84, 96) by means of communication signals, in which a transceiver capable of wireless communication transmits communication signals, the transceiver (51) being capable of simultaneous transmission and reception, and wherein the communication signals are at least partially reflected as reflection signals on at least one object (62, 707, 84, 96) in a signal propagation zone and the transceiver (51) receives the reflection signals. The method is characterized in that phase information of the reflection signals or communication signals are determined. The invention further relates to a corresponding device and to a use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Sighard Schräbler, Ulrich Stählin, Marc Menzel
  • Patent number: 9607518
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are vehicle accident recorders and methods for generating accident information thereof. A method may include receiving an accident message transmitted from an accident vehicle; confirming a distance between a vehicle and an accident point and whether or not a view confirming the accident point is secured, based on accident data included in the accident message; and generating witness data for the accident point depending on results of the confirming of the distance between the vehicle and the accident point and whether or not the view is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyo Geun Kwak, Dong Youl Lee, Young Su Kim, Chul Min Kim
  • Patent number: 9607519
    Abstract: A driving control system has a position/speed information detecting section for detecting the position and speed of a host vehicle, a communication unit for acquiring the position and speed information of another vehicle, a proximity position estimating section that estimates a proximity position at which the host vehicle and the other vehicle approach each other and a proximity position changing unit that, when the host vehicle and the other vehicle are travelling on the same lane at the same time, changes the proximity position to a changed proximity position outside of a waiting time generation area. A travelling plan generation section generates a travelling plan while the other one of the host-vehicle and the other vehicle enters the waiting time generation area. A communication unit transmits the travelling plan to the other vehicle, and a travel driving unit executes the driving of the host vehicle according to the travelling plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makiko Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9607520
    Abstract: The DYNAMIC TURBULENCE ENGINE CONTROLLER APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“DTEC”) transform weather, terrain, and flight parameter data via DTEC components into turbulence avoidance optimized flight plans. In one implementation, the DTEC comprises a processor and a memory disposed in communication with the processor and storing processor-issuable instructions to receive anticipated flight plan parameter data, obtain terrain data based on the flight plan parameter data, obtain atmospheric data based on the flight plan parameter data, and determine a plurality of four-dimensional grid points based on the flight plan parameter data. The DTEC may then determine a non-dimensional mountain wave amplitude and mountain top wave drag, an upper level non-dimensional gravity wave amplitude, and a buoyant turbulent kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Telvent DTN LLC
    Inventors: Donald McCann, James H. Block, Daniel W. Lennartson
  • Patent number: 9607521
    Abstract: The trajectory coming from a planned trajectory, managed by a system, and from at least one trajectory section sent by a third party system to the system, the method at least comprises: a preliminary step in which a knowledge base is produced comprising the calculation parameters and their field of use for the moving object, several envelopes of parameters being defined within the field of use corresponding to different operational constraints of the moving object; a first step in which the system initializes the planned trajectory according to the parameters of the preliminary step, the calculation parameters of the planned trajectory being contained in one of the envelopes; a second step in which the system receives a trajectory section sent by the third party system in order to be inserted in the planned trajectory by replacing a part of the trajectory; a third step in which the received and accepted section is simplified by segmentation in such a way that its calculation parameters are contained in the at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: François Coulmeau, Laurent Deweerdt
  • Patent number: 9607522
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Patent number: 9607523
    Abstract: Systems and methods for weather information management are provided. In one embodiment, a method for weather information management comprises: determining at a ground based weather collection station when a first set of aircraft collected weather data is available for transfer from a first aircraft based on a new weather data disclosure message received from the first aircraft; determining whether the first set is cumulative to a second set of aircraft collected weather data based on the new weather data disclosure message; evaluating at least a first communication datalink for suitability for transferring the first set based on a data size indicated in the new weather data disclosure message; and when the first set is not cumulative and the first datalink is suitable: selecting the first communication datalink; and transmitting a weather data request in response to the new weather data disclosure message, the request indicating the first datalink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Haiming Wang
  • Patent number: 9607524
    Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for creating and evaluating assessment sheets are disclosed. The method includes identifying one or more first location identifiers based on one or more markings provided in a scanned master assessment sheet. A machine-readable code (MRC) is generated based on the one or more first location identifiers. The MRC is then split into a plurality of portions and embedded at various locations on a scanned pre-assessment sheet. The scanned pre-assessment sheet with the embedded MRC is then printed to generate the assessment sheets. Thereafter, one or more second location identifiers are identified based on one or more markings provided by evaluatees in each of the assessment sheets provided to them. The one or more second location identifiers are then compared with the one or more first location identifiers. The result of evaluation is provided based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Nikesh Anand Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 9607525
    Abstract: Golf performance and equipment characteristics may be determined by analyzing the impact between a golf ball and an impacting surface. In some examples, the impacting surface may be a golf club face. The impact between the golf ball and the surface may be measured based on sound and/or motion sensors (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc.). Based on motion and/or sound data, various equipment-related information including golf ball compression, club head speed and impact location may be derived. Such information and/or other types of data may be conveyed to a user to help improve performance, aid in selecting golf equipment and/or to insure quality of golfing products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Leech, Arthur Molinari
  • Patent number: 9607526
    Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, software, and apparatuses provide a tool for use by drivers and/or coaches throughout the pre-license stage of obtaining a driver's license. A pre-license program may control a computing device to collect drive data while a driver is driving a vehicle. This drive data may be used to detect a drive event. Then, the computing device may present coaching information associated with the detected drive event. The coaching information may provide a passenger, such as a coach or parent, with real-time advice for instructing the driver how to improve his/her driving skills. Moreover, the drive data collected may be used to prepare reports providing feedback to the drivers and coaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Chienlan Hsu-Hoffman, Gibbs Evan, Alicia Dornadic, Regina Madigan
  • Patent number: 9607527
    Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method performed by one or more processes executing on a computer systems includes receiving an audio signal comprising a range of audio frequencies including high frequencies and low frequencies, converting a first portion of the range of audio frequencies into haptic data, shifting a second portion of the range of audio frequencies to a different range of audio frequencies, and presenting at least one of the converted first portion and the shifted second portion to a human user. Other implementations of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Gregory F. Hughes