Patents Issued in April 24, 2018
  • Patent number: 9953467
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to secure vehicular data management with enhanced privacy. A vehicle may comprise at least a vehicular control architecture (VCA) for controlling operation of the vehicle and a device. The VCA may record operational data identifying at least one vehicle operator and vehicular operational data recorded during operation of the vehicle by the at least one vehicle operator. The device may include at least a communication module and a trusted execution environment (TEE) including a privacy enforcement module (PEM). The PEM may receive the operational data from the VCA via the communication module, may generate filtered data by filtering the operational data based on privacy settings and may cause the filtered data to be transmitted via the communication module. The filtered data may be transmitted to at least one data consumer. The privacy settings may be configured in the PEM by the at least one operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ned M. Smith, Thomas G. Willis, Nathan Heldt-Sheller
  • Patent number: 9953468
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for segmenting operational data and identifying events of interested in the segmented operational data. With the events of interest identified, a total time between the events of interest can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Patent number: 9953469
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recommending repair facilities to a user based on repair validation/coaching data are disclosed. In one implementation, a repair facility recommendation system receives repair information from a user regarding damage to an automobile, the repair information received via a graphical user interface rendered on a webpage. The repair facility recommendation system identifies a repair facility verified to repair the damage to the automobile based on the repair information and verification information from a verification module, the verification information comprising evaluation information based on evaluation of technicians performing repairs of automobiles at repair facilities. The repair facility recommendation system then provides information regarding the identified repair facility to the user via the graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: VERIFACTS AUTOMOTIVE, LLC
    Inventor: Farzam Afshar
  • Patent number: 9953470
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting execution of driving maneuvers based on pre-determined driving maneuver profiles. Some or all of the system may be installed in a vehicle and/or be otherwise coupled with a vehicle. In some implementations, the system may detect execution of driving maneuvers by the vehicle based on pre-determined driving maneuver profiles. The system may include one or more sensors configured to generate output signals conveying information related to the vehicle. In some implementations, the system may detect execution of the driving maneuvers by the vehicle based on a comparison of the information conveyed by the output signals from the sensors to criteria included in the pre-determined driving maneuver profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SmartDrive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Palmer, Slaven Sljivar
  • Patent number: 9953471
    Abstract: An OBD module comprising a controller; a data bus interface configured to draw power from and electronically communicate with a vehicle OBD-II data port; and a digital interface connector is disclosed. A radio/infotainment interface configured to communicate with the OBD module is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Craig Arnold Tieman
  • Patent number: 9953472
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the subject matter described herein, a system is provided that includes a vehicle that is operating in accordance with the operational settings of a trip plan. The operational settings dictate how the vehicle system is to travel at different locations along the route. A processor of the system may identify differences between the operational settings of the trip plan and the operational settings at which the vehicle actually travels. The processor may further identify whether the differences are caused by a grade error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dibyajyoti Pati, Ashish Anil Paralikar, Mohankumar Nanjegowda, Prakarsh Paritosh
  • Patent number: 9953473
    Abstract: Various system and method for creating profiles of fuel quality are described herein. A system to create profiles of fuel quality comprises a receiving module arranged to receive vehicle performance data of a vehicle, the vehicle performance data describing the vehicle's performance over a time period; an association module arranged to associate the vehicle performance data with fuel used by the vehicle during the time period; an analysis module arranged to analyze the vehicle performance data with respect to the fuel to calculate a performance metric of the fuel; and a storage module arrranged to store the performance metric in a performance database at the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Plowman, Alexandra C. Zafiroglu, Jennifer Healey
  • Patent number: 9953474
    Abstract: A panel associated with maintaining security of mobile devices. The devices such as mobile phones may be registered with user codes at the panel. If a user wants to access the panel, the user may enter a user code corresponding to a number of the device. The device may have a geo-location app in that the panel can track the device. If the user is within the pre-determined range of a protected location, another check about the user may be effected with a face recognition app. A face scan of the user may be compared with a face of an authorized user. If the user is found to be unauthorized anywhere along the above-noted process, then the user may be deemed to be an intruder, and an alert can be sent to a central monitor station, which may take action to remove any threat associated with the intruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Reshma Mohan, Galib Gaurav, Malathy Rajkumar, Karthic Sampathkumar, Venkata Prakash Reddy Ankireddy
  • Patent number: 9953475
    Abstract: A mobile device including a communications interface, a memory, a display screen, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to retrieve a first key of an asymmetric key pair. A second key of the asymmetric key pair is stored on an access control device. The processing unit is configured to generate a plurality of barcodes. Each of the barcodes includes data that is encrypted using the first key and the current date and time. At least some of the barcodes are distinct from one another. At least one of the barcodes includes access information. The processing unit is configured to sequentially display the barcodes such that only a single one of the barcodes is displayed on the display screen of the mobile device at a single time. The barcodes are read and decrypted by the access control device using the second key and the current date and time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Gavin Smith, Steffen Reymann
  • Patent number: 9953476
    Abstract: An illustrative example method of operating a capacitive vehicle entry control device includes: determining a plurality of capacitance values of the vehicle entry control device during a measurement period; determining an average capacitance of the plurality of capacitance values; determining whether the determined average capacitance exceeds an average threshold; determining a range of the plurality of capacitance values; determining whether the determined range exceeds a range threshold; and initiating a vehicle entry process when the determined average capacitance exceeds the average threshold or when the determined range exceeds the range threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan D. Murphy, Kevin J. Hawes, Kris R. Stark
  • Patent number: 9953477
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for communicating information, altering access rights, and transferring power to and from an electronic programmable key are disclosed. Using a wireless channel of communication established between the key and a mobile device, information and access rights can be communicated from and to the electronic programmable key. Using the mobile communication device's network connection, a further channel of communication may be established between a control center and the electronic programmable key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ACSYS IP HOLDING, INC
    Inventors: David Meganck, Ahmad Fares, Karim Belhadia, Jean Mouradian
  • Patent number: 9953479
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to securing physical compartments and allowing users access via a mobile device configured to use a mobile authentication system. In some embodiments, a locking device for a physical container is configured to unlock only if both a transaction authentication system confirms successful authentication of a mobile device and an auxiliary key is present. The locking device may receive encrypted data from the mobile device via a short-range wireless connection, transmit the data to the transaction authentication system, and receive a message indicating whether authentication was successful. The mobile device may encrypt the data using a replenishment key from the transaction authentication system; therefore the authentication may decrypt the received encrypted data to confirm an identity of the mobile device. In some embodiments, disclosed techniques may allow users to use their mobile device to unlock a safety deposit box without requiring extensive infrastructure investment, e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: CA, Inc.
    Inventors: Yashwant Ramkishan Sawant, Banisetti Sandeep, Mohammed Mujeeb Kaladgi, Ruqiya Nikhat Kaladgi
  • Patent number: 9953480
    Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include a temperature controlled compartment, a product input system adjacent to the temperature controlled compartment, and a multi-chute product dispensing mechanism positioned within the temperature controlled compartment. The multi-chute product dispensing system may include a number of product chutes in communication with a dispense activation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jurgen Roekens, Abram C. Knip, Jacobus P. M. Dessing
  • Patent number: 9953481
    Abstract: In certain example embodiments, jukebox systems that have associated video servers for displaying video content on one or more displays or groups of displays external to the jukebox and/or directly on the jukebox are provided. Such video servers may effectively off-load at least some of the video processing load from the jukebox device. Accordingly, video content may be provided to complement and/or further enhance the interactive experience that jukeboxes currently provide, while also enabling patrons not directly in front of the jukebox to participate in the interactive process. Content may be distributed to the jukeboxes and/or video servers via a network. In addition to creating a compelling entertainment experience for patrons, it also is possible to create new revenue opportunities for customers. For example, operators and national account customers and advertising partners may provide additional value to venues through the innovative use of managed video content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TouchTunes Music Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Tooker, Dominique Dion, Guy Nathan
  • Patent number: 9953482
    Abstract: A method of gaming in a gaming system. The method includes selecting symbols for display at a plurality of subsets of symbol display positions by independently determining stopping positions of reels of symbols associated with the subsets of display positions, wherein at least one subset of symbol display positions is associated with two or more reels and upon two or more symbols being selected for the same symbol display position at least one symbol combination rule is applied to the two or more symbols to determine a resultant symbol for display, and evaluating the displayed symbols to determine whether to make an award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Julio Montenegro, Wade Clark
  • Patent number: 9953483
    Abstract: An electronic method of gaming in a gaming system. The method comprises displaying, on a display, an evaluation area comprising a plurality of columns of symbol display positions divided between first and second gaming instances by a border such that symbol display positions on one side of the border are allocated to the first game instance and symbol display positions on the other side of the border are allocated to the second game instance; upon a border change condition being met, adjusting, using a game controller, the allocation of symbol positions between the first game instance and the second game instance so that the border between the first and second game instances changes; and determining, using the game controller, whether to make an award in respect of at least one of the first and second game instances based on symbols displayed at the symbol positions after the border changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Gary Joseph Penacho, Casey Lyle Condron, Thomas Tuomey, Kurt Larsen, Charles Schotborgh, Adam Pippin, Ryan Shawn Carr
  • Patent number: 9953484
    Abstract: An electronic method of gaming includes displaying an evaluation area having columns of symbol display positions divided between first and second game instances by a border such that positions on a first side of the border are allocated to the first game instance and positions on a second side of the border are allocated to the second game instance. The method includes selecting symbols for the first and second game instances and displaying the selected symbols in response to initiation of a round of gaming. The method includes determining a winning game instance associated with the round. The winning instance is determined based on a round number and a position of the border divider. The method includes moving the border divider based on the determination of the winning game instance. The method includes determining an award based on symbols displayed at the symbol positions after the border divider is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: T. Grant Bolling, Jr., Kurt Larsen, Amanda Flock, Clint Batac, Cash Imutan, C'era Oliveira, Joe Masinter
  • Patent number: 9953485
    Abstract: A gambling hybrid game that provides a reel game having a display with changeable opacity is disclosed. The gambling hybrid game includes an entertainment system engine that provides an entertainment game to a user, a real world engine that provides reel games to the user, and a game world engine that monitors the entertainment game and provides the reel game when appropriate. The real world engine provides the reel game including generating a display of the reel game. During provision of the gambling game, the real world engine determines the state of the game and changes the opacity of the display based upon the state of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 9953486
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to online casino games are described herein. In one aspect, an authoritative image of a remote player is received and stored in a biometrical facial recognition database. The authoritative image can be linked with a player profile of a player tracking card holder. To play an online casino game, the remote player can provide an authentication image. The player's presence in the authentication image can be determined using a biometrical facial recognition software application. Upon successful authentication, a selection of online casino games can be displayed to the remote player. The real-time (e.g., during game play) identity of the remote player can be determined. If an authorized remote player has been replaced by an unauthorized remote player, the game play can be terminated. In another aspect, the remote player provides the authoritative image after receiving an invitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Otho Dale Hill
  • Patent number: 9953487
    Abstract: A bonus element interleaved wagering system is disclosed. The system includes an interactive controller configured to: determine whether a bonus element of an interactive application provided by the interactive controller has been consumed; receive a wager outcome; determine whether to provide a bonus round; provide the bonus round; communicate, to the application controller, bonus round application telemetry associated with the bonus round; and receive a wager outcome based on the bonus round application telemetry. The system also includes a wager controller constructed to: receive a wager request; determine the wager outcome; communicate the wager outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 9953488
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing winning result opportunities in gaming activities. Embodiments involve identifying award-enhancing opportunities using dice, and enabling repetition of such award-enhancing opportunities based on the dice results until a terminating event occurs using the die/dice. Award-enhancing opportunities can be accumulated during the repetition, whereby payout opportunities of the gaming event from which the dice activity was initiated may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Bradley Berman, Chad Shapiro, Adam Martin, Dustin Rients
  • Patent number: 9953489
    Abstract: A method of playing a game, the method comprising selecting a predefined number of player indicia; providing an event reference, the event reference being viewable on a display device, the event reference comprising a plurality of event participants, the plurality of event participants being ranked; randomly generating a plurality of randomly generated indicia, the plurality of randomly generated indicia comprising a first indicia and a second indicia; associating the first indicia with a first event participant; associating the second indicia with a second event participant; obtaining the ranking of the participants based on the order they finish in the event reference; ordering the plurality of randomly generated indicia based on the ranking of their respective associated participants; and determining a game outcome, the game outcome comprising comparing the player indicia to the plurality of randomly generated indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: John Colceri
  • Patent number: 9953490
    Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are directed to a video poker gaming device that deals five cards to a player and selects five more cards that represent the possible cards used in a later draw. From these ten cards, the gaming device if a winning combination above a threshold amount is possible. If such a winning combination is not possible, in some embodiments, the device automatically ends the game and deals a new hand. If a win over the threshold amount is possible, the gaming device allows the player to hold and draw cards. This increases the speed of play of the poker game and focuses game play on hands where winning combinations are likely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9953491
    Abstract: A system and method for conducting a game between at least one live player and at least one computer-controlled player includes executing a training program between at least two agents to generate probability weights correlating actions or meta-actions representing a set or sequenced set of actions with a probability that the action or meta-action will produce a game outcome meeting a specified criterion or specified criteria. A game is conducted in which at least one live player plays against at least one computer-controlled player in which the computer-controlled player selects actions at one or more of the decision nodes in the game based, at least in part, on the probability weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Brain Games, L.C.
    Inventor: Fredrik A. Dahl
  • Patent number: 9953492
    Abstract: An approach for configuring macro buttons for voice system activation in an alarm system by an alarm system operator that simplifies application of multiple activation and deactivation voice messages during fire alarm events and mass notification events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Eric Fernandes
  • Patent number: 9953493
    Abstract: A visitor detection unit includes a digital processor, an RF transceiver, a sensor and digital memory. Preferably, the digital memory includes code segments executable on the digital processor for transmitting a beacon signal via a transmitter portion of the RF transceiver, monitoring via the sensor for a visitor event monitoring via a receiver portion of the RF transceiver for a beacon response event, and selectively transmitting metadata via the transmitter portion of the RF transceiver that is related at least one of the visitor event and the beacon response event. In this example embodiment, an enclosure is provided for the digital processor, the RF transceiver and the digital memory such that the visitor detection unit can be mounted on a surface proximate to a physical area to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GROUPON, INC.
    Inventor: Ruddman Davis
  • Patent number: 9953494
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for communicating to another user or users through skin response technology are provided. The present disclosure provides for receiving at least one message over a network by a mobile device; transmitting the received at least one message to a vibrotactile device configured to be worn on the skin of a user; converting, by the vibrotactile device, the transmitted at least one message into a predefined vibration pattern; and effecting the predefined vibration pattern onto the skin of a user by at least one actuating element of the vibrotactile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 9953495
    Abstract: An active automated anti-boarding device for a maritime asset security system includes a housing for mounting the device on a maritime asset. The deterrence device includes visual and sound deterrence emitters within said mount to disperse a directional fan pattern of sight and visual deterrence response outward from the housing to unauthorized boarders. An active automated anti-boarding maritime asset security system includes detection devices configured to mount to maritime asset, the detection devices each including emitters and receivers for generating and detection beams that form a virtual fence to form a detection network on a portion or around an entire maritime asset. Deterrence devices responsive to the interruption of the spaced apart detection beams produce a deterrent response that is non lethal. The deterrence response can be a law enforcement level of deterrence, it can induce discomfort and/or disorientation to deter unauthorized boarders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TRIDENT GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Rothrauff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9953496
    Abstract: A sensor assembly as part of a wireless alarm system for building entrances like windows and doors. An elongated sensor assembly for detecting a change of state comprising at least one sensor switch configured to detect a given state and a change of state between the given state and at least one other state, a microprocessor configured to detect the change of state of the at least one sensor switch, an antenna system, a wireless transmitter configured to receive a signal from the microprocessor identifying a change of the state of the at least one sensor switch and transmit the signal by means of the antenna system, and a power source for providing electric power, wherein the at least one sensor switch, the microprocessor, the antenna system, the wireless transmitter, and the power source are incorporated in the elongated sensor assembly having a maximum height of less than 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Sensative AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Westman, Anders Hedberg
  • Patent number: 9953497
    Abstract: A merchandise security system with data collection features and a relevant method are disclosed. The system has: a data management unit, at least one alarm unit and at least one alarm disabling unit, wherein the data management unit is configured to synchronize unlocking data in the alarm disabling unit and set unlocking judgment data in the alarm unit; the alarm unit can detect, in an alarm enabled state, whether a merchandise to be protected is in a normal state, and send out an alarm signal when judging that the merchandise to be protected is not in a normal state; and the alarm unit judges, according to the unlocking judgment data stored therein, whether the unlocking data is legitimate, and disable the alarm enabled state when judging that the unlocking data is legitimate. In the present disclosure, each of the unlocking judgment data corresponds to unique legitimate unlocking data embedded in the alarm disabling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: QUASION INC.
    Inventors: Xiaohua Wu, Ziyue Ouyang
  • Patent number: 9953498
    Abstract: A merchandise security device configured for use with an electronic key for locking and/or unlocking a lock mechanism is provided. The merchandise security device may include a housing operably coupled with a cable, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and to at least partially surround an item of merchandise. The security device may also include a lock mechanism configured to releasably secure the cable relative to the housing for locking the cable about the item of merchandise. In addition, the lock mechanism is configured to receive electrical power for unlocking the lock mechanism so that the housing and the cable may be removed from the item of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: A. Reneau Van Landingham, Jr., James K. Sankey
  • Patent number: 9953499
    Abstract: A sound amplification apparatus includes one or more microphones that convert collected sound into an audio signal and transmit the audio signal by radio and a sound receiving apparatus that receives the audio signal transmitted from the microphone and amplifies and outputs the sound based on the audio signal. The sound receiving apparatus is configured to perform sound output control in an emergency mode upon receiving an emergency signal transmitted in response to operation of an emergency switch of the microphone. With this configuration, it is possible to perform appropriate sound control in a dangerous situation such as intrusion of a suspicious person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Kawasaki, Ryosuke Kitago, Hirotaka Fukutsuka, Keiji Yamahai
  • Patent number: 9953500
    Abstract: A sensor associated with a security system determines an electrically open circuit. An identifier identifies the open circuit, which may then be used to retrieve video data trained to a surveillance area associated with the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9953501
    Abstract: A method comprises forming a structure, the structure comprising at least one of a wafer, a panel and a roll to roll structure and forming a plurality of integrated circuit chips from the structure. At least a given one of the plurality of integrated circuit chips or a heterogeneous integrated sub-component thereof forms a smart tag comprising a processor, a non-volatile memory, an internal power source, and a transceiver configured for two-way communication with a reader external to the smart tag. The given integrated circuit chip less than 10 cubic millimeters in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul S. Andry, Monty Montague Denneau, John U. Knickerbocker, Robert L. Wisnieff
  • Patent number: 9953502
    Abstract: There is provided a device for attachment to an object for determining whether the device has been tampered with. The device has a body, removably attachable to an object, and configured to maintain a substantially fixed form or shape when attached to an object. A transducer is provided, connected to the body, configured to detect a change of form of the body. An indicator, connected to the transducer is configured to store the position of the body when attached to an object and indicate if the body has changed position after it has been attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: KHALIFA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hamad Al Marzouqi, Khalfan Al Marashda, Mohammed Ali Saif Al Zaabi
  • Patent number: 9953503
    Abstract: Systems and methods that address the gap, security, and robustness limitations of known door and window contact systems and methods without increasing the overall cost thereof are provided. Some systems can include an accelerometer and a magnetometer for mounting in or on a first portion of a window or door unit and a microcontroller unit in communication with each of the accelerometer and the magnetometer. The accelerometer can measure acceleration or vibration relative to a second portion of the window or door unit and transmit the measured acceleration or vibration to the microcontroller unit, the magnetometer can measure magnetic field relative to a sensor magnet mounted on or embedded in the second portion of the window or door unit and transmit the measured magnetic field to the microcontroller unit, and the microcontroller unit can use the measured acceleration or vibration and the measured magnetic field to make a security determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Richard Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 9953504
    Abstract: A fire alarm device includes: a base portion; a press portion capable of moving relative to the base portion to deviate away from the base portion or close to the base portion; an alarm switch capable of moving relative to an alarm circuit, to control turn-on and turn-off of the alarm circuit; and a plurality of buttons mounted on the base portion and capable of converting movement of the press portion to movement of the alarm switch; wherein the device has an alarm enable position, wherein, the press portion deviates close to the base portion, to press the plurality of buttons and indirectly press the alarm switch to turn on the alarm circuit; and an alarm disable position, wherein, the press portion deviates away from the base portion, to release the plurality of buttons and indirectly release the alarm switch to turn off the alarm circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GULF SECURITY TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhihua Gao, Yanhua Bian, Xuemin Liu
  • Patent number: 9953505
    Abstract: A time and possibly a temperature device connects to a container with a band extending circumferentially around a portion of the container. The device has an input, a processor and a display permitting a countdown timer to be initiated relating to a status of goods in the container. For some embodiments, if temperature exceeds set ranges for specific times, step reductions, such as 10% or more can be deducted from the remaining time. The display can provide an indication of the status of the material in the container, and some embodiments provide for remote alerting to a remote communications device, such as a phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Charissa Thornton Fitch
  • Patent number: 9953506
    Abstract: Described are an alarming method and device, belonging to the technical field of Internet. The method includes: acquiring a monitoring video from a photographing device, wherein the photographing device captures the monitoring video by monitoring a region including a sensitive area; judging whether a monitoring target exists in the sensitive area by analyzing the monitoring video; and when the monitoring target exists in the sensitive area, sending alarming information to a terminal device to enable the terminal device to prompt alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: XIAOMI INC.
    Inventors: Tao Zhang, Zhijun Chen, Pingze Wang
  • Patent number: 9953507
    Abstract: A device for determining whether a user is wearing a wearable monitoring device is disclosed. The wearable monitoring device includes an accelerometer and a processor. The accelerometer detects a three-dimensional motion of the monitoring device and generates accelerometer data for each axis corresponding to the three-dimensional motion. The wearable monitoring device accesses the accelerometer data, detects a presence of a rhythmic pulse in one or more axes of the accelerometer data, and determines that the user is wearing the monitoring device in response to detecting the presence of the rhythmic pulse in the one or more axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Nortek Security & Control LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Turner Smith
  • Patent number: 9953508
    Abstract: This application generally relates to systems and methods for authenticating a bulk quantity of a consumable product with a corresponding product. More specifically, the invention associates a bulk quantity of the consumable product with a product parameter such as a consumption rate of the consumable product within the corresponding product; provides and authorizes a key and/or reader with the bulk quantity and consumption rate data to a specific corresponding product wherein the bulk quantity and consumption rate data are correlated to a maximum consumption quantity value; monitoring consumption of the consumable product within the corresponding product until the maximum consumption quantity value is reached; and providing an event output to the corresponding product when the maximum consumption quantity value is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Smart Wave Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Peter Zosimadis, Scott McMullen
  • Patent number: 9953509
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for object location managing. The method including generating a first list including one or more personal objects based on a personal schedule of a user, generating a second list including one or more personal objects physically located within a predefined range of a checkpoint, comparing the first list to the second list to determine which personal objects are on both lists and which personal objects are missing, if any, from the second list, and notifying the user with the results of the comparison between the first list and the second list by activating an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Gildein, II, Vijai Kalathur, Rajaram B. Krishnamurthy, Christine D. Mikijanic, Moses J. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 9953510
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on raw sensor data values, filtered sensor data values, and transition conditions. Filters may be used to transform raw sensor values into filtered values that can be used by one or more state machines. Such filters may improve accuracy of data interpretation by filtering out readings that may distort data interpretation or cause false positives. For example, smoke sensor readings may be filtered by a smoke alarm filter to mitigate presence of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Peterson, Yoky Matsuoka, Nicholas Unger Webb
  • Patent number: 9953511
    Abstract: A security system may include a home security system that is connected to a remote monitoring service as well as a portable security device that can travel with an individual when they are away from home. The portable security device may communicate with the same monitoring service as the home security system, and may in fact be linked to the same user account as that used for their home security system. The home security system may thus be extended to cover a remote location. In some cases, occupants of an individual's home may be notified via the home security system of alert conditions detected by the portable security device at the remote location. Likewise, occupants of the remote location may be notified via the portable security device of alert conditions detected in the home by the home security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Eskildsen, Mark Okeefe, Kevin G. Piel
  • Patent number: 9953512
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for remote presence security is described. In one embodiment, an event is detected in relation to a premises. Upon detecting the event, a location of an occupant of the premises is determined in relation to the premises. Upon determining the occupant is a predetermined distance away from the premises, a first type of notification is sent. The first type of notification includes a display of real-time video being captured at the premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventor: Jefferson Lyman
  • Patent number: 9953513
    Abstract: A waterborne vessel includes a monitoring system configured to monitor the plurality of offshore properties such that the waterborne vessel is configured to respond to an alert signal transmitted from at least one of the plurality of offshore properties when the monitoring system receives the alert signal. An offshore security monitoring system includes the waterborne vessel and a base module deployed at each of the plurality of offshore properties. A security monitoring method may include monitoring the security of the plurality of offshore properties by the monitoring system of the waterborne vessel according to various embodiments, receiving an alert signal from the at least one of the plurality of offshore properties, and responding to the alert signal. A security monitoring unit includes, a plurality of waterborne vessels according to various embodiments, and a control center in communication with the plurality of waterborne vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Concorde Asia Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Swee Kheng Chua
  • Patent number: 9953514
    Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Yoky Matsuoka, David Sloo, Shigefumi Honjo, Scott A. McGaraghan, Michael Plitkins, Maxime Veron, Isabel Guenette
  • Patent number: 9953515
    Abstract: An inductive security sensor system is not susceptible to magnetic tampering (such as by using an external magnet or false target). A sensor assembly includes an inductive sensor (inductor coil), mounted in a relatively secure location, and a conductive proximity target incorporated with an object (such as a window or door, or an object/asset). An alarm condition can be detected as either a displacement condition in which the proximity target is displaced relative to the inductive sensor, or a tamper condition in which magnetic coupling between the proximity target and the inductive sensor is interfered with (such as by introducing a false conductive target) An inductance-to-data converter drives the inductor coil with an excitation signal to project a time-varying magnetic field for magnetically coupling to the proximity target. The IDC acquires sensor measurements (such as coil inductance), which are converted into corresponding sensor data representing alarm conditions (displacement or tamper).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert M. Hanrahan
  • Patent number: 9953516
    Abstract: Systems and methods for self-administering a sound test to verify operation of a speaker and/or alarm within a hazard detection system are described herein. The sound test can verify that the audible sources such as the alarm and speaker operate at the requisite loudness and frequencies. In addition, the sound test can be self-administered in that it does not require the presence of a person to initiate or verify that the audible sources are functioning properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Lawrence Frederick Heyl, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Jr., Steven Clark, Dietrich Ho, Nicholas Unger Webb, Tyler Moore
  • Patent number: 9953517
    Abstract: The present application discloses a risk early warning method and apparatus. An implementation of the method includes: monitoring, in real time, search traffic for a predetermined location from users using an online map within a preset period; determining whether the search traffic exceeds a preset search traffic threshold; and sending early warning information of a crowd gathering risk if the search traffic exceeds the preset search traffic threshold. The implementation effectively utilizes the map search traffic capable of reflecting the intention of users and realizes the early warning for the crowd gathering risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Baidu Online Networks Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jingbo Zhou, Hongbin Pei, Haishan Wu