Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
  • Patent number: 9959733
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for detecting falls and transmitting notifications. One embodiment includes a wearable device. The wearable device may include a first sensor configured to collect acceleration data, and at least one of a second sensor configured to collect pressure data or a third sensor configured to collect temperature data. The wearable device may also include an antenna and a processor. The wearable device may also include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive the acceleration data and at least one of the pressure data or the temperature data, process the acceleration data and at least one of the pressure data or the temperature data, and control, when the processor determines that a person falls, the antenna to transmit a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: CASSIA NETWORK INC.
    Inventors: Daguang Gu, Kunpeng Zhang, Tai Seng Chen, Fuyong Zhao
  • Patent number: 9959734
    Abstract: A predictive shock alert warning system (SA) installed adjacent a body of water and monitoring a voltage level present in the water to alert persons in or about the water the water when the level is approaching, or reaches or exceeds a threshold that will produce a dangerous shock to a person. The system comprises a plurality of probes (1-3) placed in the water, each probe monitoring the voltage level in a zone (Z1-Z3) of water surrounding the probe and producing an output representing the voltage level for the respective zone in which the sensor is placed. An apparatus (100) processes the respective signals from each probe and triggers an alarm (13) when a voltage approaches, reaches or exceeds the danger voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: John Figura, David Hotz
  • Patent number: 9959735
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for detecting harmful substances in the ambient air around a user, such as particulate matter and toxic gases, and communicating this information to the user and other interested parties. In certain areas, the ambient air in a city or area may sometimes contain harmful gases and/or particulates. People may be encouraged to wear and/or carry certain PPE devices, such as masks, to protect themselves from the harmful substances in the air. However, a user may not always know when they are breathing in a harmful substance and should be wearing a mask. Also, a method may comprise activating an alarm to user to when environment is polluted, and alerting the user when to wear the respiratory mask. Additionally, a system may provide information on where a user may be able to obtain a mask or other PPE, based on the detected harmful substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Swapnil Gopal Patil, Lakshma Reddy Dodda, Anjaiah Tumu, PhaniKumar Kagithapu, Veerender Sura
  • Patent number: 9959736
    Abstract: A system, a method and a computer program to monitor a plurality of transformer operating parameters, as well as to accurately control one or more of the transformer operating parameters. Also, the system and method may calculate loss of life and give diagnosis for recovery and provide maintenance notification, along with monitoring the operation of the LTC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Virginia Transformer Corporation
    Inventor: Prabhat Jain
  • Patent number: 9959737
    Abstract: A noise detector, a method of detecting noise and an analysis/alert engine. In one embodiment, the noise detector includes: (1) a vibration sensor configured to derive a raw signal from noise proximate the noise detector and (2) a noise score generator having a processor and memory, coupled to the vibration sensor and configured to generate a noise score from the raw signal, the noise score being insufficient to reproduce a content of the raw signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Sigh, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Schulz, David Krauss
  • Patent number: 9959738
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring at least one reciprocating machine having a crankshaft and at least one cylinder, comprising providing at least one sensor for monitoring the at least one cylinder, the sensor being in communication with at least one processor configured to measure at least one signal from the at least one sensor and to thereby determine an angular position of the crankshaft; selecting at least one subset of potential crankshaft angular positions; calculating at least one statistic associated with the at least one subset of possible crankshaft angular positions based at least partially on data from the at least one sensor; and automatically providing a user with at least one warning or automatically shutting down the machine if the at least one statistic exceeds at least one predetermined threshold; wherein, the at least one sensor comprises at least one acoustic emission sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Centega Services, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Boken
  • Patent number: 9959739
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method and an article for indicating wet/dry condition to a user. At least one sensor comprising a circuit of a processing unit, a switch and an antenna is positioned within a target area. The switch detects the target area with a dry condition or a wet condition. The switch arranges the circuit in an open circuit configuration or a closed circuit configuration based upon the detection of the dry condition or the wet condition respectively. The antenna transmits a communication signal, generated by the processing unit, to a wireless reader via the circuit arranged in the open circuit configuration or the closed circuit configuration. The wireless reader determines the dry condition or the wet condition in the target area based upon the receipt of the communication signal. The wireless reader notifies to a user the dry condition or the wet condition detected in the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Nantin Enterprise Limited
    Inventor: Ming Wah Lui
  • Patent number: 9959740
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device that provides a reminder of a task is provided. The controlling method includes receiving an input of a content of a reminder target task, designating a related application that is linked with the reminder target task, and generating and storing the reminder target task of which the content is to be displayed using a predetermined event as a trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Joon Won
  • Patent number: 9959741
    Abstract: A method of locating peripheral device applied to an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device is connected or electrically connected to a peripheral device. The method includes: obtaining a first location information via a locating unit; when the first connecting unit is connected to the second connecting unit, sending the first location information to the peripheral device; after the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are separated, obtaining the first location information sent by the second transmitter via the first transmitter; obtaining a second location information via the locating unit; comparing the first location information and the second location information to determine the relative position of the electronic device and the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Jui-Hung Sun
  • Patent number: 9959742
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that are able to identify and distinguish persons as soon as they enter or exit a hospital room or any room occupied by a patient who is receiving medical or dental services. After a person who has entered a hospital room has been identified, this person may be required to sanitize his/her hands in order to comply with an established protocol. Therefore, a second identification may take place at the hand sanitization station. The system may confirm that the same person was identified by a first read by the RFID antennas upon entering the room and by a second read by the RFID antennas upon completing the hand sanitization procedure. If no hand sanitization takes place, visual and/or auditory stimuli may be generated as a reminder. Persons and their hand sanitization performances may be used diagnostically to identify and remedy potential contamination events and/or determine the source and mode of transmission of a nosocomial infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Lili Loni Barsky
  • Patent number: 9959743
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a hygiene compliance system includes a handwash sensor, a badge, an occupant sensor, and a remote computer. The sensors and the badge may communicate with the remote computer to provide information regarding hygiene events. The hygiene compliance system determines whether the hygiene events comply with a hygiene operations scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Morgan, Joshua P. Lingenfelser, Bradley T. Smith, Christian Saucier, Andrew S. Robinson, Timothy D. Wildman, Kelly F. Walton, Hailey R. Hamalainen, Christopher Perry
  • Patent number: 9959744
    Abstract: A method and system for providing alerts for radio communications are provided. One or more keywords are generated based on one or more contextual parameters associated with a radio device. An audio stream is received at the radio device from a radio transmitter. One or more of the one or more keywords are detected in the audio stream, and an alert for the audio stream is provided to a user of the radio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Koskan, Barbara Millet
  • Patent number: 9959745
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for temporarily disarming a barrier alarm in a security system. In one embodiment, a method is described, performed by a barrier alarm in communication with a central controller, where the barrier alarm receives a first signal from a user interface on the barrier alarm to disarm the barrier alarm, disables the barrier alarm in response to receiving the indication, and re-arming the barrier alarm upon receipt of a second signal from a sensor that forms part of the barrier alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolink Intelligent Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lamb, Carlo Q. Petrucci
  • Patent number: 9959746
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a user equipment (UE) determines an emergency health condition for a user that is defined based on a set of health-related parameters crossing a corresponding set of thresholds. The UE receives health data from a set of health monitoring sensors that are each configured to monitor one or more health-related parameters of the user. The UE detects, while a restricted mode restricting access to a set of communicative functions of the UE is active, that the emergency health condition for the user exists based on the received health data indicating that the set of health-related parameters have crossed the corresponding set of thresholds. The UE disables the restricted mode in response to the detecting. The UE conveys, using one or more communicative functions from the set of communicative functions that are made available by the disabling of the restricted mode, an alarm related to the detected emergency health condition for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Parthasarathy Krishnamoorthy, Priyangshu Ghosh, Soumen Mitra, Shravan Kumar Raghunathan, Muthukumaran Dhanapal, Prashanth Mohan, Naveen Kumar Pasunooru, Ammar Kitabi, Jayesh Bathija, Praveen Kumar Appani, Hargovind Bansal, Sagar Shah
  • Patent number: 9959747
    Abstract: A method and system for assessing a threat level associated with a distress signal. The method may include linking a first communication device on a client side communication system with a second communication device on a provider side communication system over a communications network. The method may include transmitting a distress signal from the first communication device to the second communication device, and mapping, via the provider side communication system, a geographic origin of the distress signal. The method may also include transmitting an audio signal in a one-way communication link from the first communication device to the second communication device, and attributing a threat level associated with any of an audio level, a frequency, and a duration of the transmitted audio signal via the provider side communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Garrett C. Zupan, Lanetta D. Lewis, Rachel S. Mamroth, Chaekyung Yoo, Weston Lay, Christopher L. Benson, Justin Moore
  • Patent number: 9959748
    Abstract: The system and method provide for the monitoring and trending the rate at which fire detection devices get dirty. This information is used to determine which devices are clogged or getting clogged and to establish that the chambers are open to air flow because they are accumulating dirt over time. Air flow through the detection chamber is proven using this analysis. Further self-testing is also employed for the fire detection devices by including modules that simulate the smoke interference with the light. This can be accomplished in two ways. In one example, light from the chamber light source can be reflected toward the scattered light photodetector to simulate alarm conditions. In another example, an additional chamber light source can be added to the detection chamber that can generate light to simulate alarm conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Anthony Philip Moffa
  • Patent number: 9959749
    Abstract: A vehicular assistance device, which is equipped to a vehicle and performs a wireless communication with a facility-side device to receive assistance information useful to a user from the facility-side device, includes a facility ID reception portion receiving a facility ID used for identifying a facility from the facility-side device, an area information acquisition portion acquiring area information related to a position of the facility, a position information acquisition portion acquiring position information of the vehicle, a determination portion determining whether the received facility ID is valid based on the position information of the vehicle and the area information related to the facility corresponding to the received facility ID, and a user ID transmission portion, when the facility ID is valid, transmitting, to the facility-side device, a user ID used for identifying the user as a request for transmitting the assistance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Haruhiko Sogabe
  • Patent number: 9959750
    Abstract: A method of controlling a function of a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes placing the mobile terminal within a communication range of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device previously registered in the mobile terminal, receiving identification information of the BLE device from the BLE device, extracting function information corresponding to the received identification information of the BLE device, and performing a previously set function corresponding to the extracted function information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ju-youn Lee, Sang-hyup Lee
  • Patent number: 9959751
    Abstract: A filter method for adapting a computing load to a computing capacity of a car-to-x communication system, in which method car-to-x messages are received and/or sent using the car-to-x communication system and the received car-to-x messages require processing by the car-to-x communication system. The filter method decides which of the received car-to-x messages to process and which of the received car-to-x messages to discard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Richard Scherping, Ulrich Stählin, Marc Menzel
  • Patent number: 9959752
    Abstract: A device and to a method for a relay station for vehicle-to-vehicle messages. The relay station communicates using vehicle-to-vehicle messages via at least one antenna. The device includes an input interface to receive a vehicle-to-vehicle message via the at least one antenna and a control module to filter the vehicle-to-vehicle message based on a relevance of the vehicle-to-vehicle message for one or more receivers in a coverage area of the at least one antenna. The control module provides the filtered vehicle-to-vehicle message via an output interface via the at least one antenna if the vehicle-to-vehicle message is relevant for the one or more receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Rech, Teodor Buburuzan, Monique Engel, Stefan Gläser, Bernd Lehmann, Sandra Kleinau, Hendrik-Jörn Günther
  • Patent number: 9959753
    Abstract: A communication device, a communication and associated communication method are provided. The communication device is placed at a first moving device and the communication device includes a movement detection module, a transmitter, and a controller. The movement detecting module detects movement of the first moving device to obtain at least one first movement parameter at a first time point, and detects the movement of the first moving device to obtain at least one second movement parameter at a second time point latter than the first time point. The transmitter transmits the at least one first movement parameter. By estimating position of the first moving device at the second time point, the controller obtains an estimated internal movement parameter. The controller controls the transmitter to transmit the at least one second movement parameter selectively according to the estimated internal movement parameter and the at least one second movement parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: An-Kai Jeng, Yung-Cheng Chao
  • Patent number: 9959754
    Abstract: A traffic control system and method in which a sensor and processor interact with at least one road module to illuminate and/or cause to flash in response to predetermined road surface and/or traffic conditions. The system and method can be configured to interact with vehicles, including autonomous vehicles, traveling on the road in which the road module(s) are embedded. The road surface and/or traffic conditions include an EMS vehicle located in proximity to a fire hydrant, a vehicle located in proximity to a bus stop, a vehicle located in proximity to an intersection with a bicycle and/or pedestrian path intersecting with said road in which said road modules are embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Evolutionary Markings, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. King
  • Patent number: 9959755
    Abstract: In the example embodiments as described herein there is at least a method and apparatus to perform operations including monitoring probe data of car and truck traffic on at least one road segment including more than one lane; based on the monitoring, determining that an occurrence of a traffic jam ahead of the car and truck traffic on the at least one road segment is probable or occurring; and in response to the determining, selectively notifying at least one of a car and truck of the traffic of required or prohibited changes to at least one of their position and speed on the at least one road segment to prevent an occurrence of a traffic jam on the at least one road segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Bruce Bernhardt, Arnold Sheynman, Jingwei Xu
  • Patent number: 9959756
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmission of targeted roadway alerts. A server receives a first description of an incident. The server determines an impact area of the incident based on the description. The server generates a geographic polygon based on the impact are of the incident. The server overlays the geographic polygon on a first cellular map and transmits an alert message to one or more devices located within a cell of the first cellular map that contains at least a portion of the geographic polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: George Filley, Kevin Moran, Anatoly Belkin
  • Patent number: 9959757
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program products are provided for automatically determining or fine-tuning bus service schedules for bus stops along a route. One example method includes causing reception of GPS data from a plurality of buses or uses from along a transit route, the GPS data comprised of a plurality of location points and associated temporal data, aggregating the location data by route and direction to determine a trip count, causing reception of at least one bus stop location, partitioning the associated temporal data into a number of clusters in accordance with the trip count, calculating a mean arrival time at the at least one bust stop for each cluster, and generating, using a processor, at least one service schedule for the at least one bus stop, wherein the mean arrival time of each cluster represents the service schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Leo Modica, Leon Stenneth
  • Patent number: 9959758
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method performed by a vehicle locating system for locating at least a first parked vehicle situated where it potentially is difficult to find. The system determines an estimated geographical vehicle position of the at least first parked vehicle. The system furthermore determines—based on digital map data—that the estimated vehicle position is comprised in, or is in in the vicinity of, a multilevel parking area. Moreover, the system transmits a level request message to a user device associated with the at least first parked vehicle. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle locating system in accordance with the foregoing, and a computer program product comprising a computer program containing computer program code means arranged to cause a computer or a processor to execute the steps of the vehicle locating system discussed above, stored on a computer-readable medium or a carrier wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Klara Magnusson, Anders Ryberg
  • Patent number: 9959759
    Abstract: To find a parking space for a vehicle in a target area, a connection server stores connection data associated with the target area for a plurality of data servers. A search request to find a parking space in the target area is addressed to the connection server. The connection server uses the association data to establish a connection to the data servers and, in the process, queries whether availability data relating to available parking spaces in the target area are stored in the respective database. In a first query stage, the data servers are preselected, in which case first parking space data based on the target area are requested by the connection server and corresponding first feedback data from the data servers are used to respond whether the respective data server contains parking space data relating to the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ralf Schulz
  • Patent number: 9959760
    Abstract: A method for finding a parking space for a first motor vehicle includes determining a required minimum length of the parking space on which the first motor vehicle is parkable, scanning a length of the adjacent parking space through the second motor vehicle, and driving the first motor vehicle to the adjacent parking space bounded by the second motor vehicle when the length of the adjacent parking space corresponds to at least the minimum length. Related transmission devices and control systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Detlef Baasch
  • Patent number: 9959761
    Abstract: This application is directed to a system and method for locating parking spaces. A user can enter the desired location for parking and the application will transmit the information to a parking information database server. The server will return the location of parking spaces and probability of space availability. In addition, the database includes detailed parking information to include price, hours, and any special restrictions. These results can be depicted as a list or graphically displayed on a street map, satellite map or hybrid map views. Filters can be applied to find a specific type of parking available. The application provides real-time availability information in areas where the infrastructure to generate such data is available via sources such as on-street sensors or parking lot barrier systems. The system uses various secondary information to adjust historical observations of space availability in order to make provide accurate space predictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Parkopedia Limited
    Inventor: Eugene Tsyrklevich
  • Patent number: 9959762
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for warning in a vehicle generates a warning based on a distance in order to avoid a problem that may occur when a collision warning is generated based on only a time required for a collision. The method of generating a warning in a vehicle includes: obtaining a distance and a relative speed of the vehicle to a target vehicle ahead; obtaining a time required for a collision with the target vehicle from the distance and the relative speed; and generating a warning when at least one of a first condition in which the time required for the collision is equal to or less than a predetermined warning generation time and a second condition in which the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined warning generation distance is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eungseo Kim, Junghyun Kim, Sangmin Lee, Taeyoung Lee, Donghyun Sung, Yongseok Kwon
  • Patent number: 9959763
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure includes a system for reducing vehicular collisions having: (a) a vehicle comprising sensors, an acceleration system, a braking system, a processor, and memory; and (b) programs operatively coupled to the vehicle including: (1) a marking program configured to mark an outside vehicle as V2X or standard; (2) a reaction program configured to generate a signal in response to the mark, the signal being based on the mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Charles James Miller
  • Patent number: 9959764
    Abstract: A method includes receiving and storing operational data including a first plurality of data points indicative of a plurality of respective states of an operational parameter of the vehicle at a plurality of respective times, external data including a second plurality of data points indicative of a plurality of respective states of an environment external to the vehicle at a plurality of respective times, and synchronization data. The method also includes generating a virtual model of an event involving the vehicle using the stored data, at least by generating a first visual representation of the plurality of respective states of the operational parameter, generating a second visual representation of the plurality of respective states of the external environment, and using the synchronization data to cause the first visual representation to be displayed simultaneously with, and in a time-aligned manner with, the second visual representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd Binion, Joe Harr, Brian Fields, Steven Cielocha, Steve J. Balbach
  • Patent number: 9959765
    Abstract: A motor vehicle alert system based on vehicle dynamics input includes a communication module positioned in a host vehicle receiving and sending vehicle data in a vehicle mobility data format. A list generator in communication with the communication module generates the vehicle data as specific vehicle identification data in a track list to distinguish a sensed vehicle and at least one other vehicle positioned proximate the host vehicle. A tracker module in communication with the list generator periodically updates the vehicle data for the sensed vehicle and the at least one other vehicle. A transient condition data device generates data identifying when a transient condition of the sensed vehicle is present. A message standard conformance module receives the data identifying the transient condition and forwards the data identifying the transient condition to the communication module for transmission to the at least one other vehicle proximate to the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: DURA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Evans Thompson, Donald Raymond Gignac, Danish Uzair Siddiqui, Rajashekhar Patil, Gordon M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9959766
    Abstract: Information regarding moving bodies (00) that are in danger of colliding is collected at an appropriate frequency in accordance with the degree of danger. This information-collecting device has a risk calculation unit and a transmission-interval determination unit. The risk calculation unit receives, from a plurality of moving bodies, state information that includes locations and velocities and is transmitted at provided time intervals. The risk calculation unit also computes the distance between and relative velocities of two moving bodies. The transmission-interval determination unit computes an interval such that the higher the relative velocities of two moving bodies are relative to the distance therebetween, the shorter the interval is, and provides the computed interval to the moving bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Etsuko Ichihara, Kenichiro Fujiyama, Koji Kida
  • Patent number: 9959767
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning of occluded or obstructed objects are provided. The method includes: detecting a presence of at least one object in a predetermined area, the predetermined area being visually obstructed from an operator of a machine; determining whether at least one condition for displaying the detected at least one object is met; and in response to determining that the at least one condition is met, displaying a graphical indicator corresponding to the detected at least one object. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of object on obstructing portions of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David A. Canella, Norman J. Weigert
  • Patent number: 9959768
    Abstract: Apparatuses, computer programs and methods are provided. A method includes causing display on an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle of a dynamic sign acknowledging the presence of at least one road user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Jussi Leppanen, Arto Lehtiniemi, Pasi Saari, Erika Reponen
  • Patent number: 9959769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for assisting parking, the apparatus including: an image sensor photographing front/rear view images of a vehicle; and an estimated trace of vehicle generation and process unit generating an estimated trace of the vehicle to a parking target area using steering angle information of the vehicle, and overlaying the estimated trace of the vehicle to the photographed front/rear view images of the vehicle, wherein the estimated trace of the vehicle includes a first estimated trace of the vehicle based on a rear wheel of the vehicle and a second estimated trace of the vehicle based on a front wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Yong Lee, Dae Seung Kim
  • Patent number: 9959770
    Abstract: A flight itinerary alerting system for monitoring a flight itinerary includes a monitoring system storing flight itinerary data like pilot contact data, first tier contact data, and second tier contact data. An alert routine executable on the monitoring system i) determines first or second tier alert conditions if no deactivation message is received upon expiry of a respective first or second duration following the expected arrival time, and ii) send an alert message through a communication network to a computer device of a corresponding first or second tier contact person upon determination of the respective alert condition. The multiple tiers of contact data with respective alerting criteria allows quick determination if search and rescue should be contacted with inherent redundancy, thus preventing overdue aircraft from being overlooked, while also minimizing false alarms in reporting overdue aircraft to search and rescue which might reasonably be accounted for by responsible persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AIRSUITE Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kleywegt
  • Patent number: 9959771
    Abstract: Weather data is used to create and/or update a flight plan prior to and/or during flight by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The weather data may be received using sensors onboard the UAV and/or the weather data may be received from other sources, such as weather aggregators, other UAVs, other vehicles, and/or local weather stations. In some embodiments, a UAV may be prematurely grounded after initiating flight toward a destination in response to some weather conditions identified in near real-time weather data, such as heavy winds and/or heavy precipitation. In various embodiments, the UAVs may leverage air stream information included in the weather data to cause flight along with an air stream, and thereby reduce power resources used to fly to a destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ty Loren Carlson
  • Patent number: 9959772
    Abstract: A flying lane management method implemented in an air traffic control system communicatively coupled to one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) via one or more wireless networks includes initiating communication to the one or more UAVs at a preflight stage for each, wherein the communication is via one or more cell towers associated with the one or more wireless networks, wherein the plurality of UAVs each comprise hardware and antennas adapted to communicate to the plurality of cell towers; determining a flying lane for the one or more UAVs based on a destination, current air traffic in a region under management of the air traffic control system, and based on detected obstructions in the region; and providing the flying lane to the one or more UAVs are an approval to takeoff and fly along the flying lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ETAK Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Lee Priest
  • Patent number: 9959773
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a delivery system having unmanned aerial delivery vehicles and a logistics network for control and monitoring. In certain embodiments, a ground station provides a location for interfacing between the delivery vehicles, packages carried by the vehicles and users. In certain embodiments, the delivery vehicles autonomously navigate from one ground station to another. In certain embodiments, the ground stations provide navigational aids that help the delivery vehicles locate the position of the ground station with increased accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Singularity University
    Inventors: Andreas Raptopoulos, Darlene Damm, Martin Ling, Ido Baruchin
  • Patent number: 9959774
    Abstract: Systems and methods for aiding in pilot awareness of obstacles relative to aircraft features. An exemplary processor receives sensor information from one or more sensors mounted in an aircraft feature (e.g. light modules), determines if at least one obstacle is located within a predefined field of view based on the received sensor or database information and generates an image. The image includes an ownship icon having at least one feature representing wingtips of the aircraft and at least one indicator associated with the determined at least one obstacle. A display device presents the generated image. The display device presents a tip of a first sense coverage area adjacent to one wingtip feature associated with the port wing and a tip of the second sense coverage area adjacent to one wingtip feature associated with the starboard wing. The indicator is presented within at least one of the coverage areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jiri Vasek, Ratan Khatwa, James C. Kirk, Olukayode Olofinboba, Pavel Kolcarek, Tomas Svoboda, Matej Dusik
  • Patent number: 9959775
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention describe mechanisms configured to monitor, track, and manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to particular embodiments, a system includes an interface configured to present a memory test to a user and an interface configured to receive a response to the memory test. The system includes a processor that is configured to determine whether the user experienced a memory lapse based on the response to the memory test. The system further includes a computer memory configured to store data related to the memory lapse and memory ratings over time. Memory ratings and Alzheimer's disease progression ratings can be displayed using the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Alexis Pracar, Shane Pracar
  • Patent number: 9959776
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for measuring a user's English language proficiency. A constructed response generated by a user is received, the constructed response being based on a picture. The constructed response is processed to determine a first numerical measure indicative of a presence of one or more grammar errors in the constructed response. The constructed response is processed to determine a second numerical measure indicative of a degree to which the constructed response describes a subject matter of the picture. The constructed response is processed to determine a third numerical measure indicative of a degree of awkward word usage in the constructed response. A model is applied to the first, second, and third numerical measures to determine a score for the constructed response indicative of the user's English language proficiency. The model includes first, second, and third variables with associated first, second, and third weighting factors, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Educational Testing Service
    Inventors: Swapna Somasundaran, Martin Chodorow, Joel Tetreault
  • Patent number: 9959777
    Abstract: Headpiece (10) including a frame (22) having a support portion supported on a test-taker's head, an imaging device (14) that obtains images of an environment around and in front of the test-taker, a biometric identification system (26) that obtains biometric data about the person, a display (12) viewable by the test-taker, and a sound generator and detector (16, 18). A processor on the frame (22) is coupled to these components and controls content of the display (12) based on input received via the imaging device (14) and the biometric identification system (26). The processor also monitors detection of audio communications by the sound detector (16) relative to sound generated by the sound generator (18) and images obtained by the imaging device (14) and a test is displayed on the display (12) to determine whether a person other than the test-taker is present in an image obtained by the imaging device (14) or orally providing information to the test-taker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S Breed
  • Patent number: 9959778
    Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate a user's learning to play a musical piece on a musical instrument and involve dividing a musical piece into a number of musical piece segments. The systems and methods display or cause display of a particular segment of the musical piece. A suggested playing position is displayed adjacent to each musical note in a textual representation. Each of the displayed musical notes in the textual representation aims to indicate to the user the pitch or key of a particular musical note to be played. The suggested playing position for each musical note in turn aims to indicate the fingering position for placement on a musical instrument for playing the musical note.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SAMANA HOLDINGS PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Bedi Sangeet
  • Patent number: 9959779
    Abstract: The systems and methods taught herein are generally directed to a dynamic point referencing of an audiovisual performance for an accurate and precise selection and controlled cycling of portions of the performance. The dynamic point referencing can be used by a learning artist, for example, in analyzing or performing a portion of the work through an accurate and precise digital audio/video instructional method having the controlled cycling feature. Such systems and methods will be appreciated, for example, by musicians, dancers, and other enthusiasts of the performing arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JAMMIT, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Humphrey, Frank Gryner
  • Patent number: 9959780
    Abstract: In an embodiment, movement-data is gathered with one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, GPS receivers, etc.) during a driver's driving session. A score may be calculated for the driving session, and the driver's progress is evaluated by a driver-evaluation system. A driving session report or graphical user-interface (GUI) is generated with a computer processor and displayed at a display device. The displayed report or GUI includes a graphic representing the driver's progress relative to historical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson, Abhishek Harish, Hyunji Lim, Matthew James Waughtel, Bryan Allen Plummer, Parker Andrew Brown
  • Patent number: 9959781
    Abstract: The technology disclosed herein includes a navigation system for a visually impaired person to navigate a public restroom. The navigation system may include a plurality of fixtures, a plurality of installations, wherein each installation is electronically connected to a fixture, and an electronic device, the electronic device configured to receive auditory or tactile signals from each installation and produce a signal indicative of a fixture location. The plurality of fixtures may include a toilet, a urinal, a sink, a soap dispenser, and a hand drying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Garrett Roark
  • Patent number: 9959782
    Abstract: A remotely controlled device receives a command from a remote control (RC) but does not execute the command. Instead, the remotely controlled device accesses an audio file pertaining to the command and announces what the command is, so that a vision-impaired person can hear the command caused by the key that was just pressed. If the person wishes the command to be executed, he presses the key again within a threshold period. In another embodiment, the RC receives a press of a key but does not send the associated command. Instead, the RC announces the command. If the user wishes to send the command to a remotely controlled device, he presses the key again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Brant Candelore, Mahyar Nejat, Peter Shintani