Including Immobilization Patents (Class 340/426.11)
  • Patent number: 12013725
    Abstract: A finger-worn wearable ring device may include a ring-shaped housing, a printed circuit board, and a sensor module that includes one or more light-emitting components and one or more light-receiving components. The wearable ring device may further include a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with an application executable on a user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Ouraring, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt C. von Badinski, Michael J. Strasser, Peter Twiss
  • Patent number: 11874701
    Abstract: A smart ring includes a curved housing having a U-shape interior storing components including: a curved battery approximately conforming to the curved housing, a semi-flexible PCB approximately conforming to the curved housing and having mounted thereon: a motion sensor for generating motion data from physical perturbations of the smart ring, a memory for storing executable instructions, a transceiver for sending data to a client computer, a temperature sensor, and a processor for receiving motion data and performing executable instructions in response thereto, and a potting material disposed in the interior, forming an interior wall of the smart ring, wherein the potting material encapsulates the components and is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Ouraring, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt C. von Badinski, Michael J. Strasser, Peter Twiss
  • Patent number: 11874702
    Abstract: A smart ring includes a curved housing having a U-shape interior storing components including: a curved battery approximately conforming to the curved housing, a semi-flexible PCB approximately conforming to the curved housing and having mounted thereon: a motion sensor for generating motion data from physical perturbations of the smart ring, a memory for storing executable instructions, a transceiver for sending data to a client computer, a temperature sensor, and a processor for receiving motion data and performing executable instructions in response thereto, and a potting material disposed in the interior, forming an interior wall of the smart ring, wherein the potting material encapsulates the components and is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Ouraring, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt C. von Badinski, Michael J. Strasser, Peter Twiss
  • Patent number: 11868179
    Abstract: A smart ring includes a curved housing having a U-shape interior storing components including: a curved battery approximately conforming to the curved housing, a semi-flexible PCB approximately conforming to the curved housing and having mounted thereon: a motion sensor for generating motion data from physical perturbations of the smart ring, a memory for storing executable instructions, a transceiver for sending data to a client computer, a temperature sensor, and a processor for receiving motion data and performing executable instructions in response thereto, and a potting material disposed in the interior, forming an interior wall of the smart ring, wherein the potting material encapsulates the components and is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Ouraring, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt C. von Badinski, Michael J. Strasser, Peter Twiss
  • Patent number: 11868178
    Abstract: A smart ring includes a curved housing having a U-shape interior storing components including: a curved battery approximately conforming to the curved housing, a semi-flexible PCB approximately conforming to the curved housing and having mounted thereon: a motion sensor for generating motion data from physical perturbations of the smart ring, a memory for storing executable instructions, a transceiver for sending data to a client computer, a temperature sensor, and a processor for receiving motion data and performing executable instructions in response thereto, and a potting material disposed in the interior, forming an interior wall of the smart ring, wherein the potting material encapsulates the components and is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Ouraring, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt C. von Badinski, Michael J. Strasser, Peter Twiss
  • Patent number: 11728985
    Abstract: The present application relates to a method and apparatus for providing fault tolerant provisioning verification for cryptographic keys including receiving, via an interface, a first security key, a second security key, and a first verification data generated in response to the first security key and the second security key, coupling, by a processor, the first security key and the second security key to an electronic controller, receiving, by the processor, a second verification data generated by the electronic controller in response to the first security key and the second security key, and marking, by the processor, the controller as provisioned in response to the first verification data matching the second verification data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian Farrell, Thomas M. Forest, David W. Racklyeft
  • Patent number: 11643101
    Abstract: Vehicle malfunction detection systems and methods for detecting whether a lighting element of a vehicle satisfies a malfunction condition are disclosed herein. The vehicle malfunction detection system includes a detection unit detecting an operational state of the lighting element of the vehicle, and a vehicle control unit configured to place the vehicle in a driving mode, wherein, in response to determining that the operational state of the lighting element satisfies the malfunction condition, a vehicle start prevention signal is transmitted to the vehicle control unit, the vehicle start prevention signal including an instruction to prevent the vehicle from entering the driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ming Michael Meng
  • Patent number: 11618411
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for detecting an operating state of a vehicle engine. The system comprises: an input coupled to a power line of a vehicle; means to filter out relatively high frequency transient noise components of a signal received from the power line; a first detector for receiving the filtered signal and detecting when transient noise associated with the power line rises above a first threshold and generating a first detection signal in response thereto; a second detector for receiving the filtered signal and detecting when the transient noise falls below a second threshold, which is lower than the first threshold, and generating a second detection signal in response thereto; and means for generating a first output signal in response to the first detection signal and a second output signal in response to the second detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: TRACKER NETWORK (UK) LIMITED
    Inventor: Roderick Whitlock
  • Patent number: 11599147
    Abstract: A smart ring includes a curved housing having a U-shape interior storing components including: a curved battery approximately conforming to the curved housing, a semi-flexible PCB approximately conforming to the curved housing and having mounted thereon: a motion sensor for generating motion data from physical perturbations of the smart ring, a memory for storing executable instructions, a transceiver for sending data to a client computer, a temperature sensor, and a processor for receiving motion data and performing executable instructions in response thereto, and a potting material disposed in the interior, forming an interior wall of the smart ring, wherein the potting material encapsulates the components and is substantially transparent to visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Proxy, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt C. von Badinski, Michael J. Strasser, Peter Twiss
  • Patent number: 11292480
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for remote safe driving. One exemplary method includes detecting an emergency situation, and in response to the detecting the emergency situation, switching operation of the vehicle to a low-power operation mode that comprises shutting down a subset of vehicular components, and periodically transmitting a location of the vehicle to a remote monitoring center. Another exemplary method includes selecting at least one of a set of vehicular driving actions, and transmitting, over a secure connection, the at least one of the set of vehicular driving actions to the vehicle, wherein the set of vehicular driving actions is generated based on a classification of driver behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: TUSIMPLE, INC.
    Inventors: Yi Wang, Lindong Sun, Liu Liu, Xiaoling Han, Ruiliang Zhang
  • Patent number: 11161410
    Abstract: A pattern recognition system receives an image captured by an image capture device, of an operator and the operator is identified. Operator information is accessed, based upon the identified operator, and a control signal is generated to control a mobile machine, based upon the operator information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Joshua C. Heitsman, Reginald M. Bindl, Keith N. Chaston, Michael G. Kean, John M. Hageman, Mark J. Cherney, Sean P. West
  • Patent number: 11157262
    Abstract: Provided is a program updating device, program updating system, and a program updating method for updating a program without imposing a load on a user. A program updating device (“PUD”) includes a communication unit transmitting/receiving information to/from an in-vehicle device operating on a software program, the PUD transmitting update information of a software program from the communication unit to execute update processing, further including: a determination unit configured to determine whether an operation switch of a vehicle has been switched from an on-state to an off-state; a state control unit configured to, if it is determined that the operation switch has been switched to the off-state, instruct to transition to a driving-prohibition state and hold an ignition-on state; and an update processing unit configured to start update processing based on the update information after confirming of a state is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Aiba, Hiroshi Ueda, Masayuki Inoue, Hiroshi Tateishi, Shogo Kamiguchi
  • Patent number: 11104227
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus allow for passive determination of a driver's Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC). Alcohol concentrations can be determined from exhaled breath, however inconvenience to a driver is often a barrier for incorporation of BrAC sensors into vehicles. The methods and apparatus allow for passive determination of a driver's BrAC, while detecting and accounting for a wide range of environmental conditions that may reduce the accuracy of a passive BrAC reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Bertil Hök, Raimo Gester, Jonas Ljungblad, Håkan Pettersson
  • Patent number: 11009891
    Abstract: A vehicle is configured to accommodate a cart and a passenger. A communication unit of the vehicle is configured to communicate with the cart. A traveling environment acquisition unit of the vehicle is configured to acquire a traveling environment of the vehicle. A cart control unit of the vehicle is configured to control an arrangement of the cart in the vehicle through the communication unit according to the traveling environment acquired toy the traveling environment acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohito Matsuoka, Seiichi Tsunoda, Jiro Goto, Masayuki Yamada, Yasutaka Eto, Keima Fukunaga, Kinya Tagawa, Yasuhiro Sasaki, Sho Tanaka, Yuki Shinohara
  • Patent number: 10882493
    Abstract: A system provides a personalized and secure user experience to access a secured asset, such as a vehicle. A first communication is transmitted, and a second communication is received in response to the first communication. An approach vector is determined based on the first communication and the second communication. The approach vector is compared with a known approach vector, a request for authentication is transmitted based on the comparison. A response to the request for authentication is received, and access to an asset is granted based on the approach vector and the response to the request for authentication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventors: James H. Foster, Duncan Kerr
  • Patent number: 10839627
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that include a control module of a vehicle. The control module instructs at least one of a beacon and a plurality of sensors to broadcast a ping signal in response to a user device being within a threshold distance of the vehicle. The plurality of sensors communicate signal information to the control module, and the signal information indicates an amount of reflection of the ping signal measured by the plurality of sensors. A sensor calibration module (i) determines a presence of a reflective element based on the signal information, and (ii) in response to determining the presence of the reflective element and the user device being connected to a communication gateway of the control module, adjusts a measurement of a first sensor of the plurality of sensors based on the signal information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyle Golsch, Raymond Michael Stitt, Eric Smith
  • Patent number: 10821829
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an autonomous vehicle includes a controller and a control interface disposed in an enclosure on the side of the autonomous vehicle. The control interface includes a display communicatively coupled to the controller. The display is used to at least setup or control operation of an implement attached to the autonomous vehicle, setup or control operation of the autonomous vehicle, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Foster, Frank Zsigmond Asztalos, Eric Michael Jacobsthal, Matthew Huenemann, Dwayne St. George Jackson
  • Patent number: 10818182
    Abstract: A system for controlling a commercial vehicle in a restricted area, including: an information acquisition module to acquire information from a database about the restricted area, wherein the commercial vehicle includes a sensor unit to detect objects in surroundings of the commercial vehicle, and wherein the acquired information includes cartographic data for objects in the restricted area; a detection module to detect at least one object in the surroundings of the vehicle using the sensor unit of the commercial vehicle; an identification module to identify the at least one detected object in the cartographic data; and a movement module to allow autonomous movement of the commercial vehicle in the restricted area based on the identified objects. Also described are a related commercial vehicle, a method and a computer readable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Levente Balogh, Huba Nemeth, Csaba Horvath, Viktor Tihanyi, Tamas Rapp
  • Patent number: 10768666
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a wearable computing device (WCD) in the form of a ring that can be worn on the finger of a human user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: PROXY, INC.
    Inventors: Curt C. von Badinski, Michael J. Strasser, Peter Twiss
  • Patent number: 10740992
    Abstract: A depository operates to accept and make available deposit items to authorized users responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The depository (10) includes a body (12) that bounds and interior area (14). The depository includes a door (18) that is controlled by a lock (24) so that only authorized users can access the interior area. The depository includes at least one input device (20) operative to receive data usable to identify users authorized to access the depository. At least one reading device (26) is operative to read indicia included on depository items so that depository items placed in or removed from the interior area can be tracked. The depository is in operative connection with a network (50) that enables the transport and tracking of deposit items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SHIPPERBEE, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Estill
  • Patent number: 10696275
    Abstract: A method for activating a function of a vehicle from a portable access device borne by a user. The method includes measurement of the received signal strength of signals exchanged between the access device and transceiver modules installed in the vehicle, detection of human presence, determination of the position of the access device from the signal strength measurements, and activation of a function of the vehicle when human presence has been detected and the position of the authenticated access device is determined as being within a predetermined proximity zone around the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Gabriel Spick, Bertrand Vaysse, Maxime Micheau
  • Patent number: 10654445
    Abstract: A vehicular system and method for sending a silent request for assistance when driving under duress is disclosed. The vehicular system includes of a data communication module, an identification detector and a decision unit. The decision unit determines a condition during ignition of an engine based on one or more biometric data inputs received through the identification detector. In particular, if the condition during ignition is determined as under normal circumstances, the decision unit commands or execute ignition of engine and user's preferred settings, if any. If the condition during ignition is determined as under duress, the decision unit commands or execute ignition of engine and user's preferred settings, and the data communication module to send a notification to an external party simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Zainab Mirza
  • Patent number: 10600270
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for biometric authentication for a vehicle without prior registration. An example vehicle include a biometric scanner to generate a biometric token and a body control module. The body control module when the biometric token is authorized, enable san ignition switch. Additionally, when the biometric token is not authorized and an additional source of authorization is received, the body control module (a) tracks usage of the vehicle subsequent to receiving the biometric token, and (b) marks the biometric token as authorized when the usage satisfies a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Aaron Matthew Delong, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, James Gilpin
  • Patent number: 10586440
    Abstract: An anti-theft management device includes a notification information-transmitting unit that transmits notification information to vehicles located within a communicable range when the notification information is not able to be transfer to a set theft notification destination and when it is determined that identification information of a determination target vehicle coincides with identification information of a stolen vehicle on the basis of theft information including the identification information of the stolen vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuta Shimizu, Hidenori Tsukahara
  • Patent number: 10399484
    Abstract: A display system for use on the exterior of a vehicle having a display and a processor. The processor is configured to determine when the vehicle is stopped or in motion, such that the processor directs the display system to display an image based on that determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventors: Frederick Hayle Parkes, Neville Boston
  • Patent number: 10365642
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and computer readable media for probing alarm functionality at a premises. In a particular embodiment, a method provides, in response to activation of an audible alarm, obtaining audio information captured by a first communication device of a plurality of communication devices positioned throughout the premises. The method further provides determining whether the audio information indicates that the alarm is functioning properly and determining a first position of the premises where the first communication device is located. When the audio information indicates that the alarm is not functioning properly, the method provides indicating that the alarm is not functioning properly at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: John Lynch, Chris McArthur, Mark Fletcher, Tracy Monk
  • Patent number: 10351097
    Abstract: In system and methods for theft prevention or mitigation, driver-related data associated with one or more authorized drivers of an insured vehicle may be collected over time. The authorized drivers and the insured vehicle may be covered by an insurance policy issued by an insurance provider. Based upon the collected driver-related data, a database associated with the authorized drivers may be built. Current driver-related data associated with an individual currently driving, attempting to start, or sitting in a seat of the insured vehicle may be collected. It may be determined, using both the database and the current driver-related data, that the individual is not among the authorized drivers. A disablement of an operation of the insured vehicle may be caused, and/or the individual may be caused to be prevented from starting or otherwise operating the insured vehicle, to facilitate preventing or mitigating theft of the insured vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann, Douglas Albert Graff
  • Patent number: 10348885
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method of reducing driver distractions from a portable device. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a driver communication safety system of limiting portable device functionality within a vehicle for safety purposes. According to the present disclosure, a proximity beacon may be placed within a vehicle and paired with a portable device, wherein the pairing may allow the driver communication safety system to control select applications and block access during predefined threshold activity, such as a threshold vehicle speed. In some embodiments, an administrator may control functionality of one or more portable devices used by a driver within a calibrated shielded zone of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventors: James Michael Covington, Jr., Christopher Dillon Covington
  • Patent number: 10272922
    Abstract: A driving support device includes a cross direction control device and a cross direction alarm device which are a first support unit that performs drive support of steering of a vehicle, a traveling direction control device and a traveling direction alarm device which are a second support unit that performs drive support of deceleration of the vehicle, and a running support processing device that controls the first support unit and the second support unit. The running support processing device detects looking-aside of a driver, detects a non-drive manual operation of the driver, and sets a level of an effect of detection of the non-drive manual operation to an effect of detection of the looking-aside in the first support unit to be greater than a level of an effect of detection of the non-drive manual operation to an effect of detection of the looking-aside in the second support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Toshihiro Hashimoto, Toshitake Kawai, Toru Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 10246055
    Abstract: A method for authorizing a driver to activate at least one system of a vehicle, includes a preliminary phase that includes an initialization step, an enrollment step scanning enrollment biometric data of the driver, an access step for the driver to enter the vehicle, and a storage step registering enrollment biometric data in memory. The method also includes a subsequent phase that includes an authentication step scanning authentication biometric data of the driver and comparing said authentication biometric data with the enrollment biometric data in the memory, then an activation step wherein, if the authentication biometric data match with the enrollment biometric data, in authorizing the driver to activate the at least one system of the vehicle, or a refusal step wherein, if the authentication biometric data does not match with the enrollment biometric data, in forbidding the driver to activate the at least one system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: DURA OPERATING, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Farges
  • Patent number: 10187519
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for detecting and monitoring a contraband device including communication devices by utilizing a combination of mobile devices, fixed monitoring devices, and a contraband monitoring center. The mobile devices include smart phones or tablets that are borrowed, rented, or purchased by an inmate from a correctional facility. These mobile devices are configured to detect, monitor, and intervene in the communications of target devices. Further, the mobile devices are configured to communicate with fixed monitoring devices located throughout the correctional facility in performing intervention operations. The contraband monitoring center may also be utilized in the coordination, monitoring, and intervention of target devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Patent number: 10133942
    Abstract: A method for driver identification including recording a first image of a vehicle driver; extracting a set of values for a set of facial features of the vehicle driver from the first image; determining a filtering parameter; selecting a cluster of driver identifiers from a set of clusters, based on the filtering parameter; computing a probability that the set of values is associated with each driver identifier of the cluster; determining, at the vehicle sensor system, driving characterization data for the driving session; and in response to the computed probability exceeding a first threshold probability: determining that the new set of values corresponds to one driver identifier within the selected cluster, and associating the driving characterization data with the one driver identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Nauto Global Limited
    Inventors: Michael Gleeson-May, Frederick Soo, Stefan Heck
  • Patent number: 10112529
    Abstract: An electronic safety system on a vehicle comprising a positioning unit configured to determine a geographic location of the vehicle; a sensor unit configured to detect a distress signal; and a telecommunication unit coupleable to the positioning unit and the sensor unit; wherein the telecommunication unit is configured to transmit an alert notification to an emergency service organization in response to the detected distress signal; the alert notification including the determined geographic location of the vehicle. A vehicle having the electronic safety system and a method of generating an alert notification are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Mastercard International Incorporated
    Inventor: Arunmurthy Gurunathan
  • Patent number: 10017153
    Abstract: In system and methods for theft prevention or mitigation, driver-related data associated with one or more authorized drivers of an insured vehicle may be collected over time. The authorized drivers and the insured vehicle may be covered by an insurance policy issued by an insurance provider. Based upon the collected driver-related data, a database associated with the authorized drivers may be built. Current driver-related data associated with an individual currently driving, attempting to start, or sitting in a seat of the insured vehicle may be collected. It may be determined, using both the database and the current driver-related data, that the individual is not among the authorized drivers. A disablement of an operation of the insured vehicle may be caused, and/or the individual may be caused to be prevented from starting or otherwise operating the insured vehicle, to facilitate preventing or mitigating theft of the insured vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann, Douglas Albert Graff
  • Patent number: 9939809
    Abstract: A device may remotely immobilize a vehicle via peer-to-peer device communication or network assisted communication. Initially, a request inputted by a user to initiate vehicle immobilization of a vehicle may be received at a master control device. The master control device may send an information query command to the vehicle communication device of the vehicle via proximity communication. Subsequently, the master control device may receive a device identifier from the vehicle communication device via the proximity communication. A vehicle immobilization request that includes the device identifier may be sent from the master control device to a wireless communication carrier. The request may prompt the wireless communication carrier to broadcast an immobilization command via a cellular communication network to the vehicle communication device of the vehicle that is identified by the device identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Ahmad Arash Obaidi
  • Patent number: 9900428
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for detecting and monitoring a contraband device including communication devices by utilizing a combination of mobile devices, fixed monitoring devices, and a contraband monitoring center. The mobile devices include smart phones or tablets that are borrowed, rented, or purchased by an inmate from a correctional facility. These mobile devices are configured to detect, monitor, and intervene in the communications of target devices. Further, the mobile devices are configured to communicate with fixed monitoring devices located throughout the correctional facility in performing intervention operations. The contraband monitoring center may also be utilized in the coordination, monitoring, and intervention of target devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Patent number: 9741188
    Abstract: An example mobile device case is described. In one implementation, the mobile device case includes a housing that surrounds at least a portion of a mobile device. A capacitive touch button is disposed on the housing and associated with a vehicle function. A user activation sensor initiates monitoring of the capacitive touch button in response to a user contact. A vehicle control module senses activation of the capacitive touch button and, in response to sensing the activation, initiates the associated vehicle function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jamel Seagraves, Chih-Wei Tang, Sudipto Aich, Darioush Aghai-yazdi, Yonathan Redda, Casey Bryan Feldman
  • Patent number: 9701279
    Abstract: An onboard device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The onboard device also comprises a pair of wires where a first wire of the pair of wires is coupled to an analog input port of the A/D converter, and a second wire of the pair of wires is coupled to a reference voltage port of the A/D converter. The onboard device also comprises a cellular transceiver and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In some embodiments, the memory of the onboard device stores a program that, when executed causes the processor to monitor, by way of the pair of wires, voltage levels of a main battery of a vehicle for presence of a start sequence of a vehicle, detect movement of the vehicle, and send a message to an operations center indicating movement of the vehicle without occurrence of the start sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Morgan, Christopher M. Macheca, Franco Chirico
  • Patent number: 9663028
    Abstract: One embodiment induces a display system for use on the exterior of a vehicle having a display, a vehicle speed sensor, a trigger device, and a processor coupled to the speed sensor and the trigger device. The trigger device is configured to identify a trigger event. The processor is configured to implement one of four operational modes of the display system based on the speed and state of the vehicle: a first operational mode when no trigger event is identified, the vehicle is on, and the vehicle is at a first speed; a second operational mode when no trigger event is identified and the vehicle is at a second speed different than the first speed; a third operational mode when the trigger event is identified, and a fourth operational mode in which content is displayed at a second power consumption level less than the first power consumption level. The processor is further configured to render content on the display based upon the operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Frederick Hayle Parkes, Neville Boston
  • Patent number: 9639724
    Abstract: An article having a conductive body, a magnetic diverter, and a communication device is described. The magnetic diverter is positioned on an outer surface of the conductive body. The magnetic diverter covers a substantial portion of the outer surface of the conductive body. A communication device is positioned on the outer surface of the diverter or may be recessed therein. The communication device is capable of signal coupling with a reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: DURACELL U.S. OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jordan Todorov Bourilkov, Steven Jeffrey Specht, Sergio Coronado Hortal, Konstantin Dimitrov Stefanov, Suat Ayoz
  • Patent number: 9633300
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (100) which comprises a receiving member (110) configured to receive a chip card (200). The chip card (200) is configured for contactless communication with a first hardware interface (311). The apparatus (100) further comprises communication means (120) configured to enable contactless communication with a second hardware interface (321), wherein the first hardware interface (311) and the second hardware interface (321) are hardware interfaces of different types. The communication means (120) are configured to enable a communication of the communication means (120) with the chip card (200) when the chip card (200) is received in the receiving member (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: certgate GmbH
    Inventor: Jian Wang
  • Patent number: 9600947
    Abstract: A lock system including a first device which has at least two states and is embodied as a control device, and an associated second device which is embodied in the manner of an electronic key, an ID signal generator, a chip card or the like. The two devices have transmitters and/or receivers for, in particular, electromagnetic signals. In particular, at least one of the signals transmitted between the second device and the first device is an encoded operating signal for authenticating the second device, with the result that after positive evaluation of the transmitted operating signal in the case of an authorized second device it is possible to bring about a change in the state of the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Obergfell
  • Patent number: 9585375
    Abstract: A method and system for remote operation of at least one electric fishing reel by radio communication with a communication terminal having a radio communication module. The at least one electric fishing reel includes a radio communication module compatible with the command terminal radio communication module. The communication terminal carries an application that transmits a command through a user interface to control the at least one electric fishing reel. The at least one electric fishing reel transmits to the communication terminal a connection request signal. together with a device ID, at startup of the program. The communication terminal transmits to the electric fishing reel having the device ID a connection permit signal upon receiving the connection request signal such that a communication protocol connection is established between the communication terminal and the electric fishing reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MIYAMAE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Miyamae
  • Patent number: 9496936
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a first device, a first signal transmitted from a first antenna and receiving a second signal after receiving the first signal. The second signal is transmitted from a second antenna after the first signal was transmitted from the first antenna. The method includes determining expected characteristics of an expected signal based on combining the first signal and the second signal. The method includes receiving, at the first device, a third signal comprising signals transmitted from the first antenna and the second antenna substantially simultaneously. The method includes determining whether the third signal comprises at least one characteristic that matches the expected characteristics. In response to determining that the third signal matches the expected signal, the method includes engaging, by the first device, in a communication session with a second device, the second device comprising the first antenna and the second antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Werner Blatz
  • Patent number: 9452720
    Abstract: When a vehicle is “off” many electrically powered devices will continue to draw power from the battery, which will eventually deplete the battery. Instead of leaving such devices on, when the engine is shut off, a message is transmitted from a vehicle's telematics communications device to one or more of: the operator, a telematics service provider or elsewhere, and which notifies the recipient of the power-down condition. The recipient of the message can thereafter respond with a directive that tells the telematics communications device which devices to leave powered on, turn off or schedule to be shut off. Absent such a message, the system powers down devices according to a default power down ordering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Brey
  • Patent number: 9415849
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a general-purpose wireless mobile device having a touch-sensitive screen and executing a remote control application is used to remotely control a vehicle (e.g., a marine vessel). The general-purpose wireless mobile device communicates via a wireless network with an interface (e.g., a server) that is coupled to an electronic control system of the vehicle (e.g., the vessel). In operation, environmental information and/or system status information is collected through the electronic control system, propagated to the interface (e.g., server), and then sent over the wireless network to the wireless mobile device. Similarly, control input is sent over the wireless network to the interface (e.g., server), which passes the information to the electronic control system, which in turn issues appropriate control signals to the vehicle subsystems (e.g., marine subsystems) to control the motion of the vehicle (e.g., the vessel).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: Savant Systems, LLC, Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Jobs, Robert P. Madonna, Michael C. Silva, Cameron Pulsford, Nicholas J. Cipollo
  • Patent number: 9348996
    Abstract: A method for the authentication of at least two agricultural devices coupled via a data bus includes subjecting the each of the agricultural devices to authentication, automatically and independently of every of the agricultural device by use of an authentication device, which is also coupled to the data bus. The method also includes allowing a direct data exchange or indirect data exchange between the successfully authenticated agricultural devices, automatically. If authentication of the at least two data devices is unsuccessful, data exchange between the unsuccessfully authenticated agricultural devices is disallowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: CLAAS E-SYSTEMS KGAA MBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Jasper Jeninga, Florian Dirlewanger, Andreas Mock
  • Patent number: 9066235
    Abstract: A moving state detecting section 202 determines a moving state of a share source terminal 100. A moving state detecting section 302 determines a moving state of a share destination terminal 110. An inter-terminal distance measuring section 304 detects the distance between the share source terminal 100 and the share destination terminal 110. A security process determining section 305 determines a terminal and a function on which to perform a security process, based on the moving state of each terminal and the distance between the terminals. A security process executing section 306 notifies the determined terminal to perform the security process on the determined function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ujiie, Susumu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9043059
    Abstract: There is provided a battery module including: a power storage unit storing power; a first authentication unit carrying out first authentication via a first authentication route; a second authentication unit carrying out second authentication via a second authentication route; and a discharging control unit controlling discharging from the power storage unit to an external appliance, wherein the first authentication unit is operable, when the first authentication has succeeded, to share key information to be used in the second authentication with an authentication party for the second authentication, the second authentication unit carries out the second authentication using the key information shared with the authentication party, and the discharging control unit is operable, when the second authentication has succeeded, to permit discharging from the power storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihito Ishibashi, Shigeru Tajima, Daisuke Yamazaki, Masahiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20150116099
    Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle is immobilized whilst connected to a charging station. Immobilization may be overridden from the driver's HMI, in order to permit drive-away in the event of a threat to the vehicle or occupants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Straugheir