Of Burglary Or Unauthorized Use Patents (Class 340/426.1)
  • Patent number: 9937082
    Abstract: A wetness notification system includes a detecting unit (2), a clip unit (3), a receiver unit (4), and a sampling unit (5). The detecting unit (2) includes a sleeve body (21), amounting seat (29), a moisture detector (22), a casing (23), a processor (24), a wireless transmitter (25), and a battery (26). The sampling unit (5) includes a substrate (51) and at least one sampling element (52). The substrate (51) is made of flexible material and removably attached to the mounting seat (29). The sampling element (52) is disposed on the substrate (51) for contacting and sampling the urine within the clothing article (7) for urinalysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Hung Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 9934543
    Abstract: A user, such as an employee of an institution, may travel overseas where data or devices may be compromised. Described herein is a system and method for receiving travel data for the user from a travel data source and receiving a list of countries with a high level of security threats where data security may be an issue. Based on the travel data for the user and the list of countries with a high level of security threats, it may be determined whether the user is entering a country with a high level of security threats. If so, one or more user devices associated with the user may be determined, and data security scans of the devices may be generated before, during, and/or after travel. Data security issues may be determined based on a comparison of the scans. A report of the issues may optionally be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Hannah Anderson, Melissa Gillette, Rahul Isola, Michael Wolf, Peter Amisano, Timothy Webster, Alexander Foley
  • Patent number: 9930485
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the location of a wearer of a shoelace and providing alerts when the wearer is not within the pre-established parameters are disclosed. A shoelace has a location monitoring device irremovably housed within it. The location monitoring device contains a global positioning system, a transmitter, and a battery. The shoelace can include a microphone communicatively coupled to the location monitoring device. A disclosed method includes receiving, by a location monitoring server, a plurality of pre-established parameters associated a wearer of the shoelace. A unique identifier, which authenticates identity of the shoelace, and location data of the shoelace from the global positioning system housed inside the shoelace are also sent to the location monitoring server, which determines whether the location data is consistent with the plurality of pre-established parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DYLANbrands
    Inventors: Debbie Stone, Carlos Juan Martinez
  • Patent number: 9922549
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a security and/or automation system using a aspects of a vehicle. The method may include receiving confirmation of a user's presence in the vehicle, receiving confirmation of vehicle operation, displaying on a display of the vehicle at least one control option for a security and/or automation system of a property monitored by the security and/or automation system, receiving at least one user input on the display related to the at least one control option, and transmitting instructions to control the security and/or automation system based on the at least one user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy B. Warren
  • Patent number: 9902370
    Abstract: An anti-fraud method for use in an in-vehicle network system including a plurality of electronic control units that exchange data frames, each having added thereto a message authentication code (MAC), via a bus includes receiving a data frame transmitted on the bus, and generating a first MAC by using a MAC key and a value of a counter that counts a number of times a data frame having added thereto a MAC is transmitted. The method also includes performing verification that the data frame received has added thereto the generated first MAC and incrementing a number of error occurrences when the verification has failed for the data frame, the data frame including a predetermined message ID. When the number of error occurrences exceeds a predetermined threshold, a process associated in advance with the predetermined message ID is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Haga, Hideki Matsushima, Manabu Maeda, Yuji Unagami, Yoshihiro Ujiie, Takeshi Kishikawa
  • Patent number: 9906967
    Abstract: Disclosed are a work machine and a communication monitoring method that allow recording of work information even in the event of interruption of communication in a communication path between the work machine, a mobile communication terminal and a server. There is provided a control section (71) configured to transmit work information to a server (Z) via a communication section (68) and a smartphone (Y) if a monitoring section (69) detects that communication is possible between the communication section (68) and the smartphone (Y) and also to cause a storage section (70) to store the work information if the monitoring section (69) detects that communication is not possible between the communication section (68) and the smartphone (Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotsugu Inoue, Kazuhiro Takahara, Hiroshi Ikeda, Kazunori Matsufuji
  • Patent number: 9903727
    Abstract: A method for providing a geo-fence service using a map provided via a navigation device includes: searching for at least one critical route from a current position of a vehicle or an origin to a destination mapped onto the map; displaying a first critical route onto the map along the vehicle can travel to the destination, the first critical route corresponding to a shortest route among the at least one searched critical route; and determining whether the vehicle deviates from a geo-fence area including the at least one searched critical route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Kyu Cho, Nam Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 9858729
    Abstract: A pipette check station for checking the calibration or service status of a pipette includes an RFID reader, a user interface with a display and buttons, and a digital interface to connect the check station to additional equipment; the check station optionally further includes provisions to hold pipettes for storage and to charge electronic pipettes held thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo Rainin, LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Keller, Richard Hill, Deryl Stanley, James Petrek, Murray Anderson
  • Patent number: 9840229
    Abstract: Remote tamper detection, some example embodiment methods including: receiving signals indicative of a location, the receiving by a first device coupled to an asset; periodically sending a signal of operability from the first device to a second device, the second device coupled to the asset, and the second device configured to selectively disable the asset; receiving a first command from a remote operations center, the receiving by the first device; sending a second command from the first device to the second device, wherein the second command is sent responsive to the receiving of the first command; disabling the asset by the second device when receipt of the signal of operability has ceased or the second command is a disable command; and issuing from the first device an indication of the location of the first device, the issuing from the first device by a wireless transmission to the remote operations center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Morgan, Stanley G. Schwarz, Christopher M. Macheca
  • Patent number: 9779633
    Abstract: A virtual reality system includes a playground defined within a real world space to have a predetermined area in which a user is movable, a head mounted device surrounds both eyes displaying an image of a virtual space formed corresponding to real objects in the playground, a sensor attached to a predetermined location in the playground, the head mounted device or body of the user sensing an actual location or motion of the user in the playground. A control unit calculates a location and direction of the user in the playground according to a signal from the sensor, and displays an image on the head mounted device of the virtual space, observed at the location and in the facing direction of the user. When the user wearing the head mounted device actually moves in the playground, a feeling of moving in the virtual space is given to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Greg Van Curen, Minchul So, Samuel Farina, III
  • Patent number: 9779365
    Abstract: A centralized server-based system and method for managing and reserving parking spaces capable of charging an EV, that is, a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle, treats sets of parking spaces as interchangeable pooled resources. An EV motorist can book a reservation with charging of the EV by specifying parking in a desired location. Parking spaces serve dual uses for parking alone or parking with charging. The parking spaces are handled as a common parking pool, such as on one side of a city block, and each space has equal access to a charging station. The server determines charging capacity availability within a time window and the motorist can choose a parking time up to or beyond, if permitted, the maximum charging time needed to charge the EV. Non-EV motorists can similarly reserve parking within a parking pool with the server ensuring optimal use of charging capacity and parking spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: CONDUENT BUSINESS SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Sylvia Smullin, Mark J. Stefik, David Eric Schwartz, Daniel H. Greene
  • Patent number: 9756402
    Abstract: A power tool having multiple wireless communication states and a method of wirelessly communicating by a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, and a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface. The wireless communication controller operates in a connectable state when coupled to a battery pack and transmits tool operational data to the external device and receives tool configuration data from the external device. The wireless communication controller operates in an advertisement state when the wireless communication controller is coupled to and powered by the backup power source. In the advertisement state, the wireless communication controller is configured to transmit the unique tool identifier. The external device may also display an indication of the communication state of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Matthew J. Mergener, Alex Huber, Paul Rossetto, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Scott R. Fischer, Mark A. Kubale, Christian Coulis
  • Patent number: 9725073
    Abstract: An anti-fraud method for use in an in-vehicle network system including a plurality of electronic control units that exchange data frames, each having added thereto a message authentication code (MAC), via at least one bus includes: receiving a data frame transmitted on the bus; generating a first MAC by using a MAC key and a value of a counter that counts the number of times a data frame having added thereto a MAC is transmitted; in a case where the verification has failed, (i) generating as second MAC by using an old MAC key; (ii) re-verifying that the received data frame has added thereto the generated second MAC; transmitting, in a case where the re-verification has succeeded, via the bus a key-update frame indicating a request for updating the MAC key; and updating the MAC key in response to the transmission of the key-update frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Haga, Hideki Matsushima, Manabu Maeda, Yuji Unagami, Yoshihiro Ujiie, Takeshi Kishikawa
  • Patent number: 9712814
    Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit which has an imaging element configured to nondestructively read an image signal and performs imaging of a subject using the imaging element, a reading control unit which performs nondestructive reading of the image signal from the imaging element during imaging of the subject, a temporary storage unit which stores the image signal nondestructively read by the reading control unit, an abnormality detection unit which detects the occurrence of an abnormal state during imaging of the subject, and a display control unit which reads and outputs the image signal stored in the storage unit in a case where the abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutake Tanaka, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 9704303
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Patent number: 9688220
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for implementing door engagement detection for a vehicle. A sensor is configured to detect information indicative of a dependent individual occupying a rear seat of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to prevent control of the apparatus from the rear seat when the information is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leah L. Drake, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 9682650
    Abstract: A direction indicator system 1 includes an ignition switch 3, a hazard switch 4, a direction indicator switch 5, direction indicator lamps 6A, 6B, direction indicator lamps 7A, 7B, and a direction indicator device 2. The direction indicator device 2 detects that the switch 4 is in an ON state via direction indicator lamp connection terminals L-SW, R-SW, performs a hazard operation to blink both the direction indicator lamps 6A, 6B and the direction indicator lamps 7A, 7B by a drive current output from a drive current output terminal LOAD with a blinking period T in a case where the switch 3 is in the ON state when the switch 4 is put into the ON state, and operates with a voltage supplied from a battery connection terminal BAT1 to output the drive current when the switch 3 is put into an OFF state during the hazard operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Ohki
  • Patent number: 9679562
    Abstract: A method of managing speech interfaces to computer-based services includes beginning a first speech session that is carried out in a vehicle over a short-range wireless connection between a vehicle occupant and a mobile device; detecting an initiation of a second speech session while the first speech session is being carried out; determining an assigned priority level of the first speech session relative to an assigned priority level of the second speech session based on a first speech context identified in the first speech session and a second speech context identified in the second speech session; and when the assigned priority level of the second speech session has a higher priority than the assigned priority level of the first speech session, carrying out a session-appropriate action on the first speech session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Denis R. Burke, Danilo Gurovich, Daniel E. Rudman, Keith A. Fry, Shane M. McCutchen, Marco T. Carnevale, Mukesh Gupta
  • Patent number: 9666076
    Abstract: A warning method and a system are provided. The warning system includes a wireless communication unit that is connected to a wearable device via short range communication. In addition, an information collection unit is configured to collect information regarding at least one of a danger of collision of a vehicle, a velocity of the vehicle, and lane departure of the vehicle. A controller is then configured to transmit a predetermined signal for a warning to the wearable device via the wireless communication unit, based on the information collected by the information collection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ki Ru Park
  • Patent number: 9598050
    Abstract: A local area security system interfaces with one or more vehicles to provide enhanced security. The vehicles have vehicle sensors which may further help determine a presence of potential threat within a vicinity of the local area security system. The multiple vehicle network may communicate with each other to expand the vicinity of the local area security system, share equipment, computing resources, and information in the determination of the presence of the potential threat. The battery powered vehicle may employ various methods to conserve battery power while coupled to the local area security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Randall Lee Cogill, Olivier Gallay, Chungmok Lee, Zubair Nabi, Martin M. Rufli, Robert Shorten, Tigran T. Tchrakian, Rudi Verago, Fabian Roger Wirth, Sergiy Zhuk
  • Patent number: 9555772
    Abstract: An embedded security system for an environment-controlled trailer including a transportation refrigeration unit. The security system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to the trailer and a communication device embedded in the transportation refrigeration unit of the trailer, the communication device being configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors, and to send the received data to a controller being remote from the trailer. The controller is configured to monitor the security status of the trailer and to determine a security risk at the trailer based, at least in part, on the received data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Walker, Eduardo S. Tan, Ulrich Fink
  • Patent number: 9558639
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the disclosed embodiments provide a sensor to detect a side from which a door or window is being opened, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor to determine the side from which the door or window is being opened, and to generate a security exception based on the determination of the side from which the door or window is being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Yash Modi, Kevin Charles Peterson, Mark Rajan Malhotra, Sourav Dey, Lawrence Au
  • Patent number: 9508247
    Abstract: Systems and methods of security are provided, including at least one of a plurality of sensors to detect a location of at least one user, and generate detection data according to the detected location of the at least one user. A processor may be communicatively coupled to the at least one of the plurality of sensors to receive the detection data and to determine whether the at least one user is occupying a building according to the detection data. An alarm device, communicatively coupled to the processor, can be armed or disarmed by the processor according to the determination as to whether the at least one user is occupying the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery Theodore Lee, Anthony Michael Fadell, Sophie Le Guen, Maxime Veron, Mark Rajan Malhotra, Timo Bruck
  • Patent number: 9503876
    Abstract: A method for providing assistance to each of a plurality of users, each having been enrolled as a member of a community includes receiving, at a server, communications from corresponding mobile devices, each of which is associated with a user who has enrolled as a member in a first community. These emergency communications were initiated by activation of respective personal security buttons on the mobile devices, and provide information about respective security conditions. In response to the communications, the server alerts corresponding first and second security services that are appropriate responding to the respective security conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Rave Wirless, Inc.
    Inventors: Ghen Saito, Rodger Desai, Raju Rishi
  • Patent number: 9472030
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Patent number: 9466196
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that utilize various devices, sensors, and/or systems as data points in a transportation system to establish normal operation of the transportation system and determine when one or more of the devices, sensors, and/or systems provides anomalous data indicative of a problem in the transportation system. Identifying a problem and/or implementing a solution can then be partially or fully automated, to help ensure a quick response and minimal disruption in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Gavin R. Smith, Steffen Reymann
  • Patent number: 9452704
    Abstract: A lighting device for vehicles having an optical fiber including a flat segment with two opposing flat sides, a light decoupling area, and a light coupling area. The light decoupling area in which light relayed by the flat sides is output in the primary direction of emission. The light coupling area couples the light into the optical fiber, and is arranged on a free end of a light coupling element which is perpendicular to the flat segment and projects from the same. A deflection structure is arranged between the light coupling element and the flat segment for the purpose of deflecting the light toward the flat segment. A rigid circuit board runs parallel to the flat segment. The circuit board is configured with a number of light sources which are each functionally assigned to the light coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventors: Stefan Köhler, Matthias Mallon, Thomas Niedenzu
  • Patent number: 9451437
    Abstract: A vehicle communication methods and device for changing a user terminal setting by using a push message is provided. The vehicle communication device includes a storage unit configured to map at least one vehicle mode information to terminal identification information of the user terminal, to which a message is transmitted, and each vehicle information, including vehicle state information or operation information, and store the mapped information; a vehicle information collector configured to collect vehicle information; a message generator configured to generate a transmission message including at least one vehicle mode information mapped to the collected vehicle information and the stored terminal identification information; and a message transmitter configured to transmit the generated transmission message to the user terminal through a push message server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: In-Sung Cho, Dong-Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 9440658
    Abstract: A system or method capable of using automobile camera system data to generate biometric information for the use in identifying authorized drivers and customizing and controlling automobile components. The system is versatile enough to distinguish between a new or unauthorized person in the automobile and respond accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Amanda J. Kalhous, Norman J. Weigert, Mark A. Manickaraj
  • Patent number: 9393933
    Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle is immobilized while 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventor: Robert Straugheir
  • Patent number: 9398550
    Abstract: Certain aspects provide a technique for managing transmissions in a wireless network. The technique generally provides for an access terminal to transmit synchronization packets containing timing information regarding an existing piconet. The synchronization packets may contain an indication of resources of the piconet allocated to the access terminal by an access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Vered Bar Bracha
  • Patent number: 9371057
    Abstract: A vehicle security system has a driving function locking device movable between a locked position for disabling a driving function of a vehicle and an unlocked position. The vehicle security system includes a controller, a remote control and a chip card. The controller is connected to an electrical power supply of the vehicle and is in communication with a transceiver. The remote control and chip card each communicate with the transceiver to lock and unlock the driving function locking device or temporarily disable the driving function locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Kamol Kantajaranit, Somchai Tiemsiriwat, Suwat Petcharapirat
  • Patent number: 9367062
    Abstract: A power tool data collection system includes a memory in a housing of a power tool that stores data corresponding to at least one operational parameter of the power tool, a wireless data transceiver communicatively connected to the memory, and a controller operatively connect to the memory. The wireless data transceiver transmits the data corresponding to the at least one operational parameter of the power tool to an external wireless transceiver in response to receiving a signal from the external wireless transceiver. The controller identifies the at least one operational parameter of the power tool during operation of the power tool and stores the data corresponding to the at least one operational parameter in the memory to enable the wireless data transceiver to transmit the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Volpert
  • Patent number: 9322743
    Abstract: This invention is a test system 1 that is used for a mobile object such as a vehicle or a component used for the mobile object, and the test system 1 comprises one or a plurality of devices for test 4 used for a test and a device administrating device 7 that is connected to the device for test 4 in a communicable manner and that administrates the device for test 4, and is characterized by that the device administrating device 7 or the device for test 4 comprises a QC storing part 45 that stores a regulation ID to identify a regulation for the test and a quality check time or item to be provided for the device for test 4 in a mutually associated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: HORIBA, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Uratani, Katsuhiro Hachiuma
  • Patent number: 9324198
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Patent number: 9299250
    Abstract: A method of processing requests to establish wireless communication sessions in a mobile vehicle communications system. The method comprises receiving a request to establish a communication session between a telematics unit of a vehicle and a remote facility, wherein the request takes the form of one or more electrical signals. The method further comprises determining whether less than a predetermined number of requests to establish a communication session between the telematics unit and remote facility have been received from the sender of the request within a predetermined period of time. When it is determined that less than the predetermined number of requests have been received from the sender within the predetermined period of time, the method still further comprises establishing a communication session between the telematics unit and the remote facility. A system for performing or utilizing the above-described methodology is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Sumcad, Kyle M. Ellard, Christopher Lucarelli, Matthew R. Waldner, Shawn F. Granda
  • Patent number: 9240532
    Abstract: A LED package structure includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit and a package unit. The substrate unit includes two lead frames, and light-emitting unit including a LED chip electrically connected between the two lead frames. The package unit includes a light-transmitting package body enclosing the light-emitting unit and one part of each lead frame and a lens body integrated with the light-transmitting package body, and another part of each lead frame is exposed from the light-transmitting package body. Therefore, light beams generated by the LED chip pass through the lens body to project a cross light pattern on a plane, the cross light pattern has a concentrated cross light shape and a scattered light shape surrounding the concentrated cross light shape, the luminous intensity of the concentrated cross light shape is substantially the same and larger than the luminous intensity of the scattered light shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: SO BRIGHT ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Han-Chung Lai
  • Patent number: 9226099
    Abstract: A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, where the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method of communication. The method includes a communication hub receiving a message via short range wireless communication directly from a first mobile communication device that is proximate to the communication hub at the time the message is transmitted, and the communication hub receiving the message and automatically forwarding the message via a mobile communications network to a second mobile communication device that is associated with the communication hub without the first mobile communication device identifying the second mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Raghuswamyreddy Gundam, Karthik Kolavasi, Douglas W. Oliver
  • Patent number: 9226100
    Abstract: A method of communication includes a communication hub receiving a message via short range wireless communication directly from a first mobile communication device that is proximate to the communication hub at the time the message is transmitted, and the communication hub receiving the message and automatically forwarding the message via a mobile communications network to a second mobile communication device that is associated with the communication hub without the first mobile communication device identifying the second mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Raghuswamyreddy Gundam, Karthik Kolavasi, Douglas W. Oliver
  • Patent number: 9199521
    Abstract: An electronic control unit used in, e.g., a towing vehicle includes a processing device configured to determine an initial electrical load of a trailer system, detect changes in the electrical load, and generate an alarm signal if the electrical load is substantially different from the initial electrical load. A method includes determining an electrical load of a trailer system prior to arming a vehicle alarm system, detecting changes in the electrical load after arming the vehicle alarm system, and triggering the alarm system if the electrical load is substantially different from the electrical load determined prior to arming the vehicle alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, Douglas George Rosner, Timothy John Zuraw
  • Patent number: 9159233
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle having a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and an audio entertainment system coupled to the data communications bus may include a vehicle wireless transceiver and a vehicle controller to be coupled to the data communications bus. The vehicle controller may be configured to determine and send a vehicle location alert via the vehicle wireless transceiver, and selectively set the audio entertainment system to link with the vehicle wireless transceiver in a hands-free mode. The system may also include a mobile device to be carried by a user remote from the vehicle that may include a remote wireless transceiver configured to link wirelessly with the vehicle wireless transceiver. The mobile device may also include a remote controller cooperating to command, based upon receiving the vehicle location alert, the vehicle controller to set the audio entertainment system into the hands-free mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: OMEGA PATENTS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 9132805
    Abstract: An unattended-vehicle engine-idling system controls a vehicle powertrain in a non-motive mode with the engine running. An ignition switch operables with a removable ignition key. A control circuit has multiple states including a PREARMED state which is entered when the powertrain is in the motive mode and the user generates a manual activation signal. An ARMED state is entered when the transmission is in Park and holds an ignition switch status signal at RUN. An ACTIVE state is entered when the ignition switch is moved to the Accessory or Off positions or the key is removed. The powertrain is switched to non-motive mode and the switch status signal stays at RUN. A DISARMED state is entered in response to a manual deactivation signal generated independently of the ignition switch. In the DISARMED state, the ignition switch status signal corresponds with the ignition switch position, thereby turning off the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. King, Thomas L. Miller, Kevin T. Hille, Scott A. Watkins, James E. Kaminske
  • Patent number: 9124260
    Abstract: A flip-flop circuit (11a) includes: an input transistor (Tr19) having a gate terminal thereof connected to an SB terminal, a source terminal thereof connected to an RB terminal, and a drain terminal thereof connected to a first CMOS circuit and a second CMOS circuit; a power supply (VSS) which is connected to the first CMOS circuit or the second CMOS circuit and, when an SB signal is turned to be active, is connected to the RB terminal; and a regulator circuit (RC). With the arrangement, a compact flip-flop and a compact shift register employing the flip-flop are provided, without causing malfunction of the flip-flop and the shift register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shige Furuta, Yuhichiroh Murakami, Makoto Yokoyama, Seijirou Gyouten
  • Patent number: 9107058
    Abstract: An approach is provided for placing an emergency call using a key. The key platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of sensor information to determine at least one emergency condition. Then, the key platform causes, at least in part, an initiation of at least one emergency call via at least one key in response to the at least emergency condition, wherein the at least one key is configured with one or more emergency phone functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventors: Kai Allan Inha, Ronald James Webb, Marko Tapio Tuukkanen
  • Patent number: 9031712
    Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to enabling remote activation of a vehicle's functions or features via multiple networks that may connect the vehicle to a user device operated by a user. A user may utilize the user device to send action codes to a vehicle that, when received and processed by the vehicle, may cause the vehicle to perform one or more functions corresponding to the action codes, in some examples, such functionality may be implemented for stolen vehicle tracking and parental controls. Various devices and/or program code in a vehicle may configured to detect and communicate multiple networks, such as Bluetooth®, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network, a WiFi Direct network, a cellular network (including third generation and fourth generation), a radio network, a satellite, etc. As described herein, program code may run as firmware and processors and memory devices, for example, may operate out of band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lonny Baskin, Ariel Malamud
  • Patent number: 9030310
    Abstract: A proximity-based catalytic converter protection system for a vehicle that includes a controller, and a catalytic converter, both located in the vehicle. The protection system further includes a pair of electrodes that are electrically coupled to the controller and located in proximity to the converter. The controller monitors capacitance between the electrodes to detect movement external to the vehicle near the converter. The controller may activate an alarm element upon detecting a change in capacitance between the electrodes that exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Van Wiemeersch, Don D. Price, Eric L. Reed
  • Patent number: 9019092
    Abstract: Sensors installed at a vehicle may automatically detect that a disturbance event, such as a collision, has occurred at the vehicle. A disturbance response module installed at the vehicle may automatically determine whether the vehicle was running and whether the vehicle was moving when the disturbance event occurred. The disturbance response module may determine that the vehicle was parked in response to a determination that the vehicle was not running and not moving when the disturbance event occurred. A communication module installed at the vehicle may automatically transmit a notification message that indicates a disturbance event has occurred at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Brandmaier, James Gillespie, Stephen Hughes, Daniel Koza, William Loo, Francis Lowry
  • Patent number: 9007185
    Abstract: A method and apparatus teach a plurality of keys to an authorization device in a vehicle. The keys that are in a reception range of a transmission unit of the authorization device receive a test signal from the authorization device. The respective key ascertains a key-specific time window from at least one signal parameter of the test signal that is dependent on the physical location of the key, during which the respective key transmits a response signal that can be received by the transmission unit and recorded by the authorization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Tobias Ott, Patrick Sassmannshausen
  • Patent number: 9007205
    Abstract: An embedded security system for an environment-controlled trailer including a transportation refrigeration unit. The security system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to the trailer and a communication device embedded in the transportation refrigeration unit of the trailer, the communication device being configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors, and to send the received data to a controller being remote from the trailer. The controller is configured to monitor the security status of the trailer and to determine a security risk at the trailer based, at least in part, on the received data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Walker, Eduardo S. Tan, Ulrich Fink
  • Patent number: 9007194
    Abstract: The vehicular anti-theft device is a generally planar matt that includes a plurality of pressure sensors used to detect the presence of a weight thereon, and which is configured for placement under a tire of a vehicle. The matt includes a control panel to input a code to able and disable the alarm function. The alarm function is designed to detect a change in the weight associated with theft of a respective vehicle. The matt may include an array of solar cells on a top surface, which provides alternative means of powering the alarm function. The alarm includes a speaker to emit an audible alarm or alternatively cellular telephone capability in order to signal an alarm via a text message, phone message, or e-mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis E. Toews