Determination Of Estimated Time Of Arrival (eta) Patents (Class 701/465)
  • Patent number: 8779949
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a method for de-noising data in a scheduled transportation system, the method includes receiving a plurality of digital traces that correspond to a piece of equipment in the scheduled transportation system. The method also includes identifying a plurality of journeys from the plurality of digital traces, wherein each of the plurality of journeys corresponds to the piece of equipment traversing one of a plurality of routes and generating a route map and schedule for the scheduled transportation system from the plurality of journeys and the plurality of digital traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric P. Bouillet, Francesco Calabrese, Fabio Pinelli, Olivier Versheure
  • Patent number: 8779940
    Abstract: A facility for providing guidance for locating street parking is described. The facility receives an indication of a geographic location with respect to which provide parking guidance, and determines an effective time for which to provide guidance. The facility then provides parking guidance relating to the indicated location at the effective time for a use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AI Incube, Inc.
    Inventor: Eyal Amir
  • Patent number: 8775075
    Abstract: A mobile phone terminal has a positional information acquisition unit acquiring present positional information indicating a present position, a destination information acquisition unit acquiring destination information specifying a destination (where to return, and where to go), a navigation unit navigating a route from a position specified by the present positional information acquired by the positional information acquisition unit to a destination specified by the destination information, upon activation, a distance acquisition unit acquiring a distance between a position specified by the present positional information acquired by the positional information acquisition unit and a destination specified by the destination information, and an activation control unit activating the navigation unit depending on a distance acquired by the distance acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nec Casio Mobile Communications Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8768605
    Abstract: A rush hour modeling system that is configured for modifying existing travel time/distance data to reflect special traffic conditions, such as rush hour traffic conditions. The system is configured to receive information defining one or more time windows, geographic areas, and road segments in which special traffic conditions occur. The system is also configured to receive travel rules that reflect the special traffic conditions. The travel rules are used to modify a travel time/distance matrix to reflect the effect of the special traffic conditions on “normal” travel times and distances. Existing routing and scheduling systems can then use the modified travel matrix to plan and schedule routes for delivery vehicles more accurately. Additionally, the modified travel matrix can be used to model traffic conditions through a particular geographic area or on a particular road segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Roadnet Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Heaps, Clifton Kraisser, Ralph Clementi, Thomas Mudd, Stephen Simon, Francis McClellan
  • Publication number: 20140180575
    Abstract: A wireless communication device disposed on a moving vehicle. The wireless communication device further includes a geographic location determination processor for determining a geographic location on a city map. The wireless communication device further receives a vehicle location and arrival schedule request for sending a message to a passenger waiting for the vehicle for providing the geographic location on the city map and an estimated arrival time of the vehicle to a passenger waiting for the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Bo-In Lin
  • Publication number: 20140180576
    Abstract: Described herein are technologies related to estimating a route being traveled by a mobile device based upon detection of an array of ambient identifiable wireless signal (IWS) sources while the device is traveling. More particularly, technologies disclosed herein predict estimated-time-of-arrival (ETA). This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony G. LaMarca, Jaroslaw J. Sydir
  • Patent number: 8762048
    Abstract: Aspects relate to automatically providing updated route and predicted travel time to allow a user to travel a shortest route between a first point and a second point. A route can be planned based on a multitude of route segments, wherein historical data related to speed is known for each of the route segments. Further, the historical data is categorized based on temporal aspects, such as time of day, day of week, as well as other aspects, such as known events that can have an influence on the speed at which each route segment can be traveled. As the user moves along the route, the planned route, as well as an anticipated travel time, are almost continually updated to provide the most up-to-date and accurate data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Mario Kosseifi, Brandon Hilliard, Sheldon Meredith, Mark Austin
  • Publication number: 20140172294
    Abstract: The embodiment provides a method for predicting Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) of an object. The method includes tracking location data of the object and estimating time of arrival of the object based on the location data and historic data of one or more objects. Further, the method includes determining whether the object reached a predefined area based on the location data of the object and sending a notification about the ETA of the object to a remote entity upon determining that the object reached the predefined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Magnasoft Consulting India Pvt. Ltd
    Inventors: Bobbie H. Kalra, Shyam Ramamurthy, Debojit Dutta
  • Patent number: 8754788
    Abstract: Provided is a communication device mounted in a vehicle or disposed at the roadside, which can adaptively and efficiently manage positional information relating to directly communicable surrounding in-vehicle communication devices and surrounding roadside communication devices and can stably transmit information to a specified communication destination even when the positional relationship between vehicles frequently changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8755764
    Abstract: A system and method for extending the cellular range of communications using a vehicle telematics unit. The system includes the vehicle telematics unit which is connected with other vehicle hardware and includes wireless cellular capability for communicating from the vehicle to a call center or other facilities via a wireless communication system. The method carried out by the system includes identifying a cellular base station in wireless communication with a vehicle telematics unit; attempting an emergency call via the identified cellular base station using the vehicle telematics unit; determining that a forward link portion of a cellular signal between the vehicle telematics unit and the identified cellular base station lacks sufficient strength to place the attempted emergency call; and transmitting emergency communications via the identified cellular base station using a reverse link portion of the cellular signal based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Ki Hak Yi, Mark A. Wisnewski, Eray Yasan, Steven P. Schwinke, Sethu K. Madhavan
  • Patent number: 8751234
    Abstract: A method and communication device for determining contextual information is provided. Textual information is received from at least one of an input device and a communication interface at the communication device. The textual information is processed to automatically extract contextual data embedded in the textual information in response to the receiving. Supplementary contextual data is automatically retrieved based on the contextual data from a remote data source via the communication interface in response to the processing. The supplementary contextual data is automatically rendered at the display device in association with the contextual data in response to receiving the supplementary contextual data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jasjit Singh, Suzanne Abellera, Shakila Shahul Hameed, Ankur Aggarwal, Carol C. Wu, Paxton Ronald Cooper, Robert Felice Mori
  • Patent number: 8751159
    Abstract: Geographic gaming via a scalable, wireless geographic broadcast protocol enables multiplayer gaming between communication devices without relying on traditional network elements. Games can be fully distributed over an ad hoc network of mobile communications devices. The scalable nature of the wireless geographic broadcast protocol enables multiplayer games to function equally well in both remote areas with no or little network service and in crowded areas containing both game players and other users of mobile communications devices. Wireless geographic broadcast messages distributed among multiplayer game participants can be used to control gameplay features and/or game elements of multiplayer games. Embodiments include simulated artillery battles, simulated throw and catch games, and simulated reconnaissance elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert J Hall
  • Patent number: 8744761
    Abstract: Location technologies are combined with other information systems to provide augmented information for individuals such as a traveler in an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Edward H. Nortrup
  • Patent number: 8744768
    Abstract: A method and device establishes trajectory planning, predictions and guidance so as to obtain the satisfaction of a time constraint (RTA). This objective is achieved by undertaking a computation of a trajectory up to the point where the flypast time constraint applies, on the basis of a profile of altitude and speeds, and then by computing the profile of speeds and altitudes making it possible, throughout the computed trajectory, to comply with the RTA. The method is also a method for readapting the trajectory and the vertical profile when during a mission, the data outside the aeroplane have caused the time predictions to drift and the constraint is no longer complied with under the initial speeds and trajectory assumptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Manuel Gutierez-Castaneda, Philippe Chaix, Benoît Dacre-Wright
  • Patent number: 8744762
    Abstract: When a user enters, initializes, or otherwise starts using a navigation function, such as a navigation function on a mobile phone or a stand-alone device, a current location is automatically estimated, prior to or in the absence of a GPS fix, for use as an origin in route determination. The estimation of current location is performed using a database of GPS fixes that are mapped to cell tower identifiers. For example, the database can include one or more fixes associated with each cell tower that the mobile device has used. Thus, when navigation on the device is begun, one or more cell towers to which the device can communicate are identified. If any has a GPS fix in the database, then a location derived from such GPS fix(es) can be used as an origin for navigation functions. Such navigation functions can include estimating a time of arrival at a destination, producing a route to the destination, and checking for traffic updates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Dash Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick James Coleman, Gennady Dagman
  • Patent number: 8725320
    Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system comprising a user interface and a computer. The user interface comprises a display. The computer is configured to display information about time and position of an aircraft in relation to a number of waypoints for a flight on the display. The information is displayed using a number of graphical display features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Karl Christian Pschierer
  • Patent number: 8718933
    Abstract: A method of flight management of an aircraft aimed at reaching a constrained point on a predetermined lateral trajectory assumed to be followed by the aircraft, at a required time of arrival RTA to within an absolute tolerance. The method including calculating a flight plan to be followed and a homing flight plan and when the estimated time of arrival ETA based on the homing flight plan strays from an absolute tolerance with respect to the calculation required time of arrival RTAc, calculating a new calculation required time of arrival NRTAc dependent on the calculation required time of arrival RTAc and a function f of the difference between the calculation required time of arrival RTAc and the estimated time of arrival ETA, and replacing the calculation required time of arrival RTAc with the new calculation required time of arrival NRTAc, before recalculating a flight plan to be followed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: François Coulmeau, Xavier Blanchon, Philippe Chaix
  • Patent number: 8718934
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for predicting a future location of a mobile user. A recent location of a mobile user is received. Past location data for the mobile user is retrieved from storage. A future location of the mobile user is predicted based at least in part on the recent location and on the past location data. The prediction is provided in response to a query or by subscription.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David James Roy Erdmann, Joseph Patrick Pinsky
  • Publication number: 20140095065
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a method for providing a consolidated estimated time of arrival in a scheduled transportation system. The method includes receiving at least one of a scheduled time of arrival, a real-time estimated time of arrival and a predictive estimated time of arrival and assigning a weight to each of the scheduled time of arrival, the real-time estimated time of arrival and the predictive estimated time of arrival. The method also includes calculating a confidence level and the consolidated estimated time of arrival based on the weights and the scheduled time of arrival, the real-time estimated time of arrival and the predictive estimated time of arrival.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric P. Bouillet, Francesco Calabrese, Fabio Pinelli, Mathieu Sinn, Ji W. Yoon
  • Publication number: 20140095066
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a method for providing a consolidated estimated time of arrival in a scheduled transportation system. The method includes receiving at least one of a scheduled time of arrival, a real-time estimated time of arrival and a predictive estimated time of arrival and assigning a weight to each of the scheduled time of arrival, the real-time estimated time of arrival and the predictive estimated time of arrival. The method also includes calculating a confidence level and the consolidated estimated time of arrival based on the weights and the scheduled time of arrival, the real-time estimated time of arrival and the predictive estimated time of arrival.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric P. Bouillet, Francesco Calabrese, Fabio Pinelli, Mathieu Sinn, Ji W. Yoon
  • Publication number: 20140088864
    Abstract: Described herein are technologies related to estimating a route being traveled by a mobile device based upon detection of an array of ambient identifiable wireless signal (IWS) sources while the device is traveling. Route estimation also includes destination prediction. The ambient IWS sources are part of topography of such IWS sources that are located within reception range along a route being traveled or have been previously detected along a route that was traveled. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony G. Lamarca, Srikathyayani Srikanteswara, Jaroslaw J. Sydir
  • Publication number: 20140088820
    Abstract: A system of computers, wireless networks, and vehicle-based location sensors allows real time display of equipment location, utilization, and expected arrival times for mobile vehicles. Display of location by load status and expected arrival time allows monitoring of not just vehicle location but the impact on queue times at loading and unloading endpoints allowing for equipment reallocation. Overhead map views of actual location including hazard locations and queries for vehicle and operator status are also supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Veronica Jericho, Glen Blanchard, Nicolas Noben
  • Publication number: 20140088865
    Abstract: A scheduling system is provided for improving the routing performance of a plurality of objects moving through a transportation network. In one preferred application, a train scheduling system is improved by using an artificial neural network (ANN) to determine the trains' arrival times at various points in the network. Real-time data collection is minimized by training the ANN using stored data regarding historical, previously run train routes. A train's particular physical characteristics are input to the ANN to predict the trains' arrival times at the particular destination within the network. Scheduling and routing functions may then be applied to the ANN output data to determine modified, train arrival times and to make routing changes to optimize the scheduling. Completed route information is continuously fed back to the ANN and the scheduling system to retrain the ANN, assimilate the latest route data and further optimize the system's scheduling performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Eckart Thies, Dang Neng Vang
  • Patent number: 8666593
    Abstract: Travel information is categorized into plural time slot categories according to information characteristics of traffic flow information that represents a traffic flow of each of road sections in a database of an information center, and a learn database is built for each of the categories derived from above categorization. The travel information collected by a travel of a self vehicle along the road sections is learned according to the categories of the learn database for accurately managing the travel information according to the characteristics of the traffic flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunao Yamada
  • Patent number: 8666660
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for determining geofence data based on estimated time of arrival are provided. At a computing device, geofence data is determined, wherein geographic boundaries associated with the geofence data are based on a given estimated time of arrival (ETA) from one of the given location and a current location of a handheld communication device. Given location data associated with the given location is transmitted to the handheld communication device, via a communication interface, when the current location of the handheld communication device and the given location are each within the geographic boundaries such that the handheld communication device is transportable to the given location within the given estimated time of arrival.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Siamak Sartipi, Jason Christopher Beckett
  • Publication number: 20140058665
    Abstract: A method for managing a schedule based on a user's location information by a system for managing a schedule. The method comprises receiving a schedule including at least one of an appointment location, appointment contents an appointment time, and appointment target person's phone number from the user; registering the schedule which includes the user's location information by a schedule registration unit of the system; detecting the user's location by a location detection unit of the system; and sending a message related to the schedule or the user's location by a sending unit of the system. The sending of the message related to the schedule or the user's location by the sending unit of the system sends information of a changed appointment time and place to the appointment target person when the user changes the appointment schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: THINKWARE SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bo Young KIM
  • Patent number: 8660790
    Abstract: A computing device can access a calendar entry having an associated time and an associated location, in a calendar application. The computing device can dynamically determine an estimated travel time to the location associated with the calendar entry. The computing device can provide an alarm indication for the calendar entry at a time based on the estimated travel time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey G. Stahl, Teck Yang Lee
  • Publication number: 20140052371
    Abstract: A computer-implemented tracking method includes receiving a tracking request at a vehicle associated computing system (VACS). The method also includes authenticating the tracking request and determining a vehicle location via a GPS in communication with the VACS. The method further includes transmitting the vehicle location from the VACS to a tracking request associated computing system (TRACS). The method also includes monitoring the vehicle for at least one delay-event. The method additionally includes transmitting data corresponding to the delay event to the TRACS, contingent on the occurrence of at least one delay-event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Giuli, Joseph N. Ross, Mark Schunder, Thomas Richard Alexander, Joseph Paul Rork
  • Patent number: 8655518
    Abstract: A system includes a scheduling module and a resolution module. The scheduling module determines plural initial schedules for plural different vehicles to concurrently travel in a transportation network. The initial schedules include locations and times for the vehicles to travel. The resolution module modifies at least one of the initial schedules to one or more modified schedules based on an anomaly in at least one of the vehicles or the routes that prevents one or more of the vehicles from traveling in the transportation network according to the initial schedules. The scheduling module communicates the modified schedules to the vehicles so that energy management systems disposed on the vehicles modify travel of the vehicles according to the modified schedules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jared Cooper, Joseph Noffsinger, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Mason Samuels, Paul Houpt, Joel Kickbusch, Mahir Telatar, David Eldredge, Mitchell Scott Wills, Ramu Chandra
  • Patent number: 8630800
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving a travel query, where the travel query comprises a starting location, a destination location, and a specified transit time; and using the starting location, destination location, and the specified transit time to provide a travel route for traveling from the starting location to the destination location within the specified transit time, wherein the travel route includes one or more points of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Emmet J. Connolly, Marty R. Gardner, Rani S. Manoharan
  • Publication number: 20140012494
    Abstract: A collaborative GPS navigation system and method enables nearby vehicles to share and compare planned route for improving navigation. While navigating along a planned route, a navigation device on a first vehicle may detect a specific, slower-moving second vehicle. The navigation device on the first vehicle may obtain the planned route of the second vehicle, compare the two planned routes to identify a shared route segment, and dynamically revise the planned route and route metrics according to the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Randall C. Humes, Ruthie D. Lyle, Adam Roberts
  • Patent number: 8626439
    Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: calculating a travel segment of a navigation route, the travel segment having a travel feature; estimating a base time for the travel segment; estimating an incremental time for the travel feature; and calculating a travel time with the base time and the incremental time for displaying on a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Telenav, Inc.
    Inventor: Leqing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8626553
    Abstract: A method for updating an electronic calendar in a vehicle involves uploading an appointment to the electronic calendar, where the appointment includes a description of an event, a time block for the event, and a travel time preceding the time block. An alert is set in a telematics unit of the vehicle, where the alert notifies a vehicle occupant of the appointment. The alert is configured to be activated in response to a trigger. At a time subsequent to the time block of the event, one of i) a memo is uploaded to the electronic calendar indicating that the alert was activated, or ii) another memo is uploaded to the electronic calendar indicating that the alert was not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Tengler, Steven P. Schwinke
  • Patent number: 8626381
    Abstract: A method of increasing a range of a vehicle by decreasing trapped HVAC energy at an end of a trip. The method may include the steps of: determining a destination list based on locations where the vehicle may be parked in the future, the destination list accessible by a control module in the vehicle; determining HVAC reduction regions around each of the locations on the destination list, the HVAC reduction regions accessible by the control module; operating a HVAC system while the vehicle is moving; tracking the location of the vehicle relative to the locations on the destination list; and the control module automatically reducing the energy usage of the HVAC system when the vehicle enters one of the HVAC reduction regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Tate, Jr., Scott E. Jackson, Roger A. Clark
  • Patent number: 8618920
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile device including: an audio output unit; an audio source unit which provides music information to the audio output unit; an adjustment unit which adjusts the audio volume of the audio output unit; an announcement information generation unit which provides announcement information to the audio output unit; and a control unit which forcibly selects a predetermined audio volume regardless of the adjustment made by the adjustment unit when announcing information by the announcement information generation unit from the audio output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahide Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20130345953
    Abstract: A computing system is described that can provide a user with alerts based on traffic information related to the user's expected travel route. In some embodiments, a user can be alerted if a traffic delay exists on the user's expected travel route. In other embodiments, a user can be alerted when their usual bus or train is delayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Tushar Udeshi, Tom Carl Stamm, Dale Hawkins, Pablo Bellver
  • Publication number: 20130345971
    Abstract: A computing system is described that obtains, based at least in part on information included in at least one previous communication associated with a user of a computing device, an indication of a future location and a future time and event information associated with the future location and the future time. The computing system obtains a duration of time for the user to travel from a current location of the computing device to the future location, and, based at least in part on the duration of time, obtains a departure time at which the user is predicted to need to depart from the current location in order to arrive at the future location by an arrival time based on the event. The computing system outputs, for transmission to the computing device, an indication associated with the event and including information indicative of the departure time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Carl Stamm, Dale Kris Hawkins, James A. Guggemos, Tushar Udeshi, Pablo Bellver, Emil Praun, Guang Yang, Andrew Kirmse, Gokay Baris Gultekin, Bill Connor, Keir Banks Mierle
  • Publication number: 20130338914
    Abstract: A driving assessment system and method is described that automatically assesses driving conditions around a driver to identify safety hazards and to subsequently inform that driver when an unusually hazardous condition exists. The driving assessment is performed by obtaining and storing safety related data from the driver and from external sources and then processing that data in real time to produce a driving hazard assessment and warning. Beneficially the driving hazard assessment automatically obtains and considers existing conditions of the road system local to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: WAVEMARKET INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Weiss
  • Patent number: 8610600
    Abstract: Techniques for providing missed arrival notifications are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for providing missed arrival notifications comprising: receiving, from a user associated with a client device, travel information that indicates at least an expected destination and an expected route to the expected destination, tracking, on a notification system, the client device's progress in traveling the expected route to the expected destination, determining, on the notification system, whether the client device has deviated from the expected route to the expected destination, and initiating, on the notification system, an alert escalation procedure in response to determining that the client device has deviated from the expected route to the expected destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Symantec Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Sobel
  • Publication number: 20130332067
    Abstract: Architecture that enables shared social selection by multiple participants of a route (or routes) to a physical destination based at least in part on estimated time-of-arrival (ETA) of the participants to the destination as a group, and joint selection of the destination as a group. The individuals of the group may travel from different locations and along same or different routes to the destination. The architecture assists in planning shared (and/or separate) routes to the destination and estimating the time the group as a whole will be together at the destination. The ETA for the group can be based on the person of the group estimated to arrive at the destination last in time. Interaction capabilities (e.g., texting) are facilitated between group members as part of the navigation system, and dynamic destination decisions can be based on user locations, calculated routes, and/or the type of destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Benny Schlesinger, Shira Weinberg
  • Patent number: 8606433
    Abstract: A system and method for determining when a moving mobile platform will enter or exit a satellite coverage region. In a preferred form the method involves determining a plurality of boundary coordinates that define a satellite coverage region perimeter. A position of the mobile platform is monitored as the mobile platform moves along a travel path. The proximity of the mobile platform to the satellite coverage region perimeter is determined by periodically comparing the position of the mobile platform to the boundary coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Scott P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8606517
    Abstract: A method of predicting a departure time includes receiving a first location, a second location, and an activity start time corresponding to an indication of an activity stored in a personal scheduling component of a user device. A departure time from the second location is determined based on travel time between the first location and the second location by analyzing the impact of long range data on at least one travel route between the first location and the second. The departure time from the second location is updated prior to the activity by analyzing the impact of short range data on a possible travel route between the first location and the second location during the expected time of travel prior to the activity. The user is alerted if the updated departure time is different than the departure time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Strategic Design Federaton W, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Ehrlacher, Vernon Meadows, Joseph Paul Koval
  • Publication number: 20130325331
    Abstract: When a user enters, initializes, or otherwise starts using a navigation function, such as a navigation function on a mobile phone or a stand-alone device, a current location is automatically estimated, prior to or in the absence of a GPS fix, for use as an origin in route determination. The estimation of current location is performed using a database of GPS fixes that are mapped to cell tower identifiers. For example, the database can include one or more fixes associated with each cell tower that the mobile device has used. Thus, when navigation on the device is begun, one or more cell towers to which the device can communicate are identified. If any has a GPS fix in the database, then a location derived from such GPS fix(es) can be used as an origin for navigation functions. Such navigation functions can include estimating a time of arrival at a destination, producing a route to the destination, and checking for traffic updates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Patrick James COLEMAN, Gennady DAGMAN
  • Patent number: 8600670
    Abstract: A method for managing a schedule based on a user's location information by a system for managing a schedule. The method comprises receiving a schedule including at least one of an appointment location, appointment contents an appointment time, and appointment target person's phone number from the user; registering the schedule which includes the user's location information by a schedule registration unit of the system; detecting the user's location by a location detection unit of the system; and sending a message related to the schedule or the user's location by a sending unit of the system. The sending of the message related to the schedule or the user's location by the sending unit of the system sends information of a changed appointment time and place to the appointment target person when the user changes the appointment schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Thinkware Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bo Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130317739
    Abstract: A device and method for flight management of an aircraft along a flight plan comprises a plurality of waypoints comprising a computation of the temporal predictions determining the temporal situation of the aircraft for each waypoint of the flight plan, a temporal situation of the aircraft being defined by at least one set of information from among the group comprising the target time of transit at each waypoint the estimated minimum and maximum times of arrival at each waypoint, the estimated time of transit at the waypoint, and a formatting and display simultaneously presenting the temporal situations of the said plurality of waypoints
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Francois COULMEAU, Guy DEKER, Xavier BLANCHON, Patrick MAZOYER
  • Patent number: 8583352
    Abstract: A method and hold path computation system for automatically generating a hold path for an aircraft flying in a holding pattern, wherein the holding pattern is defined by one or more orbits within a selectable holding area are provided. The system includes a processor configured to receive a hold departure time indicating a time the aircraft is to leave the hold path to meet a required time of arrival (RTA) at a waypoint, determine a present position of the aircraft within the holding pattern, and determine an amount of time to complete a current hold orbit. The processor is also configured such that if the determined amount of time to complete a current hold orbit is less than or equal to the hold departure time, maintain the aircraft flying in the holding pattern and determine an amount of time by which to shorten the next orbit to exit the holding pattern at the hold departure time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Kenneth Klooster, Joachim Karl Ulf Hochwarth
  • Patent number: 8577605
    Abstract: A feedback method and system. The method includes identifying by a computing system, a user. A vehicular feedback software application is enabled for the user. A feedback software application in the computing system monitors a group of vehicle operation functions currently being executed by the user with respect to a vehicle. The feedback software application analyzes the group of vehicle operation functions with respect to a profile associated with the user. An analysis report is generated in response to the analysis. The analysis report is presented to the user. The computing system monitors a response to the first analysis report from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Franklin Charles Breslau, Robert J. Torres
  • Patent number: 8577586
    Abstract: Information for generating a target speed pattern is computed from information acquired from various sensors and a running mode input switch, so as to generate the target speed pattern (S16). A process for determining whether to form a vehicle group or not calculates the difference between the target vehicle pattern of the own vehicle and a target speed pattern of another vehicle or vehicle group obtained through inter-vehicle communication, so as to determine whether to form the vehicle group or not (S22, S28, S32). This can determine whether to run solo or form a vehicle group according to a driver's demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keitaro Niki, Mitsuhisa Shida, Tomoyuki Doi, Kunihito Sato
  • Patent number: 8560232
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a meeting notification and automatic modification service. A system may be configured to identify an appointment in a calendar application, identify a geographic location of the appointment, and identify, before the appointment time, a geographic location of a first participant of the appointment. Based on the geographic information, the system may identify a route extending from the geographic location of the first participant to the geographic location of the appointment, and may identify a travel time associated with the route. Based on the travel time and the appointment time, the system may determine whether the first participant is estimated to arrive at the appointment on time and, based on the determination, the system may send a message to participants of the appointment or dynamically reschedule the appointment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Coughlin, Adrienne C. Meisels, Steven E. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 8554476
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a meeting notification and automatic modification service. A system may be configured to identify an appointment in a calendar application, identify a geographic location of the appointment, and identify, before the appointment time, a geographic location of a first participant of the appointment. Based on the geographic information, the system may identify a route extending from the geographic location of the first participant to the geographic location of the appointment, and may identify a travel time associated with the route. Based on the travel time and the appointment time, the system may determine whether the first participant is estimated to arrive at the appointment on time and, based on the determination, the system may send a message to participants of the appointment or dynamically reschedule the appointment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Coughlin, Adrienne C. Meisels, Steven E. Greenberg