Product Repair Or Maintenance Administration Patents (Class 705/305)
  • Patent number: 11474521
    Abstract: A maintenance support system includes a terminal to be connected to one or more devices and one or more autonomous mobile bodies configured to acquire an own location, and transmits abnormality information from an abnormal device to the autonomous mobile body. The autonomous mobile body travels to a location of the abnormal device, based on the abnormality information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Takenaka, Takao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11468525
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to using secure authentication tokens to grant power of attorney. A computing platform may receive user input indicating a task and requesting that a power of attorney be granted to an individual. The computing platform may generate an authority token granting the individual the power of attorney to perform the task, and may send the authority token, along with task information indicating the task, to the individual. The computing platform may receive a validation request including the authority token and the task information. Based on successful validation, the computing platform may send validation information to an event processing system. After receiving confirmation that the task has been performed by the individual, the computing platform may update dashboard information to indicate that the task has been completed, which may cause the user device to display a dashboard indicating completion of the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Albena N. Fairchild, Crystal M. Sundaramoorthy, Dipika Jain, Elena Kvochko
  • Patent number: 11461714
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically assessing property damage by determining whether and how to leverage a crowdsourcing marketplace are provided. According to certain aspects, a server computer may receive a set of media depicting property damage, and may analyze the set of media using a machine learning model to estimate a type and amount of the property damage. The server computer may also determine whether and how to leverage a set of additional individuals to provide a set of assessments for the property damage and, based on the set of assessments provided by the set of additional individuals, the server computer may automatically facilitate a work order request to address the property damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventor: Matthew Aaron Mifflin
  • Patent number: 11410527
    Abstract: A method for monitoring and reporting personnel social distancing practices using a small personnel monitoring and alerting device incorporating ultrasonic sensors to monitor a complete 360-degree field of view around each wearer in the workplace. The monitoring and alerting devices monitor the distance between personnel wearing the device at preset time intervals using ultrasonic sensors and provides an individual alert (visual, buzzer, and/or vibration) to any wearers that are encroaching within a preset distance of another person wearing the device. Device reports via a RF network to a second device and/or centralized data center on each encroachment and unencroachment event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Baumgartner, Eugene Rohling, Brian Donlan, Ira Lehrman, Randall Shepard
  • Patent number: 11400957
    Abstract: A technology of controlling vehicle environment data transmission between a vehicle and a server is configured to receive mode information determining a mode among a monitoring mode, an urgency mode, or an efficiency mode. When determined to be operated in the monitoring mode, a control command for instructing the vehicle to perform a continuous monitoring or a regular monitoring of an environment of the vehicle is generated. When determined to be operated in the urgency mode, a control command for instructing the vehicle to transmit an increased amount of the vehicle environment data from the vehicle to the server is generated. When determined to be operated in the efficiency mode, a control command for instructing the vehicle to store the vehicle environment data and to selectively transmit the vehicle environment data based on at least two different data transmission standards is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christian Prehofer
  • Patent number: 11397750
    Abstract: A centralized datastore maintained by a service provider may maintain current versions of objects (e.g., applications, documents, websites, etc.). A local datastore residing on user devices of users may maintain local versions of the objects. A user may submit a modification to the object and, upon determining that a version of the local object is the same as the version of current version of the object, a current version of the object may be updated to include the modification. If the version and the current version are different, individual fields of the object may be analyzed to determine if the modification involves a change to data that conflicts with data within the same field in the current version of the object. If not, the objects may be merged and the current version of the object may be updated to include the modification. Otherwise, the modification will be rejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasileios Lekakis, Richard Threlkeld, Ashwin Devendran, Nathan Robert Quinn, Shih-Hsuan Yuan
  • Patent number: 11392897
    Abstract: A system and method for capturing and automated processing aerial images of structures to assess structural damage is disclosed. The system comprises a computing system used to obtain images of selected locations associated with known structures at different points in time before and after a natural disaster. The images are used to automatically create three-dimensional models that are used to detect the specific portions of a structure that may be damaged as well as the spatial extent of that damage. In addition, the imagery can be fed into a damage classifier that automatically classifies the degree of damage and generates accurate estimates of repair costs. The system and method may be deployed to quickly assess damage of structures in a disaster area and provide reports of the damage to homeowners and/or insurers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Jess W. Gingrich, Yangqiu Hu, David Rogers
  • Patent number: 11305893
    Abstract: A method of evaluating continued usage of a particular type of aircraft after a lightning strike includes performing structure assessments of one or more structures of the type of aircraft based on one or more representative values for lightning strike damage for the type of aircraft. The method also includes determining a number indicating how many flights an aircraft of the type of aircraft can fly after a lightning strike and before performing an extended conditional inspection for lightning strike damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory J. Sweers, Aydin Akdeniz, Blake A. Bertrand
  • Patent number: 11238506
    Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for processing images of a damaged vehicle and estimating a repair cost of the damaged vehicle includes receiving image data of a vehicle from a user mobile device. The image data is processed to determine whether one or more parts of the damaged vehicle are damaged. In addition, one or more parts of the damaged vehicle are identified for repair and one or more parts of the damaged vehicle are identified for replacement. A cost associated for the repair of each of the one or more parts of the damaged vehicle for repair is estimated based on estimated repair cost data contained in a parts repair database. Moreover, a cost associated with the replacement of each of the one or more parts of the damaged vehicle for replacement is determined based on replacement cost data contained in a parts replacement database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Shane Tomlinson, Jennifer Malia Andrus, Marigona Bokshi-Drotar, Holly Lambert, Daniel J. Green, Michael Bernico, Bradley A. Sliz, He Yang
  • Patent number: 11182719
    Abstract: A database system receives an input for creating a work order and identifies work plan criteria based on the input. The database system uses the work plan criteria to select work plan templates, which includes work steps, from multiple work plan templates. The database system creates a work order, including work plans corresponding to the work plan templates and at least part of the input for creating the work order. The database system displays the work order and receives a selection of an activity object displayed on one of the user interface pages displaying the work steps, and then displays an activity picklist. The database system receives a selection of an activity in the activity picklist, and adds, deletes, or modifies a database record by executing a user action or an automated business process corresponding to the activity in the activity picklist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Dai Duong Doan, Keye Liu, Rupa Singh, Shanis Kurundrayil, Tyler Shopshire
  • Patent number: 11164118
    Abstract: Generating work plans which include work steps when creating new work orders is described. A database system trains a machine learning model to use inputs for creating work orders to select work plan templates, which include sets of work steps, from a training set of work plan templates, in response to receiving the inputs for creating the work orders. The database system receives an input for creating a work order and identifies work plan criteria based on the input for creating the work order. The trained machine learning model uses the work plan criteria to select at least one work plan template, which includes work steps, from work plan templates. The database system creates a work order that includes work plan(s) corresponding to the selected work plan template(s) and includes at least part of the input for creating the work order. The database system outputs the created work order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Dai Duong Doan, Keye Liu, Rupa Singh, Shanis Kurundrayil, Tyler Shopshire
  • Patent number: 11151521
    Abstract: A system for performing secure maintenance on automated machines may include a maintenance management apparatus and an automated machine. The maintenance management apparatus is configured for scheduling the maintenance appointment for the automated machine, in response to scheduling the maintenance appointment and creating and communicating a maintenance security code to the automated machine. The automated machine is configured for receiving a request from a maintenance provider to initiate the maintenance appointment, validating the maintenance provider using the maintenance security code and providing access to a secure item storage unit, determining that the maintenance provider has completed the maintenance appointment, and communicating information associated with the maintenance appointment to the maintenance management apparatus and/or a computing device of the maintenance provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Dryer, Jeffrey R. Goertz, Douglas Scott Wilson, Carl Parziale, Michael Matthew Wisser, Edwin Andrew Wegleitner, Colleen Marie Powers, Gary L. Best, Jr., Jennifer Ann Raley
  • Patent number: 11102091
    Abstract: At least one aspect disclosed herein is directed to a SCADA project analysis system. The system includes memory ad at least one processor coupled to memory. The processor is configured to receive information regarding a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system configured to monitor an industrial process, the information describing at least one first programmable device within the SCADA system, identify at least one analyzer from a plurality of analyzers based on the information, the at least one analyzer being configured to generate an assessment of the SCADA system based on the information, the assessment describing at least one capability of the SCADA system, execute the at least one analyzer to generate the assessment of the SCADA system based on the information, and provide the assessment to an external entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.
    Inventor: Chad A. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 11094960
    Abstract: A secondary battery having improved safety and a manufacturing method thereof, which can suppress a voltage drop, heat generation, and/or ignition due to a minute short between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate by preventing or substantially preventing an electrode assembly from moving within a laminate exterior case due to drop impact and/or collision are provided. A secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a pouch exterior case including a planar long side region and a short side region to surround the electrode assembly; and adhesives in a dot array configuration at an outermost portion of the electrode assembly facing the planar long side region of the pouch exterior case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Jun Kim, Hei Chan An, Hyun Seok Jeong, Seong Jin Jo, Sang Hyun Kim, Seung Chan Lee
  • Patent number: 11083036
    Abstract: In one aspect, a first device that may be disposed on a vehicle may include at least one processor and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage may include instructions executable by the at least one processor to communicate with second and third devices to heuristically determine which of the second and third devices to use to execute a function at the first device. The instructions may also be executable to select one of the second and third devices based on the determination and to, based on the selection, communicate with the selected device to execute the function at the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Arnold S. Weksler, Mark Patrick Delaney, Russell Speight VanBlon, Nathan J. Peterson, John Carl Mese
  • Patent number: 11049114
    Abstract: A device may receive client equipment information for a set of client equipment associated with an organization. The device may receive information describing a set of equipment management services being offered by one or more vendor organizations. The device may identify a subset of the set of equipment management services to offer an individual associated with the organization. The device may provide, for display via an interface of a program, information describing the subset of the set of equipment management services. The device may receive, from a client device that is accessing the interface, information identifying a selection of a particular equipment management service, of the subset of the set of equipment management services, for particular client equipment of the set of client equipment. The device may perform one or more actions associated with assisting in performance or delivery of the particular equipment management service that has been selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Accenture Global Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Sailatha Karthikeyan, Balaji Venkataraman
  • Patent number: 11042820
    Abstract: A computer-based system for improving a process for synchronizing an asset management system with a work order management system is disclosed. The computer-based system determines whether report data has been received from an asset management system. In response to determining that report data has been received, the report data is parsed to determine one or more keywords that describe an issue reported by the asset management system. The keywords are used to determine whether one or more instructions are available for handling the issue. If the instructions are available, then the instructions are obtained and used to generate one or more messages. The messages are transmitted to a work order management system to cause the work order management system to generate a work order and to dispatch the work order to a service provider to cause the service provider to resolve the issue reported by the asset management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Richard C. Blank
  • Patent number: 11017368
    Abstract: A method of collecting data from multiple sources in a multi-tenant system is provided. The method includes obtaining data corresponding to a first tenant in the multi-tenant system and a second tenant in the multi-tenant system from a first source, obtaining data corresponding to the first tenant in the multi-tenant system and the second tenant in the multi-tenant system from a second source, and aggregating the data obtained from the first and second sources into a single database and associating each entry of the obtained data with at least one of the tenants of the multi-tenant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Irandi U. Bulumulla, Ryan Guest
  • Patent number: 10990965
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising, establishing, by a wallet server computer, a single sign-on link between a user bank account and a wallet application. The method further comprises receiving a transaction request message from a user, wherein the transaction request is for a transaction between the user and a merchant associated with the wallet application. The method further comprises sending sign-on data to an issuer computer using a secure authentication protocol and receiving a confirmation message from the issuer computer confirms initiation through the issuer application. The transaction is processed by the wallet server computer based on the confirmation message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
    Inventor: Raul Leyva
  • Patent number: 10950233
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dialogue system capable of identifying preliminary indications related to the failure of the vehicle through a dialogue with a user, to check a part that may not be measured by a sensor and to inhibit accidents so as to provide user safety, a vehicle having the same and a dialogue processing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seona Kim, Donghee Seok, Dongsoo Shin, Jeong-Eom Lee, Ga Hee Kim, Jung Mi Park, HeeJin Ro, Kye Yoon Kim
  • Patent number: 10922726
    Abstract: Intelligent vehicle repair estimating techniques include an image processing component that extracts image attributes from one or more images of a damaged vehicle, and utilizes the attributes to predict an initial set of parts that are globally-identified. Based on a jurisdiction associated with the damaged vehicle, the initial set of parts is transformed into a set of jurisdictionally-based repairs (e.g., parts, labor operations, time intervals, costs, etc.), which may be included in a draft vehicle repair estimate. An estimate refinement component iteratively modifies/refines the draft estimate using a machine-only loop nested within a larger human-machine loop, where system-generated modifications are incrementally incorporated into the draft within the smaller loop, and user-generated modifications are incrementally incorporated into the draft within the larger loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: CCC INFORMATION SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Nelson, Sean Fitzgerald, Jesse Horski
  • Patent number: 10878376
    Abstract: A method and system to automatically track and manage assets. The method tracks a plurality of assets automatically through a mobile device. Further, the method provides alerts automatically based on data associated to the plurality of assets through the mobile device. Furthermore, reports are generated automatically through the mobile device for a plurality of Asset management processes thereby achieving complete accountability through the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Component Sourcing Group
    Inventor: Patricia Tzannakos
  • Patent number: 10867287
    Abstract: A processor may determine that a particular computer-readable vehicle repair order (RO) (e.g., including first and second RO portions) corresponds to an existing cluster of ROs due to the particular RO including RO data that refers to a particular vehicle symptom. The processor may determine that the first RO portion includes first data representative of a non-specific vehicle component and may then responsively also determine that the second RO portion includes second data that the at least one processor can use to determine a specific vehicle component associated with the particular RO. Responsively, the processor may determine the specific vehicle component based on the first and second data and may then add the particular RO to a different cluster of ROs that is arranged to contain ROs that correspond to the particular vehicle symptom and to the specific vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Bradley R. Lewis, Brett A. Kelley
  • Patent number: 10846660
    Abstract: Embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for a computer-aided or autonomous driving (CA/AD) system to transmit to a remote service scheduling server, a request message for a service slot at a service provider. In embodiments, the remote service scheduling server may assign the service slot for a semi-autonomous or autonomous driving (SA/AD) vehicle including the CA/AD system. In embodiments, the service scheduling server may perform analysis or machine learning on data received from the CA/AD system as well as from a plurality of service stations in order to assign the service provider and/or service slot to the SA/AD vehicle. In embodiments, the CA/AD system may receive an assignment message and control driving elements of the SA/AD vehicle to autonomously or semi-autonomously drive the SA/AD vehicle to the service provider to receive the service at the assigned service slot. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Madhuri Tullimalli, Prashant Lalwani, Katalin Bartfai-Walcott, Felipe Antonio De La Pena Contreras, Ghouse-Adoni Mohammed
  • Patent number: 10812469
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a secure vehicle communication interface device that authorizes communication to one or more systems of a vehicle through a diagnostic, or other, communication port. A service device used to access the secure communication channel may be configured as a small apparatus that is connected to a port to authenticate communications across the port. Without the device, the port would remain locked and prevent access to any systems or subsystems of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Vazquez Vidal, Abraham T Chen
  • Patent number: 10776241
    Abstract: A system for automated process performance determination includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive log data associated with a plurality of tenants. The log data comprises one or more log data types. The processor is configured to aggregate the log data into an aggregated set of log data; and determine a set of metrics based at least in part on the aggregated set of log data. A metric of the set of metrics is associated with a tenant of the plurality of tenants and one of the one or more log data types. The processor is further configured to determine a composite metric for the tenant by combining metrics of the set of metrics associated with the tenant; determine a response based at least in part on the composite metric; and, in the event the response indicates an automated action, perform the automated action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Workday, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Christensen, Amitesh Sinha
  • Patent number: 10712924
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the movement of objects, structures, models of structures, cables and the like provides for the acquisition of images with an optical sensing device such as a video camera fixedly mounted at a selected distance from the item studied, in which the images are arranged into frames divided into pixels which are characterized by an intensity reflected or emitted over a selected time interval, and a data processing system to calculate a physical displacement as function of time of the item being studied or a portion of the item being studied based on an output from the video camera, and in some embodiments the system visually distinguishes one or more locations in the frame to indicate a difference in the phase of motion for multiple objects appearing in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: RDI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hay
  • Patent number: 10572546
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided that is connected to a server that archives document data hierarchically formed by a plurality of files and stores the document data as a single file, comprising: a downloading unit configured to download the archived document data from the server, decompressing the archived document data, and storing a file forming a lower layer of the document data in a storage unit; a browser unit configured to access an access destination of the file forming the lower layer which is described in an upper layer file of the document data; and a readout unit configured to read out the file forming the lower layer by hooking the access and returning the read out file to the browser unit instead of the server, wherein the browser unit displays the document data based on the read out file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kensuke Hirata
  • Patent number: 10521098
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a bridge includes: a video camera stably positioned at a selected distance from a bridge and having an unobstructed view of a selected portion of the bridge structure; and, a data processing system to analyze the output of the video camera over a selected time interval and calculate a physical parameter related to movement of the selected portion of said bridge structure as a function of time, and further including: a GUI that displays: a fixed image frame from the video camera, corresponding to a particular user-selected time within the time interval; an area selector, movable by the user to select a portion of the structure for analysis; and, a display of the physical parameter versus time for the selected portion over the selected time interval. The processor may perform some tasks, e.g., area selection, autonomously or via predetermined rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: RDI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hay
  • Patent number: 10430038
    Abstract: Systems and methods include receiving an indication of a selection of a first piece of equipment in an industrial monitoring system. The systems and methods also include determining a first feature of interest in a plot corresponding to a first sensor. Additionally, the systems and methods include matching the first feature of interest with corresponding second features of interest in a second plot. Furthermore, the systems and methods include overlaying the first plot with the second plot based at least in part on the first feature of interest and the corresponding second feature of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Scott Terrell Williams
  • Patent number: 10402732
    Abstract: A user management method according to the present disclosure includes: storing appliance use information including: appliance identification information for identifying an appliance; user information for identifying a user of the appliance; and an operating state of the appliance when the appliance was used; analyzing the appliance use information stored in the storing to identify, from among a plurality of functions of the appliance, one or more first functions each having a use frequency less than or equal to a threshold value; and providing the user with a notice which prompts use of the one or more first functions identified in the analyzing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Kotaro Sakata, Tomoaki Maruyama, Kenji Kondo, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Masayoshi Tojima
  • Patent number: 10366372
    Abstract: Systems for monitoring appliances at a site, such as a household or business office. The appliances can include, for example but not limited to, an electric oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, laundry washer, freezer, pool controller, light bulb, microwave oven, computer, motor vehicle, television, telephone, etc. In many of the embodiments, the appliance has a computer based architecture or a controller that enables communication of data concerning the electronic appliance. In some embodiments the appliance is an apparatus with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or other passive device that can be interrogated for information concerning the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Kelly Jones, Scott Andrew Horstemeyer
  • Patent number: 10223056
    Abstract: A printing control machine includes an obtaining section, a determination section, and a printing control section. The obtaining section obtains from each of a plurality of printing machines, ink information regarding an ink mounted to the each printing machine. The determination section determines whether or not each of the plurality of printing machines is within a similarity condition range on the basis of the ink information obtained by the obtaining section. The printing control section allocates a printing job to printing machines determined to be within the similarity condition range to make the determined printing machines perform printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: RISO KAGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Takata
  • Patent number: 10190791
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and modes for on-demand rendering of a three-dimensional building management system visualization of a building. The system comprises a database configured for storing geometry elements and spatial elements. The geometry elements are mapped to spatial elements, wherein the geometry elements define three-dimensional geometrical representation of a building's structure, and the spatial elements define three-dimensional representation of spaces in the building. The spatial elements are associated with respective space nodes that identify the spaces located within the building, and the space nodes are associated with respective electronic devices installed within the spaces in the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Jacobson, Michael Martinez, Boris Rabkin
  • Patent number: 10190792
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and modes for rendering a three-dimensional building management system visualization of a building. The method and system components may be configured for storing geometry elements defining three-dimensional geometrical representation of a building's structure, storing spatial elements defining three-dimensional representation of spaces in the building, wherein the geometry elements are mapped to spatial elements, wherein the spatial elements are associated with respective space nodes that identify the spaces located within the building, and wherein the space nodes are associated with respective electronic devices installed within the spaces in the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Jacobson, Michael Martinez, Boris Rabkin
  • Patent number: 10134013
    Abstract: A processor may determine that a particular computer-readable vehicle repair order (RO) (e.g., including first and second RO portions) corresponds to an existing cluster of ROs due to the particular RO including RO data that refers to a particular vehicle symptom. The processor may determine that the first RO portion includes first data representative of a non-specific vehicle component and may then responsively also determine that the second RO portion includes second data that the at least one processor can use to determine a specific vehicle component associated with the particular RO. Responsively, the processor may determine the specific vehicle component based on the first and second data and may then add the particular RO to a different cluster of ROs that is arranged to contain ROs that correspond to the particular vehicle symptom and to the specific vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Bradley R. Lewis, Brett A. Kelley
  • Patent number: 10129433
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a provider identification information acquiring unit that acquires a piece of provider identification information for each of a plurality of devices that cooperatively execute a plurality of functions, based on device identification information of the device, the piece of provider identification information allowing identification of whether a provider of the device is a predetermined provider as a provider of a cooperating function; a determining unit that determines whether a non predetermined-provider device provided by a provider other than the predetermined provider exists among the devices based on pieces of the provider identification information; a charge processing unit that performs charge processing to profit the predetermined provider when the non predetermined-provider device exists; and a cooperation controlling unit that controls the devices to cooperatively execute the functions based on the cooperating function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Takuya Mori, Junki Aoki, Yukinori Ishii, Atsushi Okazato, Fumiyoshi Kittaka, Tomohiro Kuroyanagi, Hiroyuki Sakuyama, Tohru Sasaki, Makoto Sasaki, Koichiro Maemura
  • Patent number: 10109115
    Abstract: A system and method of modifying a vehicle service database includes: accessing a database containing previously-received symptom text that has been associated with a vehicle identifier and one or more vehicular service solutions for the previously-received symptom text; determining a statistical likelihood that one or more additional vehicular service solutions apply to previously-received symptom text based on a correlation between the previously-received symptom text and additional vehicular service solutions; determining that the statistical likelihood is above a predetermined threshold; and associating the previously-received symptom text with the additional vehicular service solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dnyanesh Rajpathak, Prakash Mohan Peranandam
  • Patent number: 10096003
    Abstract: A processor based method comprising: identifying a device using a portable electronic apparatus; offering a plurality of options, for selection by a user of the portable electronic apparatus, about how to proceed for the purpose of attending the device; providing step-by-step guiding instructions as to how to attend the device, the guiding instructions being specific to the identified device and the option selected; if, after user follows the guiding instructions, the purpose of attending the device is achieved, ending the process; and, if, after user follows the guiding instructions, the purpose of attending the device is not achieved, providing communication options to the user, using the portable electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Javid Vahid
  • Patent number: 10055699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of supermarket refrigeration & HVAC control. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for concurrent and remote management of multiple supermarket refrigeration systems located at one or more retail sites. Embodiments may include at least one on-site computer, at least one central server, at least one user computer, one or more communication network, and one or more on-site refrigeration control systems. In embodiments, the on-site computer communicates with the on-site refrigeration control system(s), which may be the same or different, and multiple on-site computers and/or different store locations may be used. The on-site computer is capable of translating data received from these various refrigeration control systems into a single system-friendly generic format and the translated data is stored on the on-site computer. This data is intermittently copied and stored on a central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Automation Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank C. Brown
  • Patent number: 9916158
    Abstract: A system and method to build feature evolution models for existing applications (“apps”) in the market based on open app data repositories). A feature evolution model of an app depicts the app name, its historical versions (historical version labels, release timestamps of each version), rating values of each version, and structured features (e.g., umbrella features and low-level features) each version introduces, improves or deletes. There is further extracted from the app description and release logs the app name, historical version labels, release timestamps, use the rating info of the app to extract and assign rating values for each version of the app, and apply NLP techniques and source code analysis techniques to extract “structured features” of the app through analyzing the app description, the release logs, and corresponding source code revisions of the app. Upon the built feature evolution models, various feature insights may be easily extracted and generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ya Bin Dang, Qi Cheng Li, Shao Chun Li, Guang Tai Liang, Xin Zhou
  • Patent number: 9904829
    Abstract: A system controlled responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records is operative to cause vehicle repair parts to be determined and furnished. Data read by a reader from a tag associated with a damaged vehicle is used to determine vehicle identifying data. A repair estimate calculation circuit (RECC) operates responsive to the read data to produce a needed parts record (NPR). The records produced by the RECC are operative to cause a vehicle repair entity (VRE) to be furnished the vehicle repair parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: O E CONNECTION LLC
    Inventors: Igor Bondarenko, Scott Morman, Mike Folk, Guillermo Lopez, Sarah Truman, Katherine Golden
  • Patent number: 9904910
    Abstract: A system controlled responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records is operative to cause vehicle repair parts to be determined and furnished. Data read by a reader from a tag associated with a damaged vehicle is used to determine vehicle identifying data. A repair estimate calculation circuit (RECC) operates responsive to the read data to produce a needed parts record (NPR). The records produced by the RECC are operative to cause a vehicle repair entity (VRE) to be furnished the vehicle repair parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: OEConnection LLC
    Inventors: Igor Bondarenko, Scott Morman, Mike Folk, Guillermo Lopez, Sarah Truman, Katherine Golden, Christopher Carl Fuss, Michael Joseph Hitmar, Jeffrey Scott Comer, John Patrick Kelly, Brian Paul Thomas
  • Patent number: 9842238
    Abstract: A system controlled responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records is operative to cause vehicle repair parts to be determined and furnished. Data read by a reader from a tag associated with a damaged vehicle is used to determine vehicle identifying data. A repair estimate calculation circuit (RECC) operates responsive to the read data to produce a needed parts record (NPR). The records produced by the RECC are operative to cause a vehicle repair entity (VRE) to be furnished the vehicle repair parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: OEConnetion LLC
    Inventors: Igor Bondarenko, Scott Morman, Mike Folk, Guillermo Lopez, Sarah Truman, Katherine Golden
  • Patent number: 9836893
    Abstract: Herein described is at least a system, method, and/or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for computing locomotive health based on input parameters such as locomotive defect data and locomotive inspection data. Examples of locomotive health attributes for which values may be computed include an overall health attribute, a power level health attribute, a defect severity health attribute, a trail only health attribute, and a health reason attribute. Furthermore, various events may be defined that may trigger computation of the locomotive health attribute values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Union Pacific Railroad Company
    Inventors: Srinivas Chundru, Kathleen Ann Fenn, Glenn Allan Millar
  • Patent number: 9761062
    Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the urgency for repairing a diagnostic condition in a vehicle. Upon determining the repair urgency, a driver may decide to continue driving (in the case of a “low” urgency determination), or cease driving (in the case of a “high” urgency determination). The urgency status may also enable a driver to shop around for the repair (in the event of a “low” urgency status), or to seek immediate assistance (in the event of a “high” urgency status).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Innova Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Ieon C. Chen
  • Patent number: 9747481
    Abstract: A system controlled responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records is operative to cause vehicle repair parts to be determined and furnished. Data read by a reader from a tag associated with a damaged vehicle is used to determine vehicle identifying data. A repair estimate calculation circuit (RECC) operates responsive to the read data to produce a needed parts record (NPR). The records produced by the RECC are operative to cause a vehicle repair entity (VRE) to be furnished the vehicle repair parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: OE CONNECTION LLC
    Inventors: Igor Bondarenko, Scott Morman, Mike Folk, Guillermo Lopez, Sarah Truman, Katherine Golden
  • Patent number: 9729340
    Abstract: A platform, apparatus and method for detecting that an IoT hub communication channel has become inoperative. For example, one embodiment of an IoT system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) hub comprising a network interface to couple the IoT hub to an IoT service over a first communication channel; at least one IoT device communicatively coupled to the IoT hub over a second communication channel; connection monitoring logic to detect when the first communication channel between the IoT service and the IoT hub has become inoperative; notification logic to transmit a notification to a data processing device of a user of the IoT system responsive to the connection monitoring logic detecting that the first communication channel has become inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Afero, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Britt, Shin Matsumura, Houman Forood, Scott Zimmerman, Phillip Myles, Sean Zawicki, Daisuke Kutami, Justin Lee
  • Patent number: 9617010
    Abstract: According to one example embodiment, a method of assessing use of an aircraft component installed on an aircraft includes receiving, from one or more sensors installed on the aircraft, one or more measurements representative of at least one load applied against the aircraft component; selecting at least one usage model from a plurality of usage models, each usage model of the plurality of usage models relating aircraft loads with received sensor data; determining at least one load value based on the selected at least one usage model and the received one or more measurements; and calculating, based on the determined at least one load value, an amount of change in probability of failure caused by application of the at least one load against the aircraft component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Conrad
  • Patent number: 9580274
    Abstract: Environment information associated with a user can be exchanged between an elevator system and a building environmental system. The user can adjust environmental settings in one context (e.g., in an elevator car of the elevator system), and the settings can be carried over to another context (e.g., a room serviced by the building environmental system). Information exchange can be aided by a database that records information for user preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Edward Nowel