Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

David Joseph Orris

Stephen Jay Orris, Jr

Nunzio Decia

David Michael Herman

Nicholas Alexander Scheufler

David A Herman

Oliver Lei

Allen R Murray

Tuan Anh Be

Noorulla Mohammed

Vladyslav Slyusar

Dave A Herman

Michael Dupuis

Howard Paul Tsvi Linden

Alex Michael Heilala

Thomas Lorenzo

A system includes a processor configured to request capture of image data of an environment surrounding the user, responsive to a margin of error of a detected location of a user being above a predefined threshold. The processor is also configured to process the image data to determine an actual user location relative to a plurality of objects, having known positions, identifiable in the image data and replace the detected location with the determined actual user location.

Method and apparatus for improved location decisions based on surroundings

A system includes a processor configured to receive imaging of an environment surrounding a user, captured by a user device. The processor is also configured to identify a plurality of non-user entities in the image. The processor is further configured to identify a user location relative to the non-user entities. The processor is also configured to generate a digital representation of the user location relative to the non-user entities and convey the digital representation to a vehicle requested by the user.

A current location and a destination location of a vehicle are identified. A stowage parameter is predicted based on the current and destination locations. A vehicle component is actuated based on the stowage parameter.

Adaptable stowage elements

Data to initiate movement of a vehicle is received from a first user. The first user is identified. A determination is made whether to initiate the movement of the vehicle based at least in part on the data and the one or more characteristics of the first user. The movement of the vehicle is initiated.

Vehicle movement authorization

Example on-demand driver (ODD) systems and methods are described herein. An example method includes generating, with an ODD system, a softkey for a vehicle associated with an agreement between a driver-in-need (DIN) and an ODD, monitoring, with the ODD system, a location of an ODD device carried by the ODD, and transmitting, with the ODD system, the softkey to the ODD device when the ODD device is detected as being within a proximity of the vehicle. In the example method, the softkey is used to unlock the vehicle.

On-demand driver systems and methods

A system includes a processor configured to receive image data of a scene around a user location, including identification of a plurality of vehicle objects within the image. The processor is also configured to process the image data to determine where stopping spaces, not occupied by vehicle objects, exist within the image. The processor is further configured to select a determined stopping space and provide the selected stopping space to a passenger and driver to arrange a pickup location for a ride request.

A computing system can be programmed to determine a location, speed and direction for a first vehicle. The computer can be further programmed to determine probabilities for predicted locations, speeds and directions of the first vehicle based on identifying the first vehicle and the driving environment. The computer can be further programmed to operate a second vehicle based on the determined probabilities for predicted locations, speeds and directions of the first vehicle.

Vehicle path planning

A system for a vehicle comprises a controller, programmed to output a warning to a registered mobile device via a server over a wireless network, responsive to a safety event indicative of a child being left in the vehicle in a dangerous condition triggered responsive to detection of presence of the child in a car seat and failure to receive confirmation that an adult occupant is still in the vehicle.

System for smart child seat vehicle integration

A network of electric vehicle chargers is provided. The network may include a controller that, responsive to data indicating a threshold risk of utility grid power loss in a defined geographic area, broadcasts commands summoning vehicles in the defined geographic area to travel to and charge via the network, and prioritize charging of the vehicles at the network according to charge state data such that the vehicles having lowest state of charge are charged first.

Systems and methods to generate charging warnings

An object outside of a vehicle can be detected with vehicle sensor data. A load for the vehicle can be predicted at least in part based on classifying the object. A vehicle component can be actuated based on the predicted load.

Vehicle load prediction

Method and apparatus are disclosed for inter-vehicle cooperation for vehicle self height estimation. An example vehicle includes an inter-vehicle communication module and a body control module. The body control module broadcasts a request for images via the inter-vehicle communication module. The body control module also performs semantic segmentation on the images, generates a composite image of the vehicle based on the segmented images, and generates a three dimensional representation of the vehicle based on the composite image. Using the three dimensional representation, the body control module determines a height of the vehicle, and based on the height, controls the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

Inter-vehicle cooperation for vehicle self height estimation

A system for adjusting vehicle mirrors is disclosed and includes a memory device including at least one saved mirror position corresponding with an identified trailer. At least one vehicle mirror is movable to an extended trailering position that corresponds with the saved mirror position. The memory device is part of a controller that moves the vehicle mirror to the saved position responsive to an indication that an identified trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

Automatic trailer detection and vehicle configuration

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automated detection of trailer properties. An example vehicle includes an inter-vehicle communication module and an infotainment head unit. The infotainment head unit is configured to detect presence of an attached trailer. The infotainment head unit is also configured to, in response to a determination that the attached trailer is an unrecognized trailer broadcast a request for images via the inter-vehicle communication module, perform semantic segmentation on the images, generate a three dimensional point cloud using the segmented images, and estimate a property of the attached trailer based on the three dimensional point cloud.

Growing community of inventors

Southgate, MI, United States of America

David Joseph Orris