Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Justin Cartwright

Nunzio Decia

David A Herman

Arun Dutta

Bill Dierker

John Eric Rollinger

Adam J Richards

Steven Lin

Kirk Pulay

Systems and methods for operating an engine and a torque converter are presented. In one example, slip of a torque converter is adjusted via at least partially closing or opening a torque converter clutch in response to vehicle vibration. The vehicle vibration may be based on road surface conditions and an actual total number of operating cylinders of the engine.

Torque converter control for a variable displacement engine

Methods and systems are provided for determining an ignition coil dwell time based on an estimated ignition coil temperature. In one example, a method may include estimating the ignition coil temperature based on heat transfer between engine and the ignition coil, heat transfer between ambient and the ignition coil, and internal resistive heating of the ignition coil.

Method and system for ignition coil control

Method and apparatus are disclosed for control module activation of vehicles in a key-off state to determine driving routes. An example system includes a vehicle at a location in a key-off state. The vehicle includes a communication module to receive an activation signal and a telematic control unit. The telematic control unit is to activate upon receipt of the activation signal and determine and present a route from the location. The example system also includes a remote processor to determine the location, identify an event and an end time based upon the location, and send an activation signal based upon the end time.

Control module activation of vehicles in a key-off state to determine driving routes

Method and apparatus are disclosed for control module activation of vehicles in a key-off state. An example system includes a vehicle at a location in a key-off state that includes a battery, a communication module, and an infotainment unit to activate and present media responsive to the communication module receiving an activation signal. The example system also includes a remote processor to determine a charge level of the battery, identify a parking duration for the location, and send the activation signal responsive to the charge level being less than a threshold associated with the parking duration.

Control module activation of vehicles in a key-off state

Method and apparatus are disclosed for control module activation to monitor vehicles in a key-off state. An example system includes a vehicle at a location in a key-off state that includes a sensor for collecting damage detection data, a camera module including a camera for collecting damage identification data, and a communication module. The example system also includes a remote processor to receive the damage detection data from the communication module and detect damage to the vehicle based upon the damage detection data. The remote processor also is to send, responsive to detecting the damage, an activation signal to activate the camera.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Justin Cartwright