Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Kirk Leonard

Ali Hassani

Hamid M Golgiri

Stuart C Salter

Vivekanandh Elangovan

Kristopher Karl Brown

Joshua R Wheeler

Steven Wayne Friedlander

Gerard Edward Szczepaniak

A vehicle system is disclosed herein. A display panel is disposed on the exterior of the vehicle and is configured as a user interface for receiving inputs from a user. An occupant detection device is configured to detect the position of an occupant of the vehicle. A controller is configured to receive a request for pickup from a potential passenger via a first communication; register authorization information based on the first communication; receive a request for vehicle access via a second communication that includes authorization information; and control one or more doors of the vehicle to allow the potential passenger access to the vehicle via the one or more doors in response to the authorization information registered based on the first communication corresponding to the authorization information from the second communication, wherein the controller allows access via the one or more doors based on the position of the occupant detected by the occupant detection device.

Passenger authentication system for a vehicle

Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for reducing latency in a passive entry system of a vehicle. In an exemplary method, a computer detects a presence of a passive entry device inside a passive entry zone of the vehicle. The passive entry device may be a phone-as-a-key (PaaK) device or a key fob, and the passive entry zone is an area around the vehicle that is monitored by a wireless detection system of the vehicle. The computer authenticates the passive entry device, which can include determining an identity of an individual authorized to use the passive entry device. Upon successful authentication, the computer may unlock a door of the vehicle and provide a visual prompt to the individual to unlatch the unlocked door. The visual prompt can include an unlatch icon displayed upon a door access panel of the vehicle.

Reducing latency in a passive entry system of a vehicle

A wireless controller is in communication with a plurality of wireless transceivers. An authentication controller is in communication with the wireless controller. The authentication controller is programmed to provide an initial authentication message to a user interface responsive to initiation of an authentication sequence between the vehicle and a mobile device initiating communication with the wireless transceivers, and responsive to completion of the authentication sequence, update the authentication message to indicate that the authentication sequence is complete.

Seamless connectivity feedback for vehicle authentication

Growing community of inventors

Orchard Lake, MI, United States of America

Kirk Leonard