Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Nicholas Alexander Scheufler

Nunzio Decia

Stephen Jay Orris, Jr

David Joseph Orris

David Michael Herman

David A Herman

Dave A Herman

Richard D Bridgewater

John Eric Rollinger

Brian Bennie

Andrew D Niedert

Segundo Baldovino

Michael Robertson, Jr

Ivan Vukovic

Jonathan Diedrich

Ashwin Arunmozhi

Howard Paul Tsvi Linden

Sathyanarayana Chary Palakonda

Shiqi Qiu

Mark Gehrke

Arun Dutta

Jake S Schwartz

Nithya Somanath

Bhagyashri Satyabodha Katti

Jean De Dieu Mutangana

Eric Robert Krieger

Christopher Thomas Berchin

Matthew R Goulet

Seth Goslawski

Martin Van Hoeckel

Self-optimization of an ultra-wideband (UWB) network is performed. A configuration of UWB anchors of a vehicle is identified. A state vector is constructed based on the identified configuration, the state vector including values for status and ranging quality indicators for each of the UWB anchors. A next state is predicted based on the state vector using reinforcement learning to optimize UWB coverage, wherein a conditional probability of the next state depends only on the state vector. Unified configuration interface (UCI) commands are sent to the UWB anchors to reconfigure the UWB anchors based on the predicted next state.

Self-optimizing on-vehicle network

A vehicle characterizes a sunload on the vehicle using an imaging system including at least one camera capturing image data (e.g., without using an ambient light sensor). The image data includes at least a portion of a passenger cabin. A region of interest (ROI) overlay receives the image data and extracts selected image data according to predetermined scene elements of the vehicle environment. An occupant overlay is configured to detect a vehicle occupant represented in the selected image data and configured to generate truncated image data by subtracting image data corresponding to the vehicle occupant from the selected image data. An ambient light model uses environmental parameters including a sun position to estimate an expected sunload range. A mapper generates a sunload map comprising respective sunload values for a plurality of locations on the vehicle according to the truncated image data and the expected sunload range.

Camera-based vehicle sunload mapping

Systems and methods for exterior signage evaluation are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving images of an exterior signage area of an exterior surface of a first vehicle, the images being obtained by the first vehicle, a second vehicle camera or an infrastructure camera, determining current environmental conditions around the first vehicle, processing the images of the exterior signage area using the current environmental conditions, wherein processing includes comparing an expected appearance of the exterior signage area with an actual appearance of the exterior signage area to determine a visual appearance quality of the exterior signage area, and presenting a message on a display that includes the visual appearance quality.

Systems and methods for determining a visual appearance quality of an exterior signage area of a vehicle

The disclosure relates to augmented reality vehicle identification with visual light communication. For example, a mobile device may be configured for 'scanning' an area having multiple parked vehicles within visual range of the mobile device, to identify a target vehicle. The mobile device may include an application for identifying the target vehicle using visual light communication (VLC) equipment and techniques that present an augmented reality outline or other identification of the target vehicle on the smartphone screen once the vehicle is identified by the system. The encrypted communication channels with the vehicle may be established to utilize vehicle headlamps, interior lights, or another light emitting device to establish the VLC between the user's phone and the vehicle VLC system. The mobile device may emit VLC signals using an onboard light emitter while being in visual communication with the target vehicle, establish an encrypted communication channel with the vehicle, and identify the vehicle using automatic and/or user-selectable identification features.

Augmented reality vehicle identification with visual light communication

Automatic drive mode lighting systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method can include determining when a drive mode of a vehicle is an off-road mode, determining when a speed of the vehicle is below a speed threshold, determining when a location of the vehicle corresponds to an off-road location, and automatically activating off-road lighting for the vehicle when the drive mode is in an off-road mode, the speed is below the speed threshold, and the location corresponds to an off-road location.

Automatic drive mode lighting systems and methods

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 vehicle includes one or more vehicle-exterior displays and a processor. The vehicle receives indication of a second proximate vehicle, the indication including viewing preferences for an occupant of the second proximate vehicle. The vehicle selects content for display on at least one of the vehicle-exterior displays and selects at least one display having an exterior orientation determined to be viewable based on a heading of the second proximate vehicle. The vehicle then displays the selected content on the selected display.

Method and apparatus for messaging coordination

A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to project an icon onto a surface having a pattern, capture an image of the icon and the pattern, identify a change between the pattern in the image and a default pattern, identify a user input based on the change from the default pattern, and actuate a component based on the user input.

Vehicle surface deformation identification

A method to transfer thermal energy from an interior area includes, among other things, automatically transmitting a request to open a door to provide an opening from the interior area. The opening permits thermal energy to move from the interior area to an exterior area. At least some of the thermal energy within the interior area is generated when charging a vehicle within the interior area. An assembly includes, among other things, a door actuation module that automatically transmits a request to open a door to provide an opening from an interior area. The opening permits thermal energy to move from the interior area to an exterior area. At least some of the thermal energy within the interior area is generated when charging a vehicle within the interior area.

Interior area temperature modulating method and temperature modulating assembly

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.

Growing community of inventors

Flat Rock, MI, United States of America

Nicholas Alexander Scheufler