Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Other

Patrick Kevin Holub

John Robert Van Wiemeersch

Adil Nizam Siddiqui

Brad Alan Ignaczak

Jeffrey Allen Greenberg

Thomas Joseph Hermann

Todd Ansbacher

Adam Stratton

Ronald Fitzgerald

Stuart C Salter

Steven Yellin Schondorf

Robert Bruce Kleve

Michael Hrecznyj

Thomas George Leone

Ali Hassani

Mark Anthony Cuddihy

Gary Steven Strumolo

Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin

Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake

Pramita Mitra

Lisa Therese Boran

Donald Paul Bilger

David Melcher

Jeff Allen Greenberg

Mark J Scalf

Craig John Simonds

Mark George Vojtisek

Johannes Huennekens

David Michael Pariseau

George Frederick MacDonald

Yitah Richard Wu

Graham Mace

Chad A Widrick

Bob Bruce Kleve

A computer-implemented method includes determining a vehicle configuration indicative of a towing mode setting for the vehicle, which can include a neutral transmission gear setting, a battery conservation mode, or another towing mode setting. The method can include determining at least one vehicle operation characteristic that changes with time while the vehicle is in the towing mode setting, and performing, via a vehicle control module and based at least in part on the towing mode setting and the vehicle operation characteristic, one or more vehicle actions that include generating an alert signal indicative that vehicle damage may occur.

Sustained neutral operation of vehicles

A method for managing electrical Key Off Load (KOL) and other potentially damaging operational conditions in a vehicle while in a neutral mode setting, comprising: determining a vehicle drivetrain is in the neutral mode setting; determining an operational characteristic that changes with time while the vehicle is in the neutral mode setting; performing, via a vehicle control module and based on the neutral mode setting and the operational characteristic, vehicle actions comprising engaging an automated start powertrain activation while the vehicle is in the neutral mode setting.

Automatic powertrain operation for maintenance of neutral operation

A plurality of transducers positioned at respective specified locations in a vehicle are actuated to generate a plurality of respective tones. A plurality of respective time differences are determined between times that each respective tone is generated by the respective transducer and the tone is detected by a portable device. A location of the portable device is determined based at least in part on the time differences.

Portable device detection

A computer-implemented method includes determining a vehicle configuration indicative of a towing mode setting for the vehicle, which can include a neutral transmission gear setting, a battery conservation mode, or another towing mode setting. The method can include determining at least one vehicle operation characteristic that changes with time while the vehicle is in the towing mode setting, and performing, via a vehicle control module and based at least in part on the towing mode setting and the vehicle operation characteristic, one or more vehicle actions that include generating an alert signal indicative that vehicle damage may be imminent.

An automated teller machine includes a controller. The controller may be configured to transmit via inductive coupling a session key in response to receiving a signal from a nomadic device. The controller may then establish a connection with a vehicle infotainment system (VIS) using the session key and receive from the VIS, a PIN number and a request to dispense funds via the connection. After which, the controller may inhibit release of the funds until a confirmation is received via inductive coupling from the nomadic device.

In-vehicle banking enabled by near field communication

A location of a first wearable device is determined based on a first biometric signature. Operation of a touchscreen display is restricted if the location of the first wearable device is in an operator's side of a vehicle cabin and the first wearable device is within a first distance from the display.

Enhanced touchscreen operation

A method includes remotely starting an engine of a vehicle in response to a command, from a remote user of the vehicle, to start the engine for preconditioning the vehicle. The method assesses a charge level of a battery of the vehicle following engine start and adjusts engine-on time and vehicle settings to prioritize battery charge maintenance versus preconditioning based on the charge level. Another method for remotely starting the engine includes notifying, from the vehicle, the user that the battery has a charge level below a predetermined threshold. This method includes remotely starting the engine to charge the battery with energy from the engine upon receiving from the user a confirmation to start the engine.

Driver initiated remote engine start for vehicle preconditioning having battery charge maintenance priority

A first computer is configured to receive, from at least one second computer in a first vehicle, data relating to a gunshot. The computer is configured to then determine a location of the gunshot from the data, and to transmit a message, including the gunshot location, to at least one third computer in a second vehicle.

Mobile gunshot detection

A self-disinfecting surface covering for a vehicle is disclosed. The surface covering comprising a pair of electrodes substantially conforms to a vehicle panel. A plurality of printed LEDs suspended in a semiconductor ink are printed between the electrodes and configured to emit a disinfecting emission. An outer layer of the surface covering is disposed proximate one of the electrodes. The outer layer is operable to transmit at least a portion of the disinfecting emission therethrough.

Self-disinfecting surface with printed LEDs for a surface of a vehicle

One method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle includes notifying, from the vehicle, a remote user of the vehicle that a battery of the vehicle has a charge level below a predetermined threshold. This method includes remotely starting the engine to charge the battery with energy from the engine upon receiving from the user a confirmation to start the engine. Another method includes remotely starting the engine in response to a command, from the user, to start the engine for preconditioning the vehicle. This method assesses charge level of the battery following engine start and adjusts engine-on time and vehicle settings to prioritize battery charge maintenance versus preconditioning based on the charge level.

Vehicle initiated remote engine start for battery charge maintenance and driver initiated remote engine start for vehicle preconditioning having battery charge maintenance priority

A vehicle controller may receive notification settings to apply when determining rain conditions. The controller may identify a rain condition sensor data, and send a rain alert to a mobile device to obtain confirmation to perform rain condition actions specified by the notification settings. The mobile device may receive, from the vehicle controller, the rain alert requesting confirmation to perform rain condition actions specified by the notification settings; and may send, responsive to user input to the mobile device, a confirmation to perform the rain condition actions.

Rain onset detection auto-close user interface

Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a throttle during deceleration fuel shut off (DFSO). In one example, a method may comprise controlling a position of a throttle in an air inlet of an engine propelling a vehicle, in relation to vehicle operator commands, and during a deceleration fuel shut off mode, increasing opening of said throttle independently of said operator commands when speed of said vehicle is or is expected to fall below a desired speed or desired speed trajectory.

Throttle adjustment during deceleration fuel shut off

Biometric data is received from a wearable device. The biometric data concerns a vehicle operator measured by at least one sensor in the wearable device. A load score is determined. The load score is a measurement of operator capacity to operate the vehicle based at least in part on the biometric data from the wearable device. At least one vehicle component is actuated based at least in part on the load score.

Incapacitated driving detection and prevention

Data representing movement of a portable device is received. A vibrational torque signal within that data corresponding to the vibration of a steering wheel is identified. Based at least in part on the identification, it is determined that a user has a hand on the steering wheel.

Growing community of inventors

Novi, MI, United States of America

Patrick Kevin Holub