Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Stephen Jay Orris, Jr

Nunzio Decia

David Joseph Orris

Nicholas Alexander Scheufler

David Michael Herman

David A Herman

Dave A Herman

Richard D Bridgewater

Howard Paul Tsvi Linden

Nicholas Colella

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 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.

Vehicle load prediction

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for acoustic control of a vehicle's interior. Example methods may include detecting environmental sounds external to a cabin of a vehicle and determining at least one first sound from the environmental sounds, wherein the cabin is configured to reduce a volume of the environmental sounds below a threshold; determining location information comprising a direction and a distance of the first sound with respect to the vehicle; and generating a second sound based on the first sound and the location information that reproduces a spectral feature of the first sound.

Systems and methods for acoustic control of a vehicle's interior

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.

Growing community of inventors

New Boston, MI, United States of America

Stephen Jay Orris, Jr