Patents by Inventor Alexandru Mihai Gurghian
Alexandru Mihai Gurghian has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11967109Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for determining a position of a vehicle includes an image sensor, a top-down view component, a comparison component, and a location component. The image sensor obtains an image of an environment near a vehicle. The top-down view component is configured to generate a top-down view of a ground surface based on the image of the environment. The comparison component is configured to compare the top-down image with a map, the map comprising a top-down light LIDAR intensity map or a vector-based semantic map. The location component is configured to determine a location of the vehicle on the map based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Sarah Houts, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Vidya Nariyambut Murali, Tory Smith
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Patent number: 11584438Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to virtual reality remote valet parking are described. A processor of a control system of a vehicle may establish a wireless communication with a remote controller. The processor may provide a stream of video images captured by a camera of the vehicle to the remote controller. The processor may receive a signal from the remote controller. The processor may maneuver the vehicle from one location to another according to the signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Natalie Muenster, Ravin Ratnakant Sardal, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Parsa Mahmoudieh
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Patent number: 11288622Abstract: A method for package delivery includes identifying a plurality of delivery locations for package delivery. The method includes determining a driving route for an automated ground vehicle to optimize delivery to the delivery locations using one or more automated aerial vehicles. The method includes controlling the automated ground vehicle to navigate the delivery route. The method further includes determining timing for release of the one or more automated aerial vehicles during navigation of the delivery route to deliver packages to the plurality of delivery locations.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Harpreetsingh Banvait, Scott Vincent Myers, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Mohamed Ahmad
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Publication number: 20220092816Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for determining a position of a vehicle includes an image sensor, a top-down view component, a comparison component, and a location component. The image sensor obtains an image of an environment near a vehicle. The top-down view component is configured to generate a top-down view of a ground surface based on the image of the environment. The comparison component is configured to compare the top-down image with a map, the map comprising a top-down light LIDAR intensity map or a vector-based semantic map. The location component is configured to determine a location of the vehicle on the map based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Sarah Houts, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Vidya Nariyambut Murali, Tory Smith
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Publication number: 20220026902Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to virtual reality remote valet parking are described. A processor of a control system of a vehicle may establish a wireless communication with a remote controller. The processor may provide a stream of video images captured by a camera of the vehicle to the remote controller. The processor may receive a signal from the remote controller. The processor may maneuver the vehicle from one location to another according to the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Natalie Muenster, Ravin Ratnakant Sardal, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Parsa Mahmoudieh
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Patent number: 11220291Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to virtual reality remote valet parking are described. A processor of a control system of a vehicle may establish a wireless communication with a remote controller. The processor may provide a stream of video images captured by a camera of the vehicle to the remote controller. The processor may receive a signal from the remote controller. The processor may maneuver the vehicle from one location to another according to the signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Natalie Muenster, Ravin Ratnakant Sardal, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Parsa Mahmoudieh
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Patent number: 11216972Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for determining a position of a vehicle includes an image sensor, a top-down view component, a comparison component, and a location component. The image sensor obtains an image of an environment near a vehicle. The top-down view component is configured to generate a top-down view of a ground surface based on the image of the environment. The comparison component is configured to compare the top-down image with a map, the map comprising a top-down light LIDAR intensity map or a vector-based semantic map. The location component is configured to determine a location of the vehicle on the map based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Sarah Houts, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Vidya Nariyambut Murali, Tory Smith
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Patent number: 11145043Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to inspect autonomous vehicles. An autonomous vehicle carries a UAV (or “drone”) in a protected area, for example, in a glove compartment, trunk, etc. Between rides, the UAV can be deployed to inspect the autonomous vehicle. Images from the UAV can be sent to other components for image analysis. When an inspection is completed, the UAV can return to the protected area. The UAV can inspect both the interior and exterior of an autonomous vehicle. When an inspection is passed, the autonomous vehicle can begin a new ride. When an inspection is failed, the autonomous vehicle can report for repairs or summon a tow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Scott Vincent Myers, Mark Crawford, Harpreetsingh Banvait, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Nikhil Nagraj Rao, Alexandro Walsh, Lisa Scaria
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Patent number: 10762358Abstract: A method for determining lane information includes receiving perception data from at least two sensors, the at least two sensors including a rear facing camera of a vehicle. The method includes determining, based on the perception data, a number of lanes on a roadway within a field of view captured by the perception data using a neural network. The method includes providing an indication of the number of lanes to an automated driving system or driving assistance system.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2016Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Scott Vincent Myers, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Ashley Elizabeth Micks, Alexandro Walsh
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Publication number: 20190385336Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for determining a position of a vehicle includes an image sensor, a top-down view component, a comparison component, and a location component. The image sensor obtains an image of an environment near a vehicle. The top-down view component is configured to generate a top-down view of a ground surface based on the image of the environment. The comparison component is configured to compare the top-down image with a map, the map comprising a top-down light LIDAR intensity map or a vector-based semantic map. The location component is configured to determine a location of the vehicle on the map based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: Sarah Houts, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Vidya Nariyambut Murali, Tory Smith
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Publication number: 20190384286Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to virtual reality autonomous driving takeover are described. A processor of a control system of a vehicle may establish a wireless communication with a remote controller. The processor may provide a stream of video images captured by a camera of the vehicle to the remote controller. The processor may receive a maneuvering signal from the remote controller. The processor may control a steering of the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, or both, according to the maneuvering signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2017Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: Natalie MUENSTER, Ravin Ratnakant SARDAL, Alexandru Mihai GURGHIAN, Parsa MAHMOUDIEH
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Patent number: 10508485Abstract: Methods and systems for opening an access point of a vehicle. A system and a method may involve receiving wirelessly a signal from a remote controller carried by a user. The system and the method may further involve receiving audio or video data indicating the user approaching the vehicle. The system and the method may also involve determining an intention of the user to access an interior of the vehicle based on the audio or video data. The system and the method may also involve opening an access point of the vehicle responsive to the determining of the intention of the user to access the interior of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Scott Vincent Myers, Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian
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Publication number: 20190359258Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to virtual reality remote valet parking are described. A processor of a control system of a vehicle may establish a wireless communication with a remote controller. The processor may provide a stream of video images captured by a camera of the vehicle to the remote controller. The processor may receive a signal from the remote controller. The processor may maneuver the vehicle from one location to another according to the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2017Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Natalie MUENSTER, Ravin Ratnakant SARDAL, Alexandru Mihai GURGHIAN, Parsa MAHMOUDIEH
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Patent number: 10430968Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for determining a position of a vehicle includes an image sensor, a top-down view component, a comparison component, and a location component. The image sensor obtains an image of an environment near a vehicle. The top-down view component is configured to generate a top-down view of a ground surface based on the image of the environment. The comparison component is configured to compare the top-down image with a map, the map comprising a top-down light LIDAR intensity map or a vector-based semantic map. The location component is configured to determine a location of the vehicle on the map based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Sarah Houts, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Vidya Nariyambut Murali, Tory Smith
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Publication number: 20190266715Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to inspect autonomous vehicles. An autonomous vehicle carries a UAV (or “drone”) in a protected area, for example, in a glove compartment, trunk, etc. Between rides, the UAV can be deployed to inspect the autonomous vehicle. Images from the UAV can be sent to other components for image analysis. When an inspection is completed, the UAV can return to the protected area. The UAV can inspect both the interior and exterior of an autonomous vehicle. When an inspection is passed, the autonomous vehicle can begin a new ride. When an inspection is failed, the autonomous vehicle can report for repairs or summon a tow vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Scott Vincent MYERS, Mark CRAWFORD, Harpreetsingh BANVAIT, Alexandru Mihai GURGHIAN, Nikhil NAGRAJ RAO, Alexandro WALSH, Lisa SCARIA
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Patent number: 10369994Abstract: A method for detecting stubs or intersecting roadways includes receiving perception data from at least two sensors. The at least two sensors include a rear facing camera of a vehicle and another sensor. The perception data includes information for a current roadway on which the vehicle is located. The method includes detecting, based on the perception data, an intersecting roadway connecting with the current roadway. The method also includes storing an indication of a location and a direction of the intersecting roadway with respect to the current roadway.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Scott Vincent Myers, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Ashley Elizabeth Micks, Alexandro Walsh
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Patent number: 10372128Abstract: Example sinkhole detection systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives data from multiple sensors mounted to a vehicle and analyzes the received data to identify a sinkhole in a roadway ahead of the vehicle. If a sinkhole is identified, the method adjusts vehicle operations and reports the sinkhole to a shared database and/or another vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Scott Vincent Myers, Ashley Elizabeth Micks, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Harpreetsingh Banvait, Parsa Mahmoudieh
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Publication number: 20190220819Abstract: A method for package delivery includes identifying a plurality of delivery locations for package delivery. The method includes determining a driving route for an automated ground vehicle to optimize delivery to the delivery locations using one or more automated aerial vehicles. The method includes controlling the automated ground vehicle to navigate the delivery route. The method further includes determining timing for release of the one or more automated aerial vehicles during navigation of the delivery route to deliver packages to the plurality of delivery locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Harpreetsingh BANVAIT, Scott Vincent MYERS, Alexandru Mihai GURGHIAN, Mohamed AHMAD
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Patent number: 10336326Abstract: Example lane detection systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method received an image from-facing vehicle camera and applies a geometric transformation to the image to create a birds-eye view of the image. The method analyzes the birds-eye view of the image using a neural network, which was previously trained using side-facing vehicl camera images, to determine a lane position associated with the birds-eye view of the image.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Tejaswi Koduri, Vidya Nariyambut Murali, Kyle J Carey
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Publication number: 20190135215Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting hazards in anticipation of opening vehicle doors. Vehicle sensors (e.g., rear viewing cameras) can be used to detect and classify traffic, for example, as pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters, wheel chair, etc., approaching on the side of a vehicle. When there is a possibility of a vehicle occupant opening a door into approaching traffic, a warning can be issued in the vehicle cabin to alert vehicle occupants of the approaching traffic. In one aspect, a vehicle prevents a door from opening if opening the door would likely cause an accident.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Scott Vincent Myers, Mohamed Ahmad, Lisa Scaria