Patents by Inventor Diana Yanakiev

Diana Yanakiev 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).

  • Publication number: 20190079513
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes receiving data representing a motion plan of the autonomous vehicle via a plurality of control lanes configured to implement the motion plan to control a motion of the autonomous vehicle, the plurality of control lanes including at least a first control lane and a second control lane, and controlling the first control lane to implement the motion plan. The method includes detecting one or more faults associated with implementation of the motion plan by the first control lane or the second control lane, or in generation of the motion plan, and in response to one or more faults, controlling the first control lane or the second control lane to adjust the motion of the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on one or more fault reaction parameters associated with the one or more faults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron L. Greenfield, Diana Yanakiev, Frederic Tschanz
  • Publication number: 20190064813
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an autonomous vehicle are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes obtaining data representing a first trajectory including one or more states corresponding to a motion path. The method includes determining a second trajectory based at least in part on the first trajectory, the second trajectory including a first state corresponding to the motion path, and one or more secondary states corresponding to the motion path, the one or more secondary states indicating a state of the autonomous vehicle relative to the first state. The method includes determining one or more control signals based at least in part on the second trajectory. The method includes controlling a motion of the autonomous vehicle according to the motion path, based at least in part on the one or more control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Guillaume Binet, Diana Yanakiev, Dillon Collins, David McAllister Bradley, Frederic Tschanz
  • Publication number: 20190064825
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle interface for an autonomous vehicle. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can, responsive to receiving, from an autonomy computing system of an autonomous vehicle, a time-based trajectory for the autonomous vehicle, verify that execution of the time-based trajectory is within parameters of the autonomous vehicle. Responsive to verifying that execution of the time-based trajectory is within the parameters of the autonomous vehicle, the time-based trajectory can be converted into a spatial path for the autonomous vehicle, and one or more controls of the autonomous vehicle can be interfaced with such that the autonomous vehicle tracks the spatial path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Frederic Tschanz, Aaron L. Greenfield, Diana Yanakiev, Dillon Collins
  • Publication number: 20190018412
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides control systems and methods for an autonomous vehicle. In one example implementation, a control method includes obtaining data indicative of a motion plan for the autonomous vehicle. The method includes upsampling the data indicative of the motion plan to determine a desired vehicle state for the autonomous vehicle. The method includes obtaining data indicative of a current vehicle state for the autonomous vehicle. The method includes determining a control command for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the desired vehicle state and the current vehicle state. The method includes controlling the vehicle component based at least in part on the control command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Frederic Tschanz, Diana Yanakiev, Jur va den Berg
  • Patent number: 10180186
    Abstract: A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat
  • Patent number: 10166989
    Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. Measured torque values are used during a torque phase of the upshift to correct an estimated oncoming friction element target torque so that transient torque disturbances at an oncoming clutch are avoided and torque transients at the output shaft are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10166980
    Abstract: A vehicle having a drivetrain is controlled based on a difference between a torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating. The drivetrain torque may be measured by a drivetrain torque sensor. The effective vehicle mass is computed from the torque difference. The computed mass of the vehicle is used to adjust the activation of a collision warning system or a collision avoidance system. A method of operating a vehicle where the activation of a collision avoidance system is adjusted based on a difference between a torque transmitted by a drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating is disclosed. The torque difference is used to compute a vehicle mass that is used to adjust a collision warning distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Diana Yanakiev, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Jianbo Lu, Gregory Michael Pietron
  • Patent number: 9933069
    Abstract: When a transmission controller issues a control command, such as pressure to control clutch torque, the response may be delayed due to dynamic properties of the control system. These properties can be modeled using a dynamic response model. One potential model is a combination of a pure time delay and a first order distributed delay. Control methods may be improved in several ways by accounting for the dynamic response. First, the dynamic response model may be used to improve adaptation of a transfer function between the commanded control signal and the clutch torque. Second, the command may be adjusted based on the dynamic response model. Both the pure time delay and the time constant of the first order distributed delay may be functions of operating conditions such as temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer
  • Patent number: 9829411
    Abstract: A bench test calibration method for generating wet clutch torque transfer functions includes obtaining in-vehicle clutch torques at a set of shift conditions; performing a series of bench tests at various clutch pack clearances and lubrication oil flow rates at the set of shift conditions; adjusting clutch pack clearances and lubrication oil flow rates during the series of bench tests in response to a difference between a bench test measured clutch torques and the corresponding in-vehicle clutch torques exceeding a threshold; and recording relationships between first bench test measured torques and force profiles of a clutch actuator relative to the adjusted clutch pack clearances and lubrication oil flow rates for each of the set of shift conditions as a first transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Vladimir Ivanovic, Jau-Wen Tseng
  • Patent number: 9726280
    Abstract: A transmission calibration tool automatically generates a detailed gearbox model based on a user input transmission topology description. During transmission calibration, the tool accepts inputs from transmission speed and torque sensors and estimates component torques for each gear element and each shift element. Following a shift or other transmission event, the calibration tool plots the component torques as a function of time, permitting the calibration engineer to better understand what is occurring during the event, and thus reducing the time required for calibration. The calibration tool also adapts several transmission component models and outputs the adapted models to provide insight into actual transmission component behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
  • Patent number: 9683656
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes a plurality of clutches that are individually selectively engaged to establish particular power flow paths. The amount of torque flowing through any clutch can be estimated while the clutch is being engaged, being disengaged, or being held locked. The estimated magnitude of clutch torque aids in proper control of the transmission, including how and when to shift between gears. A method and system for determining the uncertainty of estimated clutch torque is provided. Based on the magnitude of uncertainty of estimated clutch torque, the shift schedule can alter to specifically avoid actions that would increase the uncertainty, or the time between shifting gears can increase to reduce the effects of the uncertainty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev
  • Patent number: 9677492
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain includes a controller that is operative to automatically control at least one powertrain function other than engine torque based on a measured torque and a predetermined torque range. The predetermined torque range is based on a first engine torque estimate. The measured torque is related to actual engine torque, and can be measured directly at the engine crankshaft, or in another location in the powertrain and then transferred to the engine space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Yuji Fujii, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Nimrod Kapas, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev
  • Publication number: 20170122821
    Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. A transfer case assembly includes a transfer case shaft having a magnetized region and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the transfer case shaft, mounted on at least one bushing supporting the transfer case shaft. A drive axle assembly includes an axle housing, an input shaft having a magnetized region, and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the input shaft, mounted to the axle housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 9631722
    Abstract: A transmission includes sensors positioned adjacent respective pairs of magnetized bands on a shaft of the transmission for detecting magnetic flux emanating from the bands in response to torque on the shaft. The transmission further includes an electronics interface assembly configured to respectively provide drive signals to the sensors and to receive from the sensors, in response to the drive signals, output signals indicative of the torque on the shaft as detected by the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Steven Adam Hermann, Christopher Gregory Garbacz, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Roberto Teran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9618407
    Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. A transfer case assembly includes a transfer case shaft having a magnetized region and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the transfer case shaft, mounted on at least one bushing supporting the transfer case shaft. A drive axle assembly includes an axle housing, an input shaft having a magnetized region, and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the input shaft, mounted to the axle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 9512889
    Abstract: A transmission clutch control method includes defining a transfer function relating clutch torque to a control signal under transmission operating conditions; determining a target clutch torque for current operating conditions; determining the target control signal from the transfer function to produce target torque at the clutch; correcting clutch torque on the basis of a difference between the target clutch torque and the actual torque at the clutch by adjusting the control signal; calculating actual clutch torque with reference to transmission input torque and transmission output torque; computing a clutch torque error as a difference between calculated clutch torque and the target clutch torque; and repetitively adjusting the transfer function on the basis of the clutch torque error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory M. Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
  • Patent number: 9488267
    Abstract: A method of controlling a line pressure in a transmission is provided. Line pressure in a transmission is set to a pressure value including a first term that is proportional to an input torque value. The first term has a coefficient of proportionality that is increased in response to a signal indicating clutch slippage. The input torque value is a measured input torque value in a steady-state condition. The input torque value may be a maximum of the measured input torque value and a driver demand torque value in a transient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Stefano Di Cairano, Joseph F. Kucharski, Bradley Dean Riedle
  • Publication number: 20160312884
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes a plurality of clutches that are individually selectively engaged to establish particular power flow paths. The amount of torque flowing through any clutch can be estimated while the clutch is being engaged, being disengaged, or being held locked. The estimated magnitude of clutch torque aids in proper control of the transmission, including how and when to shift between gears. A method and system for determining the uncertainty of estimated clutch torque is provided. Based on the magnitude of uncertainty of estimated clutch torque, the shift schedule can alter to specifically avoid actions that would increase the uncertainty, or the time between shifting gears can increase to reduce the effects of the uncertainty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Jason MEYER, Gregory Michael PIETRON, Diana YANAKIEV
  • Publication number: 20160281845
    Abstract: A transmission calibration tool automatically generates a detailed gearbox model based on a user input transmission topology description. During transmission calibration, the tool accepts inputs from transmission speed and torque sensors and estimates component torques for each gear element and each shift element. Following a shift or other transmission event, the calibration tool plots the component torques as a function of time, permitting the calibration engineer to better understand what is occurring during the event, and thus reducing the time required for calibration. The calibration tool also adapts several transmission component models and outputs the adapted models to provide insight into actual transmission component behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
  • Publication number: 20160230882
    Abstract: A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat