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).
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Publication number: 20190079513Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventors: Aaron L. Greenfield, Diana Yanakiev, Frederic Tschanz
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Publication number: 20190064813Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Guillaume Binet, Diana Yanakiev, Dillon Collins, David McAllister Bradley, Frederic Tschanz
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Publication number: 20190064825Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Frederic Tschanz, Aaron L. Greenfield, Diana Yanakiev, Dillon Collins
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Publication number: 20190018412Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2017Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Frederic Tschanz, Diana Yanakiev, Jur va den Berg
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Patent number: 10180186Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat
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Patent number: 10166989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 10166980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yuji Fujii, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Diana Yanakiev, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Jianbo Lu, Gregory Michael Pietron
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Patent number: 9933069Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer
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Patent number: 9829411Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Vladimir Ivanovic, Jau-Wen Tseng
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Patent number: 9726280Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
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Patent number: 9683656Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jason Meyer, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev
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Patent number: 9677492Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Yuji Fujii, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Nimrod Kapas, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev
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Publication number: 20170122821Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2017Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii
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Patent number: 9631722Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Steven Adam Hermann, Christopher Gregory Garbacz, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Roberto Teran, Jr.
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Patent number: 9618407Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii
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Patent number: 9512889Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gregory M. Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
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Patent number: 9488267Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Stefano Di Cairano, Joseph F. Kucharski, Bradley Dean Riedle
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Publication number: 20160312884Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2015Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Jason MEYER, Gregory Michael PIETRON, Diana YANAKIEV
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Publication number: 20160281845Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2015Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
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Publication number: 20160230882Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat