Patents by Inventor Frank C. Valeri

Frank C. Valeri 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: 20180281677
    Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a launch identification module and a speaker control module. The launch identification module is configured to monitor a speed of a vehicle and identify a vehicle launch when the vehicle speed increases from zero to a value greater than zero. The speaker control module is configured to monitor an acceleration of the vehicle control a speaker in a cabin of the vehicle to play a first sound that simulates a sound produced by at least one of an engine and a driveline during a vehicle launch when a vehicle launch is identified and the vehicle acceleration is greater than a predetermined acceleration. The speaker control module is also configured to control the speaker to not play the first sound during a vehicle launch when a vehicle launch is identified and the vehicle acceleration is less than or equal to the predetermined acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Frank C. VALERI, Scott M. REILLY, Roger C. BARLOW, JR.
  • Patent number: 10086754
    Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a launch identification module and a speaker control module. The launch identification module is configured to monitor a speed of a vehicle and identify a vehicle launch when the vehicle speed increases from zero to a value greater than zero. The speaker control module is configured to monitor an acceleration of the vehicle control a speaker in a cabin of the vehicle to play a first sound that simulates a sound produced by at least one of an engine and a driveline during a vehicle launch when a vehicle launch is identified and the vehicle acceleration is greater than a predetermined acceleration. The speaker control module is also configured to control the speaker to not play the first sound during a vehicle launch when a vehicle launch is identified and the vehicle acceleration is less than or equal to the predetermined acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Roger C. Barlow
  • Patent number: 10071686
    Abstract: An audio system of a vehicle includes: an acceleration state module that sets an acceleration state signal to a first state when a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is greater than a first predetermined acceleration, where the first predetermined acceleration is positive; a sound control module that selectively sets audio characteristics for an acceleration event in response to determinations that all of: (i) the acceleration state signal is in the first state; (ii) an electric motor is outputting positive torque to a powertrain of the vehicle; and (iii) a driver is applying pressure to an accelerator pedal; and an audio driver module that, based on the audio characteristics, applies power to speakers to output sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Reilly, Frank C. Valeri, Roger C. Barlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10074358
    Abstract: A sound control module is configured to determine N magnitudes for outputting a predetermined engine sound at N predetermined harmonics of a base frequency, respectively, where N is an integer greater than one. An adjustment module is configured to determine N magnitude adjustments for the N predetermined harmonics, respectively, based on a position of a compression ratio (CR) actuator configured to vary a CR of an engine. The sound control module is further configured to determine N adjusted magnitudes for the N predetermined harmonics based on: the N magnitudes for the N predetermined harmonics, respectively; and the N magnitude adjustments for the N predetermined harmonics, respectively. An audio driver module is configured to apply power to at least one speaker of the vehicle and output the predetermined engine sound based on the N adjusted magnitudes at N frequencies, respectively, corresponding to the N predetermined harmonics of the base frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Timothy J. Roggenkamp, Thomas V. Timmons
  • Patent number: 10067907
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one sensor and a body having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The sensor is configured to detect noise existing in the exterior portion and the interior portion, and to output at least one noise signal indicative of the detected noise. The vehicle further includes at least one noise cancellation and enhancement (NCE) controller and an automotive audio bus (A2B) interface. One or more of the NCE controllers are configured to perform at least one noise management signal processing operation based on the at least one noise signal. The automotive audio bus (A2B) interface receives the at least one noise signal and delivers the at least one noise signal to the at least one NCE controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Close, Frank C. Valeri
  • Patent number: 10052969
    Abstract: A vehicle including a powertrain system that includes an electric machine electrically connected to a power inverter is described, wherein the powertrain system is operative in an electric vehicle mode to generate propulsion torque. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a vehicle speed, and determining a preferred audible sound to be generated by the powertrain system when operating in the electric vehicle mode at the vehicle speed. A control signal for the power inverter is determined, and is associated with operating the powertrain system in the electric vehicle mode at the vehicle speed. The preferred audible sound is incorporated into the control signal for the power inverter, and the power inverter is controlled to operate the electric machine employing the control signal and the preferred audible sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Ian R. Singer, John P. Miller, Tim M. Grewe
  • Publication number: 20180232196
    Abstract: When the engine is off and not combusting fuel for one of an auto-stop portion of an auto-stop/start event and operation in a sail mode, a selection module sets at least one of: a selected torque based on a pseudo torque output of the engine; and a selected engine speed based on a pseudo engine speed determined for the one of the auto-stop portion of the auto-stop/start event and the operation in the sail mode. A sound control module, based on the at least one of the selected engine speed and the selected torque, sets at least one of: a frequency at which to output a predetermined engine sound; and a magnitude for outputting the predetermined engine sound at the frequency. An audio driver module applies power to at least one speaker of the vehicle to output the predetermined engine sound at the frequency and the magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Glenn PIETILA, Scott M. Reilly, Frank C. Valeri
  • Patent number: 10013964
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling noise originating from a source external to a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes determining, by an active noise controller of a vehicle, characteristics of an unwanted noise. The unwanted noise originates from a source external to the vehicle. The method also includes determining an inverted noise based on the characteristics of the unwanted noise. The method also includes projecting the inverted noise. The projected inverted noise destructively interferes with the unwanted noise. The method also includes receiving a residual noise via an error microphone. The error microphone is configured to generate a signal based on the received residual noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eli Tzirkel-Hancock, Ilan Malka, Scott M. Reilly, Frank C. Valeri
  • Patent number: 9928027
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dynamic sound enhancement for a mobile platform. The system comprises a memory for storing a plurality of unique sound profiles, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor receives an identification (ID) for the mobile platform, a driving mode, and references the memory using the ID and driving mode to select a sound profile. The processor also receives sail status data and engine status data for the engine, which indicates whether the engine is in sail mode or not, and the progression of the mobile platform within sail mode. Responsive to the sail status and engine status data, and in accordance with the selected sound profile, the processor generates commands for an audio system coupled to the mobile platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Roger C. Barlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9899018
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for addressing road noise are provided. The apparatus is configured to determine at least one from among a location of a vehicle and a noise feature of a road on which the vehicle is traveling, retrieve road noise cancellation information based on the determined at least one from among the location of the vehicle and the noise feature of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and output a signal to cancel road noise based on the road noise cancellation information. The apparatus may be installed in vehicle to address road noise heard by occupants of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C Valeri, Christophe A Stirlen, Scott M. Reilly
  • Publication number: 20180001818
    Abstract: An audio system of a vehicle includes: an acceleration state module that sets an acceleration state signal to a first state when a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is greater than a first predetermined acceleration, where the first predetermined acceleration is positive; a sound control module that selectively sets audio characteristics for an acceleration event in response to determinations that all of: (i) the acceleration state signal is in the first state; (ii) an electric motor is outputting positive torque to a powertrain of the vehicle; and (iii) a driver is applying pressure to an accelerator pedal; and an audio driver module that, based on the audio characteristics, applies power to speakers to output sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Scott M. Reilly, Frank C. Valeri, Roger C. Barlow, JR.
  • Patent number: 9860667
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing vehicle sound are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle includes a powertrain, one or more sensors, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to measure a sound, a vibration, or both, produced by one or more vehicle components pertaining to the engine. The processor is configured to enhance the sound for audible display for one or more individuals within or in proximity to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Roger C. Barlow, Jr., Scott M. Reilly, Frank C. Valeri
  • Publication number: 20170372690
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for addressing road noise are provided. The apparatus is configured to determine at least one from among a location of a vehicle and a noise feature of a road on which the vehicle is traveling, retrieve road noise cancellation information based on the determined at least one from among the location of the vehicle and the noise feature of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and output a signal to cancel road noise based on the road noise cancellation information. The apparatus may be installed in vehicle to address road noise heard by occupants of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: FRANK C. VALERI, CHRISTOPHE A. STIRLEN, SCOTT M. REILLY
  • Publication number: 20170337915
    Abstract: A system for controlling sound character of a vehicle includes one or more performance enhancement systems operable to enhance powertrain performance. Each of the one or more performance enhancement systems includes a performance control input. One or more sound enhancement systems are operable to adjust at least one of an external vehicle sound and an interior sound perceived by vehicle occupants. Each of the one or more sound enhancement system includes a sound enhancement control input. A sound character control system includes a central controller operably connected to at least one performance control input and at least one sound enhancement control input. The central controller coordinates operation of at least two of the one or more performance enhancement systems and the one or more sound enhancement systems to establish one of a desired exterior sound character and an interior sound character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Roger C. Barlow, JR., William Seldon
  • Patent number: 9824511
    Abstract: Methods and systems for diagnosing vehicle systems using vehicle sounds, vibrations, or both, are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises one or more sensors and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to measure a sound, a vibration, or both, produced by one or more vehicle components. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to compare the measured sound, vibration, or both with an expected sound for the one or more vehicle components, generating a comparison; and diagnose a vehicle system or device using the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Roger C. Barlow, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170323631
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one sensor and a body having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The sensor is configured to detect noise existing in the exterior portion and the interior portion, and to output at least one noise signal indicative of the detected noise. The vehicle further includes at least one noise cancellation and enhancement (NCE) controller and an automotive audio bus (A2B) interface. One or more of the NCE controllers are configured to perform at least one noise management signal processing operation based on the at least one noise signal. The automotive audio bus (A2B) interface receives the at least one noise signal and delivers the at least one noise signal to the at least one NCE controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Richard A. Close, Frank C. Valeri
  • Publication number: 20170323628
    Abstract: A method of masking road noise for a vehicle includes monitoring, through a processor, one or more vehicle mounted transducers for noise produced by an interaction between the vehicle and a road surface, detecting, through the processor, an audible signal having one of an undesirable frequency and an undesirable magnitude associated with the interaction between the vehicle and the road surface, generating, through the processor, a masking signal having a frequency that will mask the audible signal having the one of the undesirable frequency and undesirable magnitude, and emitting the masking signal through one or more vehicle speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Christopher A. Stirlen
  • Patent number: 9793870
    Abstract: An audio system of a vehicle includes a mode module that sets a mode signal to a first mode when a vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed and a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is less than a predetermined acceleration. The predetermined acceleration is less than zero and the predetermined speed is greater than zero. A sound control module, when the mode signal is in the first mode, selectively sets audio characteristics for a deceleration event of the vehicle based on randomization parameters. An audio driver module, based on the audio characteristics, applies power to speakers to output sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Roger C. Barlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9758096
    Abstract: An audio system of a vehicle includes a total frequencies module that selectively varies a total number of output frequencies based on one or more present operating parameters of the vehicle. An allocation module, based on one or more present operating parameters of the vehicle, determines an allocation indicative of: (i) a first portion of the total number of output frequencies allocated to outputting first predetermined sounds for internal combustion engine operation; and (ii) a second portion of the total number of output frequencies allocated to outputting second predetermined sounds for electric motor operation. Based on the total number and the first and second portions, an audio driver module applies power to speakers of a passenger cabin of the vehicle to: (i) output first predetermined sounds at harmonic frequencies of the internal combustion engine; and (ii) output second predetermined sounds at harmonic frequencies of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Richard A. Close
  • Publication number: 20170217331
    Abstract: A vehicle including a powertrain system that includes an electric machine electrically connected to a power inverter is described, wherein the powertrain system is operative in an electric vehicle mode to generate propulsion torque. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a vehicle speed, and determining a preferred audible sound to be generated by the powertrain system when operating in the electric vehicle mode at the vehicle speed. A control signal for the power inverter is determined, and is associated with operating the powertrain system in the electric vehicle mode at the vehicle speed. The preferred audible sound is incorporated into the control signal for the power inverter, and the power inverter is controlled to operate the electric machine employing the control signal and the preferred audible sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Ian R. Singer, John P. Miller, Tim M. Grewe