Patents by Inventor Gopichandra Surnilla

Gopichandra Surnilla 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: 20240038068
    Abstract: A method includes determining a distance remaining from a current vehicle location to a traffic control signal and determining a recommended speed over the distance remaining that will cause the vehicle to reach the traffic control signal at a time when the signal permits travel. The method includes obtaining traffic data indicating the presence of traffic between the present location and the signal and predicting movement patterns and timing of traffic indicated by the traffic data, and adjusting the recommended speed to accommodate the predicted movement patterns and timing of traffic, to preserve vehicle momentum in light of changes to travel required by the predicted movement patterns and timing. The method additionally includes displaying the recommended speed and continuing at least the determining the distance, determining the recommended speed and displaying the recommended speed until the vehicle either stops or reaches the traffic control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Mustafa Ridvan Cantas, Gopichandra Surnilla, Martin Sommer
  • Patent number: 11845310
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for warming vehicle tires prior to a vehicle launch event. In one example, a method may include, in response to an initiation of a burn out event while locking non-driven wheel brakes, adjusting a spinning of driven wheels based on vehicle performance parameters measured during a previous vehicle launch. In this way, a vehicle controller may control the tire warming to increase tire traction while reducing tire wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Glugla, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 11629657
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine that includes adjustable poppet valve timing and an exhaust gas recirculation valve are described. In one example, the exhaust gas recirculation valve is opened and the timing of the poppet valves is retarded so that an amount of fresh air that is pumped by the engine to an after treatment device may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Gopichandra Surnilla, Chris Paul Glugla
  • Patent number: 11589080
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a request from a host vehicle for video relating to a location specified in the request. The processor is also configured to determine whether a candidate vehicle receiving the request can provide the request video when the request is received. The processor is further configured to relay the request to a transceiver in wireless communication with the candidate vehicle, if the candidate vehicle cannot provide the requested video, otherwise record and transmit the requested video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael McQuillen, Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Publication number: 20220364522
    Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle are described. In one example, the method uses the engine to generate larger amounts of thermal energy while the engine is rotated under power of an electric machine. The systems and methods described herein may be applied to series and parallel hybrid vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Chris Glugla, Chad Archer
  • Patent number: 11480123
    Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle are described. In one example, the method uses the engine to generate larger amounts of thermal energy while the engine is rotated under power of an electric machine. The systems and methods described herein may be applied to series and parallel hybrid vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Chris Glugla, Chad Archer
  • Patent number: 11455888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for connected vehicle and mobile device communications are provided herein. An example method includes determining a distracted condition for at least one of a driver or a pedestrian by evaluating actions occurring within in a vehicle of the driver or on a mobile device of the pedestrian; determining a distraction level for either the driver or the pedestrian based on the actions occurring within in the vehicle or on the mobile device; and providing an alert message to the mobile device or a human machine interface of the vehicle based on the distraction level, the alert message warning of a distracted condition of the pedestrian or the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Syed Amaar Ahmad, Ivan Vukovic, John Walpuck, Jayanthi Rao, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jovan Zagajac
  • Patent number: 11268466
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling deceleration fuel shut off (DFSO) in response to an external object or location, such as a target vehicle. In one example, a method may include, while operating an engine in DFSO, determining a rate of change of a range to the target vehicle, and commanding an exit from the DFSO based on the range rate of change. By exiting the DFSO based on the range rate of change, torque lash experienced by a driver may be correspondingly reduced as compared to exiting the DFSO based upon, for example, one or more powertrain operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Michael McQuillen, Matthew Affeldt, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 11267465
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, in a host vehicle, determine a threat number for a first target vehicle based on data received from the first target vehicle indicating at least one of a position, speed, or route history of the first target vehicle, identify a second target vehicle based on data collected with one or more host vehicle sensors when the threat number of the first target vehicle exceeds a threshold, determine that the first target vehicle and the second target vehicle are not a same vehicle, and, then, upon determining that the first target vehicle and the second target vehicle are not the same vehicle and that at least one of (a) a barrier is detected between the host vehicle and the first target vehicle or (b) that a threat number of the second target vehicle exceeds a second threshold, suppress a collision avoidance action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron L. Mills, Rebecca Lynne Seiler, Alex Maurice Miller, Gopichandra Surnilla, Alekhya Ratnala, Hao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220048505
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, in a host vehicle, determine a threat number for a first target vehicle based on data received from the first target vehicle indicating at least one of a position, speed, or route history of the first target vehicle, identify a second target vehicle based on data collected with one or more host vehicle sensors when the threat number of the first target vehicle exceeds a threshold, determine that the first target vehicle and the second target vehicle are not a same vehicle, and, then, upon determining that the first target vehicle and the second target vehicle are not the same vehicle and that at least one of (a) a barrier is detected between the host vehicle and the first target vehicle or (b) that a threat number of the second target vehicle exceeds a second threshold, suppress a collision avoidance action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron L. Mills, Rebecca Lynne Seiler, Alex Maurice Miller, Gopichandra Surnilla, Alekhya Ratnala, Hao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220034271
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine that includes adjustable poppet valve timing and an exhaust gas recirculation valve are described. In one example, the exhaust gas recirculation valve is opened and the timing of the poppet valves is retarded so that an amount of fresh air that is pumped by the engine to an after treatment device may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Gopichandra Surnilla, Chris Paul Glugla
  • Patent number: 11230242
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes an accelerometer, and a controller electrically coupled to the accelerometer and configured to respond to a signal indicative of an accident of the vehicle. The controller's response to the signal includes activating an emergency mode, requesting biometric data of occupants of the vehicle, and transmitting data identifying the vehicle, a location of the vehicle and a time of activation, and biometric data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Michael Mcquillen, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 11228884
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller, programmed to, send a vehicle status report reflecting current status of the vehicle to a server; responsive to receiving a connection message from the server indicative of a predicted data transaction, wirelessly connect to a fleet vehicle using the connection message; and transmit a data block defined in the connection message to the fleet vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Nathan Clark, Gopichandra Surnilla, Julius Thomas Crouch, II, Vijayababu Jayaraman
  • Patent number: 11215129
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine that includes adjustable poppet valve timing and an exhaust gas recirculation valve are described. In one example, the exhaust gas recirculation valve is opened and the timing of the poppet valves is retarded so that an amount of fresh air that is pumped by the engine to an after treatment device may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Gopichandra Surnilla, Chris Paul Glugla
  • Patent number: 11181089
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating ethanol content in fuel, water content in fuel, and an age of the fuel in a vehicle engine. In one example, a method may include estimating fuel ethanol content, water content, or fuel age based on fuel rail temperature, and two or more of a resonant frequency (f) of pressure pulsations, a change in fuel rail pressure (?p), and a damping coefficient (?) of pressure pulsations in the fuel rail as estimated after a fuel injection or a pump stroke. One or more engine operating parameters may be adjusted based on the estimated fuel ethanol content, water content, and fuel age.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Gopichandra Surnilla, Christopher Paul Glugla, Mark Meinhart
  • Patent number: 11143124
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for calibrating an effective area associated with an exhaust gas recirculation valve and/or a variable orifice associated with the exhaust gas recirculation valve. In one example, a method may include attaining a first steady-state intake pressure with the exhaust gas recirculation valve closed, determining a second steady-state intake pressure and a differential pressure across the variable orifice with the exhaust gas recirculation valve open, and estimating the variable orifice effective area based on the second steady-state intake pressure and the differential pressure. In this way, a calibration table may be updated for an exhaust gas recirculation control apparatus that includes an exhaust gas recirculation valve and a variable orifice, such that an actual amount of recirculated exhaust gas reflects a commanded amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Imtiaz Ali, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Publication number: 20210310429
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine that includes adjustable poppet valve timing and an exhaust gas recirculation valve are described. In one example, the exhaust gas recirculation valve is opened and the timing of the poppet valves is retarded so that an amount of fresh air that is pumped by the engine to an after treatment device may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Gopichandra Surnilla, Chris Paul Glugla
  • Publication number: 20210295702
    Abstract: Systems and methods for connected vehicle and mobile device communications are provided herein. An example method includes determining a distracted condition for at least one of a driver or a pedestrian by evaluating actions occurring within in a vehicle of the driver or on a mobile device of the pedestrian; determining a distraction level for either the driver or the pedestrian based on the actions occurring within in the vehicle or on the mobile device; and providing an alert message to the mobile device or a human machine interface of the vehicle based on the distraction level, the alert message warning of a distracted condition of the pedestrian or the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Syed Amaar Ahmad, Ivan Vukovic, John Walpuck, Jayanthi Rao, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jovan Zagajac
  • Patent number: 11120689
    Abstract: Systems and methods for connected vehicle and mobile device communications are provided herein. An example method includes determining a distracted condition for at least one of a driver or a pedestrian by evaluating actions occurring within in a vehicle of the driver or on a mobile device of the pedestrian; determining a distraction level for either the driver or the pedestrian based on the actions occurring within in the vehicle or on the mobile device; and providing an alert message to the mobile device or a human machine interface of the vehicle based on the distraction level, the alert message warning of a distracted condition of the pedestrian or the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Syed Amaar Ahmad, Ivan Vukovic, John Walpuck, Jayanthi Rao, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jovan Zagajac
  • Publication number: 20210262402
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for calibrating an effective area associated with an exhaust gas recirculation valve and/or a variable orifice associated with the exhaust gas recirculation valve. In one example, a method may include attaining a first steady-state intake pressure with the exhaust gas recirculation valve closed, determining a second steady-state intake pressure and a differential pressure across the variable orifice with the exhaust gas recirculation valve open, and estimating the variable orifice effective area based on the second steady-state intake pressure and the differential pressure. In this way, a calibration table may be updated for an exhaust gas recirculation control apparatus that includes an exhaust gas recirculation valve and a variable orifice, such that an actual amount of recirculated exhaust gas reflects a commanded amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Imtiaz Ali, Gopichandra Surnilla