Patents by Inventor Manoharprasad K. Rao

Manoharprasad K. Rao 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).

  • Method and apparatus for a near field communication system to exchange occupant information
    Patent number: 9612797
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of antennas, positioned to be capable of receiving a wireless near field communication (NFC) device signal associated with a device located in any one of a driver's back pocket or front pocket, a center console or a passenger seat. The system also includes an NFC reader, in communication with the plurality of antennas. The NFC reader is operable to assign, based at least in part on a number of signals received and a signal strength, one of one or more devices associated with detected signals to a driver. The NFC reader is in communication with a vehicle computing system, operable to retrieve additional information associated with the device assigned to the driver and to apply that information to control vehicle settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Rear row knee bolster deployment control
    Patent number: 9604588
    Abstract: A system comprises a controller for a vehicle. The controller comprises a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to make readings of an infrared sensor positioned to sense objects and motion in a rear passenger foot well. The controller determines if there is an object present in the foot well using the readings. The controller then determines if there is motion in the foot well using the readings. The controller then activates a knee bolster when motion is determined, and deactivates a knee bolster when motion is not determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Mark A. Cuddihy, Robert William McCoy
  • VEHICLE FUEL FILLER ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20170066321
    Abstract: A vehicle and a fuel filler assembly may be provided. The fuel filler assembly may include a housing, a panel assembly, and a sensor assembly. The panel assembly may be carried by the housing and may include a door and a hinge extending from the door. The hinge may have indicia disposed thereon and the sensor assembly may be configured to provide a signal indicative of a location of the indicia relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Hubert Szawarski, Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • GESTURE-ACTIVATED HOOD RELEASE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170058575
    Abstract: A gesture-activated hood release system for a motor vehicle is provided. That system incorporates a gesture sensor, a first actuator and a second actuator. Further, the system includes a controller that is responsive to the gesture sensor to activate the first actuator and open a primary hood latch and then, after a predetermined time delay, activate the second actuator and open the secondary hood latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Dual airbags in vehicle with reconfigurable interior
    Patent number: 9580033
    Abstract: A steering wheel in a vehicle can be in one of an operating position and a stowed position. Crash sensor data is monitored to detect a first and second frontal collision. Upon detecting the first frontal collision, a selected one of a first airbag and a second airbag is deployed depending on whether the steering wheel is in the stowed position or the operational position. When the steering wheel is in the operational position and a second collision is detected both the first and second airbags may be deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Jialiang Le
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NO-TURN-ON-RED REMINDER
    Publication number: 20170015239
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a navigation system configured to output a vehicle location and an intersection location at which a turn on red is prohibited. The vehicle includes a controller programmed to, in response to the vehicle location being in proximity to the intersection location and data being indicative of a driver intention to turn at the intersection, output an indicator to inform a driver that the turn on red is prohibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. RAO, Kwaku O. PRAKAH-ASANTE
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OCCUPANT HEIGHT
    Publication number: 20160368452
    Abstract: An image is received from an image sensor. The image includes an occupant's head. A seated height of the occupant is determined based at least in part on a distance from the image sensor to the occupant's head, and a detected angle of a vehicle seat. A safety device is adjusted based at least in part on the seated height of the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jialiang Le, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Ming Dong
  • OCCUPANT WEIGHT AND HEIGHT ESTIMATION
    Publication number: 20160368397
    Abstract: A vehicle classification system includes a processor programmed to determine a seated height and seated weight associated with a vehicle occupant. The processor is further programmed to assign a classification to the vehicle occupant based at least in part on a ratio of the seated weight to the seated height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jialiang Le, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Method and apparatus for detecting a left-behind phone
    Patent number: 9521525
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle computing processor. The processor is configured to, through wireless communication with a phone, and after determining that a vehicle engine is not running, request and receive motion sensor data from the phone. The processor is further configured to determine if a phone is moving with a driver based on the motion sensor data. Also, the processor is configured to alert the driver if the phone is not moving with the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jialiang Le, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • NON-FUNCTIONING HEADLIGHT WARNING
    Publication number: 20160350939
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to identify a first zone and a second zone in an image of an area ahead of a vehicle. The processing device compares a first brightness associated with the first zone to a second brightness associated with the second zone to determine a brightness difference. The processing device can determine whether at least one vehicle headlight has malfunctioned based at least in part on the brightness difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Cooperative occupant sensing
    Patent number: 9509775
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a communication interface and a processing device. The communication interface is programmed to pair with at least one mobile device. The processing device is programmed to receive a data file, which includes occupant information, sent from the mobile device. The processing device is further programmed to update at least one vehicle setting based on the occupant information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Jialiang Le
  • Rear collision avoidance and mitigation system
    Patent number: 9505405
    Abstract: Data is collected from vehicle sensors to generate a virtual map of objects proximate to the vehicle. Based on the virtual map, an in-vehicle computer determines a traffic condition in front of and behind a host vehicle. The in-vehicle computer determines collision avoidance maneuvers. The computer instructs vehicle control units to implement the collision avoidance maneuvers. The computer may additionally or alternatively communicate the collision avoidance maneuvers to a driver via an interface. In the case of unavoidable collisions, the computer determines and initiates damage mitigation actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Stanek, Tobias John Pallett, Sarra Awad Yako, Mark Davison, Mark Douglas Malone, Mathew Alan Boesch, John A. Lockwood, Hsin-hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Determining vehicle occupant location
    Patent number: 9510159
    Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more messages including a first message from a first mobile device. The first mobile device is wearable. Based at least in part on the first message, the first mobile device is associated with a first user. Steering wheel movement data during a first time period and movement data from the first mobile device during the first time period are also received. Based on the steering wheel movement data and the first mobile device movement data, it is determined that the first user occupies a vehicle driver seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • DETERMINING VEHICLE OCCUPANT LOCATION
    Publication number: 20160337815
    Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more messages including a first message from a first mobile device. The first mobile device is wearable. Based at least in part on the first message, the first mobile device is associated with a first user. Steering wheel movement data during a first time period and movement data from the first mobile device during the first time period are also received. Based on the steering wheel movement data and the first mobile device movement data, it is determined that the first user occupies a vehicle driver seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • Vehicle occupant classification
    Patent number: 9475405
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least two sensors. A first sensor is configured to output a child restraint signal indicating a presence of a child restraint system. A second sensor is configured to output a belt tension signal representing a tension associated with a seat belt. A processing device is programmed to determine whether the child restraint system includes a child seat or a booster seat based on the child restraint signal and the belt tension signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Agnes S. Kim, Robert William McCoy
  • System and method for enabling touchscreen by passenger in moving vehicle
    Patent number: 9477332
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the performance of complex operations on a dashboard-mounted touchscreen in a vehicle moving above a predetermined minimal speed. The system includes a sensor for determining that the touchscreen is intended or going to be touched by driver and/or front seat passenger. A control, responsive to operation of the sensor, disallows or allows the touchscreen to be responsive to a touching. The touchscreen is not allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is touched by the driver. The touchscreen is allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is not going to be touched by the driver and is touched by the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Louis Tijerina, Walter Joseph Talamonti, Devinder Singh Kochhar
  • RESTRAINT CHARACTERISTICS CONFIGURATION FOR PASSENGER ZONES
    Publication number: 20160304045
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one controller that may be configured to set a parameter for a vehicle zone based on data from an occupant detection sensor associated with the zone. The controller may be configured to respond to a signal from a nomadic device indicative of a profile of an occupant selected from a plurality of potential occupant profiles and an assignment of the occupant to the zone. The controller may be configured to override the parameter of the zone based on the signal. The vehicle may also include an airbag associated with a seat in the vehicle. The at least one controller may be configured to set the airbag to an enabled state based on the parameter, and override the enabled state in response to a signal from a nomadic device indicative of a child profile being assigned to the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Agnes S. Kim, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • SEATBELT PAYOUT MEASURING DEVICE AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160288766
    Abstract: A seatbelt payout measuring device with a rewind spring having a first end connected to a center spool and a second end connected to a rewind spring housing. A dielectric material layered immediately adjacent to the rewind spring forming a first layer and an electrolytic coil with dielectric material layered on both sides forming a second layer, isolating the rewind spring from the electrolytic coil. A capacitive measuring device having a first lead connected to the first end of the rewind spring and a second lead connected to a first end of the electrolytic coil. The capacitive measuring device measuring capacitance with belt pullout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Mark A. Cuddihy, Mark Allan Lippman, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • REAR OCCUPANT WARNING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160280067
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant alert system may include an in-vehicle sensor configured to detect an object in a rear seat of a vehicle, and a controller configured to receive, from the sensor, an indication of an object in the rear seat, and to transmit, in response to the indication, presence information to a mobile device to cause the mobile device to transmit a command to a wearable device including instructions for an alert at the wearable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Mark A. CUDDIHY, Manoharprasad K. RAO, Kwaku O. PRAKAH-ASANTE
  • DRIVER VISUAL SENSOR BEHAVIOR STUDY DEVICE
    Publication number: 20160275361
    Abstract: A sensor test system may include a controller coupled to at least one test device and a sensor, the controller configured to receive test instructions including a plurality of test sequences, instruct at least one display unit to display an item based on the test sequences, receive response data from the test device indicative of a driver behavior, the response data including timing information and test device information, compile the response data based on the timing information and the test device information, receive sensor data acquired by the sensor during the test sequences, compare the compiled response data to the sensor data, and determine an accuracy of the sensor based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Jialiang LE, Manoharprasad K. RAO, Lingxi LI, Renran TIAN