Patents by Inventor Matt Y. Rupp
Matt Y. Rupp 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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Patent number: 8996197Abstract: Apparatus for a vehicle operated on a roadway having lane markers includes an optical sensor providing optical data of the roadway. A first lane model is stored in an electronic memory in response to detected lane markers in the optical data. An electronic horizon system tracks a position of the vehicle and provides roadway data in response to the position. A second lane model is stored in the electronic memory in response to the roadway data. A confidence checker compares a discrepancy between the first and second lane models to a threshold in order to determine a confidence level. An output selector selects the first lane model when lane markers are detected in the optical data, and selects the second lane model if the lane markers are not detected in the optical data and the confidence level is greater than a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Peter G. Joh, Thomas E. Pilutti, Matt Y. Rupp, Dorian Jack Spero, Brian Wolski
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Patent number: 8972109Abstract: A trailer backup steering input apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus comprises a rotatable control element (e.g., a knob) and a rotatable control element movement sensing device. The rotatable control element biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The rotatable control element movement sensing device is coupled to the rotatable control element for sensing movement of the rotatable control element. The rotatable control element movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotatable control element, and/or a direction of movement of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode, Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley
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Publication number: 20140379217Abstract: The trailer backup assist system has a human machine interface coupled to a controller having a setup module, a calibration module, an activation module and a control module configured to receive trailer measurements, apply trailer measurements, activate and control vehicle systems to calibrate and implement a curvature control algorithm that controls the reverse movement of the vehicle-trailer combination in a manner consistent with a driver request. When incorrect trailer measurements have been entered, the trailer backup assist system recognizes the error, initiates a warning and requests corrective action to correct the trailer measurements. Default values for a maximum controllable curvature limit and a maximum controllable angle replace the limits calculated and applied by the calibration model that used incorrect trailer measurements, until corrected trailer measurements may be entered by the driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Erick Michael Lavoie, Christopher Scott Nave, John Shutko, Kenneth Michael Mayer, Martin Fitzpatrick Frey, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Publication number: 20140379219Abstract: A vehicle has a trailer backup steering input apparatus, a trailer backup assist control module coupled to the a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the trailer backup assist control module and. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is configured for outputting a trailer path curvature signal approximating a desired curvature for a path of travel of a trailer towably coupled to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist control module is configured for determining vehicle steering information as a function of the trailer path curvature signal. The electric power assist steering system is configured for controlling steering of steered wheels of the vehicle as a function of the vehicle steering information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, David Dean Smit, Erick Michael Lavoie, Martin Fitzpatrick Frey, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Taehyun Shim, Matt Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley
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Publication number: 20140379164Abstract: Apparatus for a vehicle operated on a roadway having lane markers includes an optical sensor providing optical data of the roadway. A first lane model is stored in an electronic memory in response to detected lane markers in the optical data. An electronic horizon system tracks a position of the vehicle and provides roadway data in response to the position. A second lane model is stored in the electronic memory in response to the roadway data. A confidence checker compares a discrepancy between the first and second lane models to a threshold in order to determine a confidence level. An output selector selects the first lane model when lane markers are detected in the optical data, and selects the second lane model if the lane markers are not detected in the optical data and the confidence level is greater than a predetermined level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Peter G. Joh, Thomas E. Pilutti, Matt Y. Rupp, Dorian Jack Spero, Brian Wolski
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Patent number: 8909426Abstract: A vehicle has a trailer backup steering input apparatus, a trailer backup assist control module coupled to the a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the trailer backup assist control module and. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is configured for outputting a trailer path curvature signal approximating a desired curvature for a path of travel of a trailer towably coupled to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist control module is configured for determining vehicle steering information as a function of the trailer path curvature signa. The electric power assist steering system is configured for controlling steering of steered wheels of the vehicle as a function of the vehicle steering information.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, David Dean Smit, Erick Michael Lavoie, Martin Fitzpatrick Frey, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Taehyun Shim, Matt Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley
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Publication number: 20140358429Abstract: A method of inputting a path is provided. The method includes the steps of generating an aerial view of a vehicle and a trailer based on at least one of image data and satellite image data, displaying the aerial view on a display having a touch screen, and registering a touch event on the touch screen that inputs an intended path for the vehicle and the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: John Shutko, Roger Arnold Trombley, Matt Y. Rupp, Michael Hafner
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Publication number: 20140288777Abstract: A vehicle comprises a trailer angle detection apparatus and a trailer backup control system coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus. The trailer angle detection apparatus is configured for outputting a signal generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer towably attached to the vehicle. The trailer backup control system includes a jackknife enabling condition detector and a jackknife counter-measures controller. The jackknife counter-measures controller alters a setting of at least one vehicle operating parameter for alleviating an adverse jackknife condition during backing of the trailer by the vehicle when the jackknife enabling condition detector determines that a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at a particular point in time during backing of the trailer by the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Erick Michael Lavoie, Taehyun Shim
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Patent number: 8825328Abstract: A vehicle comprises a trailer angle detection apparatus and a trailer backup control system coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus. The trailer angle detection apparatus is configured for outputting a signal generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer towably attached to the vehicle. The trailer backup control system includes a jackknife enabling condition detector and a jackknife counter-measures controller. The jackknife counter-measures controller alters a setting of at least one vehicle operating parameter for alleviating an adverse jackknife condition during backing of the trailer by the vehicle when the jackknife enabling condition detector determines that a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at a particular point in time during backing of the trailer by the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Matt Y. Rupp, Taehyun Shim, David Dean Smit, Erick Michael Lavoie, Roger Amold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti
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Publication number: 20140172232Abstract: A sensor system and method for estimating a hitch angle of a trailer attached to a vehicle includes a primary sensor and a secondary sensor. The primary sensor has a camera that monitors a target on the trailer to determine a measured hitch angle. The secondary sensor monitors the trailer to determine an indicator of the hitch angle. The sensor system also includes a controller to steer the vehicle to attain a selected hitch angle when the measured hitch angle correlates with the indicator of the hitch angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matt Y. Rupp, Shane Elwart, Roger Arnold Trombley
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Patent number: 8755984Abstract: A vehicle comprises a trailer angle detection apparatus and a trailer backup control system. The trailer angle detection apparatus is configured for outputting hitch angle information generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer towably attached thereto. The trailer backup control system includes a jackknife enabling condition detector and a jackknife counter-measures controller coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus. The jackknife enabling condition detector is coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus for receiving the hitch angle information therefrom and for determining if a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at a particular point in time during backing of the trailer by the vehicle. The jackknife counter-measures controller implements a vehicle speed reducing action in response to the jackknife enabling condition detector determining that the jackknife enabling condition has been attained at the particular point in time during backing of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Erick Michael Lavoie, Taehyun Shim
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Publication number: 20140052337Abstract: The trailer backup assist system has a human machine interface coupled to a controller having a setup module, a calibration module, an activation module and a control module configured to receive trailer measurements, apply trailer measurements, activate and control vehicle systems to calibrate and implement a curvature control algorithm that controls the reverse movement of the vehicle-trailer combination in a manner consistent with a driver request.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Roger Arnold Trombley, Christopher Nave, John Shutko, Matt Y. Rupp, Kenneth Michael Mayer
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Publication number: 20140046545Abstract: A trailer backup control system includes a jackknife enabling condition detector and a jackknife counter-measures controller. The jackknife counter-measures controller alters a setting of at least one vehicle operating parameter for alleviating an adverse jackknife condition during backing of the trailer by the vehicle when the jackknife enabling condition detector determines that a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at a particular point in time during backing of the trailer by the vehicle, restricts a trailer backup steering input apparatus and issues a warning to the driver using the trailer backup steering input apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Erick Michael Lavoie, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti
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Publication number: 20120271514Abstract: A trailer backup steering input apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus comprises a rotatable control element (e.g., a knob) and a rotatable control element movement sensing device. The rotatable control element biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The rotatable control element movement sensing device is coupled to the rotatable control element for sensing movement of the rotatable control element. The rotatable control element movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotatable control element, and/or a direction of movement of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode, Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley
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Publication number: 20120271512Abstract: A vehicle comprises a trailer angle detection apparatus and a trailer backup control system coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus. The trailer angle detection apparatus is configured for outputting a signal generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer towably attached to the vehicle. The trailer backup control system includes a jackknife enabling condition detector and a jackknife counter-measures controller. The jackknife counter-measures controller alters a setting of at least one vehicle operating parameter for alleviating an adverse jackknife condition during backing of the trailer by the vehicle when the jackknife enabling condition detector determines that a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at a particular point in time during backing of the trailer by the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Matt Y. Rupp, Taehyun Shim, David Dean Smit, Erick Michael Lavoie, Roger Amold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti
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Publication number: 20120271515Abstract: A vehicle has a trailer backup steering input apparatus, a trailer backup assist control module coupled to the a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the trailer backup assist control module and. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is configured for outputting a trailer path curvature signal approximating a desired curvature for a path of travel of a trailer towably coupled to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist control module is configured for determining vehicle steering information as a function of the trailer path curvature signa. The electric power assist steering system is configured for controlling steering of steered wheels of the vehicle as a function of the vehicle steering information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, David Dean Smit, Erick Michael Lavoie, Martin Fitzpatrick Frey, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Taehyun Shim, Matt Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley
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Publication number: 20120271522Abstract: A vehicle comprises a trailer angle detection apparatus and a trailer backup control system. The trailer angle detection apparatus is configured for outputting hitch angle information generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer towably attached thereto. The trailer backup control system includes a jackknife enabling condition detector and a jackknife counter-measures controller coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus. The jackknife enabling condition detector is coupled to the trailer angle detection apparatus for receiving the hitch angle information therefrom and for determining if a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at a particular point in time during backing of the trailer by the vehicle. The jackknife counter-measures controller implements a vehicle speed reducing action in response to the jackknife enabling condition detector determining that the jackknife enabling condition has been attained at the particular point in time during backing of the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Erick Michael Lavoie, Taehyun Shim