Patents Assigned to Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
  • Trailer towing assistant for tight spot reversal
    Patent number: 11072330
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle-trailer unit includes recording, with an electronic control unit for a trailer assist system, a plurality of maneuvers of the vehicle-trailer unit as each maneuver is executed in an original direction of travel. The method also includes retrieving the recorded plurality of maneuvers in response to an initiating of a tight spot reversal feature for the trailer assist system. The method further includes instructing vehicle systems to perform the retrieved recorded plurality of maneuvers in the reverse order and direction of travel in which they were recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Herzog, Jeremy McClain, Ibro Muharemovic
  • Three-dimensional point cloud generated by high-resolution flash LIDAR
    Patent number: 11073597
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle image system supported by a vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving data from one or more sensors supported by the vehicle. The one or more sensors capture sensor data of objects in the surrounding environment of the vehicle. The method also includes receiving a storage indication from a user input device. The storage indication is indicative of storing the data from the one or more sensors in the non-transitory memory. The method also includes storing the data after receiving the storage indication and transmitting a command to one or more remote devices causing the one or more remote devices to generate a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional object based on the received data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Goran Vuletici
  • Braking system for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 11066055
    Abstract: A braking system for a motor vehicle for actuating hydraulically actuatable wheel brakes comprises a first and a second electrically controllable pressure source for providing a brake pressure for actuating the wheel brakes. A first electric energy supply unit and a second electric energy supply unit that is independent of the first electric energy supply unit are provided. An electrically controllable pressure modulation device for setting brake pressures that are individual to each of the wheel brakes has at least one electrically actuatable inlet valve for each wheel brake. The first pressure source can be supplied with electric energy by the first energy supply unit, the second pressure source can be supplied with electric energy by the second energy supply unit, and the pressure modulation device can be supplied with electric energy by the first energy supply unit and by the second energy supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Besier, Stefan Drumm
  • Remote tuning and diagnostic interface for hands-free systems
    Patent number: 11070657
    Abstract: Operating parameters of a hands-free audio system used with a wireless communication device in a moving vehicle are adjusted or tuned in real-time and requires only two persons: one to drive the vehicle and thus provide actual usage conditions with the hands-free audio system and one to remotely tune or adjust operating parameters to optimize far end audio quality. The system is remotely tuned by transmitting audio signals from the vehicle to the far end using a first communications link to the far end and sending adjustment commands to the vehicle from the far end via a second, data link between the far end and the vehicle. In one embodiment, DTMF signals received from inside or outside the vehicle can tune or be used to diagnose the hands-free system. Test measurements obtained from within and by the hands-free audio system can also be retrieved from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bijal Joshi, Matthew Robert Kirsch
  • LIDAR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20210215798
    Abstract: A Lidar system includes a photodetector having a field of view. The system includes a light emitter and an exit window positioned to transmit light from the light emitter into a field of illumination overlapping the field of view. The system includes a light-intensity pattern element between the light emitter and the exit window and designed to apply a pattern in the intensity of light across the field of illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Pushkar P. Pandit, Jacob A. Bergam, William F. Borba
  • LIDAR SYSTEM INCLUDING SCANNING FIELD OF ILLUMINATION
    Publication number: 20210208251
    Abstract: A Lidar system includes an array of photodetectors. The system includes a beam-steering device and a light emitter aimed at the beam-steering device. The beam-steering device is designed to aim light from the light emitter into a field of illumination positioned to be detected by a segment of the array of photodetectors. The segment is smaller than the array. The system includes a computer having a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor to adjust the aim of the beam-steering device to move the field of illumination relative to the array of photodetectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Elliot Smith, Jan Michael Masur, Wilfried Mehr
  • ELECTRONICS DEVICE HAVING A PLASTIC COVER WITH A SEALED CENTER BOSS
    Publication number: 20210204423
    Abstract: An electronics unit includes a housing, the housing having a base portion with a post member extending from the base portion. The post member has a through-hole defined through the post member. A printed circuit board is connected to the housing at a plurality of connection points. The printed circuit board includes one or more electric or electronic components disposed thereon and has an aperture. The post member is disposed through the aperture of the printed circuit board. A distal end portion of the post member is larger than a diameter of the aperture so as to fix the printed circuit board to the housing, forming one of the connection points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Su, Kevin D. Moore
  • REDUCED NUMBER OF STATES IN A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20210188022
    Abstract: At a control circuit of a TPM sensor, one or more of a first adjustment to the periodicity, a second adjustment to the content, and a third adjustment to the length of a message are determined based upon the operational history of the sensor. The adjustments are applied to the messages and adjusted messages are transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Tomasz Jan Kaczmarski, Themi Anagnos
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUSLY GUIDING A VEHICLE INTO AN OIL CHANGE BAY OR A CONVEYOR OF AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH
    Publication number: 20210188321
    Abstract: A system for autonomously moving and aligning a vehicle with respect to an object fixed to a traveling surface in front of the vehicle includes at least one camera packaged within the vehicle to obtain images of the fixed object. A controller packaged within the vehicle receives the images from the camera and processes the images so as to identify and locate the fixed object with respect to the vehicle. A drive system, connected with the controller, is constructed and arranged to cause autonomous movement, steering and braking of the vehicle. A user input device is constructed and arranged to activate the controller 1) to identify and locate the fixed object relative to the vehicle, and 2) to command the drive system to autonomously move the vehicle towards the fixed object and to stop the vehicle so as to be aligned relative to the fixed object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jill Anne Palazzolo
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING ON-VEHICLE SENSORS FOR SECURITY MONITORING
    Publication number: 20210188213
    Abstract: A method security monitors a parked vehicle's surroundings. The vehicle has a plurality of motion activated sensors mounted on the vehicle to obtain data regarding an area near the vehicle. The vehicle includes a controller. mounted on the vehicle, electrically connected with the plurality of sensors to receive the data from the sensors and to process the data to identify activity in the area near the vehicle. With the vehicle parked and the ignition off, at least one of the plurality of sensors senses activity occurring in the area near the vehicle. When activity is determined to be occurring in the sensed area near the vehicle, certain ones of the plurality of sensors monitors the area near the vehicle and provides data to the controller indicative of the activity occurring in the area near the vehicle. A system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Stabel, Maria Nohemi Bravo Solis, Mariano Raul Gonzalez Tokman
  • Guide tube retainment feature during crimping of guide tubes
    Patent number: 11040389
    Abstract: A method for making an air spring assembly, including the steps of providing a bellow, a support ring, and a guide tube. The support ring is positioned relative to a bellow adapter such that a portion of the bellow adapter extends through the support ring. The bellow is then positioned such that a portion of the bellow extends over the support ring and a portion of the bellow adapter. The guide tube is then positioned relative to the bellow and the support ring, such that a portion of the bellow extends into the guide tube and the guide tube is supported by the bellow adapter, and a portion of the guide tube is supported by a ridge support fixture. The first clamp and second clamp are then moved towards the guide tube, applying force to the guide tube, simultaneously forming a first crimp and a second crimp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G Jerisk
  • System and method for vehicle identification
    Patent number: 11043118
    Abstract: A method of identifying a target vehicle in a system includes providing a sensor within a system. Motion data of a plurality of vehicles within the system is detected with the sensor. Broadcast motion data is received from a vehicle unit within the system. Which of the plurality of vehicles is a target vehicle is determined based on a comparison of the detected motion data and the broadcast motion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Critchley, Rodrigo Flores Maldonado
  • Positioning pins for foldable printed circuit board
    Patent number: 11044823
    Abstract: An electronics device includes a folded printed circuit board which is folded about at least one fold region which defines a first section and a second section. A housing has a plurality of side portions. The first section of the folded printed circuit board is secured along an outer surface of a first side portion of the plurality of side portions. The housing further includes an interior. At least one first slot is defined within the interior and disposed along or near a second side portion arranged opposite the first side portion. At least one first pin member is disposed partly within the at least one first slot and extends therefrom. A distal end portion of the at least one first pin member engages with the second section of the folded printed circuit board so as to hold the second section in position over the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitul Patel, Wai-Tak Ho, Donald J Zito
  • System And Method For Detecting One Way Driving Using A Heat Map
    Publication number: 20210183239
    Abstract: A method for determining wrong direction using a heat map includes: receiving sensor data from at least one sensor in communication with a hardware processor. The method also includes identifying a plurality of traffic participants and determining at least one attributes including at least a direction of travel. The method also includes generating the heat map based on the at least one attributes of the plurality of traffic participants, where the heat map indicates at least travel direction of the surface area. The method also includes receiving sensor data indicating a direction of travel and location of a first vehicle; and comparing the sensor data of the first vehicle with the heat map to determine when the first vehicle is traveling in an opposing direction to the travel direction of the heat map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ganesh Adireddy
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING PROTOCOL CHANGES TO A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSOR
    Publication number: 20210178839
    Abstract: Received acceleration or motion information are analyzed and when the analysis of this information indicates that motion or acceleration is detected, received burst patterns from the other sensors are analyzed. Based upon analyzing the detected burst patterns from the other sensors, a first burst pattern is selectively altered to transmit according to a single communication format, the single format being for a single vehicle manufacturer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Alexander Fink
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIRECT COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN TIRE SENSORS
    Publication number: 20210178838
    Abstract: Approaches are provided where direct communications between tire pressure sensors are provided. One sensor may act as a teacher while other sensors may act as students and learn from the teacher sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. McIntyre, Jean-Christophe Deniau, Brian Hillawi
  • Fuel pump solenoid having hydraulic damping
    Patent number: 11035491
    Abstract: A solenoid assembly of a fuel pump includes a housing; a pole piece disposed within the housing; an armature assembly movably disposed within the housing and including an armature and a plunger; and a coil disposed within the housing. A plurality of metal disks are disposed in a stacked arrangement, coupled to the pole piece and situated so as to be impacted by the armature during a full stroke of the armature assembly. The solenoid assembly further includes at least one fluid path in fluid communication with the region surrounding the metal disks, the at least one fluid path configured such that only a portion of a secondary swept volume of fuel associated with the armature assembly during operation of the fuel pump passes through the region and decelerates the armature assembly when the armature assembly moves towards the pole piece responsive to a current passing through the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: James Fochtman, John Walters, Tyler Craven
  • Vehicle surround view system for identifying unobservable regions while reversing a trailer
    Patent number: 11034298
    Abstract: A method and system identifies an unobservable region using a surround view system of a vehicle. The vehicle has a trailer attached thereto. The surround view system includes cameras to provide a view of an area surrounding the vehicle, an ECU receives image data from the cameras, and a display. A legacy observable image of the area obtained from the cameras as the vehicle passes through the area is stored in the ECU. A model representing a geometry of the trailer is created. Live images of the area, while the vehicle is reversing the trailer in the area, are obtained by the cameras. The trailer defines an obstruction in the area that occludes camera views defining an unobservable region. Based on the legacy observable image, the geometry of the trailer, and the live images, the unobservable region in the area is calculated and displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hockridge Critchley, Jesse Aaron Hacker, Tony Moussa
  • Vehicle theft deterrent utilizing driver identification seatbelt system
    Patent number: 11034328
    Abstract: A driver identification seatbelt system including a seatbelt system having at least one first belt with a first coupling member, and a second coupling member. The driver identification seatbelt system further including a fingerprint recognition member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ningsheng Qiao, Manjunath P Venkataramana, Robert Andres, Dean Beckman
  • Front pick-up illuminated pointer
    Patent number: 11035701
    Abstract: An illuminated pointer for a vehicle instrument cluster provides a more uniform light by propagating light from a source, through an elongate, light-transmitting prism formed to have multiple, inclined light-reflecting surfaces. Each surface being at a different angle, reflects light at a slightly different angle producing a corresponding number of refracted light maxima along the length of the prism. A more uniform refracted light is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt Ollila, Vyacheslav Birman