Patents by Inventor Brian Bennie
Brian Bennie 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: 9715665Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting a working condition of one or more vehicle components includes communicating with a cellular communication module in a vehicle over a telecommunications network. A vehicle component characteristic or identifier for the vehicle components is received over the telecommunication network. One or more operation status identifiers for the one or more vehicle components based on data from the vehicle is also received. A location for servicing or purchasing the one or more vehicle components based on the vehicle component characteristic or identifier is determined. A service status of the one or more vehicle components based on the one or more operation status identifiers is also determined. Based on the service status, a message including an identification of the vehicle components and a service or purchase location for the vehicle components is generated. The message is transmitted to a terminal for display.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Robert Bruce Kleve, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Dilip B. Patel, Brian Bennie, Gregory Swadling
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Patent number: 9672744Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
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Publication number: 20170106874Abstract: A vehicle system may include a thermal sensor; and a connectivity device of a vehicle, in communication with the thermal sensor, configured to receive an indication from the thermal sensor indicative of detection of a thermal event within a structure housing the vehicle, responsive to the detection, autonomously move the vehicle out of the structure away from the thermal event, and operate as an information relay that provides status of the thermal event. A method may include activating a connectivity device of a vehicle responsive to detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle by a vehicle thermal sensor; confirming, by the connectivity device, the detection of the thermal event by utilizing other thermal sensor inputs of the vehicle; and responsive to the confirmation, commanding a vehicle system to autonomously move the vehicle out of a structure away from the thermal event.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Laura Viviana HAZEBROUCK, Brad Alan IGNACZAK, Brian BENNIE, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH
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Publication number: 20170076331Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive an indication of a trigger state indicating that a message should be broadcast over dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) from a broadcasting vehicle. The processor is also configured to select a message, in response to the trigger state, for broadcast and broadcast the selected message while the trigger state persists.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Oliver LEI, David Allen KOWALSKI, Dehua CUI, Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Allen R. MURRAY, Perry Robinson MACNEILLE, Noorulla MOHAMMED, Brian BENNIE
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Patent number: 9555814Abstract: A vehicle system may include a thermal sensor; and a vehicle connectivity module in communication with the thermal sensor and a plurality of vehicle systems configured to receive an indication, from the thermal sensor, indicative of detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle, and responsive to the detection, utilize at least one of the plurality vehicle systems to perform at least one assistance feature to provide notification of the thermal event. A computer-implemented method may include activating a vehicle connectivity module responsive to detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle by a vehicle thermal sensor, confirming, by the vehicle connectivity module, the detection of the thermal event by utilizing other thermal sensor inputs of the vehicle, and responsive to the confirmation, commanding a vehicle system to perform at least one assistance feature to provide notification of the thermal event to a user.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
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Publication number: 20170008489Abstract: A device for controlling a restricted mode of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a controller that is configured to receive an input indicative of a request to change a vehicle state from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode and to transmit a first control signal indicative of a request to limit at least one of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration. The controller is further configured to monitor a distance traveled by a driver when the vehicle is in the restricted mode and to compare the distance traveled to a predetermined distance limit. The controller is further configured to transmit a second control signal to remove the request to limit the at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle acceleration in response to determining that the distance traveled exceeds the predetermined distance limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Thomas Lee MILLER, Brian BENNIE, Eric L. REED, Lisa Therese BORAN
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Publication number: 20160371980Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
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Patent number: 9516492Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes one or more near field communication (NFC) devices positioned about a driver zone of the vehicle for being wirelessly coupled to the PCD. The PCD is configured to (i) determine if the vehicle is moving above a predetermined vehicle speed, (ii) wirelessly transmit a first signal to the one or more NFC devices in the vehicle, and (iii) determine that the PCD is positioned in the driver zone of the vehicle in response to a second signal from the one or more NFC devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Robert Bruce Kleve, Brian Bennie, Anthony Gerald King
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Publication number: 20160332573Abstract: A vehicle system includes a camera and a display device. The camera is configured to capture an image and the display device is programmed to display the image. Each image includes a target, and the display device displays a virtual overlay on the image. The virtual overlay is displayed on the display device at a fixed location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2015Publication date: November 17, 2016Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Brad Alan Ignaczak, Ali Hassani, Adil Nizam Siddiqui, Paul Theodosis, Chris W. Bell, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Brian Bennie
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Patent number: 9481295Abstract: Improved vehicle emergency lighting control may be implemented in a vehicle computer. Data may be collected related to a pursuit of a second vehicle. The collected data can be used to determine at least one of an action of the first vehicle and an action of the second vehicle. An emergency light in the first vehicle can be controlled based on the at least one determined action.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brian Bennie, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Randy Michael Freiburger, Thomas Lee Miller
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Patent number: 9479924Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes one or more near field communication (NFC) devices positioned about a driver zone of the vehicle for being wirelessly coupled to the PCD. The PCD is configured to (i) determine if the vehicle is moving above a predetermined vehicle speed, (ii) wirelessly transmit a first signal to the one or more NFC devices in the vehicle, and (iii) determine that the PCD is positioned in the driver zone of the vehicle in response to a second signal from the one or more NFC devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Robert Bruce Kleve, Brian Bennie, Anthony Gerald King
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Patent number: 9452735Abstract: A device for controlling a restricted mode of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a controller that is configured to receive an input indicative of a request to change a vehicle state from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode and to transmit a first control signal indicative of a request to limit at least one of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration. The controller is further configured to monitor a distance traveled by a driver when the vehicle is in the restricted mode and to compare the distance traveled to a predetermined distance limit. The controller is further configured to transmit a second control signal to remove the request to limit the at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle acceleration in response to determining that the distance traveled exceeds the predetermined distance limit.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Eric L. Reed, Lisa Therese Boran
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Patent number: 9437111Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
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Patent number: 9373044Abstract: A lane departure warning system has a trailer detector for detecting that a trailer is attached to a vehicle, a lane boundary detector for detecting a position of a lane boundary on a roadway over which the vehicle is travelling, and an information processor including a calibrator for generating calibration parameters used in determining an unintended lane departure event with respect to the lane boundary. The information processor initiates a process for allowing an operator to provide trailer width information when the trailer detector indicates that the vehicle is towing a trailer. The lane departure warning system also includes a sensor for detecting a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A controller determines a lateral offset of the trailer relative to the vehicle based on the hitch angle and a length of the trailer for generating a warning signal when the lateral offset crosses the lane boundary.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Wallat, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Brian Bennie, Timothy Prodin, Brian Wolski
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Patent number: 9352683Abstract: Data is collected related one or more objects proximate to a first vehicle, the one or more objects including a second vehicle. The collected data is used to generate a virtual map of the one or more objects including the second vehicle. It is determined that the second vehicle is likely to pass within a predetermined distance of the first vehicle, thereby identifying a threat of a collision. An action is initiated based on the threat. The predetermined distance is determined by comparing a current traffic density to a predetermined traffic density threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Alan Ignaczak, Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Randy Michael Freiburger
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Publication number: 20160090105Abstract: A vehicle system may include a thermal sensor; and a vehicle connectivity module in communication with the thermal sensor and a plurality of vehicle systems configured to receive an indication, from the thermal sensor, indicative of detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle, and responsive to the detection, utilize at least one of the plurality vehicle systems to perform at least one assistance feature to provide notification of the thermal event. A computer-implemented method may include activating a vehicle connectivity module responsive to detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle by a vehicle thermal sensor, confirming, by the vehicle connectivity module, the detection of the thermal event by utilizing other thermal sensor inputs of the vehicle, and responsive to the confirmation, commanding a vehicle system to perform at least one assistance feature to provide notification of the thermal event to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Laura Viviana HAZEBROUCK, Brad Alan IGNACZAK, Brian BENNIE, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH
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Patent number: 9238450Abstract: Exemplary methods and vehicles are disclosed. Exemplary methods may include determining that a vehicle is a fleet vehicle, establishing a presence of a configuration bit indicating the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, receiving an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage session as a fleet vehicle, and resetting a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the conclusion of the vehicle usage. Other exemplary methods may include installing a configuration bit into a vehicle, which indicates that the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, and providing a processor for the vehicle. The processor may be configured to reset a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the configuration bit and an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage associated with the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, Thomas Lee Miller, Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Scott Alan Watkins, Eric L. Reed, Jon Holt, Brian Bennie
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Publication number: 20150360610Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vehicle wrong-way detection including systems, sensors or features, such as those for system/network clocks, ambient light, driver impairment, automatic cruise control, blind spot warning or configurable vehicle security, either singly or in any combination therewith, may refine and/or modify the confidence level of detecting particular or potential wrong-way incidents. By modifying the confidence level, the system may change the system sensitivity by moving the cutoff point at which an alert activation takes place. The systems described above can modify the wrong-way detection sensitivity. Greater confidence, or system sensitivity, may also help enable the system to take further actions beyond a simple warning. At greater confidence levels, the system could intervene, by way of a non-limiting example, with throttle limiting, turning on the hazard lights or even bringing the vehicle to a stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Eric L. Reed, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller
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Patent number: 9205710Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and systems for determining a tire pressure status. The system may include at least one computer. An input defining an inflation status of one or more vehicle tires, as well as tire inflation data of the one or more tires, may be received. A specific value associated with an inflation event of the one or more vehicle tires may be calculated based on the inflation data. Further, one or more messages for outputting the specific value from one or more vehicle components may be generated and transmitted to the one or more vehicle components. The specific value may be output as one or more messages from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dilip B. Patel, Steven Yellin Schondorf, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Brian Bennie, Gregory Swadling
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Publication number: 20150348417Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L. Reed, Scott Alan Watkins