Patents by Inventor Cynthia M. Neubecker

Cynthia M. Neubecker 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).

  • Patent number: 9809230
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20170301237
    Abstract: Systems and methods for intersection assistance using dedicated short range communications are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a dedicated short range communication transceiver and an intersection assistor. The example dedicated short range communication transceiver is configured to receive safety messages from other vehicles. The example intersection assistor is configured to, before the vehicle reaches an intersection, determine a likelihood that there will be space for the vehicle on the other side of the intersection, and display a recommendation on whether to proceed through the intersection based on the likelihood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Perry Robinson MacNeille, Brian Bennie, Allen R. Murray, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Omar Makke, Noorulla Mohammed, Oliver Lei
  • Publication number: 20170287338
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving field of view at intersections are disclosed. An example first vehicle includes a camera and a blind spot assister. The example blind spot assister is configured to, when the first vehicle is parked within a threshold distance of an intersection, establish a first wireless connection with a second vehicle in response to a request broadcast by the second vehicle, connect to a second wireless network using credentials received via the first wireless network; and stream video from the camera to the second vehicle via the second wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Omar Makke
  • Publication number: 20170282916
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for provide monitoring a vehicle's surroundings, predicting when a navigation route will pass through a closed road, preemptively modifying the navigation route to avoid the closed road, identifying changes in speed limit, and identifying dangerous debris in the roadway. One embodiment of the camera-based vehicle control system includes a camera configured to obtain image information and a processor configured to: analyze the image information; if a reroute condition is satisfied based on the image information, implement an alternate navigation route; if a threat condition is satisfied based on the image information, cause an output device to output a threat alert; and if a speed condition is satisfied based on the image information, modify a vehicle speed setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Remillard, John Shutko, Cynthia M Neubecker
  • Publication number: 20170278399
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L. Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Publication number: 20170249846
    Abstract: A system of one or more computers configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One general aspect includes a first computer having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the first computer is programmed to send parameters describing a target passenger to a mobile drone. The system instructs said drone to circumnavigate an area while searching said area for the target passenger with an image capturing device. The system receives communications from the drone and confirms a match to the target passenger and instructs the drone to guide the target passenger to a destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Adil Nizam Siddiqui
  • Publication number: 20170244160
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a conductive housing surrounding an antenna and defining an aperture having a size at least equal to a wavelength of signals radiated by the antenna. A controller may be configured to orient the conductive housing to direct the aperture at a direction of travel to guide electromagnetic radiation from the antenna. The controller may orient the conductive housing in response to receiving a cooperative adaptive cruise control signal from an established platoon of vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Perry Robinson MacNeille, Omar Makke, Dehua Cui, David Allen Kowalski, Allen R. Murray, Oliver Lei
  • Publication number: 20170243481
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a wireless light-state notification as a vehicle approaches a traffic light. The processor is also configured to determine an appropriate vehicle action based on at least the light-state, a vehicle speed and a vehicle proximity to the traffic light and recommend the appropriate action to the vehicle driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Brian BENNIE, Perry Robinson MACNEILLE, Noorulla MOHAMMED
  • Publication number: 20170200370
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure includes a system for reducing vehicular collisions having: (a) a vehicle comprising sensors, an acceleration system, a braking system, a processor, and memory; and (b) programs operatively coupled to the vehicle including: (1) a marking program configured to mark an outside vehicle as V2X or standard; (2) a reaction program configured to generate a signal in response to the mark, the signal being based on the mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Charles James Miller, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Adil Nizam Siddiqui, Jonathan Diedrich, Somak Datta Gupta, Haron Abdel-Raziq
  • Publication number: 20170178414
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to add time to a parking meter in response to wireles sly receiving a request to add additional time from a vehicle computer, including charging a payment method, included with the request, for the added time, the request being received in response to a notification sent by the processor to the vehicle computer a predetermined amount of time before time on the parking meter expires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Omar MAKKE
  • Patent number: 9676386
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for provide monitoring a vehicle's surroundings, predicting when a navigation route will pass through a closed road, preemptively modifying the navigation route to avoid the closed road, identifying changes in speed limit, and identifying dangerous debris in the roadway. One embodiment of the camera-based vehicle control system includes a camera configured to obtain image information and a processor configured to: analyze the image information; if a reroute condition is satisfied based on the image information, implement an alternate navigation route; if a threat condition is satisfied based on the image information, cause an output device to output a threat alert; and if a speed condition is satisfied based on the image information, modify a vehicle speed setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Remillard, John Shutko, Cynthia M Neubecker
  • Patent number: 9672744
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Publication number: 20170142561
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to request delivery of a queued digital message from passing vehicles in wireless communication with the processor, after determining that the vehicle is broadcasting suitable delivery characteristics that make eventual delivery of the message to an intended recipient likely to be facilitated by the vehicle acting as an intermediary carrier of the message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Omar MAKKE, Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Perry Robinson MACNEILLE, Dehua CUI, David Allen KOWALSKI
  • Publication number: 20170106874
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Laura Viviana HAZEBROUCK, Brad Alan IGNACZAK, Brian BENNIE, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH
  • Publication number: 20170076331
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Oliver LEI, David Allen KOWALSKI, Dehua CUI, Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Allen R. MURRAY, Perry Robinson MACNEILLE, Noorulla MOHAMMED, Brian BENNIE
  • Patent number: 9555814
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20170024022
    Abstract: A human machine interface (HMI) system controls operation of a graphical user interface (GUI) being displayed on a display located in a vehicle. The HMI system includes an interface device, an interface operation module, and a device selection module. The interface device is operable to control the GUI and includes a knob member and a touchpad. The interface operation module receives input data from the interface device in response to an operation of the interface device. The device selection module designates at least one of the knob member or the touchpad as an active device based on a device selection criteria. The interface operation module transmits data from an active device to a display module controlling the GUI and disregards data from an inactive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Vikas UPMANUE, Laith DAMAN, Yu ZHANG, Martin NESPOLO, Kyle GOLSCH, Sibu VARUGHESE, Justin MCBRIDE, Pietro BUTTOLO, Jeffry Allen GREENBERG, Parrish F. HANNA, Cynthia M. NEUBECKER
  • Publication number: 20160371980
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Publication number: 20160355182
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for provide monitoring a vehicle's surroundings, predicting when a navigation route will pass through a closed road, preemptively modifying the navigation route to avoid the closed road, identifying changes in speed limit, and identifying dangerous debris in the roadway. One embodiment of the camera-based vehicle control system includes a camera configured to obtain image information and a processor configured to: analyze the image information; if a reroute condition is satisfied based on the image information, implement an alternate navigation route; if a threat condition is satisfied based on the image information, cause an output device to output a threat alert; and if a speed condition is satisfied based on the image information, modify a vehicle speed setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Remillard, John Shutko, Cynthia M. Neubecker
  • Publication number: 20160305791
    Abstract: A vehicle alert system may include a controller configured to receive a waypoint and a current vehicle energy, determine a route to the waypoint and vehicle energy necessary to accomplish the route, receive waypoint information indicative of non-driving energy consumption associated with the waypoint, and generate an adjustment factor based on the non-driving energy consumption. The controller may further be configured to attribute the adjustment factor to the vehicle energy necessary to accomplish the route, determine whether the attributed vehicle energy exceeds the current vehicle energy, and issue an alert in response to the attributed vehicle energy exceeding the current vehicle energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Scott Alan WATKINS, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH