Patents by Inventor Erick Michael Lavoie

Erick Michael Lavoie 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).

  • IN-VEHICLE LOCATION UNCERTAINTY MANAGEMENT FOR PASSIVE START
    Publication number: 20200082653
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for managing location uncertainty areas for a passive start system of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes antenna modules for determining signal strengths of communication with a mobile device. The example vehicle also includes a wireless module configured to, when the mobile device is in a location uncertainty area (LUA), determine first and second location predictors. The wireless module is also configured to enable passive start when the first and second location predictors both indicate the mobile device is inside the vehicle. The wireless module is further configured to disable passive start if the mobile device is outside the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Vivekanandh Elangovan, Erick Michael Lavoie, Ali Hassani, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Remote park-assist authentication for vehicles
    Patent number: 10585430
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for remote park-assist authentication for vehicles. An example vehicle includes an autonomy unit to control motive functions for remote parking, a communication module to receive a signal for remote parking from a mobile device, and a parking authenticator. The parking authenticator is to present an image upon receiving the signal and receive, via the communication module, an audio identification from the mobile device. Also, the parking authenticator is to authenticate the mobile device to initiate remote parking in response to determining the audio identification corresponds to the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle
    Patent number: 10585431
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes an active safety module and a body control module. The active safety module to, when active, autonomously parks the vehicle. The body control module determines an initial location of the mobile device and determines a current location of the mobile device using a current position received from the mobile device. The current position received from the mobile device is defined relative to the initial location. Additionally, the body control module, when the mobile device is within a virtual boundary, enables an autonomous parking system of the active safety module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hamid M. Golgiri, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Aaron Matthew DeLong, Vivekanandh Elangovan, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle
    Patent number: 10583830
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes first and second wireless modules and a processor. The processor estimates a region of probability representative of possible locations of a mobile device based on a first signal strength indicator. When the region of probability overlaps a virtual boundary, the processor polls a key fob, estimates a distance of the key fob from the vehicle based on a second signal strength indicator, and when the key fob is within the virtual boundary, enable autonomous parking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS TO FACILITATE PEDESTRIAN DETECTION DURING REMOTE-CONTROLLED MANEUVERS
    Publication number: 20200070721
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate pedestrian detection during remote-controlled maneuvers. An example vehicle comprises external indicators and a processor and memory. The processor and memory are in communication with the external indicators and a remote device. The processor is configured to: determine whether the remote device is in a travel zone related to the vehicle; determine a risk assessment if the remote device is in the travel zone; and communicate a warning based on the risk assessment via the external indicators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: HAMID M. GOLGIRI, ERICK MICHAEL LAVOIE, JOHN ROBERT VAN WIEMEERSCH
  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR REVERSE BRAKING DURING AUTOMATED HITCH ALIGNMENT
    Publication number: 20200073398
    Abstract: A vehicle system comprises a hitch ball mounted on a vehicle. The system further comprises a plurality of sensor devices comprising an ultrasonic sensor and an image sensor. A controller is configured to process image data from the image sensor identifying a coupler position of a trailer. The controller is further configured to process ultrasonic data from the ultrasonic sensor identifying a proximity of the trailer. Based on the proximity of the trailer, the system is configured to identify the trailer in a detection range of the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Luke Niewiadomski, Erick Michael Lavoie, Eric L. Reed, Chen Zhang, Roger Arnold Trombley, Douglas J. Rogan, Bruno Sielly Jales Costa
  • Accelerometer-based external sound monitoring during low speed maneuvers
    Patent number: 10562449
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for accelerometer-based external sound monitoring during low speed maneuvers. An example vehicle includes accelerometers affixed to windows of the vehicle, speakers located inside the vehicle, and an infotainment head unit. Each of the speakers is uniquely associated with one of the accelerometers. The infotainment head unit, when a speed of the vehicle satisfies a threshold, selects a zone corresponding to a direction of travel of the vehicle. Additionally, the infotainment head unit plays signals captured by the accelerometers associated with the selected zone on the corresponding speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Wheeler, Scott Andrew Amman, John Edward Huber, Leah Busch, Ranjani Rangarajan, Erick Michael Lavoie, Marla Johnston
  • Systems and methods for control of vehicle functions via driver and passenger HUDs
    Patent number: 10562539
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for transferring control of one or more vehicle functions from a driver HUD to a passenger HUD. An example vehicle includes a driver HUD, a passenger HUD, and a processor. The processor is configured for enabling control of one or more vehicle functions via the driver HUD responsive to determining that the vehicle speed is below a threshold. The processor is also configured for transitioning control of the one or more vehicle functions from the driver HUD to the passenger HUD responsive to determining that the vehicle speed has increased above the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alyssa Chatten, Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ali Hassani, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRAILER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
    Publication number: 20200039582
    Abstract: A vehicle system comprises a hitch assembly mounted on a vehicle, a display, and a controller. The controller is configured to access a saved configuration for the hitch assembly and display the saved configuration on the display. The controller is further configured to receive a selection of the saved configuration and program a characteristic of the hitch assembly based on the selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yu Ling, Chen Zhang, Luke Niewiadomski, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • TRAILER BACKUP OFFSET DETERMINATION
    Publication number: 20200031392
    Abstract: A system for calibrating a backup assist system for a trailer attached to a vehicle is provided which includes a hitch sensor continuously measuring a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A controller is configured to determine an offset of the measured hitch angle. The controller is configured to calculate and store in memory a forward offset if no reverse offset is stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Joseph M. Raad, Donald Jacob Mattern
  • Hitch assist system
    Patent number: 10543870
    Abstract: A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes a sensing system configured to detect a trailer proximate a vehicle. A steering system is configured to alter a path of the vehicle. A transmission system has one or more gears therein. A controller is disposed within the hitch assist system and is configured to control the steering system of the vehicle along a path to align a hitch ball with a coupler of the trailer, detect a fault of the steering system or a gear change in the transmission system and pausing the control of the vehicle, and monitor the coupler during repositioning of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Luke Niewiadomski, Chen Zhang, Roger Arnold Trombley, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • HITCH ASSIST SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200023902
    Abstract: A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes a sensing system configured to detect a trailer proximate a vehicle. A steering system is configured to alter a path of the vehicle. A transmission system has one or more gears therein. A controller is disposed within the hitch assist system and is configured to control the steering system of the vehicle along a path to align a hitch ball with a coupler of the trailer, detect a fault of the steering system or a gear change in the transmission system and pausing the control of the vehicle, and monitor the coupler during repositioning of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Luke Niewiadomski, Chen Zhang, Roger Arnold Trombley, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • HITCH ASSIST SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200019182
    Abstract: A hitch assist system is provided herein. The hitch assist system includes a sensing system configured to detect a hitch assembly and a coupler. A controller is configured to generate commands for maneuvering a vehicle along a first path or a second path. A user input device includes a display, the display configured to illustrate the first and second paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Yu Ling, Chen Zhang, Luke Niewiadomski, Theresa Lin, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • PASSENGER HEADS-UP DISPLAYS FOR VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20200018976
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for passenger heads-up displays for vehicles. An example vehicle includes a passenger seat, a passenger heads-up display (HUD) to present a virtual interface in front of the passenger seat, and a controller. The controller is to identify a mode selection for the passenger HUD and determine, based on the mode selection, the virtual interface and an apparent distance of the virtual interface for a passenger. The controller also is to present, via the passenger HUD, the virtual interface at the apparent distance for the passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Erick Michael Lavoie, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Alyssa Chatten
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS VIA DRIVER AND PASSENGER HUDS
    Publication number: 20200017122
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for transferring control of one or more vehicle functions from a driver HUD to a passenger HUD. An example vehicle includes a driver HUD, a passenger HUD, and a processor. The processor is configured for enabling control of one or more vehicle functions via the driver HUD responsive to determining that the vehicle speed is below a threshold. The processor is also configured for transitioning control of the one or more vehicle functions from the driver HUD to the passenger HUD responsive to determining that the vehicle speed has increased above the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Alyssa Chatten, Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ali Hassani, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • GAZE DETECTION OF OCCUPANTS FOR VEHICLE DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20200012342
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for gaze detection of occupants for vehicle displays. An example vehicle includes a panoramic display including polarized displays. The example vehicle also includes a controller to identify a primary operator interface and a primary passenger interface and detect, via one or more cameras, an operator gaze and a passenger gaze. The controller also is to present the primary operator interface to an operator via one of the polarized displays corresponding with the operator gaze and present the primary passenger interface to a passenger via one of the polarized displays corresponding with the passenger gaze.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Erick Michael Lavoie, Mark Larry
  • Gaze detection of occupants for vehicle displays
    Patent number: 10528132
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for gaze detection of occupants for vehicle displays. An example vehicle includes a panoramic display including polarized displays. The example vehicle also includes a controller to identify a primary operator interface and a primary passenger interface and detect, via one or more cameras, an operator gaze and a passenger gaze. The controller also is to present the primary operator interface to an operator via one of the polarized displays corresponding with the operator gaze and present the primary passenger interface to a passenger via one of the polarized displays corresponding with the passenger gaze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Erick Michael Lavoie, Mark Larry
  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETECTION AND RESPONSE TO INTERFERENCE BETWEEN TRAILER COUPLER AND HITCH BALL
    Publication number: 20190391590
    Abstract: A vehicle system comprises a hitch mounted on a vehicle and at least one sensor in connection with the hitch. A controller is configured to identify a force applied to the hitch via the at least one sensor. In response to the force, the controller is further configured to approximate a direction of the force. Based on the direction, the controller generates instructions identifying a height adjustment of a coupler of a trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Luke Niewiadomski, Erick Michael Lavoie, Rudi Todd Ansbacher, Anton L. Rogness, II, Elliott G. Pearson, Andrew D. Niedert, Joshua Rajasingh, Lucian K.M. Lippok
  • Tire pressure monitoring for vehicle park-assist
    Patent number: 10507868
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for tire pressure monitoring for vehicle park-assist. An example vehicle includes tires, pressure sensors, and a controller. The controller is to identify a target position within a parking spot for park-assist, determine a tire index based on tire pressure measurements, and identify whether the tire index is within a low range, a caution range, or a normal operating range. The controller also is to adjust, responsive to the tire index being within the caution range, the target position to facilitate access to one of the tires having low pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Foldable side mirror and method of using the same
    Patent number: 10501016
    Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a side mirror assembly having a mirror housing and a mirror. The mirror housing is moveable between a normal position and a partially-folded position, and the mirror is moveable relative to the mirror housing such that a line of sight remains the same in the normal and partially-folded positions. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Keith Hoelscher, Erick Michael Lavoie, Pietro Buttolo