Patents by Inventor Frank PETRI

Frank PETRI 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).

  • Publication number: 20210237577
    Abstract: Method and system for controlling motor vehicle functions with tracking of passenger positions and body orientations as well as movements, including of the limbs, and projection of a virtual user interface display onto any free surface within the vehicle cabin, wherein the user interface is used by a passenger to change vehicle functions, and with evaluation of passenger positions and body orientations as well as movements of the limbs in relation to the virtual user interface display to control the motor vehicle functions assigned to the virtual user interface display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Christoph Arndt Dr Habil, Uwe Gussen, Frank Petri
  • Patent number: 10976435
    Abstract: The invention relates to an active parking assist system (4) for a motor vehicle (2), wherein the parking assist system (4) comprises a plurality of capacitive ultrasonic converters (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 6l, 6m, 6n, 6o) which are essentially spaced evenly in a horizontally circumferential manner outside the motor vehicle (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Arndt Dr habil, Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20200284929
    Abstract: An arrangement (202) of microelectromechanical systems for signal conversion in a vehicle interior is provided, which has a plurality of microelectromechanical systems (100), which each have at least one signal conversion unit (101) and a communication unit (102). The arrangement (202) furthermore comprises a control device (205) and the plurality of microelectromechanical systems (100) are configured to communicate signals to the control device (202). Provision is made for the plurality of microelectromechanical systems (100) to be arranged in a vehicle interior (201) and for the signals to relate to at least one state parameter of the vehicle interior (201). In addition, a vehicle (200) having a vehicle interior (201), which vehicle has such an arrangement (202), is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Arndt Dr habil, Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Frank Petri
  • Patent number: 10739258
    Abstract: In order to obtain information about a salt-state of a road independently of drivers, a method that generates information about the salt-state of a road is specified that includes a determination of salt-state-dependent measurement values, processing of the measurement values into information about the salt-state of the road and outputting of the information about the salt-state of the road. A corresponding device that generates information about the salt-state of a road comprises sensors that determine of salt-state-dependent measurement values, a processing unit that is configured to process determined measurement values into information about the salt-state of the road, and output the information about the salt-state of the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20200072684
    Abstract: The invention relates to a means of transport having a vehicle seat (2), wherein the vehicle seat (2) has a sensor network (8) comprising a plurality of sensor elements (12) arranged in a two-dimensional manner, wherein the plurality of sensor elements (12) are designed to wirelessly interchange data with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Frank Petri, Christoph Arndt Dr habil, Uwe Gussen
  • Publication number: 20200072976
    Abstract: The invention relates to an active parking assist system (4) for a motor vehicle (2), wherein the parking assist system (4) comprises a plurality of capacitive ultrasonic converters (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 6l, 6m, 6n, 6o) which are essentially spaced evenly in a horizontally circumferential manner outside the motor vehicle (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Arndt Dr habil, Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20190283686
    Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes at least one mounting attachment for attaching the device to any component of the vehicle and includes a communication device that receives data from a couplable device and includes at least one display area for the visual output of any information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt Dr habil, Frank Petri, Frederic Stefan
  • Patent number: 10358173
    Abstract: A device for subdividing vehicle cabs and/or storage spaces into a number of sub-portions, comprising a number of deformable walls and a drive unit for moving the walls between an open position, in which the walls do not subdivide the cab and/or the storage space, and a closure position, in which the walls subdivide the cab and/or the storage space into the sub-portions. The walls become deformed during movement between the closure position and the open position. Also included is a method for subdividing vehicle cabs and/or storage spaces into a number of sub-portions and a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt, Frederic Stefan, Frank Petri
  • Patent number: 10255472
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transmitting traffic-related data in road traffic include transmitting the traffic-related data in the form of dynamically generated QR codes from a transmission or display device to a mobile unit hosted by at least one vehicle, and wherein the mobile unit hosted by the vehicle is designed likewise to transmit dynamically generated QR codes. The mobile unit may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or a smartphone, tablet, or similar device positioned for visibility through a vehicle window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt, Frederic Stefan, Frank Petri
  • Patent number: 10201062
    Abstract: Infrastructure lighting is controlled from a vehicle. Wireless communication exists between the vehicle and at least one light source of the infrastructure lighting. At least one device of the vehicle is functionally linked to the infrastructure lighting. Switching on a light source of the infrastructure lighting is performed via wirelessly transmitting a first control command to the light source. Switching off the light source is performed via transmitting a second control command to the light source. A blinker is functionally linked to the light source such that activation of the blinker triggers the transmitting of the first control command to light source when vehicle headlights are switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Arndt, Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20180279453
    Abstract: Infrastructure lighting is controlled from a vehicle. Wireless communication exists between the vehicle and at least one light source of the infrastructure lighting. At least one device of the vehicle is functionally linked to the infrastructure lighting. Switching on a light source of the infrastructure lighting is performed via wirelessly transmitting a first control command to the light source. Switching off the light source is performed via transmitting a second control command to the light source. A blinker is functionally linked to the light source such that activation of the blinker triggers the transmitting of the first control command to light source when vehicle headlights are switched on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph ARNDT, Uwe GUSSEN, Frederic STEFAN, Frank PETRI
  • Publication number: 20180194287
    Abstract: A mirror device includes at least one planar mirror arrangement which is constructed as a mirror element. The mirror element is resiliently bendable at least about axes parallel or tangential to a mirror element surface or is reversibly foldable about at least one fold line in the mirror element surface. The mirror element is coupled to at least one actuator, which is designed and constructed to effect a resilient bending or a reversible folding of the mirror element upon actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Christoph Arndt, Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20180194383
    Abstract: A motorized shopping trolley has a frame and two wheels which are driven by a drivetrain. A handle for pulling and/or pushing the trolley is provided with a force sensor which detects a force acting on the handle when being pulled or pushed. An inclination sensor detects a slope of the traveling surface and generates a slope signal. A load sensor detects a load weight of the trolley and generates a load signal. A step-detection sensor detects a step in a path of the trolley and generates a corresponding signal. A controller receives all pertinent signal from the sensors and generates a control signal for actuating the drivetrain such that the drivetrain produces a driving force corresponding to the force applied to the handle by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20180194227
    Abstract: A vehicle has multiple alternative driving positions, with one or more visual displays assigned to each driving position for depicting content required to drive the vehicle. A selection device identifies a vehicle occupant as a driver, determines a location of the driver within the vehicle, and designates as the active driving position whichever of the alternative driving positions the driver occupies. A processing unit transfers video relevant to vehicle operation to one or more of the displays visible from the active driving position and enables control of the vehicle from the active driving position. The selection device may also check whether the vehicle occupant meets one or more conditions required to be designated as the vehicle driver, and may determine an identity associated with the driver so that the displayed video is customized or personalized in accordance with that identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt, Frederic Stefan, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20180095034
    Abstract: In order to obtain information about a salt-state of a road independently of drivers, a method that generates information about the salt-state of a road is specified that includes a determination of salt-state-dependent measurement values, processing of the measurement values into information about the salt-state of the road and outputting of the information about the salt-state of the road. A corresponding device that generates information about the salt-state of a road comprises sensors that determine of salt-state-dependent measurement values, a processing unit that is configured to process determined measurement values into information about the salt-state of the road, and output the information about the salt-state of the road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic STEFAN, Uwe GUSSEN, Christoph ARNDT, Frank PETRI
  • Publication number: 20180050740
    Abstract: A device for subdividing vehicle cabs and/or storage spaces into a number of sub-portions, comprising a number of deformable walls and a drive unit for moving the walls between an open position, in which the walls do not subdivide the cab and/or the storage space, and a closure position, in which the walls subdivide the cab and/or the storage space into the sub-portions. The walls become deformed during movement between the closure position and the open position. A method for subdividing vehicle cabs and/or storage spaces into a number of sub-portions, and a vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt, Frederic Stefan, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20180050449
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mobility system. The mobility system has at least one driven exoskeleton for a person. The at least one driven exoskeleton has at least one electronic unit that controls and/or regulates an operating state of the exoskeleton. At least one vehicle has a passenger compartment and at least one mechanical coupling station, which is arranged in the passenger compartment. The exoskeleton can be mechanically coupled to the mechanical coupling station. The vehicle has at least one electronic device, wherein the electronic unit is connectable, via at least one communication connection, to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic STEFAN, Uwe GUSSEN, Frank PETRI
  • Patent number: 9457689
    Abstract: A system and method for notifying a driver who is leaving a stationary motor vehicle that there is still a person or an animal in the motor vehicle is presented. Exemplary notification modes include a notification mode in which the notification of the driver also depends on whether the current time falls in preset times; a notification mode in which the notification also depends on whether the motor vehicle is located within preset geographical areas; and a notification mode in which the notification also depends on whether preset or learned patterns of driver behavior have been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Christoph Arndt, Frank Petri
  • Publication number: 20160275329
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transmitting traffic-related data in road traffic include transmitting the traffic-related data in the form of dynamically generated QR codes from a transmission or display device to a mobile unit hosted by at least one vehicle, and wherein the mobile unit hosted by the vehicle is designed likewise to transmit dynamically generated QR codes. The mobile unit may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or a smartphone, tablet, or similar device positioned for visibility through a vehicle window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Christoph ARNDT, Frederic STEFAN, Frank PETRI
  • Publication number: 20150084759
    Abstract: A system and method for notifying a driver who is leaving a stationary motor vehicle that there is still a person or an animal in the motor vehicle is presented. Exemplary notification modes include a notification mode in which the notification of the driver also depends on whether the current time falls in preset times; a notification mode in which the notification also depends on whether the motor vehicle is located within preset geographical areas; and a notification mode in which the notification also depends on whether preset or learned patterns of driver behavior have been detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Frederic STEFAN, Uwe GUSSEN, Christoph ARNDT, Frank PETRI