Patents by Inventor John Robert Van Wiemeersch

John Robert Van Wiemeersch 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).

  • Vehicle remote parking systems and methods
    Patent number: 10683034
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for determining a distance between a vehicle and a computing device during a remote parking operation. An example method includes receiving, by a computing device, a 3D model of a vehicle and vehicle inertial data. The method also includes capturing an image of the vehicle. The method further includes determining a distance between the computing device and the vehicle based on the image and the 3D model, and updating the distance based on the vehicle inertial data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Input signal management for vehicle park-assist
    Patent number: 10683004
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for input signal management for vehicle park-assist. An example vehicle includes a door, an autonomy unit, a communication module, a vehicle speed sensor for monitoring a vehicle speed, and a controller. The controller is to cause the autonomy unit to perform remote parking upon receiving, via the communication module, a remote parking signal. The controller also is to receive an unlock request during performance of the remote parking and prevent unlocking of the door responsive to determining the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Ali Hassani, Alyssa Chatten, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SELF-SCHEDULED REFUELING
    Publication number: 20200180571
    Abstract: Vehicles can be equipped to operate in both autonomous and occupant piloted mode. Refueling stations can be equipped to refuel autonomous vehicles without occupant assistance. Refueling stations can be equipped with wireless networks that communicate with vehicles to permit autonomous vehicles to self-schedule refueling at fueling stations serving a mixture of autonomous, semi-autonomous and occupant piloted vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Oliver LEI, Shiqi QIU, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH, Jayanthi RAO
  • MOBILE DEVICE TETHERING FOR A REMOTE PARKING ASSIST SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20200148198
    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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING DIGITAL VEHICLE KEYS TO PASSIVE NFC DEVICES VIA NFC
    Publication number: 20200148168
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle, a first passive Near-Field Communication (NFC) device, and a first mobile device communicatively coupled to the vehicle and including a digital vehicle key. The first mobile device distributes the digital vehicle key to the first passive NFC device and informs the vehicle an instance in which the mobile device has distributed the digital vehicle key to the first passive NFC device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Aaron Matthew DeLong, Vivekanandh Elangovan, Kevin Thomas Hille, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Vehicle driver locator
    Patent number: 10647289
    Abstract: A vehicle may include: a motor, nodes, sensors, puddle lights, and processor(s) configured to: command the nodes to produce high power signal patterns to link with a mobile device; command at least some of the nodes to produce low power signal patterns to link with the mobile device based detecting the high power link; activate at least some of the puddle lights based on the low power link. The vehicle may activate at least some of the puddle lights based on the low power link by running processing software on measurements captured by the nodes based on the low power link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David McNabb, Vivekanandh Elangovan, Erick Michael Lavoie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • INTERMITTENT DELAY MITIGATION FOR REMOTE VEHICLE OPERATION
    Publication number: 20200133259
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mitigating issues for a vehicle executing a remote vehicle operation, wherein there is a communication delay between the vehicle and a remote computing device providing control. An example vehicle includes a communication system, an autonomy unit for performing a remote vehicle operation, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a remote vehicle operation control signal via the communication system from a remote computing device. The processor is also configured to determine a delay corresponding to the control signal. And the processor is further configured to modify the remote vehicle operation responsive to determining that the delay rises above a delay threshold at a threshold rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Methods and apparatus to facilitate TPMS broadcast mode selection
    Patent number: 10625545
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate TPMS broadcast mode selection. An example vehicle comprises sensors, a processor, and memory. The processor is in communication with the memory and with the sensors. The processor is configured to: receive an unencrypted signal indicating an abnormal tire pressure, enter an encrypted mode with the sensors, receive an encrypted follow up tire pressure status from the sensors, and determine whether the unencrypted signal is authentic based on the encrypted follow up tire pressure status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ali Hassani, Dilip B Patel
  • INTERFACES FOR REMOTE TRAILER MANEUVER ASSIST
    Publication number: 20200097001
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for interfaces for remote trailer maneuver-assist. An example trailer maneuver-assist system includes a mobile device including a touchscreen to present an interface. The interface includes an icon for receiving a direction-of-travel and a track for receiving a continuous motion input. The example trailer maneuver-assist system also includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes a communication module for wireless communication with the mobile device and a local control unit that performs motive functions in the direction-of-travel while the mobile device receives the continuous motion input via the touchscreen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hamid M. Golgiri
  • Biometric authentication for a vehicle without prior registration
    Patent number: 10600270
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for biometric authentication for a vehicle without prior registration. An example vehicle include a biometric scanner to generate a biometric token and a body control module. The body control module when the biometric token is authorized, enable san ignition switch. Additionally, when the biometric token is not authorized and an additional source of authorization is received, the body control module (a) tracks usage of the vehicle subsequent to receiving the biometric token, and (b) marks the biometric token as authorized when the usage satisfies a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Aaron Matthew Delong, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, James Gilpin
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE TPMS SENSOR CONTROL
    Publication number: 20200086696
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a TPMS sensor of a vehicle tire. An example vehicle includes a communication module, a tire, and a TPMS sensor corresponding to the tire. The TPMS sensor is configured to receive a target pressure from the communication module, determine a modified target pressure based on vehicle data determined by a vehicle sensor, and, responsive to determining that a measured pressure differs from the modified target pressure by a threshold amount, transmit an alert to the communication module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dilip B. Patel, Ali Hassani, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • 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
  • Integration of vehicle boundary alert system with external transaction equipment
    Patent number: 10586226
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a boundary alert system. The boundary alert system includes at least one camera and a controller. The controller is programmed to activate the boundary alert system when the vehicle is in proximity to an external transaction system. The controller further outputs boundary alert system data for display on a screen. The screen also displays transaction data for the external transaction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Systems and methods for vehicle TPMS localization
    Patent number: 10583699
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for localizing vehicle TPMS sensors. An example vehicle includes a plurality of TPMS sensors, a communication module, and a processor. The processor is configured for receiving, from a mobile device communicatively coupled to the communication module, a localization request comprising a tire location. The processor is also configured for transmitting wakeup requests to the plurality of TPMS sensors. And the processor is further configured for, responsive to determining signal strength values between each of the plurality of TPMS sensors and the mobile device, associating a selected TPMS sensor with the tire location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Dilip B. Patel, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Vehicle monitoring of mobile device state-of-charge
    Patent number: 10578676
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle monitoring of mobile device state-of-charge. An example vehicle includes a communication node, a charging station, and a controller. The controller is to receive, via the communication node, a state-of-charge (SOC) of a mobile device and determine a predicted SOC at a destination based on the SOC, a rate-of-change of the SOC, and a travel time to the destination. The controller also is to emit, responsive to the predicted SOC being less than a threshold, an instruction to couple the mobile device to the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Pump with tire fill assist
    Patent number: 10576941
    Abstract: A pump system includes a pneumatic pump, a hose, a nozzle that can attach to a tire of a vehicle, and a processing device. The processing device receives a target tire pressure for the tire, receives a current tire pressure of the tire, and controls the operation of the pneumatic pump according to the target tire pressure and the current tire pressure. A method includes receiving a target tire pressure for a tire of a vehicle, receiving a current tire pressure of the tire, and controlling operation of a pneumatic pump according to the target tire pressure and the current tire pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve, Greg Swadling, Dilip B. Patel
  • Controlling window tint levels to protect the interior cabin of an autonomous vehicle
    Patent number: 10562379
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling window tint levels to protect the interior cabin of an autonomous vehicle. An example vehicle includes photochromic windows and a processor. The processor determines a sun profile based on images of an area external to the vehicle captured by a camera. The processor also determines a protection mode to reduce a current sun projection on an interior of the vehicle based on the sun profile. The processor also individually sets tint levels on the photochromic windows based on the determined protection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, John Robert Van Wiemeersch