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).

  • Publication number: 20260249811
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to, while a vehicle is off, detect an anomaly in an external environment surrounding the vehicle by executing a long short-term memory algorithm; in response to detecting the anomaly, permit starting the vehicle upon receiving a multifactor authentication, and block starting the vehicle without receiving the multifactor authentication; and, in response to not detecting the anomaly, permit starting the vehicle upon receiving a single-factor authentication. Sensor data measuring the external environment is an input to the long short-term memory algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2025
    Publication date: August 27, 2026
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rami Al Khatib, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Mansoor Nasir
  • Publication number: 20260249778
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing visualization of a vehicle in an environment are provided. A vehicle may continually monitor people in its vicinity using internal and externals sensors to determine their trajectory and whether some are preoccupied currently, and if so, what is the level of their preoccupation. If the vehicle determines that the current trajectory of a person is likely to result in a physical interaction between the vehicle and the person and if the level of preoccupation exceeds a certain threshold, then the vehicle may output a direct alert toward the person. The vehicle may then continue to monitor the person's behavior to determine whether the alert resulted in a change in behavior of the persons such that the likelihood of the physical interaction is reduced or eliminated. If not, then the vehicle may modify the alert and keep outputting the modified alert until a change in behavior is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2025
    Publication date: August 27, 2026
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: RAMI AL KHATIB, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 12715353
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Peter Phung, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo
  • Patent number: 12704174
    Abstract: A vehicle including a sensor unit and a processor is disclosed. The sensor unit may detect a presence of a user and predetermined items in the vehicle. The processor may determine that the user has entered the vehicle based on inputs obtained from the sensor unit. Responsive to determining that the user has entered the vehicle, the processor may determine that a predefined condition is met based on the inputs obtained from the sensor unit. The processor may determine that the predefined condition is met when one or more first items present in the vehicle do not match a user's predefined authorized item list or one or more second items that are preferred by the user are absent from the vehicle. The processor may further disable the vehicle from being shifted out of a park mode responsive to determining that the predefined condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2026
    Inventors: Keith Weston, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Stuart C. Salter, Brendan Diamond
  • Patent number: 12703261
    Abstract: A vehicle including a plurality of vehicle charger pins that may be configured to connect with a charging connector is disclosed. The vehicle may further include a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver may be configured to receive real-time information associated with each vehicle charger pin when the vehicle may be charged using the charging connector. The processor may be configured to obtain the real-time information from the transceiver, and determine whether the charging connector may be improperly connected or a connection interface may be faulty based on the real-time information. Responsive to a determination that the connection interface may be faulty, the processor may be configured to perform a self-diagnostic test to determine whether a vehicle charger pin may be faulty or the charging connector may be faulty, and perform a predetermined action based on the self-diagnostic test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2026
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Alexandra Taylor, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 12705370
    Abstract: Managing text message communications in vehicles using artificial intelligence is provided. Communication metrics are sent from a server to a plurality of vehicles, defining indications of text message events that may affect driver and communication effectiveness. The server receives, from the vehicles, aggregated text message data and high-fidelity text message data collected by the vehicles in response to the occurrence of text message events. The high-fidelity text message data is analyzed using an AI-based text analysis service to determine updated communication metrics. This analysis employs machine learning techniques with delayed feedback based on user interactions and real-world outcomes. The updated communication metrics are provided to the plurality of vehicles to aid in the detection and modification of text messages, enhancing communication quality. The system includes user-configurable preferences, encryption for privacy, and adaptive learning to increase effectiveness over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Brendan F. Diamond
  • Publication number: 20260225518
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing visualization of a vehicle are provided. It may be often hard to identify and/or locate a specific vehicle in crowded locations such as airport parking lots, event venues, etc. This disclosure provides systems and methods that can help users easily and reliably locate a specific vehicle from among multiple vehicles. When the vehicle and the user are within a threshold distance of each other, the user may send a message to the vehicle via his/her user device. The vehicle may activate its display control module based on the message. Thereafter, the vehicle then may operate a display device of the vehicle to output a visual indication that includes unique identifying information that is only known to the user. The user can view/see the visual indication from outside of the vehicle from a distance and use that to locate the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2025
    Publication date: August 6, 2026
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, RAMI AL KHATIB, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Austin Michael Gorowski
  • Publication number: 20260225546
    Abstract: A computer of a vehicle includes a processor and memory storing instructions by the processor to: identify a mass distribution of the occupant; identify position settings for interior components of the vehicle based on the mass distribution of the occupant; initiate automated position adjustment of the interior components toward the position settings; abort automated position adjustment in response to detection of occupant discomfort, the occupant discomfort being audible and/or visual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: August 6, 2026
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Stuart C. Salter, Matthew Johnson, Thomas Joseph Hermann
  • Publication number: 20260225494
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing reserve battery capacity in vehicles are disclosed. The method includes monitoring battery usage patterns to calculate a battery life score and determining a reserve battery capacity based on the calculated battery life score. When the vehicle is located a predefined distance from a charging facility, the method calculates an extended driving range achievable with the reserve battery capacity. A reserve battery capacity release option is presented to a user, including the associated extended driving range and the battery life score effect of the reserve battery capacity release. Upon user confirmation, the reserve battery capacity is released, and the battery life score and reserve battery capacity are dynamically adjusted based on the effect of the reserve battery capacity release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2025
    Publication date: August 6, 2026
    Inventors: Keith WESTON, Stuart C. SALTER, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH
  • Publication number: 20260231247
    Abstract: Device locations of access devices are tracked using a wireless transceiver of a vehicle, the wireless transceiver being configured to support wireless communication with the access devices. User locations of users are tracked using a sensor suite of the vehicle, the sensor suite being configured to track the users in proximity to the vehicle. The access devices are correlated with the users, using an access controller, based on correspondence of the device locations to the user locations. Responsive to a single correlated access device being detected, a wireless connection is established with the correlated access device. Responsive to a plurality of correlated access devices being detected, refraining from establishing the wireless connection is performed until one or more of the users enter the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2025
    Publication date: August 6, 2026
    Inventors: Brendan F. Diamond, Keith Weston, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Stuart C. Salter
  • Patent number: 12691816
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory may include an accessory body configured to operably couple to the vehicle, a power transfer assembly configured to operably couple a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transfer electrical power to the accessory body, and an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered. The power transfer assembly may transfer the electrical power to the accessory body responsive to installation in or operation of the vehicle, and the electrical power may excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, Dave D. Friske, Michael Joseph Niksa, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Brendan Diamond, Stuart C. Salter
  • Publication number: 20260210729
    Abstract: A plurality of routes, from an origin to a destination, are received from each of a plurality of navigation applications executed by the one or more controllers and/or by one or more mobile devices in communication with the vehicle over at least one connectivity interface. A recommended route is identified from each of the plurality of navigation applications to define a set of recommended routes. The recommended routes are aggregated to determine discrepancies between the recommended routes. Responsive to the recommended routes being in agreement, the recommended routes are utilized as an optimized route for the vehicle. Responsive to the recommended routes not being in agreement, the discrepancies are illustrated in an HMI of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2025
    Publication date: July 23, 2026
    Inventors: Keith Weston, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Brendan F. Diamond
  • Patent number: 12686327
    Abstract: A vehicle including a sensor unit, a plurality of exterior lights, a battery and a processor is disclosed. The sensor unit may detect a presence and a movement of a portable device in proximity to the vehicle. The processor may identify one or more parameters associated with the presence and the movement of the portable device in proximity to the vehicle based on inputs obtained from the sensor unit. The processor may further control an operation of the exterior lights based on the parameters and/or a state of charge (SoC) level of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2025
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2026
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, John Budaj, Timothy Thivierge, Jr., Joshua Talaga, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Terry R. Lobsinger
  • Patent number: 12682191
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods related to tool tracking. In an example embodiment, a method may involve detecting, by a tool monitoring device, a failure of a wireless communication system included in a tool that is stored in an enclosure. The tool monitoring device may determine that the failure is attributable to a temperature in the enclosure being outside an operating temperature range of the wireless communication system. A notification of the failure and/or a description of a cause for the failure may be displayed on a display screen of the tool monitoring device and/or transmitted to a tool tracking device. In an example implementation, the tool tracking device is located outside a vehicle, the enclosure is a toolbox placed in the vehicle, and the tool monitoring device, which is configured to monitor an operational status of the wireless communication system, is located in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Jake Schwartz, Aaron Matthew DeLong
  • Publication number: 20260196083
    Abstract: A likelihood score is determined by a vehicle that is indicative of a probability of an incident based on real-time sensor data. Responsive to the likelihood score meeting a predefined threshold, a data snapshot is generated comprising vehicle data, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) location data, and occupant information, wherein the data snapshot defines an expiration after which the data snapshot is to be automatically deleted. The data snapshot is transmitted to a cloud server for temporary storage at the cloud server and automatic deletion based on the expiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2025
    Publication date: July 9, 2026
    Inventors: Keith Weston, Stuart C. Salter, Brendan F. Diamond, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Anthony Maraldo, Andrew Brown
  • Patent number: 12670729
    Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more events in a vehicle includes a time-of-flight sensor configured to generate a point cloud representing an interior of the vehicle. The point cloud includes three-dimensional positional information of the interior. A camera is configured to capture image data representing the interior of the vehicle. The processing circuitry is configured to process the image data from the camera in a first operational mode, process the point cloud from the time-of-flight sensor in a second operational mode, detect, based on either of the image data or the point cloud, an occupant of the vehicle, detect an indication from the occupant to disable the first operational mode, and selectively operate between the first and second operational modes based on at least one of the image data and the indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 12668272
    Abstract: A method includes defining an original travel route for an autonomous vehicle (AV) to a desired destination, detecting a restricted object in the AV based on an input signal employed to identify an object, defining a conditional route to the desired destination through one or more geographical areas permitting the restricted object using one or more route-object conditions in response to detecting the restricted object, and causing the AV to travel to the desired destination via the conditional route in response to detecting the object as the restricted object or via the original travel route in response to not detecting the object as the restricted object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Stuart C. Salter, Brendan F. Diamond
  • Patent number: 12670792
    Abstract: A traffic management system is disclosed. The system may include a transceiver configured to receive inputs from a sensor suite located in proximity to a first location, and a processor configured to obtain the inputs from the transceiver. The processor may be further configured to determine a count of vehicles in a vehicle queue in proximity to the first location and/or a vehicle queue length based on the inputs. The processor may further determine that a predefined condition may be met based on the count of vehicles and/or the vehicle queue length. The processor may determine a presence of a vehicle behind a point of interest in the vehicle queue based on the inputs responsive to determining that the predefined condition is met, and transmit an instruction to the vehicle to move to a second location responsive to determining the vehicle presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Inventors: Brendan Diamond, Keith Weston, Anthony Maraldo, Stuart C. Salter, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 12661983
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing visibility while driving a vehicle are provided. When driving under adverse weather conditions, the driver's visibility of the road may be reduced. The driver may use an augmented reality device to aid in the view of the roadway. The augmented reality device works in conjunction with the vehicle to determine the type of environmental/weather condition that is causing the reduced visibility. Based on that, the vehicle and/or the augmented reality device may determine additional information using one or more of its sensors to augment the image displayed by the augmented reality device. The augmented image includes more details of the road and the environment surrounding the vehicle, thus providing the driver with enhanced visibility of the road and the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Inventors: Rami Al Khatib, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Mansoor Nasir, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Publication number: 20260167150
    Abstract: An access request can include a request to access a vehicle based on a first portable wireless token. Stored attributes can be retrieved for the first portable wireless token from a memory storing stored attributes for at least some of a plurality of portable wireless tokens. At least some of the stored attributes can identify an association to one of the portable wireless tokens integrated with a portable object having a non-vehicular function. When the retrieved attributes for the first portable wireless token identify the one of the portable wireless tokens integrated with the portable object, then it can be determined that the one of the portable wireless tokens integrated with the portable object is detected or not detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2026
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Brendan Francis Diamond, Matthew Flis, Stuart C. Salter