Patents by Inventor Josef Lotz

Josef Lotz 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: 11828359
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable storage device are provided for providing a dynamic tachometer. Based on various signal inputs from a plurality of data sources, a tachometer may be dynamically modified to include visual information and assistance to the driver in relation to the vehicle's engine speed (i.e., revolution speed of the vehicle's crankshaft). The tachometer may include one or a combination of: dynamic shift point indicators, a target engine speed range indicator, an overspeed indicator, and a power take-off mode indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Karl Jahns, Ryan Anthony Reed, Jonathan Scott Duncan, Josef Lotz, Tristan Thomas Pyle, Derek Scott Sancer, Jon Forrest Acton, Jacob Michael White, Hervé Jen Raymond Cecchi, David Michael Gauch, Anna-Magdalena Schatz
  • Patent number: 11718177
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable storage media provide a flexible and variability-accommodating instrument cluster for display on an in-vehicle screen and a user experience interaction model for providing dynamic driving-context-relevant information via the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster may be shown in a contextual content view, wherein the contextual content view may include a one or more gauges and/or messaging that are determined to be relevant to a determined contextual state of the vehicle. The contextual state of the vehicle may be determined based on signaling data provided by a plurality of data sources, wherein the signaling data may indicate one or a combination of conditions associated with the contextual state. The instrument cluster may be dynamically updated to display the driving-context-relevant information when the contextual state is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: PACCAR, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Karl Jahns, Ryan Anthony Reed, Jonathan Scott Duncan, Josef Lotz, Kevin James Allen, Jerrold Adam Regan, Christina Nenke, Marc George Wilczak, Nicole Johnson
  • Patent number: 11363438
    Abstract: Near field connection for secure tractor trailer communication, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for wireless communication between a tractor and a trailer includes a first transceiver (TRX) attached to the tractor, and a second TRX attached to the trailer. An engagement between the tractor and the trailer brings the first TRX within an operational distance to the second TRX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Lotz, Clifton Ellis
  • Patent number: 11203287
    Abstract: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, techniques are provided for automatic turn signal deactivation in a vehicle with a trailer. The vehicle includes a camera monitoring system that provides video images for display devices that replace traditional side view mirrors. In some embodiments, video information is obtained from the camera monitoring system and is used to determine an angle of the trailer. Upon activation of a turn signal indicator, the video information is used to detect departure of the trailer angle from a centered region and the subsequent return of the trailer angle to the centered region in order to automatically deactivate the turn signal indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Josef Lotz
  • Publication number: 20210239204
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable storage device are provided for providing a dynamic tachometer. Based on various signal inputs from a plurality of data sources, a tachometer may be dynamically modified to include visual information and assistance to the driver in relation to the vehicle's engine speed (i.e., revolution speed of the vehicle's crankshaft). The tachometer may include one or a combination of: dynamic shift point indicators, a target engine speed range indicator, an overspeed indicator, and a power take-off mode indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Steven Karl JAHNS, Ryan Anthony REED, Jonathan Scott DUNCAN, Josef LOTZ, Tristan Thomas PYLE, Derek Scott SANCER, Jon Forrest ACTON, Jacob Michael WHITE, Hervé Jen Raymond CECCHI, David Michael GAUCH, Anna-Magdalena SCHATZ
  • Publication number: 20210237573
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable storage media provide a flexible and variability-accommodating instrument cluster for display on an in-vehicle screen and a user experience interaction model for providing dynamic driving-context-relevant information via the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster may be shown in a contextual content view, wherein the contextual content view may include a one or more gauges and/or messaging that are determined to be relevant to a determined contextual state of the vehicle. The contextual state of the vehicle may be determined based on signaling data provided by a plurality of data sources, wherein the signaling data may indicate one or a combination of conditions associated with the contextual state. The instrument cluster may be dynamically updated to display the driving-context-relevant information when the contextual state is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Steven Karl JAHNS, Ryan Anthony REED, Jonathan Scott DUNCAN, Josef LOTZ, Kevin James ALLEN, Jerrold Adam REGAN, Christina NENKE, Marc George WILCZAK, Nicole JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20210176616
    Abstract: Near field connection for secure tractor trailer communication, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for wireless communication between a tractor and a trailer includes a first transceiver (TRX) attached to the tractor, and a second TRX attached to the trailer. An engagement between the tractor and the trailer brings the first TRX within an operational distance to the second TRX.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Josef Lotz, Clifton Ellis
  • Publication number: 20210155236
    Abstract: A cruise control interlock system detects a current set of conditions for a vehicle, compares the current conditions with cruise control interlock conditions (e.g., an adjustable threshold state of a windshield wiper system), and executes a process to deactivate the cruise control system. The process to deactivate functionality of the cruise control system may include presenting a notification to the operator to alert the operator to an upcoming automatic deactivation or to encourage the operator to deactivate cruise control. The process also may include a vehicle de-rate process (e.g., reducing vehicle speed) to induce the operator to deactivate cruise control. Deactivation of cruise control may be postponed in some situations, such as when the vehicle is ascending an uphill grade or where doing so may deactivate an active downhill speed control function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Josef Lotz, Nathan Paul, Tristan Pyle, Bryan Ross
  • Patent number: 10926765
    Abstract: A cruise control interlock system detects a current set of conditions for a vehicle, compares the current conditions with cruise control interlock conditions (e.g., an adjustable threshold state of a windshield wiper system), and executes a process to deactivate the cruise control system. The process to deactivate functionality of the cruise control system may include presenting a notification to the operator to alert the operator to an upcoming automatic deactivation or to encourage the operator to deactivate cruise control. The process also may include a vehicle de-rate process (e.g., reducing vehicle speed) to induce the operator to deactivate cruise control. Deactivation of cruise control may be postponed in some situations, such as when the vehicle is ascending an uphill grade or where doing so may deactivate an active downhill speed control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Josef Lotz, Nathan Paul, Tristan Pyle, Bryan Ross
  • Patent number: 10924905
    Abstract: Near field connection for secure tractor trailer communication, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for wireless communication between a tractor and a trailer includes a first transceiver (TRX) attached to the tractor, and a second TRX attached to the trailer. An engagement between the tractor and the trailer brings the first TRX within an operational distance to the second TRX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Josef Lotz, Clifton Ellis
  • Publication number: 20200001869
    Abstract: A cruise control interlock system detects a current set of conditions for a vehicle, compares the current conditions with cruise control interlock conditions (e.g., an adjustable threshold state of a windshield wiper system), and executes a process to deactivate the cruise control system. The process to deactivate functionality of the cruise control system may include presenting a notification to the operator to alert the operator to an upcoming automatic deactivation or to encourage the operator to deactivate cruise control. The process also may include a vehicle de-rate process (e.g., reducing vehicle speed) to induce the operator to deactivate cruise control. Deactivation of cruise control may be postponed in some situations, such as when the vehicle is ascending an uphill grade or where doing so may deactivate an active downhill speed control function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Josef Lotz, Nathan Paul, Tristan Pyle, Bryan Ross
  • Publication number: 20200001778
    Abstract: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, techniques are provided for automatic turn signal deactivation in a vehicle with a trailer. The vehicle includes a camera monitoring system that provides video images for display devices that replace traditional side view mirrors. In some embodiments, video information is obtained from the camera monitoring system and is used to determine an angle of the trailer. Upon activation of a turn signal indicator, the video information is used to detect departure of the trailer angle from a centered region and the subsequent return of the trailer angle to the centered region in order to automatically deactivate the turn signal indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Josef Lotz
  • Publication number: 20190364406
    Abstract: Near field connection for secure tractor trailer communication, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for wireless communication between a tractor and a trailer includes a first transceiver (TRX) attached to the tractor, and a second TRX attached to the trailer. An engagement between the tractor and the trailer brings the first TRX within an operational distance to the second TRX.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Josef Lotz, Clifton Ellis
  • Patent number: 10055908
    Abstract: A method and system for improved driver reward display functionality. A driver reward is calculated based on inputs, such as freight fuel, fuel economy, and % idle. The driver reward system configures and displays a primary driver reward image for various menu selections. The primary driver reward image is configured to indicate whether the driver reward is at full penalty, partial penalty, neutral, partial bonus, or full bonus. The image is displayed in one color if above an expected value and another color if below the expected level. Images that indicate to the operator of the vehicle the impact of each input on the overall driver reward or whether each input is improving or worsening may be displayed. A secondary driver reward image may also be displayed to indicate a specific bonus or penalty in miles per hour and speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
  • Patent number: 9988049
    Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system for a vehicle includes at least one processing unit and a memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions configured to cause the on-board vehicle computer system to implement various aspects of a predictive cruise control (PCC) system. In one aspect, the computer system provides a plurality of available speed control bands in a PCC system, and the available speed control bands are selectable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect, the computer system provides an upper speed margin and a lower speed margin for a PCC system, and the upper and lower speed margins are adjustable by an operator of the vehicle. Related notifications may be presented via an operator interface (e.g., a touchscreen display provided in a vehicle dashboard or other easily accessible area).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
  • Publication number: 20170008520
    Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system for a vehicle includes at least one processing unit and a memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions configured to cause the on-board vehicle computer system to implement various aspects of a predictive cruise control (PCC) system. In one aspect, the computer system provides a plurality of available speed control bands in a PCC system, and the available speed control bands are selectable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect, the computer system provides an upper speed margin and a lower speed margin for a PCC system, and the upper and lower speed margins are adjustable by an operator of the vehicle. Related notifications may be presented via an operator interface (e.g., a touchscreen display provided in a vehicle dashboard or other easily accessible area).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
  • Publication number: 20170011569
    Abstract: A method and system for improved driver reward display functionality. A driver reward is calculated based on inputs, such as freight fuel, fuel economy, and % idle. The driver reward system configures and displays a primary driver reward image for various menu selections. The primary driver reward image is configured to indicate whether the driver reward is at full penalty, partial penalty, neutral, partial bonus, or full bonus. The image is displayed in one color if above an expected value and another color if below the expected level. Images that indicate to the operator of the vehicle the impact of each input on the overall driver reward or whether each input is improving or worsening may be displayed. A secondary driver reward image may also be displayed to indicate a specific bonus or penalty in miles per hour and speed limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
  • Patent number: 9399465
    Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system for a vehicle includes at least one processing unit and a memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions configured to cause the on-board vehicle computer system to implement various aspects of a predictive cruise control (PCC) system. In one aspect, the computer system provides a plurality of available speed control bands in a PCC system, and the available speed control bands are selectable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect, the computer system provides an upper speed margin and a lower speed margin for a PCC system, and the upper and lower speed margins are adjustable by an operator of the vehicle. Related notifications may be presented via an operator interface (e.g., a touchscreen display provided in a vehicle dashboard or other easily accessible area).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
  • Patent number: 9393868
    Abstract: A method and system for improved driver reward display functionality. A driver reward is calculated based on inputs, such as freight fuel, fuel economy, and % idle. The driver reward system configures and displays a primary driver reward image for various menu selections. The primary driver reward image is configured to indicate whether the driver reward is at full penalty, partial penalty, neutral, partial bonus, or full bonus. The image is displayed in one color if above an expected value and another color if below the expected level. Images that indicate to the operator of the vehicle the impact of each input on the overall driver reward or whether each input is improving or worsening may be displayed. A secondary driver reward image may also be displayed to indicate a specific bonus or penalty in miles per hour and speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
  • Patent number: 9393963
    Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system for a vehicle includes at least one processing unit and a memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions configured to cause the on-board vehicle computer system to implement various aspects of a predictive cruise control (PCC) system. In one aspect, the computer system provides a plurality of available speed control bands in a PCC system, and the available speed control bands are selectable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect, the computer system provides an upper speed margin and a lower speed margin for a PCC system, and the upper and lower speed margins are adjustable by an operator of the vehicle. Related notifications may be presented via an operator interface (e.g., a touchscreen display provided in a vehicle dashboard or other easily accessible area).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk