Patents by Inventor Maria Eugenia Protopapas
Maria Eugenia Protopapas 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: 10293787Abstract: Systems and methods for managing keys that operate a given vehicle include a processor. Responsive to identifying a received first key for operating the vehicle as having an administrative status, the processor is configured to enable creation of a second key for operating the vehicle having the administrative status, and enable creation of a third key for operating the vehicle having a secondary status and a passcode. Responsive to receiving and identifying the third key as having the secondary status, the processor is configured to enable alteration of the passcode.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, Daniel M. King, Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Maeen Mawari
-
Publication number: 20190047514Abstract: Systems and methods for managing keys that operate a given vehicle include a processor. Responsive to identifying a received first key for operating the vehicle as having an administrative status, the processor is configured to enable creation of a second key for operating the vehicle having the administrative status, and enable creation of a third key for operating the vehicle having a secondary status and a passcode. Responsive to receiving and identifying the third key as having the secondary status, the processor is configured to enable alteration of the passcode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Ronald Patrick BROMBACH, Daniel M. KING, Maria Eugenia PROTOPAPAS, Maeen MAWARI
-
Patent number: 9275208Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a user and creating and applying a user profile may include authenticating an administrator via an administrator identification. A user identification distinct from the administrator identification may be received, as well as a set of selected features associated with the user. A profile may be created and may include the user identification and the set of selected features. The profile may be applied in response to authenticating a user based on the user identification.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Maria Eugenia Protopapas
-
Patent number: 9238450Abstract: Exemplary methods and vehicles are disclosed. Exemplary methods may include determining that a vehicle is a fleet vehicle, establishing a presence of a configuration bit indicating the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, receiving an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage session as a fleet vehicle, and resetting a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the conclusion of the vehicle usage. Other exemplary methods may include installing a configuration bit into a vehicle, which indicates that the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, and providing a processor for the vehicle. The processor may be configured to reset a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the configuration bit and an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage associated with the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, Thomas Lee Miller, Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Scott Alan Watkins, Eric L. Reed, Jon Holt, Brian Bennie
-
Patent number: 8937528Abstract: An apparatus for managing biometric information for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprising a first key, a second key, and a vehicle controller. The first and the second key each for transmitting an access signal to the vehicle. The vehicle controller for receiving the access signal from one of the first key and the second key to enable operation of the vehicle. The vehicle controller being operably coupled to a biometric database for storing first data indicative of an administrator and second data indicative of at least one of a member and biometric information for the member. The vehicle controller being configured to receive the access signal from each of the first key and the second key and to determine that a user is the administrator in response to receiving the access signal from each of the first key and the second key.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Maria Eugenia Protopapas
-
Publication number: 20140282931Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a user and creating and applying a user profile may include authenticating an administrator via an administrator identification. A user identification distinct from the administrator identification may be received, as well as a set of selected features associated with the user. A profile may be created and may include the user identification and the set of selected features. The profile may be applied in response to authenticating a user based on the user identification.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Maria Eugenia Protopapas
-
Publication number: 20140070917Abstract: An apparatus for managing biometric information for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprising a first key, a second key, and a vehicle controller. The first and the second key each for transmitting an access signal to the vehicle. The vehicle controller for receiving the access signal from one of the first key and the second key to enable operation of the vehicle. The vehicle controller being operably coupled to a biometric database for storing first data indicative of an administrator and second data indicative of at least one of a member and biometric information for the member. The vehicle controller being configured to receive the access signal from each of the first key and the second key and to determine that a user is the administrator in response to receiving the access signal from each of the first key and the second key.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Maria Eugenia Protopapas
-
Publication number: 20140039721Abstract: A computer implemented method includes logging a GPS location in a wireless device responsive to a vehicle entering a parked state. The method also includes comparing device GPS coordinates to the logged GPS coordinates to determine if the device is in vehicle proximity, after the wireless device has moved a predetermined distance from the logged GPS location. The method additionally includes sending a signal to the vehicle to activate a user authentication process when the device is in vehicle proximity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Maria Eugenia Protopapas
-
Publication number: 20140028472Abstract: A computer implemented method includes logging a GPS location in a wireless device responsive to a vehicle entering a parked state. The method also includes comparing device GPS coordinates to the logged GPS coordinates to determine if the device is in vehicle proximity, after the wireless device has moved a predetermined distance from the logged GPS location. The method additionally includes sending a signal to the vehicle to activate a user authentication process when the device is in vehicle proximity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Maria Eugenia Protopapas
-
Publication number: 20130099940Abstract: A computer implemented method includes logging a GPS location in a wireless device responsive to a vehicle entering a parked state. The method also includes comparing device GPS coordinates to the logged GPS coordinates to determine if the device is in vehicle proximity, after the wireless device has moved a predetermined distance from the logged GPS location. The method additionally includes sending a signal to the vehicle to activate a user authentication process when the device is in vehicle proximity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Maria Eugenia Protopapas
-
Publication number: 20130080537Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving a meeting notification lacking a meeting location designation. The method also includes searching at least one website for a possible meeting location. The method further includes selecting at least one possible meeting location from the at least one website based at least in part on one or more meeting attendees or a domain name associated with a meeting planner. Additionally, the method includes presenting the at least one possible location for verification and utilizing a verified location as the meeting location designation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Anthony Gerald King
-
Publication number: 20120254763Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and systems for using and managing aggregated electronic calendars and task lists in a vehicle. The method may include receiving information at a vehicle computer identifying at least one vehicle occupant. Further, calendar data may be received at the computer including at least two electronic calendars each associated with the at least one vehicle occupant and at least one contact of the vehicle occupant. The electronic calendar for the identified vehicle occupant and the contact of the vehicle occupant may be displayed in the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Anthony Gerald King
-
Patent number: 6170506Abstract: A method for cleaning a solenoid-operated regulator valve wherein command current applied to a solenoid actuator establishes a defined response of a valve. Cleaning current pulses applied to the solenoid establish a response that does not interfere with the effectiveness of the valve function. The pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse direction and pulse period are determined by the degree of contamination of the valve environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Butwin, Michael J. Monaghan, Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Robert Cary Haase, Stephen Michael Cicala, Wolfgang Wickler