Patents by Inventor Mark Cuddihy

Mark Cuddihy 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).

  • INCAPACITATED DRIVING DETECTION AND PREVENTION
    Publication number: 20170120929
    Abstract: Biometric data is received from a wearable device. The biometric data concerns a vehicle operator measured by at least one sensor in the wearable device. A load score is determined. The load score is a measurement of operator capacity to operate the vehicle based at least in part on the biometric data from the wearable device. At least one vehicle component is actuated based at least in part on the load score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adil Nizam Siddiqui, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Patrick Kevin Holub, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Gary Steven Strumolo, Pramita Mitra, David Melcher, Mark A. Cuddihy, Craig John Simonds, Ali Hassani
  • Rear occupant warning system
    Patent number: 9630496
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant alert system may include an in-vehicle sensor configured to detect an object in a rear seat of a vehicle, and a controller configured to receive, from the sensor, an indication of an object in the rear seat, and to transmit, in response to the indication, presence information to a mobile device to cause the mobile device to transmit a command to a wearable device including instructions for an alert at the wearable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • Non-functioning headlight warning
    Patent number: 9621811
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to identify a first zone and a second zone in an image of an area ahead of a vehicle. The processing device compares a first brightness associated with the first zone to a second brightness associated with the second zone to determine a brightness difference. The processing device can determine whether at least one vehicle headlight has malfunctioned based at least in part on the brightness difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Method and apparatus for occupant customized wellness monitoring
    Patent number: 9613515
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to wirelessly connect to a wearable device. The processor is also configured to determine a device-wearer identity. Further, the processor is configured to receive a biometric value from the wearable device. The processor is additionally configured to compare the biometric value to thresholds associated with a user profile selected based on the device-wearer identity and, in response to the biometric value exceeding a threshold, engage in a predefined response associated with the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Hsin-hsiang Yang, Gary Steven Strumolo, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Mark A. Cuddihy
  • Method and apparatus for a near field communication system to exchange occupant information
    Patent number: 9612797
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of antennas, positioned to be capable of receiving a wireless near field communication (NFC) device signal associated with a device located in any one of a driver's back pocket or front pocket, a center console or a passenger seat. The system also includes an NFC reader, in communication with the plurality of antennas. The NFC reader is operable to assign, based at least in part on a number of signals received and a signal strength, one of one or more devices associated with detected signals to a driver. The NFC reader is in communication with a vehicle computing system, operable to retrieve additional information associated with the device assigned to the driver and to apply that information to control vehicle settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Rear row knee bolster deployment control
    Patent number: 9604588
    Abstract: A system comprises a controller for a vehicle. The controller comprises a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to make readings of an infrared sensor positioned to sense objects and motion in a rear passenger foot well. The controller determines if there is an object present in the foot well using the readings. The controller then determines if there is motion in the foot well using the readings. The controller then activates a knee bolster when motion is determined, and deactivates a knee bolster when motion is not determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Mark A. Cuddihy, Robert William McCoy
  • VEHICLE FUEL FILLER ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20170066321
    Abstract: A vehicle and a fuel filler assembly may be provided. The fuel filler assembly may include a housing, a panel assembly, and a sensor assembly. The panel assembly may be carried by the housing and may include a door and a hinge extending from the door. The hinge may have indicia disposed thereon and the sensor assembly may be configured to provide a signal indicative of a location of the indicia relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Hubert Szawarski, Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • GESTURE-ACTIVATED HOOD RELEASE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170058575
    Abstract: A gesture-activated hood release system for a motor vehicle is provided. That system incorporates a gesture sensor, a first actuator and a second actuator. Further, the system includes a controller that is responsive to the gesture sensor to activate the first actuator and open a primary hood latch and then, after a predetermined time delay, activate the second actuator and open the secondary hood latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • NON-FUNCTIONING HEADLIGHT WARNING
    Publication number: 20160350939
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to identify a first zone and a second zone in an image of an area ahead of a vehicle. The processing device compares a first brightness associated with the first zone to a second brightness associated with the second zone to determine a brightness difference. The processing device can determine whether at least one vehicle headlight has malfunctioned based at least in part on the brightness difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Cooperative occupant sensing
    Patent number: 9509775
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a communication interface and a processing device. The communication interface is programmed to pair with at least one mobile device. The processing device is programmed to receive a data file, which includes occupant information, sent from the mobile device. The processing device is further programmed to update at least one vehicle setting based on the occupant information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Jialiang Le
  • Determining vehicle occupant location
    Patent number: 9510159
    Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more messages including a first message from a first mobile device. The first mobile device is wearable. Based at least in part on the first message, the first mobile device is associated with a first user. Steering wheel movement data during a first time period and movement data from the first mobile device during the first time period are also received. Based on the steering wheel movement data and the first mobile device movement data, it is determined that the first user occupies a vehicle driver seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • DETERMINING VEHICLE OCCUPANT LOCATION
    Publication number: 20160337815
    Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more messages including a first message from a first mobile device. The first mobile device is wearable. Based at least in part on the first message, the first mobile device is associated with a first user. Steering wheel movement data during a first time period and movement data from the first mobile device during the first time period are also received. Based on the steering wheel movement data and the first mobile device movement data, it is determined that the first user occupies a vehicle driver seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • REAR PASSENGER INGRESS/EGRESS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20160332538
    Abstract: A seat repositioning system for improving rear passenger ease of entry/exit to and from vehicle includes at least a seat position controller and associated logic for controlling movement of a front seat of the vehicle. The position controller is configured to cause at least a portion of a displaceable front seat of the vehicle to move forwardly when the system is enabled. The position controller may also prevent or limit rearward movement of one or more displaceable front seats of the vehicle. An actuator is provided for enabling/disabling the described system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Arlindo Rocha, Hubert Szawarski, Mark A. Cuddihy
  • GPS-Enabled On Demand Vehicle Tracking Via A Mobile Software Application
    Publication number: 20160314629
    Abstract: An on demand tracking system for a vehicle includes a mobile device configured to establish a connection with the vehicle using a unique identifier, in response to receiving geographic coordinates of the vehicle, to provide to a remote server data defining geographic boundaries encompassing the coordinates without explicitly identifying the coordinates to the remote server to request a map, to display the map, and to delete the coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Iskander Farooq
  • System and method for enabling touchscreen by passenger in moving vehicle
    Patent number: 9477332
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the performance of complex operations on a dashboard-mounted touchscreen in a vehicle moving above a predetermined minimal speed. The system includes a sensor for determining that the touchscreen is intended or going to be touched by driver and/or front seat passenger. A control, responsive to operation of the sensor, disallows or allows the touchscreen to be responsive to a touching. The touchscreen is not allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is touched by the driver. The touchscreen is allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is not going to be touched by the driver and is touched by the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Louis Tijerina, Walter Joseph Talamonti, Devinder Singh Kochhar
  • Vehicle occupant classification
    Patent number: 9475405
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least two sensors. A first sensor is configured to output a child restraint signal indicating a presence of a child restraint system. A second sensor is configured to output a belt tension signal representing a tension associated with a seat belt. A processing device is programmed to determine whether the child restraint system includes a child seat or a booster seat based on the child restraint signal and the belt tension signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Agnes S. Kim, Robert William McCoy
  • RESTRAINT CHARACTERISTICS CONFIGURATION FOR PASSENGER ZONES
    Publication number: 20160304045
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one controller that may be configured to set a parameter for a vehicle zone based on data from an occupant detection sensor associated with the zone. The controller may be configured to respond to a signal from a nomadic device indicative of a profile of an occupant selected from a plurality of potential occupant profiles and an assignment of the occupant to the zone. The controller may be configured to override the parameter of the zone based on the signal. The vehicle may also include an airbag associated with a seat in the vehicle. The at least one controller may be configured to set the airbag to an enabled state based on the parameter, and override the enabled state in response to a signal from a nomadic device indicative of a child profile being assigned to the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Agnes S. Kim, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • SEATBELT PAYOUT MEASURING DEVICE AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160288766
    Abstract: A seatbelt payout measuring device with a rewind spring having a first end connected to a center spool and a second end connected to a rewind spring housing. A dielectric material layered immediately adjacent to the rewind spring forming a first layer and an electrolytic coil with dielectric material layered on both sides forming a second layer, isolating the rewind spring from the electrolytic coil. A capacitive measuring device having a first lead connected to the first end of the rewind spring and a second lead connected to a first end of the electrolytic coil. The capacitive measuring device measuring capacitance with belt pullout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Mark A. Cuddihy, Mark Allan Lippman, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • REAR OCCUPANT WARNING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160280067
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant alert system may include an in-vehicle sensor configured to detect an object in a rear seat of a vehicle, and a controller configured to receive, from the sensor, an indication of an object in the rear seat, and to transmit, in response to the indication, presence information to a mobile device to cause the mobile device to transmit a command to a wearable device including instructions for an alert at the wearable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Mark A. CUDDIHY, Manoharprasad K. RAO, Kwaku O. PRAKAH-ASANTE
  • Vehicle braking deployment logic for pedestrian protection leg stiffener
    Patent number: 9446726
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a deployable pedestrian protection leg stiffener of a motor vehicle based upon the vehicle braking status and longitudinal acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque