Patents by Inventor Nicholas Scheufler
Nicholas Scheufler 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).
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Patent number: 11904666Abstract: A vehicle characterizes a sunload on the vehicle using an imaging system including at least one camera capturing image data (e.g., without using an ambient light sensor). The image data includes at least a portion of a passenger cabin. A region of interest (ROI) overlay receives the image data and extracts selected image data according to predetermined scene elements of the vehicle environment. An occupant overlay is configured to detect a vehicle occupant represented in the selected image data and configured to generate truncated image data by subtracting image data corresponding to the vehicle occupant from the selected image data. An ambient light model uses environmental parameters including a sun position to estimate an expected sunload range. A mapper generates a sunload map comprising respective sunload values for a plurality of locations on the vehicle according to the truncated image data and the expected sunload range.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jake S. Schwartz, Nicholas A. Scheufler, Jonathan Diedrich, Eric R. Krieger, Mark Gehrke, Martin van Hoeckel, Brian Bennie
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Patent number: 11705025Abstract: Systems and methods for exterior signage evaluation are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving images of an exterior signage area of an exterior surface of a first vehicle, the images being obtained by the first vehicle, a second vehicle camera or an infrastructure camera, determining current environmental conditions around the first vehicle, processing the images of the exterior signage area using the current environmental conditions, wherein processing includes comparing an expected appearance of the exterior signage area with an actual appearance of the exterior signage area to determine a visual appearance quality of the exterior signage area, and presenting a message on a display that includes the visual appearance quality.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Scheufler, Michael Robertson, Jr., Ashwin Arunmozhi, Segundo Baldovino
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Patent number: 11699206Abstract: The disclosure relates to augmented reality vehicle identification with visual light communication. For example, a mobile device may be configured for “scanning” an area having multiple parked vehicles within visual range of the mobile device, to identify a target vehicle. The mobile device may include an application for identifying the target vehicle using visual light communication (VLC) equipment and techniques that present an augmented reality outline or other identification of the target vehicle on the smartphone screen once the vehicle is identified by the system. The encrypted communication channels with the vehicle may be established to utilize vehicle headlamps, interior lights, or another light emitting device to establish the VLC between the user's phone and the vehicle VLC system.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Michael Herman, Nicholas Scheufler
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Patent number: 11589443Abstract: Automatic drive mode lighting systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method can include determining when a drive mode of a vehicle is an off-road mode, determining when a speed of the vehicle is below a speed threshold, determining when a location of the vehicle corresponds to an off-road location, and automatically activating off-road lighting for the vehicle when the drive mode is in an off-road mode, the speed is below the speed threshold, and the location corresponds to an off-road location.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andrew Niedert, Christopher Berchin, Nicholas Scheufler, Seth Goslawski
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Publication number: 20220379691Abstract: A vehicle characterizes a sunload on the vehicle using an imaging system including at least one camera capturing image data (e.g., without using an ambient light sensor). The image data includes at least a portion of a passenger cabin. A region of interest (ROI) overlay receives the image data and extracts selected image data according to predetermined scene elements of the vehicle environment. An occupant overlay is configured to detect a vehicle occupant represented in the selected image data and configured to generate truncated image data by subtracting image data corresponding to the vehicle occupant from the selected image data. An ambient light model uses environmental parameters including a sun position to estimate an expected sunload range. A mapper generates a sunload map comprising respective sunload values for a plurality of locations on the vehicle according to the truncated image data and the expected sunload range.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2021Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Jake S. Schwartz, Nicholas A. Scheufler, Jonathan Diedrich, Eric R. Krieger, Mark Gehrke, Martin van Hoeckel, Brian Bennie
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Publication number: 20220130294Abstract: Systems and methods for exterior signage evaluation are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving images of an exterior signage area of an exterior surface of a first vehicle, the images being obtained by the first vehicle, a second vehicle camera or an infrastructure camera, determining current environmental conditions around the first vehicle, processing the images of the exterior signage area using the current environmental conditions, wherein processing includes comparing an expected appearance of the exterior signage area with an actual appearance of the exterior signage area to determine a visual appearance quality of the exterior signage area, and presenting a message on a display that includes the visual appearance quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2020Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Scheufler, Michael Robertson, JR., Ashwin Arunmozhi, Segundo Baldovino
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Patent number: 11198415Abstract: Example on-demand driver (ODD) systems and methods are described herein. An example method includes generating, with an ODD system, a softkey for a vehicle associated with an agreement between a driver-in-need (DIN) and an ODD, monitoring, with the ODD system, a location of an ODD device carried by the ODD, and transmitting, with the ODD system, the softkey to the ODD device when the ODD device is detected as being within a proximity of the vehicle. In the example method, the softkey is used to unlock the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dave A. Herman, David Joseph Orris, Nicholas Scheufler, Nunzio Decia, Stephen Jay Orris
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Publication number: 20210250178Abstract: The disclosure relates to augmented reality vehicle identification with visual light communication. For example, a mobile device may be configured for “scanning” an area having multiple parked vehicles within visual range of the mobile device, to identify a target vehicle. The mobile device may include an application for identifying the target vehicle using visual light communication (VLC) equipment and techniques that present an augmented reality outline or other identification of the target vehicle on the smartphone screen once the vehicle is identified by the system. The encrypted communication channels with the vehicle may be established to utilize vehicle headlamps, interior lights, or another light emitting device to establish the VLC between the user's phone and the vehicle VLC system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Michael Herman, Nicholas Scheufler
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Patent number: 10906425Abstract: A network of electric vehicle chargers is provided. The network may include a controller that, responsive to data indicating a threshold risk of utility grid power loss in a defined geographic area, broadcasts commands summoning vehicles in the defined geographic area to travel to and charge via the network, and prioritize charging of the vehicles at the network according to charge state data such that the vehicles having lowest state of charge are charged first.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Michael Herman, Nicholas Scheufler, David A. Herman, Nunzio DeCia, David Joseph Orris, Stephen Jay Orris, Jr.
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Patent number: 10755691Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for acoustic control of a vehicle's interior. Example methods may include detecting environmental sounds external to a cabin of a vehicle and determining at least one first sound from the environmental sounds, wherein the cabin is configured to reduce a volume of the environmental sounds below a threshold; determining location information comprising a direction and a distance of the first sound with respect to the vehicle; and generating a second sound based on the first sound and the location information that reproduces a spectral feature of the first sound.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Michael Herman, Nunzio DeCia, Nicholas Scheufler, Stephen Jay Orris
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Publication number: 20200110172Abstract: Driver assistance is provided for parking a vehicle inside a garage with a powered garage door actuating system. During parking of the vehicle in the garage, remote scanning is performed around the vehicle to detect a path of a garage door. While in the parking mode, the garage door path is compared to a vehicle profile. Driver guidance is provided in order to locate the vehicle where the profile and path are non-interfering. In a parked mode, the door is monitored for actuations, and the garage door actuator is automatically commanded to reverse if the actuator is closing the door toward an interfering position with the profile. The vehicle profile may encompass an expansion zone recurrently occupied by a powered vehicle door or tailgate. If the interfering position coincides only with the expansion zone then the command to reverse the actuator is made only if the tailgate is not closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2018Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Nunzio DeCia, David M. Herman, Stephen J. Orris, JR., Nicholas A. Scheufler
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Patent number: 10613219Abstract: Driver assistance is provided for parking a vehicle inside a garage with a powered garage door actuating system. During parking of the vehicle in the garage, remote scanning is performed around the vehicle to detect a path of a garage door. While in the parking mode, the garage door path is compared to a vehicle profile. Driver guidance is provided in order to locate the vehicle where the profile and path are non-interfering. In a parked mode, the door is monitored for actuations, and the garage door actuator is automatically commanded to reverse if the actuator is closing the door toward an interfering position with the profile. The vehicle profile may encompass an expansion zone recurrently occupied by a powered vehicle door or tailgate. If the interfering position coincides only with the expansion zone then the command to reverse the actuator is made only if the tailgate is not closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Nunzio DeCia, David M. Herman, Stephen J. Orris, Jr., Nicholas A. Scheufler
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Publication number: 20200017072Abstract: Example on-demand driver (ODD) systems and methods are described herein. An example method includes generating, with an ODD system, a softkey for a vehicle associated with an agreement between a driver-in-need (DIN) and an ODD, monitoring, with the ODD system, a location of an ODD device carried by the ODD, and transmitting, with the ODD system, the softkey to the ODD device when the ODD device is detected as being within a proximity of the vehicle. In the example method, the softkey is used to unlock the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Dave A. Herman, David Joseph Orris, Nicholas Scheufler, Nunzio Decia, Stephen Jay Orris
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Patent number: 10501054Abstract: Example on-demand driver (ODD) systems and methods are described herein. An example method includes generating, with an ODD system, a softkey for a vehicle associated with an agreement between a driver-in-need (DIN) and an ODD, monitoring, with the ODD system, a location of an ODD device carried by the ODD, and transmitting, with the ODD system, the softkey to the ODD device when the ODD device is detected as being within a proximity of the vehicle. In the example method, the softkey is used to unlock the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dave A. Herman, David Joseph Orris, Nicholas Scheufler, Nunzio Decia, Stephen Jay Orris
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Publication number: 20190308509Abstract: A network of electric vehicle chargers is provided. The network may include a controller that, responsive to data indicating a threshold risk of utility grid power loss in a defined geographic area, broadcasts commands summoning vehicles in the defined geographic area to travel to and charge via the network, and prioritize charging of the vehicles at the network according to charge state data such that the vehicles having lowest state of charge are charged first.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2018Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: David Michael HERMAN, Nicholas SCHEUFLER, David A. HERMAN, Nunzio DeCIA, David Joseph ORRIS, Stephen Jay ORRIS, Jr.
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Patent number: 10336323Abstract: A system for preventing accidents includes an eye gaze detector for receiving an eye gaze vector from a driver. The system additionally comprises a proximity sensor for detecting locations of nearby objects and their velocities. A risk is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity. Additionally, the driver's knowledge of vehicle circumstances is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity as well as the eye gaze location. Responsive to the driver's knowledge and the risk, an alert is activated.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Steven Feit, Nicholas A. Scheufler, Ross C. Miller, Michelle Kosterich, Jason Lin, Dave Jaeyeong Choi, Cody D. Grebe
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Publication number: 20180001870Abstract: Example on-demand driver (ODD) systems and methods are described herein. An example method includes generating, with an ODD system, a softkey for a vehicle associated with an agreement between a driver-in-need (DIN) and an ODD, monitoring, with the ODD system, a location of an ODD device carried by the ODD, and transmitting, with the ODD system, the softkey to the ODD device when the ODD device is detected as being within a proximity of the vehicle. In the example method, the softkey is used to unlock the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Dave A. Herman, David Joseph Orris, Nicholas Scheufler, Nunzio Decia, Stephen Jay Orris
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Patent number: 9760175Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a morphable pad and display configured for tactile control. The system comprises a display for displaying a user interface comprising a layout of vehicle control features. The display is configured to highlight a portion of the layout associated with a received highlight input, and to update the layout based on a received selection input. A morphable pad is connected to the display and comprises an array of switches. Each switch is configured to receive highlight input and selection input. The switches are also configured to adjust in tactile feel to match the layout, and to reconfigure in tactile feel responsive to a change in the layout.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nicholas A. Scheufler, Steven Feit, Dave Jaeyeong Choi, Ross C. Miller
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Publication number: 20170247031Abstract: A system for preventing accidents includes an eye gaze detector for receiving an eye gaze vector from a driver. The system additionally comprises a proximity sensor for detecting locations of nearby objects and their velocities. A risk is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity. Additionally, the driver's knowledge of vehicle circumstances is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity as well as the eye gaze location. Responsive to the driver's knowledge and the risk, an alert is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2017Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Steven Feit, Nicholas A. Scheufler, Ross C. Miller, Michelle Kosterich, Jason Lin, Dave Jaeyeong Choi, Cody D. Grebe
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Patent number: 9623879Abstract: A vehicle includes a control system, a selector, and a display. The selector is operable in one of a first selection mode and a second selection mode for selecting respective ones of a first driving mode and a second driving mode for the vehicle. The control system is configured to detect an improper vehicular condition for the second driving mode. When the vehicle is in the first driving mode and the selector is transitioned from the first selection mode to the second selection mode during the occurrence of the improper vehicular condition for the second driving mode, the control system is configured to facilitate display of a warning message on the warning display indicating the improper vehicular condition for the second driving mode and inhibit the vehicle from transitioning from the first driving mode to the second driving mode. A method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Nathaniel C. Ellis, Nicholas A. Scheufler, Andrew M. Bucci