Patents by Inventor Robert Schroeter

Robert Schroeter 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: 12601854
    Abstract: A weather detection system for a vehicle includes a weather sensor configured to sense an environmental condition of a region external to the vehicle in an operable state, an actuator for controlling a response to the environmental condition, a network interface configured to access weather data from a vehicle fleet, and control circuitry in communication with the weather sensor and the actuator. The control circuitry is configured to access the weather data via the network interface, compare the weather data to the environmental condition, detect an inoperable state of the weather sensor based on the comparison, and control the actuator based on detection of the inoperable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Jake Schwartz, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider
  • Publication number: 20260084655
    Abstract: A vehicle including a front windshield, a sensor, a camera, an HVAC unit and a processor is disclosed. The sensor is configured to detect a humidity level at the front windshield, and the camera is configured to capture an image of a target vehicle glass surface. The processor is configured to determine that the humidity level is greater than a predefined threshold based on inputs obtained from the sensor. The processor further obtains the image from the camera responsive to determining that the humidity level is greater than the predefined threshold, and detects a presence of fogging on the target vehicle glass surface based on the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2024
    Publication date: March 26, 2026
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Justin Miller, Brezalel Leviston
  • Publication number: 20260042422
    Abstract: A vehicle including a windshield, a sensor unit, a first wiper, a second wiper and a processor is disclosed. The sensor unit may be configured to determine inputs associated with a presence of water on the windshield in a sensor unit's field of view (FOV). The processor may determine a first amount of water added to the windshield in the sensor unit's FOV during a first time duration and a second amount of water added to the windshield in the sensor unit's FOV during a second time duration based on the inputs obtained from the sensor unit. The first and second time durations may be based on the movements of the first and second wipers on the windshield. The processor may further calculate a difference between the first amount and the second amount, and control an operation of the first and second wipers based on the difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2024
    Publication date: February 12, 2026
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Justin Miller, Nicholas Colella
  • Publication number: 20260030651
    Abstract: A method to track and a consumer-product interaction is provided. The method includes accessing a website viewed remotely, via a client device, by a user, identifying a sponsored advertisement payload on the website, the sponsored advertisement pay load associated with a featured product, determining that the user has interacted with the sponsored advertisement pay load, creating, in a server, a register associating the sponsored advertisement payload, the featured product, and the user, identifying a transaction by the user associated with the featured product, and updating an attribute of the sponsored advertisement pay load based on the transaction. A system including a memory storing instructions and a processor to execute the instructions and cause the system to perform the above method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: January 29, 2026
    Inventors: Zubin SINGH, James ZINKOVITCH, Robert SCHROETER, Kirk DIKUN, Roberto VILLAGARCIA, Jan SRNICEK
  • Publication number: 20250336071
    Abstract: A vehicle including a front camera, left and right headlights, and a processor is disclosed. The front camera may be configured to capture an image of an external surface in front of the vehicle. The left headlight may be configured to illuminate a left zonal area of the external surface, and the right headlight may be configured to illuminate a right zonal area. The processor may map a first set of image pixels to the left zonal area and a second set of image pixels to the right zonal area. The processor may further determine a first illumination intensity associated with the left zonal area, and a second illumination intensity associated with the right zonal area. The processor may perform a predefined action when a difference between the first and second illumination intensities may be greater than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2024
    Publication date: October 30, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Todd N. Clark
  • Publication number: 20250336212
    Abstract: A computer may determine a first illumination value based on an image of a space about a vehicle and, upon the first illumination value exceeding a threshold, determine second illumination values for respective zones of the image. The zones may be defined based on a vehicle component. The computer may actuate the vehicle component based on a comparison of at least some of the second illumination values of respective zones to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Publication date: October 30, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Faizan Shaik, Hussein Altameemi
  • Patent number: 12437415
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an insulation system of a stator. In one example, a method may include receiving images of the stator at an automated tool implemented at a processor of a computing system, the images depicting slots in in an inner surface of the stator, and processing the images using image processing and deep learning algorithms to provide processed images. The processed images may be input to an artificial intelligence (AI) model of the automated tool, the AI model trained to identify varnish in the processed images. obtained two-dimensional presentation of varnish distribution may be output from the AI model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Jackson Lenz, Boratha Tan, Ife Siffre
  • Patent number: 12427606
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining pre-weld image data of the electric motor stator from one or more image sensors; performing a welding process in response to obtaining the pre-weld image data, obtaining post-weld image data of the electric motor stator from the one or more image sensors in response to performing the welding process, obtaining epoxy image data of the electric motor stator from the one or more image sensors in response to obtaining the post-weld image data, performing a difference-based image processing routine based on the post-weld image data and the epoxy image data to generate a digital twin of the electric motor stator, and determining one or more epoxy characteristics of the electric motor stator based on the digital twin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Michael Oelscher
  • Patent number: 12429578
    Abstract: A detection system for a target vehicle includes a camera capturing images of a region external to the target vehicle, a RADAR module that scans the region to detect a depth of a splash event in the region, an actuator configured to operate in response to a response signal and control circuitry configured to determine a distance between the target vehicle and a front of the splash event based on the images, compare the front of the splash event to the depth to determine an intensity of the splash event, and communicate the response signal based on the intensity of the splash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Jake Schwartz, Aaron L. Mills
  • Patent number: 12403865
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a window separating a compartment of the vehicle from a region external to the vehicle. The window includes an outer surface. An imaging device is in the compartment and configured to capture an image of the region external to the vehicle through the window. Control circuitry is in communication with the imaging device and configured to receive the image from the imaging device, detect an obstruction in the image data corresponding to a substance on the window, and generate an output in response to the detection of the obstruction, wherein the imaging device is disposed within 50 millimeters (mm) from the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Justin Miller, Jake Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20250269821
    Abstract: A vehicle including a glazing, a wiper, a detection unit and a processor is disclosed. The detection unit may be configured to capture images of a vehicle interior portion and a vehicle surrounding. The processor may be configured to determine a precipitation intensity and that the vehicle may be in a stationary state. The processor may further determine that a user located in the vehicle interior portion may be looking out of the vehicle through the glazing based on inputs obtained from the detection unit, responsive to determining that the vehicle may be in the stationary state. The processor may further cause a wiper movement at a speed associated with the precipitation intensity, when the user may be looking out of the vehicle through the glazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Publication date: August 28, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Aaron L. Mills
  • Patent number: 12379716
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for verifying a deep learning tool for evaluating a varnish condition of a stator. In one example, a method for verifying the deep learning tool includes receiving images of replicas of a stator section at a processor of a computing system, the replicas of the stator section having different predetermined varnish fill percentages. The images are process and analyzed by the deep learning tool to output estimated varnish fill percentages. The estimated varnish fill percentages may be compared to the predetermined varnish fill percentages and a notification recommending at least one of further training of the deep learning tool and adjustments to an imaging setup for acquiring the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Ife Siffre
  • Publication number: 20250222900
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a camera configured to capture images through a window of the vehicle, a window clearing system operable between a clearing operation and a cleaning operation, and includes a wiper configured to move along the window in the clearing operation and the cleaning operation, and an interface for manually activating the clearing operation. Control circuitry configured to detect an obstruction on the window based on the images, classify the obstruction as water or debris, detect manual operation of the wiper, determine a wear condition during manual operation of the wiper and based on classification of the obstruction as debris, and communicate a signal to indicate the wear condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jake Schwartz, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter
  • Publication number: 20250224509
    Abstract: A detection system for a target vehicle includes a camera capturing images of a region external to the target vehicle, a RADAR module that scans the region to detect a depth of a splash event in the region, an actuator configured to operate in response to a response signal and control circuitry configured to determine a distance between the target vehicle and a front of the splash event based on the images, compare the front of the splash event to the depth to determine an intensity of the splash event, and communicate the response signal based on the intensity of the splash event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Jake Schwartz, Aaron L. Mills
  • Patent number: 12333735
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an insulation system of a stator. In one example, a method may include receiving images of the stator at a processor of a computing system and feeding the images to a deep learning tool to generate processed images by segmenting and cropping the images according to slots identified in the images. Further, the varnish in the processed images may be quantified based on fluorescence of the varnish, converted into estimated varnish fill percentages, based on an output from analysis of the processed images, and the estimated varnish fill percentages may be displayed in a report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Seth Avery, Chris Wolf, Jackson Lenz, Boratha Tan
  • Patent number: 12325279
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a compartment having a first space having a first environmental condition and a second space having a second environmental condition. At least one camera captures a first image of a first part of a region external to the vehicle and a second image of a second part of the region. The first part of the region aligns with the first space, and the second part of the region aligns with the second space. An environmental control system of the vehicle has at least one of lighting control and climate control. Control circuitry is configured to determine brightness conditions of the region based on the first image and the second image and control the environmental control system to adjust the environmental conditions based on the brightness conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Justin Miller
  • Publication number: 20250147202
    Abstract: A weather detection system for a vehicle includes a weather sensor configured to sense an environmental condition of a region external to the vehicle in an operable state, an actuator for controlling a response to the environmental condition, a network interface configured to access weather data from a vehicle fleet, and control circuitry in communication with the weather sensor and the actuator. The control circuitry is configured to access the weather data via the network interface, compare the weather data to the environmental condition, detect an inoperable state of the weather sensor based on the comparison, and control the actuator based on detection of the inoperable state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Jake Schwartz, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider
  • Patent number: 12293507
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an insulation system of a stator. In one example, a method may include receiving images of the stator at a processor of a computing system and processing the images by converting the images to one or more of cluster-only images and binary masks. The images may be fed to an artificial intelligence (AI) model to obtain one or more of varnish estimates and void estimates to generate a training dataset which may be used to train a deep learning tool to estimate varnish fill percentages from the images and display the varnish fill percentages at a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Seth Avery, Chris Wolf, Jackson Lenz, Boratha Tan
  • Publication number: 20250136063
    Abstract: A vehicle including a detection unit and a processor is disclosed. The detection unit may be configured to capture images outside the vehicle. The processor may obtain inputs from the detection unit, and determine that the vehicle may be within a predefined distance of a car wash entry point associated with a car wash station. The processor may determine a first action to be performed when the vehicle is within the predefined distance. The first action includes one or more steps. The processor may be configured to output a first notification to perform a first step, determine that the first step is completed, and output a second notification to perform a second step responsive to a determination that the first step is completed. The processor is further configured to determine that the second step is completed, and output a third notification when the first and second steps are completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schroeter, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Jake Schwartz
  • Patent number: 12269398
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one camera that captures at least one image of a region external to the vehicle. The vehicle includes an environmental control system of the vehicle having at least one of lighting control and climate control for the vehicle. The vehicle includes control circuitry configured to process a first set of images of the plurality of images at a first sampling rate, determine a brightness condition of the region external to the vehicle based on processing the first set of images, process a second set of images of the plurality of images at a second sampling rate different than the first sampling rate, detect a shift in the brightness condition based on the second set of images, and control the environmental control system in response to the shift in the brightness condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Robert Schroeter, Justin Miller, Anna Marie-Sophia Hoff