Patents by Inventor Scott Alan Watkins
Scott Alan Watkins 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: 10328940Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for secure idle for a vehicle generator. An example vehicle includes an outlet external to the vehicle, a power inverter dedicated to supplying AC power to the outlet, and a powertrain control module. The powertrain control module controls the power inverter to supply first power level when a switch is in a first position and a second power level when the switch is in a second position. Additionally, the powertrain control module, after entering a secure mode, controls an engine to remain idling when an ignition switch is off.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: James Theodore Cikalo, Daniel M. King, Thomas Lee Miller, Kevin Thomas Hille, Micheal Nikiforuk, Scott Alan Watkins
-
Patent number: 10089879Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
-
Publication number: 20180265088Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for secure idle for a vehicle generator. An example vehicle includes an outlet external to the vehicle, a power inverter dedicated to supplying AC power to the outlet, and a powertrain control module. The powertrain control module controls the power inverter to supply first power level when a switch is in a first position and a second power level when the switch is in a second position. Additionally, the powertrain control module, after entering a secure mode, controls an engine to remain idling when an ignition switch is off.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2017Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: James Theodore Cikalo, Daniel M. King, Thomas Lee Miller, Kevin Thomas Hille, Micheal Nikiforuk, Scott Alan Watkins
-
Patent number: 9963033Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an impairment state of a driver in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle interface device configured to receive a first audible signal from a driver indicative of at least one word while the driver is in a non-impaired state and to determine a first total time to recite the at least the word based on the first audible signal. The vehicle interface device is further configured to command the driver to recite the at least one word to determine the impairment state of the driver and to receive a second audible signal from the driver indicative of the at least one word. The vehicle interface device is further configured to determine a second total time to recite the at least one word based on the second audible signal and to compare the first total time to the second total time.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Scott Alan Watkins, Brian Bennie, Mark Edward Porter, Brigitte Frances Mora Richardson
-
Publication number: 20170278399Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L. Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
-
Patent number: 9672744Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
-
Publication number: 20160371980Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
-
Publication number: 20160305791Abstract: A vehicle alert system may include a controller configured to receive a waypoint and a current vehicle energy, determine a route to the waypoint and vehicle energy necessary to accomplish the route, receive waypoint information indicative of non-driving energy consumption associated with the waypoint, and generate an adjustment factor based on the non-driving energy consumption. The controller may further be configured to attribute the adjustment factor to the vehicle energy necessary to accomplish the route, determine whether the attributed vehicle energy exceeds the current vehicle energy, and issue an alert in response to the attributed vehicle energy exceeding the current vehicle energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2015Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Cynthia M. NEUBECKER, Scott Alan WATKINS, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH
-
Patent number: 9437111Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
-
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
-
Publication number: 20150348417Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L. Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
-
Patent number: 9150154Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for masking an in-coming call from a portable communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller that is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of a driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The controller is further configured to transmit a first signal to a PCD to block a notification of an incoming call in the event the driver status signal indicates that the driver is the secondary driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Doron M. Elliott, Stephanie Lynne Janczak
-
Patent number: 9061629Abstract: An apparatus for validating a connection between a vehicle and a trailer is provided. The apparatus comprising a controller configured to detect an object positioned rearward of the vehicle and to receive first information indicative of a first distance between the object and the vehicle. The controller further configured to monitor transmission status of the vehicle in response to the first information and to determine whether the first distance between the object and the vehicle is decreasing in response to transmission status indicating that the vehicle is in reverse. The controller being further configured to determine that the object is a trailer in the event the first distance between the object and the vehicle has not decreased while the vehicle is in reverse.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Scott Alan Watkins, Timothy John Zuraw, Steven M. Sundberg, Conrad Smith
-
Patent number: 8981921Abstract: A status indicator and reminder system for a temporary mobility kit for use in a vehicle having a tire pressure monitoring system. A tire sealant containing temporary mobility kit is fittable within the vehicle. A controller coupled to the temporary mobility kit and the tire pressure monitoring system will generate a service warning signal for the temporary mobility kit in response to information provided by the tire pressure monitoring system. The service warning signal will be provided at a message center in the vehicle to apprise the driver of the need to service the temporary mobility kit. The status indicator and reminder system may also utilize inputs from a power load monitor and a trailer brake controller system to generate and display a service warning signal at the message center.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Scott Alan Watkins
-
Patent number: 8922357Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for programming keys to a vehicle to establish primary keys and secondary keys to control vehicle functionality is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a key identification signal from a first key. The method further comprises generating a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a primary key and a secondary key in response to the key identification signal. The method further comprises transmitting the key status signal to a vehicle interface display. The method further comprises allowing a user to change a status of at least one of the first key and an additional key with the vehicle interface display in response to determining that the key status signal corresponds to the primary key.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Michael L. Gusta, Eric L. Reed
-
Publication number: 20140253307Abstract: An apparatus for validating a connection between a vehicle and a trailer is provided. The apparatus comprising a controller configured to detect an object positioned rearward of the vehicle and to receive first information indicative of a first distance between the object and the vehicle. The controller further configured to monitor transmission status of the vehicle in response to the first information and to determine whether the first distance between the object and the vehicle is decreasing in response to transmission status indicating that the vehicle is in reverse. The controller being further configured to determine that the object is a trailer in the event the first distance between the object and the vehicle has not decreased while the vehicle is in reverse.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Scott Alan Watkins, Timothy John Zuraw, Steven M. Sundberg, Conrad Smith
-
Publication number: 20140231166Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an impairment state of a driver in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle interface device configured to receive a first audible signal from a driver indicative of at least one word while the driver is in a non-impaired state and to determine a first total time to recite the at least the word based on the first audible signal. The vehicle interface device is further configured to command the driver to recite the at least one word to determine the impairment state of the driver and to receive a second audible signal from the driver indicative of the at least one word. The vehicle interface device is further configured to determine a second total time to recite the at least one word based on the second audible signal and to compare the first total time to the second total time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Scott Alan Watkins, Brian Bennie, Mark Edward Porter, Brigitte Frances Mora Richardson
-
Publication number: 20140203926Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for masking an in-coming call from a portable communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller that is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of a driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The controller is further configured to transmit a first signal to a PCD to block a notification of an incoming call in the event the driver status signal indicates that the driver is the secondary driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Doron M. Elliott, Stephanie Lynne Janczak
-
Patent number: 8736434Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for recording events in a vehicle based on driver status of a driver is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle interface device. The device is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The device is further configured to receive at least one vehicle event signal corresponding to vehicle events in response to the driver status signal indicating that the driver is the secondary driver and to store the at least one vehicle event signal to record the vehicle events. The device is further configured to generate a report indicating the recorded vehicle events for transmission to at least one of the primary driver and the secondary driver.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Scott Alan Watkins, Brian Bennie
-
Patent number: 8576061Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a device for controlling one or more vehicle features for a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The device comprises at least one controller that is configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of the primary driver and the secondary driver and to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the one of the primary driver and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is further configured to control one or more vehicle features and to prevent the one or more vehicle features from being disabled in response to determining that the at least one driver status signal indicates that the driver of the vehicle is the secondary driver.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Scott Alan Watkins