Patents by Inventor Scott Rhodes
Scott Rhodes 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: 9406177Abstract: Data is collected during operation of a vehicle. A determination is made that a confidence assessment of at least one of the data indicates at least one fault condition. A first autonomous operation affected by the fault condition is discontinued, where a second autonomous operation that is unaffected by the fault condition is continued.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Douglas Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Hongtei Eric Tseng
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Patent number: 9346400Abstract: Data may be collected relating to autonomous operation of a vehicle. A first confidence assessment concerning whether the vehicle should operate autonomously may then be generated, and it may be determined whether the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. An alert may be provided via a user interface in the vehicle relating to ending autonomous operation of the vehicle if the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Doug Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Hongtei Eric Tseng
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Patent number: 9335162Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed. The system incorporates at least one sensor configured to measure a wheel steer angle and a trailer angle in communication with a processor. The processor is operable to determine a first length by a first computation method and determine a second length by a second computation method. The processor is further operable to validate an estimated trailer length based on the first length and the second length and perform a back-up function for the trailer based on the estimated trailer length.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christos Kyrtsos, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Alex Maurice Miller, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Patent number: 9296423Abstract: The trailer backup assist system has a human machine interface coupled to a controller having a setup module, a calibration module, an activation module and a control module configured to receive trailer measurements, apply trailer measurements, activate and control vehicle systems to calibrate and implement a curvature control algorithm that controls the reverse movement of the vehicle-trailer combination in a manner consistent with a driver request. When incorrect trailer measurements have been entered, the trailer backup assist system recognizes the error, initiates a warning and requests corrective action to correct the trailer measurements. Default values for a maximum controllable curvature limit and a maximum controllable angle replace the limits calculated and applied by the calibration model that used incorrect trailer measurements, until corrected trailer measurements may be entered by the driver.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Erick Michael Lavoie, Christopher Scott Nave, John Shutko, Kenneth Michael Mayer, Martin Fitzpatrick Frey, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Patent number: 9290186Abstract: One of a condition affecting a vehicle and a planned action of the vehicle are identified. An instruction is provided to actuate movement of a steering wheel in the vehicle, wherein the movement is determined according to the one of the condition and the planned action.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Douglas Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Louis Tijerina, Hongtei Eric Tseng
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Patent number: 9248858Abstract: The trailer backup assist system has a human machine interface coupled to a controller having a setup module, a calibration module, an activation module and a control module configured to receive trailer measurements, apply trailer measurements, activate and control vehicle systems to calibrate and implement a curvature control algorithm that controls the reverse movement of the vehicle-trailer combination in a manner consistent with a driver request.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Roger Arnold Trombley, Christopher Nave, John Shutko, Matt Y. Rupp, Kenneth Michael Mayer, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Martin Fitzpatrick Frey, Douglas Scott Rhode, David Dean Smit
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Publication number: 20150367886Abstract: A trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment, provides a sensor that senses a hitch angle between a trailer and a vehicle. The trailer backup assist system also provides a selection device for selecting a longitudinal direction of the trailer or the vehicle in a static orientation. Further, the trailer backup assist system provides a controller that generates a steering command to the vehicle when reversing based on the hitch angle to guide the trailer in the selected longitudinal direction. The controller determines a kinematic relationship of the trailer and the vehicle based on a length of the trailer and a wheelbase of the vehicle, whereby the steering command is generated based on the kinematic relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Patent number: 9212926Abstract: A vehicle is operated at least partially autonomously. A predicted path of the vehicle is monitored to identify an object with which the vehicle is likely to collide. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that includes the predicted path, a proposed path for the vehicle to avoid a collision with an object, and the vehicle. A selection is made to follow one of the predicted path and the proposed path. The GUI is updated to include the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path, along with a location of the vehicle on the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Douglas Scott Rhode, Matt Y. Rupp, John Shutko, Roger Arnold Trombley, Louis Tijerina, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Andrew Waldis
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Publication number: 20150321668Abstract: An emergency in-lane steering assist system for use during a braking event comprises an object sensor for detecting the presence of an object in front of a motor vehicle and providing data from which the distance from the object to the motor vehicle is determined and a velocity sensor providing data from which the forward velocity of the motor vehicle is determined. A controller in communication with the object sensor and the velocity sensor calculates a Time to Contact (TTC) with the detected object and a steering system is responsive at least in part to operation by the controller. If the calculated TTC is less than a predetermined TTC, the controller provides a lateral steering input during the braking event to reduce the linear distance traveled by the motor vehicle relative to a predetermined path in the lane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: November 12, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Shane Elwart, Walter Joseph Talamonti, Doug Scott Rhode
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Publication number: 20150314663Abstract: A vehicle includes a sensor configured to detect a first road feature, an adjustable suspension system, and a processing device. The processing device is configured to determine, using a drive history map, a location of the vehicle based on the first road feature and apply a suspension profile to the suspension system. The suspension profile is associated with a second road feature identified by the drive history map, which is at a different location from the first road feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, Shane Elwart, Nanjun Liu, Thomas Edward Pilutti
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Patent number: 9174649Abstract: A vehicle sub-system controller is configured to receive a first message and a second message, wherein the first message includes at least a command for the controller, and the second message includes at least a target value for the controller to achieve. A fault may be detected with respect to the first message; and an adjustment to the sub-system may be locally determined in the sub-system controller to achieve the target value.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Rajit Johri, Andrew Brown, Scott J. Lauffer, Sarra Awad Yako, Shane Elwart, Douglas Scott Rhode, Alex Maurice Miller, Tobias John Pallett, John A. Lockwood
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Publication number: 20150300878Abstract: A pulse generator generates high voltage discharge pulses in a manner that may be controlled and monitored. Pulse generator operation may be monitored to measure characteristics associated with pulse generator operation and to produce pulse generator data representative of those characteristics. Pulse generator operation may be monitored by monitoring the discharge pulses produced by the pulse generator and/or the charging of energy storage elements within the pulse generator in preparation for a subsequent discharge pulse. The pulse generator data may be used, for example, to identify pulse generator wear or degradation, to identify problems with pulse generator operation, and/or to control pulse generator operation for improved performance. The pulse generator may also be configured and controlled to generate a high-voltage initiation pulse to initiate a subsequent discharge pulse while being contained within a relatively small form factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventors: Patrick J. COBLER, Scott A. RHODES, Paul D. BUTLER, Neal R. BUTLER, Michael R. DYNOK
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Patent number: 9164955Abstract: A trailer back-up assist apparatus comprises an obstacle sensing system operable to output information characterizing proximity of a object adjacent to a vehicle-trailer combination while the vehicle-trailer combination is being backed toward a targeted location and a trailer back-up assist system correction apparatus coupled to the obstacle sensing system. The trailer back-up assist system uses the information characterizing proximity of the object to determine if a path of the vehicle-trailer combination needs to be altered to limit a potential of the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object and implements a path correction action to alter the path of travel of the vehicle-trailer combination to reduce the potential for the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
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Publication number: 20150274169Abstract: Vehicle operating systems are autonomously operated. A transient in an upcoming path of the vehicle is determined from a comparison of vehicle path data and vehicle status data to a threshold of mechanism first operating system. Operational parameters for one of first and second operating systems are selected according to the comparison. The selected operational parameters are applied to the operation of the one of the first and second operating systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Dale Scott Crombez, Jerome Charles Ivan, John P. Joyce, James Robert McBride, Wayne Williams, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Peter Worrel, Hai YU, John Shutko, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Publication number: 20150251666Abstract: One of a condition affecting a vehicle and a planned action of the vehicle are identified. An instruction is provided to actuate movement of a steering wheel in the vehicle, wherein the movement is determined according to the one of the condition and the planned action.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Douglas Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Louis Tijerina, Hongtei Eric Tseng
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Patent number: 9129528Abstract: A vehicle comprises a communication interface for enabling information to be communicated to a and from an occupant of the vehicle and a trailer back-up assist system coupled to the communication interface. The trailer back-up assist system is operable for determining a selected width of a lane within which the vehicle and an attached trailer are to be backed from a current position of the vehicle to reach a targeted location for the attached trailer and for outputting to the occupant of the vehicle via the communication interface information characterizing an ability of the vehicle to be backed within the lane from the current position of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
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Patent number: 9072169Abstract: A pulse generator generates high voltage discharge pulses in a manner that may be controlled and monitored. Pulse generator operation may be monitored to measure characteristics associated with pulse generator operation and to produce pulse generator data representative of those characteristics. Pulse generator operation may be monitored by monitoring the discharge pulses produced by the pulse generator and/or the charging of energy storage elements within the pulse generator in preparation for a subsequent discharge pulse. The pulse generator data may be used, for example, to identify pulse generator wear or degradation, to identify problems with pulse generator operation, and/or to control pulse generator operation for improved performance. The pulse generator may also be configured and controlled to generate a high-voltage initiation pulse to initiate a subsequent discharge pulse while being contained within a relatively small form factor.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Cascodium Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Cobler, Scott A. Rhodes, Paul D. Butler, Neal R. Butler, Michael R. Dynok
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Publication number: 20150175070Abstract: Data may be collected relating to autonomous operation of a vehicle. A first confidence assessment concerning whether the vehicle should operate autonomously may then be generated, and it may be determined whether the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. An alert may be provided via a user interface in the vehicle relating to ending autonomous operation of the vehicle if the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Doug Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Hongtei Eric Tseng
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Publication number: 20150178998Abstract: Data is collected during operation of a vehicle. A determination is made that a confidence assessment of at least one of the data indicates at least one fault condition. A first autonomous operation affected by the fault condition is discontinued, where a second autonomous operation that is unaffected by the fault condition is continued.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Douglas Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Hongtei Eric Tseng
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Publication number: 20150149017Abstract: A vehicle operator is identified. Based at least in part on the operator's identity, one or more parameters are determined specifying a mode for autonomously operating the vehicle. The vehicle is autonomously operated at least in part according to the one or more parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Douglas Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Louis Tijerna, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Wilford Trent Yopp