Patents by Inventor Thomas Rambow
Thomas Rambow 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: 10394704Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for testing a software program. The method of the present disclosure simulates, in a simulation process, a predetermined scenario on a test platform in a test scenario. The test platform in this simulation process generates output values based on input stimuli, and a dynamic adaption of the test scenario takes place during the simulation process based on the current state of the simulation process.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Norbert Wiechowski, Norman Hansen, Alexander Kugler, Stefan Kowalewski, Thomas Rambow, Rainer Busch
-
Patent number: 10311652Abstract: A method for updating a driving assistance system of a motor vehicle includes operating a central communications platform to receive data transmitted wirelessly from the vehicle, the data logged onboard the vehicle during operation of the driving assistance system and relating to driving conditions existing when a driver of the vehicle makes a control input that is counter to vehicle control directed by the driving assistance system. The method may include determining a modified configuration for the driving assistance system based on the data, and transmitting the modified configuration from the central communications platform to the driving assistance system, the modified configuration being used to update decision logic of the driving assistance system.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Thomas Rambow, Christoph Arndt
-
Patent number: 10126739Abstract: The disclosure concerns a control device for the remote control of a motor vehicle including a display device for visualizing the surroundings of the motor vehicle detected by motor vehicle sensors of the motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle symbol in a surrounding area of the motor vehicle. An input device inputs a desired parking position within the detected surrounding area of the motor vehicle by displacement of the motor vehicle symbol that is represented on the display device.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Urs Christen, Timothy C. Bettger, Thomas Rambow, Uwe Gussen, Georg Neugebauer, Julian David Pott, Nadja Wysietzki
-
Patent number: 10024926Abstract: A method for monitoring at least one traction battery of a motor vehicle includes the steps of determining basic data for the prediction of a deeply discharged state of the at least one traction battery by a battery monitoring system associated with the motor vehicle, transmitting the basic data to an external computer via a first communications link, determining an expected point in time of the deep discharge by the external computer, and transmitting a first warning signal to a first monitoring instantiation of the motor vehicle that can be specified if the determined point in time of the deep discharge is reached apart from an early warning time. A device for monitoring at least one traction battery of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Uwe Gussen, Thomas Rambow, Goetz-Philipp Wegner, Rainer Busch
-
Publication number: 20180101503Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for assessing signals that may be measurement signals as the result of a measurement which was previously carried out or of calculated values. In a method for assessing signals, the assessment is carried out based on whether the signals are in a determined tolerance range over a predefined period. The tolerance range is determined using at least one predefined geometric figure. The geometric figure is shifted along a desired curve, which describes the time-dependent profile of a desired value for the relevant signals, for the purpose of at least partially determining the tolerance range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Norman Hansen, Norbert Wiechowski, Alexander Kugler, Stefan Kowalewski, Rainer Busch, Thomas Rambow
-
Publication number: 20180101472Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for testing a software program. The method of the present disclosure simulates, in a simulation process, a predetermined scenario on a test platform in a test scenario. The test platform in this simulation process generates output values based on input stimuli, and a dynamic adaption of the test scenario takes place during the simulation process based on the current state of the simulation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Norbert Wiechowski, Norman Hansen, Alexander Kugler, Stefan Kowalewski, Thomas Rambow, Rainer Busch
-
Patent number: 9878702Abstract: In a method for operating a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine and having a rechargeable battery and a generator for charging the battery, a charging acceptance of the battery is determined and a first charging mode, in which the generator is driven by the internal combustion engine in order to charge the battery, or a second charging mode, in which the generator is driven by a propulsionless travel movement of the motor vehicle, in order to charge the battery, is selected as a function of the charging acceptance.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Urs Christen, Engbert Spijker, Thomas Rambow
-
Publication number: 20170285629Abstract: The disclosure concerns a control device for the remote control of a motor vehicle including a display device for visualizing the surroundings of the motor vehicle detected by motor vehicle sensors of the motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle symbol in a surrounding area of the motor vehicle. An input device inputs a desired parking position within the detected surrounding area of the motor vehicle by displacement of the motor vehicle symbol that is represented on the display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Urs CHRISTEN, Timothy C. BETTGER, Thomas RAMBOW, Uwe GUSSEN, Georg NEUGEBAUER, Julian David POTT, Nadja WYSIETZKI
-
Publication number: 20170032590Abstract: A method for updating a driving assistance system of a motor vehicle includes operating a central communications platform to receive data transmitted wirelessly from the vehicle, the data logged onboard the vehicle during operation of the driving assistance system and relating to driving conditions existing when a driver of the vehicle makes a control input that is counter to vehicle control directed by the driving assistance system. The method may include determining a modified configuration for the driving assistance system based on the data, and transmitting the modified configuration from the central communications platform to the driving assistance system, the modified configuration being used to update decision logic of the driving assistance system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Frederic STEFAN, Uwe GUSSEN, Thomas RAMBOW, Christoph ARNDT
-
Patent number: 9483882Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the configuration of a driving assistance system of a motor vehicle includes, during operation in an autopilot mode, detecting that a vehicle driver makes a control input counter to vehicle control directed by the driving assistance system. Data relating to driving conditions existing when the driver made the control input is logged onboard the vehicle and transmitted to an off-board central communications platform. The central communications platform creates a modified configuration for the driving assistance system based on the data and re-transmits it back to the vehicle where it is loaded into the driving assistance system. The modified configuration causes the driving assistance system to automatically control the vehicle in a manner consistent with the control input if the driving conditions reoccur. The modified configuration may also be transmitted to a driving assistance system of one or more other motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Thomas Rambow, Christoph Arndt
-
Patent number: 9175660Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle system is provided. The method includes activating a starter-generator rotationally coupled to a crankshaft output in an internal combustion engine while combustion operation in the internal combustion engine is inhibited, operating the starter-generator to drive the crankshaft in a predetermined speed range while combustion operation in the internal combustion engine is inhibited, and activating combustion operation in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine in response to a combustion activation trigger.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan, Thomas Rambow, Goetz-Philipp Wegner
-
Publication number: 20140365051Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle system is provided. The method includes activating a starter-generator rotationally coupled to a crankshaft output in an internal combustion engine while combustion operation in the internal combustion engine is inhibited, operating the starter-generator to drive the crankshaft in a predetermined speed range while combustion operation in the internal combustion engine is inhibited, and activating combustion operation in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine in response to a combustion activation trigger.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan, Thomas Rambow, Goetz-Philipp Wegner
-
Publication number: 20140350411Abstract: A camera mounted in a motor vehicle cabin monitors an upper body and/or face of a vehicle occupant. A computer unit applies pattern recognition methods to compare an image from the camera with reference data stored in a database, and to determine based on the comparison that the occupant is experiencing neck discomfort. The neck discomfort determination is made based on the comparison indicating a change in occupant posture, a change in occupant facial expression, and/or a relaxation movement of the upper body and/or of a head of the occupant. If neck discomfort is detected, warm air and/or infrared light is directed toward the affected neck area to alleviate the discomfort.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Uwe GUSSEN, Frederic STEFAN, Christoph ARNDT, Thomas RAMBOW
-
Publication number: 20140309816Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the configuration of a driving assistance system of a motor vehicle includes, during operation in an autopilot mode, detecting that a vehicle driver makes a control input counter to vehicle control directed by the driving assistance system. Data relating to driving conditions existing when the driver made the control input is logged onboard the vehicle and transmitted to an off-board central communications platform. The central communications platform creates a modified configuration for the driving assistance system based on the data and re-transmits it back to the vehicle where it is loaded into the driving assistance system. The modified configuration causes the driving assistance system to automatically control the vehicle in a manner consistent with the control input if the driving conditions reoccur. The modified configuration may also be transmitted to a driving assistance system of one or more other motor vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frederic STEFAN, Uwe GUSSEN, Thomas RAMBOW, Christoph ARNDT
-
Publication number: 20140210638Abstract: A method for monitoring at least one traction battery of a motor vehicle includes the steps of determining basic data for the prediction of a deeply discharged state of the at least one traction battery by a battery monitoring system associated with the motor vehicle, transmitting the basic data to an external computer via a first communications link, determining an expected point in time of the deep discharge by the external computer, and transmitting a first warning signal to a first monitoring instantiation of the motor vehicle that can be specified if the determined point in time of the deep discharge is reached apart from an early warning time. A device for monitoring at least one traction battery of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Uwe GUSSEN, Thomas RAMBOW, Goetz-Philipp WEGNER, Rainer BUSCH
-
Patent number: 8784266Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for operating an automatic start/stop system in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an automatic clutch, wherein the automatic start/stop system automatically opens the clutch as a function of propulsion requests, wherein the automatic opening of the clutch is prohibited in certain driving situations such as detected hazardous situations.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Urs Christen, Markus Kees, Gilberto Burgio, Rainer Busch, Thomas Rambow, Uwe Gussen
-
Publication number: 20140051041Abstract: A system for monitoring and analyzing the driving behavior of a driver in a motor vehicle includes a traffic-rule-conformance evaluation module (3) which evaluates the driving behavior of the driver with regard to adherence to elementary traffic rules. A defensive-driving-style evaluation module (4) evaluates the driving style of the driver under general safety aspects which are not or not always unambiguously specified by legal regulations. A rating-number specification module (5) specifies and updates continuously a rating number which represents a measure of the conformance to rules of driving behavior and defensiveness of the driving style of the driver. A communication module (6) communicates with the rating-number specification module (5) and establishes a data link with a remote data processing device (8). After the rating number has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold value, this fact is reported to the remote data processing device (8) via the communication module (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Goetz-Philipp Wegner, Thomas Rambow
-
Publication number: 20130054072Abstract: In a method for operating a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine and having a rechargeable battery and a generator for charging the battery, a charging acceptance of the battery is determined and a first charging mode, in which the generator is driven by the internal combustion engine in order to charge the battery, or a second charging mode, in which the generator is driven by a propulsionless travel movement of the motor vehicle, in order to charge the battery, is selected as a function of the charging acceptance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Urs Christen, Engbert Spijker, Thomas Rambow
-
Publication number: 20120270701Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for operating an automatic start/stop system in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an automatic clutch, wherein the automatic start/stop system automatically opens the clutch as a function of propulsion requests, wherein the automatic opening of the clutch is prohibited in certain driving situations such as detected hazardous situations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Urs Christen, Markus Kees, Gilberto Burgio, Rainer Busch, Thomas Rambow, Uwe Gussen
-
Publication number: 20120191317Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, with a brake line, at least one sensor for measuring the brake line pressure in the brake line, a stop-start device for automatically switching off and starting the internal combustion engine, and an adaptive cruise control device for regulating the vehicle speed as a function of environmental information captured in a sensor-based manner, wherein a brake cylinder acting on the brake line is associated with the adaptive cruise control device and wherein the stop-start device and the adaptive cruise control device are coupled to one another in that the automatic switching-off and starting of the internal combustion engine via the stop-start device is executed directly as a function of the brake line pressure measured by the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Armin Mueller-Lerwe, Urs Christen, Rainer Busch, Thomas Rambow, Uwe Gussen, Markus Kees