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: 10394704
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Norbert Wiechowski, Norman Hansen, Alexander Kugler, Stefan Kowalewski, Thomas Rambow, Rainer Busch
  • Patent number: 10311652
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Thomas Rambow, Christoph Arndt
  • Patent number: 10126739
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Urs Christen, Timothy C. Bettger, Thomas Rambow, Uwe Gussen, Georg Neugebauer, Julian David Pott, Nadja Wysietzki
  • Patent number: 10024926
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Thomas Rambow, Goetz-Philipp Wegner, Rainer Busch
  • Publication number: 20180101503
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Norman Hansen, Norbert Wiechowski, Alexander Kugler, Stefan Kowalewski, Rainer Busch, Thomas Rambow
  • Publication number: 20180101472
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Norbert Wiechowski, Norman Hansen, Alexander Kugler, Stefan Kowalewski, Thomas Rambow, Rainer Busch
  • Patent number: 9878702
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Urs Christen, Engbert Spijker, Thomas Rambow
  • Publication number: 20170285629
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Urs CHRISTEN, Timothy C. BETTGER, Thomas RAMBOW, Uwe GUSSEN, Georg NEUGEBAUER, Julian David POTT, Nadja WYSIETZKI
  • Publication number: 20170032590
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Frederic STEFAN, Uwe GUSSEN, Thomas RAMBOW, Christoph ARNDT
  • Patent number: 9483882
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Thomas Rambow, Christoph Arndt
  • Patent number: 9175660
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan, Thomas Rambow, Goetz-Philipp Wegner
  • Publication number: 20140365051
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan, Thomas Rambow, Goetz-Philipp Wegner
  • Publication number: 20140350411
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe GUSSEN, Frederic STEFAN, Christoph ARNDT, Thomas RAMBOW
  • Publication number: 20140309816
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic STEFAN, Uwe GUSSEN, Thomas RAMBOW, Christoph ARNDT
  • Publication number: 20140210638
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe GUSSEN, Thomas RAMBOW, Goetz-Philipp WEGNER, Rainer BUSCH
  • Patent number: 8784266
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Urs Christen, Markus Kees, Gilberto Burgio, Rainer Busch, Thomas Rambow, Uwe Gussen
  • Publication number: 20140051041
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Uwe Gussen, Goetz-Philipp Wegner, Thomas Rambow
  • Publication number: 20130054072
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Urs Christen, Engbert Spijker, Thomas Rambow
  • Publication number: 20120270701
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Urs Christen, Markus Kees, Gilberto Burgio, Rainer Busch, Thomas Rambow, Uwe Gussen
  • Publication number: 20120191317
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Armin Mueller-Lerwe, Urs Christen, Rainer Busch, Thomas Rambow, Uwe Gussen, Markus Kees