Patents by Inventor Timothy W. Kaufmann

Timothy W. Kaufmann 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: 11091148
    Abstract: A method for determining whether hands of an operator of a vehicle are positioned on a hand wheel of the vehicle is provided. The method generates a first frequency content below a first frequency from a hand wheel torque signal. The method generates a second frequency content above a second frequency from the first frequency content of the hand wheel torque signal. The method generates a hands on wheel (HOW) estimate signal based on the first frequency content and the second frequency content by determining a first contribution of the first frequency content to the HOW estimate signal, determining a second contribution of the second frequency content to the HOW estimate signal, and combining the first contribution and the second contribution to generate the HOW estimate signal. The method causes a system in a vehicle to operate based on the HOW estimate signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Daniel W. Fuesz, Michael K. Hales
  • Patent number: 10464594
    Abstract: A control system for a power steering system includes an error module that generates an error signal based on a difference of an estimated output vector and an output vector, a scaling module that calculates a feedback correction signal based on the error signal and an observer gain value, an extended state vector estimation module that determines an extended state vector estimate based on the feedback correction signal and a motor torque command, and a gain module that applies a gain to the extended state vector estimate to generate an estimated driver torque signal, the estimated driver torque signal is applied in control of the power steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Bo Yu, Anthony J. Champagne, Tejas M. Varunjikar, Timothy W. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10442441
    Abstract: An embodiment of a control system includes a sensing element configured to detect a gesture from at least one user in a vehicle including a handwheel, and a gesture control module configured to receive gesture information from the sensing element and control at least one of the handwheel and the vehicle based on the gesture information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Frank P. Lubischer, Patrik M. Ryne
  • Patent number: 10173724
    Abstract: A control system for a power steering system includes an error module that generates an error signal based on a difference of an estimated output vector and an output vector, a scaling module that calculates a feedback correction signal based on the error signal and an observer gain value, an extended state vector estimation module that determines an extended state vector estimate based on the feedback correction signal and a motor torque command, and a gain module that applies a gain to the extended state vector estimate to generate an estimated driver torque signal, the estimated driver torque signal is applied in control of the power steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bo Yu, Anthony J. Champagne, Tejas M. Varunjikar, Timothy W. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10155531
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric power steering system of a vehicle is provided. The method determines that one or more hand wheel torque sensors of the vehicle are not enabled. The method generates an assist torque command by estimating a lateral acceleration of the vehicle based on a hand wheel angle and determining an amount of assist torque based on the estimated lateral acceleration. The method controls the electric power steering system using the generated assist torque command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony J. Champagne, Timothy W. Kaufmann, Kathryn L. Pattok, Tejas M. Varunjikar
  • Publication number: 20180354501
    Abstract: A method for determining whether hands of an operator of a vehicle are positioned on a hand wheel of the vehicle is provided. The method generates a first frequency content below a first frequency from a hand wheel torque signal. The method generates a second frequency content above a second frequency from the first frequency content of the hand wheel torque signal. The method generates a hands on wheel (HOW) estimate signal based on the first frequency content and the second frequency content by determining a first contribution of the first frequency content to the HOW estimate signal, determining a second contribution of the second frequency content to the HOW estimate signal, and combining the first contribution and the second contribution to generate the HOW estimate signal. The method causes a system in a vehicle to operate based on the HOW estimate signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Daniel W. Fuesz, Michael K. Hales
  • Patent number: 10029676
    Abstract: A method for determining whether hands of an operator of a vehicle are positioned on a hand wheel of the vehicle is provided. The method generates a first frequency content below a first frequency from a hand wheel torque signal. The method generates a second frequency content above a second frequency from the hand wheel torque signal. The method generates a hands on wheel (HOW) estimate signal based on the first frequency content and the second frequency content. The method causes a system in a vehicle to operate based on the HOW estimate signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Daniel W. Fuesz, Michael K. Hales
  • Publication number: 20170066473
    Abstract: A control system for a power steering system includes an error module that generates an error signal based on a difference of an estimated output vector and an output vector, a scaling module that calculates a feedback correction signal based on the error signal and an observer gain value, an extended state vector estimation module that determines an extended state vector estimate based on the feedback correction signal and a motor torque command, and a gain module that applies a gain to the extended state vector estimate to generate an estimated driver torque signal, the estimated driver torque signal is applied in control of the power steering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Bo Yu, Anthony J. Champagne, Tejas M. Varunjikar, Timothy W. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9540044
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power steering system of a vehicle is provided. The method determines a yaw rate of the vehicle. The method generates a hand wheel angle signal that indicates a position of a hand wheel of the vehicle based on the yaw rate. The method controls the power steering system by using the hand wheel angle signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Tao Yang
  • Publication number: 20160375770
    Abstract: A steering assembly that is provided with an autonomous vehicle includes a display interface and a controller. The display interface is disposed on a steering wheel and is configured to display an image. The controller is in communication with the display interface and an advanced driver assist system. The controller is configured to operate the display interface to display the image in response to activation of the advanced driver assist system and orient the image based on a rotational position of the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Patrik M. Ryne, Richard K. Riefe, Frank P. Lubischer, Timothy W. Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20160362117
    Abstract: An embodiment of a control system includes a sensing element configured to detect a gesture from at least one user in a vehicle including a handwheel, and a gesture control module configured to receive gesture information from the sensing element and control at least one of the handwheel and the vehicle based on the gesture information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Frank P. Lubischer, Patrik M. Ryne
  • Publication number: 20160288825
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric power steering system is provided. The method estimates steering rack force to be caused by a tire and a surface of a ground with which the tire is in contact in response to determining that one or more hand wheel torque sensors are not enabled. The method generates a steering assist torque command based on the estimated steering rack force. The method controls the electric power steering system using the steering assist torque command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Tejas M. Varunjikar, Anthony J. Champagne, Timothy W. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9409595
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric power steering system of a vehicle is provided. The method estimates steering rack force to be caused by a tire of the vehicle and a surface of a ground with which the tire is in contact in response to determining that one or more hand wheel torque sensors of the vehicle are not enabled. The method generates a steering assist torque command based on the estimated steering rack force. The method controls the electric power steering system using the steering assist torque command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tejas M. Varunjikar, Anthony J. Champagne, Timothy W. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9308932
    Abstract: A steering system providing an assist torque to a handwheel is provided, and includes a proportional gain module and a torque command module. The proportional gain module determines a proportional gain value. The proportional gain value is scheduled as a function of a lateral position error and at least one of the following: a near field heading angle, a far field heading angle, a curvature of the lane, and a lateral position of the vehicle. The torque command module determines the torque assist based on the proportional gain value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Scott A. Millsap, Farhad Bolourchi
  • Publication number: 20160075371
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric power steering system of a vehicle is provided. The method estimates steering rack force to be caused by a tire of the vehicle and a surface of a ground with which the tire is in contact in response to determining that one or more hand wheel torque sensors of the vehicle are not enabled. The method generates a steering assist torque command based on the estimated steering rack force. The method controls the electric power steering system using the steering assist torque command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Tejas M. Varunjikar, Anthony J. Champagne, Timothy W. Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20150210273
    Abstract: A method for determining whether hands of an operator of a vehicle are positioned on a hand wheel of the vehicle is provided. The method generates a first frequency content below a first frequency from a hand wheel torque signal. The method generates a second frequency content above a second frequency from the hand wheel torque signal. The method generates a hands on wheel (HOW) estimate signal based on the first frequency content and the second frequency content. The method causes a system in a vehicle to operate based on the HOW estimate signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Daniel W. Fuesz, Michael K. Hales
  • Publication number: 20150142269
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power steering system of a vehicle is provided. The method determines a yaw rate of the vehicle. The method generates a hand wheel angle signal that indicates a position of a hand wheel of the vehicle based on the yaw rate. The method controls the power steering system by using the hand wheel angle signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Tao Yang
  • Patent number: 8930081
    Abstract: A system for indicating an impending vehicle maneuver within a predetermined distance is provided. The system includes a navigational system and a control module. The navigational system receives a vehicle destination and determines a current geographical vehicle position. The navigational system determines if the impending vehicle maneuver is required within the predetermined distance based on the vehicle destination and the current geographical vehicle position. The control module is in communication with the navigational system and a handwheel. The control module sends a signal that creates a steering assist torque in the handwheel if the impending vehicle maneuver is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Bolourchi, Timothy W. Kaufmann, Ashok Chandy
  • Publication number: 20140324294
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric power steering system of a vehicle is provided. The method determines that one or more hand wheel torque sensors of the vehicle are not enabled. The method generates an assist torque command by estimating a lateral acceleration of the vehicle based on a hand wheel angle and determining an amount of assist torque based on the estimated lateral acceleration. The method controls the electric power steering system using the generated assist torque command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Champagne, Timothy W. Kaufmann, Kathryn L. Pattok, Tejas M. Varunjikar
  • Publication number: 20140046547
    Abstract: A steering system providing an assist torque to a handwheel is provided, and includes a proportional gain module and a torque command module. The proportional gain module determines a proportional gain value. The proportional gain value is scheduled as a function of a lateral position error and at least one of the following: a near field heading angle, a far field heading angle, a curvature of the lane, and a lateral position of the vehicle. The torque command module determines the torque assist based on the proportional gain value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Scott A. Millsap, Farhad Bolourchi