Patents by Inventor Wilford Trent Yopp
Wilford Trent Yopp 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: 8788176Abstract: A driver assistance system for a motor vehicle monitors approaching objects around the vehicle in order to take a driver assistance action in response to a predicted impact with an approaching object according to a time-to-impact threshold. the time-to-impact threshold includes a nominal or default value that is adjusted according to several different measures of vehicle and driving conditions. Respective offsets determined by a load monitor, a braking monitor, and a steering monitor are added to the threshold in response to measured vehicle performance parameters being different from expected values. The driver assistance action may be a perceptible warning for a forward collision warning system, a speed reduction in an adaptive cruise control system, or a braking action in a brake-steer system.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Wilford Trent Yopp
-
Publication number: 20140148992Abstract: A system and method for outputting outside air temperature information and signaling apparatus configured for outputting powertrain operating information, the system comprising instructions causing the at least one data processing device to determine a first instance of signal strength calibration for the ultrasonic sensor based on a last known instance of outside air temperature and a first instance of powertrain operating information, instructions causing the at least one data processing device to determine a vehicle operating condition requiring alteration of the signal strength calibration for the ultrasonic sensor, instructions for altering the signal strength calibration for the ultrasonic sensor and instructions for altering an outside air temperature to be displayed to a driver of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Aric David Shaffer, Vernon Richard Stempnik, Michael David Kane, Stephen Varghese Samuel, Wangdong Luo, Wilford Trent Yopp
-
Patent number: 8738264Abstract: An automotive vehicle braking system and method for controlling the same. The system includes an electronic controller communicatively coupled to a vehicle braking system and a vehicle motion detection device. The braking system is configured to be automatically activated in response to detection of an object in a path of the vehicle. Once activated, the braking system is deactivated either by the driver or a pre-determined time period after detection that motion of the vehicle has stopped. Prior to deactivation of the vehicle braking system an HMI message is activated indicating imminent deactivation of the vehicle braking system.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Wangdong Luo, Stephen Varghese Samuel
-
Patent number: 8738319Abstract: A sensor system for a host vehicle may detect whether another in-path vehicle is turning. The sensor system may include a transmitter, a receiver and a controller. Signals may be emitted by the transmitter over a detection area. The emitted signals may reflect off an object vehicle in the detection area and be received by the receiver. The receiver may include a number of channels, each corresponding to a different region of the detection area. The sensor system may determine whether the in-path vehicle is turning and in what direction based on the reflected signals received at each channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Peter Gyumyeong Joh
-
Patent number: 8682523Abstract: A first sensor outputs a signal characterizing a temperature of air being inducted by an engine of a vehicle. A second sensor outputs a signal characterizing a temperature of air surrounding an occupant cabin of the vehicle. A third sensor outputs a signal indicating presence of an adjacent object. A signal processing unit determines a distance between the third sensor and the adjacent object in accordance with a signal strength calibration as a function of the third sensor signal. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of the first sensor signal when a first vehicle speed condition is met. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of the second sensor signal when a second vehicle speed condition is met. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of first sensor signal and the second sensor signal when a third vehicle speed condition is met.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Wangdong Luo, Stephen Varghese Samuel
-
Patent number: 8676438Abstract: Temperature compensation for ultrasonic sensors can have a significant error that is highly undesirable because temperature of ultrasonic sensors and the temperature of the medium through which they sense objects affect signal strength calibrations (e.g., echo thresholds) applied when detecting an object. In order to increase the detection capabilities and reported distance of an object, ultrasonic sensors need to adjust their detection criteria and distance calculations as the temperature of air surrounding a vehicle (i.e., outside air temperature) changes and also as the temperature of the sensor changes. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter provide for a simple, effective and consistent approach for determining a temperature upon which such detection criteria and distance calculation adjustments can be based.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Wangdong Luo, Stephen Varghese Samuel, Aric David Shaffer, Vern Stempnik, Michael David Kane
-
Publication number: 20140039755Abstract: A first sensor outputs a signal characterizing a temperature of air being inducted by an engine of a vehicle. A second sensor outputs a signal characterizing a temperature of air surrounding an occupant cabin of the vehicle. A third sensor outputs a signal indicating presence of an adjacent object. A signal processing unit determines a distance between the third sensor and the adjacent object in accordance with a signal strength calibration as a function of the third sensor signal. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of the first sensor signal when a first vehicle speed condition is met. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of the second sensor signal when a second vehicle speed condition is met. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of first sensor signal and the second sensor signal when a third vehicle speed condition is met.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Wangdong Luo, Stephen Varghese Samuel
-
Publication number: 20140039750Abstract: Temperature compensation for ultrasonic sensors can have a significant error that is highly undesirable because temperature of ultrasonic sensors and the temperature of the medium through which they sense objects affect signal strength calibrations (e.g., echo thresholds) applied when detecting an object. In order to increase the detection capabilities and reported distance of an object, ultrasonic sensors need to adjust their detection criteria and distance calculations as the temperature of air surrounding a vehicle (i.e., outside air temperature) changes and also as the temperature of the sensor changes. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter provide for a simple, effective and consistent approach for determining a temperature upon which such detection criteria and distance calculation adjustments can be based.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Wangdong Luo, Stephen Varghese Samuel, Aric David Shaffer, Vern Stempnik, Michael David Kane
-
Publication number: 20130234844Abstract: A method and a system for warning a door user of a vehicle about any unsafe door opening conditions, continuously monitors the vehicle's surroundings. The system defines a door clearance zone by identifying the total area traveled over by the door when it is completely swung to open. The system augments the door clearance to define an entrance/exit clearance zone. Further, the system continuously detects any vehicles or objects either currently lying within, or potentially likely to be in the door clearance zone or the entrance/exit clearance zone. For any objects or vehicles identified being currently or potentially likely to be in any of the two clearance zones, the system provides a visual or an auditory warning signal to the user, indicating that it is unsafe to open the vehicle's door.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Wilford Trent Yopp
-
Publication number: 20130158809Abstract: The disclosure relates to vehicle safety systems, more particularly relates to method to determined real-time crash parameters of the vehicle. A method of estimating real-time vehicle crash parameters, the method determining internal vehicle crash parameters, including determining vehicle-related inputs related to crash parameters; calculating real-time vehicle-related crash parameters by comparing the vehicle-related inputs to predetermined crash parameters; and determining occupant-related crash parameters; determining external crash parameters, including obtaining information related to nearby vehicles; obtaining information related to nearby infrastructure; and calculating likelihood of collision with the nearby vehicles or the infrastructure; and identifying appropriate measures for mitigating occupant injury and vehicle damage, based on feasibility of crash countermeasures application.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Brian Robert Spahn
-
Publication number: 20130113614Abstract: A system and associated method for detecting an obstacle in a door clearance zone and warning vehicle occupants about the obstacle. The system includes sensors for generating signals for detecting an obstacle, and a controller for processing the signals. The controller provides an indication that an obstacle has been detected in a door clearance zone, either by feeding data to a visual display that includes an image of the vehicle and to door clearance zone, or by an audible signal. The method includes generating sensor signals and processing those signals to detect an obstacle within a door clearance zone. A visual display may be provided, in which case the method further includes projecting an image of the vehicle, one or more door clearance zones, and any detected obstacle. Further, a warning may be actuated to indicate detection of an obstacle, as an audible signal or a visual indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Wilford Trent Yopp
-
Publication number: 20120109504Abstract: A sensor system for a host vehicle may detect whether another in-path vehicle is turning. The sensor system may include a transmitter, a receiver and a controller. Signals may be emitted by the transmitter over a detection area. The emitted signals may reflect off an object vehicle in the detection area and be received by the receiver. The receiver may include a number of channels, each corresponding to a different region of the detection area. The sensor system may determine whether the in-path vehicle is turning and in what direction based on the reflected signals received at each channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Peter Gyumyeong Joh
-
Patent number: 8140225Abstract: A system and method for classifying a target vehicle using a sensor system, including a plurality of target vehicle sensors. The sensor system acquiring target vehicle data points that define at least an upper and lower portion of the target vehicle. The sensor system reconstructing a target vehicle shape using the target vehicle data points to provide a first and second target vehicle classification value. The sensor system determining an overall target vehicle classification based in part upon the first and second target vehicle classification values.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Peter Gyumyeong Joh
-
Publication number: 20110010045Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining if a windshield wiper of a vehicle should be automatically activated. The system and method may include a sensor system that receives at least one distance signal indicative of a distance between an object and a front windshield of the vehicle. The sensor system may further receive a relative velocity of the object using the at least one distance signal, the relative velocity being indicative of a velocity between the object and the front windshield of the vehicle. The sensor system may determine whether a windshield wiper should be automatically activated in response to the distance signal being within a distance activation range and the relative velocity being within a velocity activation range or the relative velocity exceeding a maximum velocity threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Peter Gyumyeong Joh, Wangdong Luo
-
Publication number: 20100114418Abstract: A system and method are provided to determine the side-impact collision status of a nearby vehicle or vehicles. If a nearby vehicle has been in a collision, responsive systems may be triggered automatically. Responses may include warning the driver of the host vehicle and/or warning drivers of other vehicles or centralized networks by, among other methods, V2V or V2I communications. Responses may also include automatically triggering countermeasures in the host vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Stephen Varghese Samuel, Christopher Scott Nave, Wilford Trent Yopp, Roger Arnold Trombley
-
Publication number: 20100114467Abstract: A system and method are provided to determine the collision status of a nearby vehicle or vehicles. If a nearby vehicle has been in a collision, responsive systems may be triggered automatically. Responses may include warning the driver of the host vehicle and/or warning drivers of other vehicles or centralized networks by, among other methods, V2V or V2I communications. Responses may also include automatically triggering countermeasures in the host vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Stephen Varghese Samuel, Christopher Scott Nave, Wilford Trent Yopp, Roger Arnold Trombley
-
Publication number: 20090222172Abstract: A system and method for classifying a target vehicle using a sensor system, including a plurality of target vehicle sensors. The sensor system acquiring target vehicle data points that define at least an upper and lower portion of the target vehicle. The sensor system reconstructing a target vehicle shape using the target vehicle data points to provide a first and second target vehicle classification value. The sensor system determining an overall target vehicle classification based in part upon the first and second target vehicle classification values.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Peter Gyumyeong Joh
-
Patent number: 7480570Abstract: A target selection system (21) for a vehicle (12) includes an object detection sensor (17) that generates object detection signals associated with multiple detected objects. A feature target selection module (30) selects secondary targets from the objects and associates the secondary targets with respective features (23). A primary target selection module (31) selects primary targets from the secondary targets and associates each of the primary targets with a single respective concentrated feature.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Anthony Gerald King, Corinne Mentell, Yusheng Li
-
Publication number: 20080319670Abstract: A target selection system (21) for a vehicle (12) includes an object detection sensor (17) that generates object detection signals associated with multiple detected objects. A feature target selection module (30) selects secondary targets from the objects and associates the secondary targets with respective features (23). A primary target selection module (31) selects primary targets from the secondary targets and associates each of the primary targets with a single respective concentrated feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2004Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Anthony Gerald King, Corinne Mentell, Yusheng Li
-
Patent number: 7447592Abstract: A path prediction system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes vehicle state sensors (18) that generate vehicle state signals. A tracking sensor (20) generates a path characteristic signal. A path prediction module (16) determines predicted path estimations in response to data received from each of the vehicle state sensors (18) and the tracking sensor (20). The path prediction module (16) determines a resultant predicted future path and a path confidence level in response to the predicted path estimations. A controller (14) performs a countermeasure (26) in response to the resultant predicted future path and the path confidence level.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Anthony G. King, Yusheng Li, Corinne D. Mentell