17839515. OFF-ROAD FEATURE ENABLEMENT simplified abstract (FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC)
Contents
OFF-ROAD FEATURE ENABLEMENT
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Andrew Denis Lewandowski of Sterling Heights MI (US)
Keith Weston of Canton MI (US)
Jordan Barrett of Milford MI (US)
Brendan Francis Diamond of Grosse Pointe MI (US)
Michael Alan Mcnees of Flat Rock MI (US)
OFF-ROAD FEATURE ENABLEMENT - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17839515 titled 'OFF-ROAD FEATURE ENABLEMENT
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a method and apparatus for providing an off-road feature in a vehicle. Here is a simplified explanation of the abstract:
- The system determines if the vehicle is in an off-road area by analyzing its location and the characteristics of the terrain.
- If the vehicle is in an off-road area, it starts monitoring certain parameters to enable the off-road feature.
- The off-road feature is enabled if the parameters are within a predetermined range and the number of transitions between enabled and disabled states is below a certain threshold within a specific time period.
- Once the vehicle moves from the off-road area to an on-road area, the monitoring of parameters for the off-road feature is stopped.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Off-road vehicles: This system can be implemented in off-road vehicles to automatically enable specific features when they are in off-road areas, providing enhanced performance and safety.
- Navigation systems: By using this technology, navigation systems can detect when a vehicle is off-road and provide tailored guidance and information to the driver.
- Fleet management: Companies managing a fleet of vehicles can utilize this system to track and monitor their vehicles' off-road activities and ensure compliance with regulations and safety protocols.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Accurate off-road detection: The system uses a combination of location and terrain characteristics to determine if the vehicle is in an off-road area, ensuring precise detection.
- Automatic feature enablement: The system monitors parameters and enables the off-road feature only when specific conditions are met, preventing unnecessary activation and optimizing the vehicle's performance.
- Seamless transition: The system automatically stops monitoring parameters when the vehicle moves from an off-road to an on-road area, ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding unnecessary feature activation.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved safety: By enabling specific off-road features only when necessary, the system enhances the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
- Enhanced performance: The off-road feature can provide improved traction, stability, and control in off-road conditions, enhancing the vehicle's performance and capabilities.
- Efficient operation: The system optimizes the use of the off-road feature by monitoring parameters and enabling it only when conditions are suitable, resulting in efficient operation and potentially saving energy.
Original Abstract Submitted
A method and apparatus for providing an off-road feature of a vehicle includes determining that the vehicle is in an off-road area based upon a location of the vehicle and sensed terrain characteristics at the location. Upon determining that the vehicle is in the off-road area, the vehicle monitors parameters for enablement of the off-road feature of the vehicle. The off-road feature is enabled in response to the parameters being within a predetermined range based upon a number of transitions between an enabled state and a disabled state within a predetermined time being less than a transition threshold. Parameter monitoring for enablement of the off-road feature is ceased upon determining that the vehicle has moved from the off-road area to an on-road area.
