Abstract: A method includes determining a location of a roadside object relative to a vehicle interior based on one or more of a vehicle Global Positioning System (GPS) location, a vehicle heading, and environmental data, and generating a first virtual representation of the roadside object in an augmented reality (AR) world coordinate system. A processor synchronizes a vehicle coordinate system with the AR world coordinate system, in which a virtual representation of the roadside object is generated. The method further includes orienting a driver AR wearable device with the synchronized vehicle coordinate system, determining an identity associated with a user of the driver AR wearable device, and generating, based at least in part on the identity associated with the user of the driver AR wearable device, a virtual representation of the roadside object in an AR world coordinate system aligned with the vehicle GPS location and the vehicle heading.

Abstract: A first set of dimensions can be derived corresponding to a real-world space and a second set of dimensions can be derived corresponding to a first physical item in the real-world. Further included is deriving a virtual representation of the real-world space from the first set of dimensions in a virtual environment and deriving a virtual representation of the first physical item from the second set of dimensions in the virtual environment. The virtual representation of the real-world space is represented as a hollow space, and the virtual representation of the first physical item is represented as a solid item that is user-manipulatable within the virtual environment and the virtual representation of the real-world space.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to generate an operation parameter histogram for each of a plurality of vehicle operation parameters, operate a test vehicle according to the operation parameter histograms, input each operation parameter histogram and a plurality of test vehicle environment data to a machine learning program, output from the machine learning program a classification for each operation parameter histogram from the machine learning program, input the classifications to a predictive damage model of a three-dimensional schematic of a vehicle component, and adjust one of a size or a shape of the three-dimensional schematic based the output of the predictive damage model. The operation parameter histograms are based on collected data about operation of a plurality of vehicles. Each operation parameter histogram includes an array of elements.

Abstract: Vehicle-based sign language communication systems and methods are provided herein. An example device can be configured to determine a sign language protocol used by the first user, determine a target language used by a second user, obtain a translation library based on the sign language protocol and the target language, receive spoken word input from a second user through a microphone, convert the spoken word input into sign language output using the translation library, and provide the sign language output using a sign language output device.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for assisting a physically handicapped individual to obtain a ride in an autonomous vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a physically handicapped individual can use a helper application installed in a smartphone to initiate a request for an autonomous vehicle. Upon receiving the request, the helper application determines a first set of location coordinates of the physically handicapped individual and a second set of location coordinates of an autonomous vehicle that is available to provide the ride. The helper application may use the first set and/or the second set of location coordinates to identify a parking spot for the autonomous vehicle. The smartphone then transmits to the autonomous vehicle, a first set of instructions directing the autonomous vehicle to drive to the parking spot, and a second set of instructions to the physically handicapped individual to assist in moving to the parking spot.

Abstract: Technologies are provided for dynamic delivery of travel planning information based at least on a travel condition. The travel planning information can be crowdsourced from multiple supplier accounts and can be retained in a distributed storage platform. Some embodiments of the technologies include a computing system that can receive data identifying travel conditions of a subject from a mobile user equipment (UE). The travel conditions can include a health condition and/or biometric data. The mobile UE can be a portable computing device or a vehicle. The computing system can determine that a rule to provide travel planning information is satisfied, and then can acquire specific travel planning information using at least one of the travel conditions. The computing system can provide the first travel planning information to the mobile UE.

Abstract: Transit-routing expediter systems and methods for multi-modal journey optimization are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining journey parameters having an origin location, a destination location, and a time of departure; determining paths based on the journey parameters, each of the paths including any combination of route-based options, non-route-based options, or walking options; determining arrival times of the paths relative to the destination location; and identifying a set of solutions for the paths based on the arrival times using an iterative analysis.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame, a front closeout panel supported on the frame and an articulating flexmat assembly operably coupled with at least one of the front closeout panel and the frame. The articulating flexmat assembly includes an upper flexmat extending from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame. The upper flexmat includes an upper cable coupled with the upper flexmat and an upper cable regulating motor operably coupled with the upper cable. The articulating flexmat assembly also includes a lower flexmat extending from the first side of the frame to the second side of the frame. The lower flexmat includes a lower cable coupled with the lower flexmat and a lower cable regulating motor operably coupled with the lower cable.

Abstract: A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes an imager outputting image data of a field of view to the rear of the vehicle and a controller identifying at least one of a trailer or a coupler of the trailer within the image data. The controller further determines that the at least one of the trailer or the coupler is outside of a specified area relative to the vehicle and outputs an instruction for movement of the vehicle determined to position the one of the trailer or the coupler within the specified area. Upon determining that the at least one of the coupler and the trailer is within the specified area, the coupler outputs a steering signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to steer to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler.

Abstract: A tool for assembling components of a clutch pack coaxially about an axis includes a base, a first guide member, and a second guide member. The first guide member is coupled to the base and has a first guide face configured to matingly engage a toothed portion of an inner clutch plate of the clutch pack. A top portion of the first guide face is radially inward of a bottom portion of the first guide face. A second guide member is coupled to the base and spaced apart from the first guide member. The second guide member has a second guide face configured to matingly engage the toothed portion of the inner clutch plate of the clutch pack. A top portion of the second guide face is radially inward of a bottom portion of the second guide face.

Abstract: A controller for a first vehicle is configured to, when a security system of the first vehicle is activated, transmit a vehicle-to-vehicle signal to a second vehicle, the signal comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller of the second vehicle, cause the controller of the second vehicle to activate a security system of the second vehicle. A method includes determining whether a security system of a first vehicle is activated and, if it is determined that the security system is activated, transmitting a vehicle-to-vehicle signal to a second vehicle, the signal comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller of the second vehicle, cause the controller of the second vehicle to activate a security system of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer detection system for a vehicle includes a radar system outputting object point location data to a rear of the vehicle and a controller. The controller receives the object point location data and determines a position of an edge of the trailer relative to the vehicle by processing the object point location data from the radar system at a reduced threshold relative to use of the data in detecting a vehicle and filters out object point location data not correlated with the edge of the trailer based on object point location data persistence during driving of the vehicle. The controller further correlates the determined position of the edge of the trailer relative to the vehicle to determine an angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle about a coupling point.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes an inverter control system connected to a transmission such that the connection secures the inverter control system to the transmission during operation while allowing limited pivoting or rotating of the inverter control system relative to the transmission during a frontal collision to modify the translational motion and reduce or avoid loading of rigid objects or components between the inverter control system and the vehicle cabin or occupant compartment. Positioning of an electric cable conduit or connector near or adjacent to the pivot or rotational axis reduces translational force on the conductors to reduce or avoid damage during a frontal collision.

Abstract: Vehicle-based package delivery and alignment systems and methods are provided herein. An example method includes performing a first alignment of a delivery door of a vehicle with a receiving door of a package locker using location signals that are indicative of a location of the package locker, performing a second alignment of the delivery door with the receiving door based on camera images of an alignment target, and transferring a package from the vehicle to the package locker.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger cabin, an inverter, and a coolant system having conduit arranged to circulate coolant through the inverter and an evaporator. A refrigerant system includes a condenser and conduit arranged to circulate refrigerant through the condenser and through the evaporator to absorb heat generated by the inverter. A climate control system is arranged to circulate an airstream through the condenser and into the cabin to heat the cabin.

Abstract: A system includes a primary monitoring system to determine a battery status of a battery pack and a secondary monitoring system configured to monitor the battery status as communicated by the primary monitoring system over a network. At least one of the primary and secondary monitoring systems generates a warning signal when the battery status comprises a thermal event that reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine selectively coupled by an upstream clutch to an electric machine, which is selectively coupled by a downstream clutch to a step-ratio transmission, include at least one controller programmed to control the engine and the electric machine in response to entering a lash zone in anticipation of a wheel torque reversal to adjust a gain applied to an active motor damping torque controller to reduce driveline oscillations and backlash.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing an amount of fuel vapors that are routed to a fuel vapor storage canister during a refueling event, in response to an indication that a fuel dispenser that is dispensing fuel to a fuel tank is underperforming. In one example, a method comprises increasing a pressure in the fuel tank responsive to an indication that the fuel dispenser is dispensing fuel at a first rate that is at least a threshold amount below a second rate, without changing the first rate at which the fuel dispenser is dispensing the fuel. In this way, fuel vapor recirculation may be improved and an amount of fuel vapors routed to the canister reduced, which may thus reduce opportunities for release of undesired evaporative emissions to atmosphere.

Abstract: A vehicle console includes a trim ring disposed over a periphery of a housing. The trim ring includes a polymeric material and is electrically conductive and grounded. A proximity switch assembly is retained in the housing. The proximity switch assembly includes a proximity sensor proximate a sensing pad for generating an activation field. The sensing pad is proximate the trim ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine that may be automatically stopped and started are described. In one example, an engine may be automatically stopped in response to an electric assisted braking threshold level that is adjusted responsive to vehicle speed so that opportunities to automatically stop an engine may be increased, thereby conserving fuel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a vehicle that includes an automatic transmission and a torque converter are described. In one example, vehicle launch is controlled according to a linear quadratic regulator that provides feedback control according to torque converter slip error and vehicle speed error. The vehicle launch is also controlled according to feed forward control that is based on requested torque converter slip and requested vehicle speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling an internal combustion engine via flowing air through the internal combustion engine during select conditions are presented. In one example, lift of intake and/or exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature. In addition, opening and closing timings of intake and exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a fuel tank diagnostic. In one example, a method comprises sealing a fuel tank of a vehicle, retrieving data related to fuel tank pressure from a crowd of vehicles, and indicating the fuel tank of the vehicle being diagnosed is degraded responsive to data related to fuel tank pressure from the crowd insufficiently correlating with a set of data related to fuel tank pressure from the vehicle. In this way, fuel tank degradation may be indicated without coupling the fuel tank of the vehicle to atmosphere, which may reduce a release of undesired evaporative emissions to atmosphere.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a tie-down bracket including a latch pivotably coupled to a body. A method includes, among other things, securing a tie-down line to a tie-down bracket of a vehicle. The method further includes monitoring a load applied to the tie-down bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle bus, of a vehicle, configured to provide data communication among a plurality of controllers of the vehicle. An identity controller is programmed to collect voltage samples over the vehicle bus from the plurality of controllers to create a voltage profile indicating consistent electrical aspects of the data communication between the controllers, the electrical aspects being independent of data content of the data communication, and generate a voltage fingerprint uniquely identifying the vehicle using the voltage profile.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes, among other things, a tailgate coupled to a vehicle body, and a step moveable from a stowed position where the step is held within a chamber of the tailgate to a step position where the step provides a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed. A method includes, among other things, moving a step from a stowed position where the step is held within a chamber of a tailgate to a step position where the step provides a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed.

Abstract: A method includes identifying, from radial contours indicating listening areas for respective radio stations, each radial contour specifying a geographic location of a respective radio station and a plurality of segments surrounding the radio station, each segment defining a radius outward from the geographic location defining a boundary of the listening area for the corresponding segment, a segment of a radial contour of a radio station currently tuned to by a radio receiver for a listener location; responsive to the listener location exceeding the radial extent from the radio station for the segment, identifying an alternate radio station available for the listener location; identifying, from the radial contours and the listener location, a segment of a radial contour of the alternate radio station; and responsive to the listener location being within a radial extent from the alternate radio station for the segment, transitioning to the alternate radio station.

Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a housing, an electric machine configured to propel the vehicle, and a clamp. The housing defines an internal cavity, and has first and second stepped surfaces extending radially inward and into the cavity. The electric machine is disposed within the cavity. The electric machine has a stator that includes third and fourth stepped surfaces that extend radially outward. The clamp engages the first and third stepped surfaces, and axially forces the fourth stepped surface into engagement with the second stepped surface.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission having a plurality of friction elements selectively engageable to establish power flow paths within the transmission. A controller of the vehicle is programmed to, during a boost phase of a shift, command a first hydraulic boost pressure for a plurality of control loop cycles to an oncoming one of the friction elements (oncoming friction element) and subsequently command a second hydraulic boost pressure less than the first hydraulic boost pressure for only a single control loop cycle that defines an end of the boost phase to the oncoming friction element.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, during a stopped condition of the vehicle, commanding stiffening and dampening modes of an active engine mount (AEM) system while inducing vehicle vibrations and recording images. In this way, a condition of the AEM system may be indicated based on the recorded images.

Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator core defining slots and hairpins disposed in the slots. The hairpins are selectively joined at connections to form windings that include at least first and second radial layers. Each connection is disposed in one of the layers. The connections are staggered such that the connections of the first layer are circumferentially offset from the connections of the second layer to increase clearance for tooling that forms the connections.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example apparatus includes a cam pivotably coupled to a rear axle. The example apparatus also includes a first tie rod having a first end pivotably coupled to the cam and a second end pivotably coupled to a steering knuckle. The example apparatus also includes a second tie rod having a first end pivotably coupled to the cam outboard relative to the first end of the first tie rod and a second end coupled to a steering actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle park lock assembly includes a park valve that moves in a first direction to transition a lever from a first to a second position, and moves in an opposite, second direction to permit movement of the lever from the second to the first position. The assembly includes a support block that limits movement of the park valve in the first direction. The assembly includes a biasing device coupled to the support block and the park valve. The biasing device biases the park valve to the first position. A method of supporting components of a vehicle park lock assembly includes moving a park valve in a first direction to transition a lever from a first to a second position, and moving the park valve in an opposite, second direction to permit movement of the lever from the second to the first position.

Abstract: A hydraulic boost valve includes a housing, a valve seat, and a piston. The housing defines an axially extending internal cavity, a slot that extends radially outward from the internal cavity within the housing, and an outlet port that establishes fluid communication between the slot and a fluid output circuit. The valve seat is secured to an end of the housing. The valve seat defines first and second orifices. The first orifice establishes fluid communication between a fluid input circuit and the outlet port via the slot. The second orifice establishes fluid communication between the fluid input circuit and the fluid output circuit. The piston is disposed within the internal cavity such that the slot is positioned between the piston and an external wall of the housing.

Abstract: A computer including a processor is programmed to determine that an object including ferrous material is in a charging field of an inductive charger, actuate the inductive charger, and determine a temperature of the object. The processor is further programmed to determine, based on the temperature, whether the inductive charger is operational.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a cooling device connected to components of a motor vehicle. The cooling device influencing a fluid flow moving past the vehicle components. In one example, a system may include a cooling device positioned below an oil sump. The cooling device may feature an apparatus such that a fluid flows between the apparatus and oil sump. The cooling device may also be positioned below a transmission housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a steering torque threshold for automatically stopping and starting a vehicle engine. In one example, a method may include, while the engine is running, determining a first steering torque threshold for inhibiting stop-start of the engine based on a steering wheel angle, and, while the engine is auto-stopped, determining a second steering torque threshold for inhibiting the stop-start based on the steering wheel angle and whether a static stop-start event is present or a rolling stop-start event is present. In this way, a non-linear hysteresis is provided for automatically stopping and starting the engine.

Abstract: A steering column for autonomous vehicles includes a powered actuator controlling rotation of a lower column, an inner column, and an upper column that is movable relative to the lower and inner columns. Rotation of the lower column relative to the upper column moves the upper column lengthwise. A powered lock rotatably interconnects the inner and lower columns when in a first position, and locks the inner column to a base when in a second position. In an autonomous mode, the upper column is stowed, the powered lock is in the first position, and the motor inhibits rotation of the lower column. In a manual mode, the upper column is extended, the powered lock is in the second position, and a sensor detects an angular position of the upper column.

Abstract: A method for identifying a trailer connection for a vehicle includes storing a plurality of connection configurations as saved configurations. The connection configurations identify a hitch compatibility of a coupler of a trailer to a hitch assembly. The method further comprises capturing image data depicting the hitch assembly and processing the image data. Based on the processing of the image data, the method further identifies a detected hitch configuration of the hitch assembly as a first hitch configuration of the saved configurations.

Abstract: An assembly includes a housing. The assembly includes a spool rotatable relative to the housing. The assembly includes a cable fixed to the spool. The assembly includes a passenger restraint fixed to the cable. The assembly includes a pyrotechnic device fixed relative to the housing and designed to rotate the spool relative to the housing. The assembly includes a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism between the housing and the spool.

Abstract: A human-machine interaction system for a motor vehicle is disclosed, which comprises: a detection device configured to detect an action of a vehicle occupant; an in-vehicle management system including an interactive device and a processor; the interaction device comprises an operable display area configured to display applications; the processor is communicatively connected to the detection device and is configured to identify identity characteristics of the vehicle occupant and selectively activates the applications in the operable display area according to the action and identity characteristics of the vehicle occupant. The present invention also discloses a corresponding vehicle and method. It is possible to recognize the driver's intention and present relevant functions and/or information to the vehicle driver without affecting the driving safety of vehicle due to the need to operate a complex human-machine interface, and it is possible to provide a better riding experience for vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a window pane in a window frame of a vehicle is provided. The assembly tool includes a tool body with a support for supporting and holding the tool body on a first edge of the window pane and a tool arm extending along a longitudinal axis. A distal end of the tool arm includes a distance gauge extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tool arm and configured to be inserted between a second, guided edge of the window pane and a pane guide part which guides the guided edge of the window pane within the window frame. The assembly tool also includes a push arm that is displaceable relative to the tool body and configured to clamp the tool body between the first edge of the window pane and a frame part of the window frame. The push arm is actuated by external force.

Abstract: A method is disclosed; the method may comprise: receiving, at each of a plurality of network computers, a security message from a gateway computer, wherein the security message identifies a current mode of the vehicle, wherein the current mode is indicative of a vehicle state; storing the current mode; receiving a data message; and based on the current mode, determining whether to accept the data message.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite material includes immersing dried plant matter into an aqueous solution containing nanoparticles and applying a magnetic field and/or an electric field to the aqueous solution. A cellular structure of the dried plant matter expands when immersed in the aqueous solution and the nanoparticles migrate into and are embedded within the expanded cellular structure of the immersed dried plant matter. The method also includes removing at least one of hemicellulose, lignin and pectins from the dried plant matter by adding a chemical additive to the aqueous solution and/or wrapping or tagging the nanoparticles with a magnetic material such as nickel.

Abstract: Detection of an impact to a vehicle is based on data received from one of (a) one or more infrastructure sensors included in an infrastructure element or (b) the vehicle. Verification of the impact is determined by determining that data received from the other of the infrastructure sensors or the vehicle (a) detects the impact and is verified or (b) does not detect the impact and is unverified. A message is transmitted to the vehicle including the verification of the impact and one of (a) a request to operate to a predetermined location based on the impact being verified or (b) a notification to continue a current operation based on the impact being unverified.

Abstract: Approaches for predicting parameters contributing to engine emissions are described. In an example, the values of control parameters may be obtained from the vehicle sensors. Based on the obtained values of the control parameters, estimated emission value may be determined pertaining to a correlation criterion reflecting a predetermined relationship between the obtained control parameter and engine emission. Further, the contribution index of each of the individual control parameters may be identified. Further, based on the estimated emission value and the contribution index, aggregated emission value corresponding to the exhausted emission from the engine for particular trip may be calculated.

Abstract: A computer, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to simulate behavior of a vehicle suspension component based on sampling a geometry space including vehicle suspension component hard-points using Gaussian process modeling and determine one or more vehicle suspension component geometries including vehicle suspension component hard-points based on first kinematic curves corresponding to behavior of the vehicle suspension component.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to vehicle display enhancement. For example, a vehicle may receive data associated with a user of a vehicle, wherein the data is associated with eyewear worn by the user or information associated with a user profile. The device may identify a first object in a field of vision of the user while the user is situated in the vehicle. The device may apply first enhancement to the first object based on the data. The device may display the first enhancement on a display device of the vehicle.

Abstract: An additive production assembly and method is provided by the present disclosure. The assembly includes a tank containing radiation-curable liquid and has at least one radiation-penetrable sidewall, a projector that projects at least one beam to the sidewall, and a transportation assembly to transport an object. The beam acts through the sidewall and an area of the liquid close to the sidewall is hardened to form the object. The object is transported along a transporting direction (T) in a sideward direction away from the sidewall, as a result of which liquid flows into a gap between the object and the sidewall.