Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive sensor data indicating an obstacle, formulate a control barrier function for a vehicle based on the sensor data, determine a control input based on the control barrier function, and actuate a component of the vehicle according to the control input. The control barrier function is defined with respect to a reference point that is spaced from a centroid of the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle floor. The assembly includes a seat including a pedestal supported by the vehicle floor. The assembly includes a track supported by the vehicle floor. The pedestal is slidable along the track. The assembly includes an energy absorbing device supported by and slidable along the track. The energy absorbing device is between the track and the pedestal. The energy absorbing device is deformable relative to the track.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transforming autonomous aerial vehicle sensor data between platforms are disclosed herein. An example method can include receiving, by an UAV, vehicle radar data and radar calibration data from a vehicle, as well as location information for a location of the vehicle, determining a simulated UAV at the location, establishing an orientation for a simulated radar on a bottom of the simulated UAV, determining a height for the simulated UAV to match a field of view of the simulated radar, performing a geometrical transformation to convert the vehicle radar data set into a UAV perspective, converting the vehicle radar data into a vehicle coordinate frame using the radar calibration using vehicle global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, converting the vehicle coordinate frame from a global frame into a UAV coordinate frame using UAV GPS coordinates, and converting the UAV coordinate frame into simulated radar sensor frame.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive an image frame from a camera, the image frame showing a vehicle, determine a two-dimensional bounding box around the vehicle in the image frame, determine a first three-dimensional point that is an intersection between (a) a ray extending from the camera through a center of the two-dimensional bounding box and (b) a first plane that is parallel to a ground plane, determine a second three-dimensional point on the vehicle, and determine an orientation of the vehicle based on the first three-dimensional point, the second three-dimensional point, and the ground plane. The ground plane represents a surface on which the vehicle sits.

Abstract: A system for thermally treating components includes an indirect-fired oven, the indirect-fired oven having an internal chamber configured to house the components and an air intake in fluid communication with the internal chamber. A source of heat is disposed external to the internal chamber of the indirect-fired oven, and a combustion source is disposed external to the internal chamber of the indirect-fired oven and is configured to generate gas combustion products. An exhaust line is in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the indirect-fired oven, and the gas combustion products are introduced into the internal chamber of the indirect-fired oven.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to jointly train a geometric NeRF multilayer perceptron (MLP) and a color NeRF MLP to model a scene using an occupancy grid map, camera data of the scene from a camera, and lidar data of the scene from a lidar; supervise the geometric NeRF MLP with the lidar data during the joint training; and supervise the color NeRF MLP with the camera data during the joint training. The geometric NeRF MLP is a neural radiance field modeling a geometry of the scene, and the color NeRF MLP is a neural radiance field modeling colors of the scene.

Abstract: Orientations of a vehicle with an attached trailer can be specified for obtaining respective images of the trailer. Respective images of the trailer captured by a vehicle camera at the specified orientations can then be received. The images can be input to a machine learning program trained to output trailer size metrics. The vehicle can then be controlled according to the trailer size metrics output from the machine learning program.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle pillar and a unitized reinforcement bracket. The unitized reinforcement bracket is mounted to the vehicle pillar and includes a reinforcement body and one or more stanchions. The reinforcement body extends along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle pillar. The stanchions are located at an inboard side of the vehicle pillar and are configured for mounting a vehicle component.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly convertible between a use position and a non-use position. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat with a seat cushion support, a seatback, a base that connects to a vehicle, a front pivot linkage supported by the base by a first joint and pivotally connected to the seat cushion support by a second joint, and a rear foot pivotally supported by the base by a third joint. A pivoting movement of the rear foot about the third joint is lockable. The rear foot is connected to the seatback by a fourth joint. The vehicle seat also includes a fifth joint that connects the seatback to the seat cushion support, wherein the fourth joint is a latch and the fifth joint provides a free pivot, and wherein the fourth joint is latched when the seat moves from the use position to a boarding non-use position.

Abstract: A projector arrangement for a vehicle includes an attachment mechanism that selectively couples with a rear door of the vehicle. The projector arrangement further includes a video projector coupled with the attachment mechanism. The video projector is configured to project image data in a direction toward the vehicle when the rear door is in an open position. A portable container selectively houses the attachment mechanism and the video projector.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive a dataset of images; extract feature data from the images; optimize a number of clusters into which the images are classified based on the feature data; for each cluster, optimize a number of subclusters into which the images in that cluster are classified; determine a metric indicating a bias of the dataset toward at least one of the clusters or subclusters based on the number of clusters, the numbers of subclusters, distances between the respective clusters, and distances between the respective subclusters; and after determining the metric, train a machine-learning program using a training set constructed from the clusters and the subclusters.

Abstract: A facial recognition authentication system and method include obtaining a current image in response to a request for facial recognition authentication of a user. A set of current image features are generated from the input image. Live image features and spoof image features are retrieved for the user. Then a determination is output that the input image is one of live or spoofed based on a comparison of the current image features to the live image features and the spoof image features.

Abstract: A vehicle roof structure of a vehicle includes an outer roof panel and a single, unitized inner roof panel. The inner roof panel is separate from the outer roof panel and is secured to the outer roof panel. The inner roof panel includes a plurality of roof headers, a roof bow, and support braces. The roof headers are spaced apart from each other and extend in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The roof bow is spaced apart from and positioned between two roof headers of the plurality of roof headers and extends in the transverse direction. Each support brace is positioned between the roof bow and one of the two roof headers. The support braces extend from the roof bow to the one of the two roof headers and extend in multiple directions.

Abstract: A method for automating a die fabrication process includes obtaining, by one or more controllers, die sensor data from one or more die sensors and image data from one or more image sensors, generating, by the one or more controllers, a command to perform one or more machining tool operations based on the die sensor data and the image data, and controlling, by the one or more controllers, a machining tool to perform the one or more machining tool operations. The method includes selectively adjusting, by the one or more controllers, a position of a robotic arm based on the one or more machining tool operations and training an artificial intelligence system to autonomously perform the die fabrication process based on the one or more machining tool operations, the position of the robotic arm, the image data, the die sensor data, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for automatically detecting internally blocked rear and side view mirrors. An example method to detect an obstruction may include detecting via sensors in the vehicle an obstruction preventing a driver from viewing a region of interest associated with a mirror, determining a permanence associated with the obstruction, and switching to a camera mode in lieu of the mirror when the obstruction has a permanence beyond a threshold.

Abstract: A structural assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle frame distinct from a vehicle body. The vehicle frame includes opposed longitudinal rails. Each rail includes a single, monolithic body having a central internal brace and a pair of opposed ends. One end of the opposed ends is fixed to a first side of the central internal brace and the other end of the opposed ends is fixed to a second side of the central internal brace that is opposite the first side.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. The seatback includes a frame that has opposing first and second frame members and first and second displaceable panels that are pivotably coupled to the first and second frame members. The first and second displaceable panels are movable between stored positions and deployed positions in response to a force exerted on the seatback.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the vicinity of power cables. In an example method, a first end of a power cable may be detected to be connected to a vehicle. A first trajectory of the power cable may then be determined via a plurality of sensors at the vehicle. The first trajectory of the power cable may include a first location and a first orientation of the power cable. It may then be determined, via the plurality of sensors at the vehicle, whether an obstacle is within a predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable. Responsive to the determination that the obstacle is within the predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable, a notification associated with the obstacle may be provided, and a power supply to the power cable may be turned off.

Abstract: A robot can be moved in a structure that includes a plurality of downward-facing cameras, and, as the robot moves, upward images can be captured with an upward-facing camera mounted to the robot. Downward images can be captured with the respective downward-facing cameras. Upward-facing camera poses can be determined at respective times based on the upward images. Further, respective poses of the downward-facing cameras can be determined based on (a) describing motion of the robot from the downward images, and (b) the upward-facing camera poses determined from the upward images.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to a robotic vehicle. An example robotic vehicle has a base platform that includes at least a chassis, an actuator, a sensor, and a controller. The chassis includes a first wheel that is attached to a first section of the chassis and further includes a second wheel attached to a second section of the chassis. The actuator has a proximal end attached to the first section of the chassis and a distal end attached to the second section of the chassis. The sensor is configured to obtain information associated with a stair structure located on a traversal path of the robotic vehicle. The controller evaluates the information obtained by the sensor and operates the actuator to vary a separation distance between the first section of the chassis and the second section of the chassis so as to enable the robotic vehicle to traverse the stair structure.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the pathway of cables. In an example method, a first location at a site for stationing a vehicle may be selected. A first routing for a cable may then be determined, where a first end of the cable is connected to the vehicle stationed at the first location. It may then be determined at the vehicle whether the first routing for the cable passes through at least one potential or actual obstacle, where the determination is based at least in part on a topographic map. Responsive to the determination that the first routing for the cable passes through the at least one potential or actual obstacle, a remedial action may be performed, where the remedial action prevents the first routing of the cable from passing through the at least one potential or actual obstacle.

Abstract: An age of an operator of a vehicle and a light condition in the vehicle are determined. A pattern for display is selected based on the determined age of the operator of the vehicle and the light condition in the vehicle. The pattern is presented on the display on the display. Then the display is adjusted based on input from the vehicle operator in response to the pattern.

Abstract: An ionic airflow management system for a motor vehicle includes a controller, a power supply in communication with the controller, at least one exterior component of a motor vehicle having an integral electrode in electrical communication with the power supply, the integral electrode comprising a cathodic terminal portion and an anodic terminal portion oriented relative to a managed airflow vector, and at least one sensor in communication with the controller, the at least one sensor including a speed sensor. The power supply receives signals from the controller to supply a predetermined amount of electrical power to the integral electrode based on a threshold speed detected by the speed sensor in an active mode. The power supply receives signals from the controller to switch off electrical power to the integral electrode below the threshold speed in an inactive mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system and method embodiments for monitoring tire conditions. For example, the system includes a sensor that is configured to: receive light that is reflected off of at least one object within a field of view (FOV) that is adjacent to a vehicle as reflected light, and provide tire data indicative of a distance between the sensor and a surface of a tire of the vehicle extending into the FOV based on the reflected light. A controller is configured to generate a message in response to a moment of a probability distribution of the tire data being less than a threshold, or tire data indicative of a rate of change of shadow length exceeding a threshold shadow length, and to provide the message to at least one of a user interface, a vehicle system, and an external computing device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body component includes a substrate, at least one corrosion protection layer disposed on the substrate, a basecoat layer disposed on the at least one corrosion protection layer, and a clearcoat layer disposed on the basecoat layer. The clearcoat layer includes a material having a conductive network of linked nanostructures and also defines a Class A surface finish.

Abstract: A system includes a computer on board a vehicle and a server remote from the vehicle. The computer and the server each store a network graph of actions performable by components of the vehicle that includes costs of transitioning between the actions. The computer is programmed to log a sequence of the actions; upon determining that a sub-sequence of the sequence constitutes a lowest-cost path from the beginning action to the final action based on the network graph, store a reduced sequence including a beginning action and a final action of the sub-sequence ordered immediately after the beginning action, the reduced sequence excluding at least one intermediate action from the sub-sequence; and transmit the reduced sequence to a server remote from the vehicle. The server is programmed to determine the sequence from the reduced sequence based on the network graph.

Abstract: A server includes a hardware processor configured to: responsive to receiving a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from a vehicle via a computer network, analyze the DTC to calculate a first price deduction for the vehicle caused by the DTC; calculate a base price for the vehicle using vehicle information reflecting vehicle make, model, year, and mileage; and calculate a resale price for the vehicle using the base price and the first price deduction.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a front leg, a seatback, and a lower leg support. The seat includes a forward end and a rearward end. The seat is configured to be coupled to a support surface. The front leg engages with the support surface. The seatback is rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the rearward end. The lower leg support is directly and rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the forward end. The lower leg support is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The vehicle seating assembly is movable between a seated position and a reclined-and-raised position. Moving from the seated position toward the reclined-and-raised position includes increasing a first distance between the front leg and the support surface.

Abstract: An instrument-panel assembly for a vehicle includes an instrument panel. The instrument-panel assembly includes a steering column adjacent to the instrument panel. The instrument-panel assembly includes an airbag mounted to the instrument panel below the steering column. The airbag is inflatable to an inflated position below the steering column. The airbag defines a knee cavity in the inflated position. The airbag in the inflated position has a knee-forward panel vehicle-forward of the knee cavity; a first wing and a second wing that extends vehicle-rearward from the knee-forward panel on opposite sides of the knee cavity; and a top panel that extends vehicle-rearward from the knee-forward panel and extends from the first wing to the second wing above the knee cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a pivot bracket coupled to a vehicle floor and disposed at a front of a seat frame, a gear assembly and a locking disk assembly disposed around an axis of rotation defined by the pivot bracket, wherein the gear assembly and the locking disk assembly are configured to each alternatively move the seating assembly from a sitting position to a standing position, and a track assembly disposed on the vehicle floor and between opposing side brackets of a seat frame. The track assembly includes a cam assembly movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The vehicle seating assembly further includes a crank assembly extending between the pivot bracket and the cam assembly and configured to move the cam assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a master controller, a plurality of control modules, and a vehicle network communicatively coupling the master controller and the control modules. The master controller is programmed to receive a set of dependencies between a plurality of applications, receive resource limitations for the control modules, and allocate the applications to the control modules based on the dependencies and the resource limitations.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle pillar and a unitized reinforcement member. The vehicle pillar includes an inner panel and an outer panel secured to the inner panel to form an internal cavity. The unitized reinforcement member is disposed within the internal cavity of the vehicle pillar and extends along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle pillar. The unitized reinforcement member includes an inner panel portion spaced apart from the inner panel, an outer panel portion coupled to an inner surface of the outer panel, and a connecting portion connecting the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a dashboard located in the cabin interior, and a desk supported on the dashboard and movable between a stowed position on the dashboard and a deployed position extending outward from the dashboard, the desk comprising a plurality of interconnected panels having arms configured to engage a track to bend around at least a portion of the dashboard, and wherein the desk operably moves along the track when moved between the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, at least one seat located in the cabin interior, a support structure located near the at least one seat, and a workstation coupled to the support structure. The workstation includes a desk having a first desk panel and a second desk panel that moves relative to the first desk panel, a display screen, and a pivot mechanism coupled to the desk and the display screen and configured to allow the desk and the display screen to pivot relative to the support structure, wherein the desk and the display screen are configured to pivot to a vehicle downward position folded together and upward deployed use positions such that the desk may extend substantially horizontal in the use position and the display screen may extend upward relative to the desk.

Abstract: A method of producing an aerogel-based material includes placing a sol mixture into a cavity of a tool. The sol mixture includes a precursor and a solvent. The cavity of the tool is sealed and the sol mixture is heated under pressure to at least supercritical conditions, thereby creating a flammable gas within the cavity of the tool. The flammable gas within the cavity of the tool is ignited.

Abstract: A boot for a shaft joint includes a plurality of rigid rings and a plurality of flexible rings. Each rigid ring has an annular shape disposed about a central axis of the boot. The rigid rings are arranged sequentially along the central axis. Each rigid ring is connected to an adjacent rigid ring by a corresponding one of the flexible rings.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a human-machine interface to enable towed vehicle mode and specify a desired traction battery charge upon arrival at a destination. A controller is programmed to vary charging rate of the traction battery while the electrified vehicle is being towed over a user-specified distance to the destination to obtain the user-specified target charge for the traction battery upon reaching the destination. The target charge may be entered as a percentage state of charge (SOC), a distance to empty (DTE), or Watt hours, and converted to net energy input required for the traction battery. The controller distributes the charging load over the entire distance to reduce the affect on the drivability and efficiency of the towing vehicle by varying regenerative braking of the electric machine(s) while being towed to provide a net energy needed to obtain the target charge upon reaching the destination.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a human-machine interface to enable a towed vehicle mode to enable electric pumps to lubricate and/or cool vehicle components and to disable driver assistance features while the electrified vehicle is being towed by another vehicle. The electrified vehicle includes a drivetrain having an electric machine configured to provide propulsive torque to vehicle wheels, a high-voltage traction battery selectively connected to the electric machine, a battery powered fluid pump configured to pump fluid to the drivetrain, and a controller programmed to, after receiving a signal enabling towed vehicle operation of the electrified vehicle, control operation of the battery powered fluid pump while the electrified vehicle is being towed.

Abstract: An assembly includes a seat having a seat bottom that includes a top surface. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the seat and inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag in the inflated position includes a bottom end positioned below the top surface. The assembly includes a pyrotechnic retractor supported by the seat bottom. The assembly includes a tether connected to the bottom end of the airbag and to the pyrotechnic retractor such that actuation of the pyrotechnic retractor retracts the tether and urges the bottom end of the airbag toward the seat bottom.

Abstract: A system for testing-configuring one or more vehicles includes a task communication module obtaining a task data packet having a selected software-based task to be performed on a selected vehicle, where a task command identifier identifying the task, a command matching module selecting a predefined task command from among a set of stored task commands based on the task command identifier where the predefined task command executes either a selected standardized protocol (i.e., a set of locally stored instructions) or a selected customized protocol to perform the task (i.e., a set of bypass instructions to retrieve a selected script file having a set of customizable instructions), and a command execution module executing the selected standard protocol in response to the predefined task command being the selected standard protocol, and executing the selected customized protocol employing the selected script file based on the predefined task command being the selected customized protocol.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes an electric machine, a traction battery selectively connected to the electric machine, a human-machine interface (HMI), and a controller programmed to, after receiving a signal from the HMI enabling towed vehicle operation of the electrified vehicle, control the electric machine to generate a regenerative braking torque in response to deceleration of the electrified vehicle exceeding an associated deceleration threshold and road grade being below a road grade threshold. The controller may also be programmed to control friction brakes of the electrified vehicle in response to the deceleration exceeding the associated threshold. The controller may control brake lights of the electrified vehicle in response to the regenerative braking and/or friction braking. Regenerative and friction braking may be released in response to acceleration exceeding a corresponding threshold.

Abstract: A method of lubricating a sheet of material includes moving the sheet along a first direction and operating a print nozzle to deposit a lubricant on the sheet while the sheet is moving along the first direction. The print nozzle ejects the lubricant in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction and toward a first side of the sheet. The method includes charging the lubricant so that the lubricant ejected from the print nozzle is in the form of charged droplets and applying an external electrical field between the print nozzle and the sheet to attract the charged droplets to the sheet.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an A-pillar, a windshield, a receiver, and a visor assembly, including an engagement feature that moves from a first position to a second position, and a biasing feature that biases the engagement feature toward the first position in the second position of the engagement feature. The visor assembly is operable between a stowed condition, wherein the engagement feature is in the first position and the engagement feature and the receiver are in a spaced relationship, and a deployed condition, wherein the engagement feature is in the second position and contact between the engagement feature and the receiver maintains the engagement feature in the second position against the bias of the biasing feature.

Abstract: A system includes an illumination source operable at an adjustable duty cycle, a camera arranged to detect illumination from the illumination source, and a computer communicatively coupled to the illumination source and the camera. The duty cycle indicates a proportion of time that the illumination source is illuminated in a repeating pattern. The computer is programmed to operate the illumination source with the duty cycle at a baseline duty cycle in response to failing to detect an object having a preset type in image data from the camera, and operate the illumination source with the duty cycle at a high duty cycle in response to detecting the object having the preset type in the image data from the camera. The high duty cycle has the illumination source illuminated for a greater proportion of time than the baseline duty cycle.

Abstract: A system for a water generation apparatus of a vehicle includes a sensing device that detects an environmental condition of a geographical area associated with the vehicle. A display device is configured to present a depiction of the geographical area. A controller is in communication with the sensing device and the display device. The controller is configured to determine at least one water generation estimate for the water generation apparatus based on the environmental condition and the geographical area. The controller is further configured to generate a modified representation of the geographical area based on the at least one water generation estimate and the depiction of the geographical area. The controller is further configured to communicate an instruction to present the modified representation at the display device.

Abstract: A composite antenna mount includes a polymer matrix, a plurality of particles dispersed through the polymer matrix, at least some of the particles including a ferromagnetic coating, and a plurality of electrically conductive filaments electrically connecting the ferromagnetic coatings of the particles. The ferromagnetic coating each coated particle is configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in a specified frequency range.

Abstract: An injection moldable composite material includes a polymer matrix, glass microspheres, a conductive network of linked nanostructures, and a plurality of additives. The polymer matrix includes a polypropylene impact copolymer. The plurality of additives includes a polymer adhesive configured to adhere the conductive network of linked nanostructures to the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A seating assembly is provided with swivel capabilities. The seating assembly includes a coupling member, a seat, a seatback, and a swivel plate. The seat is pivotably coupled to the coupling member. The seatback is also pivotably coupled to the coupling member. Additionally, the swivel plate is coupled to the coupling member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback and a child seat tether anchor supported by the seatback. The child seat tether anchor has a first member fixed to the seatback and a second member rotatably supported by the seatback. One of the first member and the second member defines a cavity with internal threads and the other of the first and second member is received in the cavity and has external threads engaged with the internal threads. A strap is on the second member. An energy absorber is in the cavity. The energy absorber is compressible relative to the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a seatback pivotally coupled to a seat base. The seatback is operable between an upright position and a reclined position. A lift assembly is operably coupled to the seat base. The lift assembly is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. A position sensor is coupled to the lift assembly via a ball joint, wherein the ball joint and the position sensor adjust with movement of the lift assembly. A seat controller communicatively is coupled to the position sensor, wherein the seat controller determines if the lift assembly is in the disengaged position or has moved to the engaged position based on position data received from the position sensor.