Abstract: A system for object detection within a monitored zone around a vehicle includes: at least one processor; and memory encoding instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the system to: detect an object; and suppress an alert associated with detection of the object when a size of the detected object is below a lower size threshold value or above an upper size threshold value.

Abstract: A system for object detection within a monitored zone around a vehicle includes: at least one processor; and memory encoding instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the system to: detect an object; and suppress an alert associated with detection of the object when a size of the detected object is below a lower size threshold value or above an upper size threshold value.

Abstract: A voice control system for a police vehicle, including: a single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone configured to receive an audio command for controlling an aspect of the police vehicle and identify a direction of origin of the audio command; and a controller including a processor and tangible memory encoding instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: identify a command associated with the audio command received by the single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone; and when the direction of origin allows for the command, initiate the command to control the aspect of the police vehicle.

Abstract: A voice control system for a police vehicle, including: a single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone configured to receive an audio command for controlling an aspect of the police vehicle and identify a direction of origin of the audio command; and a controller including a processor and tangible memory encoding instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: identify a command associated with the audio command received by the single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone; and when the direction of origin allows for the command, initiate the command to control the aspect of the police vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for generating operating power for various desired applications using solar energy. A solar array is formed using a small number of solar cells connected in series to form a string of solar cells and then connecting multiple strings in parallel. Unlike conventional solar arrays, no bypass diodes are incorporated into the array. A power converter is coupled to the array to boost output voltage to a level sufficient to operate the desired application. The power converter may be operated independently or based on output levels of the array, the material from which the solar cells of the array are constructed and the operating temperature of the array or combinations thereof.