Abstract: A system for initiating and executing an automated lane change maneuver in a vehicle may include a steering wheel interface having a display; and a monitor to detect a viewing direction of the user. The interface may detect a first predetermined gesture by the user; in response to the first predetermined gesture, transmit a first signal to the vehicle instructing the vehicle to prepare for the automated lane change maneuver; display a status of the automated lane change maneuver; display a prompt for the user to visually confirm safety of the automated lane change maneuver. The monitor may continuously detect the viewing direction of the user; and in response to the viewing direction of the user changing, transmit a second signal to the vehicle instructing the vehicle to execute the automated lane change maneuver.

Abstract: A processor-implemented path planning method in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes retrieving road surface information along a planned path for the vehicle; constructing, by the processor, a model of the road surface along the planned path; identifying, by the processor, a road irregularity in the road surface for the planned path; classifying, by the processor, the road irregularity; projecting the location of vehicle tire patches on the model of the road surface; predicting, by the processor, vehicle sprung-mass dynamics as a function of time for the vehicle along the planned path; calculating a plurality of alternative path trajectories within the constraints of the road boundaries for avoiding the road irregularity; choosing an alternative path trajectory out of the plurality of alternative path trajectories that reduces the sprung-mass dynamics for the vehicle to provide a more comfortable ride; and updating the planned path with the chosen alternative path trajectory.

Abstract: A system for initiating and executing an automated lane change maneuver in a vehicle may include a steering wheel interface having a display; and a monitor to detect a viewing direction of the user. The interface may detect a first predetermined gesture by the user; in response to the first predetermined gesture, transmit a first signal to the vehicle instructing the vehicle to prepare for the automated lane change maneuver; display a status of the automated lane change maneuver; display a prompt for the user to visually confirm safety of the automated lane change maneuver. The monitor may continuously detect the viewing direction of the user; and in response to the viewing direction of the user changing, transmit a second signal to the vehicle instructing the vehicle to execute the automated lane change maneuver.

Abstract: A processor-implemented path planning method in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes retrieving road surface information along a planned path for the vehicle; constructing, by the processor, a model of the road surface along the planned path; identifying, by the processor, a road irregularity in the road surface for the planned path; classifying, by the processor, the road irregularity; projecting the location of vehicle tire patches on the model of the road surface; predicting, by the processor, vehicle sprung-mass dynamics as a function of time for the vehicle along the planned path; calculating a plurality of alternative path trajectories within the constraints of the road boundaries for avoiding the road irregularity; choosing an alternative path trajectory out of the plurality of alternative path trajectories that reduces the sprung-mass dynamics for the vehicle to provide a more comfortable ride; and updating the planned path with the chosen alternative path trajectory.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer readable storage medium for adjusting ride and/or performance dynamics of a passenger transport. The method receiving, by a processor, a transportation request. The method further includes assigning, by the processor, a passenger transport to fulfill the transportation request. The method further includes receiving, by the processor, at least one passenger profile, wherein the at least one passenger profile includes preferred ride and performance dynamics for a passenger. The method further includes adjusting, by the processor, one or more ride and performance dynamics for the passenger transport in response to the received at least one passenger profile. The method further includes transporting, by the passenger transport, one or more passengers associated with the transportation request to a destination.

Abstract: An optical system for a vehicle includes a rearview display configured to display an image of an area behind the vehicle and a positive optical device in optical communication with the rearview display. As such, the image displayed by the rearview display is projected to a virtual image plane that is spaced apart from the positive optical device by a predetermined virtual image distance in order to minimize an accommodation and a convergence of the vehicle operator's eyes when the vehicle operator's eyes switch focus between the rearview display and an object located outside and in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for generating warning signals for an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving sensor data associated with an environment of the vehicle; determining, by a processor, an encroaching object based on the sensor data; determining, by the processor, an impending event based on the encroaching object; selecting, by the processor, at least one warning device coupled to the vehicle from a plurality of warning devices based on the impending event, wherein the at least one warning device generates warning signals that are perceived outside of the vehicle; and generating, by the processor, an activation signal to the at least one warning device to generate the warning signals based on the impending event.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining inputs pertaining to one or more conditions of route planned for a vehicle having autonomous operation capability; predicting, via a processor, a future level of engagement for an operator of the vehicle, using the inputs; and providing, for the operator, information pertaining to the future level of engagement.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for generating warning signals for an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving sensor data associated with an environment of the vehicle; determining, by a processor, an encroaching object based on the sensor data; determining, by the processor, an impending event based on the encroaching object; selecting, by the processor, at least one warning device coupled to the vehicle from a plurality of warning devices based on the impending event, wherein the at least one warning device generates warning signals that are perceived outside of the vehicle; and generating, by the processor, an activation signal to the at least one warning device to generate the warning signals based on the impending event.

Abstract: A vehicle including an autonomic vehicle control system is described. A method for operating the vehicle includes, during operation of the autonomic vehicle control system, determining vehicle and environmental operating conditions and extra-vehicle conditions when the autonomic vehicle control system is activated. A confidence level associated with operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is determined based upon the vehicle operating conditions, the environmental operating conditions and the extra-vehicle conditions. The confidence level associated with the operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is transmitted via an operator interface device.

Abstract: A vehicle including an autonomic vehicle control system is described. A method for operating the vehicle includes, during operation of the autonomic vehicle control system, determining vehicle and environmental operating conditions and extra-vehicle conditions when the autonomic vehicle control system is activated. A confidence level associated with operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is determined based upon the vehicle operating conditions, the environmental operating conditions and the extra-vehicle conditions. The confidence level associated with the operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is transmitted via an operator interface device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining inputs pertaining to one or more conditions of route planned for a vehicle having autonomous operation capability; predicting, via a processor, a future level of engagement for an operator of the vehicle, using the inputs; and providing, for the operator, information pertaining to the future level of engagement.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a park mode in a motor vehicle that includes a powertrain with a powerplant. The method includes identifying whether the vehicle is stopped. The method also includes identifying whether the powerplant is operating or is turned off. The method additionally includes identifying whether an operator of the vehicle is present inside or has vacated the vehicle. The method also includes commanding automatic selection of the park mode if the powerplant is turned off. Furthermore, the method includes commanding automatic selection of the park mode if the operator has vacated the vehicle, whether the powerplant is turned on and operating, or is turned off. The powertrain may include an automatic transmission operatively connected to the powerplant, and the park mode can be affected inside the transmission. A system for controlling such a powertrain via a controller programmed to execute the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a park mode in a motor vehicle that includes a powertrain with a powerplant. The method includes identifying whether the vehicle is stopped. The method also includes identifying whether the powerplant is operating or is turned off. The method additionally includes identifying whether an operator of the vehicle is present inside or has vacated the vehicle. The method also includes commanding automatic selection of the park mode if the powerplant is turned off. Furthermore, the method includes commanding automatic selection of the park mode if the operator has vacated the vehicle, whether the powerplant is turned on and operating, or is turned off. The powertrain may include an automatic transmission operatively connected to the powerplant, and the park mode can be affected inside the transmission. A system for controlling such a powertrain via a controller programmed to execute the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: At least one fiber optic light conductor extends from a source and detection area to a measurement area. In the measurement area, the fiber end is prepared with an end surface slanted relative to the fiber axis and the slanted surface is coated with a reflective material so that light conducted through the fiber is reflected from the end surface and through the side wall of the fiber onto an object being measured. Light is reflected from the object in an amount depending upon the position of the object and reflected light is carried through a similar path by the same or a similar optical fiber to the detector, such that the detector signal correlates to the position of the object.