Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for autonomously valet parking a vehicle based on images obtained from a plurality of plenoptic (light field) cameras. An example vehicle includes a plenoptic camera to obtain an image external to the vehicle and a controller. The controller is to autonomously navigate a vehicle toward a parking space identified as unoccupied and generate, based on the image, an occupancy map indicating occupied regions in a plurality of concentric regions. The controller also is to determine whether the parking space is available based on the occupancy map and send, in response to determining the parking space is unavailable, an error message to a driver.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a road for substances includes generating a flash of infra-red light at a wavelength to illuminate a portion of the road. The wavelength corresponds to an absorption wavelength of a substance to be detected. The method further includes, in response to a difference in backscatter intensity of an image of the portion captured during the flash and an image of the portion captured before or after the flash being greater than a threshold amount, outputting a signal indicating presence of the substance on the portion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a door frame coupled to a vehicle frame at a hinge. A door operating mechanism is coupled to the door and vehicle frames for applying rotational force to the door frame about the hinge. The door operating mechanism including external cogs of an inner gear that mesh with inner cogs of an outer gear and a single oblong bearing that biases the inner gear in partial engagement with the outer gear.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a door frame coupled to a vehicle frame at a hinge. A door operating mechanism is coupled to the door and vehicle frames for applying rotational force to the door frame about the hinge. The door operating mechanism including external cogs of an inner gear that mesh with inner cogs of an outer gear and a single oblong bearing that biases the inner gear in partial engagement with the outer gear.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically cleaning the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The systems can include a motorized robot, cleaning element, and camera all communicatively linked to a processor. The processor can receive CAD information regarding the shape and size of the exterior surfaces of the vehicle to be cleaned along with information regarding the position of the motorized robot on the vehicle. The processor can then determine an efficient path for the motorized robot to travel across the vehicle surfaces. Along the course of its travel, the motorized robot can employ the cleaning element to remove dirt or other debris from the vehicle surface.

Abstract: Engine blocks and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The engine block may comprise a body including at least one cylindrical engine bore wall having a longitudinal axis and including a coating extending along the longitudinal axis and having a coating thickness. The coating may have a middle region and first and second end regions, and a plurality of pores may be dispersed within the coating thickness. The middle region may have a different average porosity than one or both of the end regions. The method may include spraying a first porosity coating in a middle longitudinal region of the bore and spraying a second porosity coating in one or more end regions of the bore. The first porosity may be greater than the second porosity and the first and second porosities may be formed during the spraying steps. The pores may act wells for lubricant.

Abstract: Alternator/starters and methods for providing electrical power to a vehicle and rotating an engine are disclosed. In one example, the alternator/starter provides a differential action whereby torque on an input side of the alternator may be maintained while speed of an output side of the alternator may be varied. The alternator/starter includes two armature windings and two field windings.

Abstract: Control of alternator/starters for providing electrical power to a vehicle and rotating an engine is disclosed. In one example, the alternator/starter provides a differential action whereby torque on an input side of the alternator may be maintained while speed of an output side of the alternator may be varied. The alternator/starter includes two armature windings and two field windings.

Abstract: A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, a power source, and a controller. The actuator is configured to adjust a position of a door. The controller is configured to control the actuator with energy provided by the power source. The controller is further configured to identify a charge level of the power source and compare the charge level to at least one threshold. In response the charge level being less than the at least one threshold, the controller is configured to output a warning signal.

Abstract: A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, at least one communication circuit, and a controller. The actuator is configured to adjust a position of a door. The controller is configured to receive a request for the vehicle to retrieve an occupant via the communication circuit. The controller is further configured to receive an authentication signal via the communication circuit authenticating an identity of the occupant. In response to the authentication, the controller is configured to control the actuator to make the vehicle accessible to the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle door system for a for-hire vehicle (FHV) and a method of calculating a transport fare includes providing a FHV having an actuator configured to adjust a position of a door relative to a door opening. An apparatus is configured to receive vehicle occupancy data. A controller is configured to process the vehicle occupancy data to determine the vehicle occupancy over the course of a passenger transport. The controller is further configured to calculate a transport fare as a function of the vehicle occupancy over the course of the passenger transport.

Abstract: A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises a door actuator, at least one sensor, and a controller. The at least one sensor is configured to capture data corresponding to an environment local to the vehicle. The controller is configured to process the data to identify at least one object moving proximate the vehicle and control the door actuator to oppose an opening motion of the door in response to the identification of the object.

Abstract: A vehicle door controller is disclosed. The vehicle door controller is in communication with an actuator configured to control a door and is further in communication with a temperature sensing device. The controller is configured to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensing device. Based on the temperature signal, the controller is configured to identify an actuator condition. In response to the actuator condition, the controller is configured to control the actuator to move the door to a resting position.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a vehicle door includes a spring member disposed in the vehicle door and includes a sinusoidal configuration defined by a plurality of linear members having ends coupled by a plurality of arcuate members. A cable extends through the spring member in the door. The cable is interlaced with the linear member and includes a first end being operably coupled with a pulley wheel. An intermediate portion of the cable is wrapped around a drive wheel. A second end of the cable is operably coupled with the pulley wheel. A plurality of locating nubs on the linear members locate the cable through the spring member.

Abstract: A system of a vehicle includes a processor configured to control output current of a remote power distribution circuit (PDC) connected to the vehicle according to a temperature change of a power line or return line of the PDC. The temperature change is derived from a PDC output voltage or output current change. The PDC output voltage and output current are measured at an input to a load connected to the PDC. And, the PDC output voltage is measured between a ground line of the PDC and one of the power and return lines.

Abstract: A method for parking a vehicle in a parking lot includes generating steering commands for the vehicle while in the lot based on an occupancy grid and plenoptic camera data. The occupancy grid indicates occupied areas and unoccupied areas around the vehicle and is derived from map data defining parking spots relative to a topological feature contained within the lot. The plenoptic camera data defines a plurality of depth maps and corresponding images that include the topological feature captured during movement of the vehicle. The steering command is generated such that the vehicle follows a reverse perpendicular path into one of the spots without entering an occupied area.

Abstract: A method of anodizing a coil comprised of wire having a copper core and a layer of a metal formed on the core is disclosed. The metal has electrically insulating characteristics when anodized. Two variations of the method are provided. In the first variation, the metal-clad wire is partially anodized prior to being wound on a spool to form a coil. Once the partially anodized wire is wound onto a spool the coiled wire is anodized to complete anodization. The anodized coiled wire may be rinsed to remove residual electrolytic material. In the second variation, the metal-clad wire is wound on a spool to form a coil. The coiled wire is then anodized. The method of the disclosed invention reduces or entirely eliminates the presence of micro cracks in the oxide layer. The resulting coil may be used in motors, electromagnets, generators, alternators and subsystems for the same.

Abstract: A vehicle having a traction battery power source includes n power cells each having a positive and negative terminal and connected in series to form a power pack, and n?1 comparators configured as voltage followers. A negative terminal of a mth comparator of the n?1 comparators is connected to the negative terminal of a corresponding mth cell of the n cells. And, a positive terminal of the mth comparator is connected to the positive terminal of a (m+1)th cell of the n cells.

Abstract: A power assist device for a vehicle includes a door is pivotally coupled to a vehicle body. A hinge assembly is coupled between the vehicle body and the door to define a hinge axis for the door. A motor is coupled to the door and includes a drive shaft extending outwardly from the motor. A first spool is disposed on the drive shaft for rotation therewith. A second spool is mounted on the hinge assembly at a spool axle. A cable is operably couples the first spool to the second spool and the motor is configured to drive the first spool in a rotational movement, and the cable is configured to translate the rotational movement of the first spool to the second spool. The movement of the second spool drives an opening and closing movement of the door at the hinge axis of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for autonomously valet parking a vehicle based on images obtained from a plurality of plenoptic (light field) cameras. An example vehicle includes a plenoptic camera to obtain an image external to the vehicle and a controller. The controller is to autonomously navigate a vehicle toward a parking space identified as unoccupied and generate, based on the image, an occupancy map indicating occupied regions in a plurality of concentric regions. The controller also is to determine whether the parking space is available based on the occupancy map and send, in response to determining the parking space is unavailable, an error message to a driver.