Abstract: According to one aspect, a method for detecting a location from which at least one sound signal originates, includes obtaining, on a microphone array of a vehicle, the at least one sound signal from a sound source, the sound source being external to the vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of sides. The method also includes identifying, based on at least one measure associated with the at least one sound signal as obtained on the microphone array, at least a first side of the plurality of sides as being closest to the sound source.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a sensor clearing system is arranged to remove precipitation and/or other contamination from a sensor. A sensor clearing system which is suitable for use on an autonomous vehicle includes an axial fan and a duct arrangement. The axial fan is configured to provide air flow that is routed through the duct arrangement. The duct arrangement directs the air flow towards a sensor, e.g., a lidar, at a velocity and/or with a force that is selected to cause any precipitation on a surface of the sensor, e.g., a lens of a lidar, to be removed.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a method for detecting a location from which at least one sound signal originates, includes obtaining, on a microphone array of a vehicle, the at least one sound signal from a sound source, the sound source being external to the vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of sides. The method also includes identifying, based on at least one measure associated with the at least one sound signal as obtained on the microphone array, at least a first side of the plurality of sides as being closest to the sound source.

Abstract: Acoustic touch and/or force sensing system architectures and methods for acoustic touch and/or force sensing can be used to detect a position of an object touching a surface and an amount of force applied to the surface by the object. The position and/or an applied force can be determined using time-of-flight (TOF) techniques, for example. Acoustic touch sensing can utilize transducers (e.g., piezoelectric) to simultaneously transmit ultrasonic waves along a surface and through a thickness of a deformable material. The location of the object and the applied force can be determined based on the amount of time elapsing between the transmission of the waves and receipt of the reflected waves. In some examples, an acoustic touch sensing system can be insensitive to water contact on the device surface, and thus acoustic touch sensing can be used for touch sensing in devices that may become wet or fully submerged in water.

Abstract: A plurality of radar units is included in an overall radar module such that the plurality of radar units effectively cooperates to provide an approximately 360-degree field-of-view over a relatively long range. The overall radar module may include a ring-shaped printed circuit board, and a rim that includes multiple radar units positioned to substantially cover a 360-degree field-of-view. Radar units of the overall radar module may be grouped together such that two or more radar units may operate substantially synchronously, e.g., as a substantially single radar unit.

Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle includes a sensor system, the sensor system including a radar system, the radar system configured to collect a first set of data. The vehicle also includes a clearing system and a detection arrangement. The clearing system is configured to clear at least one surface associated with the sensor system. The detection arrangement arranged to determine when the first set of data indicates a presence of precipitation; wherein when the detection arrangement determines at least that the first set of data indicates the presence of precipitation, the detection arrangement causes the clearing system to activate to clear the at least one surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a vehicle includes a first compartment, a system, and a first sanitizing arrangement. The first compartment has a plurality of walls that define a space, and the system is configured to enable the vehicle to travel autonomously. The system includes a power system configured to provide power to the first compartment. The first sanitizing arrangement includes at least a first sanitizing component, the at least first sanitizing component being included in the first compartment, wherein the first sanitizing arrangement is configured to be activated to sanitize the plurality of walls and the space.

Abstract: A sensor cleaning mechanism is provided herein. At least one sensor is configured to observe a condition associated with a vehicle. A housing is configured to be mounted on the vehicle. The housing includes a window surface configured to be disposed substantially within a field of view of the at least one sensor. A fluid providing mechanism is configured to provide fluid to the window surface. An actuating mechanism is configured to rotate the housing about the at least one sensor at a first speed, thereby causing at least a portion of the fluid to be expelled from the window surface. The actuating mechanism also can be configured to change a speed of rotation of the housing to a second speed, which is greater than zero, in response to a determination that the window surface is substantially clear of the fluid.

Abstract: Acoustic touch and/or force sensing system architectures and methods for acoustic touch and/or force sensing can be used to detect a position of an object touching a surface and an amount of force applied to the surface by the object. The position and/or an applied force can be determined using time-of-flight (TOF) techniques, for example. Acoustic touch sensing can utilize transducers (e.g., piezoelectric) to simultaneously transmit ultrasonic waves along a surface and through a thickness of a deformable material. The location of the object and the applied force can be determined based on the amount of time elapsing between the transmission of the waves and receipt of the reflected waves. In some examples, an acoustic touch sensing system can be insensitive to water contact on the device surface, and thus acoustic touch sensing can be used for touch sensing in devices that may become wet or fully submerged in water.