Abstract: A central computer includes a first processor and a first memory. A portable computer includes a second processor and a second memory. The portable computer is programmed to: obtain an identifier of a vehicle via a scanner included in the portable computer, and transmit the identifier and first validation data to the central computer, and transmit a message to the central computer for a destination computer. The central computer is programmed to receive the identifier and the first validation data from the portable computer, determine second validation data; identify a destination computer based on the identifier, and upon determining that a comparison of the first validation data and the second validation data meets a specified criterion, transmit the message from the portable computer to the destination computer.

Abstract: A system that includes a wearable device, and a method of using the system, including: receiving, at a first transceiver element of a wearable device, a target beam from a ride-share vehicle, the element having a first axis of reception; and when the first axis is oriented toward the beam, providing an indication, via the device, to a user thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for authorizing the use of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) charging apparatus by a short-term renter. In an example method, a processor provides an authorization for use of a BEV charging apparatus by a first individual. The BEV charging apparatus is located on the premises of a building. The processor further enables access to the BEV charging apparatus over a designated period of time for use by the first individual and configures a first lock to prevent unauthorized entry by the first individual into a first portion of the building. In one scenario, the first individual is a short-term renter, the BEV charging apparatus is located in a garage of the building, the first portion of the building is a first room of the building, and the first lock is installed in a door leading into the first room of the building.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant messaging system includes a communication tag located in a buckle of a vehicle seatbelt assembly and configured to wirelessly transmit signals, to a mobile device, representing a location of a passenger using the mobile device in a host vehicle. The system further includes a communication transceiver programmed to transmit messages to the mobile device and a system processor programmed to generate the messages to the mobile device, the messages identifying the location of the passenger.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting a ride-share request to a ride-share server, the ride-share request including information about an accessibility device, determining a present orientation of the accessibility device, and transmitting the present orientation of the accessibility device to the ride-share vehicle. Another method includes transmitting a present orientation of an accessibility device, receiving a target orientation of the accessibility device, illuminating a light projector, determining that the accessibility device is in the target orientation, and turning off the light projector.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that defines an aperture. A closure panel is coupled to the body and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure panel covers the aperture when the closure panel is in the closed position. A support member has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the body. The second end is coupled to the closure panel. The support member is operable between a compressed position and an extended position. The extended position of the support member corresponds with the open position of the closure panel. A collapsible member is coupled to the body and the support member. The collapsible member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The collapsible member includes a first section and a second section. The collapsible member also includes a fluid drainage system.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to battery charging management of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In an example method, a processor generates an operational profile for a first BEV among a number of BEVs. The profile may be based on a mileage accumulation pattern, a parking pattern, and/or a battery charging pattern, detected over an information collection period. The mileage accumulation pattern may be based on the use of the first BEV for commuting from a residence to a workplace. The processor determines an availability of a battery charging outlet in a section of a garage of the residence, and based on the operational profile of the first BEV, identifies a period of time for charging a battery of the first BEV in the garage. The processor then issues a directive to park the first BEV in the section of the garage over the identified period of time for charging the battery.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle has separate compartments with a common sidewall. Doors that are interchangeable between the compartments close the compartments. A latching assembly between the doors and sidewall limits movement of the sidewall when only one of the doors is closed. The compartments are combined into a single compartment by moving the sidewall when the doors are open. A hinge assembly connects the doors. A contact and wiper assembly between the doors carries power and commands for the hinge assembly.

Abstract: An advance pairing system preemptively pairs a phone to a vehicle using a backend cloud system prior to establishing the connection with the vehicle, such as during the time that a user is purchasing a vehicle, or just after the user enters the vehicle for the first time. The system includes a mobile application for automated advance pairing with the vehicle's automotive computer. The mobile app sends a request for advance pairing to a server that assigns a set of unique keys to the account for secure pairing of the mobile device and the vehicle. The server pushes an encrypted payload to both the mobile device app and the vehicle advance pairing app operating on the automotive computer. The encrypted payload can include a unique vehicle ID, a unique mobile device ID, and one or more encryption keys. The mobile device and the vehicle use the encrypted advance pairing information to establish a secured connection with minimal user input.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel is provided that includes a rim having a core structure, a plurality of heaters surrounding at least a portion of the core structure to define a plurality of heating zones, at least one sensor for sensing location of a user's hand on the steering wheel, and a controller controlling the plurality of heaters to activate one or more of the heaters based on the sensed location of the hand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that uses a window as a microphone as a replacement for keyless entry to a vehicle. The system includes a window which acts as a microphone using a piezoelectric transducer that captures resonance on an outside surface of the vehicle window when pressure waves (e.g., voice commands or taps) impact it. To recognize this sound, a transducer controller amplifies vibrations from the window tap or spoken commands. The system may include a low-power mode that listens for input while the vehicle is off. In a second, high-power mode, the system may detect a tapping event, which may prompt a transition to a wake-up state. The system may associate a number and timing of taps with unique user keys, similar to key selections of numbers on a keypad. The system may also recognize verbal PIN code input using the piezoelectric transducer microphone.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that uses a window as a keypad entry system that functions as a replacement for a keyless entry keypad in a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle window functional as a keypad using piezoelectric transducers that capture resonance from the vehicle window when pressure waves (e.g., generated by voice commands or taps) impact the glass. A transducer controller amplifies the vibrations from the vehicle window user tap or spoken commands and triangulates the signal to localize a position of the origination point of the tap, which may be mapped to a respective numeric or cardinal input value. The system may include a low power mode that receives input while the vehicle is off.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel is provided that includes a rim having a core structure, a plurality of heating zones surrounding at least a portion of the core structure, each heating zone having conductive circuitry to define a heater and a capacitive sensor for sensing location of a user's hand on the steering wheel, and a controller controlling the conductive circuitry in each heating zone to operate as the capacitive sensor to sense a presence of the user's hand in at least one heating zone and to switch to operate as the heater to heat the at least one heating zone when the hand is sensed in the at least one heating zone.

Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods including for monitoring and remotely controlling a fleet of autonomous vehicles. The remote vehicle control system determines a control input to control a vehicle based on an action performed on or with a controller bot. The controller bot is configured for use on a horizontal display that displays a map and a vehicle graphic at a location on the map.

Abstract: A system may include an in-vehicle component, including a first control set to configure the component, configured to identify a device associated with a user approach to the component; and send an interaction request to the device to cause the device to display a user interface for the component including a second control set to configure the component, the second control set including at least one function unavailable in the first control set. A personal device may receive, from an in-vehicle component including a first control set to configure the component, a user interface definition descriptive of a second control set to configure the component; and receive, from the component, a request to display a user interface for the component including the second control set to configure the component, the second control set including at least one function unavailable in the first control set.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing in-cabin sleeping experience within a vehicle are provided. The method includes determining whether a first occupant, e.g., a passenger, within the vehicle is asleep based on data captured of an interior of the vehicle, e.g., via one or more cameras within the vehicle. The method further includes informing a second occupant, e.g., a driver, within the vehicle that the first occupant is asleep, and adjusting an interior cabin parameter to accommodate the first occupant. The method further may include adjusting the interior cabin parameter to wake up the first occupant when the vehicle is a predetermined time or distance from a target destination. Moreover, the method may include classifying the first occupant such that the inter cabin parameter is adjusted to accommodate the first occupant based on the classification of the first occupant.

Abstract: Redundant vehicle controls based on user presence and position are disclosed herein. A method can include determining a presence and a position of a driver in a sensing zone of a vehicle using a sensor platform integrated into the vehicle. The sensing zone is associated with a primary driving interface of the vehicle. Determining when the position of the driver indicates that the driver is not in a fully-seated position relative to a driver's seat of the vehicle, and that the vehicle is in a non-seated drive mode where the driver is permitted to operate the vehicle while not being in the fully-seated position. Activating a secondary driving interface of the vehicle when the driver is not in a fully-seated position and the vehicle is in the selected driving mode. The secondary driving interface can be used in combination with the primary driving interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driver presence and position detection are disclosed herein. A method can include determining a presence and a position of a driver in a sensing zone of a vehicle using a sensor platform integrated into the vehicle, determining when the position of the driver indicates that the driver is not in a fully-seated position relative to a driver's seat of the vehicle, and selectively adjusting a vehicle parameter of the vehicle based on the driver not being in a fully-seated position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for queueing transportation providers and passengers are described. A method includes queuing in a first queue, first broadcast messages received from passenger mobile devices and queuing in a second queue, second broadcast messages received from transportation provider mobile devices. The method also includes comparing, via a processor, each of the first broadcast messages in the first queue to the second broadcast messages in the second queue to identify a match between one of the first broadcast messages and one of the second broadcast messages.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that defines an aperture. A closure panel is coupled to the body and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure panel covers the aperture when the closure panel is in the closed position. A support member has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the body. The second end is coupled to the closure panel. The support member is operable between a compressed position and an extended position. The extended position of the support member corresponds with the open position of the closure panel. A collapsible member is coupled to the body and the support member. The collapsible member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The collapsible member includes a first section and a second section. The collapsible member also includes a fluid drainage system.