Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive range data from a range sensor of a vehicle, detect a person in proximity to the vehicle based on the range data, activate a camera of the vehicle upon detecting the person, set a parameter of one of the camera or a facial recognition algorithm based on the range data of the person, and perform the facial recognition algorithm on the person using data from the camera.

Abstract: An automated projector image optimization (APIO) system for a vehicle having a control system is provided. The APIO system includes a projector configured to display an image, a processor configured to be electrically connected to the control system, and a memory having instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including receiving a user input corresponding to a display surface, determining a preferred orientation of the projector relative to the display surface, and employing the control system to move the vehicle so that the projector is in the preferred orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is disclosed. The vehicle lighting system may include a display unit configured to operate in a plurality of display modes. The display unit may be mounted on a vehicle rear top portion. The vehicle lighting system may further include a processor that may be configured to obtain trigger event information associated with the display unit. Based on the trigger event information, the processor may select a display mode from the plurality of display modes, and may activate the display unit responsive to the selection.

Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling a heating element of a window of a vehicle. The systems and methods include capturing an image of the window with a camera of the vehicle. The image is analyzed to determine a state of the window and the heating element is controlled based on the state of the window.

Abstract: A system and method to manage charging priority for at least one accessory includes the steps of: providing one or more charging stations for the at least one accessory, monitoring vehicle power status, and monitoring accessory charging status. Additionally, the allocation of power supplied to the one or more charging stations is managed based on priority requirements as determined per each accessory.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, interior sensors sensing position or movement of an occupant in the cabin interior, and exterior sensors sensing a passerby proximate to the vehicle. The vehicle includes a controller determining an occupant intending to exit the vehicle via the door based on the interior sensors and determining a passerby passing by the door in an open position using the at least one exterior sensors. The controller controls the actuator to open the door when the occupant is intended to exit the vehicle and at least partially closes the door when a passerby is detected passing by the vehicle door and an occupant is determined not to be exiting the vehicle. The controller controls the actuator to open the door further when the passerby is determined to pass by the door.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment, a belt conveyor located in the storage compartment and having a slat belt supported by a pair of rollers, and a shelf operatively coupled to the slat belt and configured to move between a lower stowed position within the storage compartment and an upper deployed position extending outward from the storage compartment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for determining the presence of or the amount of an analyte in a sample and to a slide for use in the method.

Abstract: A vehicle having park assist includes a plurality of powered closure doors, each door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, a plurality of sensors located on the vehicle for sensing objects relative to the vehicle and generating sensed signals indicative of the sensed objects, and a transceiver for communicating with a parked vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller processing the sensed signals, determining a distance and location of the sensed objects relative to the doors, and determining a parking location for the vehicle in a garage where the closure doors are free from contact with an object in the garage when in an open position and are free of contact with powered closure doors on the parked vehicle. An output is provided to assist a driver of the vehicle to park the vehicle in the garage in the determined parking location.

Abstract: Upon identifying an authorized user approaching a vehicle, vehicle locks are controlled to permit the authorized user to access an authorized area based on a user authorization. Permitted vehicle features within the authorized area for the authorized user are identified based on the user authorization. Upon receiving a user input selecting one permitted vehicle feature, the selected permitted vehicle feature is actuated based on determining that a state of charge of a battery is above a charge threshold. Upon determining that the state of charge of the battery decreases below the charge threshold, actuation of the selected permitted vehicle feature is stopped. Then an engine is controlled to charge the battery based on the user authorization.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to select a scanning rate for a first sensor of a vehicle based on at least one of data related to a current time or data related to a location of the vehicle; instruct the first sensor to run at the selected scanning rate; in response to receiving data from the first sensor indicating a newly present object, turn on a second sensor; and then record data from the second sensor. The second sensor has a higher power draw than the first sensor.

Abstract: A pet bowl is provided that comprises a housing defining a water container, a proximity sensor located proximate to the water container, the proximity sensor having conductive circuitry comprising a first circuit made of a first metal and a second circuit made of a dissimilar second metal, and a controller processing signals received from the proximity sensor, the controller selectively switching the conductive circuitry between a first configuration operating as the proximity sensor to sense water contained in the container and a second configuration operating as a thermocouple to sense temperature proximate to the water container.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body defining a cabin interior, a plurality of seats located within the cabin interior, each seat having an adjustable seat base and an adjustable seat back, a monitoring system for detecting and monitoring a pet within the cabin interior, and a controller processing signals generated by the monitoring system and determining a location of the pet based on the monitored signals, the controller further controlling at least one of the adjustable seat base and adjustable seat back of a seat based on the determined location of the pet so that the seat is configured to accommodate the pet.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body defining a cabin interior and comprising a front row of seats and a rear row of seats, a plurality of seats located within the cabin interior, and a monitoring system for detecting and monitoring a pet or passenger within the cabin interior. The vehicle also includes a movable center console positioned between a pair of the forward row of seats and forward of the rear row of seats and comprising a holder for holding a drink container, and a controller processing signals generated by the monitoring system and determining a location of the detected pet or passenger on the rear row of seats based on the processed signals, the controller further controlling the movable console between a forward first position and a rearward second position closer to the rear row of seats.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powered door having an actuator to move the door between open and closed positions, a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices, and an imaging device oriented to capture images in a region proximate to the powered door. A controller processes the captured images and controls the actuator to move the door to the open position when a mobile device is detected proximate the vehicle and a user is detected in the captured images located in a door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a face of a user is recognized as an authorized user located in the door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a gait of the user is detected and identifies the gait are indicative of an authorized user located in the door detection zone.

Abstract: An item repositioning method includes, in response to a request for an item, moving a vehicle along a first route to a location of the item, loading the item in the vehicle using a lift assist device mounted to the vehicle, moving the vehicle along a second route to transport the item to a desired location, and at the desired location, unloading the item from the vehicle using the lift assist device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment, a belt conveyor located in the storage compartment and having a slat belt supported by a pair of rollers, and a shelf operatively coupled to the slat belt and configured to move between a lower stowed position within the storage compartment and an upper deployed position extending outward from the storage compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a dosed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: Remote power supply systems are provided for motor vehicles. The remote power supply systems may power auxiliary devices separate from the vehicle. Exemplary remote power supply systems may include one or more exportable power outlet boxes that include electrical power outlets for connecting the auxiliary devices. The electrical power outlets may be powered by a generator system of the vehicle. A control module associated with the remote power supply system may command one or more vehicle-specific actions designed to reduce the realized sound level at one or more nearby areas of interest when operating the vehicle in a power generation mode.

Abstract: A charge level of a sensor battery providing power to a sensor in a vehicle is determined. A charge depletion of the sensor battery is determined based on the charge level. A recharge rate to recharge the sensor battery is determined based on a time elapsed on a previously traveled path, a current charge level, and the charge depletion. Upon activation of the vehicle, one or both of a propulsion or a vehicle battery is actuated to recharge the sensor battery at the recharge rate.