Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a manner of extending the use of originally-equipped automotive vehicle sensors to environmental mapping. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring sensor data from a vehicle-equipped detachable sensor of an environment around a non-automotive entity when the vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is mounted to the non-automotive entity. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is capable of sensing a portion of an environment around an automotive vehicle and configured to communicate with a computing device. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is also structured to be detached from the automotive vehicle and mounted to the non-automotive entity. Further, the method includes receiving a mapping request from the computing device. The method also includes, in response to the mapping request, building a map, from the acquired sensor data, of an area traveled by the non-automotive entity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle to vehicle aerodynamics system which communicates information among vehicles to determine aerodynamics of a vehicle and determine changes to the vehicles which may improve aerodynamics of the vehicle and/or overall aerodynamics of a group of vehicles.

Abstract: A retractable roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening to a compartment that extends below the surface of the vehicle roof and a retractable cover assembly that encloses sensor devices. The retractable cover assembly includes a top panel having a peripheral size and shape that matches the roof opening to the compartment. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle when the retractable roof cover is in the raised position. The height of the top panel in the raised position above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras. When the retractable cover assembly is retracted into the compartment, the top panel is flush with the surrounding roof panel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A truck deck includes a floor that defines a cargo area on a top surface. The deck also includes a pocket disposed in the floor. The pocket defines a space disposed below the floor and a pocket opening. The deck further includes a selectively openable and closable pocket cover movable between an open position and a closed position. The pocket cover is disposed to cover the pocket in the closed position. The deck also includes a tie-down device disposed in the pocket. The tie-down device includes an attachment device, an adjustment device, and an elongated strap having an attachment end that is attached to the attachment device configured for attachment to a cargo, and an adjustment end that is attached to the adjustment device. The tie-down device is configured to adjust the length of the strap and apply a downward tensioning force to the cargo.

Abstract: Various arrangements for providing a guided tour are described herein. Generally, the guided tour system determines the location of location sensor(s) along a guided tour. When the location sensor(s) are located at a transition location along a guided tour, the guided tour system selects an active Input/Output (I/O) system for a subsequent segment of the guided tour. The active I/O system is used to render prompts associated with POIs along the guided tour.

Abstract: A modular system is provided for a multi-purpose accessory configured to selectively operate as a brush guard, a cabin protector, and a tailgate extender for a vehicle. The system includes a first mounting structure connected to a front frame of the vehicle. A second mounting structure is connected to a cabin portion of the vehicle, and a third mounting structure is connected to a tailgate of the vehicle. A multi-purpose accessory is provided including a main body portion and at least one attachment member extending from the main body portion. The attachment member is configured to alternately be received by the first mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a brush guard; the second mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a cabin protector; and the third mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a tailgate extender.

Abstract: A lateral view system for a vehicle including a display device that displays a lateral view of the vehicle, a camera operatively coupled to the display device that captures the lateral view of the vehicle, and an arm assembly that articulates the camera between a concealed position to be concealed in a door portion of the vehicle and an extended position to capture the lateral view of the vehicle, the arm assembly including an arm member having a camera, an arm housing embedded in the door portion of the vehicle to receive the arm member, and an arm external surface that matches an external surface of the door portion and seats substantially flush with the external surface of the door portion when the camera is in the concealed position.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods to remove vehicle sensor debris are disclosed. A disclosed cleaning assembly for a vehicle includes a track coupled to the vehicle. The cleaning assembly also includes an arm adjustably coupled to the track and having a nozzle positioned on the arm. The arm is moveable, via the track, near an exterior surface of the vehicle that is associated with a vehicle sensor. The cleaning assembly also includes a first motor operatively coupled to the arm configured to move the arm along the track relative to debris positioned on the exterior surface. The cleaning assembly also includes a pump fluidly coupled to the nozzle configured to expel the fluid from the nozzle to remove the debris.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a road debris blocking system that provides a barrier to road debris at a surveying sensor. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and a processor. A road debris blocking device moves between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration relative to the vehicle body. An actuator moves the road debris blocking device between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. A wheel angle sensor provides a signal to the processor indicative of a wheel angle. A memory module is communicatively coupled to the processor that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to receive the signal from the wheel angle sensor and instruct the actuator to move the road debris blocking device from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration based on the signal.

Abstract: Sensor cleaning apparatus, systems, and related methods for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a sensor of a vehicle. The apparatus also includes a motor operatively coupled to the sensor to enable the sensor to move within a cavity of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a wiper fixedly coupled to the vehicle and partially defining the cavity. An edge of the wiper is to engage the sensor when the sensor moves to remove debris.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles are made by fitting sensors to non-autonomous vehicle platforms. A mounting structure to mount sensors to the vehicle is needed to provide sensor data about the environment of the vehicle. The mounting structure is sealed to prevent exterior environmental elements from harming the sensor hardware. Therefore, any heat generated from the sensors or equipment and/or exterior heat is sealed and trapped in the mounting structure. Thus, a way to cool the sensors is needed and to limit additions to the mounting structure is optimized by tapping into existing vehicle cooling systems to cool the sensors. Additionally, removal of the heated air by exhausting the air out from the mounting structure to aid in the cooling of the sensors is necessary.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a manner of extending the use of originally-equipped automotive vehicle sensors to identify selected object types. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring data from a vehicle-equipped detachable sensor of an environment around a non-automotive entity when the vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is mounted to the non-automotive entity. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is capable of sensing a portion of an environment around an automotive vehicle and configured to communicate with a mobile device. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is also structured to be detached from the automotive vehicle and mounted to the non-automotive entity. The method includes identifying, from the acquired data, an object based on a selected object type received from the mobile device. The method also includes, in response to identifying the object from the acquired data, outputting at least one notification signal to the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a manner of extending the use of originally-equipped automotive vehicle sensors to environmental mapping. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring sensor data from a vehicle-equipped detachable sensor of an environment around a non-automotive entity when the vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is mounted to the non-automotive entity. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is capable of sensing a portion of an environment around an automotive vehicle and configured to communicate with a computing device. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is also structured to be detached from the automotive vehicle and mounted to the non-automotive entity. Further, the method includes receiving a mapping request from the computing device. The method also includes, in response to the mapping request, building a map, from the acquired sensor data, of an area traveled by the non-automotive entity.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a manner of extending the use of originally-equipped automotive vehicle sensors to other types of transportation. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring data from a vehicle-equipped detachable sensor about one or more object in an environment around a non-automotive entity when the vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is mounted to the non-automotive entity. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is capable of sensing a portion of an environment around an automotive vehicle and configured to communicate with a mobile device. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is also structured to be detached from the automotive vehicle and mounted to the non-automotive entity. The method includes determining, based on the acquired data, whether a detected object impinges upon a current travel trajectory of the non-automotive entity.

Abstract: A dynamic gap at a vehicle interface can be actively managed using an interface seal. The interface can be defined between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component. A gap can be defined between the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component. The gap can have an associated width. The width of the gap can vary during vehicle operation. An interface seal can be provided at least partially within the first vehicle component. The interface seal can be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the interface seal can be located substantially entirely within the first vehicle component. In the deployed position, the interface seal can extend at least partially out of the first vehicle component in a direction toward the second vehicle component. As a result, the width of the gap can be reduced.

Abstract: A roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening for a sunroof and a roof cover that encloses sensor devices. The roof apparatus is mounted from the underside of the vehicle roof at the position for mounting a sunroof. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle. The height of the roof cover above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and methods for autonomous charging of an autonomous vehicle. Specifically, the present disclosure describes an autonomous vehicle subsystem configured to evaluate vehicle charge, identify possible charging stations, interact with a user to confirm a charging station, navigate to the selected charging station, and initiate and receive of a charge from a charging port at the charging station. User interaction may be vehicle-driven or user-driven.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base, a seat back rotatably connected to the seat base, a seat bottom mounted on the seat base, and at least one of the following mounted to one of the seat base, seat back, and seat bottom: a resistance mechanism structured to exert a biasing force on at least one exercise arm operatively connected to the resistance mechanism; a bicycle seat receptacle structured for detachably mounting a bicycle seat to the seat base; and a docking mechanism structured for detachably mounting a pedal mechanism to the seat base.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, a system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for cleaning obstructions for the sensors of the autonomous vehicle. The method includes: detecting, via a sensor, obstructions that block the field of views for the sensors; retrieving real-time weather data outside the autonomous vehicle; estimating, based on the real-time weather data, the features of the obstructions; proposing, based on the estimation of the features of the obstructions and, one or more cleaning plans; querying, via a user interface, a selection by a user regarding the proposed cleaning plans; and executing, via a cleaning system for the sensors of the autonomous vehicle, the proposed cleaning plan selected by the user. User interaction may be vehicle-driven or user-driven.

Abstract: A lateral view system for a vehicle including a display device that displays a lateral view of the vehicle, a camera operatively coupled to the display device that captures the lateral view of the vehicle, and an arm assembly that articulates the camera between a concealed position to be concealed in a door portion of the vehicle and an extended position to capture the lateral view of the vehicle, the arm assembly including an arm member having a camera, an arm housing embedded in the door portion of the vehicle to receive the arm member, and an arm external surface that matches an external surface of the door portion and seats substantially flush with the external surface of the door portion when the camera is in the concealed position.