Abstract: A powertrain includes an electric motor and a first planetary gear stage having a first rotatable member drivingly connected to the electric motor and at least one second rotatable member. A second planetary gear stage includes a third rotatable member drivingly connected to the at least one second rotatable member and includes at least one fourth rotatable member. One of the third rotatable member and the at least one fourth rotatable member is connected to an output member. A passive one-way clutch and a selectable one-way clutch are associated with at least one of the first and second planetary gear stages for varying operation of the first and second planetary gear stages based upon an operation state of the selectable one-way clutch and a direction of rotation of the electric motor.

Abstract: An antenna structure including a dual-band WiFi CPW antenna formed on a dielectric substrate and a frequency selective impedance surface formed on the substrate and at least partially surrounding the antenna. The antenna includes a ground plane defining a gap and an antenna radiating element including a radiating portion positioned proximate to the ground plane and a feed line extending into the gap. The frequency selective impedance surface can be a ring that is configured around the radiating portion of the radiating element, where the frequency selective impedance ring receives surface waves propagating along the dielectric substrate generated by the antenna.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method of controlling a vehicle, includes receiving, via at least one processor, image data from each of plural cameras mounted on the vehicle. The method includes assembling, via the at least one processor, the image data from each of the plural cameras to form assembled image data. The method includes classifying and localizing lane features using an artificial neural network based on the assembled image data, to produce classified and localized lane data. The method includes performing, via the at least one processor, a data fusion process based on the classified and localized lane data, thereby producing fused lane feature data. The method includes controlling, via the at least one processor, the vehicle based, in part, on the fused lane feature data.

Abstract: A variable valve, method, and diagnostic system are provided that determine accuracy of a position of a variable valve. The variable valve, method, and diagnostic system are configured to determine a system error, the system error being the difference between a commanded position of the valve and a measured position of the valve provided through a feedback signal of the valve. The variable valve, method, and diagnostic system are further configured to determine that a diagnostic accuracy passing condition is met if: a) the system error is less than a predetermined positive error threshold and greater than a predetermined negative error threshold; b) a rate of change of the measured position exceeds a predetermined positive feedback rate threshold; or c) the rate of change of the measured position is less than a predetermined negative feedback rate threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes a light source; a first lighting subsystem includes a first light path having a first end positioned to receive light from the light source and to deliver the light to a second end of the first light path; and a first electrochromic filter disposed in the first light path; and a second lighting subsystem includes a second light path having a first end positioned to receive light from the light source and to deliver the light to a second end of the second light path; and a second electrochromic filter disposed in the second light path, wherein the first lighting subsystem provides a first lighting function, and wherein the second lighting subsystem provides a second lighting function.

Abstract: A method to detect and mitigate sensor degradation in an automobile system includes: collecting output signal data from at least one of a sensor and an actuator which is outputting the signal data related to operational parameters of a vehicle system; placing the sensor or the actuator in communication with a fault box used to purposely corrupt the output signal data; analyzing patterns of the output signal data compared to signal data from a nominal operating sensor or actuator using an artificial intelligence program; identifying when a statistical range of the patterns exceeds a first threshold level; and modifying a control signal to change the operational parameters of the vehicle system.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system assists a driver in maneuvering a vehicle with respect to an object in a scene. The system includes a steering angle sensor, a camera device, a video processing module (VPM), and a human-machine interface (HMI). The sensor is configured to monitor the angular position of a vehicle wheel. The device is configured to capture an original image of a scene having the object. The VPM is configured to receive and process the original image from the device, detect the object in the original image, receive and process the angular position from the sensor, generate a vehicle trajectory based on the angular position, and orientate the trajectory with regard to the object. The HMI is configured to display a processed image associated with the original image and a trajectory overlay associated with the trajectory from the VPM. Together, the object is displayed in relation to the overlay.

Abstract: A console drawer assembly is provided for a vehicle that includes, in one example: a housing having a recess formed therein. The housing is configured to fit between a driver seat and a passenger seat of the vehicle. The console drawer assembly also includes a drawer that is oriented to open into a floor area associated with back seats of the vehicle; the drawer is configured to slidably move within the recess, the drawer being movable between an open position and a closed position. In addition, the console drawer assembly includes a first spring dampening mechanism mounted to the housing, the first spring dampening mechanism extends into the recess, and is oriented to make contact with an exterior surface of the drawer in a first pre-identified stress region, and to absorb vertical stress therefrom.

Abstract: A pinion needle roller bearing post for use during pinion gear carrier assembly includes a solid cylindrical post having a longitudinal surface wall extending between a first end and a second end. At least one radially recessed channel is disposed in the longitudinal surface and extends substantially between the first end and the second end and a spring biased needle roller is disposed within the at least one radially recessed channel that operates to prevent needle roller bearing skew during pinion gear carrier assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system facilitates maneuvering of an autonomous vehicle with respect to an object in a scene. The vehicle includes a steering apparatus having a range of angular positions and a multitude of actuators for controlling the dynamics of the vehicle. The system includes a steering angle sensor, a camera device, and a video processing module. The sensor is configured to monitor the angular position of the wheel. The device is configured to capture an original image of a scene having the object. The module is configured to receive and process the original image from the device, detect the object in the original image, receive and process the angular position from the sensor, generate a dynamic trajectory based on at least the angular position, orientate the dynamic trajectory with regard to the object, and operate at least one of the actuators to guide the vehicle along the dynamic trajectory.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of brake assemblies configured to control braking of a respective wheel of the vehicle. The brake assemblies includes a first brake assembly integrated with a smart actuator unit including a first actuator controller and a first electro-mechanical actuator that is configured to adjust a brake force applied to a first wheel coupled to the first brake assembly. A second brake assembly excludes an actuator controller and has installed therein a second electro-mechanical actuator that is configured to adjust a brake force applied to a second wheel coupled to the second brake assembly. At least one electronic actuator driver unit is remotely located from the first and second brake assemblies, and is configured to output a high-power signal that drives the first and second electro-mechanical actuators in response to receiving a digital command signal from the first actuator controller.

Abstract: An electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system for a motor vehicle transmission includes an ETRS housing disposed on the transmission, the ETRS housing having a magnetic field sensor in communication with a transmission controller; and a magnetic field source including a magnet component and a high magnetic permeability component. The magnetic field source disposed on a transmission selector shaft, the magnetic field source detectable by the magnetic field sensor at a plurality of predetermined positions along a movement path of the transmission selector shaft; and the magnetic field sensor detecting magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field source, and communicating magnetic field source position information to the controller. The high magnetic permeability component homogenizes the magnetic flux generated by the magnet component and the controller generates an electronic transmission mode signal based on the magnetic field source position information.

Abstract: A system and method for triggering a silent alarm notification in the event the vehicle occupant comes under attack and needs to discretely signal for help. The system includes an integrated silent vehicle alarm that is triggered by the vehicle occupant by entering a pre-programmed silent alarm sequence. The silent alarm sequence is entered using OEM-installed manually actuatable devices such as door or steering wheel switches located within the vehicle. These manually actuatable devices have dual functions: a primary vehicle related function (such as opening/closing a window) and a secondary function as input devices for the silent alarm sequence. In this way the silent alarm signal utilizes devices already present in the vehicle and requires no new installation or placement of new devices. The silent alarm notification is wirelessly sent to a remote facility for vehicle tracking and emergency response.

Abstract: A method includes determining, with an on-board vehicle hardware system, if a hearing assistance device is in use within a vehicle. The method also includes providing a notification, through a vehicle infotainment system, when the hearing assistance device is in use. The notification provides a vehicle operator with a prompt for activating an external environment amplification system.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a localization method includes receiving sensor data relating to an environment of a vehicle, the sensor data including a plurality of sensor returns associated with objects in the environment, each of the sensor returns having a plurality of corresponding attributes, and constructing a first plurality of sensor data groups, each including a self-consistent subset of the plurality of sensor returns based on their corresponding attributes. The method further includes defining, for each of the first plurality of sensor data groups, a first set of features, wherein each feature is based on at least one of the corresponding attributes and each has an associated feature location, and determining, with a processor, a feature correlation between the first set of features and a second, previously determined set of features.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a radar system of a vehicle is disclosed. A source signal is transmitted from a transmitter at a target at a selected location from the radar system. An echo signal is received as a reflection of the source signal from the target at an in-phase channel and quadrature channel of a receiver. A range space for the echo signal is obtained that includes a target peak corresponding to the target, wherein the range space includes a ghost peak for the target resulting from an IQ difference between the in-phase and quadrature channels. The IQ difference between the in-phase and quadrature channels is adjusted to reduce an amplitude of the ghost frequency peak.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing attention data. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, object data associated with at least one object of an exterior environment of the vehicle; receiving upcoming behavior data determined from a planned route of the vehicle; receiving gaze data sensed from an occupant of the vehicle; processing, by the processor, the object data, the upcoming behavior data, and the gaze data to determine an attention score associated with an attention of the occupant of the vehicle; and selectively generating, by the processor, signals to at least one of notify the occupant and control the vehicle based on the attention score.

Abstract: A system and method of enabling an augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) device to augment image or video data using a virtual vehicle skin, wherein the method is carried out by vehicle electronics included within a vehicle, the method including: establishing a connection to the AR/VR device using a wireless communications device included in the vehicle electronics of the vehicle; and sending a virtual vehicle skin response to the AR/VR device via the established connection, wherein the AR/VR device is configured to obtain background video and to display the virtual vehicle skin over the obtained background video so that the virtual vehicle skin overlays a portion of the vehicle, and wherein the virtual vehicle skin response includes the virtual vehicle skin or virtual vehicle skin access information that can be used by the AR/VR device to derive or obtain the virtual vehicle skin.

Abstract: An improved surface activation technique improves the adhesion of thermal spray coatings, which is useful for engine cylinder bores. The new method includes compressing the cylinder bore surface to create a surface profile on the surface, such as through rolling a roller along the surface. An engine block is also provided, which includes a plurality of cylinder bores, each cylinder bore having an inner surface, and each inner surface having a surface profile that includes a helical groove and other surface profiles formed in the inner surface. A thermal spray coating is formed on the inner surface of each cylinder bore, the thermal spray coating being adhered to the surface profile of the inner surface. A roller assembly for activating the surface is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving sensor data from a sensor of the vehicle; determining a three dimensional point cloud map segment from the sensor data; determining a vehicle pose associated with the three-dimensional point cloud map segment; determining a pose difference based on the vehicle pose, another vehicle pose, and a two-step process, wherein the two-step process includes computing a coarse-granularity pose difference, and computing a fine-granularity pose difference; aligning the three dimensional point cloud map segment with another three dimensional point cloud map segment associated with the other vehicle pose based on the pose difference; and controlling the vehicle based on the aligned three dimensional point cloud map segments.