Abstract: A system and method for estimation of a driver state based on eye gaze includes, capturing and sending, using an outward looking camera situated in a vehicle, a first video stream of surrounding environment to a neural controller. The neural controller, based on the first video stream, generates an expected gaze distribution. Using an inward looking camera situated in the vehicle, the camera captures and sends a second video stream of a face of a driver to an eye tracker controller, where based on the second video stream, the eye tracker controller extracts a plurality of gaze directions. A gaze distribution module generates, based on the plurality of gaze directions, an actual gaze distribution. A distance distribution controller, based on a difference between the expected gaze distribution and the actual gaze distribution, generates a distance measure where a determination is made that the distance measure exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A prismatic battery cell assembly has a prismatic container that includes a body portion composed of opposed first and second side portions, opposed first and second end portions, a bottom portion, and a top portion. An electrode stack is composed as anodes interleaved with cathodes. Each of the anodes includes a first current collector having an uncoated anode current collector portion that extends in a first direction away from the electrode stack, and each of the cathodes includes a second current collector having an uncoated cathode current collector portion that extends in a second direction away from the electrode stack. A first terminal is joined to the uncoated anode current collector portions of the first current collectors of the anodes, and a terminal is joined to the uncoated cathode current collector portions of the second current collectors of the cathodes.

Abstract: Methods of mapping buildings for first responders, include using a smart device app to identify data related to entrances and exits in the building; storing the data in a centralized location or smart device app; and providing the data from the centralized location to the first responders in emergency situations. The methods may include recognizing patterns of the entrances and exits with the smart device app, the smart device app collects images, such that important objects recognizing in the collected images with the smart device app. A drone may be used to assist in mapping the building and measurements, such that the images collected by the drone are subject to important object recognition. The data to create augmented reality maps that are provided to first responders in emergency situations. Third-party devices may contribute to mapping the building and external factors mapped, including type of access to house, driveway, elevation.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicle control systems enabling external control of vehicles using visible or audible cues, methods for making/using such vehicle control systems, and motor vehicles equipped with such control systems. A method of controlling operation of a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving a trigger signal indicating the vehicle is in an automatic control trigger state and, responsive to receiving the trigger signal, activating an automatic control mode that enables an entity outside the vehicle to control the vehicle using visible and/or audible cues. The vehicle controller determines if an on-vehicle network of sensing devices detects a visible/audible cue from the external entity; if so, the controller responsively determines if the detected visible/audible cue is a preset valid command.

Abstract: A method for controlling an operator drowsiness alert system for a vehicle reacts to a sensed or calculated level of drowsiness of the vehicle operator. The method includes entering a first drowsiness alert state associated with a first operator drowsiness alert if the sensed or calculated level of drowsiness is above a first predetermined level for a first predetermined time, where the first predetermined time is greater than zero. Additionally, the method includes transitioning from the first drowsiness alert state to a second drowsiness alert state associated with a second operator drowsiness alert if the sensed or calculated level of drowsiness is above a second predetermined level for a second predetermined time, where the second predetermined time is greater than zero.

Abstract: A system for obtaining vehicle status data includes a location sensor configured to obtain location data for one or more connected devices in or around the vehicle. The vehicle has a plurality of seats, including at least one seat without an occupant sensor. The location data is obtained based at least partially on radiofrequency waves. A command unit is adapted to receive the location data. The command unit has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is adapted to obtain the vehicle status data in real time based in part on the location data of the one or more connected devices, the vehicle status data including a total number of occupants in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for lane centering control of a host vehicle that is towing a trailer includes: determining in real time, by a controller of the host vehicle, a radius of curvature of a turn, wherein the host vehicle is approaching the turn; determining, by the controller, a trailer required offset based on the radius of the curvature of the turn to maintain the host vehicle and the trailer in a lane while the host vehicle and the trailer move along the turn; and controlling the host vehicle using the trailer offset to maintain the host vehicle and the trailer in a lane while the host vehicle and the trailer move along the turn. The method also allows the host vehicle to avoid encroaching vehicles.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining a bore therein, a valve stem, a spring retainer, a valve spring, and a detent mechanism. The valve stem extends through the bore in the valve body and is adjustable between an open position and a closed position. The spring retainer is spaced apart from the valve body along a longitudinal axis of the valve stem and fixed relative to the valve body. The spring retainer defines a bore through which the valve stem extends. The valve spring is captured between the valve body and the spring retainer and is configured to apply a biasing force to the valve stem that biases the valve stem toward the closed position. The detent mechanism is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the valve stem when the valve stem is in the closed position or within a predetermined distance of the closed position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a drive system in a hybrid electric vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive system has combustion engine and an electric motor, and a method includes: obtaining, via one or more sensors, sensor data pertaining to the hybrid electric vehicle; determining, via a processor, whether cold start emission reduction is required, based on the sensor data; and providing an increase in torque provided by the electric motor, via instructions provided by the processor to the drive system, when it is determined that the cold start emission reduction is required.

Abstract: A first closed lane segment file including a first lane change histogram and a lane closure start point associated with a closed lane segment of a first lane of a road is received from a lane change data aggregation system at a lane change management system. The first lane change histogram includes a distribution of a plurality of lane change points received from vehicles that previously engaged in a lane change from the first lane to a second lane of the road in response to the closed lane segment. A lane change control point is determined based on the first lane change histogram at the lane change management system. A command is issued from the lane change management system to an ADS of the autonomous vehicle to initiate a lane change from the first lane to the second lane at the lane change control point.

Abstract: A method for validating non-destructive, electromagnetic methods in atmospheric conditions of a battery cell intended to include a lithium metal layer includes selecting a lithium mimic metal layer to replace the lithium metal layer; and creating a mock-up sample including one or more layers of the battery cell. One or more layers comprise the lithium mimic metal layer. The method includes performing electromagnetic testing of the mock-up sample.

Abstract: A full speed range adaptive cruise control system for a vehicle that stops at an intersection includes one or more controllers that execute instructions to receive localization data and situational data related to the vehicle. The one or more controllers determine, based on localization data and situational data, that the vehicle is approaching an intersection and will come to a stop at the intersection, where the vehicle is part of a queue including one or more surrounding vehicles. In response to determining the vehicle has come to a stop, the controller determines a position of the vehicle within the queue and an overall length of the queue. The controller calculates an adaptive launch time based on at least the position of the vehicle within the queue, the overall length of the queue, the situational data, and a timing delay associated with the queue.

Abstract: A microLED lighting module is disclosed. The microLED lighting module includes a micromodule having one or more transparent polymer layers thereon. Additionally, the one or more transparent polymer lavers are configured to maintain a temperature of the microLED lighting module below approximately 220° C.