Abstract: A system for vehicle trajectory planning. The system may include a polarized camera system configured to generate polarized images of a roadway to be driven over with a vehicle, a prior controller configured to generate a prior for the roadway based at least in part on the polarized images, and a driving assistance system configured to provide a driving assistance according to the prior.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling movement of e-pallets using multi-modal interaction with a user are provided that include: one or more first sensors configured to obtain first sensor data of a first modality pertaining to a command from the user for movement of the e-pallets; one or more second sensors configured to obtain second sensor data of a second modality, different from the first modality, pertaining to the command; and a processor that is coupled to the one or more first sensors and the one or more second sensors, the processor configured to at least facilitate: determining an intended movement of the e-pallets based on both the first sensor data and the second sensor data; and moving the e-pallets in executing the intended movement, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor to actuators of the e-pallets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling movement of an e-pallet includes one or more sensors configured to obtain sensor data as to a user of the e-pallet, a second e-pallet, or both; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to at least facilitate: determining, using the sensor data, a relative position of the user, the second e-pallet or both, with respect to the e-pallet; determining, using the sensor data, a relative orientation of the user, the second e-pallet or both, with respect to the e-pallet; and taking a control action for the e-pallet, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor, based on both the relative position and the relative orientation.

Abstract: Vehicles and related systems and methods are provided for monitoring a vicinity of a vehicle. One method involves identifying, using an onboard sensor system, an object within a field of view of the sensor system, identifying a current geographic location of the vehicle using an onboard positioning system, determining an estimated geographic location of the detected object based at least in part on the current geographic location of the vehicle and the position of the detected object within the field of view of the sensor system, obtaining navigational map data for a region encompassing the current geographic location of the vehicle and the estimated geographic location of the detected object, and automatically providing a user notification. The user notification includes a navigational map of the region including a graphical indication of the detected object overlying the navigational map data at the estimated geographic location on the navigational map.

Abstract: A system for mode selective control of an electric vehicle during a race. The system may include a demand controller configured for determining a demand made by a driver during the race to control a propulsion system to propel the vehicle, a battery controller configured for determining a supply of electrical power available from a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to meet the demand, a temperature controller configured for determining temperature thresholds for the RESS and the propulsion system, and a supply controller configured for controlling use of the supply according to an endurance mode and a qualify mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing guidance when reversing a vehicle towing a trailer. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining, by the processor, a change in vehicle pitch angle based on stored vehicle pitch angle data and current pitch angle data; when the change in vehicle pitch angle is greater than a threshold, determining, by the processor, new mirror position data based on stored mirror position data, the stored vehicle pitch angle data, and the current pitch angle data; and generating, by the processor, control signals to control a position of the mirror based on the new mirror position data.

Abstract: Presented are electrical interconnect board (ICB) assemblies with multilayer current collectors, methods for making/using such ICB assemblies, battery systems employing such ICB assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such ICB assemblies. An ICB assembly includes an electrically insulative ICB board frame that mounts to a battery case, an electrically conductive busbar assembly mounted to the board frame, and one or more end terminal assemblies mounted to the board frame adjacent opposing ends of the busbar assembly. The busbar assembly includes one or more busbar tracks that electrically interconnect a group of battery cells. Each end terminal assembly includes a bottom current collector plate that attaches to the ICB board frame and electrically connects to the battery cells and busbar track, a dielectric separator attached to the bottom current collector plate, and a top current collector plate attached to the dielectric separator and electrically connected to the bottom current collector plate.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of making a preform for use in manufacturing a component made of a composite material. The method includes stitching fibers onto a film to form a fiber bed in a two-dimensional shape, removing the film from the fiber bed, and adjusting the fiber bed into a three-dimensional shape to form the preform.

Abstract: A method of motor vehicle detection and identification through audio propagation includes generating source autometric signatures; broadcasting autometric signatures; detecting the autometric signatures; visualizing the autometric signatures; determining known autometric signatures; and evaluating and sending autometric signatures to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicles and methods for augmenting rearview displays for vehicles are provided. An exemplary method is provided for augmenting a rearview display for a vehicle having a gate moveable between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. The method includes collecting dynamic pixel images of an area behind the vehicle using a camera connected to the vehicle. Further, the method includes, in response to a command, displaying graphical overlays to the collected dynamic pixel images on a display screen, via a processor, wherein the graphical overlays depict an outline of the gate and/or projected path of the gate in the opened configuration.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a controller adapted to selectively execute an alternative periodic connectivity mode for communication between a user of the vehicle and a remote assistance unit. The vehicle is not connected to a wireless plan. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The alternative periodic connectivity mode is activated based in part on at least one automatic trigger and/or a request from the user. The controller is adapted to assign a distinct identifier to the vehicle during execution of the alternative periodic connectivity mode. The distinct identifier is defined by a plurality of parameters, including a connection time interval, an internet protocol address range and a host port. The internet protocol address range and the host port may be dynamically configured to remain disengaged unless given a system clearance.

Abstract: A cargo box for a pickup truck having a divider system includes a first member selectively supported in the cargo box, and a second member selectively supported in the cargo box adjacent the first member. The first and second members are configured to establish one of a first configuration in which the cargo box is fully enclosed and a second configuration in which the cargo box includes a first portion that is fully exposed and a second portion that is fully enclosed.

Abstract: A belt drive system for an internal combustion engine rotatably coupled to a rotary motor is provided. The internal combustion engine includes at least three cylinders each having a piston operable to turn a crankshaft. The belt drive system includes a belt and a controller. The belt is coupled to crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and the rotary motor; and the controller is operatively connected to the rotary motor, wherein the controller causes data processing hardware to perform the following operations: apply a torque to the rotary motor; and change the torque of the rotary motor prior to a change in a rotary speed of the internal combustion engine to maintain a predetermined tension in the belt and reduce a rotary motor torsional response through the belt drive to the torsional vibration input from the internal combustion engine.