Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic sensor data adaptation using a deep learning loop are provided. A method includes classifying, using a discriminator model, a first object from first sensor data associated with a first sensing condition, wherein the discriminator model is trained for a second sensing condition different from the first sensing condition; generating, using a generator model in response to the discriminator model failing to classify the first object, second sensor data representing a second object comprising at least a modified element of the first object; classifying, using the discriminator model, the second object from the second sensor data; and adapting, based at least in part on a difference between the first object and the second object in response to the discriminator model successfully classifying the second object, a machine learning model associated with object classification for the first sensing condition.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided, with the vehicle including vehicle systems, a communication bus, a first processor, and a communication bus transceiver. The first processor is configured to at least facilitate: determining whether a potential safety concern is present pertaining to control the vehicle systems; and providing communications along the communication bus of the vehicle, the communications including an indication of the potential safety concern. The communication bus transceiver is coupled to the first processor and configured to at least facilitate: recognizing the indication of the potential safety concern; and inhibiting the control for the vehicle systems when the indication of the potential safety concern is recognized by the communication bus transceiver.

Abstract: Methods of making a thick multilayer electrode for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium are provided. The methods may include forming the multilayer electrode on a current collector by forming a plurality of electrode units to define an electrode stack on the current collector. Each unit of the plurality of electrode units comprises an electroactive material layer comprising a plurality of electroactive particles and an interfacial conductive material layer comprising a plurality of graphene nanoparticles. The electrode stack has a thickness of greater than or equal to about 100 micrometers and is capable of winding and withstanding a bend angle of greater than or equal to a radius of curvature of less than or equal to about 1 radian/inch while remaining substantially free of macrocracks.

Abstract: A classification model can be trained by using an augmented scene. The augmented scene may be generated by placing augmentation objects into a simulated scene that is a virtual representation of a real-world scene. The augmentation objects are virtual objects representing a category for which a reference classification model has a poor performance. The reference classification model may be a simulated model trained by using a simulated scene or a real-world model trained by using a real-world scene. A training set, which includes simulated sensor data of the augmentation objects and labels of the augmentation objects, can be used to train the augmented model. The augmented model can be used by an AV to classify objects in the surrounding environment of the AV. The augmented model can have a better accuracy in classifying objects in the category than the reference classification model.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a lithium metal battery includes a nonaqueous aprotic organic solvent, a lithium salt dissolved in the nonaqueous aprotic organic solvent and, by volume, from 1% to 10% of a flame retardant additive. The flame retardant additive is at least one of an organophosphate compound, an organophosphite compound, organophosphonate compound, or a phosphazene compound.

Abstract: A system comprises an optical heterodyne device, the optical heterodyne device configured to generate an overlap signal based upon: 1) a first optical signal output by a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) laser, wherein the first optical signal comprises an optical frequency chirp that is based upon an input voltage signal received by the FMCW laser; and 2) a second optical signal output by a reference laser. The system also includes a photodetector that is optically coupled to the optical heterodyne device, the photodetector configured to output an electrical beat signal based upon the mixing of the optical signals, wherein the electrical beat signal is representative of the mixed down optical signal. The system further includes a frequency analyzer system that generates, based upon the electrical beat signal, data that is indicative of linearity of the optical frequency chirp in the first optical signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a die that forms a sheet metal blank into a workpiece for a stamped vehicle component. The system includes a processor receiving design data associated with the workpiece. The processor produces a computer simulation based on the data and determines a stretching index of the workpiece. The processor compares the stretching index to an index threshold. The processor generates a stretching failure signal when the stretching index is above the index threshold. The processor generates a stretching acceptance signal, and a display device indicates that the workpiece has a fracture when the stretching index is below the index threshold. The display device indicates that the workpiece does not have the fracture, when the display device receives the stretching acceptance signal, such that a die manufacturing device transforms a tool material into the die.

Abstract: A pneumatic shade includes a plurality of slats, a plurality of first fold members, and a plurality of second fold members. Each slat is elongated and includes and spans laterally between opposite longitudinal edges. Each of the first- and second-fold members are elongated and co-extend longitudinally with the slats. Each first fold member is attached to longitudinal edges of the respective adjacent slats. Each second fold member is attached to longitudinal edges of respective adjacent slats and are alternatingly orientated with respect to the first fold members such that each slat spans laterally between a respective first fold member and second fold member. Each of the first fold members and the second fold members are adapted to move between a folded state and an unfolded state upon application of pressurized air.

Abstract: An ultra wide band antenna includes a ground plane and an antenna body. The antenna body includes a planar portion arranged above and parallel to the ground plane. A tapered side portion extends perpendicular to the planar portion in a direction towards the ground plane, wraps at least 50% around an outer edge of the planar portion and tapers in height from a feed side of the antenna body in a direction towards a back side of the antenna body. A cylinder is connected to a bottom surface of the planar portion and to the ground plane. A connecting portion connects the back side at the outer edge of the planar portion to the ground plane.

Abstract: A system to detect and avoid spilled cargo in an automobile vehicle, includes an automobile vehicle rear cargo area including a floor to temporarily receive a storage item in the cargo area. A lift gate is moved between a closed and latched position and a fully open position inclusive to allow loading and removal of the storage item. A vision system identifies the storage item when initially loaded in the cargo area and identifies if the storage item is initially positioned in a cargo spill position or subsequently moves to the cargo spill position. A cargo stop device is releasably connected to the lift gate. An operating system releasably stores the cargo stop device when the storage item is not in the cargo spill position and deploys the cargo stop device when the storage item is in the cargo spill position.

Abstract: A system includes a clutch state module and a clutch torque module. The clutch state module is configured to determine whether a clutch of an electronic limited slip differential is locked or unlocked. The electronic limited slip differential couples an engine of a vehicle to left and right wheels of the vehicle. The clutch torque module is configured to estimate an actual torque transferred by the clutch using a first clutch torque model when the electronic limited slip differential is unlocked, and estimate the actual clutch torque using a second clutch torque model when the electronic limited slip differential is locked. The second clutch torque model is different than the first clutch torque model.

Abstract: An audio notification system for an autonomous vehicle (AV) determines that the AV is within range of a user and emits a sound though a speaker of the AV to notify that the user that the vehicle has arrived. The audio notification system may include a sensor for sensing that the user has accessed the AV, and turns off the sound in response to the user accessing the AV. The audio notification may be generated according to one or more audio options, e.g., volume, pitch, or audio pattern.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for intra-vehicle communication within the vehicle involve a sending controller to transmit a message, and a receiving controller to receive the message. The vehicle includes one or more switches to relay the message from the sending controller to the receiving controller. The sending controller and each of the one or more switches include an egress port for transmission of the message. A processor performs bounded timing analysis to determine a total wait time during transmission of the message from the sending controller to the receiving controller as a sum of each egress port wait time at each egress port encountered by the message. Action is taken to avoid or mitigate the total wait time during transmission exceeding a deadline for the message, and the bounded timing analysis includes performing an iterative process and determining a lower bound (LB), an upper bound (UB), and a median value.

Abstract: Hybrid lithium-ion electrochemical cells include a first electrode having a first polarity and a first electroactive material that reversibly cycles lithium ions having a first maximum operational voltage and a second electrode having the first polarity with a second electroactive material having a second maximum operational voltage. A difference between the second and first maximum operational voltages defines a predetermined voltage difference. Also included are at least one third electrode including a third electroactive material that reversibly cycles lithium ions having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, a separator, and electrolyte. A voltage modification component (e.g., diode) is in electrical communication with the first and the second electrodes.

Abstract: A nozzle to output air onto an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle is includes: a housing including: a first opening configured to receive air output by a blower; a second opening to output air toward the interior surface of the windshield; N sets of tracks formed in the housing, where N is an integer greater than 1; N vanes that are flexible and that each slide along a respective one of the N sets of tracks; and an actuator that is coupled to each of the N vanes and that is configured to slide along the N vanes along the N sets of tracks, respectively.

Abstract: A cellular antenna structure for integration in a vehicle includes a ground plane to follow a slope of a spoiler chassis. The spoiler chassis is a portion of the vehicle covered by a spoiler. The cellular antenna structure also includes a cellular antenna orthogonal to the ground plane and electrically connected to the ground plane and a structural support affixed to the ground plane to maintain a fixed position of the cellular antenna orthogonal to the ground plane.

Abstract: Color filter array patterns are provided for enhancing an image sensor's light sensitivity while preserving a color accuracy for image signal processing applications. In one example, an image sensor can include a substrate layer containing a first set of photodiodes and a second set of photodiodes, wherein each of the first set of photodiodes is larger than each of the second set of photodiodes; a first color filter array (CFA) covering the first set of photodiodes, wherein the first CFA includes a first set of color filters and a portion of the first set of color filters includes one or more clear filters; a second CFA covering the second set of photodiodes, wherein the second CFA includes a second set of color filters that is different than the first set of color filters; and one or more lenses covering the first CFA and the second CFA.

Abstract: A paint application system for an object in a paint submersion operation. The paint application system includes at least one clamp configured to be coupled to the object, and an auxiliary vibration apparatus coupled to the at least one clamp. The auxiliary vibration apparatus is configured to introduce sympathetic vibrations into the object in the paint submersion operation.