Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: storing, in a datastore device, intrinsic and extrinsic parameter data associated with an image sensor coupled to a trailer and configured to capture an image that includes at least a portion of the vehicle; receiving, by a processor, image data from the image sensor of the trailer; determining, by the processor, a region of interest within the image data based on a feature of the vehicle; computing, by the processor, a hitch articulation angle from the region of interest and the parameter data; and generating, by the processor, hitch articulation angle data for use in controlling at least one of the vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A method and system for brokering cloud event (CE) communications between a plurality of devices operable within a distributed publisher-subscriber system. The brokering may include constructing a plurality of publisher-subscriber connections between the devices and a gateway, and in response to receiving a plurality of publish packets at the gateway, relaying the publish packets from the gateway via the connection associated with a topic identified therein.

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: An O-ring collar seal for an interface between adjacent first and second components includes a cylindrical structure arranged along a longitudinal axis and characterized by an L-shape in a cross-sectional view. The L-shape includes a first section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, with a distal end extending toward the axis for being sandwiched between the components. The L-shape also includes a second section extending from the first section, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis, and configured to retain the O-ring collar seal on the first component. The L-shape additionally includes a round shape third section arranged on the first section's distal end for being compressed by the adjacent components to generate sealing pressure therebetween when the O-ring collar seal is installed in the interface. The first and second sections of the L-shape together define a collar portion and the third section defines an O-ring portion of the O-ring collar seal.

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: An electrochemical battery cell may include an electrode assembly, a liquid electrolyte, a metallic battery enclosure or “can,” and a liquid solution. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution may be disposed within the battery can. The liquid solution may be disposed between the electrode assembly and the battery can. The liquid solution may include an organic solvent, a cross-linkable polymer and a cross-linking agent which may be converted into a conductive layer by reacting the cross-linkable polymer and the cross-linking agent of the liquid solution to form a reaction product. The liquid solution may include an ion conducting salt. The reaction product may be a polymer matrix and the organic solvent and/or the ion conducting salt may be contained within the polymer matrix. Reacting the cross-linkable polymer and the cross-linking agent may include applying heat to the liquid solution to convert the liquid solution into the reaction product.

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: 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 for controlling operation of a motor vehicle includes an electronic controller receiving, e.g., from a vehicle-mounted sensor array, sensor data with dynamics information for a target vehicle and, using the received sensor data, predicting a lane assignment for the target vehicle on a road segment proximate the host vehicle. The electronic controller also receives map data with roadway information for the road segment; the controller fuses the sensor and map data to construct a polynomial overlay for a host lane of the road segment across which travels the host vehicle. A piecewise linearized road map of the host lane is constructed and combined with the predicted lane assignment and polynomial overlay to calculate a lane assignment for the target vehicle. The controller then transmits one or more command signals to a resident vehicle system to execute one or more control operations using the target vehicle's calculated lane assignment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using sensors and signal processing to detect vehicle surface impacts. In particular, a sensor and signal processing approach is provided for detecting impacts, with the results having a low false positive rate. The approach reduces operator costs by reducing operator involvement through improved automated detection technology. Additionally, systems and methods are provided for distinguishing chassis-driven fascia vibration from impact-driven fascia vibration.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to techniques for implementing conditional automation systems and in particular, for facilitating conditional automation in the context autonomous vehicle (AV) transportation services. Some aspects of the disclosed technology include methods that include steps for receiving an event trigger at a conditional autonomous vehicle (AV) platform, mapping the event trigger onto a conditional output, and sending the conditional output to an autonomous vehicle (AV) associated with the event trigger, wherein the conditional output is configured to update a navigation instruction followed by the AV. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

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: 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.