Abstract: An optical sensor assembly is provided. The optical sensor includes a sensor and a lens assembly. The sensor may be configured to sense a light signal. The lens assembly may be configured to direct the light signal onto the sensor. The lens assembly may include a lens formed of a plastic material such that a thermal variation is introduced into a focal length of the lens based on temperature. The lens includes a thermal compensation spacer configured to induce a thermal correction in an opposite direction of the thermal variation to correct the focal length of the lens.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting seatbelt positioning includes capturing, by a camera, a near infrared (NIR) image of an occupant, applying a median filter to the NIR image to remove glints; converting the NIR image to a black-and-white image, scanning across the black-and-white (B/W) image to detect a plurality of transitions between black and white segments corresponding to stripes extending lengthwise along a length of the seatbelt, and using detections of the plurality of transitions to indicate a detection of the seatbelt. Converting the NIR image to the black-and-white image may include using a localized binary threshold to determine whether a given pixel in the B/W image should be black or white based on whether a corresponding source pixel within the NIR image is brighter than an average of nearby pixels within a predetermined distance of the corresponding source pixel.

Abstract: A system for comparing driver intent and a gear setting of a vehicle comprises a driver monitoring system including at least one driver monitoring sensor configured to capture attributes of the driver indicative of driver intent regarding an intended direction of travel. The system also comprises an evaluation processor configured to access driver data from the driver monitoring system. The evaluation processor is also configured to generate a mismatch signal in response to determining a mismatch between the driver intent and a gear setting of the vehicle. The evaluation processor may also be configured to control braking and/or acceleration of the vehicle in response to determining a mismatch between the driver intent and a gear setting of the vehicle. The system may also use data regarding an object within a threshold distance from a front or a rear of the vehicle, and/or a requested acceleration above a threshold amount.

Abstract: A system for evaluating performance of a driver of a vehicle with an electronic control unit is provided. The system includes an evaluation processor configured to access driving dynamics data regarding operation of the vehicle, and a driver monitoring sensor in communication with the evaluation processor to generate driver status data that relates to a position, orientation, or condition of the driver. One or more external monitoring sensors are in communication with the evaluation processor to generate external interaction data relating to interaction of the driver with an external environment. The evaluation processor is configured to generate a driver rating based upon the driving dynamics data and the driver status data and the external interaction data. A method for evaluating performance of a driver of a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A monitoring system for determining driver readiness for takeover of vehicle control from an autonomous driving system is provided. The monitoring system may include an evaluation processor and a driver monitoring system. The evaluation processor may access driver data from the driver monitoring system. The driver monitoring system may include one or more driver monitoring sensors that capture attributes of the driver indicative of driver ability to take over vehicle control. The evaluation processor may prompt the driver for an affirmative confirmation of takeover in response to a takeover request from an autonomous driving system and the sensed attributes of the driver indicative of the driver being ready to take over vehicle control.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether a seatbelt of a vehicle is fastened is provided. The system may be configured to detect markers on a seatbelt, engage seatbelt tensioners, and determine whether the markers have moved. The system may then be configured to determine whether the seatbelt is fastened based on movement of the markers.

Abstract: A LiDAR system and method of detecting objects using same includes a plurality of coaxially arranged LiDAR transmitters and detectors. A movable optical element redirects optical signals between the LiDAR transmitters and an external region and reference optical element. The detectors receive returning optical signals after they have deflected off objects in the surrounding environment to generate an electrical signal. A reference signal is generated from the optical signals directed towards the reference optical element. The system determines the position of an object in the external region by adjusting the electrical signal using the reference signal.

Abstract: A camera assembly adapted for mounting to an interior of a motor vehicle on an upper surface of the steering column assembly. The camera assembly has mounting features interacting with a mounting structure that cause the camera assembly to separate from the mounting structure upon the occurrence of a collision with an object or through inertial forces acting on the camera assembly. The separation in such conditions is provided in a controlled manner through the use of cam or ramp surfaces provided in the camera assembly or mounting structure. A cable or tether may be attached to the camera assembly and mounted to the vehicle to further control movement of the camera assembly after separation.

Abstract: RADAR sensor assemblies/modules, particularly those for vehicles. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a plurality of waveguides, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides being defined by a waveguide groove. A slot may be positioned to extend along an axis of each of the plurality of waveguide grooves. Each of the waveguides may be further defined, at least in part, by a periodic feature that extends back and forth in a periodic manner along at least a portion of its respective waveguide and a plurality of periodic signal confinement structures, a first periodic signal confinement structure of which may extend adjacent to a first side of each of the plurality of waveguides, and a second periodic signal confinement structure which may extend along a second side of each of the plurality of waveguides opposite the first side.

Abstract: A differential antenna includes a substrate formed of non-radio-frequency material and a pair of conductive microstrip lines formed on the substrate. A metallic sheet is supported and spaced apart from the pair of conductive microstrip lines by a plurality of support elements to form an air gap. The metallic sheet is patterned to include a plurality of differential radiating gaps disposed along the longitudinal axis of the antenna and above a gap between the pair of conductive microstrip lines. Multiple rows of metallic vias are formed in the substrate disposed and spaced apart laterally with respect to the gap between the pair of conductive microstrip lines to define two propagation air cavities in which radiation can propagate. The differential antenna is configured such that the radiation is differential-mode, second-order radiation, which is emitted from the differential antenna at the differential radiating gaps in the metallic sheet.

Abstract: Waveguide and/or antenna structures for use in RADAR sensor assemblies and the like. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a waveguide groove extending along an elongated axis. An antenna structure may be operably coupled with the waveguide groove and may comprise one or more slots extending within the waveguide groove along the elongated axis. The antenna structure may be positioned and configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide groove therethrough. The waveguide groove and/or the slot(s) of the antenna structure may intermittently oscillate on opposite sides of the elongated axis, in some embodiments in a periodic manner, along at least a portion of the elongated axis.

Abstract: RADAR or other sensor assemblies/modules, particularly those for vehicles, along with related manufacturing/assembly methods. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a housing and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may comprise a first side and a second side opposite the first side and may further comprise one or more integrated circuits positioned on the first side of the printed circuit board. One or more antennas may be operably coupled with the integrated circuit. A flexible radome, such as a thermoplastic wrapper, may enclose the assembly and may provide the means for binding the printed circuit board to the housing.

Abstract: A radar sensor includes a memory storing a model defining a relationship between a condition of the radar sensor and a plurality of features of radar detections, the model being generated by a machine learning approach and storing values of the plurality of features associated with the known states of the condition of the radar sensor. A radar detector transmits radar signals into a region, detects reflected returning radar signals from the region, and converts the reflected returning radar signals into digital data signals. A processor receives the digital data signals and processes the digital data signals to generate actual radar detections, each characterized by a plurality of the features of radar detections. The processor applies values of the features of the actual radar detections to the model to determine the state of the condition of the radar sensor.

Abstract: A radar sensor module includes a substrate, at least one transmit antenna formed on a surface of the substrate, and at least one receive antenna formed on the surface of the substrate. A radome is disposed over the surface of the substrate and the at least one transmit antenna and the at least one receive antenna, such that a gap is located between the surface of the substrate and an underside of the radome in which a portion of radiation emitted from the at least one transmit antenna can propagate. At least one trench is formed in the underside of the radome and is electromagnetically coupled to the gap, the at least one trench being sized, shaped and positioned with respect to the gap such that the portion of radiation emitted from the at least one transmit antenna is substantially prevented from propagating toward the receiving antenna.

Abstract: An illumination system for a vehicle includes a light source to emit light along an optical path and into an environment. A lens is positioned along the optical path and configured to collimate the light to a light beam. An optical element, having a body comprising four sides and a reflective member within the body, is positioned along the optical path and configured to redirect the light beam. The optical element is configured to move around an optical element axis to change a direction the light beam is transmitted into the environment. The illumination system is configured to receive a target position within the environment and move the optical element to fixate the light beam onto the target position.

Abstract: A LiDAR system includes an optical source for generating a continuous wave (CW) optical signal. A control processor generates a pulse-position modulation (PPM) signal, and an amplitude modulation (AM) modulator generates a pulse-position amplitude-modulated optical signal, which is transmitted through a transmit optical element into a region. A receive optical element receives reflected versions of the pulse-position amplitude-modulated optical signal reflected from at least one target object in the region. An optical detector generates a first baseband signal. A signal processor receives the first baseband signal and processes the first baseband signal to generate an indication related to a target object in the region.

Abstract: A scanning assembly for a detection system for a vehicle has a scanning fixture including a first mirror. The scanning fixture is attached to a first pivot. A reflective surface of the first mirror provides a first field of view between the detection system and a surrounding environment. A central member has a first end attached to the first pivot and a second end attached to a second pivot to couple the first pivot to the second pivot. A base is configured to attach the scanning assembly to the vehicle. The base is further attached to the second pivot. The scanning fixture is coupled to the base exclusively through attachment of the first pivot to the second pivot via the central member, the second pivot in turn being attached to the base.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a vehicle sensor module, such as a RADAR sensor module. In some implementations, the method may comprise forming a sub-assembly comprising a plurality of stacked layers formed into a self-contained radome and adhering the sub-assembly to a first side of an antenna block, the first side comprising a plurality of waveguide grooves formed therein. The sub-assembly may be applied so as to provide a weatherproof seal to each of the plurality of waveguide grooves formed in the antenna block. A PCB layer may be applied to a second side of the antenna block opposite the first side and the antenna block may be seated within a cover such that the second side is protected by the cover and the first side is protected by the self-contained radome.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the velocity of a vehicle includes a processor, a velocity sensor in communication with the processor, a throttle actuator in communication with the processor, and a brake actuator in communication with the processor. The processor is set either the throttle position of the vehicle via the throttle actuator or the brake pedal position of the vehicle via the brake actuator based whether the augmented acceleration is greater than or equal to a gear acceleration, whether the actual velocity is above a crawl speed, and a lookup table.

Abstract: A radar sensor includes a memory storing a model defining a relationship between a condition of the radar sensor and a plurality of features of radar detections, the model being generated by a machine learning approach and storing values of the plurality of features associated with the known states of the condition of the radar sensor. A radar detector transmits radar signals into a region, detects reflected returning radar signals from the region, and converts the reflected returning radar signals into digital data signals. A processor receives the digital data signals and processes the digital data signals to generate actual radar detections, each characterized by a plurality of the features of radar detections. The processor applies values of the features of the actual radar detections to the model to determine the state of the condition of the radar sensor.