Abstract: Composite thermal spray powders are formed by manufacturing two or more powder feedstock components having different chemical compositions, particle size ranges and morphologies, these different features arising from different powder manufacturing processes. The resulting coatings typically serve as abradable seals, thermal barrier coatings or environmental barrier coatings, have improved temperature resistance, and maintain favorable properties over a longer time span compared to current coating materials. The thermal spray coating may be formed by using the described composite powders consisting of two or more powder components having at least one of different powder fractions in particle size, morphology and/or chemical composition or by co-spraying the described single components with at least different morphologies such as agglomerated, agglomerated-and-sintered, cladded, fused-and-crushed, or hollow oven spherical powder.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling the exposure time of an imaging device includes obtaining imaging data from the imaging device. The imaging data is grouped in one or more regions. Each region is associated with a weighting coefficient. The method includes modifying one or more of the weighting coefficients based on light intensity values obtained from the imaging data and being of the associated regions. The method includes determining, based on the obtained imaging data and the weighting coefficients, a light intensity value for at least a part of the imaging data. The method includes adapting, based on the light intensity value, the exposure time of the imaging device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a physical condition of a driver of a vehicle. The method includes receiving at least one image taken by a vehicle camera. The image shows at least a part of the driver and a sensor to be operated by the driver to determine the physical condition. The method includes determining, based on the image, if the sensor is operated by the driver.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for seatbelt assistance in a vehicle includes determining, based on interior cabin data, whether a seatbelt is correctly fastened. The determining does not provide a positive confirmation that the seatbelt is correctly fastened. The method includes outputting a prompt to a person on the seatbelt to take an action to enable re-determining whether the seatbelt is correctly fastened. The method includes re-determining, based on updated interior cabin data indicating a reaction of the person to the prompt, whether the seatbelt is correctly fastened.

Abstract: A heating component and method of producing a heating component. The heating component includes a coating system applied to a substrate; and a sealant applied as at least one of a continuous or closed layer over the coating system.

Abstract: A system for rule-based operation of a vehicle is provided, comprising one or more sensors configured to monitor an interior and/or an exterior of the vehicle and/or receive a user input, and to thereby collect data related to a state of the vehicle and/or a state of the surrounding of the vehicle, and an action of the user of the vehicle and/or the user input. The system comprises a processor configured to use a machine learning model, preferably a large language model, with input data based on the collected data to generate a rule for operating the vehicle. The rule includes at least one action associated with at least one condition and/or at least one event. The processor is configured to analyze the collected data to validate that the condition is met and/or that the event has occurred, and cause the vehicle to perform the action.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computerized method of seatbelt verification in a vehicle is presented. The method comprises generating, based on an image showing a seat of the vehicle, at least one heatmap representing probabilities of a seatbelt being present in regions of the image, determining a routing of the seatbelt in the image based on the values of the heatmap, and determining whether the seatbelt is worn correctly based on the routing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for seat belt status detection in a vehicle are provided and include: obtaining first infrared images and second visible light spectrum images of a seat belt region where a seat belt is expected to be visible when it is worn by a person in a vehicle; performing image analysis to extract information from the images attributing a score to each of the images based on the information extracted from the images and based on a predefined rule, each score indicating trustworthiness of the image to detect a seat belt status; transmitting the images to classifiers; determining estimates of probability that the images include the seat belt being correctly worn; combining the estimates of probability, based on the scores, to determine a combined probability; and comparing the combined probability to a predetermined threshold to determine the seat belt status.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a short exposure color-infrared (color-IR) image captured with an activated infrared (IR) illuminator and a long exposure color-IR image captured with a deactivated IR illuminator. The short exposure color-IR image is captured with a shorter exposure time than the long exposure color-IR image. The method includes determining an IR light impact of the of the short exposure color-IR image and of the long exposure color-IR image. The method includes mitigating the IR light impact in the short exposure color-IR image to obtain a short exposure IR-suppressed color image. The method includes mitigating the IR light impact in the long exposure color-IR image to obtain a long exposure IR-suppressed color image. The method includes merging the short exposure IR-suppressed color image with the long exposure IR-suppressed color image to obtain a merged HDR image.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at an Advanced Driver Assistant System, ADAS, for vehicles configured to detect a potentially dangerous object inside a vehicle, the system comprising at least one sensor unit, a processing unit, and an output unit, wherein the sensor unit is configured to monitor at least a part of the interior of the vehicle and to transmit acquired sensor data to the processing unit, and wherein the processing unit is configured to analyze the transmitted sensor data, detect, based on the analyzed sensor data, an object inside the vehicle, classify the detected object as a potentially dangerous object, and trigger the output unit to issue a warning in case the detected object is classified as a potentially dangerous object.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for detecting drowsiness of a driver in a vehicle. In aspects, a driver is monitored by capturing an image sequence of an interior of the vehicle via a camera system. The image sequence is then analyzed to extract a characteristic pattern of the driver. An activity level of the driver is determined based on at least one of the image sequence or an output signal provided by another sensor of the vehicle. At least one of the extracted characteristic pattern and the activity level of the driver is selected as a basis for determining a drowsiness signal indicative of the drowsiness of the driver.

Abstract: A system for processing vehicle occupant data includes a plurality of vehicle inputs for receiving information associated with the vehicle. At least one of the plurality of vehicle inputs includes an input from an interior cabin camera. The system includes a controller for processing the vehicle information from the plurality of vehicle inputs. The controller includes functional blocks for performing processing functions. The functional blocks include a characteristic determination block for determining, from the plurality of vehicle inputs, one or more occupant characteristics associated with a vehicle occupant. The system includes an occupant profile block for building an occupant profile based on determined occupant characteristics. The occupant profile includes occupant preferences associated with the one or more occupant characteristics.

Abstract: A system for detecting occupants of a vehicle includes memory hardware configured to store instructions and processor hardware configured to execute the instructions. The instructions include, based on an outcome of a first set of criteria, associating image data with a first set of scores. The first set of scores includes a first score and a second score. The instructions include, based on an outcome of a second set of criteria, associating the data with a second set of scores. The instructions include combining the first set of scores and the second set of scores, including determining a first metric and determining a second metric. The instructions include comparing the first metric and the second metric. The instructions include, in response to a determination that the first metric is greater than the second metric, organizing the data into a first category and activating an airbag of the vehicle.

Abstract: A computerized method of adapting operation of a vehicle includes receiving first sensor data indicating a current driving state of a driver of the vehicle. The computerized method includes determining a first deviation metric by comparing the first sensor data to a reference driving state. The computerized method also includes, in response to the first deviation metric exceeding a first threshold, signaling, to the driver via a user interface of the vehicle, intended vehicle adaptation. The computerized method includes selectively receiving, via the user interface, an overriding user input from the driver. The computerized method further includes, in response to the overriding user input being received, commencing recording driving data, including the first sensor data. The computerized method includes, in response to the overriding user input not being received, adapting operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake disk with a surface which is structured in order to increase the adhesion of a coating on the surface, wherein the structuring of the surface comprises at least one recess, the depth of which decreases as the depth of the recess increases wherein the at least one recess has the shape of a spiral structure.

Abstract: A computerized method for vehicle cabin safety includes determining, based on one or more images showing an interior of a vehicle cabin, at least one object in the vehicle cabin. The method includes determining a number of features of the at least one object. The method includes determining a danger level for the at least one object based on the number of features. The method includes, in response to determining that the danger level meets a given criteria, outputting a warning signal.

Abstract: A computerized method of vehicular safety monitoring includes determining a driver-associated state based on data from one or more sensors of a vehicle. At least one sensor captures a cabin of the vehicle. The method includes comparing the driver-associated state to one or more predefined rules. The method includes, in response to detection of a violation of a rule of the one or more rules, triggering a warning event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a physical condition of a driver of a vehicle. The method includes receiving at least one image taken by a vehicle camera. The image shows at least a part of the driver and a sensor to be operated by the driver to determine the physical condition. The method includes determining, based on the image, if the sensor is operated by the driver.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle, which has at least one electric machine, is provided and may include providing a recuperation torque aimed at decelerating the motor vehicle at least temporarily, setting the recuperation torque to a target value, and selecting a default value for the recuperation torque from a plurality of default values. A first recuperation operating mode may be carried out when a default value is selected on the operating element which corresponds to a recuperation torque other than zero. The first recuperation operating mode may be switched to a second recuperation operating mode when a default value is selected on the operating element which corresponds to a recuperation torque of zero and when an accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle is actuated. The disclosure further relates to a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Plasma nozzle includes a nozzle body arranged to engage with a thermal spray gun. The nozzle body includes an axial through bore having up-stream input orifice and a down-stream nozzle exit, at least one material injector positioned between the up-stream input orifice and the nozzle-exit, said at least one material injector being configured to introduce a feedstock material into a gas flow passing through the axial through bore and at least one gas injector configured to introduce a shroud gas flow into the axial through bore and being located at a position up-stream of said at least one material injector.