Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for encoding information by valley polarization in a material using an electromagnetic field. The method comprises the steps of providing a material, and applying the electromagnetic field onto the material, wherein the electromagnetic field possesses an m-fold symmetry and the real-space lattice structure or real-space sub-lattice structure of the material possesses an n-fold symmetry, wherein the symmetry of the electromagnetic field corresponds to the symmetry of the real-space lattice structure or real-space sub-lattice structure of the material in such a way that n is an integer multiple of m, and wherein the electromagnetic field induces and/or manipulates valley polarization in the bandstructure of the material. The present disclosure further provides a device for generating an electromagnetic field suitable for inducing and/or manipulating valley polarization in a multilayer material.

Abstract: An optical mode-size converter is presented, which extends between a first plane to a second plane along a first path. The optical mode-size converter comprises: a plurality of dielectric strips within a coupling layer arranged to receive a beam with a first optical mode incident on the first plane, wherein the plurality of dielectric strips are coupled to each other in a first evanescent coupling region; and a first waveguide within a functional layer disposed above or below the coupling layer, the waveguide supporting a second optical mode and traversing the second plane. At least one of the plurality of dielectric strips is evanescently coupled to the first waveguide in a second evanescent coupling region. The first optical mode has a larger mode size than the second optical mode such that the converter is responsive to the first optical mode incident on the first plane to convert the first optical mode into the second optical mode in the first waveguide, along the first path towards the second plane.

Abstract: A system comprising a computer programmed to identify a connected location of a vehicle at which a user device is connected to a first network and a disconnected location of the vehicle at which the user device is disconnected from the first network. Upon further determining that the user device has not connected to a second network within a first predetermined time, the computer is further programmed to activate an aerial drone container to an open position.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to store a first vehicle location at which a user device is connected to a first network. The computer is further programmed to store a route of a host vehicle from the first vehicle location to a second vehicle location at which the user device cannot connect to the network. The computer is further programmed to move the host vehicle to the first vehicle location in response to the user device not connecting to a second network at a predetermined time.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle can proceed to a target location upon receiving a message based on a ground vehicle being at an aerial vehicle deploy location. A user can be identified from an image captured at the target location. The aerial vehicle can be navigated to lead the user to a rendezvous with the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a bicycle lock and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive a bicycle slot reservation message, assign the bicycle slot reservation message to a bicycle slot of an autonomous bus, command the bicycle lock associated with the bicycle slot to an unlocked position, detect a bicycle placed in the bicycle slot, and command the bicycle lock to a locked position.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a button programmed to output an alert signal, a communication interface programmed to wirelessly transmit an alert message, and a processor programmed to command the communication interface to transmit the alert message to an emergency service provider in response to the button outputting the alert signal. The alert message identifies a future vehicle stop and a time of arrival at the future vehicle stop.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a button programmed to output an alert signal, a communication interface programmed to wirelessly transmits an alert message, and a processor programmed to command the communication interface to transmit the alert message to an emergency service provider in response to the button outputting the alert signal. The alert message identifies a future vehicle stop and a time of arrival at the future vehicle stop.

Abstract: A seatbelt buckle that includes a housing, an attracting member, an attractable element, and a plate adapted to retain a seatbelt clip within the housing. The member, the element, and the plate may be carried by the housing. The buckle is adapted so that when the member is electronically actuated, the element causes the plate to move toward the member and thereby release the clip.

Abstract: Apparatus to store a mobility device in a lift gate of a vehicle are described herein. An example apparatus includes a lift gate of a vehicle and a mobility device coupled to an interior of the lift gate.

Abstract: A system comprising a computer programmed to identify a connected location of a vehicle at which a user device is connected to a first network and a disconnected location of the vehicle at which the user device is disconnected from the first network. Upon further determining that the user device has not connected to a second network within a first predetermined time, the computer is further programmed to activate an aerial drone container to an open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fold-up child pushchair of the buggy type with a back frame (1), a seat frame (2) connected to the latter in an articulated manner by means of a first articulated axis and a lower rear frame (3) connected to the seat frame in an articulated manner by means of a second articulated axis, further comprising at least one support strut (4), which is connected to the back frame (1) so as to swivel about a third articulated axis when the buggy is folded up and is connected in an articulated manner in a second region to the lower rear frame (3) so as to swivel about a fourth articulated axis, wherein the seat frame (2) has a, proceeding from the first articulated axis, continuous roughly U-shaped upwardly open U-strut, as viewed in the front view of the buggy, wherein according to the invention the U-strut of the seat frame (2), as viewed in the side view of the buggy, has a course, proceeding from the first articulated axis, angled off downwards towards the front wheels (7).

Abstract: A computer, programmed to: receive image data from a vehicle sensor; associate a plurality of geometric shapes with the image data of a target vehicle; monitor the plurality of geometric shapes for a condition indicative of the target vehicle moving to avoid a roadway obstacle; and in response to the condition, provide a steering instruction to avoid the obstacle.

Abstract: A computer includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include estimating a target time defined as an amount of time a vehicle will be in a tunnel, determining that the target time has elapsed, and sending an emergency notification as a result of determining that the vehicle has not exited the tunnel before the target time elapsed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for detecting that smart device were left in vehicles and facilitating retrieval of such devices. Example methods may include determining that the vehicle has arrived at a destination. The method may further include determining that a first device of the user is no longer disposed in the vehicle while a second device associated with the user is still disposed in the vehicle. The method may include exchanging one or more indications associated with retrieval of the first device.

Abstract: A drone pod includes a pod shell, a door, a motor and a computer. The pod shell includes a base, a top, and a wall. The top has an opening sized to receive a drone. The wall connects the base and the top. The door is disposed in the opening. The motor is drivingly connected to the door. The computer is programmed actuate the motor to open and close the door responsive to an operation of the drone.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for detecting that smart device were left in vehicles and facilitating retrieval of such devices. Example methods may include determining that the vehicle has arrived at a destination. The method may further include determining that a first device of the user is no longer disposed in the vehicle while a second device associated with the user is still disposed in the vehicle. The method may include exchanging one or more indications associated with retrieval of the first device.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a bicycle lock and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive a bicycle slot reservation message, assign the bicycle slot reservation message to a bicycle slot of an autonomous bus, command the bicycle lock associated with the bicycle slot to an unlocked position, detect a bicycle placed in the bicycle slot, and command the bicycle lock to a locked position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for commercial operation of autonomous vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed method includes determining that an owner of a personal autonomous vehicle has authorized the autonomous vehicle for commercial use. The disclosed method also includes identifying a time period when the autonomous vehicle is to be operated in the commercial use, determining a zone within which the autonomous vehicle is to operate during the commercial use and directing, using a processor, the autonomous vehicle based on the time period and the zone.

Abstract: A cable management assembly configured for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cable management structure, and an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated to attach the cable management structure to an exterior of the electrified vehicle. A theft prevention feature and a method are also disclosed.