Abstract: A likelihood score is determined by a vehicle that is indicative of a probability of an incident based on real-time sensor data. Responsive to the likelihood score meeting a predefined threshold, a data snapshot is generated comprising vehicle data, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) location data, and occupant information, wherein the data snapshot defines an expiration after which the data snapshot is to be automatically deleted. The data snapshot is transmitted to a cloud server for temporary storage at the cloud server and automatic deletion based on the expiration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching a snowplow to a vehicle are provided. Due to the size of the snowplow and the mounting bracket being located in front of the vehicle and closer to the ground, it is difficult for a user of the vehicle to correctly orient the vehicle with respect to the snowplow. The techniques described in this disclosure use virtual alignment features that are either programmed into the vehicle or learned by the vehicle to correctly align the vehicle to the snowplow. The virtual alignment features correspond to the attachment points of the snowplow mounting bracket of the vehicle. In some instances, the vehicle may autonomously detect a snowplow and orient itself to align with the snowplow using the virtual alignment markers and other alignment features of the snowplow. This makes the snowplow attachment process seamless and easy.

Abstract: A computer has a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor to: detect a position of an occupant in a vehicle; identify a set of target positions of a shoulder-belt anchor of a seatbelt assembly based on the position of the occupant; and periodically move the shoulder-belt anchor between various ones of the target positions.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle that operates in charge depletion and charge sustaining modes is described. In one example, fractions of driver demand power that are generated via an internal combustion engine and an electric machine are adjusted in response to a rate of change in electric machine temperature and/or predicted electric machine temperature.

Abstract: A railcar comprises a hopper coupled to a discharge assembly. The discharge assembly comprises a discharge gate, a sloped side sheet, a gasket bracket, and a seal gasket. The sloped side sheet longitudinally extends above the discharge gate when the discharge gate is closed. The gasket bracket coupled to the sloped side sheet. The gasket bracket extends longitudinally along a bottom end of the sloped side sheet. The seal gasket is positioned between the sloped side sheet and the gasket bracket. The seal gasket has a straight section and a rounded section, such that a portion of the round section of the seal gasket is left beyond the bottom end of the sloped side sheet. The seal gasket creates a seal between the sloped side sheet and the discharge gate such that the weight of a lading increases the seal.

Abstract: A computer may, based on a user position of a first user, control audio output provided to a second user via a second user audio device.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuation apparatus comprises a support structure (2) and a movable element (10). A helical bearing arrangement (20) supporting the movable element on the support structure guides helical movement of the movable element with respect to the support structure around a helical axis (H). At least one shape memory alloy actuator wire (60) is connected between the support structure and the movable element in, or at an acute angle to, a plane normal to the helical axis, so as to drive rotation of the movable element around the helical axis which the helical bearing arrangement converts into said helical movement.

Abstract: One or more controllers, responsive to indication that a snowplow system is consuming power and a battery is discharging, reduce power supplied by the battery to loads by an amount that depends on an expected power consumption of the snowplow system such that the amount changes as the expected power consumption changes.

Abstract: A sports net assembly includes a base having a back element and first and second depth elements connected to form a U-shape supported by the ground when deployed. Two side bars extend upwardly from the base perpendicular to the ground. Crossbars extend toward each other and are coaxial with each other while being parallel to the ground. The first crossbar has a first distal end with a dovetail channel and the second crossbar has a second distal end with a dovetail rail complementing the dovetail channel. The dovetail rail slides into the dovetail channel to form the sports net opening. A back brace is magnetically secured between the back element and the distal ends of the crossbars and the net is draped over the back brace while being secured to the base, sides and crossbars.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle that operates in charge depletion and charge sustaining modes is described. In one example, fractions of driver demand power that are generated via an internal combustion engine and an electric machine are adjusted in response to a rate of change in electric machine temperature and/or predicted electric machine temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle including a plurality of vehicle components to be inspected and a processor is disclosed. The processor may be configured to output notifications to inspect the plurality of vehicle components sequentially, responsive to obtaining a first request from a user to perform a vehicle inspection. The processor may further obtain responses sequentially from the user associated with states of the vehicle components, responsive to outputting the notifications. The processor may further obtain a second request from the user to shift the vehicle out of a park mode, and determine that the vehicle inspection is not yet complete responsive to obtaining the second request. The processor may disable the vehicle from shifting out of the park mode responsive to determining that the vehicle inspection is not yet complete.

Abstract: An incoming call is received to a vehicle. A call answering application of the vehicle determines, based on vehicle data from one or more in-vehicle networks and map data indicative of roadway segments to be traversed by the vehicle, a cognitive load of an occupant of the vehicle. The call answering application determines a suggested disposition of the incoming call. Responsive to the cognitive load exceeding a cognitive threshold, the suggested disposition of the incoming call is automatically performed. Otherwise, an incoming call message is displaying, to a human-machine interface (HMI) of the vehicle, the incoming call message indicating call identifying information and providing a set of controls to allow the occupant to select a disposition for the incoming call, wherein the suggested disposition is indicated in the incoming call message as being a default disposition for the incoming call.

Abstract: A railcar comprises a hopper coupled to a discharge assembly. The discharge assembly comprises a discharge gate, a sloped side sheet, a gasket bracket, and a seal gasket. The sloped side sheet longitudinally extends above the discharge gate when the discharge gate is closed. The gasket bracket coupled to the sloped side sheet. The gasket bracket extends longitudinally along a bottom end of the sloped side sheet. The seal gasket is positioned between the sloped side sheet and the gasket bracket. The seal gasket has a straight section and a rounded section, such that a portion of the round section of the seal gasket is left beyond the bottom end of the sloped side sheet. The seal gasket creates a seal between the sloped side sheet and the discharge gate such that the weight of a lading increases the seal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive vehicle navigation are provided. The systems and methods may be used to identify locations that currently include environmental conditions requested to be viewed by a user. Similarly, predictions of locations that are likely to include the environmental conditions in the future may also be identified (for example, if the user indicates they desire to view the environmental condition at some point in the future). Recommendations for locations may be presented to the user via a user interface of a vehicle (or a smartphone application or other type of device). In scenarios where the user desires to view the environmental condition in the future, the prediction may involve using a generative model to generate an image or video of a location at a future time. The user may then select a location and navigate to the location at the desired time to view the environmental condition. Alternatively, the vehicle may autonomously navigate to the location.

Abstract: A mobile telephone carried by a user pairs with a wireless interface in a transportation vehicle in order to coordinate operation of the mobile telephone, including exchange of audio signals and remote call control via the wireless interface. Once paired, positions of the mobile telephone and the user are monitored using a tracking sensor. An existing call state of the mobile telephone is determined via the wireless interface from a plurality of call states including a dialing-request state and a call-in-progress state. Whether or not the mobile telephone is in an engagement relation with the user is determined in response to the positions of the mobile telephone and the user and/or the exchange of audio signals. The dialing-request state is canceled when the dialing-request state is initiated not using the remote call control at a time when the user is not in the engagement relation with the mobile telephone.

Abstract: A vehicle having a detection unit, a vehicle sensor suite, and a processor is disclosed. The detection unit may be configured to capture first inputs associated with a driver's field of view. The vehicle sensor suite may be configured to capture second inputs associated with a geographical area that is obstructed from the driver field of view. The processor may be configured to obtain the first inputs from the detection unit, and determine that the driver's field of view may be obstructed based on the first inputs. The processor may obtain the second inputs associated with the geographical area from a vehicle sensor associated with the vehicle sensor suite, responsive to determining that the driver's field of view is obstructed. The second inputs may include real-time images of the geographical area. The processor may output the real-time images on a display screen in the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes an imaging system and a controller identifying at least one of the trailer or a coupler of the trailer within image data from a first camera and determining that the trailer is of a first trailer type that is configured to connect with a trailer hitch positioned within an area toward the center of the truck bed. The controller further causes at least a portion of the image data from a second camera to be presented on a display within the vehicle in response to determining that the trailer is of the first trailer type.

Abstract: Access to a vehicle is controlled by detecting gestures pointing to a virtual keypad. A setup mode preconfigures a sequence of touchpoints as a security key, wherein an administrant performs a timed series of distinct gestures according to a chosen number and location of touchpoints which are detected by the vehicle using captured real-time images. Touchpoints during a plurality of repetition trials provide respective sets of datapoints for each one of the distinct gestures in the series. A respective deviation contour is determined for each respective set and then expanded to represent regions of validity for respective touchpoints corresponding to the sequence of touchpoints. The expanded deviation contours are accepted as defining the sequence of touchpoints for the security key if there is no overlap between any expanded deviation contours to complete the setup mode.

Abstract: A vehicle including a detection unit and a processor is disclosed. The detection unit may be configured to capture inputs associated with an external light being illuminated in proximity to the vehicle. The processor may be configured to obtain the inputs from the detection unit, and determine an illumination characteristic associated with the external light based on the inputs obtained from the detection unit. The processor may further actuate a vehicle light to illuminate based on the illumination characteristic.

Abstract: Access to a vehicle is controlled by detecting gestures pointing to a virtual keypad. A setup mode preconfigures a sequence of touchpoints as a security key, wherein an administrant performs a timed series of distinct gestures according to a chosen number and location of touchpoints which are detected by the vehicle using captured real-time images. Touchpoints during a plurality of repetition trials provide respective sets of datapoints for each one of the distinct gestures in the series. A respective deviation contour is determined for each respective set and then expanded to represent regions of validity for respective touchpoints corresponding to the sequence of touchpoints. The expanded deviation contours are accepted as defining the sequence of touchpoints for the security key if there is no overlap between any expanded deviation contours to complete the setup mode.