Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling braking to avoid groan noise in a braking system. The system has a brake actuator configured to apply a friction force to a moving member, a conduit system coupled with the brake actuator, an inlet valve in the conduit system configured to control fluid pressure delivered to the brake actuator, and an outlet valve in the conduit system configured to control fluid pressure released from the brake actuator. The system includes a controller to monitor for an upper target pressure condition in the braking system, wherein the upper target pressure condition is associated with a noise zone; and operate, when the upper target pressure is detected and in a noise zone avoidance mode, the inlet valve and the outlet valve to avoid brake pressures that generate a brake noise from the friction force.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for smart vehicle warning systems. In an exemplary embodiment, in another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a body, a drive system, one or more sensors, and a processor. The drive system is configured to move the body. The one or more sensors are configured to obtain sensor data pertaining to the vehicle and its surroundings. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate determining that is coupled to the one or more vehicle sensors, whether a fire event is likely to be occurring related to the vehicle, using the sensor data; and taking an action when it is determined that the fire event is likely to be occurring.

Abstract: A vehicle headrest height adjustment system includes a vehicle seat having a seat back, a seat base and a headrest. A sensing device generates a signal when the vehicle seat is unoccupied by an occupant. A headrest displacement mechanism is connected to the headrest and reversibly displaces the headrest between a headrest extended position and a headrest retracted position. The headrest displacement mechanism lowers the headrest to the headrest retracted position when the signal is received from the sensing device that the vehicle seat is unoccupied by the occupant defined when the occupant is not present.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method that, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising uploading one or more vehicle passes to a database in communication with a vehicle, associating the one or more vehicle passes with one or more display criteria stored in the database, determining whether the one or more display criteria are present, and displaying one of the one or more vehicle passes on one or more displays arranged on the vehicle based on the one or more display criteria.

Abstract: A system for alerting pedestrians to a vehicle includes a sensing system having at least one imaging sensor in communication with a controller. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores a pedestrian detection module and a pedestrian alert module. The pedestrian detection module including instructions configured to cause the processor to identify a pedestrian in an output of the at least one imaging sensor using image analysis and instructions configured to cause the processor to respond to an identified pedestrian by determining a reduced sensory state of the pedestrian. The system generates an ambient environment model based on an output of the at least one imaging sensor and a connection to at least one external data source. The pedestrian alert module causes the processor to generate a pedestrian alert that contrasts with the ambient environment model. An external alert system implements the pedestrian alert.

Abstract: A method of operating an access door in a vehicle includes receiving, via an electronic controller, a command to open the access door and detecting an obstacle within range of operation of the access door. The method also includes generating, via a camera, a predefined image on the obstacle relative to the access door and processing, via the electronic controller, a pixelated resolution of the generated image. The method additionally includes determining, via the electronic controller, a distance of the obstacle from the access door and relative to the door's range of operation using the pixelated resolution of the image. Furthermore, the method includes limiting, via the electronic controller, the access door's range of operation when the distance of the obstacle from the door and relative to the door's range of operation is within a predetermined zone to avoid physical contact between the access door and the obstacle.

Abstract: A method for automatically activating a turn signal includes monitoring a vehicle occupant of a vehicle with a driver monitoring system. The driver monitoring system includes at least one camera and is configured to determine a position of at least one eye of the vehicle occupant, a head direction of the vehicle occupant, and a shoulder movement. The method includes detecting that a gaze of the vehicle occupant is directed toward a side view mirror of a vehicle or detecting that a shoulder movement of the vehicle occupant, and in response, automatically activating the turn signal of the vehicle.

Abstract: A window switch module for operating a plurality of moveable windows in a vehicle includes a primary switch configured to selectively open and close each of the plurality of moveable windows. The window switch module also includes a plurality of secondary switches operatively connected to the primary switch. Each secondary switch is configured to select operation of at least one of the moveable windows via actuation of the main switch.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a floor surface in a vehicle includes a vehicle seat having a seat frame and a leg recliner assembly. A brush assembly is integrated with the leg recliner assembly. The leg recliner assembly has a base section operatively connected to the seat frame and a leg-rest section. A portable cleaner is fitted within the base section and is fluidly coupled with the brush assembly. A controller is adapted to, upon activation of an automatic cleaning mode, move the vehicle seat along a first axis until a rack and pinion mechanism moves to an engaged position and adjust a position of the leg-rest section such that a portion of the brush assembly is in contact with the floor surface. The rack and pinion mechanism is adapted to guide motion of the brush assembly along a second axis to clean the floor surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for smart vehicle warning systems. In an exemplary embodiment, in another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a body, a drive system, one or more sensors, and a processor. The drive system is configured to move the body. The one or more sensors are configured to obtain sensor data pertaining to the vehicle and its surroundings. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate determining that is coupled to the one or more vehicle sensors, whether a fire event is likely to be occurring related to the vehicle, using the sensor data; and taking an action when it is determined that the fire event is likely to be occurring.

Abstract: A system for boarding a wheelchair on a vehicle is provided. The system includes a pair of tracks affixed to an interior of the vehicle, a panel slidably disposed on the pair of tracks, and a scissor lift mechanism having a first end affixed to the panel. The system also includes a platform configured for receiving the wheelchair, the platform affixed to a second end of the scissor lift mechanism, a first actuator configured to move the panel along the pair of tracks, and a second actuator configured to operate the scissor lift mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for mapping vehicle parking includes receiving, by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, located within a vehicle, a GNSS signal, where based on the GNSS signal, a position of the vehicle is determined. One or more vehicle movement sensors are configured to track, upon entering into a parking structure with a subsequent loss of reception of the GNSS signal, a movement of the vehicle within the parking structure. An optical sensor, in the vehicle, identifies vehicle location information within the parking structure where one or more sensors within the vehicle map, based on the tracking and identifying, use simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), to generate parking space mapping data. Upon cessation of movement of the vehicle, a parking state of the vehicle is initiated where a determination is made of a parking space position of the parked vehicle within the parking structure.

Abstract: Vehicle seats, vehicles including the vehicle seats, and methods of promoting ease of access to the vehicles are provided. The vehicle seats include a frame coupled to a floor of a vehicle, the vehicle having a front, a rear, and oppositely disposed sides, a seatback coupled to the frame and configured to support a back of an individual while the individual is sitting on the vehicle seat, and a seat cushion coupled to the frame and configured to support the individual while the individual is sitting on the vehicle seat. The seat cushion includes a front portion movably coupled to the frame and a rear portion disposed in a fixed position between the front portion and the seatback. The front portion is configured to selectively move from a driving position to a boarding position by moving the front portion on the frame toward a first side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle braking control system includes a vehicle microphone, two front wheels and two rear wheels of a vehicle, two front brakes and two rear brakes, and an electronic brake pressure control module configured to selectively control an amount of brake pressure applied to the front brakes and the rear brakes. The vehicle control module is configured to detect, via the at least one vehicle microphone, a brake noise value in response to brake pressure applied to the front brakes and the rear brakes, determine whether the brake noise value exceeds a specified brake noise threshold, identify which of the front brakes and the rear brakes are generating a greater noise value in response to the brake noise value exceeding the specified brake noise threshold, and reduce brake pressure applied to the identified one of the front brakes and the rear brakes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a vehicle. The systems include a heel support panel configured to support a foot of a driver while the driver is interacting with a pedal of the vehicle. The heel support panel is functionally coupled to a seat adjustment system configured to move a seat of the vehicle in a forward direction towards the front of the vehicle and a rearward direction toward the rear of the vehicle. The heel support panel moves in an upward direction away from a floor panel of the vehicle and thereby reduces a dimension between the heel support panel and the pedal as the seat is moved in the forward direction, and moves in a downward direction toward the floor panel and thereby increases the dimension between the heel support panel and the pedal as the seat is moved in the rearward direction.

Abstract: A cargo lift system for a vehicle includes a frame system, a deck system, and a cargo hook. The frame system is configured to be attached to the vehicle. The deck system includes a deck frame having a plurality of deck frame segments. The deck system is operable to translate along the frame system in (i) a first deployment mode where the deck frame segments cooperate to define a rigid support platform and (ii) a second deployment mode where the deck frame segments articulate to a lift position adjacent to a ground surface associated with the vehicle The cargo hook is attached to the deck system and operable to move between an extended state and a retracted state.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling braking to avoid groan noise in a braking system. The system has a brake actuator configured to apply a friction force to a moving member, a conduit system coupled with the brake actuator, an inlet valve in the conduit system configured to control fluid pressure delivered to the brake actuator, and an outlet valve in the conduit system configured to control fluid pressure released from the brake actuator. The system includes a controller to monitor for an upper target pressure condition in the braking system, wherein the upper target pressure condition is associated with a noise zone; and operate, when the upper target pressure is detected and in a noise zone avoidance mode, the inlet valve and the outlet valve to avoid brake pressures that generate a brake noise from the friction force.

Abstract: A system for boarding a wheelchair on a vehicle is provided. The system includes a pair of tracks affixed to an interior of the vehicle, a panel slidably disposed on the pair of tracks, and a scissor lift mechanism having a first end affixed to the panel. The system also includes a platform configured for receiving the wheelchair, the platform affixed to a second end of the scissor lift mechanism, a first actuator configured to move the panel along the pair of tracks, and a second actuator configured to operate the scissor lift mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle braking control system includes a vehicle microphone, two front wheels and two rear wheels of a vehicle, two front brakes and two rear brakes, and an electronic brake pressure control module configured to selectively control an amount of brake pressure applied to the front brakes and the rear brakes. The vehicle control module is configured to detect, via the at least one vehicle microphone, a brake noise value in response to brake pressure applied to the front brakes and the rear brakes, determine whether the brake noise value exceeds a specified brake noise threshold, identify which of the front brakes and the rear brakes are generating a greater noise value in response to the brake noise value exceeding the specified brake noise threshold, and reduce brake pressure applied to the identified one of the front brakes and the rear brakes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake control device and a brake control method for a vehicle comprising a plurality of brakes which are respectively installed on wheels, the brake control device comprising an auto leveling sensor which senses a load state of the vehicle according to a change in an angle; a control unit which calculates a correction value according to the load state of the vehicle sensed by the auto leveling sensor; and an electronic brake booster which corrects a predetermined braking power set according to a brake pedal force with the calculated correction value so that the braking operation of each brake is made.