Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for contamination prevention of vehicle cameras and sensors. An example vehicle includes an exterior, a camera along the exterior and including a lens, and a controller. The controller is to determine, based upon images captured by the camera, whether a contaminant is approaching the lens and identify a contaminant state upon determining the contaminant is approaching the lens. The example vehicle also includes a nozzle to spray washer fluid to prevent contamination of the lens responsive to the controller identifying that the contaminant is a liquid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for contamination prevention of vehicle cameras and sensors. An example vehicle includes an exterior, a camera along the exterior and including a lens, and a controller. The controller is to determine, based upon images captured by the camera, whether a contaminant is approaching the lens and identify a contaminant state upon determining the contaminant is approaching the lens. The example vehicle also includes a nozzle to spray washer fluid to prevent contamination of the lens responsive to the controller identifying that the contaminant is a liquid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intersection assistance using dedicated short range communications are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a dedicated short range communication transceiver and an intersection assistor. The example dedicated short range communication transceiver is configured to receive safety messages from other vehicles. The example intersection assistor is configured to, before the vehicle reaches an intersection, determine a likelihood that there will be space for the vehicle on the other side of the intersection, and display a recommendation on whether to proceed through the intersection based on the likelihood.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: motor(s), local sensors, processor(s) configured to: generate a virtual map based on the local sensors; receive a plurality of reports from a plurality of external entities, statistically compare the plurality of reports, and identify an outlying report based on the statistical comparison; instruct the external entity responsible for the outlying report to mark future reports; ignore marked reports; generate the virtual map based on unmarked reports; reallocate virtual map processing resources based on unmarked reports.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle system comprising a vehicle communication module is provided. The vehicle communication module is configured to receive first global positioning system (GPS) data indicative of a location of a vehicle and to receive a first signal indicative of the vehicle being in a drive state. The vehicle communication module is further configured to transmit the first GPS data to an occupant communication device (OCD) in response to the first signal to restrict at least a portion of the operation of the OCD and to reduce power consumption of the OCD.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor that is programmed to identify, in a first vehicle, a second vehicle based on first vehicle sensor data. The processor is programmed to determine, based on at least one of the sensor data and additional environmental data, a risk of ice from the second vehicle striking the first vehicle. The processor is further programmed to cause an action in the first vehicle based on the determined risk.

Abstract: An imaging system attaches to a frame on an underside of a vehicle to form an enclosure with an open bottom. A fixed camera is mounted in the enclosure having a first field of view directed through the open bottom. A reflector is supported by a carrier mechanism having a linear section and a rotary section. The linear section is extendable between a retracted position which stows the reflector inside the enclosure and an extended position which deploys the reflector through the open bottom. The rotary section rotates the reflector into an alignment with the camera to provide a reflected field of view along the underside of the vehicle. A controller is coupled to the carrier mechanism for selectably deploying the reflector through the open bottom for limited periods to capture images during predetermined conditions and otherwise retracting the reflector into the enclosure for shielding from an external environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for accelerometer-based external sound monitoring. A vehicle includes accelerometers, speakers, and an infotainment head unit. The accelerometers are affixed to windows of the vehicle. The speakers are located inside the vehicle in the vicinity of the accelerometers. Each of the speakers is uniquely associated with one of the accelerometers. The infotainment head unit, when the vehicle is not in motion and when a signal is received from one of the accelerometers, plays the signal only on the associated one of the speakers.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an impairment state of a driver in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle interface device configured to receive a first audible signal from a driver indicative of at least one word while the driver is in a non-impaired state and to determine a first total time to recite the at least the word based on the first audible signal. The vehicle interface device is further configured to command the driver to recite the at least one word to determine the impairment state of the driver and to receive a second audible signal from the driver indicative of the at least one word. The vehicle interface device is further configured to determine a second total time to recite the at least one word based on the second audible signal and to compare the first total time to the second total time.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: motor(s), local sensors, processor(s) configured to: generate a virtual map based on the local sensors; receive a plurality of reports from a plurality of external entities, statistically compare the plurality of reports, and identify an outlying report based on the statistical comparison; instruct the external entity responsible for the outlying report to mark future reports; ignore marked reports; generate the virtual map based on unmarked reports; reallocate virtual map processing resources based on unmarked reports.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: motor(s), local sensors, processor(s) configured to: receive an instruction including first properties of a target vehicle; verify the instruction; instruct the local sensors to scan at a first resolution; mark a scanned external vehicle, having second properties, as compatible or incompatible based on a comparison of the first and second properties; instruct the local sensors to scan at a second resolution upon marking the external vehicle as compatible.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vehicle wrong-way detection including systems, sensors or features, such as those for system/network clocks, ambient light, driver impairment, automatic cruise control, blind spot warning or configurable vehicle security, either singly or in any combination therewith, may refine and/or modify the confidence level of detecting particular or potential wrong-way incidents. By modifying the confidence level, the system may change the system sensitivity by moving the cutoff point at which an alert activation takes place. The systems described above can modify the wrong-way detection sensitivity. Greater confidence, or system sensitivity, may also help enable the system to take further actions beyond a simple warning. At greater confidence levels, the system could intervene, by way of a non-limiting example, with throttle limiting, turning on the hazard lights or even bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a restricted mode is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that is configured to receive a first input from a primary driver corresponding to a request to change a vehicle from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode for a secondary driver. The controller is further configured to initiate a first timer for preventing the vehicle from exiting from the restricted mode to the fully operational mode if an occupant communication device belonging to the primary driver is detected by the vehicle prior to the first timer expiring.

Abstract: A vehicle system may include a thermal sensor; and a connectivity device of a vehicle, in communication with the thermal sensor, configured to receive an indication from the thermal sensor indicative of detection of a thermal event within a structure housing the vehicle, responsive to the detection, autonomously move the vehicle out of the structure away from the thermal event, and operate as an information relay that provides status of the thermal event. A method may include activating a connectivity device of a vehicle responsive to detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle by a vehicle thermal sensor; confirming, by the connectivity device, the detection of the thermal event by utilizing other thermal sensor inputs of the vehicle; and responsive to the confirmation, commanding a vehicle system to autonomously move the vehicle out of a structure away from the thermal event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting a working condition of one or more vehicle components includes communicating with a cellular communication module in a vehicle over a telecommunications network. A vehicle component characteristic or identifier for the vehicle components is received over the telecommunication network. One or more operation status identifiers for the one or more vehicle components based on data from the vehicle is also received. A location for servicing or purchasing the one or more vehicle components based on the vehicle component characteristic or identifier is determined. A service status of the one or more vehicle components based on the one or more operation status identifiers is also determined. Based on the service status, a message including an identification of the vehicle components and a service or purchase location for the vehicle components is generated. The message is transmitted to a terminal for display.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for reserving and accessing a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a transceiver and a controller. The controller is positioned in the vehicle and is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a reservation time for a user to gain access of the vehicle from a vehicle share server. The controller is further configured to activate the transceiver at a predetermined time prior to the reservation time to monitor for the presence of a mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intersection assistance using dedicated short range communications are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a dedicated short range communication transceiver and an intersection assistor. The example dedicated short range communication transceiver is configured to receive safety messages from other vehicles. The example intersection assistor is configured to, before the vehicle reaches an intersection, determine a likelihood that there will be space for the vehicle on the other side of the intersection, and display a recommendation on whether to proceed through the intersection based on the likelihood.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a wireless light-state notification as a vehicle approaches a traffic light. The processor is also configured to determine an appropriate vehicle action based on at least the light-state, a vehicle speed and a vehicle proximity to the traffic light and recommend the appropriate action to the vehicle driver.