Abstract: This document describes techniques and systems for vehicle localization based on pose corrections from remote vehicles in parking garages and other GNSS denial environments. A system can include a processor and computer-readable storage media comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to autonomously operate a host vehicle and determine an estimated pose of the host vehicle within the GNSS denial environment. The instructions also cause the processor to transmit a pose request to a remote vehicle in the GNSS denial environment. In response to the pose request, the system can receive a corrected pose of the host vehicle from the remote vehicle. The instructions further cause the processor to use the corrected pose to determine an updated pose for the host vehicle. In this way, the system can provide highly accurate vehicle localization in GNSS denial environments in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and systems for vehicle localization based on pose corrections from remote cameras in parking garages and other GNSS denial environments. A system can include a processor and computer-readable storage media comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to determine an estimated pose of the host vehicle within a GNSS denial environment after the host vehicle has been parked at a drop-off area. The system can also receive a corrected pose of the host vehicle from one or more remote cameras in the GNSS denial environment. The instructions further cause the processor to use the corrected pose to determine an updated pose for the host vehicle. In this way, the system can provide highly accurate vehicle localization in GNSS denial environments in a cost-effective manner to support automated valet parking and other autonomous driving functionalities.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to a vehicle-occupancy alert system. The system includes a controller circuit configured to receive occupant data from an occupancy-monitoring sensor configured to detect a presence of one or more objects inside a vehicle. The controller circuit is also configured to determine whether an operator of the vehicle has exited the vehicle based on the occupant data. The controller circuit is also configured to determine based on the occupant data that the one or more objects remain inside the vehicle for a time exceeding a first threshold after the operator has exited. The controller circuit is also configured to output an alert indicating the one or more objects remain inside the vehicle when the time exceeds the first threshold. The system can improve passenger safety by alerting the vehicle operator that a child remains in the vehicle unattended before the operator moves away from the vehicle.

Abstract: The methods and systems herein enable leveraging V2X for host vehicle trajectories. A host vehicle broadcasts a trajectory request that is received by a remote system. The remote system determines that a tracked object being tracked by the remote system corresponds to the host vehicle and determines a trajectory of the tracked object. The remote system sends a response to the host vehicle indicating the trajectory of the tracked object as a trajectory of the host vehicle. The host vehicle calculates scores for one or more safety metrics for the received trajectory and an internally generated trajectory (e.g., using separate hardware components). Based on the scores, the host vehicle selects from among the trajectories or generates a trajectory and sends the selected/generated trajectory to a vehicle system such that the vehicle system can operate the host vehicle according to the selected/generated trajectory.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to a vehicle-occupancy alert system. The system includes a controller circuit configured to receive occupant data from an occupancy-monitoring sensor configured to detect a presence of one or more objects inside a vehicle. The controller circuit is also configured to determine whether an operator of the vehicle has exited the vehicle based on the occupant data. The controller circuit is also configured to determine based on the occupant data that the one or more objects remain inside the vehicle for a time exceeding a first threshold after the operator has exited. The controller circuit is also configured to output an alert indicating the one or more objects remain inside the vehicle when the time exceeds the first threshold. The system can improve passenger safety by alerting the vehicle operator that a child remains in the vehicle unattended before the operator moves away from the vehicle.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to a vehicle-occupancy alert system. The system includes a controller circuit configured to receive occupant data from an occupancy-monitoring sensor configured to detect a presence of one or more objects inside a vehicle. The controller circuit is also configured to determine whether an operator of the vehicle has exited the vehicle based on the occupant data. The controller circuit is also configured to determine based on the occupant data that the one or more objects remain inside the vehicle for a time exceeding a first threshold after the operator has exited. The controller circuit is also configured to output an alert indicating the one or more objects remain inside the vehicle when the time exceeds the first threshold. The system can improve passenger safety by alerting the vehicle operator that a child remains in the vehicle unattended before the operator moves away from the vehicle.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to a vehicle-occupancy alert system. The system includes a controller circuit configured to receive occupant data from an occupancy-monitoring sensor configured to detect a presence of one or more objects inside a vehicle. The controller circuit is also configured to determine whether an operator of the vehicle has exited the vehicle based on the occupant data. The controller circuit is also configured to determine based on the occupant data that the one or more objects remain inside the vehicle for a time exceeding a first threshold after the operator has exited. The controller circuit is also configured to output an alert indicating the one or more objects remain inside the vehicle when the time exceeds the first threshold. The system can improve passenger safety by alerting the vehicle operator that a child remains in the vehicle unattended before the operator moves away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A transport system includes vehicle-controls for automated-control of a host-vehicle, a communication-device to receive destinations for the host-vehicle and convey fees to a client, and a controller-circuit in communication with the vehicle-controls and the communication-device. The controller-circuit is configured to receive a first-destination of a package, receive a second-destination of the client, convey a base-fee to the client for transportation to the second-destination without stopping at the first-destination, convey a reduced-fee to the client for transportation to the second-destination that includes stopping proximate to the first-destination and the client delivering the package to the first-destination.

Abstract: An emergency communication system for automated-vehicles includes a transceiver and a controller. The transceiver is used to communicate messages from and to an automated-vehicle that is classified as a non-emergency-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the transceiver. The controller is configured to receive a request for an emergency-certification from the automated-vehicle via the transceiver, determine when a circumstance exists that justifies the request, and grant the request when the circumstance exists. When the request is granted, the automated-vehicle is authorized to operate in a manner comparable to an emergency-vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an acoustic database for a particular narrator that does not require said narrator to recite a pre-defined script. The system and method generate an acoustic database by using voice recognition or speech-to-text algorithms to automatically generate a text script of a voice message while simultaneously or near-simultaneously sampling the voice message to create the acoustic database. The acoustic database may be associated with the narrator of the voice message by an identifier, such as a telephone number. The acoustic database may then be used by a text-to-speech processor to read a text message when the narrator is identified as the sender of the text massage, providing an audio output of the contents of the text message with a simulation of the sender's voice. The user of the system may be provided an audio message that sounds like the originator of the text message.

Abstract: A map matching method for a vehicle safety warning system (VSWS) is provided. The method includes the steps of a) determining if intelligent transportation system (ITS) map data is available, b) determining a vehicle location and a vehicle heading, c) determining an envelope area around a road feature defined by the ITS map data, d) determining a segment heading for a segment of the road feature, e) determining a separation distance between the vehicle location and the segment if the vehicle location is located within the envelope area, the segment heading is substantially similar to the vehicle heading, and optionally, the segment elevation is substantially similar to the vehicle elevation, and f) map matching the vehicle location to the segment if the separation distance is less than a threshold.

Abstract: A communication system for distributing data over an area. The system includes a base station configured to transmit common data over a range that is within the area. The system also includes a plurality of nodes, wherein each node is configured to receive the common data from the base station when within the range, receive the common data from another node when within the area, store and transport the common data, transmit the common data to another node within the area, and display the common data. Neither the base station nor nodes individually are capable of transmitting data over the entire area, but the features of the nodes provide for propagating the data by passing the data from node to node when two nodes are within relatively close proximity to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for degrading and disabling a vehicle's engine throttle. The vehicle disable system includes a throttle position sensor that generates a throttle position signal, an electronic control module (“ECM”) input connected to the ECM on which the throttle position sensor provides the throttle position signal to the ECM, and an override input that enables an idling signal to be transmitted to the ECM instead of the throttle position signal. The method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving an input signal related to the state of the driver input mechanism, interpreting the input signal, and at least one of degrading and disabling the throttle based on the interpretation of the input signal.

Abstract: A communication system and method for communicating data is provided. The communication system includes at least one base station that transmits common data within a range of the at least one base station and a plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes include at least a first node in communication with at least one of the at least one base station and at least a portion of other nodes of the plurality of nodes. At least one of the plurality of nodes are mobile, and the plurality of nodes at least one of advertise the common data available for transmission while within a predetermined area and receive the common data from one of a current node of a plurality of nodes that has current common data and the at least one base station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for degrading and disabling a vehicle's engine throttle. The vehicle disable system includes a throttle position sensor that generates a throttle position signal, an electronic control module (“ECM”) input connected to the ECM on which the throttle position sensor provides the throttle position signal to the ECM, and an override input that enables an idling signal to be transmitted to the ECM instead of the throttle position signal. The method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving an input signal related to the state of the driver input mechanism, interpreting the input signal, and at least one of degrading and disabling the throttle based on the interpretation of the input signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for degrading and disabling a vehicle's engine throttle. The vehicle disable system includes a throttle position sensor that generates a throttle position signal, an electronic control module (“ECM”) input connected to the ECM on which the throttle position sensor provides the throttle position signal to the ECM, and an override input that enables an idling signal to be transmitted to the ECM instead of the throttle position signal. The method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving an input signal related to the state of the driver input mechanism, interpreting the input signal, and at least one of degrading and disabling the throttle based on the interpretation of the input signal.

Abstract: An audio and/or video system is disclosed. The audio and/or video system includes an entertainment module adapted for connection to a docking station. The entertainment module includes output means for provding programming that is audible and visible. The entertainment module includes an antenna connected to a wireless module that wirelessly accesses wireless audio and/or video programming, a storage means for storing the wireless audio and/or video programming, and an input means for receiving a compact disc or digital video disc that stores media audio and/or video programming. The docking station may optionally include the antenna, wireless module and storage means.

Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle includes an antenna communicating with at least one remote device. Detection circuitry detects damage to and/or removal of the antenna. An operator authentication device determines whether a operator has authorization to operate the vehicle. A shutdown device at least partially disables the vehicle if the detection circuitry detects the damage to and/or removal of the antenna, and if the operator authentication device determines that the operator does not have authorization to operate the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for degrading and disabling a vehicle's engine throttle. The vehicle disable system includes a throttle position sensor that generates a throttle position signal, an electronic control module (“ECM”) input connected to the ECM on which the throttle position sensor provides the throttle position signal to the ECM, and an override input that enables an idling signal to be transmitted to the ECM instead of the throttle position signal. The method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving an input signal related to the state of the driver input mechanism, interpreting the input signal, and at least one of degrading and disabling the throttle based on the interpretation of the input signal.

Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle includes an antenna communicating with at least one remote device. Detection circuitry detects damage to and/or removal of the antenna. An operator authentication device determines whether a operator has authorization to operate the vehicle. A shutdown device at least partially disables the vehicle if the detection circuitry detects the damage to and/or removal of the antenna, and if the operator authentication device determines that the operator does not have authorization to operate the vehicle.