Abstract: A system and method for facial and gesture recognition, and more particularly a system and method for facial and gesture recognition using a heterogeneous convolutional neural network (CNN).

Abstract: A battery pack safety system for a battery powered vehicle includes a vehicle battery pack having at least one battery cell positioned in a bay of a frame. Multiple sensors are each supported by the frame. A safety module in communication with each of the multiple sensors collects an output of each of the sensors for transmission to a vehicle computer unit. A safety module power supply provides backup power for operation of the multiple sensors and the safety module when an electrical charge of the battery pack is unavailable. A warning module is in communication with the safety module. The warning module when initiated by a signal from the safety module in response to an output signal generated by any of the multiple sensors energizes a signaling device providing external vehicle indication of a status of the battery pack.

Abstract: A system and method for facial and gesture recognition, and more particularly a system and method for facial and gesture recognition using a heterogeneous convolutional neural network (CNN).

Abstract: A goose neck hinge assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base portion extending from a panel attachment portion to a hinge portion. The base portion includes a rotation-resisting joint. The base portion includes a first structural element with first structural ribs. The first structural element is joined at the rotation-resisting joint to a second structural element. The second structural element includes second structural ribs. The first structural ribs and the second structural ribs are topology optimized providing bending resistance and structural reinforcement at predetermined locations. The rotation-resisting joint includes a recessed fastener. The first structural element extends from the hinge portion to the rotation-resisting joint and the second structural element extends from the rotation-resisting joint to the panel attachment portion.

Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle includes a battery pack having a structure defining a chamber receiving a battery. A first sensor is mounted to the structure for sensing an operating condition within the chamber. A safety module is disposed outside of the chamber. The safety module processes signals received from the first sensor to identify if the operating condition defines an abnormal condition occurring within the chamber. The safety module sends a first safety module signal when the signals received from the first sensor indicate the abnormal condition is present within the chamber.

Abstract: A battery pack safety system for a battery powered vehicle includes a vehicle battery pack having at least one battery cell positioned in a bay of a frame. Multiple sensors are each supported by the frame. A safety module in communication with each of the multiple sensors collects an output of each of the sensors for transmission to a vehicle computer unit. A safety module power supply provides backup power for operation of the multiple sensors and the safety module when an electrical charge of the battery pack is unavailable. A warning module is in communication with the safety module. The warning module when initiated by a signal from the safety module in response to an output signal generated by any of the multiple sensors energizes a signaling device providing external vehicle indication of a status of the battery pack.

Abstract: A goose neck hinge assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base portion extending from a panel attachment portion to a hinge portion, the base portion having a substantially rectangular cross section. The goose neck hinge assembly further includes a mounting bracket mounted to the motor vehicle and rotatably connected to the hinge portion of the base portion. The base portion has a first structural element includes a first material with a first material thickness and a second structural element includes a second material with a second material thickness. The first material thickness is different than the second material thickness. The first structural element forms a substantially U-shaped portion of the substantially rectangular cross section and defines a longitudinal gap, and the second structural element is disposed over the longitudinal gap.