Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer readable storage medium for dynamically configuring a passenger section for a passenger transport. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a trip request. The method further includes reconfiguring, by the processor, at least a portion of a passenger section of a passenger transport based at least in part on the received trip request. The method further includes collecting, by the passenger transport, one or more passengers associated with the trip request for transport to a destination.

Abstract: Enhanced features of a vehicle-based transportation system are presented here. In accordance with one methodology, the transportation system receives a ride request that identifies a passenger, a pickup location, and a destination location. The transportation system determines that the passenger requires user-specific security clearance to access a secured area at or near the destination location, and coordinates with a security system to grant the user-specific security clearance to the passenger. The transportation system can also determine a vehicle drop-off location based on the passenger destination, and coordinate with a navigation system to obtain navigation instructions to guide the passenger from the vehicle drop-off location to the passenger destination.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically maintaining cleanliness of an vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, at least one sensor signal from a sensor that monitors for particulates within an interior of a vehicle; determining, by the processor, a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle based on the sensor signal; and selectively generating, by the processor, at least one of a control signal to a cleaning element of the vehicle and a notification message based on the determining to achieve the level of cleanliness.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically maintaining cleanliness of an vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, at least one sensor signal from a sensor that monitors for particulates within an interior of a vehicle; determining, by the processor, a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle based on the sensor signal; and selectively generating, by the processor, at least one of a control signal to a cleaning element of the vehicle and a notification message based on the determining to achieve the level of cleanliness.

Abstract: A methods and a server for operating a vehicle are provided. A method includes selecting an identifier that is associated with a vehicle reservation for passenger service in the vehicle. The method further includes initiating a pick-up portion of the vehicle reservation for making the vehicle available to a passenger. The method further yet includes displaying the identifier at the vehicle during the pick-up portion of the passenger service. The server includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that configure the server for performing the method.

Abstract: Enhanced features of a vehicle-based transportation system are presented here. In accordance with one methodology, the transportation system receives a ride request that identifies a passenger, a pickup location, and a destination location. The transportation system determines that the passenger requires user-specific security clearance to access a secured area at or near the destination location, and coordinates with a security system to grant the user-specific security clearance to the passenger. The transportation system can also determine a vehicle drop-off location based on the passenger destination, and coordinate with a navigation system to obtain navigation instructions to guide the passenger from the vehicle drop-off location to the passenger destination.

Abstract: Methods, autonomous vehicles, and servers for passenger service in an autonomous vehicle are provided. A method includes receiving at least one signal indicating a status of at least one passenger of the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes processing the at least one signal to determine whether the at least one passenger has taken action consistent with completion of the passenger service reservation in the absence of an action that is inconsistent with completion of the passenger service reservation. The method yet further includes completing the reservation based on the processing the at least one signal. A server includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that configure the server for performing the method.

Abstract: A center console assembly for a vehicle interior compartment includes a console body defining a storage compartment characterized by an access opening. A first member is operatively connected to the console body and is selectively rotatable about a first axis between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first member obstructs the access opening. In the open position, the first member does not obstruct the access opening. A second member is operatively connected to the first member such that the second member is selectively rotatable with the first member about the first axis, and such that the second member is selectively rotatable with respect to the first member about a second axis.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a lower seat portion and a seatback portion. The seatback portion is selectively movable to vary the reclination angle of the seatback portion. The seat assembly is configured so that a first part of the lower seat portion rises relative to a second part of the lower seat portion so that the lower seat portion acts as an occupant restraint when a predetermined condition exists. Exemplary predetermined conditions include the reclination angle changing, the reclination angle exceeding a predetermined amount, and conditions indicative of an elevated risk of vehicle impact.

Abstract: A center console assembly for a vehicle interior compartment includes a console body defining a storage compartment characterized by an access opening. A first member is operatively connected to the console body and is selectively rotatable about a first axis between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first member obstructs the access opening. In the open position, the first member does not obstruct the access opening. A second member is operatively connected to the first member such that the second member is selectively rotatable with the first member about the first axis, and such that the second member is selectively rotatable with respect to the first member about a second axis.

Abstract: A key fob for a vehicle that provides a certain vehicle function depending on the motion applied to the key fob. The key fob includes a switch that is pressed when the vehicle operator wishes to transmit a command. Pressing the switch causes a device, such as a camera or accelerometer, to be put in a motion detecting mode, where a subsequent motion of the key fob causes the key fob to transmit a command associated with that motion. For example, the vehicle operator can press the switch on the key fob and make an upward motion, which will cause the vehicle door locks to unlock. Likewise, pressing the switch on the key fob and making a downward motion may cause the door locks to lock.

Abstract: A vehicle sun visor comprises a support frame pivotally connected to the vehicle roof. A sun visor panel is chosen from any array of different available sun visor panels having different occupant convenience features. An attachment is provided for removably attaching the chosen sun visor panel onto the support frame and enables subsequent removal of that chosen sun visor panel from the support and then the attachment to the support frame of a different chosen sun visor panel having different convenience feature content.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering system in which the rear steering command is retrieved from a three dimensional (3D) lookup table as a function of both front wheel steering angle and vehicle speed in normal operating modes, and from a two dimensional (2D) lookup table as a function of front wheel steering angle without regard to the vehicle speed under conditions where the vehicle speed information is deemed not credible. If the measured vehicle speed is judged to be not credible, it is replaced with an estimated or recently measured credible vehicle speed value, and the replacement value is then used in connection with the measured front wheel steering angle signal to retrieve a rear wheel steering command from the 3D lookup table. However, when the front wheels have been returned to the straight ahead position, the rear wheel steering angle command is retrieved from the 2D lookup table as a sole function of the measured front wheel steering angle.

Abstract: A noncontacting automotive steering angle sensor involving the application of a two element magnetoresistive sensor to an otherwise conventional rack and pinion steering system. The rack is directly coupled to the steerable wheels, and the sensor is integrally mounted in a spring-loaded rack contacting mechanism (contact shoe) used to maintain a meshing engagement between the pinion and the rack. A variable permeability surface is formed on the surface of the rack along the travel path of the sensor such that axial movement of the rack differentially varies the magnetic flux density detected by each element of the sensor. A detector circuit comprising a bridge or simple voltage divider responsive to the differential resistances of the sensor elements develops an electrical signal indicative of the rack position.