Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to the use of a multi-zone geofence for key-free vehicle operations management. The multi-zone geofence may include a first zone where vehicles can be operated without the use of keys or key fobs, and a second zone surrounding the first zone where a first set of functional restrictions are imposed upon the vehicles. The first set of functional restrictions can include an upper speed limit that is automatically imposed upon a vehicle. The multi-zone geofence can include additional zones having functional restrictions, such as a third zone surrounding the second zone wherein key-free vehicle operations are permitted with a second set of restrictions. The second set of restrictions may include a directional speed feature involving an automatic speed reduction upon a vehicle travelling towards a periphery of the third zone and lifting the speed reduction if the vehicle turns back.

Abstract: A key cycle is detected that engages a vehicle from an off state to an on state. A standard operation mode of the vehicle is disables based on an odometer value being greater than or equal to a first threshold. The standard operation mode specifies default operating parameters of the vehicle. Upon disabling a standard operation mode of the vehicle, the vehicle is operated in a first limited operation mode specifying first limited operating parameters. The respective first limited operating parameters are less than the respective default operating parameters.

Abstract: A method includes charging a battery pack of a vehicle in response to an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) being connected to a charge port of the vehicle, detecting a position of a paired device associated with a vehicle user in response to receiving a wireless signal from the paired device, and outputting a power load notification indicating excessive power being drawn from the battery pack in response to the battery pack being charged and a power load on the battery pack being greater than or equal to a power draw threshold. The power load notification is at least one of a message provided to the paired device or an audio signal outputted via a selected audio device of the vehicle in response to the position of the paired device being within an audio zone of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a computer including a processor and memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The instructions include instructions to detect body vibration of a vehicle body over time and to calculate wheel vibration of each wheel of the vehicle over time. In response to detection of body vibration under a first body vibration threshold, the computer calculates a baseline wheel vibration value for each wheel based on the calculated wheel vibration for each wheel, respectively. In response to detection of body vibration above a second body vibration threshold, the computer compares the calculated wheel vibration for each wheel with the baseline wheel vibration value of each wheels, respectively. The computer identifies a wheel imbalance in one of the wheels when a difference between the wheel vibration of the wheel and the baseline wheel vibration value of the wheel exceeds a wheel vibration threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle charging optimization system including a transceiver and a processor is disclosed. The transceiver may be configured to receive vehicle information from a vehicle or a server. The processor may be configured to determine that the vehicle may be plugged-in to a charger associated with a charging station based on the vehicle information. The processor may further determine that the vehicle did not charge by using the charger based on the vehicle information, and determine that a first type of fault may have occurred in charging the vehicle based on the vehicle information. The processor may further translate a first error code associated with the first type of fault to a first message in natural language, and output the first message on a user device or a vehicle Human-Machine Interface.

Abstract: Self-optimization of an ultra-wideband (UWB) network is performed. A configuration of UWB anchors of a vehicle is identified. A state vector is constructed based on the identified configuration, the state vector including values for status and ranging quality indicators for each of the UWB anchors. A next state is predicted based on the state vector using reinforcement learning to optimize UWB coverage, wherein a conditional probability of the next state depends only on the state vector. Unified configuration interface (UCI) commands are sent to the UWB anchors to reconfigure the UWB anchors based on the predicted next state.

Abstract: A vehicle including a transceiver and a processor is disclosed. The transceiver may be configured to receive a signal indicative of a force applied by a user on an external interface. The external interface may be configured to be removably attached to the vehicle. The processor may be configured to obtain information associated with a desired virtual vehicle mass and information associated with one or more friction forces acting on the vehicle. The desired virtual vehicle mass may be less than an actual vehicle mass. The processor may further determine a target vehicle velocity based on the signal, the desired virtual vehicle mass and the information associated with the friction forces, and control a vehicle movement based on the target vehicle velocity.

Abstract: Self-optimization of an ultra-wideband (UWB) network is performed. A configuration of UWB anchors of a vehicle is identified. A state vector is constructed based on the identified configuration, the state vector including values for status and ranging quality indicators for each of the UWB anchors. A next state is predicted based on the state vector using reinforcement learning to optimize UWB coverage, wherein a conditional probability of the next state depends only on the state vector. Unified configuration interface (UCI) commands are sent to the UWB anchors to reconfigure the UWB anchors based on the predicted next state.

Abstract: A vehicle including a detection unit, an exterior speaker system and a processor is disclosed. The detection unit may be configured to detect a tire pressure of each vehicle tire and detect a user presence and a user location in proximity to the vehicle. The exterior speaker system may include a plurality of speakers configured to output audio signals. The processor may be configured to determine that a predefined condition, from a plurality of predefined conditions, may be met based on inputs obtained from the detection unit. The processor may further identify one or more speakers, from the plurality of speakers, to output an audible message based on a type of the predefined condition that may be met. The processor may further cause the speakers to output the audible message indicative of a tire pressure associated with one or more vehicle tires.

Abstract: A vehicle including a transceiver and a processor is disclosed. The transceiver may be configured to receive a request to activate an external interface movement mode associated with the vehicle to enable a vehicle movement control via an external interface. The external interface may be configured to be removably attached to a vehicle exterior surface. The processor may be configured to obtain the request from the transceiver and determine that a predefined condition may be met responsive to obtaining the request. The processor may be further configured to activate the external interface movement mode responsive to determining that the predefined condition may be met. In addition, the processor may output a notification via a vehicle exterior light and/or a vehicle speaker responsive to activating the external interface movement mode.

Abstract: An interface configured to be removably attached to a vehicle exterior surface is disclosed. The interface may include a sensor unit configured to receive user inputs associated with at least one of a vehicle longitudinal movement and a vehicle steering wheel rotation. The interface may further include an interface communication module communicatively coupled with the sensor unit. The interface communication module may be configured to communicatively couple with a vehicle communication module when the interface may be attached to the vehicle exterior surface. The interface communication module may further obtain the user inputs from the sensor unit when the interface communication module may be coupled with the vehicle communication module, and transmit the user inputs to the vehicle communication module to cause a vehicle movement based on the user inputs.

Abstract: A vehicle including a transceiver, a vehicle sensor unit and a processor is disclosed. The transceiver may be configured to receive interface information from an interface sensor unit associated with an external interface. The external interface may be configured to be removably attached to a plurality of connection ports disposed on the vehicle. The vehicle sensor unit may be configured to determine vehicle information associated with at least one of a vehicle movement and the plurality of connection ports. The processor may obtain the interface information and/or the vehicle information. The processor may further determine an interface location relative to the vehicle based on the interface information and/or the vehicle information. Further, the processor may control a vehicle speed and/or a vehicle steering wheel rotation based on the interface location.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powerplant and a body. The body defines a passenger cabin and a box and having a tailgate mounted to the box. A step assembly is associated with the box and includes a step and a handle. The handle has a sensor configured to receive input from a user located outside of the passenger cabin and output a signal when the input is active. A controller is programmed to, in response to the signal being received, command a torque to the powerplant to propel the vehicle based on the signal.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes a plurality of engine starting devices and an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the method determines whether or not to inhibit automatic engine stopping so that a lifespan of an engine starting device may be extended. In one example, the inhibiting is based on a ratio of an actual total number of engine starts generated via the engine starting device to an actual total distance traveled by the vehicle since the engine starting device was installed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling airflow of an accumulator of a motorized vehicle. In one example, a method includes storing pressurized gases within the accumulator by flowing intake air from a compressor of an engine of the vehicle to a pressure booster arranged upstream of the accumulator. Pressurized gases stored within the accumulator may be used to drive one or more pneumatic devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving vehicle speed measurements. A vehicle may detect the impact of a roadway irregularity to its front wheels and its rear wheels, and may calculate an instantaneous vehicle speed on the basis of its wheelbase and an elapsed time between the two impacts. This instantaneous vehicle speed may then be used to calculate one or more correction factors which may be used to correct a conventionally-acquired vehicle speed measurement, an operational parameter of the vehicle underlying such measurements (such as a wheel size or a final drive ratio), or both.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine and a torque converter are presented. In one example, slip of a torque converter is adjusted via at least partially closing or opening a torque converter clutch in response to vehicle vibration. The vehicle vibration may be based on road surface conditions and an actual total number of operating cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves are presented. In one example, valves of a cylinder are deactivated in a closed state in response to an indication of degradation of a valve of the cylinder. Further, fuel flow to the cylinder may be stopped via ceasing to inject fuel to the cylinder.