Abstract: A driver monitor system and method of optimizing use of cognitive resources of a user in a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes in-cabin video cameras, a display device, and processing circuitry. The method performed by the processing circuitry includes monitoring eye gaze direction using images from the in-cabin video cameras, gradually softening image regions and lines displayed in the display device that are outside a first vision area of the user of the vehicle, and using the eye gaze direction to predict whether the user is transitioning into a new focus vision area that had been outside the first vision area. When the user's eyes begin to move, begin sharpening softened image regions and lines such that by the time eyes have shifted into the new focus vision area, the image regions and lines in the new focus vision area reach full sharpness.

Abstract: A system and a method for adjusting a lead time of external audible signals of a vehicle are provided. The system can include vehicle sensors, road user sensors, interface circuitry, processing circuitry, and memory. The road user sensors can detect one or more factors of one or more road users adjacent to the vehicle. The vehicle sensors can detect one or more conditions of the vehicle. The processing circuitry can determine a visual perception time of the one or more road users for a state change of the vehicle based on the one or more factors and the one or more conditions. The processing circuitry can adjust the lead time of the external audible signals based at least in part on the visual perception time.

Abstract: A system and a method for adjusting a yielding space of a platoon are provided. The system can include camera modules, sensors, interface circuitry, processing circuitry, and memory. The sensors can detect one or more behaviors of one or more vehicles adjacent to the platoon. The processing circuitry can determine one or more triggering events between the one or more vehicles and the platoon based on the one or more behaviors. The processing circuitry can adjust the yielding space of the platoon.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving lane centering performance of an operator of a vehicle after transitioning from an automated mode of operation to a manual mode of operation. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a transition to the manual mode of operation, modifying a sensitivity level of a lane positioning system from a first value to a second value to induce finer path following by the operator. The method includes controlling the lane positioning system according to the sensitivity level. The method also includes resetting the sensitivity level to the first value upon determining that a deviation score satisfies a stability threshold. The deviation score characterizes deviations of the vehicle from a centerline resulting from operator control inputs.

Abstract: A system and method of temperature optimization in a passenger vehicle when transporting perishable items, includes a passenger vehicle having predetermined storage compartments, an in-vehicle computer network connected to a plurality of sensors; and a display device in communication with the in-vehicle computer network. The display device obtains information about perishable items. The display device is configured to estimate time that the perishable items may be maintained in the vehicle. The conditions for perishable items may be optimized by determining parking locations and movement of the vehicle between parking locations in order to minimize temperature fluctuations in the vehicle. The display device is configured to update the user on the status of the perishable items and changed parking locations.

Abstract: A system and method of temperature optimization in a passenger vehicle when transporting perishable items, includes a passenger vehicle having predetermined storage compartments, an in-vehicle computer network connected to a plurality of sensors; and a display device in communication with the in-vehicle computer network. The display device obtains information about perishable items. The display device is configured to estimate time that the perishable items may be maintained in the vehicle. The conditions for perishable items may be optimized by determining parking locations and movement of the vehicle between parking locations in order to minimize temperature fluctuations in the vehicle. The display device is configured to update the user on the status of the perishable items and changed parking locations.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving visual scanning behavior of an operator in a vehicle with a vehicle display. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a transition to a manual mode of operating the vehicle, identifying, using at least one sensor of the vehicle, objects in a present operating environment around the vehicle according to a visual profile of the operator. The method also includes controlling the vehicle display to selectively render one or more graphic elements according to at least a gaze score.

Abstract: A method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium which monitor a road user in order to move the external position of the vehicle intent notification (eHMI) to another external position that can be seen by the road user based on the gaze direction of the road user. In some aspects, the eHMI notification displays the vehicle intent for a single autonomous vehicle. In another aspect, a group eHMI notification displays the trajectories for a plurality of autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles. Based on the gaze direction of the road user, the eHMI notification can be displayed on a single external position or on multiple external positions. Different eHMI notifications can be displayed at different external positions on the autonomous vehicle to provide information to more than one road user.

Abstract: A method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium for multi-stage communication between an autonomous vehicle and a road user. The autonomous vehicle uses vehicle external cameras, a LiDAR sensors and radar sensors to image the surrounding environment. Image processing circuitry is used to develop a view of the surrounding environment from the sensed images and the view is combined with stored map data. Road users, which may include pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and non-autonomous vehicles are identified on the view and it is determined whether the movement of the road user will intersect the trajectory of the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle performs a vehicle behavior modification as a first stage signal to alert the road user of its intent. If the road user does not react to the first stage signal, the autonomous vehicle activates additional external lighting as a second stage signal to alert the road user.

Abstract: A method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium for suppressing autonomous vehicle external human machine interface (eHMI) notifications to prevent confusion or distraction of a road user. The suppression conditions are based on situations where the eHMI notification is redundant, not necessary, can be simplified or should be modified due to weather or light intensity. The eHMI notifications can be suppressed on selected displays and enhanced on others. The eHMI notifications can include text and icons, flashing lights, color or light patterns, which can be modified or suppressed based on the determination that the eHMI notification will confuse or distract the road user. At a four-way stop intersection, the eHMI notification can be suppressed until the autonomous vehicle has the right-of-way. The autonomous vehicle can form a mesh network with connected vehicles at the intersection and broadcast a group eHMI while requesting that the connected vehicles suppress their eHMIs.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to addressing occluding potential miscommunication from an occupant of an autonomously operated vehicle. A method of occluding communication from an occupant of an autonomously operated vehicle includes generating sensor data indicating one or more aspects of an environment around the vehicle, analyzing the sensor data to identify a presence of an individual outside of the vehicle determining a position of the individual relative to an occupant inside the vehicle, and occluding at least a portion of at least one window between the individual and the occupant.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to addressing occluding potential miscommunication from an occupant of an autonomously operated vehicle. A method of occluding communication from an occupant of an autonomously operated vehicle includes generating sensor data indicating one or more aspects of an environment around the vehicle, analyzing the sensor data to identify a presence of an individual outside of the vehicle determining a position of the individual relative to an occupant inside the vehicle, and occluding at least a portion of at least one window between the individual and the occupant.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to addressing inconsistencies between a trajectory plan and a communication from an occupant of an autonomously operated vehicle. A method of resolving inconsistent communication includes obtaining a trajectory plan for the vehicle, detecting, using one or more internal sensors, body language of the occupant the vehicle, analyzing sensor data from the one or more internal sensors to determine a verbal or non-verbal communication indication by the occupant, and detecting an inconsistency between the verbal or non-verbal communication indication and the trajectory plan and: 1) modifying the trajectory plan to form a modified trajectory plan aligned with the verbal or non-verbal communication indication, or 2) transmitting a notification to the occupant prompting the occupant to adjust the verbal or non-verbal communication indication.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving visual scanning behavior of an operator in a vehicle with a vehicle display. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a transition to a manual mode of operating the vehicle, identifying, using at least one sensor of the vehicle, objects in a present operating environment around the vehicle according to a visual profile of the operator. The method also includes controlling the vehicle display to selectively render one or more graphic elements according to at least a gaze score.

Abstract: Systems and methods for notifying other road users of a change in speed of a vehicle are disclosed herein. One embodiment receives sensor data from one or more sensors; detects, from the sensor data, one or more other road users; determines a lag time, relative to a commencement of the change in speed of the vehicle, that coincides with an estimated moment at which at least one of the one or more other road users perceives the change in speed of the vehicle; and outputs a signal from the vehicle in accordance with the lag time to notify the at least one of the one or more other road users of the change in speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving lane centering performance of an operator of a vehicle after transitioning from an automated mode of operation to a manual mode of operation. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a transition to the manual mode of operation, modifying a sensitivity level of a lane positioning system from a first value to a second value to induce finer path following by the operator. The method includes controlling the lane positioning system according to the sensitivity level. The method also includes resetting the sensitivity level to the first value upon determining that a deviation score satisfies a stability threshold. The deviation score characterizes deviations of the vehicle from a centerline resulting from operator control inputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a notification of an upcoming acceleration to an occupant of a vehicle are disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a seat that is movable in one or more directions. The vehicle can identify a direction and magnitude of acceleration corresponding to an upcoming maneuver. The vehicle can also track one or more states of the occupant. The vehicle can generate control signals to move the seat based on the state of the occupant and the direction and magnitude of the acceleration for the upcoming maneuver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a notification of an upcoming acceleration to an occupant of a vehicle are disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a seat that is movable in one or more directions. The vehicle can identify a direction and magnitude of acceleration corresponding to an upcoming maneuver. The vehicle can also track one or more states of the occupant. The vehicle can generate control signals to move the seat based on the state of the occupant and the direction and magnitude of the acceleration for the upcoming maneuver.

Abstract: A user control assembly is provided for use on a vehicle having a processor, a steering wheel, and a plurality of vehicular systems controllable by the processor each having first and second adjustable features. The user control comprises a first button mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for selecting one of the plurality of vehicular systems, and first and second rotary dials mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for adjusting the first and second adjustable features associated with the selected system.

Abstract: A system and method for entering a destination into a navigation system, usually a vehicle navigation system, that reduces the cognitive load on the vehicle user over known systems. The method includes contacting the destination by any suitable and available manner, such as by a cell phone provided on or in the vehicle, through the internet, through an ad-hoc network, etc., where information concerning the GPS location of the destination is sent back to the navigation system and is displayed on the navigation system screen. If the destination is accurate, the vehicle driver can select that destination, such as by touching an icon on the screen, which would allow the destination entry process to be performed while the vehicle was moving.