Abstract: A treatment apparatus for a vehicle comprises: a housing with at least one wall and a floor forming a treatment chamber; a source of ultraviolet light configured to emit ultraviolet light into the treatment chamber; and a door connected to the housing, the door having (i) an open position providing access to the treatment chamber and (ii) a closed position denying access to the treatment chamber and, together with the housing, preventing emitted ultraviolet light from irradiating beyond the treatment chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mitigating issues for a vehicle executing a remote vehicle operation, wherein there is a communication delay between the vehicle and a remote computing device providing control. An example vehicle includes a communication system, an autonomy unit for performing a remote vehicle operation, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a remote vehicle operation control signal via the communication system from a remote computing device. The processor is also configured to determine a delay corresponding to the control signal. And the processor is further configured to modify the remote vehicle operation responsive to determining that the delay rises above a delay threshold at a threshold rate.

Abstract: Sanitizing devices and control strategies based on wavelength are provided herein. An example device includes an enclosure for receiving an object, a first cleaning element that emits radiation at a first wavelength adapted to sanitize or sterilize contaminants on the object, a contaminant exposing element that emits radiation at a second wavelength that illuminates the contaminants on the object, a notification element that emits visible light within the enclosure, the visible light having a selected hue, and a controller for executing a cleaning cycle that includes illuminating contaminants present on the object using the contaminant exposing element prior to sanitizing or sterilizing the contaminants present on the object using the first cleaning element.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided including one or more cameras and a controller coupled to the one or more cameras. The controller is operable to receive data from one or more devices, indicating a location of a user. Based on the data received from the one or more devices, the controller determines an estimated location of a face of the user. Further, the controller, in one or more images captured by the one or more cameras, searches a location of the face of the user based on the estimated location of the face. Thereby, the controller detects the location of the face of the use.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for reducing power consumption in a smart key of a vehicle. In an exemplary method, an accelerometer in the smart key detects that the smart key is moving. For example, an individual may be carrying the smart key in his/her pocket and walking towards the vehicle. However, an RF transceiver circuit of the smart key may be out of range of a communication system in the vehicle. A processor in the smart key may place some circuits, such as a wakeup receiver, in a power-down condition, based on detecting the moving state of the smart key and a lack of communications between the Bluetooth® transceiver circuit and the communication system of the vehicle. The wakeup receiver typically has a smaller operating range than the RF transceiver circuit and is therefore unnecessary when the smart key is far from the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to remotely-controlled automated vehicle parking operations. A driver of a vehicle stands on a curb and launches a software application on a handheld device. The software application uses a camera of the handheld device to capture images of the vehicle that can be observed by the driver. The software application then attempts to obtain a visual lock between the camera and the vehicle. In some cases, obtaining the visual lock may be hampered due to adverse lighting conditions. Light may be transmitted from the handheld device to illuminate the vehicle for better image capture. Alternatively, a command can be transmitted from the handheld device to a controller in the vehicle for turning on a light in the vehicle. After obtaining visual lock, various techniques such as vehicle path prediction and interpolation, can be used for effectively tracking the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for passive locking and unlocking a vehicle is described that includes a memory for storing executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to unlock the vehicle using a time of flight to transmit the trigger request between the vehicle and the first key fob. The processor receives, from a first key fob, a trigger request to unlock the vehicle, and determines, based key fob identifiers that identify the first key fob and a second key fob that is also near the vehicle, that the first and second key fobs are associated with a vehicle. The processor selects the first key fob based on a key fob characteristic. The processor evaluates the time of flight using the first key fob, and unlocks the vehicle based on the time of flight satisfying a threshold for signal transmission flight time.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods that determine theft of a wheel on a vehicle using a capacitive proximity sensor system. The systems and methods determine that a vehicle is parked, and then receives information indicative of a capacitance at a first sensor positioned proximate a wheel well of the vehicle. The systems and methods further determine, based on the information, that the capacitance exceeds a first threshold. The systems and methods further determine, based on the information, that the capacitance exceeds the first threshold for a period of time that exceeds a second threshold. The systems and methods further send a message to a mobile device in response to capacitance exceeding the first threshold for the period of time that exceeds the second threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle side-view mirror assembly includes an anchor element mountable to a vehicle exterior, and a foldable housing, including a first surface directed in a forward direction when the foldable housing is in an unfolded position, a first capacitive cover and a first electric ground path attached to the first surface, a second surface that is a lateral side surface facing away from the anchor element, a second capacitive cover and a second electric ground path attached to the second surface, a third surface that is a hinged side surface hingedly connected to the anchor element, and a third capacitive cover and a third electric ground path attached to the third surface. Each of the capacitive covers are electrically insulated from one another.

Abstract: Biometric user authenticating keys for vehicles and methods of use are provided herein. An example method includes obtaining biometric information of a user from a biometric reader incorporated into the device or communicatively coupled with the device, authenticating an identity of the user based on the biometric information, selecting a mode of operation for the vehicle based on the biometric information. The mode of operation can specify vehicle privileges for the user. The method can include transmitting a signal to a vehicle controller of a vehicle to request access to the vehicle or start an engine of the vehicle after the identity of the user has been authenticated.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for executing an automated vehicle maneuvering operation. In one exemplary scenario, a driver stands on a curb and uses an application in a handheld device to execute a remote parking assist operation of his/her vehicle. The application may use a camera of the handheld device to provide to the driver, an image of a group of vehicles that includes his/her vehicle. The driver identifies his/her vehicle by dragging and dropping an icon upon the vehicle. The application then pairs the handheld device to the vehicle by instructing the vehicle to provide an audible and/or visual signal (beeps, flashing lights, etc.) to confirm the pairing. Upon pairing, a visual lock that is established by the application between the handheld device and the vehicle is used by the driver to automatically track and monitor the automated parking operation carried out by the vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for detecting a water depth level using capacitive sensors. The systems and methods disclosed herein receive a first capacitive signal from a first capacitive sensor in a wheel well of an autonomous vehicle (AV) and determine that the first capacitive signal exceeds a threshold value. The AV controller may be configured to determine water levels using a capacitive sensor system, and perform mitigating actions that cause the vehicle to either clean soiled capacitive sensors, or move the vehicle to a location that mitigates the risk of vehicle damage. Other mitigating actions may be performed as well, including disabling or powering down critical vehicle components when the vehicle cannot be moved to another location, providing means for emergency vehicle exit, and sending warning messages to the fleet control server, to occupants of the AV, or to other emergency personnel.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a vehicle cargo bed capacitive sensor system programmed to determine when items in the cargo bed (e.g., the bed of a pickup truck) are being manipulated. The system may include one or more capacitive sensors disposed on one or more cargo bed walls. The system detects items exiting the cargo bed (e.g., by falling out of the cargo bed), and detects shifting cargo. The system may also detect a person reaching into the cargo bed, and can provide information such as the location where the cargo was taken or lost from the cargo bed, and live feed images of the intruding party. The system may automatically extend and contract the capacitive field to control sensor sensitivity, and adjust the sample rate of the sensor data based on characteristics of vehicle operation, such as drive mode, speed, GPS direction, and other factors.

Abstract: A system includes a microphone mounted inside a vehicle, a speaker mounted outside a passenger cabin of the vehicle and directed outside the vehicle, a camera with a field of view encompassing a seat in the passenger cabin of the vehicle, and a computer in communication with the microphone, speaker, and camera. The computer is programmed to, in response to data from the camera indicating a gesture by an occupant of the seat, activate the speaker to broadcast based on data transmitted by the microphone; and prevent the speaker from activating in response to data indicating that a biometric characteristic of a pedestrian outside the vehicle either matches a stored biometric characteristic or fails to match any of a plurality of stored biometric characteristics.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle, a first passive Near-Field Communication (NFC) device, and a first mobile device communicatively coupled to the vehicle and including a digital vehicle key. The first mobile device distributes the digital vehicle key to the first passive NFC device and informs the vehicle an instance in which the mobile device has distributed the digital vehicle key to the first passive NFC device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to enhanced time of flight (ToF) calculation using phase measurements. A device may identify a radiofrequency (RF) signal received from a vehicle key, wherein the RF signal comprises a command associated with a vehicle. The device may select a first subset of a frequency bandwidth. The device may perform a first time-of-flight calculation associated with the RF signal using a phase shift measurement on a first subset of frequency bandwidth. The device may determine a distance between the vehicle key and the vehicle based on the first time-of-flight calculation. The device may compare the distance to a predetermined threshold. The device may determine a status of the RF signal based on the comparison.

Abstract: Vehicles can be equipped to operate in both autonomous and occupant piloted mode. Refueling stations can be equipped to refuel autonomous vehicles without occupant assistance. Refueling stations can be equipped with wireless networks that communicate with vehicles to permit autonomous vehicles to self-schedule refueling at fueling stations serving a mixture of autonomous, semi-autonomous and occupant piloted vehicles.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for securely creating passwords for performing various keyless operations upon a vehicle. In an exemplary method, a computer receives a request for creating a password for a phone-as-a-key (PaaK) device. The computer determines that the PaaK device is present inside the vehicle and that the vehicle engine has been placed in an accessory state or a run state by an authorized PaaK device located in the vehicle. The computer further determines that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is present inside the vehicle. A prompt is provided for entry of a password. The computer checks to determine if an entered password has been already assigned to another PaaK device. If unassigned, the computer links the password to the PaaK device and authorizes the entered password as a valid keyless starting password for the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicles can be equipped to operate in both autonomous and occupant piloted mode. Refueling stations can be equipped to refuel autonomous vehicles without occupant assistance. Refueling stations can be equipped with a fueling control computer that communicates with vehicles via wireless networks to move vehicles between waiting zones, service zones and served zones. Refueling stations can include liquid fuel, compressed gas and electric charging.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a vehicle cargo bed capacitive sensor system configured to determine when a cargo bed cap installed on the cargo bed (e.g., the bed of a pickup truck) changes position or is being manipulated in some way. The system may include one or more capacitive sensors disposed on one or more cargo bed walls, between the cargo cap and the cargo bed. The system detects when the cargo bed cap is removed, and detects when particular cargo bed doors are opened using the sensors. The system may also provide a control system that allows users to authorize individuals to access particular areas, group individual bins together for access control, and can provide information when the system detects unauthorized access.