Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving, by a vehicle, a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining, that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is not present inside the vehicle. The example method may also include presenting a request for a second passcode. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode has been input. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in memory of the vehicle. The example method may also include generating, using an enhanced valet mode, a first temporary valet passcode based on the determination that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in the memory.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods related to an electric vehicle charging arrangement. An example method executed by a first computer can include evaluating an agreement between a first party associated with an electric vehicle and a second party associated with a property in which the first computer can be located. The method can further include granting to a second computer of the electric vehicle, an authorization to permit the electric vehicle to enter the property of the second party during a time slot defined in the agreement; and granting, to the electric vehicle, access to an electric vehicle charging station on the property during the time slot defined in the agreement. The time slot, which is available for use on a repetitive basis over a stipulated period of time, can be outside of business hours of an activity performed by the second party on the property.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for use of a vehicle to conduct a site survey. An example method can include receiving navigation guidance to move a vehicle along a pre-defined path on a property for executing a site survey operation of the property. The site survey operation can include a staking procedure performed by a robotic arm attached to the vehicle, an image capture procedure performed by use of a camera in the vehicle, and/or a subterranean scanning procedure for detecting a buried object. In an example implementation, the staking procedure can include inserting at a first location on the property, a stake having affixed thereon, a barcode label. A barcode scanner can be used to read the barcode label for obtaining information associated with an object present at the first location.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for a ground-penetrating tailgate sensor system. An example method may also include transmitting, using a radar transceiver, a first radar signal towards a location above the tailgate. The example method may also include receiving, based on the tailgate being in a closed or open position and using the radar transceiver, a first return signal from an object located above the vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for a ground-penetrating tailgate sensor system. An example method may include transmitting, using an ultra-wideband transceiver disposed of in a tailgate of a vehicle, a signal towards an underground location below the tailgate. The example method may also include receiving, based on the tailgate being in a closed position and using the ultra-wideband transceiver, a return signal from an object located above the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request to enter a valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include enabling the valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include disabling, based on the valet mode of the vehicle being enabled, a secure idle mode of the vehicle, wherein the secure idle mode of the vehicle includes locking a gear shifter of the vehicle in a park position when an occupant of the vehicle is outside of a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: An example vehicle can include a sensor platform and a controller that is configured to determine an object that is in front of the vehicle, determine the object as a hazard by at least one of determining, using dead reckoning, that the object is in a path of travel of the vehicle that will cause the object to travel under a restricted zone of the vehicle and/or the object has a height that is higher than a vehicle ride height.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request to enter a valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include enabling the valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include disabling, based on the valet mode of the vehicle being enabled, a secure idle mode of the vehicle, wherein the secure idle mode of the vehicle includes locking a gear shifter of the vehicle in a park position when an occupant of the vehicle is outside of a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for a ground-penetrating tailgate sensor system. An example method may include transmitting, using an ultra-wideband transceiver disposed of in a tailgate of a vehicle, a signal towards an underground location below the tailgate. The example method may also include receiving, based on the tailgate being in a closed position and using the ultra-wideband transceiver, a return signal from an object located above the vehicle.

Abstract: Guided driver positioning system and methods are disclosed herein. An example method can include determining gait for a user of a vehicle from images obtained from a camera, the gait being indicative of a posture of the user, determining a distance between the user and a display of the vehicle, and automatically adjusting a vehicle component in response to the gait and the distance to change a user position relative to the display.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the pathway of cables. In an example method, a first location at a site for stationing a vehicle may be selected. A first routing for a cable may then be determined, where a first end of the cable is connected to the vehicle stationed at the first location. It may then be determined at the vehicle whether the first routing for the cable passes through at least one potential or actual obstacle, where the determination is based at least in part on a topographic map. Responsive to the determination that the first routing for the cable passes through the at least one potential or actual obstacle, a remedial action may be performed, where the remedial action prevents the first routing of the cable from passing through the at least one potential or actual obstacle.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for eliminating false activation of components of a vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a garage. Example components can be a door lock, a door latch, a door activation servomotor, or a light. In an example method, a vehicle entry authorization system of a vehicle operates a sensor system to obtain dimensional information of an interior portion of the garage. The vehicle entry authorization system may then detect a presence of a mobile device (such as a smartphone, smart device, or a vehicle key fob) and determines the location of the mobile device based on the dimensional information. If the mobile device is located outside the garage, the vehicle entry authorization system refrains from activating a component of the vehicle. However, if the mobile device is located inside the garage, the vehicle entry authorization system activates the component.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus charges and sanitizes a mobile device. The mobile device has an inductive power receiver coil for wireless charging. A storage bin in the vehicle (such as a center console or a glove compartment) has a movable lid. A tray of the charging/sanitizing apparatus is adapted to receive a side surface of the mobile device so that a majority of the side surface is suspended from the tray by a gap. A first wireless power link is configured to inductively charge the mobile device from the tray to the power receiver coil. A plurality of ultraviolet emitters are disposed at a plurality of locations inside the storage bin to illuminate an exterior of the mobile device when the movable lid is closed. At least some of the ultraviolet emitters are also inductively powered.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods related to an electric vehicle charging arrangement. An example method executed by a first computer can include evaluating an agreement between a first party associated with an electric vehicle and a second party associated with a property in which the first computer can be located. The method can further include granting to a second computer of the electric vehicle, an authorization to permit the electric vehicle to enter the property of the second party during a time slot defined in the agreement; and granting, to the electric vehicle, access to an electric vehicle charging station on the property during the time slot defined in the agreement. The time slot, which is available for use on a repetitive basis over a stipulated period of time, can be outside of business hours of an activity performed by the second party on the property.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the pathway of cables. In an example method, a first location at a site for stationing a vehicle may be selected. A first routing for a cable may then be determined, where a first end of the cable is connected to the vehicle stationed at the first location. It may then be determined at the vehicle whether the first routing for the cable passes through at least one potential or actual obstacle, where the determination is based at least in part on a topographic map. Responsive to the determination that the first routing for the cable passes through the at least one potential or actual obstacle, a remedial action may be performed, where the remedial action prevents the first routing of the cable from passing through the at least one potential or actual obstacle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining a vehicle configuration indicative of a towing mode setting for the vehicle, which can include a neutral transmission gear setting, a battery conservation mode, or another towing mode setting. The method can include determining at least one vehicle operation characteristic that changes with time while the vehicle is in the towing mode setting, and performing, via a vehicle control module and based at least in part on the towing mode setting and the vehicle operation characteristic, one or more vehicle actions that include generating an alert signal indicative that vehicle damage may occur.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for use of a vehicle to conduct a site survey. An example method can include receiving navigation guidance to move a vehicle along a pre-defined path on a property for executing a site survey operation of the property. The site survey operation can include a staking procedure performed by a robotic arm attached to the vehicle, an image capture procedure performed by use of a camera in the vehicle, and/or a subterranean scanning procedure for detecting a buried object. In an example implementation, the staking procedure can include inserting at a first location on the property, a stake having affixed thereon, a barcode label. A barcode scanner can be used to read the barcode label for obtaining information associated with an object present at the first location.

Abstract: Guided driver positioning system and methods are disclosed herein. An example method can include determining gait for a user of a vehicle from images obtained from a camera, the gait being indicative of a posture of the user, determining a distance between the user and a display of the vehicle, and automatically adjusting a vehicle component in response to the gait and the distance to change a user position relative to the display.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for eliminating false activation of components of a vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a garage. Example components can be a door lock, a door latch, a door activation servomotor, or a light. In an example method, a vehicle entry authorization system of a vehicle operates a sensor system to obtain dimensional information of an interior portion of the garage. The vehicle entry authorization system may then detect a presence of a mobile device (such as a phone-as-a-key or a vehicle key fob) and determines the location of the mobile device based on the dimensional information. If the mobile device is located outside the garage, the vehicle entry authorization system refrains from activating a component of the vehicle. However, if the mobile device is located inside the garage, the vehicle entry authorization system activates the component.