Abstract: A processor-implemented path planning method in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes retrieving road surface information along a planned path for the vehicle; constructing, by the processor, a model of the road surface along the planned path; identifying, by the processor, a road irregularity in the road surface for the planned path; classifying, by the processor, the road irregularity; projecting the location of vehicle tire patches on the model of the road surface; predicting, by the processor, vehicle sprung-mass dynamics as a function of time for the vehicle along the planned path; calculating a plurality of alternative path trajectories within the constraints of the road boundaries for avoiding the road irregularity; choosing an alternative path trajectory out of the plurality of alternative path trajectories that reduces the sprung-mass dynamics for the vehicle to provide a more comfortable ride; and updating the planned path with the chosen alternative path trajectory.

Abstract: A guidance system for a user includes a first haptic device disposed on a first, rightward side and a second haptic device disposed on a second, leftward side of the user. A local controller is disposed on the user to communicate with the first and second haptic devices. A remote server is configured to communicate with the local controller. A vehicle includes a global positioning system sensor, and is in communication with the remote server. The local controller includes a control routine that is executable to determine a desired location of the vehicle, and determine a present location of the user. The control routine guides, via the first and second haptic devices, movement of the user towards the desired location of the vehicle, and indicates, via the first and second haptic devices, arrival of the vehicle at the desired location. The control routine pairs the user with the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for initiating and executing an automated lane change maneuver in a vehicle may include a steering wheel interface having a display; and a monitor to detect a viewing direction of the user. The interface may detect a first predetermined gesture by the user; in response to the first predetermined gesture, transmit a first signal to the vehicle instructing the vehicle to prepare for the automated lane change maneuver; display a status of the automated lane change maneuver; display a prompt for the user to visually confirm safety of the automated lane change maneuver. The monitor may continuously detect the viewing direction of the user; and in response to the viewing direction of the user changing, transmit a second signal to the vehicle instructing the vehicle to execute the automated lane change maneuver.

Abstract: A processor-implemented path planning method in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes retrieving road surface information along a planned path for the vehicle; constructing, by the processor, a model of the road surface along the planned path; identifying, by the processor, a road irregularity in the road surface for the planned path; classifying, by the processor, the road irregularity; projecting the location of vehicle tire patches on the model of the road surface; predicting, by the processor, vehicle sprung-mass dynamics as a function of time for the vehicle along the planned path; calculating a plurality of alternative path trajectories within the constraints of the road boundaries for avoiding the road irregularity; choosing an alternative path trajectory out of the plurality of alternative path trajectories that reduces the sprung-mass dynamics for the vehicle to provide a more comfortable ride; and updating the planned path with the chosen alternative path trajectory.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer readable storage medium for adjusting ride and/or performance dynamics of a passenger transport. The method receiving, by a processor, a transportation request. The method further includes assigning, by the processor, a passenger transport to fulfill the transportation request. The method further includes receiving, by the processor, at least one passenger profile, wherein the at least one passenger profile includes preferred ride and performance dynamics for a passenger. The method further includes adjusting, by the processor, one or more ride and performance dynamics for the passenger transport in response to the received at least one passenger profile. The method further includes transporting, by the passenger transport, one or more passengers associated with the transportation request to a destination.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes transmitting real time geographically tagged vehicle data from a transmitting vehicle to a database of a computing device. A caution area is identified based on the geographically tagged vehicle data from the at least one transmitting vehicle. A geographic boundary is defined surrounding the caution area. When the location of a receiving vehicle enters into the geographic boundary, a notification signal in the receiving vehicle is generated to alert an operator of the receiving vehicle to the caution area.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for generating warning signals for an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving sensor data associated with an environment of the vehicle; determining, by a processor, an encroaching object based on the sensor data; determining, by the processor, an impending event based on the encroaching object; selecting, by the processor, at least one warning device coupled to the vehicle from a plurality of warning devices based on the impending event, wherein the at least one warning device generates warning signals that are perceived outside of the vehicle; and generating, by the processor, an activation signal to the at least one warning device to generate the warning signals based on the impending event.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining inputs pertaining to one or more conditions of route planned for a vehicle having autonomous operation capability; predicting, via a processor, a future level of engagement for an operator of the vehicle, using the inputs; and providing, for the operator, information pertaining to the future level of engagement.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for generating warning signals for an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving sensor data associated with an environment of the vehicle; determining, by a processor, an encroaching object based on the sensor data; determining, by the processor, an impending event based on the encroaching object; selecting, by the processor, at least one warning device coupled to the vehicle from a plurality of warning devices based on the impending event, wherein the at least one warning device generates warning signals that are perceived outside of the vehicle; and generating, by the processor, an activation signal to the at least one warning device to generate the warning signals based on the impending event.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a vehicle based on a physiological trait. The method includes: receiving physiological data from one or more physiological sensors; processing the received physiological data, by a processor, to determine one or more physiological conditions; and based on the determined physiological condition, outputting one or more control signals to a vehicle system to control an operation of the vehicle system.

Abstract: A windshield includes a windshield body and an ambient display coupled to the windshield body. The ambient display includes a light guide plate and a light source optically coupled to the light source. Aside from the light source, the ambient display includes a transparent phosphor film and an optic array. The transparent phosphor film includes at least one phosphor. The optic array includes a plurality of lenses and is disposed between the light guide plate and the transparent phosphor film. The light guide plate is positioned relative to the optic array such that light emitted from the light source is directed toward the optic array. The chromaticity and luminance of the light emitted by the transparent phosphor film can be adjusted based on the electrical current received by the light source.

Abstract: A vehicle including an autonomic vehicle control system is described. A method for operating the vehicle includes, during operation of the autonomic vehicle control system, determining vehicle and environmental operating conditions and extra-vehicle conditions when the autonomic vehicle control system is activated. A confidence level associated with operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is determined based upon the vehicle operating conditions, the environmental operating conditions and the extra-vehicle conditions. The confidence level associated with the operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is transmitted via an operator interface device.

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 transportation vehicle system, for providing feedback to a user-worn wearable device, including a hardware-based processing unit and a hardware-based computer-readable storage device. The device includes a vehicle-function identification module that, when executed by the processing unit determines that a trigger condition has occurred. The vehicle-function identification module also determines, for responding to the trigger condition, a wearable-communication function including transmitting a vehicle signal to the wearable device. An activation module causes the processing unit to initiate transmitting the vehicle signal to the wearable device. The technology also in various embodiments includes the vehicle storage device, the wearable device, a storage unit of the wearable device, and processes including any of the operations disclosed herein.

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: In one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining inputs pertaining to one or more conditions of route planned for a vehicle having autonomous operation capability; predicting, via a processor, a future level of engagement for an operator of the vehicle, using the inputs; and providing, for the operator, information pertaining to the future level of engagement.

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 vehicle including an autonomic vehicle control system is described. A method for operating the vehicle includes, during operation of the autonomic vehicle control system, determining vehicle and environmental operating conditions and extra-vehicle conditions when the autonomic vehicle control system is activated. A confidence level associated with operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is determined based upon the vehicle operating conditions, the environmental operating conditions and the extra-vehicle conditions. The confidence level associated with the operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is transmitted via an operator interface device.

Abstract: A situation awareness method can be used to provide information to a vehicle operator via first, second, and third substantially transparent ambient displays that are coupled to a windshield of a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a vehicle based on a physiological trait. The method includes: receiving physiological data from one or more physiological sensors; processing the received physiological data, by a processor, to determine one or more physiological conditions; and based on the determined physiological condition, outputting one or more control signals to a vehicle system to control an operation of the vehicle system.