Abstract: A vehicle having an engine, an electric machine, a traction battery configured to supply power to the electric machine; and at least one controller is provided. The at least one controller is programmed to apply a filter to a requested engine power. The filter has a filter effect responsive to a difference between an actual and filtered driver demand such that the filter effect increases as the difference decreases to reduce rates of change in engine power output to satisfy the actual driver demand.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using an engine laser ignition system to perform a visual inspection of an engine and diagnose various cylinder components and conditions based on engine positional measurements. Laser pulses may be emitted at a lower power level during an intake and/or exhaust stroke to illuminate a cylinder interior while a photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior. Additionally, laser pulses may be emitted at a higher power level to initiate cylinder combustion while the photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior using the light generated during cylinder combustion.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, pre-planning a route of a vehicle on a computing device separate from the vehicle including selecting a battery mode for operating the vehicle during each stage of the route and displaying a battery state of charge for each stage of the route. The vehicle is controlled based on route information associated with the pre-planned route.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for extending an engine-off period of a hybrid vehicle while reducing engine cold-start emissions. During an engine pull-up to meet operator demand, the engine is held at a higher power for a longer duration to aggressively heat the exhaust catalyst. Subsequently, the engine is pulled up to a lower power and held at the lower power for shorter bursts of time to activate the exhaust catalyst.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dynamically allocating engine torque and motor torque in a hybrid vehicle to meet operator torque demand. The allocation is adjusted by constraining the maximum engine torque allowable under selected conditions to provide a better trade-off between performance and fuel economy. A maximum engine torque that provides best fuel economy is learned during engine operation at different engine speed-load conditions based on a deviation in spark retard torque ratio from a threshold ratio as spark timing is moved to MBT.

Abstract: A computer in a vehicle is programmed to determine that the vehicle has entered an intersection zone; gather data related to operation of the vehicle in the intersection zone; determine that the vehicle has departed the intersection zone; and determine a current driving score based at least in part on the operation of the vehicle in the intersection zone.

Abstract: A computer in a vehicle is configured to receive one or more data collector inputs, detect an object proximate to the vehicle based on the one or more inputs, determine a closure speed between the object and the vehicle, determine a change in speed of the object, compute an accountability factor; and determine whether to identify a potential incident based at least in part on the accountability factor and an incident value. The incident value is a function of at least one of the closure speed and a distance between the vehicle and the object. The accountability factor is based at least in part on the closure speed and the change in speed of the object.

Abstract: During operation of a vehicle, usage data is received from one or more data collectors related to operation of the vehicle. A driving score is determined based on the one or more data collector inputs. A remote computer is queried for data relating the driving score to an insurance policy. During operation of the vehicle, a message is provided via a user interface based on the data relating the driving score to an insurance policy.

Abstract: A computer in a vehicle is programmed to, during operation of the vehicle, identify data from one or more data collectors related to at least one stability event of the vehicle; determine a mitigation factor related to each at least one event; and determine a driving score for a driver of the vehicle based at least in part on the data related to the at least one stability event and the mitigation factor related to each at least one event.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for closed-loop adjusting a laser intensity of a laser ignition device of a hybrid vehicle. The laser intensity applied over consecutive laser ignition events is decreased until a flame quality is degraded for a threshold number of cylinder combustion events. The laser intensity is then increased to improve flame quality and the closed-loop adjustment is reiterated.

Abstract: A safety interlock system and method is provided for a laser ignition system. The laser device can be disabled upon receiving an indication that the laser device has been removed from the cylinder. The removal can be inferred based on an estimated distance between the cylinder piston and the laser ignition device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine diagnostics, including visual inspections of an engine cylinder, using existing hardware from a laser ignition system. Light pulses from a laser ignition device are received at a photodetector during non-combusting conditions and used to generate images of an inside of the cylinder that can be assessed by a service technician. An electric motor of the vehicle system can be used during a service mode of the vehicle to rotate the engine to, and hold the engine at, specified engine positions that enable the technician to perform selected diagnostic tests.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for extending an engine-off period of a hybrid vehicle while reducing engine cold-start emissions. During an engine pull-up to meet operator demand, the engine is held at a higher power for a longer duration to aggressively heat the exhaust catalyst. Subsequently, the engine is pulled up to a lower power and held at the lower power for shorter bursts of time to activate the exhaust catalyst.

Abstract: A system includes an ATM-related processor configured to detect a vehicle approach. The processor is also configured to wirelessly connect to a vehicle computing system (VCS). The processor is additionally configured to validate a vehicle as a present-vehicle. Also, the processor is configured to receive account and vehicle identifying information. The processor is also configured to validate an account as authorized for a transaction in conjunction with the vehicle. The processor is further configured to provide transaction services to the vehicle over the wireless connection, such that the user can interact with an ATM through use of an in-vehicle display.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system is provided with a controller configured to receive input signals indicative of an instantaneous charging port position relative to an external charging pad and a charging status. The controller is further configured to transmit a vehicle status signal in response to the input signals. An interface communicates with the controller, and is configured to display a vehicle position indicator and a charging status message in response to the vehicle status signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises operating a laser ignition device in an engine cylinder and identifying engine position in response thereto; and igniting an air and fuel mixture in the cylinder with the laser ignition device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises operating a laser ignition device in an engine cylinder and identifying engine position in response thereto; and igniting an air and fuel mixture in the cylinder with the laser ignition device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. An engine position is determined with higher resolution using timing circuits that are triggered in coordination with the operation of a laser ignition device of the engine. The more accurately determined piston position information enables a cylinder for initiating combustion during an engine restart to be better identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an accuracy of misfire detection are described. An infra-red sensor coupled to a cylinder is used to sense an in-cylinder temperature profile following a laser ignition event. A misfire event is identified based on a deviation of the sensed profile from an expected profile.

Abstract: A medical grade adhesive comprises a mixture of at least one cross-linkable pressure sensitive adhesive component and at least one non-cross-linkable pressure-sensitive adhesive component, wherein the amount of each of said components is such that the resultant adhesive can adhere to human skin for a period of up to about 7-10 days but can be removed without causing trauma to the skin.