Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for virtual parking lot space allocation. An example method may include receiving, by a processor and from a first vehicle, sensor data relating to a first location. The example method may also include generating, by the processor and based on the sensor data, a first virtual parking space of a virtual parking location within the first location.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for nonvehicle based repair and maintenance identification by a vehicle including receiving, by the vehicle having one or more sensors including at least a camera, an image of a region of interest captured by the one or more sensors, identifying one or more maintenance and/or repair metrics associated with the region of interest, identifying a portion of the image associated with one or more maintenance and/or repair metrics, determining that a first metric of the one or more maintenance and repair metrics is exceeded by a feature included in the portion of the image, and transmitting data indicative of a location associated with the region of interest and the first metric, the region of interest requiring maintenance and/or repair associated with the metrics.

Abstract: A vehicle includes wheels, brakes, and a controller. The wheels are configured to propel the vehicle. The brakes are configured to generate a braking torque at the wheels. The controller is programed to, in response to (i) a commanded braking torque and (ii) a relative jounce between two of the wheels exceeding a threshold, operate the brakes to increase the braking torque to less than the commanded braking torque. The controller is further programed to, in response to (i) the commanded braking torque and (ii) a droop of at least one of the wheels exceeding a threshold, operate the brakes to increase the braking torque to less than the commanded braking torque.

Abstract: Driver attention and hand placement systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method includes providing warning messages to a driver of a vehicle based on steering wheel input or hand-wheel contact by the driver. The warning messages are provided according to a first scheme when the steering wheel input is above a threshold value and according to a second scheme when the steering wheel input is below a threshold value and images obtained by a camera in the vehicle indicate that at least one hand of the driver is on the steering wheel.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods to protect a side-view mirror of a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor includes obtaining a first dimensional parameter associated with a body portion of a vehicle (for example, a width or a length of the vehicle) and a second dimensional parameter associated with a side-view mirror attached to the vehicle (for example, a protrusion distance of the side-view mirror). A turning path characteristic associated with a movement of the vehicle may then be determined, followed by determining a probability of a collision between the side-view mirror and an object located outside the vehicle. Determining the probability may be based on the first dimensional parameter, the second dimensional parameter, and the turning path characteristic. If the probability of the collision exceeds a threshold value, an alert may be issued, or a preventive maneuver executed in order to prevent the collision.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be configured for providing preemptive reenergizing alerts designed to alert vehicle users to reenergize their vehicles in anticipation of power disruption conditions. Weather related data and/or grid related data may be leveraged for predicting the likelihood of power disruption conditions of a grid power source. When power disruption conditions are likely to increase the cost of energy by greater than a predefined threshold, one or more reenergizing alerts may be automatically communicated for alerting the users of the need to reenergize (e.g., refuel, recharge, etc.) their vehicles. Preemptively alerting users to reenergize their vehicles in this manner may ensure that the vehicle will be available for use as a backup power source during actual power disruption conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle having a powered tailgate is provided. The vehicle includes a body, a powered tailgate pivotally connected to the body, an actuator operatively coupled to the tailgate to move the tailgate between open and closed positions, and sensors configured to sense an object in a swing path of the tailgate. The vehicle also includes a controller for processing signals output from the sensor and identifying and classifying the object, and controlling the actuator to move the tailgate between the open and closed positions based on the classified object.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods to repossess a vehicle. In an example method, a first computer sends to a second computer, a message pertaining to a notice of delinquency of a vehicle-related payment. The message includes a request to an individual, such as a purchaser or a lessee of the vehicle, to acknowledge receipt of the message. The first computer may be associated with a financing agency (a bank or a lender) and the second computer may be a vehicle computer of the vehicle or a smartphone owned by the individual. When an acknowledgement is not received within a reasonable period of time, the first computer may disable a functionality of a component of the vehicle or may place the vehicle in a lockout condition. The lockout condition may be lifted momentarily in case of an emergency to allow the vehicle to travel to a medical facility.

Abstract: Informed towing is provided. Towing information is identified, by a towing vehicle, with respect to a towed vehicle to be towed by the towing vehicle. A towed configuration of the towed vehicle is monitored. Responsive to the towed configuration of the towed vehicle being incorrect according to the towing information, a warning is displayed in the HMI indicating the incorrect towing configuration.

Abstract: Driver attention and hand placement systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method includes providing warning messages to a driver of a vehicle based on steering wheel input or hand-wheel contact by the driver. The warning messages are provided according to a first scheme when the steering wheel input is above a threshold value and according to a second scheme when the steering wheel input is below a threshold value and images obtained by a camera in the vehicle indicate that at least one hand of the driver is on the steering wheel.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assisting a driver to travel through a drive-through lane of an establishment in an autonomous mode of operation. In an example method, a processor in a vehicle determines a location of the vehicle in a drive-through lane in various ways such as, for example, based on objects located in the vicinity of the drive-through lane, based on location coordinates, and/or based on a geofence defined around the establishment. The processor may then place the vehicle in an autonomous mode of operation and instruct the driver of the vehicle to refrain from touching vehicle driving control components such as the steering wheel, the brake pedal, and the accelerator pedal. The vehicle autonomously then moves through the drive-through lane in a stop-and-go mode of movement at a controlled speed while executing lane-centering and collision avoidance.

Abstract: Tailgate position management systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining that a tailgate of a vehicle is in a down position, the tailgate comprising a tailgate camera, and selectively adjusting an automatic vehicle assistance feature of the vehicle based on the tailgate being in the down position.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for adjusting an attitude of an airborne vehicle according to terrain where the vehicle is expected to land. In one example, torque output of an electric machine is adjusted to change a pitch of a vehicle to conform to a pitch of terrain where the vehicle is expected to land so that vehicle stability may be improved.

Abstract: A system comprises a first control module that meets specified operational criteria for controlling a component of a vehicle and a second control module that meets specified operational criteria for actuating the component. The first control module is arranged to send a first signal to open a relay that, when closed, electrically couples a power output of the second control module to ground via a fuse, send a second signal to cause the second control module to power a motor for actuating the component, receive a third signal indicating a completion of actuation of the component, and responsive to receiving the third signal, send a fourth signal to close the relay.

Abstract: Terrain characteristics of an off-road area are determined based on a map. The terrain characteristics include a terrain type, a terrain grade, and a presence or an absence of an obstacle. Vehicle characteristics are determined including a ground clearance and a breakover angle. Based on a user level, vehicle parameters for the off-road area are determined based on the terrain characteristics, the vehicle characteristics, and the user input. The vehicle parameters include a speed and a transmission gear. The vehicle parameters for the off-road area are output.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for isolating an interior of a motor vehicle from poor outdoor air quality. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a system and method configured to identify conditions associated with poor outdoor air quality and to respond to those conditions by isolating the interior of the motor vehicle from the outdoor environment. An example system includes a selector configured to permit a user to select a drive mode of the motor vehicle, a location system configured to detect a location of the motor vehicle, and a controller configured to issue one or more commands to isolate an interior of the motor vehicle from an environment outside the motor vehicle based on either a selected drive mode or a detected location.