Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for lead vehicle monitoring for adaptive cruise control. An example vehicle includes a communication module for V2V communication, a camera, a sensor, and an adaptive cruise control unit. The adaptive cruise control unit is to determine an acceleration oscillation value of a lead vehicle based upon measurements collected via at least one of the camera and the sensor and send, via the communication module, an instruction to the lead vehicle to activate cruise control responsive to determining the acceleration oscillation value exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to generate a new access key, responsive to a vehicle shutdown. The processor is also configured to connect to a previously identified user wireless device. The processor is further configured to deliver the new access key to the user wireless device, responsive to connection to the wireless device and locally store a copy of the new access key in a file designated for reference for a next-access attempt.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle localization based on wireless local area network nodes. An example disclosed vehicle includes a wireless network controller and a location tracker. In response to losing reception of GPS signals, the location tracker scans for wireless network nodes via the wireless network controller, and when second locations of the wireless network nodes are stored in memory, determines a current location of the vehicle based on a particle filtering technique and received signal strength measurements from the wireless network nodes.

Abstract: A vehicle computer is programmed to receive reflections of radio-magnetic beams transmitted by an antenna mounted to a vehicle body, and, when it is determined that the vehicle is moving, determine whether the vehicle body has changed shape based on the received reflections and a predetermined base reflection pattern. The computer is further programmed to generate a second base reflection pattern based at least on the received reflections and the predetermined base reflection pattern. The computer can then use the received reflections as vehicle sensor data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enable vehicle-to-vehicle guidance and tracking are disclosed. An example method includes transmitting, from a first vehicle, a first message to a second vehicle. The first message requests the second vehicle to become a leader vehicle. The example method further includes receiving a second message from the second vehicle. The second message includes leader information indicative of a travel path of the second vehicle. The example method also includes receiving authorization from the second vehicle for the first vehicle to follow the second vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for systems and method to detect blocked vehicles. An example vehicle includes range detection sensors and a body control module. When the vehicle is parked, the body control module (a) scans, with the range detection sensors, the area around the vehicle to detect objects, (b) based on positions of the objects, determines whether the vehicle is able to maneuver out of its current parking spot, and (c) when the vehicle is not able to maneuver, sends an alert to a mobile device of a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a vehicle that can establish a network of nearby vehicles in order to upload large amounts of data. An example vehicle includes a sensor, a communication system, and a processor. The processor is configured to establish a network comprising a plurality of nearby vehicles having respective data upload rates, separate data gathered by the sensor into segments based on the respective data upload rates, and transmit to the plurality of nearby vehicles using the communication system (i) the segments, and (ii) instructions for uploading the segments to a server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for calibrating one or more vehicle sensors. In one example, a method comprises calibrating a sensor coupled to a vehicle and updating an operating parameter of an engine configured to propel the vehicle, based on a source of one or more weather devices removed from the vehicle, where said source includes a confidence level in data provided via said source. In this way, one or more vehicle sensors may be calibrated as a function of a confidence level in the data provided via said source, which may improve vehicle systems that rely on said sensors, and which may in some examples increase fuel economy.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to generate a new access key, responsive to a vehicle shutdown. The processor is also configured to connect to a previously identified user wireless device. The processor is further configured to deliver the new access key to the user wireless device, responsive to connection to the wireless device and locally store a copy of the new access key in a file designated for reference for a next-access attempt.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for camera assisted vehicle lamp diagnosis via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. An example vehicle includes a forward-facing camera and a processor. The processor classifies a target vehicle based on images captured by the camera. Based on the classification, the processor determines locations of lamps on the target vehicle and determines when one of the lamps is not functioning properly. Additionally, when one of the lamps is not functioning properly, the processor sends, via a first communication module, a message to the target vehicle indicating of one of the lamps not functioning properly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting measurements of relative humidity using an ultrasonic sensor. In one example, a plurality of ultrasonic signals having different frequencies are transmitted from a single sensor, and attenuation values of reflected signals are determined only for those signals determined to have the same transit time from transmission to receipt, and where frequency of the plurality of ultrasonic signals may be changed responsive to an indication that the signals may be below a signal-to-noise threshold. In this way, by determining a difference between attenuation values between pairs of signals, where the signals comprise different frequencies and where the signals comprise the same transit times, relative humidity may be accurately determined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring and adjustment of gaps between vehicles. An example vehicle includes a rear sensing device and a controller. The controller is to determine a target lead gap for following a lead vehicle during adaptive cruise control and measure, via the rear sensing device, a trailing distance to a trailing vehicle. The controller also is to determine a target trailing gap for the trailing vehicle. The example vehicle also includes a cruise control unit to increase, responsive to the trailing distance being less than the target trailing gap, the target lead gap based on the trailing distance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting measurements of relative humidity via the use of either an ultrasonic sensor positioned on the vehicle, or via another sensor. In one example, responsive to a request for a relative humidity measurement and an indication of fueled engine operation, the ultrasonic sensor may be utilized, whereas responsive to an indication of non-fueled engine operation, another sensor may be utilized. In this way, robust measurement of relative humidity with desired accuracy may be actively determined, rather than opportunistically, and such measurements of relative humidity may be utilized to adjust vehicle operating parameters, which may improve overall vehicle operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting measurements of relative humidity via the use of an ultrasonic sensor. In one example, the ultrasonic sensor for conducting the relative humidity measurement is selected from a plurality of ultrasonic sensors positioned at various locations on the vehicle, and where the selecting is accomplished in some examples via the use of one or more onboard cameras configured to identify suitable objects that are stationary with respect to the vehicle. In this way, robustness and accuracy of relative humidity measurements may be improved, lifetime of individual ultrasonic sensors may be extended, and vehicle operating conditions that depend on accurate relative humidity measurements may be improved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for suggestion of under-utilized features. A vehicle comprises sensors, a processor, and a display interface. The processor is in communication with the sensors and is to: receive inputs from the sensors, select one of multiple driving situations using the inputs, select a convenience feature corresponding to the selected driving situation, determine usage of the convenience feature using the inputs, and generate a message regarding use of the convenience feature. The display interface is in communication with the processor and is to display the message.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for lead vehicle monitoring for adaptive cruise control. An example vehicle includes a communication module for V2V communication, a camera, a sensor, and an adaptive cruise control unit. The adaptive cruise control unit is to determine an acceleration oscillation value of a lead vehicle based upon measurements collected via at least one of the camera and the sensor and send, via the communication module, an instruction to the lead vehicle to activate cruise control responsive to determining the acceleration oscillation value exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for detection of lane conditions vehicles in adaptive cruise control systems. An example vehicle includes a communication module for V2V communication, a camera for capturing images, and a controller. The controller is to identify a vehicle type of a lead vehicle based upon the images and determine a lead vehicle speed. The controller also is to send, via the communication module, an alert to the lead vehicle responsive to determining the lead vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the lead vehicle speed is less than a speed setting for activated adaptive cruise control.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust catalyst temperature during an engine cold-start by water injection. In one example, a method may include during the engine cold-start, injecting water into an intake of an engine based on the exhaust catalyst temperature and accumulating water molecules within an exhaust catalyst to generate heat within the exhaust catalyst. In this way, by generating and storing heat within the exhaust catalyst, the exhaust catalyst may be heated up rapidly, thus reducing catalyst light-off time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for learning a transport delay for individual cylinders that is associated with maldistribution of water among cylinders during a water injection event. Differences in knock intensity between individual cylinders, following a water injection, are used to identify water maldistribution. Differences in the amount and timing of an engine dilution effect following a manifold water injection are learned via an intake oxygen sensor and used to reduce cylinder-to-cylinder imbalance in water delivery.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an interpack switch configured to connect portions of a traction battery when closed to transfer electric charge therebetween, and a controller configured to, responsive to a request, operate the switch to disconnect the portions and to initiate transfer of electric charge to each of the portions in parallel and at a same time.