Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods associated with a vehicle that is configured to provide photography assistance. An example method executed by processor of a vehicle may include generating a guidance associated with a photo capture operation and conveying the guidance to a vehicle controller. The processor may assist the vehicle controller to execute a vehicle maneuvering operation to capture a photograph of an object of photographical interest located outside the vehicle. The vehicle maneuvering operation can include parking the vehicle at a location that provides a view of the object or slowing down the vehicle while driving past the location. The photo capture operation can include the processor determining that the object is in a field of view of a camera mounted on the vehicle, configuring the camera to capture a photograph of the object, and operating the camera to capture the photograph of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing protections against catalytic converter theft. A vehicle may comprise Ultra-Wideband (UWB) anchors or sensors. The UWB sensors of a vehicle may be used to detect the relative distance and/or location of UWB-capable devices in close proximity to the vehicle. An assessment may be performed using the UWB anchors and/or other sensors to determine whether the presence of the unknown device is indicative of a threat to the vehicle. If a threat is detected, one or more protection steps may be taken.

Abstract: A closure release method includes monitoring a pressure between a closure of a vehicle and a frame of the vehicle when the closure is closed against the frame. The method further includes detecting a change in the pressure, and releasing the closure from a closed position in response to the change.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assisting a battery electric vehicle (BEV) execute a battery charging operation. In an example method, a processor of a battery charging advisory system in a BEV obtains information about a battery charging lot and evaluates the information to identify a battery charging station having a first charging cable that includes a first type of plug which is compatible for coupling to a charging port of the BEV. The processor may then identify a location of the charging port on the BEV and uses this information to determine an orientation of the BEV with respect to the battery charging station. The processor then provides an advisory for maneuvering the BEV into a position that allows coupling of the first charging cable of the battery charging station to the charging port of the BEV.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle is described. The vehicle may include a holding mechanism configured to hold a plurality of containers within the delivery vehicle. The plurality of containers may be configured to store a plurality of packages. The vehicle may further include a memory configured to store a first information including package attributes of each package and a mapping of each package with a container of the plurality of containers. The vehicle may further include a processor configured to obtain the first information from the memory. The processor may be further configured to determine a target location to load a target package or a target container in the delivery vehicle based on the first information. The processor may further activate a vehicle interior visual or audio component to indicate the target location in the delivery vehicle to load the target package or the target container.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including perform a remote maneuver of a vehicle, and instruct a mobile device to provide a feedback to an individual.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a steering wheel, a steering wheel sensor sensing rotational movement of the steering wheel, an accelerator pedal actuatable to accelerate the vehicle, a brake pedal actuatable to decelerate the vehicle, and a sensor sensing a signal indicative of an acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes at least one proximity switch located on the steering wheel, and a controller configured to process the rotational movement of the steering wheel and the sensed signal and control an interaction mode of the at least one input switch, wherein the controller changes the interaction mode of the at least one input switch based on the sensed steering wheel movement and the sensed signal.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo utilization control system includes a processor disposed in a vehicle controller and a memory for storing executable instructions. The processor is programmed to execute the instructions to receive identity information associated with a vehicle user from a mobile device and vehicle sensory devices, and determine identity of the vehicle user. The system receives receive anthropometry information, and entry and exit data associated with the vehicle user that can indicate mobility limitations or special uses of the vehicle cargo hold that have been observed and recorded by the system. The processor may determine a vehicle recommendation based on the identity of the vehicle user and the anthropometry information, and cause a vehicle configuration change that modifies a vehicle system based on the unique user identity, mobility limitations, and predicted use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery and a controller. The controller, in response to the traction battery having to be charged at a charging station during a vehicle trip for the traction battery to have sufficient energy for the vehicle to complete the vehicle trip, schedules the traction battery for charging during the vehicle trip at a selected charging station from among multiple charging stations in which an overall time of the vehicle trip will be lowest.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a cabin interior, a seat configured to hold a passenger, a window having a movable panel actuatable between open and closed positions, and an actuator to power the window between the open and closed positions. The vehicle also includes an imaging device located in the cabin interior and oriented to capture images of a passenger seated on the seat and at least a portion of the movable panel of the window, and a controller processing the images to determine one or more characteristics of a face of the passenger. The controller further processes the images to monitor a position of the movable panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for digital shading control in a vehicle. The digital shading control may be integrated into glass of a vehicle, pillars, and more. In at least one implementation, the digital shading control is integrated directly into glass of a vehicle and comprises a transparency-changing material interface layer disposed of over the glass, a capacitive touch interface layer disposed of over the transparency-changing material interface layer, a force touch interface layer disposed of over the capacitive touch interface layer, and a haptics interface layer disposed of over the force touch interface layer.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle provides a workspace in a passenger cabin to support a teleconference with a remote party. External sensors are configured to scan the exterior of the vehicle. A sound exciter is configured to generate a masking noise directed to the exterior. A control circuit which enhances privacy of the teleconference is configured to A) detect the audio content of the teleconference being present in the interior of the vehicle, B) quantify an interior sound level of the audio content, C) estimate a discernability of the audio content at an external location accessible to passersby where the audio content can be overheard, and D) activate the sound exciter such that the masking noise is adapted to mask the audio content at the external location.

Abstract: A vehicle having a touch device configured to receive user inputs is disclosed. The touch device may include a haptic component configured to provide haptic feedback to a user and a force touch component configured to detect force applied by the user on the touch device and actuate the touch device. The vehicle may further include a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver may be configured to receive road information on which the vehicle may be traversing. The processor may be configured to obtain the road information from the transceiver, determine road condition based on the road information, and adjust parameters associated with the haptic component or the force touch component based on the road condition.

Abstract: A first message is broadcasted to a plurality of remote computers identifying an attribute of a host vehicle. A second message including a request to receive data about the identified attribute in response to broadcasting the first message is received from one of the remote computers. Upon receiving the second message, a host vehicle component is actuated to output at least one of light or sound associated with the identified attribute.

Abstract: A system and method to manage charging priority for at least one accessory includes the steps of: providing one or more charging stations for the at least one accessory, monitoring vehicle power status, and monitoring accessory charging status. Additionally, the allocation of power supplied to the one or more charging stations is managed based on priority requirements as determined per each accessory.

Abstract: A vehicle receives a message for audible output and designation of a specified recipient. The vehicle uses one or more vehicle sensors to detect a location of the specified recipient. Further, the vehicle determines an audible output level projected to be sufficient for the recipient to hear the message at the location, responsive to detecting the location and outputs the message through speakers of the vehicle at the determined audible output level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fleet management for a fleet of vehicles include collecting data associated with the fleet of vehicles including data associated with a plurality of vehicle operations affecting degradation of each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles, determining a composite score associated with the fleet of vehicles based on the collected data, the composite score associated with both an average score for the fleet and a standard deviation score associated with each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles, wherein a higher composite score relates to a slower degradation of the fleet of vehicles, and altering assignment of the plurality of vehicle operations assigned to each vehicle in the fleet of vehicles based on the composite score data to enable a higher composite score by equalizing an average degradation of the fleet of vehicles.

Abstract: A pet bowl is provided that comprises a housing defining a water container, a proximity sensor located proximate to the water container, the proximity sensor having conductive circuitry comprising a first circuit made of a first metal and a second circuit made of a dissimilar second metal, and a controller processing signals received from the proximity sensor, the controller selectively switching the conductive circuitry between a first configuration operating as the proximity sensor to sense water contained in the container and a second configuration operating as a thermocouple to sense temperature proximate to the water container.

Abstract: This disclosure details exemplary portable power systems for vehicles. The portable power systems may be configured as a secondary battery pack that is removably stored within a front trunk of a vehicle. The portable power systems may include a plurality of individually removable battery units that can be used to extend vehicle driving range or power electrically powered devices that are separate from the vehicle. In some embodiments, when the portable power system is stored in the vehicle and an electrically powered device is connected to the portable power system, the vehicle may be controlled in a Following Mode in which the vehicle is autonomously moved to follow an operator of the electrically powered device.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to battery charging management of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In an example method, a processor generates an operational profile for a first BEV among a number of BEVs. The profile may be based on a mileage accumulation pattern, a parking pattern, and/or a battery charging pattern, detected over an information collection period. The mileage accumulation pattern may be based on the use of the first BEV for commuting from a residence to a workplace. The processor determines an availability of a battery charging outlet in a section of a garage of the residence, and based on the operational profile of the first BEV, identifies a period of time for charging a battery of the first BEV in the garage. The processor then issues a directive to park the first BEV in the section of the garage over the identified period of time for charging the battery.