Abstract: Examples described herein provide a computer-implemented method that includes receiving first data from a sensor of a vehicle. The method further includes determining, by a processing device, whether an incident external to the vehicle has occurred by processing the first data using a machine learning model. The method further includes, responsive to determining that an incident external to the vehicle has occurred, initiating recording of second data by the sensor. The method further includes, responsive to determining that an incident external to the vehicle has occurred, taking an action to control the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicles and related systems and methods are provided for classifying detected objects in a location-dependent manner using localized models in a federated learning environment. A method involves obtaining sensor data for a detected object external to the vehicle from a sensor of a vehicle, obtaining location data associated with the detected object, obtaining a local classification model associated with an object type, assigning the object type to the detected object based on an output by the local classification model as a function of the sensor data and the location data using the local classification model, and initiating an action at the vehicle responsive to assigning the object type to the detected object.

Abstract: Vehicles and related systems and methods are provided for classifying detected objects in a location-dependent manner using localized models in a federated learning environment. A method involves obtaining sensor data for a detected object external to the vehicle from a sensor of a vehicle, obtaining location data associated with the detected object, obtaining a local classification model associated with an object type, assigning the object type to the detected object based on an output by the local classification model as a function of the sensor data and the location data using the local classification model, and initiating an action at the vehicle responsive to assigning the object type to the detected object.

Abstract: Examples described herein provide a computer-implemented method that includes receiving first data from a sensor of a vehicle. The method further includes determining, by a processing device, whether an incident external to the vehicle has occurred by processing the first data using a machine learning model. The method further includes, responsive to determining that an incident external to the vehicle has occurred, initiating recording of second data by the sensor. The method further includes, responsive to determining that an incident external to the vehicle has occurred, taking an action to control the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighting system is employed in a motor vehicle that includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The vehicle also includes a second vehicle body end opposing the first vehicle body end, and an aerodynamic-element having an aerodynamic-element body mounted to the second vehicle body end and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The lighting system includes a light source mounted to the vehicle body and configured to direct at least one beam of light at the aerodynamic-element body. The lighting system also includes a light-reflecting feature arranged on the aerodynamic-element body and having an orientation configured to reflect the at least one beam of light along the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the first vehicle body end.

Abstract: A roof-mounted energy absorbing countermeasure system for use in a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system may include an impact detection module configured to detect whether a vehicle has experienced an impact and generate an impact detection signal in response thereto. The system may also include a countermeasure disposed between an outer roof panel of the vehicle and an inner roof panel of the vehicle. The outer roof panel and the inner roof panel may be separated by a first distance in a pre-impact state. The countermeasure may be configured to deploy, in response to generation of the impact detection signal, so as to cause at least a portion of the outer roof panel and at least a portion of the inner roof panel to be separated by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A vehicle communications system and associated method that provide location-based pairing schemes for vehicles and mobile devices. One or more pairing sites may be located at discrete locations within the interior of the vehicle and may facilitate pairing of a mobile device that is in a prescribed range of the pairing site. A proximity sensor associated with the pairing site may be used to determine the position of the mobile device relative to the prescribed range. Each pairing site may have customizable rules and preferences that control how and what information is pushed from the mobile device to one or more vehicle user interfaces.

Abstract: A roof-mounted energy absorbing countermeasure system for use in a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system may include an impact detection module configured to detect whether a vehicle has experienced an impact and generate an impact detection signal in response thereto. The system may also include a countermeasure disposed between an outer roof panel of the vehicle and an inner roof panel of the vehicle. The outer roof panel and the inner roof panel may be separated by a first distance in a pre-impact state. The countermeasure may eb configured to deploy, in response to generation of the impact detection signal, so as to cause at least a portion of the outer roof panel and at least a portion of the inner roof panel to be separated by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An adaptive instrument cluster for a vehicle actively repositions during driving so that at least one or more depicted instruments remain viewable at most steering wheel angles. The instrument cluster may include an electronic display on which one or more instruments are depicted during vehicle operation. An instrument cluster controller receives data representative of the steering wheel angle, and responsive thereto repositions the represented instruments on the electronic display so that at least one instrument remains viewable within an opening formed within the steering wheel.

Abstract: A lighting system is employed in a motor vehicle that includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The vehicle also includes a second vehicle body end opposing the first vehicle body end, and an aerodynamic-element having an aerodynamic-element body mounted to the second vehicle body end and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The lighting system includes a light source mounted to the vehicle body and configured to direct at least one beam of light at the aerodynamic-element body. The lighting system also includes a light-reflecting feature arranged on the aerodynamic-element body and having an orientation configured to reflect the at least one beam of light along the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the first vehicle body end.

Abstract: An adaptive instrument cluster for a vehicle actively repositions during driving so that at least one or more depicted instruments remain viewable at most steering wheel angles. The instrument cluster may include an electronic display on which one or more instruments are depicted during vehicle operation. An instrument cluster controller receives data representative of the steering wheel angle, and responsive thereto repositions the represented instruments on the electronic display so that at least one instrument remains viewable within an opening formed within the steering wheel.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a stem attached to a mirror head. The stem includes a first portion directly attached to the mirror head. The first portion includes a catch. The second portion is attached to a support structure, and includes a retention portion. The catch of the first portion is engaged with the retention portion of the second portion for supporting the first portion and the mirror head relative to the second portion. Once the first portion is supported by the interaction between the catch and the retention portion, fasteners may be installed to fixedly attach the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: A system for controlling a sound level of a prime mover permitted to emanate from or within a vehicle includes a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver operable for receiving a GPS signal and a sound control device. The sound control device is operable for increasing or decreasing a sound level of the prime mover in response to a control signal. A controller in communication with the GPS receiver includes a calendar and clock, and is programmed to execute a method, including receiving the GPS signal via the GPS receiver, and determining an actual location of the vehicle using the GPS signal. The controller also determines an actual date and time of day using the calendar and the clock, respectively, and transmits the control signal to the sound control device to increase or decrease the sound level using at least one of the actual location, date, and time of day.

Abstract: A system for controlling a sound level of a prime mover permitted to emanate from or within a vehicle includes a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver operable for receiving a GPS signal and a sound control device. The sound control device is operable for increasing or decreasing a sound level of the prime mover in response to a control signal. A controller in communication with the GPS receiver includes a calendar and clock, and is programmed to execute a method, including receiving the GPS signal via the GPS receiver, and determining an actual location of the vehicle using the GPS signal. The controller also determines an actual date and time of day using the calendar and the clock, respectively, and transmits the control signal to the sound control device to increase or decrease the sound level using at least one of the actual location, date, and time of day.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling headlight systems of vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle comprises a headlight system, a processor, and a sensor unit. The processor is configured to at least facilitate transmitting one or more light images with an identifiable characteristic from the vehicle via the headlight system. The sensor unit is configured to receive one or more light images. The processor is further configured to at least facilitate determining whether one or more received light images have the identifiable characteristic, and taking an action based at least on part on whether the one or more received light images have the identifiable characteristic.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a stem attached to a mirror head. The stem includes a first portion directly attached to the mirror head. The first portion includes a catch. The second portion is attached to a support structure, and includes a retention portion. The catch of the first portion is engaged with the retention portion of the second portion for supporting the first portion and the mirror head relative to the second portion. Once the first portion is supported by the interaction between the catch and the retention portion, fasteners may be installed to fixedly attach the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of images associated with a motor vehicle is provided. The method identifies an object in the plurality of images; determines whether the object is located in the background of the plurality of images; and when the object is located in the background of the plurality of images, filters the object from a presentation of the plurality of images.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling headlight systems of vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle comprises a headlight system, a processor, and a sensor unit. The processor is configured to at least facilitate transmitting one or more light images with an identifiable characteristic from the vehicle via the headlight system. The sensor unit is configured to receive one or more light images. The processor is further configured to at least facilitate determining whether one or more received light images have the identifiable characteristic, and taking an action based at least on part on whether the one or more received light images have the identifiable characteristic.

Abstract: A removable roof panel for a vehicle body having a compartment includes an outer panel, a perimeter frame connected to the outer panel and having a first locator feature configured to engage a second locator feature of the compartment, and latching handles operatively connected to the perimeter frame, and operable for latching and unlatching the perimeter frame from the vehicle body. The roof panel includes a lamp connected to the perimeter frame proximate the first locator feature, a battery electrically connectable to and operable for energizing the lamp, and a lamp actuator. The lamp actuator is configured to selectively connect the lamp to the battery when the removable roof panel is removed from the vehicle body to thereby illuminate the first and second locator features during stowing of the removable roof panel in the compartment. A vehicle includes the vehicle body and the removable roof panel.

Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of images associated with a motor vehicle is provided. The method identifies an object in the plurality of images; determines whether the object is located in the background of the plurality of images; and when the object is located in the background of the plurality of images, filters the object from a presentation of the plurality of images.