Abstract: A method for construction zone detection is provided. The method includes automatically capturing, via an onboard optical sensor on a vehicle, a plurality of images of a road along a path traveled by the vehicle; transmitting captured images to an off-board datacenter; identifying, by a processor in the vehicle, images that provide evidence of the existence of a construction zone on the road; transmitting, to the datacenter, location data identifying the location of the construction zone; and transmitting, to the datacenter, data identifying the frames of image data that provide evidence of the existence of the construction zone. A mapper can review the location data and the image data to confirm the existence of a construction zone and cause the location of the construction zone to be added to a listing of active construction zones, wherein the listing can be provided to autonomous vehicles.

Abstract: Methods and a system are disclosed for providing autonomous driving system functions. The system includes a controller providing functions for automated user recognition in the autonomous vehicle, at least one environmental sensor configured to scan an environment of the autonomous vehicle and to transmit scan data of the environment to a biometric recognition module of the autonomous vehicle, and a biometric recognition module configured to analyze the scan data of the environment based on a gesture recognition algorithm by using a processor. The gesture recognition algorithm analyzes the scan data of the environment based on at least one biometric feature by using the processor. The at least one biometric feature comprises at least a flagging down gesture and the controller is configured to stop the autonomous vehicle at a position relative to the user and to configure the autonomous vehicle to offer to the user the use of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and a system are disclosed for providing autonomous driving system functions. The system includes a controller providing functions for automated user recognition in the autonomous vehicle, at least one environmental sensor configured to scan an environment of the autonomous vehicle and to transmit scan data of the environment to a biometric recognition module of the autonomous vehicle, and a biometric recognition module configured to analyze the scan data of the environment based on a gesture recognition algorithm by using a processor. The gesture recognition algorithm analyzes the scan data of the environment based on at least one biometric feature by using the processor. The at least one biometric feature comprises at least a flagging down gesture and the controller is configured to stop the autonomous vehicle at a position relative to the user and to configure the autonomous vehicle to offer to the user the use of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle network integrated in an electric vehicle and a display device disposed in the electric vehicle. The display device is communicatively coupled to the vehicle network. The system also includes a computer processor communicatively coupled to the vehicle network and logic executable by the computer processor. The logic is configured to implement a method. The method includes monitoring, over the vehicle network, components relating to a charging function of the electric vehicle and determining from data resulting from the monitoring factors affecting the charging function. The method also includes processing the data to determine an impact of the factors and displaying results of the processing on the display device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle having an automated driving system includes, in response to receiving a drive cycle destination from a user, determining a first route from a current vehicle location to the drive cycle destination and a second route from the current vehicle location to the drive cycle destination. The first route is distinct from the second route. The method additionally includes determining whether a user criterion is satisfied. The method further includes automatically controlling the vehicle to the drive cycle destination according to the first route in response to the user criterion being satisfied, or according to the second route in response to the user criterion not being satisfied.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an on-vehicle battery charger includes estimating a charging efficiency of the battery charger. Upon achieving an indeterminate result related to the estimated charging efficiency of the battery charger, a commanded input power to the battery charger and an electric power at the on-vehicle battery during operation of the battery charger are determined. Flow of electric current through the battery charger is interrupted, and electric power flow from the on-vehicle battery is determined. An active charging efficiency of the battery charger is determined based upon the commanded input power to the battery charger, the electric power at the on-vehicle battery during operation of the battery charger and the monitored electric power flow from the on-vehicle battery when the flow of electric current through the battery charger is interrupted. Charging performance of the battery charger is evaluated based upon the active charging efficiency.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an on-vehicle battery charger includes estimating a charging efficiency of the battery charger. Upon achieving an indeterminate result related to the estimated charging efficiency of the battery charger, a commanded input power to the battery charger and an electric power at the on-vehicle battery during operation of the battery charger are determined. Flow of electric current through the battery charger is interrupted, and electric power flow from the on-vehicle battery is determined. An active charging efficiency of the battery charger is determined based upon the commanded input power to the battery charger, the electric power at the on-vehicle battery during operation of the battery charger and the monitored electric power flow from the on-vehicle battery when the flow of electric current through the battery charger is interrupted. Charging performance of the battery charger is evaluated based upon the active charging efficiency.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle network integrated in an electric vehicle and a display device disposed in the electric vehicle. The display device is communicatively coupled to the vehicle network. The system also includes a computer processor communicatively coupled to the vehicle network and logic executable by the computer processor. The logic is configured to implement a method. The method includes monitoring, over the vehicle network, components relating to a charging function of the electric vehicle and determining from data resulting from the monitoring factors affecting the charging function. The method also includes processing the data to determine an impact of the factors and displaying results of the processing on the display device.

Abstract: A system of remotely distributed machines is provided for paying bills issued by each of several different remote issuers, such as telephone, electricity, gas, and electric utilities. Each machine preferably has its own computer, a bar-code scanner, and means for accepting payments, preferably in cash. A bill is inserted by the user into the bar-code scanner, which reads the identity of the issuer, the amount owed, and the due date for payment, etc. The user deposits payment into the machine, preferably in cash, and the computer in each machine gives credit for payments made, computes the amount of any late penalties, and computes the balance due. The credits are stored in the machine and the information is conveyed to the proper one of the different issuers. The funds are collected regularly from the machines and credited to the accounts of the different issuers in accordance with the issuer identification data and credits stored in the machine.