Abstract: A system and method for vehicle accessibility parking including creating an accessibility profile associated with a vehicle and also creating a profile of the vehicle. Based on the profile of the vehicle and the accessibility profile, one or more parking locations are identified. The method includes a ranking, based on the profile of the vehicle and the accessibility profile, the identified one or more parking locations. The vehicle is then routed to a highest ranking identified one or more parking locations. Once routed, a sensor in the vehicle determines if a biasing of the vehicle in a parking space in the highest ranking identified one or more parking locations is required. Based on the biasing, an adjusting of a target parking position for the vehicle in the parking space is performed.

Abstract: Methods of detecting that a vehicle tracking device is tracking humans includes determining whether the vehicle tracking device has been removed from its linked vehicle; determining whether the vehicle tracking device is being used to track a human; and alerting when determined that the vehicle tracking device is tracking humans. Methods may determine if a weighted score is greater than a threshold and alerting: an owner of the vehicle tracking device; setting off an audio alert on the vehicle tracking device; or notifying authorities. Methods may detect human movement by detecting steep elevation changes; detecting acceleration data consistent human movement; or detecting movement that is not a road. Methods may determine if the vehicle tracking device is with a different vehicle or building by: detecting the different vehicle's hotspot; detecting the building's Wi-Fi; or detecting GPS movement that matches the different vehicle's GPS movement.

Abstract: Presented are automated vehicle systems for provisioning manufacturing mode (MM) for connected vehicles, methods for making/using such systems, and wireless-enabled vehicles with MM functionality. A method of controlling operation of a vehicle includes receiving an MM-install signal indicating the vehicle has reached a predefined assembly line location during vehicle assembly. When at this predefined location, the vehicle is installed with an MM operating mode, which contains a predefined spatial limitation, a preset MM start trigger, and an anti-theft protocol. A controller of the vehicle activates the MM operating mode responsive to detecting the vehicle experiencing the preset MM start trigger while within the predefined spatial limitation.

Abstract: Methods of securing a vehicle, via controller, include monitoring local events; determining whether the vehicle is parked in a dangerous area; and taking corrective action to protect the vehicle. Methods may include determining whether local events have occurred within a prescribed distance and, if the local events have occurred within the prescribed distance, arming the vehicle. Methods may include determining whether valuable items have been left in view and notifying a user of the vehicle if valuable items have been left in view via wireless communications. Methods may include locking vehicle doors and monitoring external and internal data or self-driving the vehicle to a safer area. Furthermore, if the methods determine that a theft is occurring on the vehicle, using nearby self-driving vehicles to block the vehicle in, which may be reached via V2X or a back office asking the nearby vehicles to block the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for providing hearing accessibility for an occupant in a vehicle includes at least one display unit operatively connected to the vehicle. The at least one display unit has multiple sections, including a media screen adapted to display video content and a plurality of text boxes. A controller is in electronic communication with the at least one display unit, the controller being adapted to selectively execute a dictation engine. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The controller is adapted to receive audio input data from a plurality of sources. The controller is adapted to generate respective transcribed data from the audio input data, via the dictation engine. The respective transcribed data is displayed in the plurality of text boxes.

Abstract: A method of operating an autonomous vehicle. The method includes collecting user data regarding a user of the autonomous vehicle and analyzing the user data to assign a pickup score to the user for determining when to relocate the autonomous vehicle from a first parking location. The autonomous vehicle is directed to relocate from the first parking location when the pickup score exceeds a predetermined threshold. A second parking location and a parking position are determined for the autonomous vehicle at a pickup location based on the user data when relocating the autonomous vehicle to pick up the user.

Abstract: A method of selecting a parking spot for an autonomous vehicle. The method includes receiving a parking request to park the autonomous vehicle at a parking infrastructure and determining a parking priority for the autonomous vehicle. A parking space is assigned for the autonomous vehicle from a pool of available parking spaces based on the parking priority determined for the autonomous vehicle. A departure status of the autonomous vehicle is monitored to determine if the autonomous vehicle is leaving the parking space. The parking space is associated with the pool of available parking spaces based on the departure status of the autonomous vehicle changing to leaving the parking space.

Abstract: A system for assisting a vehicle having a trailer includes a drone having at least one sensor adapted to collect sensor data. The drone is selectively attachable to the vehicle. A controller is in communication with the drone. The controller is adapted to selectively execute an assessment mode, an operational mode, and a delivery mode, the operational mode being executed after the assessment mode is completed. The drone is adapted to conduct a set of initial checks during the assessment mode, the drone being adapted to fly around the trailer and/or the vehicle during the assessment mode. The drone is attached to the vehicle during the operational mode. The delivery mode is executed upon arrival of the vehicle at a predefined destination, the drone being adapted to be in flight during the delivery mode.

Abstract: An immersive vehicle driving experience for a driver or occupant of a vehicle. The vehicle driving experience may include controlling a vehicle operating system to provide a challenge created for exposing vehicle occupants to one or more challenging driving conditions. The challenge may include a roadway event, a deteriorated performance event, a complex driving situation, an augmented reality (AR) event, and the like.

Abstract: A method for controlling a telecommunications system of a vehicle, the system including a mobile telecommunications module embedded in the vehicle, includes determining whether the embedded mobile telecommunications module is better able to communicate with a mobile telecommunications network than is a portable mobile telecommunications device located in the vehicle, using one or more criteria. If the embedded mobile telecommunications module is better able to communicate with a mobile telecommunications network than is the portable mobile telecommunications device based on the one or more criteria, a new call is placed with a mobile telecommunications network from the embedded mobile telecommunications module.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicle systems for automating thermal event mitigation for fully or partially enclosed vehicles, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such systems. A method of controlling operation of a vehicle includes a vehicle controller confirming the subject vehicle is parked and, once confirmed, responsively evaluating vehicle data indicating the vehicle is at least partially enclosed in a parking area and, thus, is in a vehicle parked in enclosed space (VPES) state. After determining the vehicle is both parked and in a VPES state, the controller detects a thermal event in a battery cell of the vehicle's battery system. Upon detection of the thermal event, the controller responsively determines path plan data with a designated route for extricating the vehicle from the parking area. The controller then commands the vehicle's autonomous driving system to execute control operations maneuvering the vehicle away from the parking area.

Abstract: An interaction monitoring system for a subject vehicle includes: a spatial monitoring system including a video camera, a microphone, and an audio speaker; a telematics system; a vehicle monitoring system; and a controller. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to periodically determine, via the vehicle monitoring system, operating parameters for the subject vehicle, and detect occurrence of a vehicle stopping event being commanded by a security person. The operating parameters are captured for a predetermined period of time immediately preceding the vehicle stopping event. During the stopping event, the video camera and the microphone monitor an interaction between a vehicle operator and the security person. The interaction between the vehicle operator and the security person is evaluated, and a third-party advisor is engaged based upon the interaction between the vehicle operator and the security person.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicle control systems enabling external control of vehicles using visible or audible cues, methods for making/using such vehicle control systems, and motor vehicles equipped with such control systems. A method of controlling operation of a vehicle includes a vehicle controller receiving a trigger signal indicating the vehicle is in an automatic control trigger state and, responsive to receiving the trigger signal, activating an automatic control mode that enables an entity outside the vehicle to control the vehicle using visible and/or audible cues. The vehicle controller determines if an on-vehicle network of sensing devices detects a visible/audible cue from the external entity; if so, the controller responsively determines if the detected visible/audible cue is a preset valid command.

Abstract: Methods of mapping buildings for first responders, include using a smart device app to identify data related to entrances and exits in the building; storing the data in a centralized location or smart device app; and providing the data from the centralized location to the first responders in emergency situations. The methods may include recognizing patterns of the entrances and exits with the smart device app, the smart device app collects images, such that important objects recognizing in the collected images with the smart device app. A drone may be used to assist in mapping the building and measurements, such that the images collected by the drone are subject to important object recognition. The data to create augmented reality maps that are provided to first responders in emergency situations. Third-party devices may contribute to mapping the building and external factors mapped, including type of access to house, driveway, elevation.

Abstract: A system for obtaining vehicle status data includes a location sensor configured to obtain location data for one or more connected devices in or around the vehicle. The vehicle has a plurality of seats, including at least one seat without an occupant sensor. The location data is obtained based at least partially on radiofrequency waves. A command unit is adapted to receive the location data. The command unit has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is adapted to obtain the vehicle status data in real time based in part on the location data of the one or more connected devices, the vehicle status data including a total number of occupants in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motor vehicle having an electronic control unit (ECU), includes enabling an initial set of vehicle performance limits of the motor vehicle via the ECU in response to a request signal from a computer device. The method includes detecting a current vehicle state of the motor vehicle, including one or more of a location of the motor vehicle, an occupancy state of the motor vehicle, and/or an experience level of a driver thereof, and dynamically adjusting at least one of the performance limits in response to the current vehicle state. A motor vehicle includes one or more road wheels and vehicle components connected to a vehicle body. The ECU includes non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for performing the method.

Abstract: A vehicle has been proposed that is equipped with a processing system coupled to different sensors that may anticipate and mitigate risks leading to vehicle-pedestrian incidents. In some aspects, the processing system identifies, using a plurality of sensors and external vehicle sources over a wireless network, data elements indicating that the vehicle is a potential hazard to a pedestrian. Using the elements, the processing system may determine values of a pedestrian hazard level (PHL) that correspond to successively increasing risks. Where the PHL meets a threshold, the system may employ countermeasures to proactively mitigate the risks of pedestrian incidents.

Abstract: A system for enhanced satellite communication coverage via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The system may include a satellite configured for orbiting Earth, a vehicle configured for ground transportation on Earth, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operable for relaying communication signals between the vehicle and the satellite. The system may be configured for transmitting control instructions to the UAV for controlling aerial positioning of the UAV relative to the vehicle and the satellite. The control instructions may specifying a roll, a pitch, and a yaw for orientating the UAV to point towards the satellite.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent vehicle systems for thermal event mitigation during vehicle towing, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such intelligent control systems. A method of operating a host vehicle includes a resident or remote vehicle controller verifying the host vehicle is an incapacitated state. Responsive to the incapacitation of the host vehicle, the controller detects the host vehicle being towed by a tow vehicle and identifies a wireless-enabled portable computing device (PCD) within a predefined range of the host vehicle. Responsive to the host vehicle being towed, the controller determines if the wireless-enabled PCD is on the tow vehicle while towing the host vehicle. Upon detection of a thermal event in at least one battery cell in the host vehicle's battery system while the host vehicle is being towed, the controller responsively commands a resident vehicle subsystem to execute a control operation to mitigate the thermal event.

Abstract: Securing package delivery via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, robots, etc. is contemplated. The package delivery may include assigning a provenance certificate to a package scheduled for drone delivery, determining a plurality of vehicles to be used in transporting the package to an autonomous receiver, determining credentials assigned to each of the vehicles, pairing the credentials with the package to generate a delivery pairing, the delivery pairing identifying the credentials of the vehicles authorized to transport the package, and transporting the delivery pairing to each of the vehicles to prevent vehicles having certificates omitted from the delivery pairing from transporting the package.