Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a first closure panel of the vehicle operable between open and closed positions, a second closure panel of the vehicle operable between open and closed positions, at least one sensor that is coupled to the first closure panel and that detects precipitation, and a controller that prompts movement of the first closure panel from a first open position to a second open position based on the detected precipitation.

Abstract: A plurality of vehicle charging stations and a plurality of stationary sensors with respective fields of view can be disposed within an area. A stationary node computer including a first processor and a first memory and communicatively can be coupled to the charging station and the stationary sensors, the first memory storing instructions executable by the first processor such that the stationary computer is programmed to authorize a request from a vehicle to access the charging station; identify an object, detected in the area in data from one or more of the stationary sensors, to be tracked with respect to the vehicle; wherein the object to be tracked with respect to the vehicle is identified based on a type of the object, an attribute of the object and an attribute of the vehicle; and transmit data about the object to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a steering wheel assembly having a steering wheel, a console having a housing with a wall configured with a tray storage region, and a tray configured to be stored in the tray storage region in the console in the stowed position, where the tray is configured to be operatively coupled to the steering wheel in a deployed position.

Abstract: A vehicle having an air compressor, an air storage tank and a sensor is disclosed. The air compressor may supply compressed air to the air storage tank, and the air storage tank may supply the compressed air to an external tool. The sensor may be configured to receive information associated with the external tool and send the information to a vehicle processor. The processor may determine tool specification and expected tool usage characteristics based on the information associated with the external tool. The processor may further calculate a target pressure of compressed air in the air storage tank based on the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristics. Furthermore, the processor may cause air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the target pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method to control operation of an air compressor of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled with each other. The transceiver may be configured to receive vehicle information from a vehicle control unit. The vehicle information may include a vehicle type and real-time vehicle operational parameters. The processor may obtain the vehicle information from the transceiver and determine that a predefined condition may be met based on the vehicle type and the real-time vehicle operational parameters. The processor may further control an air compressor operation based on the vehicle type and the real-time vehicle operational parameters, responsive to determining that the predefined condition may be met.

Abstract: An automated projector image optimization (APIO) system for a vehicle having a control system is provided. The APIO system includes a projector configured to display an image, a processor configured to be electrically connected to the control system, and a memory having instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including receiving a user input corresponding to a display surface, determining a preferred orientation of the projector relative to the display surface, and employing the control system to move the vehicle so that the projector is in the preferred orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to monitor animals in a garage and perform remedial actions is disclosed. The vehicle may include a sensor configured to detect a presence of an animal in a garage interior portion and a garage exterior portion. The vehicle may further include a processor configured to obtain inputs from the sensor. Based on the inputs obtained from the sensor, the processor may determine that the animal may be approaching the garage interior portion or may be present in the garage interior portion. The processor may be further configured to perform a first action when the animal may be approaching the garage interior portion and a second action when the animal may be present in the garage interior portion.

Abstract: A system can include a computer coupled to a memory storing instructions to determine an upcoming interval for operating a sensor at a planned destination and to determine an upcoming duration for travel to the planned destination. In response to determining that a battery coupled to the sensor includes a state-of-charge (SOC) that is insufficient to operate the sensor for the upcoming interval, programming of the computer can schedule a charge interval during vehicle travel to the planned destination and actuate the battery charging according to the scheduled charge interval during the vehicle travel.

Abstract: An event detection system is for a vehicle. The system includes a processor, a sensor suite electrically connected to the processor, and a memory. The memory has instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the operations including receive an ON command, and receive data from the sensor suite. The data is indicative of the event, and the event includes the planting of unknown cargo on the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for guiding an individual to an electrical power outlet in a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of an electrical power outlet controller in a vehicle includes determining that an individual is seeking an electrical power outlet provided on the vehicle, selecting a first electrical power outlet from a plurality of electrical power outlets provided on the vehicle, and providing location information of the first electrical power outlet. The location information may be provided in various forms such as in the form of an audio signal (a beeping sound produced by a beeper, for example), a visual indication (a light source illuminating the electrical power outlet, for example) an audible instruction (navigation assistance provided via a speaker, for example), a graphical indication (navigation assistance via a personal device), and/or a text message (navigation assistance via a personal device).

Abstract: This disclosure details two toned door handles for vehicle doors. An exemplary two toned door handle may include a non-metallized portion and a metallized portion. The metallized portion may include a metallic layer that is transparent to signals sent and received by an antenna module packaged inside the two toned door handle. Exemplary methods for cost-effectively manufacturing the two toned door handle are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for a ground-penetrating tailgate sensor system. An example method may include transmitting, using an ultra-wideband transceiver disposed of in a tailgate of a vehicle, a signal towards an underground location below the tailgate. The example method may also include receiving, based on the tailgate being in a closed position and using the ultra-wideband transceiver, a return signal from an object located above the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system may include a sensor network operably coupled to suspension components of the vehicle and a controller operably coupled to the sensor network to determine a suspension event and vehicle speed, initiation angle and duration time associated with the suspension event. The controller further determines a vertical and/or horizontal component of the distance traveled during the suspension event based on the vehicle speed, initiation angle and duration time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for supplying electrical power from a vehicle to an external accessory are described. In one example, two different voltages may be applied at different times to a connector so that the external accessory device need not include a battery. In particular, a first voltage may power a main load of the external accessory and a second voltage may power a microcontroller that communicates with the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in collective zone lighting includes a wireless transceiver and a controller. The controller is configured to create a group of vehicles using wireless messaging, via the wireless transceiver, between the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and instruct the group of vehicles to collectively light an area using exterior lights of a plurality of the group of vehicles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coordinating and controlling power flow during bidirectional energy transfer events between an electrified vehicle and one or more charging trailers. The systems and methods may prioritize energy transfers between each connected energy based on a charge priority selection that may be manually input by a user of the system. Charge energy may be transferred to the appropriate energy unit using such a manual approach to meet customer needs with varying levels of priority according to an energy transfer prioritization control strategy that is derived from various inputs that are considered.

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: A system for braking a host vehicle. A memory storing instructions executable by a processor includes instructions to actuate friction brakes in the host vehicle when a brake condition occurs. The brake condition includes that the host vehicle is parked on a roadway, a person is located exterior to the host vehicle, and an approaching vehicle will come within a distance threshold of the host vehicle.

Abstract: An inductive connection system includes a baseplate that provides an attachment interface on a support surface. The baseplate is configured to engage with at least one accessory via the attachment interface to secure the accessory to the support surface. The attachment interface provides a plurality of different mounting positions for the at least one accessory. At least one puck is selectively coupled to the attachment interface to provide a desired one of the plurality of different mounting positions.