Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive radar data from an ultrawideband radar in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, determine a starting-time for a time-window based on a second derivative of the radar data, identify a motion inside the passenger compartment based on the radar data received during the time-window, and actuate a component of the vehicle based on the identification of the motion.

Abstract: A system communicatively coupled with a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a detection unit configured to measure sound emitted by an object, and a processor communicatively coupled with the detection unit. The processor may be configured to obtain inputs from the detection unit, and detect object presence in proximity to the first vehicle based on the inputs. The processor may be further configured to estimate at least one of an object position or an object direction relative to the first vehicle responsive to detecting the presence of the object, and control a vehicle component operation based on the estimation of at least one of the object position or the object direction. The system may be a part of the vehicle or may be part of a user device communicatively coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive range data from a range sensor of a vehicle, detect a person in proximity to the vehicle based on the range data, activate a camera of the vehicle upon detecting the person, set a parameter of one of the camera or a facial recognition algorithm based on the range data of the person, and perform the facial recognition algorithm on the person using data from the camera.

Abstract: A hideable security key for a vehicle comprises a protective body which receives a fastening member configured to hold the hideable security key to an externally-accessible surface of the vehicle. A near-field communication (NFC) antenna is disposed in the protective body. An NFC controller is disposed in the protective body and is configured to drive a security key signal to the NFC antenna. A set of code entry elements are supported on the protective body adapted for manipulation by a user to input a predetermined passcode. The NFC controller is inhibited from driving the security key signal to the NFC antenna unless the user first inputs the predetermined passcode.

Abstract: Surface penetrating radar interrogates a region adjacent a pathway of the vehicle in response to activation by a user. An object detection system which is responsive to the radar transceiver is configured to recognize one or more spatial signatures of one or more detected objects in the region. A controller coupled to the radar transceiver and the object detection system is configured to (i) compare a respective spatial signature of at least one of the detected objects to a plurality of predetermined target signatures to detect an infrastructure asset, (ii) assess a perimeter around the detected infrastructure asset to estimate a severity of an obstruction blocking the infrastructure asset, and (iii) convey an alert message to the user when the estimated severity is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: A Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) method is described. The method includes obtaining, via a BLE receiver of a key fob, a first BLE wakeup signal from a vehicle. In response to obtaining the first wakeup signal, the method includes activating a BLE transceiver of the key fob. Upon activation of the BLE transceiver, the method includes activating a UWB transceiver of the key fob via the BLE transceiver. When the UWB transceiver is activated, the method includes receiving a challenge signal from the vehicle via the UWB transceiver. Upon receiving the challenge signal, the method includes transmitting a response to the challenge signal via the UWB transceiver. Based on the response to the challenge signal, the method includes receiving a success signal from the vehicle. Upon receiving the success signal, the method includes deactivating BLE transceiver and the UWB transceiver.

Abstract: A device localization system for a vehicle and a mobile device configured as a Phone-as-a-Key (PaaK) is described. The system includes a fob-free mode for performing remote control vehicle features using a selective mobile device localization technique that reduces motive functionality of the vehicle, based location of a user performing the vehicle control during the remote-control operation. The system determines a geographic position of a user using a single Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) antenna, and establishes establish a high-fidelity zone based on a change in mobile device position. The system reduces a motive functionality of the vehicle, based on the selective mobile device localization, from a first motive mode having a full motive functionality to a second motive mode responsive to determining that the mobile device is not present in the high-fidelity zone.

Abstract: A motor vehicle provides wireless charging to a mobile wireless device outside of the vehicle. After a request by a person outside the vehicle, a wireless power transmitter initiates remote charging of the mobile wireless device. A vehicle controller is configured to respond to the charging request by (A) attempting one or more times to communicate with the mobile wireless device until a link is established, (B) before the link is established then activating the wireless power transmitter to remotely charge the mobile wireless device, (C) when the link is established then determining whether the mobile wireless device corresponds to a pre-established communal group, and (D) deactivating the wireless power transmitter when the mobile wireless device does not correspond to a pre-established communal group. Consequently, the power reserve in a vehicle battery is protected against depletion.

Abstract: In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a method including detecting, by a vehicle system, a portable computing device within a first communication area, and detecting, by the vehicle system, that the portable computing device is within a second communication area less than the first communication area using a first position classifier configured to estimate whether the portable computing device is at a vehicle having the vehicle system. The method further includes establishing, by the vehicle system, a wireless communication link with the portable computing device to play audio content from the portable computing device using an infotainment system of the vehicle in response to the portable computing device being detected within the second communication area using the first position classifier.

Abstract: An example system can include a computer having a processor coupled to a memory, the memory can store instructions executable by the processor to process a received Doppler radar signal to extract a feature that represents a characteristic of a moving object. Responsive to determining that the moving object excludes an authorized user based on the extracted feature, the computer can actuate a camera sensor.

Abstract: A system communicatively coupled with a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a detection unit configured to measure sound in proximity to a vehicle tire, and a processor communicatively coupled with the detection unit. The processor may be configured to obtain inputs from the detection unit, and identify a slow leakage in the vehicle tire based on the inputs. The processor may be further configured to output a notification responsive to a slow leakage identification. The system may be a part of the vehicle or may be part of a user device communicatively coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for use of a vehicle to conduct a site survey. An example method can include receiving navigation guidance to move a vehicle along a pre-defined path on a property for executing a site survey operation of the property. The site survey operation can include a staking procedure performed by a robotic arm attached to the vehicle, an image capture procedure performed by use of a camera in the vehicle, and/or a subterranean scanning procedure for detecting a buried object. In an example implementation, the staking procedure can include inserting at a first location on the property, a stake having affixed thereon, a barcode label. A barcode scanner can be used to read the barcode label for obtaining information associated with an object present at the first location.

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

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 including an ultra-wide band (UWB) transceiver is disclosed. The UWB transceiver may be configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. The UWB transceiver may be configured to perform phone-as-a-key (PaaK) localization in the first mode and radar sensing in the second mode. The vehicle may further include a processor configured to activate the UWB transceiver in the first mode. The processor may receive a trigger signal to switch the UWB transceiver from the first mode to the second mode. Responsive to receiving the trigger signal, the processor may cause the UWB transceiver to transmit a radar pulse signal and receive a radar response signal reflected from a target located inside the vehicle. Based on the response signal, the processor may determine a sitting area profile and an occupant presence on a sitting area, and perform sitting area adjustment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one wheel that drives a tire to move the vehicle along a support. The vehicle includes a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver that transmits an RF signal toward the support and measures a reflected signal. The vehicle includes a drive unit that drives rotation of the at least one wheel. The vehicle includes control circuitry in communication with the RF transceiver and the drive unit. The control circuitry is configured to estimate a moisture condition of the support based on the reflected signal, determine a level of friction between the tire and the support based on the moisture condition, and communicate an output to adjust force between the tire and the support in response to the level of friction.

Abstract: A detection system for a vehicle includes at least one time-of-flight sensor configured to capture positional information about a contour of a towable device outside the vehicle. The detection system further includes control circuitry in communication with the at least one time-of-flight sensor. The control circuitry is configured to calculate a tilt of the contour based on the positional information about the contour. The control circuitry is further configured to compare the tilt to a threshold angle for the contour. The control circuitry is further configured to determine at least one stability condition of the towable device based on the comparison of the tilt to the threshold angle. The control circuitry is further configured to generate an output in response to determining the at least one stability condition.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of RADAR modules arranged at a common side of a plurality of sides of the vehicle and configured to detect an obstruction in a region exterior to the vehicle. A first RADAR module is on a left portion of the common side and has a first field of view. A second RADAR module is on a right portion of the common side and has a second field of view. A third RADAR module is between the first and second RADAR modules and is spaced from the first RADAR module by a first distance and spaced from the second RADAR module by a second distance. The third RADAR module has a third field of view at least partially overlapping each of the first and second fields of view. Control circuitry triangulates a position of the obstruction between a pair of the plurality of RADAR modules.

Abstract: A detection system for a vehicle includes at least one time-of-flight device configured to capture positional information about cargo in the vehicle and an obstruction outside the vehicle. Control circuitry is in communication with the at least one time-of-flight device. The control circuitry is configured to determine a location of the obstruction relative to a rear of the vehicle, calculate a length of at least one overhang of the cargo based on the positional information, estimate a lateral position of the at least one overhang based on the positional information, determine at least one endpoint of the cargo based on the lateral position and the length, determine at least one potential contact point between the cargo and the obstruction based on the location and the at least one endpoint, and generate an output based on the at least one potential contact point.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment having a side and an upper wall extending from the side in an upper plan. The vehicle further includes an extension extending from the side of the passenger compartment to an end that extends in an end plane. The vehicle further includes at least one time-of-flight sensor configured to capture positional information about an obstruction outside the vehicle. The vehicle further includes control circuitry in communication with the at least one time-of-flight sensor. The control circuitry is configured to define a space above the extension between the side, the upper plane, and the end plane. The control circuitry is further configured to calculate, based on the positional information, an available position for the vehicle having the obstruction in the space. The control circuitry is further configured to generate an output in response to the available position.