Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Nathaniel W Hart

Adam L Wright

Tzvi Philipp

Robert D Sims, Iii

Michelle M Clem

Russell A Patenaude

Anthony L Smith

Matthew Edward Gilbert-Eyres

Hao Yu

David A Craig

Brian J Hufnagel

Leon N Avlas

Methods and systems are provided for road condition classification that include one or more sensors configured to obtain sensor data pertaining to operation of a vehicle along a roadway by a human; and one or more processors that are coupled to the one or more sensors and that are configured to at least facilitate analyzing the sensor data as to one or more threshold values pertaining to the operation of the vehicle; and identifying one or more conditions of the roadway, based on the analyzing of the sensor data. Further, learned input is provided to the vehicle control system to operate with lane position behavior similar to a human driven vehicle.

Pothole and road condition classication using human driven telemetry

Methods and systems are provided that include sensors and a processor of a vehicle that is configured to tow a trailer. The sensors are configured to obtain sensor data pertaining to surroundings of the trailer. The processor is coupled to the sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate retrieving information as to a profile of the trailer, the profile including required clearances for the trailer based on extensions of the trailer that are configured to be retracted while the trailer is moving and fully extended when the trailer is parked and the extensions are utilized; determining whether any obstacles are in a path of the trailer when the extensions are fully extended, based on the sensor data and the profile; and taking an action, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor, when obstacles are in the path of the trailer.

Methods and systems for parking trailers towed by vehicle utilizing vehicle sensors and based on a profile and required clearances for the trailer

A sensor diagnostic system includes a first sensor configured to receive a reflected signal that corresponds to a portion of a transmitted signal transmitted from a second sensor and reflected from a surface, a wavelength determination module configured to determine a first wavelength of the reflected signal that is indicative of a second wavelength of the transmitted signal, a wavelength shift detection module configured to determine a shift in at least one of the first wavelength and the second wavelength, and a sensor health analysis module configured to perform diagnostics on the second sensor based on the determined shift.

LIDAR laser health diagnostic

Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by the controller, first return data detected by a first detector of a lidar device as a result of a first laser pulse or chirp; receiving, by the controller, second return data detected by a second detector of the lidar device as a result of a second laser pulse or chirp; combining, by the controller, the first return data and the second return data to form a point cloud; and controlling, by the controller, the vehicle based on the point cloud.

High dynamic range lidar

Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: initiating, by a controller onboard the vehicle, a first laser pulse from a first laser device; initiating, by a controller onboard the vehicle, a second laser pulse from a second laser device, wherein the initiating the second laser pulse is based on a phase shift angle; receiving, by the controller onboard the vehicle, first return data and second return data as a result of the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse; interleaving, by the controller onboard the vehicle, the first return pulse and the second return pulse to form a point cloud; and controlling, by the controller onboard the vehicle, the vehicle based on the point cloud.

Dynamic lidar alignment

A system including a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor is arranged to monitor a field of view, and includes a LiDAR sensor and a linear resonant actuator. The LiDAR sensor includes a first portion including a laser array and a detector array, and a second portion including a transmitting lens and a receiving lens. The linear resonant actuator is arranged to oscillate one of the first portion or the second portion of the LiDAR sensor.

LiDAR system

A vehicle trim assembly includes a first trim component having an interior facing surface and an exterior facing surface, the first trim component including an extended portion, a second trim component including an edge defining a groove configured to engage with the extended portion of the first trim component, and a single chip sensor overmolded with the second trim component such that the single chip sensor is integrated into the second trim component. The single chip sensor is formed with the second trim component in a multi-shot injection molding process.

Component with integrated sensor chip

A sensor lens cleaning system for a cylindrical sensor having a sensor lens surface includes an extended member having a first end coupled to the cylindrical sensor and a second end opposite the first end, a nozzle coupled to the second end of the extended member, an actuator coupled to the extended member and configured to control the extended member, and a controller in electronic communication with the actuator and configured to communicate an actuator control signal to the actuator. The nozzle generates an air stream directed at the sensor lens surface.

Sensor cleaning system

Systems and methods in a vehicle involve transmitting light with an initial polarization from a lidar system, and controlling an external compensator, external to the lidar system, or an internal compensator within the lidar system to change the initial polarization of the light to a new polarization of the light. The method also includes receiving reflected light resulting from reflection of the light from one or more objects, and obtaining information about the one or more objects based on the reflected light.

Dynamic polarization modulation of a lidar system in a vehicle

A tool for applying a protective film to a lens of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor is disclosed. The tool includes at least one cover, a film spindle, a film roller, and a pivot bar. The at least one cover has an elongated shape with a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. The film spindle is mounted to the at least one cover adjacent to the second end thereof. The film spindle is configured to hold a roll of the protective film. The film roller is mounted to the at least one cover adjacent to the first end thereof. The film roller is configured to apply the protective film onto the lens. The pivot bar has a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the LIDAR sensor and a second end pivotally attached to the at least one cover.

Tool for applying a protective film to a lens of a LIDAR sensor

A vehicle trim assembly includes a trim component having an interior facing surface and an exterior facing surface opposite the interior facing surface, a lens assembly overmolded into the trim component, the lens assembly including an optical surface positioned adjacent to the exterior facing surface of the trim component, and a sensor module including a sensor housing enclosing a sensor, the sensor module joined to the trim component and the lens assembly.

Overmolded trim component with integrated sensor lens assembly

The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for object detection in a location obscured from a camera field of view in a motor vehicle. In particular, the system is operative to illuminate a FOV from a low angle using a light source, capture an image of the FOV from a high angle and to detect a shadow within the image indicative of an object being illuminated by the light source.

Growing community of inventors

Beverly Hills, MI, United States of America

Nathaniel W Hart