Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Scott P Robison

Scott Louis Frederick

Adam D Holmstrom

Paxton Steven Williams

Christopher M Higgins

Jaime N Moore

Mark Minelli

Yasuyuki Hihara

A method of using detection devices for hazard detection when activating a physical closure member of an automobile generates a combined output signal from a first-detection device having a first-operational range and a second-detection device having a second-operational range. The combined output signal is generated for activity detected within a full-operational range, wherein the full-operational range is a mathematical union of the first-operational range and the second-operational range. A cumulative safety threshold is determined for the physical closure member using processing circuitry. Hazard-related data within the combined output signal is analyzed using processing circuitry. If the hazard-related data exceeds the cumulative safety threshold, a current state of the physical closure member is changed. If the hazard-related data does not exceed the cumulative safety threshold, a current state of the physical closure member is maintained.

Detection devices for hazard detection for automotive closures

A sensor module for a vehicle includes a housing structured to be mounted along a sidewall of a cargo door, and a pressure-sensitive sensor mounted in the housing so as to be extendible from the housing and retractable into the housing. A sensor deployment mechanism is operatively coupled to the sensor and is structured to be operable to extend the sensor from the housing and to retract the sensor into the housing.

Sensor module for vehicle cargo door

System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to assisting in closing a trunk door of a vehicle by leveraging a Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) system in the vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a position of the trunk door, and when the position of the trunk door is an open position, determining whether to activate the HVAC system to reduce air pressure in a trunk of the vehicle, where the trunk and the HVAC system are fluidly connected by an air duct. The method includes, in response to determining to activate the HVAC system to reduce air pressure in the trunk, pumping air out of the trunk through the air duct such that at least some of any increased air pressure caused by a trunk door closure is removed from the trunk. The method includes, when the position of the trunk door has changed from the open position to a closed position, deactivating the HVAC system to stop pumping air out from the trunk.

System and method for reducing air pressure in a vehicle trunk to assist in closing a trunk door

System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to assisting in closing a door of a vehicle by leveraging a Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) system in the vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a position of at least one vehicle door, and when the position of the at least one vehicle door is an open position, determining whether to activate the HVAC system to reduce air pressure in a cabin of the vehicle. The method includes, in response to determining to activate the HVAC system, pumping air out of the cabin such that at least some of any increased air pressure caused by a vehicle door closure is removed from the cabin. The method includes, when the position of the at least one vehicle door has changed from the open position to a closed position, deactivating the HVAC system to stop pumping air out from the cabin.

System and methods for reducing air pressure in a cabin of a vehicle to assist in door closure

A clip release system for a vehicle door includes: a clip including a stem and a clamping portion configured to hold a window; a lock including at least one guide extending from the first axial surface to the second axial surface, the lock being disposed in the stem of the clip; a bolt that rotates between a first position and a second position, is inserted through the hole of the lock in an insertion direction, and biased to move out of the lock in a direction opposite the insertion direction, the bolt including a head at a first end of the bolt, a shaft extending to a second end of the bolt, and at least one locking tab disposed on a surface of the shaft and configured to pass through the at least one guide.

Window clip release system

The present disclosure relates to a method, a system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for cleaning obstructions for the sensors of the autonomous vehicle. The method includes: detecting, via a sensor, obstructions that block the field of views for the sensors; retrieving real-time weather data outside the autonomous vehicle; estimating, based on the real-time weather data, the features of the obstructions; proposing, based on the estimation of the features of the obstructions and, one or more cleaning plans; querying, via a user interface, a selection by a user regarding the proposed cleaning plans; and executing, via a cleaning system for the sensors of the autonomous vehicle, the proposed cleaning plan selected by the user. User interaction may be vehicle-driven or user-driven.

System and method for cleaning obstructions for the sensors of an autonomous vehicle

Systems, apparatus, and methods to remove vehicle sensor debris are disclosed. A disclosed cleaning assembly for a vehicle includes a track coupled to the vehicle. The cleaning assembly also includes an arm adjustably coupled to the track and having a nozzle positioned on the arm. The arm is moveable, via the track, near an exterior surface of the vehicle that is associated with a vehicle sensor. The cleaning assembly also includes a first motor operatively coupled to the arm configured to move the arm along the track relative to debris positioned on the exterior surface. The cleaning assembly also includes a pump fluidly coupled to the nozzle configured to expel the fluid from the nozzle to remove the debris.

Systems, apparatus, and methods to remove vehicle sensor debris

A method and a system for theft prevention from an autonomous vehicle are provided. The method includes acquiring data from one or more sensors associated with the autonomous vehicle and analyzing, using processing circuitry, the data to determine whether one or more exterior systems of the autonomous vehicle are tampered with. An alert is output to an electronic device associated with a user of the vehicle when a whether one or more exterior systems of the autonomous vehicle are tampered with. Further, an alert is output the user that the autonomous vehicle is no longer safe to be operated when at least one of the one or more exterior systems tampered with belongs to a predefined category. Further, a signal is output to the vehicle to control one or more systems of the vehicle when whether one or more exterior systems of the autonomous vehicle are tampered with.

System and method for anti-theft control for autonomous vehicle

A glass cleaning system includes: a housing including at least one peripheral sidewalls being substantially perpendicular relative to a side of a vehicle to which the housing is attached, a cover, and a vision system including at least one sensor and processing circuitry, wherein the vision system is disposed in an interior of the housing, the at least one sensor is communicatively coupled to the processing circuitry, and the vision system is configured to be used with the vehicle to detect surrounding objects and determine distances between said objects and the vehicle; a window mounted as the at least one peripheral sidewall of the housing and configured to tilt towards the interior of the housing into an angled orientation and back; a drain duct disposed in the interior of the housing; and at least one spray nozzle.

Autonomous vehicle glass cleaning system

A cargo assist can help a user in loading, unloading, and/or transporting items in a vehicle. The cargo assist can include a cargo assist arm. A cargo carrier can be operatively connected to the cargo assist arm and can be selectively disconnected therefrom. The cargo assist arm can be selectively movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the cargo assist arm can be located entirely within a cargo space of the vehicle. At least a portion of the cargo assist arm and at least a portion of the cargo carrier can be received within a recess defined within a first lateral side wall of the cargo space. In the deployed position, the cargo carrier and a portion of the cargo assist arm can extend through an access opening to the cargo space and can be located outside of the vehicle.

Vehicle cargo assist

Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a manner of extending the use of originally-equipped automotive vehicle sensors to other types of transportation. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring data from a vehicle-equipped detachable sensor about one or more object in an environment around a non-automotive entity when the vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is mounted to the non-automotive entity. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is capable of sensing a portion of an environment around an automotive vehicle and configured to communicate with a mobile device. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is also structured to be detached from the automotive vehicle and mounted to the non-automotive entity. The method includes determining, based on the acquired data, whether a detected object impinges upon a current travel trajectory of the non-automotive entity. The method also includes, in response to determining the detected object impinges upon the current travel trajectory of the non-automotive entity, outputting at least one notification signal to the mobile device.

Systems and methods for extending detachable automobile sensor capabilities for collision avoidance

Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a manner of extending the use of originally-equipped automotive vehicle sensors to environmental mapping. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring sensor data from a vehicle-equipped detachable sensor of an environment around a non-automotive entity when the vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is mounted to the non-automotive entity. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is capable of sensing a portion of an environment around an automotive vehicle and configured to communicate with a computing device. The vehicle-equipped detachable sensor is also structured to be detached from the automotive vehicle and mounted to the non-automotive entity. Further, the method includes receiving a mapping request from the computing device. The method also includes, in response to the mapping request, building a map, from the acquired sensor data, of an area traveled by the non-automotive entity.

Systems and methods for extending detachable automobile sensor capabilities for environmental mapping

A retractable roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening to a compartment that extends below the surface of the vehicle roof and a retractable cover assembly that encloses sensor devices. The retractable cover assembly includes a top panel having a peripheral size and shape that matches the roof opening to the compartment. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle when the retractable roof cover is in the raised position. The height of the top panel in the raised position above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras. When the retractable cover assembly is retracted into the compartment, the top panel is flush with the surrounding roof panel of the vehicle.

Retractable autonomous roof panel

Various arrangements for providing a guided tour are described herein. Generally, the guided tour system determines the location of location sensor(s) along a guided tour. When the location sensor(s) are located at a transition location along a guided tour, the guided tour system selects an active Input/Output (I/O) system for a subsequent segment of the guided tour. The active I/O system is used to render prompts associated with POIs along the guided tour.

Electronically provided guided tours

A modular system is provided for a multi-purpose accessory configured to selectively operate as a brush guard, a cabin protector, and a tailgate extender for a vehicle. The system includes a first mounting structure connected to a front frame of the vehicle. A second mounting structure is connected to a cabin portion of the vehicle, and a third mounting structure is connected to a tailgate of the vehicle. A multi-purpose accessory is provided including a main body portion and at least one attachment member extending from the main body portion. The attachment member is configured to alternately be received by the first mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a brush guard; the second mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a cabin protector; and the third mounting structure, wherein the multi-purpose accessory serves as a tailgate extender.

Growing community of inventors

Dexter, MI, United States of America

Scott P Robison