Patent Publication Number: US-2022227356-A1

Title: Vehicle cargo management systems

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to motor vehicles, and more particularly to vehicle cargo management systems capable of monitoring the regulatory compliance of cargo positioned on the vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Motor vehicles typically include cargo spaces for transporting various types of cargo. Various regulations may establish limits on the distance that cargo can extend beyond the perimeter of the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     A cargo management system for a vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensor system adapted to detect an item of cargo located on the vehicle, and a control module in electronic communication with the sensor system and configured to estimate a distance the item of cargo extends beyond a perimeter of the vehicle and compare the estimated distance with a cargo-related regulation to confirm compliance of the item of cargo with the cargo-related regulation. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing cargo management system, the sensor system includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of cameras. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing cargo management systems, the sensor system includes at least one of a front camera, a rear camera, a side camera, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, or combinations thereof. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, the sensor system includes a lamp assembly including a radar sensor and a camera. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, the lamp assembly is a center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, a telecommunications module is adapted to achieve bidirectional communication with a server system having a data repository for storing the cargo-related regulation. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, a global positioning system (GPS) is configured to detect a location of the vehicle. The control module is configured to determine whether the cargo-related regulation is relevant to the vehicle based on the location. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, the control module is configured to detect a positional change of the item of cargo during motion and/or stopping of the vehicle. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, the control module is configured to command an alert in response to detecting the positional change of the item of cargo. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, a cargo tagging device is secured to the item of cargo and includes a wireless device that is detectable by the control module. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, the control module is configured to command an alert when the item of cargo is non-compliant with the cargo-related regulation. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing cargo management systems, the alert is an audible alert, a message displayed on a human machine interface of the vehicle, a message displayed on a personal electronic device of an operator of the vehicle, or a message displayed on a computer of an administrator of the vehicle. 
     A method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, estimating, via a control module of a vehicle cargo management system, a distance an item of cargo extends beyond a perimeter of a vehicle, and comparing, via the control module, the distance the item of cargo extends beyond the perimeter of the vehicle with a cargo-related regulation. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the method includes notifying an operator associated with the vehicle when the item of cargo is non-compliant with the cargo-related regulation. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing methods, the estimating includes receiving, at the control module, a sensor input from a sensor system of the cargo management system. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the sensor input includes an image of the item of cargo captured by a camera. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the sensor input includes data concerning the item of cargo captured by a radar sensor. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes monitoring for a positional change of the item of cargo during operation of the vehicle. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes notifying an operator associated with the vehicle in response to detecting the positional change of the item of cargo. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the estimating includes communicating with a cargo tagging device of the item of cargo in order to detect the item of cargo. 
     The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. 
     The various features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a motor vehicle equipped with a cargo space for storing and hauling cargo. 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates an exemplary vehicle cargo management system for monitoring cargo positioned on a vehicle. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary lamp assembly of the cargo management system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cargo tagging device for use with a vehicle cargo management system. 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates a method for monitoring the regulatory compliance of cargo positioned on a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure details cargo management systems for monitoring the regulatory compliance of cargo positioned on a vehicle. Exemplary cargo management systems may be configured to estimate a distance an item of cargo extends beyond a perimeter of the vehicle and then compare the estimated distance with a cargo-related regulation to confirm compliance of the item of cargo with the cargo-related regulation. The cargo management system may further be configured to detect positional changes of the item of cargo to ensure continued compliance of the item of cargo with the cargo-related regulation during vehicle operation. The cargo management system may issue an alert when the item of cargo is determined to be non-compliant with the cargo-related regulation or when the item of cargo shifts during vehicle operation or is moved by a user or occupant of the vehicle. These and other features of this disclosure are described in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a motor vehicle  10  that includes a cargo space  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle  10  is a pickup truck. While a pickup truck is specifically pictured and referenced herein, other vehicles could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure. For example, the exemplary cargo management systems described in this disclosure could be used to monitor cargo positioned on or within a sport utility vehicle, a sedan, a van, or any other type of vehicle. The vehicle  10  could also be a conventional, internal combustion engine powered vehicle, a traction battery powered electric or hybrid vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (i.e., a driverless vehicle), etc. 
     Although a specific component relationship is illustrated in the figures of this disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit this disclosure. The placement and orientation of the various components of the vehicle  10  are shown schematically and could vary within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to emphasize certain details of a particular component. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a truck bed  14  establishes the cargo space  12  for storing and hauling one or more items of cargo  16  on the vehicle  10 . The cargo space  12  is generally rearward of a passenger cabin  18  of the vehicle  10  and includes a floor  20  extending between a pair of longitudinally extending side walls  22 , a laterally extending front wall  24 , and a tailgate  26 . 
     The tailgate  26  is moveable between a closed position and a deployed or open position. When in the closed position, the tailgate  26  generally encloses an end of the cargo space  12  that is opposite from the front wall  24 . The tailgate  26  may be pivoted about a generally horizontal axis H for movement between the closed and open positions to provide access to the cargo space  12 . When in the open position, the tailgate  26  is generally horizontal and is parallel to a ground surface  28  such that the cargo  16  can be loaded onto or unloaded from the cargo space  12 . 
     The owner or user of the vehicle  10  may transport various types of cargo using the vehicle  10 . In an embodiment, the cargo  16  may include long stock cargo having a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension. The long stock cargo could extend across a majority of the length of the cargo space  12 , or could even be longer than the cargo space  12  such that it extends beyond the rear-most surfaces of the vehicle  10 . Lumber (e.g., two-by-fours), canoes, boats, and ladders are non-limiting examples of the types of long stock cargo that could be positioned and hauled within the cargo space  12 . 
     Local, state/province, and/or federal regulations (e.g., ordinances, rules, laws, etc.) may set limits on the distance that the cargo  16  can extend beyond an outer perimeter of the vehicle  10  at each of the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle  10 . Owners or operators of the vehicle  10  may be unaware of such cargo-related regulations. This disclosure is therefore directed to cargo management systems adapted for monitoring the regulatory compliance of the cargo  16  and for alerting the owner/operator of the vehicle  10  when the cargo  16  is non-compliant with the cargo-related regulations. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary cargo management system  30  for monitoring the regulatory compliance of the cargo  16  of the vehicle  10  of  FIG. 1  or any other vehicle capable of carrying cargo. As further detailed below, the cargo management system  30  is capable of estimating a distance the item of cargo  16  extends beyond a perimeter  32  of the vehicle  10  and then comparing the estimated distance with a cargo-related regulation to confirm compliance of the item of cargo  16  with the cargo-related regulation. 
     The cargo management system  30  may include a sensor system  34 , a telecommunications module  36 , a global positioning system (GPS)  38 , a human machine interface (HMI)  40 , and a control module  42 . Each of these components may be interconnected and in electronic communication with one another over a communication bus  45 . The communication bus  45  may be a wired communication bus such as a controller area network (CAN) bus, or a wireless communication bus such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), etc. 
     The sensor system  34  may include a multitude of sensors and cameras for monitoring the environment in and around the vehicle  10 . In an embodiment, the sensor system  34  is adapted for monitoring each of the front, rear, driver side, and passenger side of the vehicle  10 . 
     The sensor system  34  may include a rear camera  44 , one or more rear ultrasonic sensors  46 , and a lamp assembly  48  for monitoring the rear of the vehicle  10 . In an embodiment, the lamp assembly  48  is a center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) mounted to a rear facing surface of a vehicle body  49  (here, a rear facing portion of the vehicle roof that extends above the front wall  24  of the truck bed  14 ). The lamp assembly  48  may include a camera  50  and a radar sensor  52  that are mounted within an applique  54  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Each of the rear camera  44 , the ultrasonic sensors  46 , the camera  50 , and the radar sensor  52  may collect data associated with the cargo  16  when the cargo  16  is positioned within the cargo space  12 . The data may be received as input signals by the control module  42  for enabling the control module  42  to perform various functions, such as determining a distance D 1  the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the rear of vehicle  10 , determining whether the cargo  16  has shifted during vehicle operation, determining whether the cargo  16  is equipped with the necessary tagging devices, determining whether the tagging devices are visible and/or properly illuminated in order to meet nighttime cargo-related regulations, etc. 
     The sensor system  34  may further include a first front camera  56  and a second front camera  58 . The sensor system  34  could additionally include ultrasonic and/or radar sensors at the front of the vehicle  10 . In an embodiment, the first front camera  56  may be part of a 360 degree camera system, and the second front camera  58  may be part of a lane departure system and/or lane keep assist system of the vehicle  10 . The first front camera  56  and the second front camera  58  may collect data associated with the cargo  16  when the cargo  16  is positioned relative to a front portion of the vehicle  10 . The data may be received as input signals by the control module  42  for enabling the control module  42  to perform various functions, such as determining a distance D 2  the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the front of vehicle  10 , etc. 
     The sensor system  34  may additionally include a driver side camera  60  and a passenger side camera  62 . The sensor system  34  could additionally include ultrasonic and/or radar sensors at the sides of the vehicle  10 . The driver side camera  60  may be part of a 360 degree camera system adapted for monitoring the driver side of the vehicle  10 , and the passenger side camera  62  may be part of a 360 degree camera system adapted for monitoring the passenger side of the vehicle  10 . The driver side camera  60  and the passenger side camera  62  may collect data associated with the cargo  16  when the cargo  16  is positioned relative to either the driver side or the passenger side of the vehicle  10 . The data may be received as input signals by the control module  42  for enabling the control module  42  to perform various functions, such as determining a distance D 3  the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the driver side of the vehicle  10 , determining a distance D 4  that the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the passenger side of the vehicle  10 , etc. 
     The sensor system  34  may further include an ambient light sensor  64  and a side door sensor  66  associated with both a driver side door  68  and a passenger side door  70  of the vehicle  10 . The ambient light sensor  64  is configured to measure an intensity of ambient light for inferring either daytime or nighttime conditions, and the side door sensors  66  are configured to monitor an ajar status of the driver side door  68  and the passenger side door  70  and door window up/down status. Information from the ambient light sensor  64  and the side door sensors  66  may be received as input signals by the control module  42  for enabling the control module  42  to perform various functions, such as determining whether or not a blinking red light is required by the cargo-related regulations, confirming the cargo  16  at the driver and/or passenger side of the vehicle  10 , determining whether the cargo  16  is protruding out of an open door window or out of an ajar door, etc. 
     The sensor system  34  described above is intended to be exemplary only and thus could include a greater or fewer number of sensors and different types of sensors than are specifically described. In addition, in this disclosure, any of the described sensors of the sensor system  34  could be configured as a single sensor or an arrangement of sensors or sensing devices adapted for a specific purpose. 
     The telecommunications module  36  is configured for achieving bidirectional communication between the cargo management system  30  and a cloud-based server system  72 . The server system  72  may include a data repository  74  for storing cargo-related regulations or may subscribe to services or government servers that provide the same. The cargo-related regulations may include regulations by country, state/province, local municipalities, etc., and may include specific directives concerning how far the cargo  16  is permitted to extend beyond the perimeter  32  at each of the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle  10 , whether the cargo  16  must be tagged by a cargo tagging device, etc. 
     The telecommunications module  36  may communicate over a cloud network  76  (i.e., the internet) to obtain various information stored on the server system  72 . The server system  72  can identify, collect, and store user data associated with the vehicle  10  for validation purposes. Upon an authorized request, data may be subsequently transmitted to the telecommunications module  36  via one or more cellular towers  78  or via some other known communication technique (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.). The telecommunications module  36  can receive data from the server system  72  or can communicate data back to the server system  72  via the cellular tower(s)  78 . Although not necessarily shown or described in this highly schematic embodiment, numerous other components may enable bidirectional communication between the vehicle  10  and the server system  72 . 
     The GPS  38  is configured to pinpoint an exact location of the vehicle  10 , such as by using satellite navigation techniques. Among other uses, the control module  42  may utilize the location data from the GPS  38  to determine which cargo-related regulations are relevant to the vehicle  10  at any given time. In some embodiments, whenever the vehicle  10  enters a different local/state/province or federal location based on information of the GPS  38 , the control module  42  may request an update from the cloud network  76  for data relevant to the new location. In this way, the vehicle  10  may remain apprised of all relevant cargo-related regulations even when communication with the server system  72  is subsequently lost. 
     The HMI  40  may be located within the passenger cabin  18  of the vehicle  10 . The HMI  40  may include various user interfaces for displaying information to the vehicle occupants and for allowing the vehicle occupants to enter information into the HMI  40 . The vehicle occupants may interact with the user interfaces via touch screens, tactile buttons, audible speech, speech synthesis, etc. In an embodiment, the HMI  40  is used to communicate information concerning the compliance or non-compliance of the cargo  16  being carried on the vehicle  10  with the cargo-related regulations to the vehicle operator. 
     The control module  42  may include both hardware and software and could be part of an overall vehicle control system, such as a vehicle system controller (VSC), or could alternatively be a stand-alone controller separate from the VSC. In an embodiment, the control module  42  is part of a body control module (BCM) of the vehicle  10  and is programmed with executable instructions for interfacing with and commanding operation of the various components of the cargo management system  30 . 
     The control module  42  may include a processing unit  80  and non-transitory memory  82  for executing the various control strategies and modes of the cargo management system  30 . The processing unit  80  may be configured to execute one or more programs stored in the memory  82  of the control module  42  based on the various inputs received from the sensor system  34 , the telecommunications module  36 , the GPS  38 , etc. 
     A first exemplary program, when executed, may be employed by the control module  42  in order to determine the distance the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  of the vehicle  10 . This distance determination can be performed at each of the front, the rear, the driver side, and the passenger side of the vehicle  10  in order to monitor for any protruding cargo at all four sides of the vehicle  10 . 
     When the cargo  16  is detected as being rear cargo, the camera  50  of the lamp assembly  48  may capture one or more images of the cargo  16 . The control module  42  may analyze the captured image(s) using any suitable digital image processing technique, such as one that utilizes a digital signal processor (DSP), for example. The control module  42  may rely on fixed attributes of the cargo space  12 , such as end verticals  84  of the side walls  22  and a horizontal edge  86  of the tailgate  26 , for example, for establishing known dimensional reference points from which to compare the images of the cargo  16 . The known dimensional reference points may be stored in the memory  82  of the control module  42 . In some embodiments, the control module  42  may be configured to adjust rear and front park aid warnings to reflect the end of the cargo  16  as opposed to the end of the known dimensional references points of the vehicle  10  when cargo  16  is detected extending beyond the perimeter  32  of the vehicle  10 . 
     One or more structures associated with the cargo space  12 , such as an end cap of the tailgate  26 , for example, may be made of or coated with a reflective material. The reflective material is configured to provide increased reflectivity such that the dimensional reference points are more easily detectable within the captured image(s). 
     A ratio may be derived from the captured image(s) and used as a baseline to estimate the distance D 1  that the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  of the vehicle  10 . For example, two-dimensional aspects of the cargo  16  can be compared to two dimensional aspects of the known dimensional reference points of the vehicle  10  within the captured image(s) in order to estimate the distance D 1  that the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the rear of the vehicle  10 . 
     The accuracy of the estimated distance D 1  that the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the rear of the vehicle  10  may be augmented or increased based on inputs the control module  42  receives from the rear camera  44 , the ultrasonic sensors  46 , and/or the radar sensor  52 . In an embodiment, data received from the radar sensor  52  may aid the control module  42  in more accurately estimating the distance D 1  by detecting the end points of the cargo  16 . In another embodiment, the control module  42  can estimate the distance D 1  that the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the rear of the vehicle  10  based solely on the data received from the radar sensor  52 . 
     When the cargo  16  is front cargo, either or both of the first front camera  56  and the second front camera  58  may capture one or more images of the cargo  16 . The control module  42  may analyze the images using any digital imaging technique for determining the distance D 2  that the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the front of the vehicle  10 . 
     When the cargo  16  is side cargo, the driver side camera  60  and/or the passenger side camera  62  may capture one or more images of the cargo  16 . The control module  42  may analyze the images using any suitable digital image processing technique for determining the distance D 3  that the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the driver side or the distance D 4  that the cargo  16  extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the passenger side of the vehicle  10 . One or more ultrasonic sensors and/or radar sensors may optionally be employed to supplement the assessment of the side cargo. 
     A second exemplary program, when executed, may be employed by the control module  42  for assessing the regulatory compliance of the cargo  16 . For example, the control module  42  may be programmed to compare the distances D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and/or D 4  derived using information from the sensor system  34  with relevant cargo-related regulations obtained from the server system  72 . Location information from the GPS  38  may be used by the control module  42  for determining which cargo-related regulations are relevant to the vehicle  10 . 
     A third exemplary program, when executed, may be employed by the control module  42  in order to detect positional changes (e.g., shifts) of the cargo  16 , such as for ensuring continued compliance of the cargo  16  with the cargo-related regulations during vehicle operation. For example, one or more of the rear camera  44 , the ultrasonic sensors  46 , the camera  50 , and the radar sensor  52  may monitor the position of the cargo  16  during vehicle motion and during stops. Based on inputs from one or more of these sensors, the control module  42  may compare the position of the cargo  16  with the position shown in one or more original captured images to determine whether the cargo  16  has shifted during transit and whether or not the shifting has resulted in the cargo  16  becoming non-complaint with the relevant cargo-related regulations. 
     A fourth exemplary program, when executed, may be employed by the control module  42  for determining whether to issue an alert for notifying the vehicle operator that the cargo  16  is non-compliant with the relevant cargo-related regulations. For example, the control module  42  may command an alert when it is determined that the cargo  16  is non-compliant in any way (e.g., distances D 1 -D 4  exceed allowable distances beyond perimeter  32 , cargo  16  is missing required tagging or lighting devices, required tagging device has blown off during vehicle operation, lighting device has stopped illuminating during vehicle operation, tagging or lighting devices of the cargo  16  are not visible, cargo securing devices (e.g., straps, etc.) have become loose or broken during vehicle operation, vehicle windows/doors are open and cargo is detected protruding therefrom, etc.). The alert may be in the form of an audible alert, a message displayed on the HMI  40 , a message displayed on a personal electronic device  88  (e.g., a cell phone) of the operator of the vehicle  10 , a message displayed on a computer  90  of an administrator when the vehicle  10  is an autonomous vehicle, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , with continued reference to  FIG. 2 , a cargo tagging device  92  may optionally be secured to the cargo  16  in order for the cargo  16  to be detectable on the vehicle  10  even when it cannot be identified by various sensors and cameras of the sensor system  34  of the cargo management system  30 . The cargo tagging device  92  may include a flag  94 . The flag  94  may be made of or coated with a conductive plastic in order to improve its detectability, such as by the radar sensor  52  of the lamp assembly  48 , for example. The flag  94  may be red in color and could include red long persistence phosphor so that it can charge via sunlight or passing headlights and glow for improved visibility. 
     The cargo tagging device  92  may additionally include a wireless device  96  imbedded within or otherwise secured to the flag  94 . The wireless device  96  is configured to facilitate the detection of the cargo  16  by the sensor system  34 . In an embodiment, the wireless device  46  is a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) transceiver configured to receive and/or emit low energy Bluetooth® signals as a way to detect and communicate with the control module  42 . In an embodiment, the control module  42  can detect the cargo tagging device  92  by using BLE triangulation techniques. However, other types of wireless devices (e.g., UWB, RIFU, etc.) and detection techniques (e.g., backscatter) are also contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIG. 5 , with continued reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , schematically illustrates a method  100  for monitoring the regulatory compliance of cargo  16  on all sides of the vehicle  10 . The control module  42  of the cargo management system  30  may be programmed with one or more algorithms adapted to execute the exemplary method  100 . The method  100  may be stored as executable instructions in the memory  82  of the control module  42 , and the executable instructions may be embodied within any computer readable medium that can be executed by the processing unit  80  of the control module  42 . 
     The exemplary method  100  may begin at block  102 . From block  102 , the method  100  may simultaneously proceed to block  104  for monitoring rear cargo, to block  106  for monitoring front cargo, and to block  108  for monitoring side cargo. 
     At block  104 , the method  100  may check for rear cargo positioned on the vehicle  10 . The control module  42  may determine whether any rear cargo is detected at block  110  based on inputs from the sensor system  34 . If rear cargo is detected, the method  100  may proceed to block  112  and the control module  42  may determine the distance D 1  that the rear cargo extends beyond the perimeter  32  at the rear of the vehicle  10 . 
     Next, at block  114 , the control module  42  may determine whether the detected rear cargo violates any existing cargo-related regulations. If a YES flag is returned at block  114 , the method  100  proceeds to block  116  and the control module  42  may command an alert for indicating non-compliance of a cargo-related regulation to the operator of the vehicle  10 . 
     Alternatively, when a NO flag is returned at block  114 , the method  100  may proceed to block  118  and the rear cargo may be continued to be monitored. The control module  42  may determine whether the rear cargo has shifted from its original position at block  120 . If YES, the method  100  proceeds to block  116  and the control module  42  may command an alert notifying the operator of the vehicle  10  of the cargo shift. 
     At block  106 , the method  100  may check for side cargo on the vehicle  10 . The control module  42  may determine whether any side cargo is detected at block  122  based on inputs from the sensor system  34 . If side cargo is detected, the method  100  may proceed to block  124  and the control module  42  may determine the distance D 3  and/or D 4  that the side cargo extends beyond the perimeter  32  of the vehicle  10  at each of the driver side and the passenger side. 
     Next, at block  126 , the control module  42  may determine whether the detected side cargo violates any cargo-related regulations. If a YES flag is returned at block  126 , the method  100  again proceeds to block  116 , at which time the control module  42  may command an alert that indicates non-compliance of a cargo-related regulation to the operator of the vehicle  10 . 
     Alternatively, when a NO flag is returned at block  126 , the method  100  may proceed to block  128  by continuing to monitor the side cargo. The control module  42  may determine whether the side cargo has shifted at block  130 . If YES, the method  100  again proceeds to block  116 , and the control module  42  may command an alert notifying the operator of the vehicle  10  of the cargo shift. 
     At block  108 , the method  100  may check for front cargo on the vehicle  10 . The control module  42  may determine whether any front cargo is detected at block  132  based on inputs from the sensor system  34 . If front cargo is detected, the method  100  may proceed to block  134  and the control module  42  may determine the distance D 2  that the front cargo extends beyond the perimeter  32  of the vehicle  10  at the vehicle front. 
     Next, at block  136 , the control module  42  may determine whether the front cargo violates any cargo-related regulations. If a YES flag is returned at block  136 , the method  100  again proceeds to block  116 , at which time the control module  42  may command an alert that indicates non-compliance of a cargo-related regulation to the operator of the vehicle  10 . 
     Alternatively, when a NO flag is returned at block  136 , the method  100  may proceed to block  138  and the front cargo is continued to be monitored. The control module  42  may determine whether the front cargo has shifted at block  140 . If YES, the method  100  again proceeds to block  116 , and the control module  42  may command an alert notifying the operator of the vehicle  10  of the cargo shift. The method  100  may end at block  142 . 
     The vehicle cargo management systems and methods of this disclosure are capable of monitoring the regulatory compliance of vehicle cargo at all sides of the vehicle. The cargo management systems are capable of educating users when vehicle loads are or become non-compliant, capable of monitoring cargo loads during vehicle motion for ensuring compliance, and are capable of providing regulatory compliance monitoring to both normal drivers and autonomous vehicle operators. 
     Although the different non-limiting embodiments are illustrated as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments. 
     It should be understood that like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. It should be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure. 
     The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.