Vehicle environment imaging systems and methods

A method of controlling a vehicle having at least one articulable opening, a plurality of detectors each configured to output a respective signal, and a controller in communication with the plurality of detectors, the plurality of detectors including a vision-based imaging device and a light sensor, the method comprising:

• configuring the vision-based imaging device to output the respective signal indicative of exterior conditions in a vicinity of the vehicle;
• configuring the light sensor to output the respective signal indicative of a light level in the vicinity of the vehicle;
• configuring the at least one articulable opening to allow fluid flow communication between an interior and an exterior of the vehicle;
• programming the controller with a diligence mode engageable on demand by an operator of the vehicle;
• configuring the diligence mode to be automatically engaged by the controller when the respective signal from the light sensor is below a predefined threshold;
• detecting an object in the vicinity of the vehicle via the vision-based imaging device;
• when the diligence mode is engaged, determining a threat assessment score for the object based on at least one weighting factor, via the controller;
• wherein the at least one weighting factor is increased when the object is in a rear of the vehicle or at an oblique rear angle relative to a field of view of the operator;
• determining a proximity of the object from the vehicle;
• when the object is determined to be within a first distance threshold from the vehicle, obtaining a speed of the object and a trajectory of movement the object, based in part on the vision-based imaging device;
• when the object is determined to be within the first distance threshold from the vehicle, employing the speed, the trajectory and the proximity of the object from the vehicle to calculate a time of arrival at the vehicle, via the controller;
• and adjusting the at least one articulable opening toward a closed position in response to the threat assessment score being greater than a threat threshold and based in part on the time of arrival of the object at the vehicle.