Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed. The system incorporates at least one sensor configured to measure a wheel steer angle and a trailer angle in communication with a processor. The processor is operable to determine a first length by a first computation method and determine a second length by a second computation method. The processor is further operable to validate an estimated trailer length based on the first length and the second length and perform a back-up function for the trailer based on the estimated trailer length.

Abstract: A method for advising a driver of a host vehicle on traffic conditions at a road intersection. It is determined that a host vehicle is approaching the intersection. Information is received from a plurality of other vehicles via a wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication system indicating respective positions and timing of the other vehicles approach to and/or arrival at the intersection. The times at which the other vehicles have stopped at the intersection are detected, and the times at which the other vehicles have proceeded through the intersection are detected. A past order-of-progression of vehicles through the intersection is determined based upon the stopping times and the proceeding times. The driver of the host vehicle is then advised whether it is the host vehicle's turn to proceed through the intersection in view of the past order-of-progression.

Abstract: A method for avoiding a collision between a host vehicle and a target vehicle defines the intersection of their trajectories as the potential collision zone. The method calculates the distance to be traversed and the time required for the target vehicle to reach the collision zone and to clear it. The method then incorporates the possible cases when the target vehicle may be towing a trailer, and uses an adjusted value for the length of the target vehicle for further calculations in such cases. Further, the deceleration required by the host vehicle to allow the target vehicle to pass safely under a ‘brake to pass’ condition is calculated. The method then evaluates a break threat number based on this deceleration value and provides warning signals to the occupant of the host vehicle, to apply the brakes immediately or after a certain time, based on the break threat number value.

Abstract: A method for advising a driver of a host vehicle on traffic conditions at a road intersection. It is determined that a host vehicle is approaching the intersection. Information is received from a plurality of other vehicles via a wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication system indicating respective positions and timing of the other vehicles approach to and/or arrival at the intersection. The times at which the other vehicles have stopped at the intersection are detected, and the times at which the other vehicles proceed through the intersection. A past order-of-progression of vehicles through the intersection is determined based upon the stopping times and the proceeding times. The driver of the host vehicle is then advised whether it is safe to proceed through the intersection in view of the past order-of-progression.

Abstract: A method for assisting a driver includes determining that a host vehicle and first and second surrounding vehicles are approaching an intersection on at least two different road segments; determining when the first and second vehicles have stopped at the intersection; determining when the first and second vehicles proceed through the intersection; and identifying an actual order-of-progression of the first and second vehicles through the intersection. Simultaneously or sequentially with determination of the actual order-of-progression, attempting to determine a present geographic location of the host vehicle and consulting an on-board database to attempt to identify a regulatory order-of-progression for the present geographic location. If the regulatory order-or-progression is identified, the driver is advised regarding the regulatory order-of-progression. If the attempt to identify the regulatory order-or-progression is not successful, the driver is advised regarding the actual order-of-progression.

Abstract: A method for avoiding a collision between a host vehicle and a target vehicle defines the intersection of their trajectories as the potential collision zone. The method calculates the distance to be traversed and the time required for the target vehicle to reach the collision zone and to clear it. The method then incorporates the possible cases when the target vehicle may be towing a trailer, and uses an adjusted value for the length of the target vehicle for further calculations in such cases. Further, the deceleration required by the host vehicle to allow the target vehicle to pass safely under a ‘brake to pass’ condition is calculated. The method then evaluates a break threat number based on this deceleration value and provides warning signals to the occupant of the host vehicle, to apply the brakes immediately or after a certain time, based on the break threat number value.