Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle to roadway lane markers includes measuring at least one of a first distance between the vehicle and lane markers for the roadway and a second distance between the vehicle and a recognizable object proximate to the roadway. The location of the vehicle is determined from a satellite navigation system receiver. This location is combined with the first and/or second distances to provide a localization of the vehicle on a high definition (“HD”) map of the roadway. A steering correction signal is generated in response to the comparison of the first distance to the localization of the vehicle on the HD map. The method further includes providing the steering correction signal to an electronic steering controller, wherein the electronic steering controller causes a vehicle steering mechanism to change the position of the vehicle in the roadway lane.

Abstract: A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and trailer assembly comprises initiating a backing system mode with an electronic control unit (ECU) for the backing system when a start system input is received from a control device. At least one input is received by the ECU from the control device which includes information about a desired vehicle action. The ECU interprets from the at least one input the desired vehicle action and calculates a required vehicle response to achieve the desired vehicle action. The ECU then sends a request to at least one vehicle system to perform the calculated vehicle response.

Abstract: A disclosed method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel with a backing system includes, among other things, determining that the vehicle-trailer unit is backing up with an electronic control unit for the backing system. A current hitch angle is determined, which represents the relative angle between the vehicle and the trailer with the electronic control unit. A requested hitch angle rate of change versus distance traveled is calculated with the electronic control unit, wherein the requested hitch angle rate of change is based upon an input which provides a requested hitch angle rate of change signal value. A steering angle is calculated with the electronic control unit based upon the requested hitch angle rate of change, wherein the steering angle will allow movement of the vehicle-trailer unit in the reverse direction to obtain the requested hitch angle rate of change; and a request is sent to a steering system to provide the steering angle.

Abstract: A disclosed method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel with a backing system includes, among other things, determining that the vehicle-trailer unit is backing up with an electronic control unit for the backing system. A current hitch angle is determined, which represents the relative angle between the vehicle and the trailer with the electronic control unit. A requested hitch angle rate of change versus distance traveled is calculated with the electronic control unit, wherein the requested hitch angle rate of change is based upon an input which provides a requested hitch angle rate of change signal value. A steering angle is calculated with the electronic control unit based upon the requested hitch angle rate of change, wherein the steering angle will allow movement of the vehicle-trailer unit in the reverse direction to obtain the requested hitch angle rate of change; and a request is sent to a steering system to provide the steering angle.

Abstract: A disclosed method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel with a backing system includes, among other things, determining that the vehicle-trailer unit is backing up with an electronic control unit for the backing system. A current hitch angle is determined, which represents the relative angle between the vehicle and the trailer with the electronic control unit. A requested hitch angle rate of change versus distance traveled is calculated with the electronic control unit, wherein the requested hitch angle rate of change is based upon a input from a joystick control which provides a requested hitch angle rate of change signal value in proportion to the joystick position.

Abstract: A warning system is provided for a vehicle. The vehicle has an interior defining a driver seat area including a driver's seat, and a passenger area, behind the driver seat area, including at least one rear passenger seat. The system includes a control unit. A passenger detection sensor is associated with the control unit and is constructed and arranged to detect a presence of a passenger in the at least one rear passenger seat. A driver status sensor, associated with the control unit, is constructed and arranged to indicate a driver's positional relationship with respect to the vehicle. A warning device is associated with the control unit such that when the passenger detection sensor indicates that a passenger is in the at least one rear passenger seat and the driver status sensor indicates that the driver has left the vehicle, the control unit activates the warning device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and trailer assembly comprises initiating a backing system mode with an electronic control unit (ECU) for the backing system when a start system input is received from a control device. At least one input is received by the ECU from the control device which includes information about a desired vehicle action. The ECU interprets from the at least one input the desired vehicle action and calculates a required vehicle response to achieve the desired vehicle action. The ECU then sends a request to at least one vehicle system to perform the calculated vehicle response.

Abstract: A disclosed method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel with a backing system includes, among other things, determining that the vehicle-trailer unit is backing up with an electronic control unit for the backing system. A current hitch angle is determined, which represents the relative angle between the vehicle and the trailer with the electronic control unit. A requested hitch angle rate of change versus distance traveled is calculated with the electronic control unit, wherein the requested hitch angle rate of change is based upon a input from a joystick control which provides a requested hitch angle rate of change signal value in proportion to the joystick position.

Abstract: A power control assembly limits the amount of leakage current absorbed by a device (30) supported on a vehicle when the device is in a sleep mode. The described example includes a switch (40) between a vehicle power source (54) and a power supply (50, 52) for the peripheral device. A locking portion (44) controls operation of the switch (40) so that selected portions of the device (30) are isolated from the vehicle power source (34) when the device (30) is in a sleep mode. A wake up signal received by a communication bus transceiver (32) activates the switch locking portion (44), which in turn allows the isolating switch (40) to be electrically closed and kept in the closed condition until the controller (54) of the device determines that the device should enter the sleep mode.

Abstract: A supplemental restraint controller includes a main control portion and a safing control portion. In one example, the control portions communicate using one of pulse width modulation, frequency modulation or discrete digital signals. In one example, general input/output ports of an integrated circuit chip are used for establishing the communication between the main control portion and the safing control portion. In a disclosed example, the safing control portion includes an internal oscillator that provides cost savings and space savings.

Abstract: A power control assembly limits the amount of leakage current absorbed by a device (30) supported on a vehicle when the device is in a sleep mode. The described example includes a switch (40) between a vehicle power source (54) and a power supply (50, 52) for the peripheral device. A locking portion (44) controls operation of the switch (40) so that selected portions of the device (30) are isolated from the vehicle power source (34) when the device (30) is in a sleep mode. A wake up signal received by a communication bus transceiver (32) activates the switch locking portion (44), which in turn allows the isolating switch (40) to be electrically closed and kept in the closed condition until the controller (54) of the device determines that the device should enter the sleep mode.