Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a camera and a body control module. The body control module sends an instruction to a mobile device and captures, with the camera, an image of the mobile device. The body control module also analyzes the image to determine an initial location of the mobile device relative to the vehicle, and based on the initial location, performs dead reckoning on the mobile device to track the mobile device. When the mobile device is within a threshold distance, the body control module enables autonomous parking.

Abstract: Electrified vehicles are coupled together by a towing device for in-flight energy transfer. A remote-controlled parking system collects images from vehicle-mounted cameras to produce a 360° overhead live streaming image that is displayed on a smartphone linked to a vehicle controller. A user interface (UI) on the smartphone accepts a first touch from the user on the streaming image showing the vehicles at a starting position in order to specify a maneuver endpoint. The controller calculates a sequence of steering actions to create a path to the endpoint. The UI displays the calculate path as an overlay on the live image. The UI generates an activation signal in response to a second touch input on the touchscreen, and forwards the activation signal to the vehicle controller during the second touch input to move the vehicles according to the actuator commands only while the user maintains the second touch input.

Abstract: A roof-rack for a vehicle and method of operation where the siderails and the crossbars are both automatically movable via a control circuit to clear snow from a vehicle roof.

Abstract: A roof-rack for a vehicle and method of operation where the siderails and the crossbars are both automatically movable via a control circuit to clear snow from a vehicle roof.