Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle is provided. A detection unit is configured to obtain a compass heading, a global positioning system (GPS) heading, or both. A processor is coupled to the detection unit, and is configured to determine whether a vehicle is on a straight line path using the compass heading, the GPS heading, or both, and to selectively implement a feature of the steering system based on whether it is determined that the vehicle is not on a straight line path.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a driver is holding a vehicle steering wheel. The vehicle will include an electric power steering system and may further include autonomous or semi-autonomous driving features, such as Lane Centering Control or Lane Keeping Assist. The system includes a passive detection technique which monitors steering torque and steering angle, determines a resonant frequency of oscillation of the steering system from the measured data, and compares the resonant frequency to a known steering system natural frequency to make a hands-on/off determination. If the passive technique results are below a confidence threshold, then an active technique is employed which provides a steering angle perturbation and measures the frequency response, where the perturbation signal has characteristics which are prescribed based on the results of the passive technique. A steering torque greater than a threshold value is also an indication of the driver holding the steering wheel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for moving a receiver associated with a hitch frame of a vehicle. The method includes receiving data indicating a hand wheel angle; determining, with a processor, a position for the receiver relative to the hitch frame based on the hand wheel angle; and outputting one or more control signals to a motor coupled to the receiver to move the receiver relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle based on the determination.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for aligning a steering system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining when the vehicle is driving a straight-line path; determining a steering wheel position error when the vehicle is driving the straight-line path; computing a rear wheel steering offset based on the steering wheel position error and a closed loop control method; and generating a control signal to a rear wheel steering system based on the rear wheel steering offset.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether a driver of a vehicle is in contact with a steering wheel of the vehicle is provided. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of generating a perturbation signal that causes vibration of the steering wheel and receiving a steering signal from a steering system sensor configured to provide an indication of at least one of a steering torque and a steering movement of a component of an electronic power steering system of the vehicle. The method further includes the steps of mixing the perturbation signal and the steering signal to produce a heterodyne signal and generating a driver contact signal indicative of whether the driver of the vehicle is in contact with the steering wheel of the vehicle, the value of the driver contact signal dependent on characteristics of the heterodyne signal relating to the perturbation signal.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a driver is holding a vehicle steering wheel. The vehicle will include an electric power steering system and may further include autonomous or semi-autonomous driving features, such as Lane Centering Control or Lane Keeping Assist. The system includes a passive detection technique which monitors steering torque and steering angle, determines a resonant frequency of oscillation of the steering system from the measured data, and compares the resonant frequency to a known steering system natural frequency to make a hands-on/off determination. If the passive technique results are below a confidence threshold, then an active technique is employed which provides a steering angle perturbation and measures the frequency response, where the perturbation signal has characteristics which are prescribed based on the results of the passive technique. A steering torque greater than a threshold value is also an indication of the driver holding the steering wheel.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle. A method includes: determining that an automated steering event is occurring; and minimizing motion of a hand wheel of the steering system by controlling, by a control module, a motor of an active steering system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for moving a receiver associated with a hitch frame of a vehicle. The method includes receiving data indicating a hand wheel angle; determining, with a processor, a position for the receiver relative to the hitch frame based on the hand wheel angle; and outputting one or more control signals to a motor coupled to the receiver to move the receiver relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle based on the determination.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a motor drive torque in an EPS system having a motor and a steering assembly. The method includes receiving a torque signal from the steering assembly; processing the torque signal in accordance with a steering perception program to produce a motor control signal; and controlling the motor drive torque based on the motor control signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle is provided. A detection unit is configured to obtain a compass heading, a global positioning system (GPS) heading, or both. A processor is coupled to the detection unit, and is configured to determine whether a vehicle is on a straight line path using the compass heading, the GPS heading, or both, and to selectively implement a feature of the steering system based on whether it is determined that the vehicle is not on a straight line path.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for aligning a steering system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining when the vehicle is driving a straight-line path; determining a steering wheel position error when the vehicle is driving the straight-line path; computing a rear wheel steering offset based on the steering wheel position error and a closed loop control method; and generating a control signal to a rear wheel steering system based on the rear wheel steering offset.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle is provided. A detection unit is configured to obtain one or more of the following values: a compass heading, a global positioning system (GPS) heading, a yaw velocity, and a difference in tire angular velocities. A processor is coupled to the detection unit, and is configured to determine whether a vehicle is on a straight line path using one or more of the compass heading, the GPS heading, the yaw velocity, and the difference in tire angular velocities, activate the steering system if it is determined that the vehicle is on a straight line path, and disable the feature of the steering system if it is determined that the vehicle is not on a straight line path.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for aligning a steering system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining when the vehicle is driving a straight-line path; determining a steering wheel position error when the vehicle is driving the straight-line path; computing a rear wheel steering offset based on the steering wheel position error; and generating a control signal to a rear wheel steering system based on the rear wheel steering offset.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle is provided. A detection unit is configured to obtain one or more of the following values: a compass heading, a global positioning system (GPS) heading, a yaw velocity, and a difference in tire angular velocities. A processor is coupled to the detection unit, and is configured to determine whether a vehicle is on a straight line path using one or more of the compass heading, the GPS heading, the yaw velocity, and the difference in tire angular velocities, activate the steering system if it is determined that the vehicle is on a straight line path, and disable the feature of the steering system if it is determined that the vehicle is not on a straight line path.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling steering in a vehicle having an electric power steering system (EPS) with a steering wheel, the EPS configured to attenuate smooth road shake (SRS) for the vehicle. A first relationship is determined between a torque of the steering wheel and motions of the steering wheel while free of SRS excitation. A second relationship is determined between the torque and the motions with SRS excitation. A mapping is generated based on the first relationship and the second relationship via a processor for use in adjusting steering control.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling steering in a vehicle having an electric power steering system (EPS) with a steering wheel, the EPS configured to attenuate smooth road shake (SRS) for the vehicle. A first relationship is determined between a torque of the steering wheel and motions of the steering wheel while free of SRS excitation. A second relationship is determined between the torque and the motions with SRS excitation. A mapping is generated based on the first relationship and the second relationship via a processor for use in adjusting steering control.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a motor drive torque in an EPS system having a motor and a steering assembly. The method includes receiving a torque signal from the steering assembly; processing the torque signal in accordance with a steering perception program to produce a motor control signal; and controlling the motor drive torque based on the motor control signal.

Abstract: A method and system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, provide a means to accurately determine the velocity of a vehicle. An initial estimation of the velocity of the vehicle is calculated based on rates of rotation of a plurality of wheels on the vehicles. If any of the wheels on the vehicle are in a brake control, or traction control, situation, the initial estimation is modified based on an acceleration of the vehicle to generate a modified estimation of the velocity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, provide a means to accurately determine the velocity of a vehicle. An initial estimation of the velocity of the vehicle is calculated based on rates of rotation of a plurality of wheels on the vehicles. If any of the wheels on the vehicle are in a brake control, or traction control, situation, the initial estimation is modified based on an acceleration of the vehicle to generate a modified estimation of the velocity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake system control for use in a vehicle with four wheels comprising the steps of: determining a desired yaw rate (454); determining a yaw torque command responsive to the desired yaw rate (806); if the vehicle is in an anti-lock braking mode during driver commanded braking, applying the yaw torque command to only one of the four wheels to release brake pressure in said one of the four wheels (258-266, 274, 278, 280, 410-418); if the vehicle is in a positive acceleration traction control mode during driver commanded acceleration, applying the yaw torque command to only one of the four wheels to apply brake pressure in said one of the four wheels (258-266, 288-292, 410-418); and if the vehicle is not in the anti-lock braking mode or in the positive acceleration traction control mode, then: (i) determining whether a vehicle brake pedal is depressed (370); (ii) if the vehicle brake pedal is depressed, applying brake force to the vehicle wheels responsive to the depression of the brake pedal (374, 412, 418), w