Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided controlling a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes: monitoring an eye gaze of a driver of the vehicle; monitoring current traffic conditions surrounding the vehicle; predicting an intention of the driver to perform a lane change maneuver based on the eye gaze, a history of the eye gaze of the driver, and the current traffic conditions; and controlling, by the processor, the vehicle based on the predicted intention of the driver to perform a lane change maneuver.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided controlling a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes: monitoring an eye gaze of a driver of the vehicle; monitoring current traffic conditions surrounding the vehicle; predicting an intention of the driver to perform a lane change maneuver based on the eye gaze, a history of the eye gaze of the driver, and the current traffic conditions; and controlling, by the processor, the vehicle based on the predicted intention of the driver to perform a lane change maneuver.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a charging receptacle lock. The method includes receiving a speed of the vehicle, and receiving sensor data indicating a position of a door covering a receptacle associated with the charging system of the vehicle. The receptacle adapted to receive a connecting device of an external power supply. The method includes outputting one or more control signals to move a lock pin associated with the receptacle between a first, extended position and a second, refracted position based on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the door.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a charging receptacle lock. The method includes receiving a speed of the vehicle, and receiving sensor data indicating a position of a door covering a receptacle associated with the charging system of the vehicle. The receptacle adapted to receive a connecting device of an external power supply. The method includes outputting one or more control signals to move a lock pin associated with the receptacle between a first, extended position and a second, refracted position based on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the door.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle system, an outside air temperature (OAT) sensor, a clock, and a controller. The controller includes recorded garage temperatures and actual OAT profiles. At the key-on event, a controller-executed method includes recording an initial temperature reading from the OAT sensor and corresponding time of day from the clock. The controller determines whether the vehicle is in a garage using the profile of recorded temperatures and the time of day, and estimates an OAT for the corresponding time of day when the vehicle is in the garage. An operation of the vehicle system is controlled using the estimated OAT before the vehicle leaves the garage. The system may be a navigation system, and the operation may be modification of a calculated electric vehicle range. The system may be an HVAC or other system in another embodiment.

Abstract: A method for starting a hybrid vehicle when the vehicle is already connected to an external power source. In some hybrid vehicles, it can be undesirable for an external power source (e.g., an AC power outlet) and an internal power source (e.g., an internal combustion engine/generator) to simultaneously provide the vehicle with electrical energy. There are a variety of reasons why this may be true. For instance, some hybrid vehicles may have difficulty accurately estimating the state-of-charge (SOC) of the vehicle battery when both external and internal power sources are simultaneously providing electrical energy to the vehicle's high voltage bus. The method described herein can arbitrate or otherwise determine which power source is preferable for the circumstances and then activate or enable that power source accordingly.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided that provide for estimating a range of a vehicle with a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A sensor unit is configured to measure one or more input values pertaining to the RESS. A processor is coupled to the sensor unit, and is configured to determine an amount of energy available from the RESS using the input values and to obtain a time of day. An estimate of the range for the vehicle is determined based on the time of day and the amount of energy available.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a plug-in electric vehicle with an external power source, even when the overall power requested by the plug-in electric vehicle exceeds the overall power available from the external power source. In an exemplary embodiment, a method determines the overall power requested by one or more vehicle systems, and then compares that to the overall available power from the external power source. If the overall requested power exceeds the overall available power, then the power from the external power source is allocated or apportioned to the different vehicle systems according to an allocation process that may consider factors like predetermined priorities and current vehicle conditions.

Abstract: An exemplary method for operating a hybrid vehicle in the event that there is a problem with an auxiliary power source, such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. According to one embodiment, the method provides a power management scheme for a variety of situations where an auxiliary power source experiences a problem; this may include situations where an internal combustion engine runs out of fuel, where there is a mechanical or electrical malfunction, or any other instance where the auxiliary power source is unable to generate and/or provide electrical energy for the hybrid vehicle. The power management scheme conserves the vehicle's primary power source, which is typically a battery, in order to provide the hybrid vehicle with an extended driving range.

Abstract: A method for determining an estimated driving range for a vehicle that uses battery power for vehicle propulsion, where the estimate is in the form of a range of values as opposed to a single value. In one embodiment, the method adds a positive offset value to an initial estimate value to determine an upper limit, and subtracts a negative offset value from the initial estimate value to determine a lower limit. The positive and negative offset values may be determined separately and on a real-time basis so that the extent of the overall estimated driving range may be influenced by the volatility in power consumption and/or power creation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a power coupler for a plug-in electric vehicle during a charging process, where the method may perform one of several alerts in the event that the vehicle stops receiving power. In an exemplary embodiment, the method performs a theft alert when the power coupler is physically unplugged or disconnected (this is intended to dissuade people from stealing the power coupler), and it performs a power loss alert when there is a loss of electrical power at the wall (this is intended to notify the vehicle owner when there is a power outage, a tripped circuit breaker, or any other condition that prevents the vehicle from being charged). By distinguishing between possible theft situations and simple power loss situations, the method can perform or issue an alert that is better tailored to the particular conditions that triggered it.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle system, an outside air temperature (OAT) sensor, a clock, and a controller. The controller includes recorded garage temperatures and actual OAT profiles. At the key-on event, a controller-executed method includes recording an initial temperature reading from the OAT sensor and corresponding time of day from the clock. The controller determines whether the vehicle is in a garage using the profile of recorded temperatures and the time of day, and estimates an OAT for the corresponding time of day when the vehicle is in the garage. An operation of the vehicle system is controlled using the estimated OAT before the vehicle leaves the garage. The system may be a navigation system, and the operation may be modification of a calculated electric vehicle range. The system may be an HVAC or other system in another embodiment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided that provide for estimating a range of a vehicle with a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A sensor unit is configured to measure one or more input values pertaining to the RESS. A processor is coupled to the sensor unit, and is configured to determine an amount of energy available from the RESS using the input values and to obtain a time of day. An estimate of the range for the vehicle is determined based on the time of day and the amount of energy available.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a desired yaw rate for a vehicle. The vehicle has a plurality of handling states and comprises a yaw rate sensor for determining an actual yaw rate. The method comprises selecting one of the plurality of handling states, determining the desired yaw rate for the vehicle based on the road wheel angle, the velocity, and the selected one of the plurality of handling states, and activating one or more vehicle stability control measures if the difference between the desired yaw rate and the actual yaw rate for the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for reducing or mitigating the effects of vibration in a vehicle brake system, particularly those that can lead to brake groan or other unwanted noise. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the vehicle brake system detects certain vibratory conditions, it makes slight braking adjustments (e.g., adjustments to fluid pressure, brake force, brake torque, etc.) that are aimed to address the brake groan. The vehicle brake system can then determine the effectiveness of the braking adjustments and, if need be, make additional braking adjustments. The method is particularly well suited for use with brake-by-wire systems, but can be used with a number of different vehicle braking systems.

Abstract: A method for controlling a limited by-wire active front steering system includes measuring an input steering angle, determining a tire saturation limit, and comparing the saturation limit to the input angle. A target actuator angle from a steering actuator is limited when the input angle is greater than the saturation limit. A constant value provides a fixed steering gear ratio when the input angle is less than the saturation limit. A limited by-wire steering system for a vehicle includes a steering device, a sensor for measuring an input steering angle, a controller for calculating a first target actuator angle when the input angle is less than a threshold, and a second target actuator angle when the input angle is greater than the threshold. The threshold is a calibrated saturation limit of a road wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining an estimated driving range for a vehicle that uses battery power for vehicle propulsion, where the estimate is in the form of a range of values as opposed to a single value. In one embodiment, the method adds a positive offset value to an initial estimate value to determine an upper limit, and subtracts a negative offset value from the initial estimate value to determine a lower limit. The positive and negative offset values may be determined separately and on a real-time basis so that the extent of the overall estimated driving range may be influenced by the volatility in power consumption and/or power creation.

Abstract: A method for calculating a yaw gain for use in controlling a vehicle includes the steps of obtaining a steer angle of the vehicle, obtaining a vehicle speed, determining an adjustment factor for a baseline steering geometry equation, obtaining vehicle understeer gradient as a function of lateral acceleration, and calculating the yaw gain. The adjustment factor is determined based at least in part on the turn radius. The yaw gain is calculated based at least in part on the vehicle speed, the steer angle, the vehicle understeer gradient, and the adjustment factor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a power coupler for a plug-in electric vehicle during a charging process, where the method may perform one of several alerts in the event that the vehicle stops receiving power. In an exemplary embodiment, the method performs a theft alert when the power coupler is physically unplugged or disconnected (this is intended to dissuade people from stealing the power coupler), and it performs a power loss alert when there is a loss of electrical power at the wall (this is intended to notify the vehicle owner when there is a power outage, a tripped circuit breaker, or any other condition that prevents the vehicle from being charged). By distinguishing between possible theft situations and simple power loss situations, the method can perform or issue an alert that is better tailored to the particular conditions that triggered it.

Abstract: An automated and algorithmic method utilizing motor vehicle steering geometry knowledge, applicable to small and large turn angles, along with knowledge of motor vehicle understeer gradient, for determining motor vehicle yaw gain by which a motor vehicle yaw gain table is populated for use by an electronic stability control system of the motor vehicle. The method may utilize either a recursive methodology of population or an open loop methodology of population.