Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for automatically changing vehicle driving modes. An automatic shift control system includes a transmission configured to provide engine output for movement of the vehicle and a navigation unit configured to obtain navigational information including a current location of the vehicle. The automatic shift control system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the navigation unit. The ECU is configured to determine a current route having multiple segments based on the current location and a destination location and determine a shift schedule based on a driver behavior pattern. The ECU is configured to control the transmission to cause shifts of the transmission based on the shift schedule and the current location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically turning off the high beam headlights of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the system may include an electronic control unit for adjusting the operation of the high beam headlights. The electronic control unit may detect whether the headlights are operating in a high beam mode. Additionally, the electronic control unit may receive data regarding at least one of an environmental condition, a road condition, and a driving condition from one or more cameras, sensors, and information systems associated with a vehicle. The headlights may then be switched to the low beam mode when it is determined that the likelihood of at least one of the environmental condition, the road condition, and the driving condition meets or exceeds a threshold condition.

Abstract: A device and method for a controlled deceleration based on a selected vehicle driving mode are disclosed, in which upon sensing a deceleration of a vehicle, a plurality of deceleration control signals based on a deceleration target for the selected vehicle driving mode are produced. At least one of the plurality of deceleration control signals are transmitted to prompt a controlled deceleration of the vehicle to correspond with a deceleration target for the selected vehicle driving mode. The method receives sensor data relating to the deceleration of the vehicle, and compares at least some of the sensor data with the deceleration target to generate a deceleration feedback signal. The method provides for adjusting the plurality of deceleration control signals based on the deceleration feedback signal to effect the controlled deceleration.

Abstract: A device and method for a controlled deceleration based on a selected vehicle driving mode are disclosed, in which upon sensing a deceleration of a vehicle, a plurality of deceleration control signals based on a deceleration target for the selected vehicle driving mode are produced. At least one of the plurality of deceleration control signals are transmitted to prompt a controlled deceleration of the vehicle to correspond with a deceleration target for the selected vehicle driving mode. The method receives sensor data relating to the deceleration of the vehicle, and compares at least some of the sensor data with the deceleration target to generate a deceleration feedback signal. The method provides for adjusting the plurality of deceleration control signals based on the deceleration feedback signal to effect the controlled deceleration.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for automatically changing vehicle driving modes. An automatic shift control system includes a transmission configured to provide engine output for movement of the vehicle and a navigation unit configured to obtain navigational information including a current location of the vehicle. The automatic shift control system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the navigation unit. The ECU is configured to determine a current route having multiple segments based on the current location and a destination location and determine a shift schedule based on a driver behavior pattern. The ECU is configured to control the transmission to cause shifts of the transmission based on the shift schedule and the current location.

Abstract: A vehicle and methods of braking the vehicle on a downhill grade as automatically implemented by a computing device are disclosed. One method includes detecting application of a vehicle brake and detecting acceleration of the vehicle while the vehicle traverses the downhill grade. Based on detection of the application of the vehicle brake and detection of the acceleration of the vehicle, the method also includes sending a command to downshift a transmission of the vehicle. If, after the downshift of the transmission, the application of the vehicle brake is not detected for a threshold time, the acceleration of the vehicle falls below a threshold acceleration, or the downhill grade falls below a threshold grade, the method can further include sending a command to upshift the transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle and methods of proximity-based engine control for a vehicle as automatically implemented by a computing device are disclosed. One method includes determining a distance between the vehicle and a preceding obstacle. If the distance between the vehicle and the preceding obstacle is below a threshold distance, the method further includes determining whether a vehicle brake is being applied. If the vehicle brake is not being applied, the method further includes detecting a throttle position for an engine throttle. If the throttle position is above a threshold throttle position, the method further includes sending a command to modify the throttle position to a restricted throttle position. If the throttle position is above the threshold throttle position, the method can optionally include sending a command to modify ignition timing for a vehicle engine or sending a command to apply the vehicle brake.

Abstract: A vehicle and methods of proximity-based engine control for a vehicle as automatically implemented by a computing device are disclosed. One method includes determining a distance between the vehicle and a preceding obstacle. If the distance between the vehicle and the preceding obstacle is below a threshold distance, the method further includes determining whether a vehicle brake is being applied. If the vehicle brake is not being applied, the method further includes detecting a throttle position for an engine throttle. If the throttle position is above a threshold throttle position, the method further includes sending a command to modify the throttle position to a restricted throttle position. If the throttle position is above the threshold throttle position, the method can optionally include sending a command to modify ignition timing for a vehicle engine or sending a command to apply the vehicle brake.

Abstract: A vehicle and methods of braking the vehicle on a downhill grade as automatically implemented by a computing device are disclosed. One method includes detecting application of a vehicle brake and detecting acceleration of the vehicle while the vehicle traverses the downhill grade. Based on detection of the application of the vehicle brake and detection of the acceleration of the vehicle, the method also includes sending a command to downshift a transmission of the vehicle. If, after the downshift of the transmission, the application of the vehicle brake is not detected for a threshold time, the acceleration of the vehicle falls below a threshold acceleration, or the downhill grade falls below a threshold grade, the method can further include sending a command to upshift the transmission.

Abstract: A system for improving performance of a hybrid vehicle at higher elevations. The system includes a plurality of wheels, an engine, an altitude sensor, a transmission, a memory for storing target engine speeds, and a processor. The engine provides a torque to the plurality of wheels through the transmission, based on gear ratios limited by a wide open throttle (WOT) guard. The altitude sensor determines an elevation of the vehicle. Above a certain threshold elevation, the processor changes the WOT guard to improve performance at lower gears, such as standing start performance.

Abstract: A system for improving performance of a hybrid vehicle at higher elevations. The system includes a plurality of wheels, an engine, an altitude sensor, a transmission, a memory for storing target engine speeds, and a processor. The engine provides a torque to the plurality of wheels through the transmission, based on gear ratios limited by a wide open throttle (WOT) guard. The altitude sensor determines an elevation of the vehicle. Above a certain threshold elevation, the processor changes the WOT guard to improve performance at lower gears, such as standing start performance.