Abstract: A trailer back-up assist apparatus comprises an obstacle sensing system operable to output information characterizing proximity of a object adjacent to a vehicle-trailer combination while the vehicle-trailer combination is being backed toward a targeted location and a trailer back-up assist system correction apparatus coupled to the obstacle sensing system. The trailer back-up assist system uses the information characterizing proximity of the object to determine if a path of the vehicle-trailer combination needs to be altered to limit a potential of the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object and implements a path correction action to alter the path of travel of the vehicle-trailer combination to reduce the potential for the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a communication interface for enabling information to be communicated to a and from an occupant of the vehicle and a trailer back-up assist system coupled to the communication interface. The trailer back-up assist system is operable for determining a selected width of a lane within which the vehicle and an attached trailer are to be backed from a current position of the vehicle to reach a targeted location for the attached trailer and for outputting to the occupant of the vehicle via the communication interface information characterizing an ability of the vehicle to be backed within the lane from the current position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method of calculating a heading angle for a trailer that is being backed by a vehicle. A trailer backup assist control module, in communication with a hitch angle detecting apparatus, receives a hitch angle and determines displacement of left and right vehicle wheels using information supplied by vehicle wheel speed sensors while the vehicle is backing the trailer. A vehicle heading angle is determined using left and right wheel displacement information and a known vehicle track width. A trailer heading angle is then calculated using the vehicle heading angle and the hitch angle.

Abstract: A system for correcting steering wheel angle errors of a motor vehicle of the present disclosure may include a steering wheel angle sensor, an actuator angle sensor, and at least one of a wheel speed sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor. The system may further include a controller configured to receive signals from the steering wheel angle sensor, actuator angle sensor, and at least one of the wheel speed sensor and lateral acceleration sensor. The controller may be configured to calculate a correction angle based on the signals, and adjust a steering wheel angle of a steering wheel, as observed by a driver of the motor vehicle, based on the correction angle.

Abstract: A system and method of calculating a heading angle for a trailer that is being backed by a vehicle. A trailer backup assist control module, in communication with a hitch angle detecting apparatus, receives a hitch angle and determines displacement of left and right vehicle wheels using information supplied by vehicle wheel speed sensors while the vehicle is backing the trailer. A vehicle heading angle is determined using left and right wheel displacement information and a known vehicle track width. A trailer heading angle is then calculated using the vehicle heading angle and the hitch angle.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a trailer backup assist system includes a sensor that senses a measured hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The system also provides an input module that receives a desired curvature of the trailer. A controller of the system includes a curvature regulator determining a desired hitch angle based on the desired curvature and a steering angle of the vehicle. In addition, the controller of the system includes a hitch angle regulator generating a steering angle command based on the desired hitch angle and the measured hitch angle. In this embodiment, the controller is configured to operate the trailer backup assist system irrespective of the attached trailer having a conventional tongue or a gooseneck tongue.

Abstract: A trailer back-up assist apparatus comprises an obstacle sensing system operable to output information characterizing proximity of a object adjacent to a vehicle-trailer combination while the vehicle-trailer combination is being backed toward a targeted location and a trailer back-up assist system correction apparatus coupled to the obstacle sensing system. The trailer back-up assist system uses the information characterizing proximity of the object to determine if a path of the vehicle-trailer combination needs to be altered to limit a potential of the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object and implements a path correction action to alter the path of travel of the vehicle-trailer combination to reduce the potential for the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a communication interface for enabling information to be communicated to a and from an occupant of the vehicle and a trailer back-up assist system coupled to the communication interface. The trailer back-up assist system is operable for determining a selected width of a lane within which the vehicle and an attached trailer are to be backed from a current position of the vehicle to reach a targeted location for the attached trailer and for outputting to the occupant of the vehicle via the communication interface information characterizing an ability of the vehicle to be backed within the lane from the current position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for correcting steering wheel angle errors of a motor vehicle of the present disclosure may include a steering wheel angle sensor, an actuator angle sensor, and at least one of a wheel speed sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor. The system may further include a controller configured to receive signals from the steering wheel angle sensor, actuator angle sensor, and at least one of the wheel speed sensor and lateral acceleration sensor. The controller may be configured to calculate a correction angle based on the signals, and adjust a steering wheel angle of a steering wheel, as observed by a driver of the motor vehicle, based on the correction angle.

Abstract: A vehicle having a driving assist system and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the driving assist system. The driving assist system transmits an assist torque request for reception by the electric power assist steering system for enabling the electric power assist steering system to adjust its outputted assist torque to accommodate requirements of the driving assist system. The assist torque request specifies a requested additional assist torque required by the driving assist system from the electric power assist steering system. In response to receiving the assist torque request, the electric power assist steering system performs an operation for determining a column torque offset as a function of both a force being applied by a driver of the vehicle on a steering column of the vehicle and the requested additional assist torque required by the driving assist system.

Abstract: A park assist system for parking a vehicle in a parking space makes steering control inputs and prompts the vehicle driver to make necessary brake and/or gear shift actions to execute a desired steering trajectory. After the vehicle is properly parked, the park assist system actuates the steering system to place it in a centered condition.

Abstract: An electric power steering assist system for an automotive vehicle comprises a brushless electric motor and a control module for regulating the motor based upon space vector modulation. In response to a steering command, the control module determines a desired quadrature axis current component to provide torque assist in turning the wheels. Also, the control module determines a desired direct axis current component based upon the motor speed such that the desired direct axis current component is zero when the motor speed is less than or equal to the maximum design motor speed, and is negative when the motor speed exceeds the maximum design motor speed. By utilizing a negative direct axis current component, the control module implements a field weakening effect within the motor that allows the motor speed to be temporarily increased greater than the maximum design motor speed to react to rapid steer commands by the operator, such as encountered in evasive maneuvers and the like.

Abstract: An electric power steering assist system for an automotive vehicle comprises a brushless electric motor and a control module for regulating the motor based upon space vector modulation. In response to a steering command, the control module determines a desired quadrature axis current component to provide torque assist in turning the wheels. Also, the control module determines a desired direct axis current component based upon the motor speed such that the desired direct axis current component is zero when the motor speed is less than or equal to the maximum design motor speed, and is negative when the motor speed exceeds the maximum design motor speed. By utilizing a negative direct axis current component, the control module implements a field weakening effect within the motor that allows the motor speed to be temporarily increased greater than the maximum design motor speed to react to rapid steer commands by the operator, such as encountered in evasive maneuvers and the like.

Abstract: A system for dynamically determining an operating state of a motor vehicle for input to a controller employed to control dynamics of the motor vehicle includes sensors for measuring predetermined vehicle operating state. The system also includes a device for predicting a value for the predetermined operating state, which can then be used to determine a correction factor for the measured operating state signal. This correction factor is proportional to the erroneous component of the measured vehicle operating state. Together, measured operating state and the correction signal are used to obtain a compensated operating state signal. This is particularly useful for reducing the effects of sensor drift and DC offset.

Abstract: A system and a method for dynamically determining a lateral acceleration of a motor vehicle for input to a controller employed to control dynamics of the motor vehicle includes sensors for measuring predetermined vehicle operating state. The system also includes a device for predicting a value for the lateral acceleration, which can then be used to determine a correction factor for the measured lateral acceleration signal. This correction factor is proportional to the erroneous component of the lateral acceleration signal. Together, measured operating state and the correction signal are used to obtain a compensated operating state signal. This is particularly useful for reducing the errors attributable to sensor drift and DC offset in measured signals.

Abstract: A system and a method for dynamically estimating a lateral velocity of a motor vehicle for input to a controller employed to control dynamics of the motor vehicle includes sensors for measuring predetermined vehicle operating state. The system also includes sensors for dynamically measuring steering angle, vehicle speed, yaw rate and lateral acceleration. These signals are combined and numerically integrated in accordance with assymptotic observer theory to obtain a reliable estimate of the lateral vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for positioning a gasoline engine throttle in response to an angular position input command signal. A multi-phase variable reluctance motor positions the throttle in response to motor current commands from a micro-controller. The micro-controller receives and processes the position input command and throttle position feedback signals from a multi-phase variable inductance position encoder rotatably coupled with the motor shaft. The motor current command are obtained from look-up tables that are derived from empirical data of the motor. The motor current command tables are a mapping from motor rotor position and desired motor torque to desired motor currents in the appropriate phases of the motor to hold the load.