Abstract: An autonomous vehicle, system and method of operating an autonomous vehicle. The system includes a communication module and a processor. The communication module sends a first set of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data over a first communication channel and a second set of GPS data over a second communication channel. The second set of GPS data is an authenticated data set. The processor operates the autonomous vehicle using the first set of GPS data, and compares the first set of GPS data to the second set of GPS data to verify the integrity of the first set of GPS data. A first value for a vehicle parameter based on the first set of GPS data is compared to a second value for the vehicle parameter based on data from a vehicle-based sensor. The first set of GPS data is rational when the difference is less than a selected threshold.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle, system and method of operating an autonomous vehicle. The system includes a communication module and a processor. The communication module sends a first set of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data over a first communication channel and a second set of GPS data over a second communication channel. The second set of GPS data is an authenticated data set. The processor operates the autonomous vehicle using the first set of GPS data, and compares the first set of GPS data to the second set of GPS data to verify the integrity of the first set of GPS data. A first value for a vehicle parameter based on the first set of GPS data is compared to a second value for the vehicle parameter based on data from a vehicle-based sensor. The first set of GPS data is rational when the difference is less than a selected threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer readable storage medium for a method for making temporal corrections to position data received a plurality of components. The method includes receiving, by a processor, vehicle location data and a time stamp associated with the vehicle location data from one or more components. The method further includes calculating, by the processor, a time difference between the time stamp and a current time received from the one or more components. The method further includes determining, by the processor, a time offset using the time difference and a distance travelled between the time stamp and an occurrence of the determination for each of the one or more components. The method further includes providing, by the processor, a corrected vehicle location using the time offset for each of the one or more component.

Abstract: A vehicle system controller having an asymmetric system architecture and a method of operating the vehicle system controller is provided. The vehicle system controller includes a primary controller and a secondary controller in communications with the vehicle systems. Each of the controllers include a memory unit containing software application and a processor for executing the software to generate commands for the vehicle systems. The memory unit of the secondary controller contains only a subset of the total software applications contained in the memory unit of the primary controller. The subset of software applications is only for the operation of pre-identified features of the vehicle systems. The vehicle systems are configured to default to commands from the primary controller, but switches to the commands from the secondary controller for a predetermined length of time if the primary controller becomes fail-silent.

Abstract: A vehicle system controller having an asymmetric system architecture and a method of operating the vehicle system controller is provided. The vehicle system controller includes a primary controller and a secondary controller in communications with the vehicle systems. Each of the controllers include a memory unit containing software application and a processor for executing the software to generate commands for the vehicle systems. The memory unit of the secondary controller contains only a subset of the total software applications contained in the memory unit of the primary controller. The subset of software applications is only for the operation of pre-identified features of the vehicle systems. The vehicle systems are configured to default to commands from the primary controller, but switches to the commands from the secondary controller for a predetermined length of time if the primary controller becomes fail-silent.

Abstract: A hitch detecting system for a vehicle. The system includes a coupling assembly arranged to connect the vehicle to a hitchable apparatus. A sensor is operably coupled to the coupling assembly and monitors one or more parameters related to the coupling assembly. A controller is provided in communication with the sensor. The controller is operable to change, during operation of the vehicle, one or more functions of the vehicle in response to information detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A hitch detecting system for a vehicle. The system includes a coupling assembly arranged to connect the vehicle to a hitchable apparatus. A sensor is operably coupled to the coupling assembly and monitors one or more parameters related to the coupling assembly. A controller is provided in communication with the sensor. The controller is operable to change, during operation of the vehicle, one or more functions of the vehicle in response to information detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to eliminate the risk of over temperature concerns associated with electrical heating devices, which if undetected may result in an electrical over temperature condition. The electrical heating system may be applied to the detection and control structure of other automotive electrical loads where thermal concerns may exist. The electrical heating system combines several layers of fault detection strategies, to form a unique comprehensive approach to prevent and detect potential electrical fault conditions, which if undetected and/or controlled may result in an electrical over temperature condition.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to eliminate the risk of over temperature concerns associated with electrical heating devices, which if undetected may result in an electrical over temperature condition. The electrical heating system may be applied to the detection and control structure of other automotive electrical loads where thermal concerns may exist. The electrical heating system combines several layers of fault detection strategies, to form a unique comprehensive approach to prevent and detect potential electrical fault conditions, which if undetected and/or controlled may result in an electrical over temperature condition.