Abstract: A controller for a power steering system estimates rack force and its derivative, such as based on lateral acceleration, yaw rate, vehicle speed, or other parameters. A control torque is calculated based on the rack force, its derivative, and the vehicle speed and is summed with an input torque from the driver to determine an amount of assist torque to provide. The control torque may be a shape function that has a sign determined by the sign of the derivative and a magnitude that decreases from a maximal value with increase in the magnitude of the rack force. The maximal value may be determined according to vehicle speed.

Abstract: An emergency in-lane steering assist system for use during a braking event comprises an object sensor for detecting the presence of an object in front of a motor vehicle and providing data from which the distance from the object to the motor vehicle is determined and a velocity sensor providing data from which the forward velocity of the motor vehicle is determined. A controller in communication with the object sensor and the velocity sensor calculates a Time to Contact (TTC) with the detected object and a steering system is responsive at least in part to operation by the controller. If the calculated TTC is less than a predetermined TTC, the controller provides a lateral steering input during the braking event to reduce the linear distance traveled by the motor vehicle relative to a predetermined path in the lane.

Abstract: Data may be collected relating to autonomous operation of a vehicle. A first confidence assessment concerning whether the vehicle should operate autonomously may then be generated, and it may be determined whether the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. An alert may be provided via a user interface in the vehicle relating to ending autonomous operation of the vehicle if the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An emergency in-lane steering assist system for use during a braking event comprises an object sensor for detecting the presence of an object in front of a motor vehicle and providing data from which the distance from the object to the motor vehicle is determined and a velocity sensor providing data from which the forward velocity of the motor vehicle is determined. A controller in communication with the object sensor and the velocity sensor calculates a Time to Contact (TTC) with the detected object and a steering system is responsive at least in part to operation by the controller. If the calculated TTC is less than a predetermined TTC, the controller provides a lateral steering input during the braking event to reduce the linear distance traveled by the motor vehicle relative to a predetermined path in the lane.

Abstract: Data may be collected relating to autonomous operation of a vehicle. A first confidence assessment concerning whether the vehicle should operate autonomously may then be generated, and it may be determined whether the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. An alert may be provided via a user interface in the vehicle relating to ending autonomous operation of the vehicle if the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.

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: An enhanced stability control system (200) for a vehicle includes a vehicle status sensor that generates a sensor signal. A driver input sensor that generates an input signal. A controller (214) may disable normal yaw stability control operation and enable body-force-disturbance (BFD) yaw stability control (YSC) operation, which includes at least partially reducing response functions of the normal yaw stability control associated with the input signal, in response to the sensor signal and performing BFD-YSC functions to achieve desired control performance upon the detection of BFD reception. The controller (214) may also or alternatively compare the sensor signal to a threshold and detect an improperly functioning/inoperative vehicle status sensor. The controller (214) disregards information associated with the improperly functioning/inoperative vehicle status sensor, and continues to perform enhanced yaw stability control operations.

Abstract: An enchanced stability control system (200) for a vehicle includes a vehicle status sensor that generates a sensor signal. A driver input sensor that generates an input signal. A controller (214) may disable normal yaw stability control operation and enable body-force- disturbance (BDF) yaw stability control (YSC) operation, which includes at least partially reducing response functions of the normal yaw stability control associated with the input signal, in response to the sensor signal and performing BFD-YSC functions to achieve desired control performance upon the detection of BFD reception. The controller (214) may also or alternatively compare the sensor signal to a threshold and detect an improperly functioning/inoperative vehicle status sensor. The controller (214) disregards information associated with the improperly functioning/inoperative vehicle status sensor, and continues to perform enhanced yaw stability control operations.