Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to, in response to a vehicle towing a trailer being in reverse, determine a relative orientation of the trailer to the vehicle; while the vehicle is in reverse, in response to the relative orientation exceeding a threshold, brake the vehicle; and then, upon receiving an operator input, permit the vehicle to travel in reverse with the relative orientation exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle to mitigate vision obstructions includes collecting data on potential vision obstructions in a sightline of an operator of a vehicle, determining, based on the data, that a vision obstruction has occurred or is about to occur, and actuating a corrective measure in the vehicle. Collected data may include camera data from inside the vehicle and estimated environmental conditions, and the collected data may be used to disable the ADAS based on a detected or impending vision obstruction.

Abstract: A target vehicle can be identified for sound recording. A microphone on the host vehicle is activated to record sounds emanating from the target vehicle. A host vehicle assist feature is operated to maintain a sound recording proximity to the target vehicle. Then the sounds emanating from the target vehicle are recorded while the host vehicle is within the sound recording proximity of the target vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for automatic adjustment of a seat in a vehicle. In an example method, a processor may evaluate a detector signal to determine an occupancy status of a second seat located behind a first seat in a vehicle. The processor may then execute a seat movement operation of the first seat based on the occupancy status of the second seat. The seat movement operation may involve either moving the first seat backwards over a first distance based on the second seat being unoccupied or moving the first seat backwards over a second distance that is smaller than the first distance based on the second seat being occupied. The first seat may be moved backwards at either a first speed of movement or a second speed of movement based on factors such as an available separation distance between the first seat and the second seat.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for providing a vehicle occupant preparation system for certain acceleration modes. In an example method, sensor data associated with one or more sensors of the vehicle may be generated when a vehicle is in an acceleration mode. Subsequently, an orientation of an occupant in the vehicle relative to a seat or other structure within an interior of the vehicle may be determined using the sensor data. The orientation of the occupant may comprise at least a position of a head of the occupant or a direction the head of the occupant is facing. It may be determined that the orientation of the occupant is not within a predetermined orientation threshold. A notification associated with the orientation of the occupant may then be presented. In some instances, a performance parameter of the vehicle may be adjusted.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for connected vehicle enhancements. An example method may include causing to present, based on a first factor, an offer to install a first software update to a vehicle for a first period of time. The example method may also include receiving a request to install the first software update for the first period of time. The example method may also include causing to install the first software update on the vehicle at a first time. The example method may also include causing to disable, based on a determination that the first period of time has elapsed, the first software update on the vehicle. The example method may also include receiving a request to permanently install the software update on the vehicle. The example method may also include causing to permanently install the first software update on the vehicle at a second time.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive data indicating a lane change by a first vehicle that is towing a second vehicle, the data including data indicating a direction that first wheels of the first vehicle are turning while the first vehicle is performing the lane change; and during the lane change, instruct a steering system of the second vehicle to turn second wheels of the second vehicle in a same direction as the first wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle having a powered tailgate is provided. The vehicle includes a body, a powered tailgate pivotally connected to the body, an actuator operatively coupled to the tailgate to move the tailgate between open and closed positions, and sensors configured to sense an object in a swing path of the tailgate. The vehicle also includes a controller for processing signals output from the sensor and identifying and classifying the object, and controlling the actuator to move the tailgate between the open and closed positions based on the classified object.

Abstract: A system comprises a computer having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to monitor conditions of a roadway as a vehicle travels the roadway while an adaptive cruise control feature of the vehicle is active, identify an expected condition change based on the monitoring the conditions of the roadway, determine a preferred power state for an engine of the vehicle based on the expected condition change, determine that an engine power state transition is planned for the engine, the engine power state transition including transitioning the engine from a current power state to a planned power state, and resolve the engine power state transition based on the preferred power state.

Abstract: A system receives indication of a request for a vehicle characteristic from a requesting party. The system determines candidate gathering vehicles for processing the request, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the requesting party. The system sends instructions to the candidate gathering vehicles to search for the vehicle characteristic using onboard sensors. Further, the system receives sensor data from the candidate gathering vehicles and analyze the sensor data to determine sensor data indicating the vehicle characteristic. The system saves instances of the sensor data as candidate locations for a vehicle having the vehicle characteristic, along with location data included with the instances of the sensor data when the sensor data was received. The system determines a locality of the vehicle based on the saved location data saved with the instances and provides the locality to the requesting party.

Abstract: A system receives identification of an item to be loaded into a vehicle and determines dimensions of the item. The system adds the item to a total load for an identified vehicle and, based on known dimensions of available space in the identified vehicle, determines one or more candidate placement options for each of one or more items comprising the total load, within available space within the vehicle, wherein candidate placement options for each item are determined so as not to overlap with placement options for another of the one or more items within a given configuration representing placement options for all of the one or more items comprising the total load. Additionally, the system presents a visual rendering of at least one given configuration that successfully allows the total load to fit within the available space.

Abstract: Success rate and usage monitoring for charging vehicles is provided. A charger request is received from a requesting device, the charger request requesting charger recommendations for a vehicle. One or more vehicle attributes are identified from the charger request. The charger recommendations are determined based on charger statistics computed based on charger histories that correspond to the one or more vehicle attributes, the charger histories being descriptive of vehicle charges performed to one or more vehicles by one or more charging stations and further including information descriptive of the one or more vehicles receiving the vehicle charges. The charger recommendations corresponding to the one or more vehicle attributes are sent to the requesting device, responsive to the request.

Abstract: Systems and methods for road disturbance detection and torque vectoring control. A vehicle may comprise: a torque vectoring system for independently varying torque to a plurality of wheels, an external sensor suite, and an electronic control unit. The control unit may comprise one or more processors and memory storing executable instructions that, as a result of execution by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to implement an appropriate torque vectoring strategy. The torque vectoring strategy may comprise biasing torque towards or away from a wheel/motor/axle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control a vehicle trailer using torque vectoring are disclosed. An example apparatus to control a trailer of a vehicle includes condition determination circuitry to determine, based on data from sensors on at least one of the trailer or the vehicle, whether a condition associated with the vehicle is satisfied, and torque control circuitry to adjust, in response to the condition being satisfied, a first torque of a first motor and a second torque of a second motor, the first motor operatively coupled to a first wheel of the trailer, the second motor operatively coupled to a second wheel of the trailer.

Abstract: While operating a host vehicle in a lane, a target vehicle is detected entering the lane in front of the vehicle. A trajectory of the target vehicle is predicted based on sensor data. Upon determining that the target vehicle will pass through the lane based on the predicted trajectory, the host vehicle is operated based on determining a presence or an absence of a lead vehicle. Upon determining that the target vehicle will remain in the lane based on the predicted trajectory, the host vehicle is operated with the target vehicle as the lead vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for issuing a hazard warning to an animate object located in a vicinity of a vehicle. In an example method, a processor in a warning system of a vehicle, detects an animate object (a person or an animal) in the vicinity of a first vehicle and determines a hazard posed to the animate object. The hazard, which may be caused by the first vehicle or another vehicle that is moving in a collision course with the animate object, can be evaluated by determining a trajectory of the animate object and a trajectory of the vehicle. If the probability of intersection of the two trajectories exceeds a threshold intersection probability level, the processor recognizes a hazard and issues a warning to the animate object (a horn beep, flashing lights, or a text message to a smart device of the person).

Abstract: A vehicle for assisting a docking operation for a marine vessel. The vehicle includes a position sensor operable to detect a position of the marine vessel. A first controller is communicatively coupled with the position sensor. The first controller is operable to receive a first instruction from a second controller corresponding to the marine vessel to monitor the position sensor. The first controller is further operable to receive positional data corresponding to the position of the marine vessel relative to a dock. The first controller is further operable to communicate the positional data to the second controller to assist with the docking operation.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for virtual parking lot space allocation. An example method may include receiving, by a processor and from a first vehicle, sensor data relating to a first location. The example method may also include generating, by the processor and based on the sensor data, a first virtual parking space of a virtual parking location within the first location.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for nonvehicle based repair and maintenance identification by a vehicle including receiving, by the vehicle having one or more sensors including at least a camera, an image of a region of interest captured by the one or more sensors, identifying one or more maintenance and/or repair metrics associated with the region of interest, identifying a portion of the image associated with one or more maintenance and/or repair metrics, determining that a first metric of the one or more maintenance and repair metrics is exceeded by a feature included in the portion of the image, and transmitting data indicative of a location associated with the region of interest and the first metric, the region of interest requiring maintenance and/or repair associated with the metrics.

Abstract: A vehicle includes wheels, brakes, and a controller. The wheels are configured to propel the vehicle. The brakes are configured to generate a braking torque at the wheels. The controller is programed to, in response to (i) a commanded braking torque and (ii) a relative jounce between two of the wheels exceeding a threshold, operate the brakes to increase the braking torque to less than the commanded braking torque. The controller is further programed to, in response to (i) the commanded braking torque and (ii) a droop of at least one of the wheels exceeding a threshold, operate the brakes to increase the braking torque to less than the commanded braking torque.