Abstract: A system has memory that stores instructions executable by the processor to instruct operation of at least one vehicle system (e.g., braking system, propulsion system, steering system, suspension system) in a minimum time mode for travel of the vehicle from a starting point to a destination point of a roadway. The system collects roadway data for the roadway from the starting point to the destination point. Based on the roadway data, the system determines a minimum time path from the starting point to the destination point and speed along the minimum time path. In response to a maximum acceleration input from a human driver of the vehicle when the vehicle is at the starting point, the system initiates the minimum time mode and instructs operation of at least one vehicle system to pursue the minimum time path and speed along the minimum time path from starting point to destination point.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle configured to be driven by a driver is provided. The vehicle has a human-machine interface (HMI). The system includes an interior sensor suite, a processor electrically connected to the interior sensor suite and the HMI, and a memory. The memory has instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including determine, based on the interior sensor suite, if there is a passenger in the vehicle, determine, when there is a passenger in the vehicle and based on the interior sensor suite, whether the passenger or the driver is attempting to use the HMI, and permit the passenger and not the driver to use the HMI.

Abstract: A method of providing vehicle guidance for traversal of rutted terrain may include employing a sensor network to determine characteristics of ruts in the rutted terrain, and determining a proximity value between a portion of a body of the vehicle and the rutted terrain based on the determined characteristics. The method may further include, responsive to the proximity value being below a proximity threshold, defining a strategy for positioning the vehicle at a point of increased ground clearance relative to the ruts, and providing a guidance instruction to the vehicle according to the defined strategy.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The UAV may include a UAV transceiver configured to receive course information associated with a course. The UAV may further include a UAV processor that may be configured to obtain the course information from the UAV transceiver. Responsive to obtaining the course information, the UAV processor may determine a UAV position in the course, and identify a course marker, from a plurality of course markers, in proximity to the UAV position based on the course information. The UAV processor may then determine navigation instructions associated with the course marker for a vehicle to navigate the course based on the course information. The UAV may be configured to move in proximity to a vehicle front portion and display the navigation instructions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to estimate trailer load are disclosed. An example apparatus comprises memory, instructions, and programmable circuitry to execute the instructions to determine a threshold value associated with at least one of a vehicle or a trailer, the trailer couplable to the vehicle, access an image containing an object to be placed in the trailer, divide the image into segments, at least one of the segments corresponding to the object, determine a characteristic of the object based on the at least one of the segments, compare the characteristic to the threshold value, and determine at least one operating characteristic of the vehicle based on the comparison.

Abstract: A heated running board for a motor vehicle includes a substrate formed by an additive manufacturing process and a pre-fabricated heater embedded within the substrate. The pre-fabricated heater is not formed by the additive manufacturing process. A system for operating a heated running board for a motor vehicle includes the heated running board, at least one sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive signals from the at least one sensor and supply power to the pre-fabricated heater to control a temperature of the pre-fabricated heater based on at least one operational characteristic from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for charging an electric energy storage device of a vehicle are described. In one example, the electric energy storage device is charged via a receiving coil that may be placed in a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation during charging of the electric energy storage device via the receiving coil.

Abstract: A vehicle having a first vehicle device configured to provide inputs to a first user device associated with a first user is disclosed. The vehicle further comprises a camera configured to capture images of the first user in the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises processor configured to obtain the images from the camera, and determine that the first user is operating the first user device in the vehicle based on the images. The processor may be further configured to determine an availability of the first vehicle device responsive to a determination that the first user is operating the first user device, and activate the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device when the first vehicle device is available.

Abstract: A vehicle having a first vehicle device configured to provide inputs to a first user device associated with a first user is disclosed. The vehicle further comprises a camera configured to capture images of the first user in the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises processor configured to obtain the images from the camera, and determine that the first user is operating the first user device in the vehicle based on the images. The processor may be further configured to determine an availability of the first vehicle device responsive to a determination that the first user is operating the first user device, and activate the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device when the first vehicle device is available.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to, in response to a navigation feature being active for a route, prompt an operator of the vehicle to activate a driver-assist feature of the vehicle. For example, the computer can output a message via a user interface indicating that the driver-assist feature is available to be used. The computer is further programmed to receive an input indicating a destination, determine the route for the vehicle from a current location of the vehicle to the destination, and activate the navigation feature to output guidance instructing the operator to follow the route.

Abstract: A system communicatively coupled with a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a detection unit configured to measure sound in proximity to a vehicle tire, and a processor communicatively coupled with the detection unit. The processor may be configured to obtain inputs from the detection unit, and identify a slow leakage in the vehicle tire based on the inputs. The processor may be further configured to output a notification responsive to a slow leakage identification. The system may be a part of the vehicle or may be part of a user device communicatively coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one drive wheel, a powerplant, a clutch, and a controller. The powerplant is configured to generate and deliver power to the at least one drive wheel. The clutch is disposed between the at least one drive wheel and the powerplant. The controller is programmed to, in response to detecting the at least one drive wheel disengaging the ground during a vehicle jump, open the clutch to disconnect the at least one drive wheel from the powerplant.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle feature predesignated as limited-use and may determine that a conditional parameter for enabling the vehicle feature has been met, based at least on a present vehicle state. The vehicle engages the vehicle feature responsive to the present vehicle state meeting the conditional use parameter and monitors changes to the present vehicle state. Also, the vehicle automatically controls the feature in accordance with changes to the present vehicle state, to adaptively control the vehicle feature reactive to the changes to the present vehicle state relative to the conditional use parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery, an electric machine, an electrical port, sensors, and a controller. The battery is configured to store electrical power. The electric machine is configured to receive electrical power from the battery to propel the vehicle. The electrical port is configured to receive an electrical connector of a charging station to initiate a charging operation of the battery. The sensors are configured to monitor an exterior of the vehicle. The controller is programmed to, in response to the sensors detecting an unidentified individual approaching the vehicle, eject the electrical connector from the electrical port or enable full operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Upon determining that a vehicle is operating at an off-road location, a control parameter for the vehicle can be adjusted to compensate for data from a vehicle sensor affected by operating at the off-road location. The vehicle can then be operated at the off-road location according to the adjusted control parameter.

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: Methods and apparatus to prevent trailer sway are disclosed. An example apparatus to prevent trailer sway of a trailer coupled to a vehicle includes prediction circuitry to predict, based on sensor data from one or more sensors of the vehicle, whether a trailer sway condition associated with the vehicle is likely to occur, and control activation circuitry to, in response to the prediction that the trailer sway is likely to occur, activate at least one vehicle control of the vehicle to prevent the trailer sway condition from occurring, the at least one vehicle control to include applying torque to at least one of one or more trailer wheels of the trailer or one or more vehicle wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system may include a mode selector for enabling selection of an operating mode of the vehicle among a plurality of selectable operating modes, where at least one of the selectable operating modes includes an off-road driving assistance mode that controls propulsive torque and braking torque application when the off-road driving assistance mode is active. The system may further include a torque control module to generate both a propulsive torque request and a braking torque request based on a target speed set in association with the off-road driving assistance mode, a sensor network operably coupled to components of the vehicle to obtain tractive information associated with an operating context of the vehicle, and a controller operably coupled to the sensor network to receive the tractive information and modify operation of the torque control module responsive to the tractive information indicating a trigger event.

Abstract: A system examines a current route to determine if one or more instances of off-road travel exist providing an alternative path for reaching a route destination. The system determines that characteristics of a vehicle meet parameters associated with at least one of the instances of off-road travel. Also, the system, responsive to the determining that the characteristics meet the parameters, provides a driver with indication of an alternative route across the instance of off-road travel, including any payment necessary to use the instance of off-road travel. The system, responsive to driver selection of the instance of off-road travel, negotiates payment for usage of the instance of off-road travel and, responsive to negotiating payment, changes the current route to include the instance of off-road travel. The system also provides digital permissions for the vehicle to travel on the instance of off-road travel.

Abstract: A controller, responsive to a request to DC fast charge a traction battery at a charge station that offers a plurality of DC fast charge rates each with a cost per unit time that increases as the rate increases, generates output, only for each of the rates that correspond to an aging parameter for the traction battery that is less than a threshold value, indicating a cost to charge the traction battery at the rate.