Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing transitions between operational modes of a vehicle. The system includes a controller configured to, by a processor: automatically transition between vehicular operational modes without initiation by the driver including a hands-off autonomous driving mode in which the processor controls lateral steering of the vehicle, a hands-on driving assistance mode in which the processor controls the lateral steering of the vehicle while the driver is holding the steering wheel, and a no control mode in which the driver controls the lateral steering of the vehicle. The transition between the operational modes is based on sensed data. The hands-off autonomous driving mode is prioritized over the hands-on driving assistance mode which is prioritized over the no control mode. The controller is further configured to display on a human-machine-interface a notification indicating that at least one of the operational modes is active or not available.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) of a vehicle. The system includes a controller in operable communication with the DMS of the vehicle. The controller is configured to, by a processor: receive a signal from the DMS that a camera of the DMS is unable to monitor a driver of the vehicle, determine a cause of the camera being unable to monitor the driver, and adjust an escalation algorithm of the DMS based on the determined cause of the camera being unable to monitor the driver. The escalation algorithm is configured to perform actions based on activity of the driver.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for power mode control for electric propulsion vehicles are provided that include a sensor to detect a vehicle door cycle, a processor to establish an occurrence of a vehicle motion, a processor operative to initiate a timer having a default time duration in response to the occurrence of the vehicle motion and the vehicle door cycle and to generate a user prompt to extend the default time duration, the processor being further operative to transition an operating mode to a shutdown mode in response to an expiration of the time, and to extend to the default time duration in response to the user input, and a display operative to display a user interface in response to the user prompt and to receive a user input indicative of a request to extend the default time duration of the timer and to couple the user input to the processor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for power mode control for electric propulsion vehicles are provided that include a sensor to detect a vehicle door cycle, a processor to establish an occurrence of a vehicle motion, a processor operative to initiate a timer having a default time duration in response to the occurrence of the vehicle motion and the vehicle door cycle and to generate a user prompt to extend the default time duration, the processor being further operative to transition an operating mode to a shutdown mode in response to an expiration of the time, and to extend to the default time duration in response to the user input, and a display operative to display a user interface in response to the user prompt and to receive a user input indicative of a request to extend the default time duration of the timer and to couple the user input to the processor.