Abstract: A method and system provide guided control of a hitching operation between a tow vehicle and a trailer. Dynamic pixel images are collected of the first and second hitch devices using a camera. The position of the second hitch device is determined using the controller. A first graphical overlay to the dynamic pixel images is displayed, with the first graphical overlay, e.g., guidelines, depicting a path of the tow vehicle. A distance between a calibrated position of the first hitch device and the determined position of the second hitch device is calculated and a second graphical overlay is displayed on zoomed-in images when the calculated distance is less than a calibrated distance. The second graphical overlay provides indicia of the positions of the first and second hitch devices. A control action executes when the second graphical overlay indicates substantial overlap or concentric alignment of the indicia of the respective positions.

Abstract: A method and system provide guided control of a hitching operation between a tow vehicle and a trailer. Dynamic pixel images are collected of the first and second hitch devices using a camera. The position of the second hitch device is determined using the controller. A first graphical overlay to the dynamic pixel images is displayed, with the first graphical overlay, e.g., guidelines, depicting a path of the tow vehicle. A distance between a calibrated position of the first hitch device and the determined position of the second hitch device is calculated and a second graphical overlay is displayed on zoomed-in images when the calculated distance is less than a calibrated distance. The second graphical overlay provides indicia of the positions of the first and second hitch devices. A control action executes when the second graphical overlay indicates substantial overlap or concentric alignment of the indicia of the respective positions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing visual assistance through a graphic overlay super-imposed on a back-up camera image displayed on, for example, a touch screen for assisting a vehicle operator when backing up a towing vehicle to align a hitch ball with a trailer drawbar coupler. The method includes providing camera modeling to correlate the camera image in camera coordinates to world coordinates, where the camera modeling provides a graphic overlay to include an alignment line having a height in the camera image that is determined by an estimated height of the trailer drawbar coupler. The touch screen also operates as a human-machine interface (HMI) that improves the visual assistance by providing one or more of image panning, image zoom, picture-in-picture (PIP), and a virtual top-down hitch-view.

Abstract: Methods for disambiguating the location of a radar contact using an N×M dimensioned radar array are provided. In the horizontal plane, the method comprises transmitting a first radar energy pattern in a direction, collecting reflected energy of the first radar energy pattern from the contact, transmitting a second radar energy pattern in the direction and collecting reflected energy of the second radar energy pattern from the contact. The method further comprises comparing the collected energy of the first radar energy pattern and the collected energy of the second radar energy pattern and determining if the contact is located in a side lobe or a main lobe of the first and second radar energy pattern based on the comparison. In the vertical plane, other similar embodiments may be used to determine if the radar antenna(s) are blocked by an obstacle.

Abstract: A method of detecting and tracking objects using multiple radar sensors. Objects relative to a host vehicle are detected from radar data generated by a sensing device. The radar data includes Doppler measurement data. Clusters are formed, by a processor, as a function of the radar data. Each cluster represents a respective object. Each respective object is classified, by the processor, as stationary or non-stationary based on the Doppler measurement data of each object and a vehicle speed of the host vehicle. Target tracking is applied, by the processor, on an object using Doppler measurement data over time in response to the object classified as a non-stationary object; otherwise, updating an occupancy grid in response to classifying the object as a stationary object.

Abstract: A method of detecting and tracking objects using multiple radar sensors. Objects relative to a host vehicle are detected from radar data generated by a sensing device. The radar data includes Doppler measurement data. Clusters are formed, by a processor, as a function of the radar data. Each cluster represents a respective object. Each respective object is classified, by the processor, as stationary or non-stationary based on the Doppler measurement data of each object and a vehicle speed of the host vehicle. Target tracking is applied, by the processor, on an object using Doppler measurement data over time in response to the object classified as a non-stationary object; otherwise, updating an occupancy grid in response to classifying the object as a stationary object.

Abstract: Methods for disambiguating the location of a radar contact using an N×M dimensioned radar array are provided. In the horizontal plane, the method comprises transmitting a first radar energy pattern in a direction, collecting reflected energy of the first radar energy pattern from the contact, transmitting a second radar energy pattern in the direction and collecting reflected energy of the second radar energy pattern from the contact. The method further comprises comparing the collected energy of the first radar energy pattern and the collected energy of the second radar energy pattern and determining if the contact is located in a side lobe or a main lobe of the first and second radar energy pattern based on the comparison. In the vertical plane, other similar embodiments may be used to determine if the radar antenna(s) are blocked by an obstacle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for alerting a driver of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving sensor data that is generated by an image sensor that senses conditions in proximity of the vehicle; determining real-time lane information from the sensor data, wherein the real-time lane information includes at least one of a lane width, a lane type, and a lane curvature; selectively performing an alert method that evaluates the presence of objects in proximity to the vehicle based on the real-time lane information; and selectively generating an alert signal to alert the driver based on the alert method.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A system for classifying an occupant located on a vehicle seat comprising a controller configured to receive signals from a plurality of sensors for detecting the vertical forces on the seat. The controller is configured to determine whether the detected vertical forces are indicative of the weight of the seat and the weight of the occupant located on the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A system for initializing a module is provided wherein the system includes components associated with the module that are assembled separately. The system includes a sensor, a datum, a data reader, and a memory. The sensor and the datum are mounted on an item. The datum is associated with the sensor and is captured on the item in the form of a machine-readable code. The data reader reads the datum and communicates the datum to the memory that stores the datum. The stored datum is used in a module of a product that includes the item. In an exemplary embodiment, the product is a vehicle, the item is a seat, and the module controls a safety system for the vehicle. The safety system includes load sensors mounted in the seat to measure a weight of a seat occupant. The weight of the seat occupant is used to control the deployment of the vehicle safety systems such as an air bag or a seat belt pretensioner.

Abstract: A system for classifying an occupant located on a vehicle seat comprising a controller configured to receive signals from a plurality of sensors for detecting the vertical forces on the seat. The controller is configured to determine whether the detected vertical forces are indicative of the weight of the seat and the weight of the occupant located on the vehicle seat.

Abstract: An air bag module (20) having a base plate (30) and a toroidal air bag (80) is disclosed. The toroidal air bag (80) defines a pocket (120). The toroidal air bag (80) is coupled to the base plate (30). A control module (40) having a base plate portion (82) and a generally cylindrical portion (86) is coupled to the base and located within the toroidal air bag (80). The control module (40) has a control module cover (90) coupled to said generally cylindrical portion (86) disposed within said pocket (120).

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety restraint design controller for controlling the design of a safety restraint system so that a predetermined desired level of an occupant's response is produced. The controller has a database for storing a occupant restraint factor response model. The model interrelates at least one predetermined restraint factor with the occupant response; the restraint factors having a level which is indicative of setting values for controlling the safety restraint design. A database engine connected to the database determines a level for the occupant response based upon the model and upon a first level of the restraint factors.