Abstract: One general aspect includes a system having a memory configured to include one or more executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions, where the executable instructions enable the processor to estimate a rate of change of a hitch angle between a trailer and vehicle, the estimated rate of change of the hitch angle being based on a turn angle for a plurality of rear wheels of the vehicle as well as a speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: One general aspect includes a system having a memory configured to include one or more executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions, where the executable instructions enable the processor to estimate a rate of change of a hitch angle between a trailer and vehicle, the estimated rate of change of the hitch angle being based on a turn angle for a plurality of rear wheels of the vehicle as well as a speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch angle module determines a hitch angle based on an input from at least one of a vehicle rear camera and a hitch angle sensor. The hitch angle is an angle between a longitudinal centerline of a trailer and a longitudinal centerline of a vehicle. A trailer load sensor measures a load on a trailer hitch of the vehicle. A trailer wheel speed sensor measures a wheel speed of the trailer. A trailer dimension module determines at least one of a width of the trailer, a mass of the trailer, a drawbar length of the trailer, a height of the trailer, and a trailer hitching length of the vehicle based on at least one of the hitch angle, the trailer load, and the trailer wheel speed. The trailer hitching length is a distance from a rear axle of the vehicle to a distal end of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A vehicle, system and method for steering a trailer attached to a vehicle via a hitch along a selected path. A display of the vehicle shows a view behind the trailer. A processor projects a predicted path of the trailer and an instantaneous path of the trailer onto the display. The predicted path is affected by a steering angle at the vehicle and a hitch angle and the instantaneous path is affected by the hitch angle. A steering system is used to change the steering angle at the vehicle to adjust the predicted path, wherein an effect of the predicted path on the instantaneous path brings the instantaneous path of the trailer into alignment with the selected path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing a top view image of a vehicle are provided. The method includes determining a trajectory of a vehicle or a trailer; and performing at least one from among zooming the top view image of the vehicle or trailer and panning the top view image, based on the determined trajectory. The method and apparatus may provide a better view of the surroundings of a vehicle in order to better navigate the vehicle, including the case where a trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes an estimated hitch angle module, a measured hitch angle module, a corrected hitch angle module, and at least one of a driver assist module and an actuator control module. The estimated hitch angle module estimates a hitch angle, which is an angle between a longitudinal axis of a vehicle and a longitudinal axis of a trailer that is attached to the vehicle. The measured hitch angle module determines a measured hitch angle based on an input from a sensor. The corrected hitch angle module determines a corrected hitch angle based on the estimated and measured hitch angles. The driver assist module controls a user interface device to assist a driver of the vehicle based on the corrected hitch angle. The actuator control module controls an actuator of at least one of the vehicle and the trailer based on the corrected hitch angle.

Abstract: An unexpected event detection system is provided for a rider operating an electric bicycle. The system includes a bicycle data unit configured to receive bicycle data from the electric bicycle; a wireless device data unit configured to receive device data from a wireless device; an unexpected event module coupled to receive the bicycle data from the bicycle data unit and to receive the device data from the wireless device, the unexpected event module configured to identify an unexpected event associated with the electric bicycle based on the bicycle data and the device data and to generate an alert message upon identification of the unexpected event; and an alert module coupled to the unexpected event module and configured to initiate sending the alert message to an assistance center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing a top view image of a vehicle are provided. The method includes determining a trajectory of a vehicle or a trailer; and performing at least one from among zooming the top view image of the vehicle or trailer and panning the top view image, based on the determined trajectory. The method and apparatus may provide a better view of the surroundings of a vehicle in order to better navigate the vehicle, including the case where a trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

Abstract: An unexpected event detection system is provided for a rider operating an electric bicycle. The system includes a bicycle data unit configured to receive bicycle data from the electric bicycle; a wireless device data unit configured to receive device data from a wireless device; an unexpected event module coupled to receive the bicycle data from the bicycle data unit and to receive the device data from the wireless device, the unexpected event module configured to identify an unexpected event associated with the electric bicycle based on the bicycle data and the device data and to generate an alert message upon identification of the unexpected event; and an alert module coupled to the unexpected event module and configured to initiate sending the alert message to an assistance center.

Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes an estimated hitch angle module, a measured hitch angle module, a corrected hitch angle module, and at least one of a driver assist module and an actuator control module. The estimated hitch angle module estimates a hitch angle, which is an angle between a longitudinal axis of a vehicle and a longitudinal axis of a trailer that is attached to the vehicle. The measured hitch angle module determines a measured hitch angle based on an input from a sensor. The corrected hitch angle module determines a corrected hitch angle based on the estimated and measured hitch angles. The driver assist module controls a user interface device to assist a driver of the vehicle based on the corrected hitch angle. The actuator control module controls an actuator of at least one of the vehicle and the trailer based on the corrected hitch angle.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an expected trajectory module and an electronic display. The expected trajectory module determines an expected forward drive trajectory of a vehicle and determines an expected forward drive trajectory of a trailer being towed by the vehicle. The electronic display displays the expected forward drive trajectories of the vehicle and the trailer.