Abstract: A travel control apparatus for a vehicle detects a vehicle to be passed that is an target of passing and is located in front of a vehicle equipped with the travel control apparatus in a traveling lane thereof on the basis of peripheral environment information and travel information, detects a following vehicle that is behind the vehicle in the traveling lane thereof as a following vehicle in the original lane on the basis of the peripheral environment information, monitors the vehicle to be passed and the following vehicle in the original lane, and variably controls a passing maneuver with respect to the vehicle to be passed on the basis of a monitoring result.

Abstract: A method and vehicle system for reducing driver distractions caused by a head-up display (HUD). The HUD projects one or more graphic elements onto a windshield in view of a driver of the vehicle. The vehicle system determines a content status of the one or more projected graphic elements. The vehicle system detects one or more objects within an environment of the vehicle. The vehicle system determines whether the content status of the one or more projected graphic elements satisfies a driver distraction criterion. The vehicle then notifies the driver of the one or more detected objects when the content status of the one or more projected graphic element satisfies the driver distraction criterion.

Abstract: An alarm device for a vehicle has a sensor section detecting that the hand of a passenger approaches an opening and closing operation section H and sending an operation detecting signal, a vehicle detector detecting another vehicle approaching from behind and sending a vehicle detecting signal, a vibration unit vibrating the opening and closing operation section H, a lamp section arranged on a pillar and displaying a warning sign with the irradiation of light, and a ECU (Electric Control Unit). When the ECU receives the vehicle detecting signal and the operation detecting signal, the vibration unit operates and a warning sign is displayed on the lamp section. Thereby, when another vehicle approaches, it is possible to prevent the passenger from opening operation of the door body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a stopped vehicle traffic resumption alert. An example disclosed vehicle includes a collision detection unit and a traffic monitor. The example collision detection unit detects an object in front of the vehicle. The example traffic monitor, when a transmission of the vehicle is in drive and a speed of the vehicle is zero, tracks a gaze of a driver with a camera. Additionally, in response to detecting the object transition from being stationary to moving, and the gaze of the driver not being forward, the traffic monitor provides an alert to the driver.

Abstract: A driver assist system for a vehicle includes at least one non-visual sensor and a forward-viewing camera disposed that is part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle that includes at least two side cameras and a rear backup camera. A video display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle. During a driving or parking maneuver of the vehicle, images derived, at least in part, from image data captured by at least some of the cameras are displayed by the video display screen, and at least one indication is provided to the driver of the vehicle during the driving maneuver. A unitary image is synthesized from image data captured by the multi-camera vision system and approximates a view as would be seen by a virtual camera at a single location exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an outside mirror and inside rearview mirror comprising receiving pre-stored information, identifying the driver physical dimensions and preset at least one vehicle setting to the correctly engineered position for a the identified driver physical dimensions to avoid dangerous conditions from wrongly set device where the device is a rear view mirror and the dangerous condition is not seeing vehicles in adjacent lane when trying to change lanes and adapting the position of the rear view mirror as new information become available.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a side mirror of a vehicle, such as a fork lift, includes a side mirror assembly that has a support frame and a side mirror mounted to the support frame. The support frame is hingedly mounted to the vehicle and has an outer end disposed outwardly from the vehicle. A contact wheel is mounted to the side mirror assembly so that the wheel can rotate in a generally horizontal plane. The wheel is mounted below the mirror and has a peripheral contact surface that extends outward, rearward and forward beyond the side mirror and beyond the support frame. When the surface of an obstacle contacts the wheel peripheral surface, the wheel will rotate and ride along the obstacle, allowing the arm to properly pivot forward or rearward without damaging the side mirror.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a first imager located at a front portion of the vehicle, a second imager located at the rear of the vehicle, a third imager located in a first exterior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle and a fourth imager located in a second exterior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear, (a) video images derived from image data captured by the second imager are displayed on a video display screen and (b) responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by a common image processor, the driver of the vehicle is alerted to the presence of an object exterior the equipped vehicle. When the vehicle travels forward, the common image processor processes first image data captured by the first imager for at least a lane departure warning system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular side rail and removable step system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the kit includes first, second, and third removable steps that may be mounted to the side rail. In one aspect, the side rail main body has a channel-shape defining a longitudinal opening between an adjacent first side and an adjacent second side. A plurality of step attachment arrangements may be provided on the first side of the side rail main body to allow the first, second, and third steps to be mounted to the side rail main body in various configurations. For example the plurality of step attachment arrangements may be arranged and configured to provide attachment locations for mounting the first and third removable steps in a first step assembly configuration and for mounting the second removable step in a second step assembly configuration.

Abstract: A storage console for a vehicle is provided and may include a housing movable from a stowed position to an upright position. The housing may include a top surface that is substantially flush with a floor of the vehicle in the stowed position and is spaced apart from the floor in the upright position.

Abstract: An entertainment system that is used in a barbershop or a beauty shop that includes a chair having a seat, the chair defines a cavity, at least one display device, a movable member attached to the seat portion and to the display device, the display device is housed within the cavity when the movable member is in a retracted position, and at least one audio output. The display device can be either a computer, a tablet, a smart phone, a game console, or an electronic gaming device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for mounting an object within a vehicle are disclosed. One apparatus includes a base, a neck, and a pair of legs. The neck extends from the base, and has a length that is adjustable relative to the base. The legs extend from the base in substantially a same plane as the neck. Each leg has a holding portion configured to hold the object. The legs are rotatable relative to the base such that rotation of one leg causes rotation of the other leg. One method includes positioning the object adjacent a base of a mounting apparatus, adjusting a length of a neck of the apparatus to accommodate the object, and rotating a pair of legs of the apparatus such that holding portions on the legs hold the object, the pair of legs rotatable such that rotation of one leg causes rotation of the other leg.

Abstract: A method of applying stitching to an interior component having an outer skin layer, a substrate layer and an intermediary layer located between the outer skin layer and the substrate layer is provided herein. The method including the steps of: a) penetrating the interior component to form a piercing therethrough; b) retracting the awl from the interior component; c) inserting a needle of a robotic sewing head through the piercing to grasp a thread; d) pulling the thread through the interior component; e) looping the thread with a previous stitch passed through the component; f) advancing the robotic sewing head to another position with respect to the interior component, wherein a backside of the substrate layer is free of obstructions; and g) repeating steps a-f until a predetermined amount of stitches are applied to the interior component.

Abstract: In at least one implementation, a first component includes a first connector and a second component includes a second connector adapted to couple with the first connector to connect together the first component and second component. The first component may be formed from a polymer and have an exterior show surface, and the first connector may have a first opening bounded by a retainer. The second component may also be formed from a polymer and include an exterior show surface, and the second connector may have a second opening and a flexible and resilient tab that has an unflexed position in which the tab at least partially overlaps the opening. In assembly, the first connector is coupled to the second connector with the retainer at least partially extending through the second opening, the tab being received within the first opening and overlapped by the retainer.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body panel assembly including first and second panels. Each panel defines different materials, and the first and second panels are fastened at a joint using a fastener. A compression limiter is disposed at the joint and configured to reduce stress on the first and second panels due to the fastener. The compression limiter has a first ring to contact the first panel and a second ring to contact the second panel. The first ring defines a drain extending through the first ring to the second ring on an outer periphery of the first ring, and is oriented such that moisture between the first and second panels is wicked through the drain and removed from the panel assembly.

Abstract: An electrical wire guiding apparatus includes: an electrical wire guiding body that is configured by coupling multiple link members in a single line so as to be capable of undergoing curving deformation, and that receives insertion of electrical wires; a self-adhesive cloth member that has stretchability and is wrapped around the electrical wire guiding body in the circumference direction so as to envelop the electrical wire guiding body; and clips (fixing means) for fixing the self-adhesive cloth member to the electrical wire guiding body. The self-adhesive cloth member is wrapped around the electrical wire guiding body in the circumference direction so as to envelop it. Also, the self-adhesive cloth member is fixed to the link members by the clips, and therefore there is no risk of detachment from the electrical wire guiding body or becoming twisted.

Abstract: An electric wire sheathing member including a resin pipe with which springback can be suppressed, and a wire harness are provided. The electric wire sheathing member includes a resin pipe that has a tubular shape into which an electric wire can be inserted and that is bent into a predetermined shape, and a metal body that is integrally provided in at least a bent portion of the resin pipe and continuously extends in the axial direction. With this configuration, the rigidity of a bent portion of the resin pipe is increased by the metal body, thus making it possible to suppress the springback of the resin pipe.

Abstract: An access port cover system, including a housing for an item, the housing defining interior and exterior regions and including an access port through which access to the item from the exterior region is provided, a cover inhibiting access through the access port from the exterior region to the interior region, and a fastener connectable to the housing and the cover. The fastener has an actuation portion for disconnecting the housing and the cover to permit access through the access port from the exterior region to the interior region, the actuation portion being inaccessible from the exterior region when the fastener is connected to the housing and the cover.

Abstract: A voltage supply and drive system for a fire service vehicle or rescue vehicle or special utility vehicle has at least one drive source and having a plurality of voltage sources which are connected to one another by an electrical power system, and a control device. At least one of the voltage sources is formed by a battery, characterized in that the control device is designed to connect or disconnect one or more voltage sources and/or one or more drive sources taking into account at least one emission value of at least one of the voltage sources and/or at least one of the drive sources. As a result, the voltage and/or drive sources which are integrated into the voltage supply and drive system of the fire service vehicle and rescue vehicle or special utility vehicle can be operated, combined in such a way that an overall minimal emission value can be achieved.

Abstract: A self-contained automotive battery booster system for boosting depleted automotive batteries when no external power source is available is provided, the self-contained automotive battery booster system having an integral power source; means for connecting the self-contained automotive battery booster system to an automotive battery; circuitry to ensure the safety of the user, the self-contained automotive battery booster system and the depleted automotive battery; and circuitry to allow the user to control the flow of electricity from the integral power source to the depleted automotive battery. The circuitry to ensure the safety of the user, the self-contained automotive battery booster system and the depleted automotive battery can include various warning indicators such as horns and LEDs and can prevent the activation of the self-contained automotive battery booster system in certain situations.

Abstract: Automobile usage analytics and personalization are described. In one or more implementations, a digital medium environment is described in which sensors are included with parts of automobiles, detect usage events that result from auto part usage, and produce sensor data indicative of the events. In this environment, a method is described of efficiently aggregating the sensor data and accurately determining automobile usage therefrom. Based on the automobile usage, the automobile is personalized for users. For example, personalized recommendations are made to automobile users to suggest goods, services, or information determined pertinent to the users. The aggregated sensor data can be used in other ways to personalize the automobile, such as to adjust seat positions, control climate, and so on. Further, the aggregated sensor data is used to answer queries regarding automobile usage that are made by users (e.g., manufacturers) via analytics tools of an auto usage reporting platform.

Abstract: A system includes a processor in communication with at least one input, and configured to control at least one vehicle system. The processor is further configured to receive a command including a subjective element. The processor is also configured to access a mapping associated with a user from whom the command originated to retrieve a user-specific meaning, the mapping defining user-specific meanings for at least one subjective element. Further, the processor is configured to apply a user-specific meaning to an implementation of the command, such that a vehicle system is adjusted in accordance with both the subjective element and the user-specific meaning associated therewith.

Abstract: A vehicle including a housing supported on a framework member of the vehicle via a supporting member, a liquid medium supply unit fixed to the housing and driven by a motor to supply a liquid medium to a cooled or lubricated portion, and a first atmosphere communicating mechanism that establishes a communication between an inside of a motor portion of the liquid medium supply unit and atmosphere, the first atmosphere communicating mechanism including a volumetric member that is disposed apart from the liquid medium supply unit in a position higher than the liquid medium supply unit, that has a predetermined volumetric space, and that is fixed to the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper structure including: bumper reinforcement inside of a bumper cover provided at a front-rear direction outside end of a vehicle; an absorber disposed adjacent to the vehicle front-rear direction outside of the bumper reinforcement; a pedestrian collision detection sensor including a pressure tube extending between the bumper reinforcement and the absorber, bending toward a vehicle lower side at positions of both vehicle width direction end portions of the bumper reinforcement, including a left and right pair of tube end portions extending along a vehicle up-down direction, and outputting a signal according to a change in pressure in the pressure tube; and a reinforcement member, the reinforcement member being provided to a vehicle front-rear direction inside face of the bumper cover, reinforcing the bumper cover, and being disposed in a position superimposed in the vehicle front-rear direction on the tube end portion in plan view.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cabin cover system positioned over the operator cabin of a machine. The cabin cover system comprises a first support member extending vertically from a frame member. The first support member has a first portion attached to the frame member and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion. The cabin cover system further includes a canopy pivotally coupled to the second portion of the first support member. The cabin cover system also includes at least one hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to each of the canopy and the frame member. The at least one hydraulic actuator is configured to pivotally move the canopy towards the truck body.

Abstract: A vehicle side curtain airbag device having front protection function, comprising a side airbag (1) and an auxiliary airbag (2) connected to one side surface of the side airbag (1) and arranged in a left/right transverse direction after being expanded; a dividing hole membrane (3) is disposed between the side airbag (1) and the auxiliary airbag (2); the dividing hole membrane (3) is ensured to be opened only when the internal pressure of the side airbag (1) reaches a certain value, thus realizing self-adaptive opening threshold adjustment, controlling the instant of inflation and inflation speed of the auxiliary airbag (2), and adjusting the stiffness of the auxiliary airbag (2). When a vehicle has a collision, the device protects the head and neck of a passenger in both side collision and front collision traffic accidents, thus effectively absorbing the collision impact energy of the passenger, and reducing injury to the passenger.

Abstract: A method of packaging an air-bag includes providing an air-bag having a base. A first part of the air-bag is folded at least partly towards the base of the air-bag and additionally folded such that the first part of the air-bag incorporates at least one Z-fold. The first part of the air-bag and a second part of the air-bag are at least partly rolled towards the base of the air-bag to package the air-bag.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter includes at least one pyrotechnic material designed to be ignited by a heating element, a case enclosing the at least one pyrotechnic material, and a plastic overmoulding of the case, forming a fixation interface of the igniter and designed to be inserted into a fixation orifice of a support up to an inserted position. The fixation interface of the plastic overmoulding includes at least one deformable part designed to elastically deform during passage into the fixation orifice and assume during an elastic return a blocking position against the support when the igniter is in the inserted position in order to prevent any withdrawal of the igniter.

Abstract: An airbag includes an inflation side and a vehicle occupant contact side opposite the inflation side, and a divider. The divider has a first portion attached to the inflation side and to the vehicle occupant contact side and a second portion attached to the inflation side and to the vehicle occupant contact side, such that the first and second portions tend to converge from the inflation side toward the occupant contact side.

Abstract: Shock absorbing seatbelt height adjusters for use with vehicle occupant restraint systems, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shock absorbing height adjuster includes a D-loop assembly slidably coupled to a rail, and a stop assembly and a pre-loader slidably coupled to the rail on opposite sides of the D-loop assembly. The stop assembly and the pre-loader can be releasably lockable at a plurality of positions along the rail. A biasing member can be compressed between the pre-loader and the D-loop assembly to urge the D-loop assembly toward the stop assembly and allow motion of the D-loop assembly toward the pre-loader under load. The position of the pre-loader can be adjusted to vary the compression in the biasing member.

Abstract: A safety system for a motor vehicle having at least a front wheel arrangement having one or more wheels and rear wheel arrangement having one or more wheels, the arrangement having: a control unit; and one or more vehicle inertial sensors to detect acceleration experienced by the vehicle, the inertial sensors being connected to the control unit so the control unit receives output signals from the inertial sensors; and one or more vehicle safety systems which may be activated by the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to process the signals received from the inertial sensors and to determine whether at least one of the wheels of the front and rear wheel arrangements is not in contact with the surface over which the vehicle is driven.

Abstract: A vehicle is shown such as a snowmobile, where a frame includes a tunnel and a front frame portion comprised of cast halves. A suspension system is comprised of upper and lower control arms connected to the front frame portion. Some of the frame components are adhesively fixed together. A powertrain is supported by the frame, and is comprised of an engine and a clutch. The clutch includes a clutch guard supporting an oil container. The engine has an exhaust system which extends through the front frame portion. The snowmobile also has a rear snow deflector.

Abstract: Methods, systems and media are provided for managing personal security of a user of a vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a plurality of active sensors. One method includes receiving a first remote request at the vehicle to activate a first level of security. The first level of security activates a first active sensor. The method includes recording an area proximate to vehicle in response to activating the first level of security. The recording produces a media file. The method includes transmitting the media file to Internet storage associated with an account of the user of the vehicle. The method includes setting indicators, such as lighting in and around the vehicle to identify a security level of the vehicle. The lighting can be color illumination, that indicates to a user before the user fully approaches the vehicle if the vehicle has a particular security level, based on prior monitored activity.

Abstract: A moving device receives a 100% duty measurement signal transmitted from an in-vehicle device. The receive strength of the received measurement signal is divided into unit time, and the average value of the receive strength for each unit time is determined The maximum value and the minimum value of the average value are determined, and the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value is transmitted to the in-vehicle device as signal strength fluctuation information. The in-vehicle device determines that a communication state is abnormal if it is determined that the fluctuation ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body with an opening that can be closed by a preferably pivotable cover and a box-shaped metallic reflector that is open towards the opening for receiving an HPEM source and that is reversibly insertable into the opening. The reflector is connected to the body by an earth connection following insertion of the reflector. The earth connection is implemented by a brush strip containing fibers of a conductive material that connects the box-shaped reflector to the body circumferentially on all sides in the region of the opening.

Abstract: A wiper arm device comprising a wiper arm unit which has at least one wiper rod, and comprising at least one nozzle unit which is provided for applying washer fluid onto a vehicle window, and which, in an installed state, is arranged at least substantially laterally on the wiper arm unit. The nozzle unit, in the installed state, is arranged at least substantially as an extension of a wiper rod of the wiper arm unit and is fastened to the wiper arm unit by a latching connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, in particular a wiping device for a motor vehicle pane, comprising a retaining unit (10a-10e) that has a retaining element (12a-12e) with a longitudinal guide channel (14a-14e) for guiding a spring element (16a-16e), and comprising a spoiler unit (22a-22e). According to the invention, the retaining element (12a-12e) has at least one fixing means (18a-18e, 20a-20e), the free end (24a-24e, 26a-26e) of which faces the longitudinal guide channel (14a-14e) and which is provided to interlock with the spoiler unit (22a-22e).

Abstract: The invention relates to a support fitting (10) for a windscreen wiper, the said fitting (10) comprising a body with a longitudinal direction of extension (X), the said body comprising first means which are designed to receive a bending vertebra (20) and second means which define an open lower receptacle (13) for receipt of an upper heel for fitting of a wiping blade of the wiper, characterized in that the said second means comprise recesses (52) which facilitate the bending of the said vertebra (20). The invention also relates to a windscreen wiper comprising a fitting (10) of this type. The invention also relates to a wiping system comprising a wiper of this type.

Abstract: A motor vehicle windscreen wiper windscreen washer liquid distribution system including a windscreen washer liquid distribution network is disclosed. The windscreen washer liquid distribution network includes at least one hydraulic pipe including at least one windscreen washer liquid circulation passage, at least one hydraulic connector connected to the circulation passage, and at least one thermally conductive member in thermal contact with the at least one hydraulic connector and with a heating element of the distribution system.

Abstract: This vehicle is provided with: a window opening and a secondary window opening, which are formed adjacent to each other in a vehicle body; a window panel for covering the window opening; a secondary window panel for covering the secondary window opening; and a wiper device for wiping both the window panel and the secondary window panel. The wiper device is provided with a wiper blade that is capable of passing over a boundary between the window panel and the secondary window panel to continuously wipe from the window panel to the secondary window panel.

Abstract: A lever system for actuating a plunger pin on a trailer jack includes a lever, an attachment member for attaching the lever to the plunger pin and an engagement member which limits the movement of the lower end of the lever toward the trailer jack.

Abstract: A method for activating a braking device in the drive train of a vehicle with an automatic gear box, a gear-side parking brake, and a braking system. The vehicle, starting from a parked position with an engaged parking lock, and under the presence of a starting condition, a control apparatus independent from a driver request, controls the braking system to secure against the vehicle rolling away by until the parking lock is released.

Abstract: A method and device for braking a traction vehicle-trailer combination with a traction vehicle and at least one trailer, in which a traction controller is provided for a brake system of the traction vehicle, and for a brake system of the at least one trailer, no traction controller is provided or a traction controller is provided for the axles which are present, but with a brake-slip-determining arrangement on fewer axles than the number of axles, in which (a) the trailer brake system is controlled by the traction vehicle brake system, and (b) during a braking it is determined whether there is a risk of the trailer swinging out as to the traction vehicle, or whether such swinging is imminent or is occurring, and (c) the braking force or the braking of the trailer is reduced if it has been determined in (a) that there is a risk of the trailer swinging out, or is imminent or is occurring, and (d) a risk of the trailer swinging out, or imminent or occurring swinging out of the trailer, as to the traction vehicle

Abstract: A Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) for an off-road type vehicle includes a 2WD/4WD switch adapted to switch a drive mode of the vehicle between a two-wheel drive mode (2WD) and a four-wheel drive mode (4WD). The switch is configured to be manually activated by an associated vehicle operator. A control unit is in signal communication with the 2WD/4WD switch. The control unit is operable to activate the BTCS only if the drive mode is switched to the four-wheel drive mode and predetermined vehicle operating conditions relating to engine throttle position or opening and wheel speed are subsequently satisfied.

Abstract: The invention proposes a planet carrier (50) for a planetary gear train of a reducing mechanism of an electromechanical actuator for actuating a parking brake of a motor vehicle, which carries planet pinions (52), each of which is accommodated between two parallel support plates (56, 58) belonging to a reinforcement (54) of the planet carrier and each of which is mounted in rotation on the planet carrier (50) about a rotation guide pin (74) that is mounted between the two support plates (56, 58) to which it is linked by the two opposing axial ends thereof, characterized in that each rotation guide pin (74) is a tubular pin.

Abstract: An Antilock brake system (ABS) cover for an ABS sensor on a motorcycle to protect the ABS sensor from environmental dust, grime and debris from the roads and other terrains through which the motorcycle travels as well as to cover the somewhat non-symmetrical ABS sensor structure and fill in the unsightly empty space located directly around the ABS sensor, to give the wheels an aesthetic appearance. The ABS sensor cover can be held in place over the ABS sensor by screws or permanently attached with a suitable adhesive. The ABS sensor cover of the present invention additionally has the benefit of a positive effect on the aerodynamics of the front of the motorcycle when it is mounted on the ABS sensor located on the wheels.

Abstract: A device includes at least one of a brake position sensor operationally coupled to a brake and providing a brake position signal, or a clutch position sensor operationally coupled to a clutch and providing a clutch position signal. The device further includes a controller having a communication module structured to interpret the at least one of the brake position signal or the clutch position signal, and a collection module structured to collect vehicle dynamics information. The controller further includes a vehicle dynamics module structured to interpret the vehicle dynamics information, and a sensor diagnostics module structured to determine a failure of at least one of the clutch position sensor or the brake position sensor in response to the vehicle dynamics information and at least one of the clutch signal or the brake signal.

Abstract: A three stage watercraft for operation in the water as a traditional boat at low speeds in stage one, for operation on the water's surface at mid-range speeds at stage two, and for traveling in ground effect at higher range speeds is disclosed. The three stage craft includes a hydro-wing 12, at least a single hydrofoil 13 to aid with lift from stage one to stage two, and a pair of outboard floats or hydro-floats 16a, 16b supported by the hydro-wing 12, which are also designed to aid with lift from stage one to stage two. A gyration rotor 14 to aid with lift from stage one to stage two may also be provided as may a pair of pivotally mounted air propellers which aid in lift and propulsion by varying their operational angle relative to the plane of travel of the craft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle driveline that includes an engine and a motor are presented. In one example, the systems and methods include one or more control modes where engine and/or motor speed or torque is adjusted responsive to different control parameters during a vehicle launch from zero speed or a creep speed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction motor coupled to a driveline. An engine and a generator are coupled to the driveline through a planetary gearset. A controller commands the traction motor torque based on a difference between a driver torque demand and an estimated powertrain torque. The estimated powertrain torque is based on an error between actual and estimated engine speed and an error between actual and estimated generator speed. The estimated powertrain torque may be further based on commanded or estimated engine torque and generator torque. The estimated powertrain torque may utilize a state estimator to calculate internal states based on the errors.