A device and to a method for controlling a highly automated vehicle, as well as a portable unit for remotely controlling the highly automated vehicle, the highly automated vehicle being able to independently carry out driving maneuvers without the intervention of the driver or a vehicle occupant. The device for controlling is connected to the portable unit. The device for controlling receives a signal from the portable unit that the portable unit has detected a dropping by the vehicle driver or a vehicle occupant. Upon detection of a free fall, the presently independently carried out driving maneuver is automatically aborted or terminated.

An example method includes determining a path to be followed by a vehicle through an environment. The path includes an ordered sequence of positions. The method also includes determining an intersection between a first object in the environment and a first area planned to be occupied by the vehicle while moving along the path and, in response, sequentially testing the ordered sequence of positions to identify a first ordinal position in the ordered sequence of positions, where the first ordinal position corresponds to a second area planned to be occupied by the vehicle while moving along the path, and where the second area is within a threshold distance of the first object. The method additionally includes trimming the path to remove (i) the first ordinal position and (ii) any positions subsequent thereto and causing the vehicle to stop at an end of the trimmed path.

A vehicle control device comprising: a control unit configured to control an automated parking mode based on a shift position of a transmission when an automated parking is instructed, wherein the automated parking mode includes a first automated parking mode in which steering is not executed and forward movement or rearward movement is possible and a second automated parking mode in which a parking space is detected and steering is executed automatically, and the control unit controls the automated parking mode to be in the first automated parking mode, in a case where the shift position is a first position, and selectively controls the automated parking mode to be in the first automated parking mode or the second automated parking mode, in a case where the shift position is a second position that differs from the first position.

An abnormality determination means performs detection of abnormality of one of the pairs of detection means at a normal speed, and performs detection of abnormality of the other of the pairs at a speed not higher than the normal speed, and, when a sign of abnormality of the detection means is detected at the normal speed, a CPU performs switching to the other normal pair and continues control, and the abnormality determination means performs detection of abnormality of the other normal pair at the normal speed, and meanwhile, continues to perform detection of abnormality of the abnormal pair at a speed not higher than the normal speed.

An abnormality determination means performs detection of abnormality of one of the pairs of detection means at a normal speed, and performs detection of abnormality of the other of the pairs at a speed not higher than the normal speed, and, when a sign of abnormality of the detection means is detected at the normal speed, a CPU performs switching to the other normal pair and continues control, and the abnormality determination means performs detection of abnormality of the other normal pair at the normal speed, and meanwhile, continues to perform detection of abnormality of the abnormal pair at a speed not higher than the normal speed.

There is disclosed a drum including an impact surface, arranged to be struck such that the drum is beaten, and an electronic screen, the drum having electronic connectivity so as to be able to receive electronic signals such that an output of the screen is based on said signals.

A gap concealing structure for a vehicle includes an instrument cluster frame, a steering column, a steering column cover, and a flexible concealing member that conceals the gap between the instrument cluster frame and the steering column cover in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The instrument cluster frame includes a curvilinear recess that is recessed upward away from the steering column and an attachment wall that extends in the up-down direction and the left-right direction of the vehicle from the lower surface of the recess. The concealing member has a first end and a second end in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The first end of the concealing member is attached to the attachment wall of the instrument cluster frame. The second end of the concealing member is attached to the steering column cover.

Method and apparatus are disclosed for interfaces for remote trailer maneuver-assist. An example trailer maneuver-assist system includes a mobile device including a touchscreen to present an interface. The interface includes an icon for receiving a direction-of-travel and a track for receiving a continuous motion input. The example trailer maneuver-assist system also includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes a communication module for wireless communication with the mobile device and a local control unit that performs motive functions in the direction-of-travel while the mobile device receives the continuous motion input via the touchscreen.

A steering column assembly is provided that is reach-adjustable. An inner shroud portion and outer shroud portion, which move telescopically relative to one another, each have an elongate slot, the slots at least partially overlapping at all times over the range of adjustment. An end stop extends through, and is movable within, both slots such that it strikes one end of each stop when the steering column assembly is fully retracted and the other end of each slot when the steering column assembly is fully extended.

A vehicle entry system that comprises a portable terminal and an onboard device that wirelessly communicates with the portable terminal. The onboard device has a door opening/closing unit that can lock a vehicle door in a closed state and open the vehicle door to a prescribed angle; and an onboard control unit that, on the basis of commands transmitted from an authenticated portable terminal, controls a vehicle drive system and the door opening/closing unit. The portable terminal has a touch panel and a terminal control unit that outputs commands to the onboard control unit. A plurality of icons are displayed on the touch panel includes an advance-and-open-door icon for giving a command to advance the vehicle door and then open the vehicle door; and a reverse-and-open-door icon for giving a command to reverse the vehicle door and, after reversing, to open the vehicle door.