A processor unit (3) is configured to execute an autonomous driving function of the motor vehicle (1) during a first instance such that the motor vehicle (1) travels autonomously based at least in part on the execution of the autonomous driving function. The processor unit (3) is further configured to store a driver intervention, the driver intervention being performed by a driver of the motor vehicle (1) during the first instance while the motor vehicle (1) travels autonomously based on the execution of the autonomous driving function. Additionally, the processor unit (3) is configured to execute the autonomous driving function during a second instance, subsequent to the first instance, based at least in part on the stored driver intervention such that the motor vehicle (1) travels autonomously based at least in part on the execution of the autonomous driving function according to the stored driver intervention.

An automatic cruise control system for controlling at least a powertrain of a vehicle, the cruise control system being configured to automatically control a vehicle speed to a target speed determined based on a set speed and on information relating to a road topography along an expected travelling route of the vehicle. The automatic cruise control system is configured to: while automatically controlling the vehicle speed to the target speed, receive an indication that a slippery road condition applies or is expected to apply, in response to receiving said indication, activate a predefined slippery road condition driving mode in which predetermined restrictions apply, said restrictions relating to at least one of the vehicle speed, an allowable vehicle acceleration, and a gear selection of the powertrain, control at least the powertrain in accordance with the slippery road condition driving mode.

A rover or semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle may use an image classifier to determine a terrain class of regions of an image of the terrain ahead of the rover or vehicle. The regions of the images are used to estimate the slope of the terrain for the different regions. The terrain class and slope are used to predict an amount of slip the rover will experience when traversing the terrain of the different regions. A heuristic mapping for the terrain class may be applied to the predicted slip amount to determine a hazard level for the rover or vehicle traversing the terrain.

In some examples, a controller receives information of a route of a vehicle, and selects a first parameter set from among a plurality of parameter sets based on the route of the vehicle, the plurality of parameter sets corresponding to different conditions of usage of the vehicle, where each parameter set of the plurality of parameter sets includes one or more parameters that control adjustment of one or more respective adjustable elements of the vehicle. The controller causes application of the first parameter set to control a setting of the one or more adjustable elements of the vehicle.

A method is disclosed for analyzing historical accident information to adjust driving actions of an autonomous vehicle over a travel route in order to avoid accidents which have occurred over the travel route. Historical accident information for the travel route can be analyzed to, for example, determine accident types which occurred over the travel route and determine causes and/or probable causes of the accident types. In response to determining accident types and causes/probable causes of the accident types over the travel route, adjustments can be made to the driving actions planned for the autonomous vehicle over the travel route. In addition, in an embodiment, historical accident information can be used to analyze available travel routes and select a route which presents less risk of accident than others.

A cruise control method for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The method includes detecting a preceding vehicle and estimating the speed of the preceding vehicle from the information input from a preceding vehicle detecting unit in the on state of a cruise mode and a PnG mode. An upper limit target vehicle speed and a lower limit target vehicle speed are determined from the estimated speed of the preceding vehicle. The driving source of the vehicle is operated to alternately repeat the acceleration (pulse phase) and deceleration (glide phase) of the vehicle between the determined upper limit target vehicle speed and lower limit target vehicle speed.

A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes an imaging system, a vehicle control system including at least one vehicle sensor, and a controller. The controller controls the vehicle using the vehicle control system to move the vehicle into an aligned position, where a hitch ball on the vehicle is aligned with the coupler, including monitoring a signal from the vehicle sensor and tracking a position of the coupler relative to the hitch ball in image data. When the signal indicates an unintended stopped vehicle state, the controller determines a distance from the hitch ball to the coupler. If the distance is above a predetermined threshold, the controller controls the vehicle control system to cause the vehicle to move. If the distance is below the predetermined threshold, the controller indicates the unintended stopped vehicle state to a driver of the vehicle.

A computer implemented method for scenario generation for autonomous vehicle navigation that can include defining a cellular automaton layer that defines a road network level behavior with at least one rule directed to pathways by vehicles on a passageway for travel. The method may further include defining an active matter layer that defines a vehicle level behavior with at least one rule directed to movement of the vehicles on an ideal route for the pathways; and defining a driver agent layer that defines driving nature with at least one rule that impacts changes in the vehicle level behavior dependent upon a characterization of driver behavior. The method may further include combining outputs from the different layer to provide scenario generations for autonomous vehicle navigation. The combining of the outputs can utilize a pseudo random value to determine at an order in the execution and duration of execution for the layers.

Various embodiments include a method for operating a hybrid drive train for a motor vehicle having an output shaft from an internal combustion engine releasably connected to a shaft of an electric traction machine via a first clutch, wherein the shaft of the electric traction machine is releasably connected to a transmission input shaft via a second clutch. The method may comprise: determining a state parameter for the motor vehicle; and opening either the first clutch or the second clutch for a changeover to coasting operation of the hybrid drive train based on a function of one or more state parameters.

A speed control system (12) for a vehicle (100), the speed control system (12) being configured to: automatically cause application of positive and negative torque, as required, to one or more wheels of a vehicle (100) to cause a vehicle to travel in accordance with a target speed value, the target speed value being stored in a memory of the control system (12); and detect a crest of a slope ahead of the vehicle (100); wherein the speed control system (12) is configured automatically to attempt to adjust a speed of the vehicle (100) to cause the vehicle (100) to travel at a predetermined crest speed value when a crest of a slope is detected ahead of the vehicle (100), the predetermined crest speed value being determined in dependence at least in part on terrain gradient information respect of terrain prior to the crest.