Patent ID: 9616923
Date: 2017-04-11
CPC Classifications: B60W,B60Y,B62D

Claim:
1. A method of utilizing surface slope data to alert an operator and/or to control a vehicle having a trailer backup assist system for use in backing up the vehicle when a trailer is connected to the vehicle, wherein the vehicle defines a plurality of vehicle operating parameters, and wherein the vehicle and trailer together encounter at least one predefined problematic operating condition that is to be avoided when the trailer is connected to the vehicle and the vehicle is backing up, and wherein, when backing up, a response of the trailer to changes in the vehicle operating parameters changes due to changes in surface slope encountered by the vehicle and/or the trailer; the method comprising: providing a trailer backup assist system; and configuring the trailer backup assist system to utilize surface slope data to provide an alert to an operator if a problematic operating condition is present and/or imminent while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto; and/or utilize surface slope data to control at least one vehicle operating parameter while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto.