SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MOVING A VEHICLE USING AN EXTERNALLY MOUNTED HMI

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a power unit and a body. The body defines a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment and features a tailgate mounted to the cargo compartment. A running board assembly is associated with the cargo compartment and includes a running board and a handle. The handle has a sensor configured to receive input from a user located outside the passenger compartment and to output a signal when the input is active. A controller is programmed to command torque to the power unit to propel the vehicle based on the signal received.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicles, and more particularly to enabling a user to move a vehicle while outside the vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles, such as pickup trucks, may include a passenger compartment and a cargo area located behind the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment and cargo area are parts of a vehicle body and are connected by a frame. The cargo area includes a bed, opposing sidewalls, a bulkhead, and a tailgate. The cargo area may be equipped with toolboxes, ladder racks, tie-downs, and other equipment. Pickup trucks are often used as work vehicles in industries such as construction, landscaping, snow removal, and transportation. SUMMARY

[0003] According to one embodiment, a vehicle includes a powerplant and a body. The body defines a passenger compartment and a cargo area and has a liftgate mounted to the cargo area. A running board assembly is associated with the cargo area and includes a running board and a handle. The handle has a sensor configured to receive an input from a user located outside the passenger compartment and to output a signal when the input is active. A controller is programmed to command torque to the powerplant to propel the vehicle based on the signal in response to receiving the signal.

[0004] According to another embodiment, a vehicle includes a passenger compartment, an engine, and a sensor located outside the passenger compartment, allowing a user to control vehicle movement from outside the vehicle. The sensor is configured to measure a user input and output a signal. A controller is programmed to command torque to the engine to propel the vehicle according to the signal when the signal exceeds a threshold.

[0005] According to yet another embodiment, a method for propelling a vehicle by a person external to the vehicle includes receiving a propulsion request from a human machine interface (HMI) located on an exterior of the vehicle; and in response to receiving the propulsion request, commanding torque to a powerplant of the vehicle such that the vehicle is propelled according to commands from a person external to the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle driven by a user standing outside the vehicle. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a tailgate grab handle having an HMI for controlling a drive of the vehicle by a user standing at the tailgate. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a sequence of individual vehicle movements with constant frequency and variable distance based on pressure applied to an HMI. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a sequence of individual vehicle movements with constant distance and variable frequency based on pressure applied to an HMI. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing vehicle movement based on a total amount of use of an input applied to the HMI. Fig. 6 is a closed-loop controller for controlling a drive of the vehicle based on a target position of the vehicle. Fig. 7 is a closed-loop controller for controlling a drive of the vehicle based on a target speed of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an algorithm for controlling the vehicle during the external driving mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] This specification describes embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or reduced to show details of specific components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this specification are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The illustrated combinations of features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desirable for particular applications or implementations.

[0007] A pickup truck 10 includes a frame having a first elongated frame rail and a second elongated frame rail. The pickup truck 10 also includes a cargo area 12 supported by the first and second frame rails. A passenger compartment (cab) 14 is located forward of the cargo area 12 and includes the conventional controls for driving the vehicle, e.g., a steering wheel, pedals, etc. The cargo area 12 may include a bed 18 having side support members attached to a lower surface of the side support members on the first frame rail and the second frame rail.

[0008] The cargo space 16 also includes a first side wall 24 attached along a first longitudinal side of the cargo bed 18, and a second side wall 26 attached along a second longitudinal side of the cargo bed 18. An end wall 28 is connected at a forward portion of the cargo space 16 proximate the cab between the first and second side walls 24, 26. The first side wall includes a top surface, an inner wall, and an outer wall. The second side wall 26 includes a top surface, an inner wall, and an outer wall.

[0009] The pickup truck 10 also includes a tailgate 58 pivotally mounted at a rear end of the cargo area 16 between the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26. The tailgate 58 includes a pair of opposing sides, each of which may include a lower pin. Each lower pin may be received in a corresponding socket. The tailgate 58 pivots between an open position and a closed position along the lower pins and sockets. Each tailgate side wall may also include a latch disposed on an upper portion of the side wall. The latch may cooperate with a corresponding locking pin. The latch and locking pin may engage each other to secure the tailgate 58 in the closed position.The tailgate 58 also includes a handle that can cooperate with the latches to release the latches from the locking pins to open the tailgate 58.

[0010] The vehicle 10 may include friction brakes 59 for decelerating the vehicle. The friction brakes 59 may be part of a hydraulic braking system controlled by a brake pedal located within the passenger compartment 14. A friction brake may be located at each wheel of the vehicle and may include a brake disc rotatably mounted to the wheel and a brake caliper attached to a non-rotating component of the vehicle's suspension system. The brake caliper is configured to clamp the brake disc between two brake pads to decelerate the vehicle when hydraulic fluid pressure is sent to that brake.

[0011] The vehicle may include a running board system 50 including a step 52 and a running board handle 54. The running board handle 54 may be provided on the tailgate 58. The handle 54 may include a stowed position and an extended position (shown). The handle 54 provides a grip for a person using the step 52.

[0012] The powerplant of the vehicle may be a conventional vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine (one example of a powerplant) and a transmission, a fully electric vehicle that includes one or more electric machines (another example of a powerplant) for driving one or more axles, or a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine and an electric machine for driving the vehicle.

[0013] The vehicle 10 includes a controller 46, such as a powertrain control unit (PCU), an engine control module (ECM), and a motor control unit (MCU). Although illustrated as one controller, the controller 46 may be part of a larger control system and controlled by various other controllers throughout the vehicle 10, such as a vehicle system controller (VSC). Accordingly, it should be understood that the controller 46 and one or more other controllers may collectively be referred to as a "controller," which controls various actuators in response to signals from various sensors to control functions such as starting / stopping an engine, commanding engine torque, operating an electric machine to provide wheel torque or charge a battery, selecting or scheduling transmission shifts, etc.The controller 46 may include a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) in communication with various types of computer-readable storage devices or media. Computer-readable data storage devices or media may include, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). A KAM is persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered down.Computer-readable storage devices or media may be implemented using any of a variety of known storage devices, such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrical PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage devices capable of storing data, some of which may be executable instructions used by the controller in controlling the vehicle.

[0014] The controller 46 communicates with various vehicle sensors and actuators via an input / output (I / O) interface, which may be implemented as a single integrated interface that provides conditioning, processing, and / or conversion of various raw data or signals, short-circuit protection, and the like. Alternatively, one or more dedicated hardware or firmware chips may be used to condition and process specific signals before they are provided to the CPU. Although not explicitly illustrated, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various functions or components that may be controlled by the controller 46, each within the previously identified subsystems. Representative examples of parameters, systems, and / or components may be actuated directly or indirectly using control logic executed by the controller.

[0015] Pickup trucks are versatile vehicles that can be used for various types of work, both commercial and residential. For example, pickup trucks are often used to haul dirt, mulch, rocks, or other material in the bed. In some cases, it may be desirable for the pickup truck user to unload a load, such as dirt, from the bed at frequent intervals and place it on the ground. In a vehicle with only conventional controls, this would either require two people (one to drive and one to unload) or would require a single person to frequently enter and exit the vehicle. Entering and exiting the vehicle to repeatedly drive short distances increases the project time and has the potential to introduce unwanted dirt into the passenger compartment.An ideal additional control for these types of scenarios would allow the user to drive the vehicle from outside the vehicle. For example, a human-machine interface (HMI) may be provided near the rear of the vehicle and allow the user to drive the vehicle forward a short distance at low speed, eliminating the need to enter and exit the vehicle each time it needs to be moved to the next location, which may be only a few feet away. The HMI may allow the user to drive the vehicle both forward and backward.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in one embodiment, an HMI 70 for externally driving the vehicle is provided at the running board handle 54. In one embodiment, the HMI 70 includes a force or pressure sensor 72 mounted on the running board handle and configured to detect a force or pressure exerted by the user on the running board handle 54. As shown in Fig. 1, the user pushes the running board handle 54 forward, which is registered by the force or pressure sensor 72 of the HMI 70. This allows the user to "push" the vehicle forward a desired distance. Placing the HMI 70 on the handle 54 is only one embodiment; the HMI 70 may be located anywhere on the exterior of the vehicle. Other placements include on a panel of the vehicle body, on the bumper, on the tailgate, and the like. The HMI 70 may be any switch or sensor operable to detect input from the user and output a signal to the vehicle controller 46. Examples include a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a button, a switch, a toggle switch, or a touchscreen display. The HMI 70 may be one of a variety of HMIs located at various external locations of the vehicle.For example, the vehicle may include a front HMI for driving the vehicle when stationary in front of the vehicle and a rear HMI for driving the vehicle when stationary behind the vehicle. The vehicle may also include the HMI located on the sides or fenders of the vehicle. An HMI transponder or remote control (including a phone application) may also be used to control vehicle movement from outside the passenger compartment 14.

[0017] In one or more examples, the HMI includes an actuatable element configured to receive a user input and a sensor configured to detect a displacement of the actuatable element and output a signal indicative of the displacement. Referring to the example of Fig. 2, the rod of the footboard handle 54 may be movable, and a sensor is configured to measure the movement of the rod. The sensor may be configured to output a signal indicating the displacement of the rod.

[0018] In some embodiments, an HMI 70 may be a separate component that is not permanently attached to the vehicle 10. For example, an HMI assembly may be provided. The separate HMI assembly may be configured for releasable attachment to the vehicle, e.g., through clamps, suction cups, hook-and-loop fasteners, e.g., VELCRO®, connectors, or the like. The separate HMI assembly may include an HMI and a support structure connecting the HMI to the vehicle 10. The HMI assembly may include a cable configured to connect the HMI to the vehicle or may be wireless. The electronics of the HMI assembly are programmed to communicate with the vehicle controller. The vehicle may include one or more ports for receiving the cable. The ports may be located on external portions of the vehicle 10 configured to receive the separate HMI.The vehicle 10 may include multiple connection points for the separate HMI, allowing the user to place the HMI in the desired location, e.g., front or rear, depending on the activity taking place.

[0019] This drive mode may be referred to as "external drive mode." The vehicle may require the user to select the external drive mode before activating the HMI 70 to drive the vehicle forward or backward. The user can activate the external drive mode using another HMI provided within the passenger compartment 14, such as the head unit's touchscreen. Once the user selects the external drive mode, the HMI 70 located on the exterior of the vehicle becomes active, allowing the user to drive the vehicle externally.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 3, the vehicle movement is controlled in one implementation similar to a stepper motor. In other words, each time the interface, e.g., the HMI 70, is "pressed / touched," the vehicle is moved forward by a predefined amount 80. (This slow movement of the vehicle, commanded from outside the passenger compartment, may be referred to as a nudge.) Different strategies are considered for implementation. For example, if the user input, e.g., a measured pressure or force 82 from a sensor 72 of the HMI 70, exceeds a threshold pressure or force 84, respectively, the controller commands drive torque to the engine and braking torque to the friction brakes to move the vehicle in steps of distance 80 proportional to the pressure / force of the user input at a fixed time interval rate (as shown). Alternatively, all steps could be constant and independent of the user input pressure (not shown).This means that the vehicle moves further forward when the user applies more force / pressure to the HMI 70 and moves a shorter distance when the user applies less force / pressure to the HMI 70.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 4, in another implementation, when the user input is applied, the controller applies a controlled drive / brake torque to move the vehicle in constant-length steps 86, but with a frequency 88 between movement pulses that is proportional to the user input pressure or force 90, which can be measured by a pressure or force sensor 72 of the HMI 70. Here, the vehicle movement step 86 can be a predefined distance or a predefined torque profile.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 5, in yet another implementation, the user must apply individual force pulses to the HMI 70. The individual movement of the vehicle is only applied after a pulse is detected and the pressure level drops below the threshold, i.e., after a press and release. The controller analyzes the press to determine the distance to propel the vehicle, i.e., the distance traveled is proportional to the force and duration of the press. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates three examples for descriptive purposes. In the first example, the distance traveled 92 (or commanded torque) is proportional to a peak pressure (circles 94) of the push. In a second example, the distance traveled 92 (or commanded torque) is proportional to the energy exchanged (shaded areas 96 under the curve). This can be calculated by integrating the pressure curve. In a third example, the distance traveled 92 (or commanded torque) is proportional to the pulse duration 98. In each of these examples, the distance traveled increases with increasing sensed parameters, e.g., peak pressure. In another embodiment, the distance to be traveled to be applied for each pulse could be a constant predetermined value.

[0023] The system may include a deadman's switch to prevent inadvertent actuation of the HMI 70. The deadman's switch may be provided on an exterior of the vehicle, such as a body panel. The deadman's switch may be a force or pressure sensor, or a button. Additionally, the controls may specify minimum and maximum pulse durations to eliminate interference from noise or distracted operators. Additionally, a prolonged "ON" press detected on the HMI 70 could permanently disable the nudge service until the operator resets the system.

[0024] Fig. 6 illustrates an example closed-loop controller 100, such as a PID controller. In this example, one or more controllers of the control system determine a target position based on an input to the HMI 70, as discussed above. The target position may be equal to the vehicle position at the time the HMI 70 is actuated plus the desired distance to travel. (As discussed above, the desired distance to travel may be a predefined constant or may be based on the force or pressure of the input, the duration of the input, or the number of separate inputs to the HMI 70.) In the summation field 102, the controller determines the difference or error 104 between the current position and the target position. (The current position may be determined using the vehicle GPS, the odometer, or another method.)) The PID control box 106 determines an appropriate net torque command 108, which may include a drive torque command for the powertrain and brake torque commands for the friction brakes, to reduce the error 104. The vehicle then determines the current position for comparison to the target position.

[0025] Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary closed-loop controller 120, such as a PID controller. In this example, one or more controllers of the control system determine a target speed of the vehicle based on an input to the HMI 70. (As discussed above, the desired target speed may be a predefined constant, or may be based on the force or pressure of the input, the duration of the input, the number of separate inputs to the HMI 70, etc.) In the summation box 122, the controller determines the difference or error 124 between the current measured speed of the vehicle and the target speed. The PID control box 126 determines an appropriate net torque command 128, which may include drive torque commands to the powertrain and brake torque commands to the friction brakes to reduce the error 124.The vehicle then measures the vehicle speed using a speed sensor, such as a wheel speed sensor or a sensor located in the transmission, for comparison to the target speed.

[0026] Control logic or functions performed by controller 46 may be illustrated by flowcharts or similar diagrams in one or more figures. These figures provide representative control strategies and / or control logic that may be implemented using one or more processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. Accordingly, various illustrated steps or functions may be performed in the illustrated sequence or in parallel, or in some cases, omitted. Although not always explicitly illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustrated steps or functions may be performed repeatedly depending on the particular processing strategy employed.Likewise, the processing order is not required to achieve the features and advantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. The control logic may be implemented primarily in software executed by a microprocessor-based vehicle, engine, and / or powertrain controller, such as controller 46. Of course, depending on the particular application, the control logic may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers. When implemented in software, the control logic may be provided in one or more computer-readable storage devices or media storing data representing code or instructions executed by a computer to control the vehicle or its subsystems.The computer-readable storage devices or media may include one or more of a variety of known physical devices that utilize electrical, magnetic, and / or optical storage to store executable instructions and associated calibration information, operating variables, and the like.

[0027] The controller may be in electrical communication with an HMI provided on an exterior portion of the vehicle, such as a body panel, a tailgate, a step handle, etc. The HMI is configured to receive inputs from a user located outside the passenger compartment and to output a signal to the controller when the HMI receives an input. The controller may be programmed to command torque to the powerplant (e.g., a motor or electric machine) to propel the vehicle based on the signal in response to receiving the signal. The controller may further be programmed to command braking torque to the friction brakes in response to receiving the signal. The controller may also be programmed to interrupt torque to the powerplant in response to the signal no longer being received.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the target position is based on a current position of the vehicle plus an incremental distance to be traveled. The incremental distance to be traveled may be based on a duration of the input, such that the incremental distance to be traveled increases with increasing duration. The incremental distance to be traveled may be based on a force / pressure of the input, such that the incremental distance to be traveled increases with increasing force / pressure. The incremental distance to be traveled may also be based on an energy applied to the input, such that the incremental distance to be traveled increases with increasing energy.

[0029] The torque to the engine may be based on an error between a target vehicle speed and a measured vehicle speed. In other embodiments, the torque commanded to the engine may be based on an error between a target vehicle position and a measured vehicle position.

[0030] The controller can be configured to suspend or not initiate external drive mode when a deadman's switch is deactivated. This means that the controller will command torque to the driveline to propel the vehicle based on the signal at the HMI only when the deadman's switch is activated.

[0031] In another example, the controller is in electrical communication with a pressure sensor located outside the passenger compartment and allowing a user to control vehicle movement from outside the vehicle. The pressure sensor may be configured to measure a pressure input from the user at the HMI and output a measured pressure to the controller. The controller may be programmed to command torque to the engine to propel the vehicle according to the measured pressure when the measured pressure exceeds a threshold. The torque may be commanded such that the vehicle moves forward a predetermined distance, where the predetermined distance may be based on the measured pressure such that the distance increases as the measured pressure increases.

[0032] The torque may be commanded at discrete intervals and a frequency of the intervals may be based on the measured pressure, with the torque being commanded such that the vehicle moves forward at a predetermined speed.

[0033] In yet another example, the controller is configured to receive a propulsion request from an HMI located on an exterior of the vehicle. In response to receiving the propulsion request, the controller commands torque to a propulsion unit of the vehicle such that the vehicle is propelled according to commands from a person located outside the vehicle.

[0034] Fig. 8 is a flowchart 200 of an algorithm for controlling the vehicle during the external drive mode. The controller 200 may be implemented in response to the user engaging the external drive mode. At operation 202, an input from the user is received at the external HMI. In response, the HMI may send a signal to the controller indicative of the received input, such as a measured force or pressure, as discussed above. The controller receives the signal and analyzes the received input at operation 204 to determine the pressure or force applied by the user. The controller then determines the desired distance or frequency for propelling the vehicle forward or backward, as discussed above with reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. At operation 206, the controller commands braking and drive torques to propel the vehicle based on the received input. Example controls for operation 206 are shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. However, as discussed above, these are merely two exemplary implementations.

[0035] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The terms used in the specification are terms of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As described above, the features of various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments of the invention that may not be expressly described or illustrated.While various embodiments may have been described as advantageous or preferred over other prior art embodiments or implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve the desired overall system attributes, depending on the specific application and implementation. These attributes may include, but are not limited to, strength, durability, marketability, appearance, space requirements, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc.Accordingly, embodiments that are described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable for particular applications.

[0036] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided comprising: a body defining a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment and having a liftgate mounted to the cargo compartment; a running board assembly associated with the cargo compartment and including a running board and a handle, the handle including a sensor configured to receive an input from a user located outside the passenger compartment and to output a signal when the input is active; a powerplant; and a controller programmed to command torque to the powerplant to propel the vehicle based on the signal in response to receiving the signal.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by friction brakes, wherein the controller is further programmed to command a braking torque to the friction brakes in response to receiving the signal.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the controller is further programmed to interrupt torque to the engine in response to the signal no longer being received.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the torque to the engine is based on an error between a target speed of the vehicle and a measured speed of the vehicle.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the HMI includes a sensor configured to detect a force or pressure of the input, and the signal indicates the force or pressure, wherein the torque commanded to the engine is based on a magnitude of the signal.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the handle includes a movable portion and the sensor is configured to detect a displacement of the movable portion.

[0042] In one embodiment, the signal indicates the displacement, wherein the torque commanded to the engine is based on a magnitude of the signal.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the torque commanded to the engine is based on an error between a target position of the vehicle and a measured position of the vehicle.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the target position is based on a current position of the vehicle plus an incremental path.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the incremental path is based on a duration of the input, such that the incremental path increases with increasing duration.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the incremental travel is based on a force of the input, such that the incremental travel increases with increasing force.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the incremental travel is based on energy applied to the input, such that the incremental travel increases with increasing force.

[0048] According to one embodiment, torque is commanded to the driveline to propel the vehicle based on the signal only when the deadman switch is turned on.

[0049] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided comprising: a passenger compartment; an engine; a sensor located outside the passenger compartment allowing a user to control vehicle movement from outside the vehicle, the sensor configured to measure an input from the user and output a signal; and a controller programmed to command torque to the engine to propel the vehicle according to the signal when the signal exceeds a threshold.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the torque is commanded such that the vehicle moves forward a predetermined distance.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure or force sensor and the signal is a measured pressure or a measured force and wherein the predetermined distance is based on the measured pressure or the measured force, such that the distance increases with increasing measured pressure or increasing measured force.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the torque is commanded in discrete intervals and a frequency of the intervals is based on the measured pressure or force.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the torque is commanded such that the vehicle moves forward at a predetermined speed.

[0054] According to the present invention, a method for propelling a vehicle by a person external to the vehicle includes: receiving a propulsion request from a human-machine interface (HMI) located on an exterior of the vehicle; and in response to receiving the propulsion request, commanding torque to a powerplant of the vehicle such that the vehicle is propelled according to commands from a person external to the vehicle.

[0055] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes commanding braking torque to friction brakes of the vehicle in response to receiving the propulsion request.

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a body defining a passenger compartment and a cargo space and having a tailgate mounted on the cargo space; a running board assembly associated with the cargo area and including a running board and a handle, the handle including a sensor configured to receive an input from a user located outside the passenger compartment and to output a signal when the input is active; an engine; and a controller programmed to command torque to the engine to propel the vehicle based on the signal in response to receiving the signal. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising friction brakes, wherein the controller is further programmed to command a braking torque to the friction brakes in response to receiving the signal. [3] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the controller is further programmed to interrupt torque to the engine in response to the signal no longer being received. [4] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the torque to the engine is based on an error between a target speed of the vehicle and a measured speed of the vehicle. [5] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the HMI includes a sensor configured to detect a force or pressure of the input and the signal is indicative of the force or pressure, wherein the torque commanded to the engine is based on a magnitude of the signal. [6] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a movable portion and the sensor is configured to detect a displacement of the movable portion. [7] The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the signal indicates the displacement, the torque commanded to the engine being based on a magnitude of the signal. [8] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the torque commanded to the engine is based on an error between a target position of the vehicle and a measured position of the vehicle. [9] The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the target position is based on a current position of the vehicle plus an incremental path. [10] The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the incremental distance is based on a duration of the input such that the incremental distance increases with increasing duration. [11] The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the incremental travel is based on a force of the input such that the incremental travel increases with increasing duration. [12] The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the incremental travel is based on energy applied to the input such that the incremental travel increases with increasing force. [13] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein torque is commanded to the driveline to propel the vehicle based on the signal only when the deadman switch is turned on. [14] Vehicle comprising: a passenger compartment; an engine; a sensor located outside the passenger compartment, allowing a user to control vehicle movement from outside the vehicle, the sensor configured to measure an input from the user and output a signal; and a controller programmed to command torque to the engine to propel the vehicle in accordance with the signal when the signal exceeds a threshold. [15] The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the torque is commanded such that the vehicle moves forward a predetermined distance.

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