User engagement switch for remote trailer maneuvering

A mobile device configured to control a vehicle with a non-memoryless trailer maneuvering system, comprising:

• a mobile device processor;
• a mobile device interface disposed in communication with the mobile device processor, the mobile device interface comprising a curvature command interface portion and an engagement interface portion;
• and
• a mobile device memory for storing executable instructions, the mobile device processor configured to execute the instructions to:
• receive a first touch input to the engagement interface portion, the first touch input comprising a complex gesture input performed using a single hand that forms a closed geometric complex shape;
• determine continuous contact with the engagement interface portion;
• and
• send a configuration message to the vehicle, the configuration message comprising instructions for causing an autonomous vehicle controller to position the trailer at a target curvature based on the continuous contact with the engagement interface portion.

A non-memoryless trailer maneuvering assist system for a vehicle comprising:

• a control module disposed in communication with a mobile device, the control module comprising:
• a processor;
• and
• a memory for storing executable instructions, the processor configured to execute the instructions to:
• receive, from the mobile device, a configuration message based on first touch input data comprising a user engagement indicator, and second touch input data comprising curvature command input to a user interface of the mobile device, wherein the configuration message indicates a target curvature associated with a target maneuvering position for the trailer;
• actuate a vehicle steering mechanism to steer the vehicle based on the second touch input data;
• determine, based on the user engagement indicator, continuous contact with an engagement interface portion of the mobile device;
• responsive to determining that the user maintains the continuous contact with the engagement interface portion, and concurrently with the user maintaining the continuous contact with the curvature command input, engage a vehicle motor to move the vehicle toward the target curvature;
• and
• disengage the vehicle motor responsive to determining none continuous contact with either the engagement interface portion or the curvature command input.