| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090195376 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SAFETY RESTRAINT STATUS BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - A system and method for notifying primary and second drivers about a status of a safety restraint in a vehicle is provided. A primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to the primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary key and secondary keys. The key ignition device is adapted to generate driver status signals indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is adapted to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary driver or the secondary driver based on the driver status signals. The controller is further adapted to generate restraint status signals indicative of the status of the safety restraint. The controller is further adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the restraint signals based on whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090198410 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EARLY LOW FUEL WARNING BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generate driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090198413 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - A system and method for controlling the operation of stabilizing the movement of a vehicle between primary and secondary drivers is provided. A primary key is adapted to be associated to the primary driver. A secondary key is adapted to be associated to the secondary driver. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and is configured to generate driver status signals indicative of whether the driver is a primary or secondary driver. The controller is adapted to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary driver or the secondary driver based on the driver status signals. The controller is further adapted to stabilize the movement of the vehicle. The controller is further adapted to selectively control the operation of stabilizing the movement of the vehicle in response to the driver status signals. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090198445 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OBJECT DETECTION BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary and secondary keys and is configured to generate driver status signals indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is operably coupled to the key ignition device. The controller is adapted to determine whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is adapted to generate position notification signals indicative of the position of the object with respect to the vehicle. The controller is adapted to notify the primary and secondary drivers of the position of the object. The controller is adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the position notification signals based on whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090315751 | ADAPTIVE VEHICLE SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) RECEIVER/CONTROL UNIT(S) - A vehicle system for controlling at least one radio frequency (RF) receiver/control unit is provided. The system comprises a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a vehicle controller, and a vehicle interface display. The GPS receiver is configured to generate a geographic location signal indicative of the first location of the RF receiver/control unit. The vehicle controller is configured to associate the geographic location signal to an RF control signal. The vehicle interface display is configured to present at least one menu option for occupant selection to control the operation of the RF receiver/control unit such that the vehicle interface display controls the vehicle controller to transmit the RF control signal to control the RF receiver/control unit to perform the predetermined operation in response to the occupant selecting the at least one menu option. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100117868 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING LOCATION INFORMATION ABOUT A VEHICLE ON A WIRELESS DEVICE - A system and method for transmitting a location signal indicative of the location of the vehicle to a first wireless device is provided. The system comprises a navigation module and a controller. The navigation module is positioned within the vehicle and is configured to transmit a location signal indicative of the physical location of the vehicle. The controller is configured to transmit the location signal as a radio frequency (RF) based signal to the at least one wireless device in response to detecting the occurrence of at least one predetermined vehicle event. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20110071701 | Jurisdiction-Aware Function Control and Configuration for Motor Vehicles - Apparatus for a motor vehicle comprises a location monitor for determining vehicle coordinates for an instantaneous vehicle position within a predetermined reference system. A jurisdictional map database is provided for relating a plurality of jurisdictions to corresponding ranges of coordinates in the predetermined reference system. A regulation database is provided for relating a plurality of vehicle functions to corresponding parametric limitations for respective jurisdictions. A user interface is coupled to the regulation database for configuring at least one of the parametric limitations. A controller is coupled to the location monitor, the jurisdictional map database, and the regulation database for identifying a current jurisdiction in response to the vehicle coordinates, identifying at least one vehicle function having a parametric limitation for the current jurisdiction, and modifying the action of the identified vehicle function to comply with the respective parametric limitation. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071720 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING THE CONDITION OF VEHICLE COMPONENTS FROM A NOMADIC WIRELESS DEVICE OR COMPUTER - A computer-implemented method for detecting a working condition of one or more vehicle components includes communicating with a cellular communication module in a vehicle over a telecommunications network. A vehicle component characteristic or identifier for the vehicle components is received over the telecommunication network. One or more operation status identifiers for the one or more vehicle components based on data from the vehicle is also received. A location for servicing or purchasing the one or more vehicle components based on the vehicle component characteristic or identifier is determined. A service status of the one or more vehicle components based on the one or more operation status identifiers is also determined. Based on the service status, a message including an identification of the vehicle components and a service or purchase location for the vehicle components is generated. The message is transmitted to a terminal for display. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071725 | REMOTELY INTERACTING WITH A VEHICLE TO PERFORM SERVICING AND ENGINEERING FUNCTIONS FROM A NOMADIC DEVICE OR COMPUTER - A method for remotely performing vehicle service functions may include receiving at a computer a request signal including at least one instruction for diagnosing a vehicle component. The method may also include retrieving one or more threshold parameters stored for determining a diagnosis of the vehicle component. A diagnostic signal together with the threshold parameters and the diagnostic instruction may be transmitted to a vehicle receiver. The determination as to whether the threshold parameters have been met is made at a vehicle. If the one or more threshold parameters are met, a return signal including diagnostic status identifiers identifying a diagnostic status of the vehicle component may be received. A message including at least one diagnostic status of the vehicle component based on the one or more diagnostic status identifiers may generated and displayed on a graphical display for vehicle diagnosis and service. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071734 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING VEHICLE COMPONENTS FROM A NOMADIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE OR COMPUTER - A method for remotely controlling one or more vehicle components includes receiving over a telecommunications network signals originating from a remote terminal. The signals include remote operation instructions for remotely operating a vehicle entertainment system component. The remote operation instructions are executed. Operation status identifiers transmitted over a vehicle data bus are received from the vehicle entertainment system component. Based on the operation status identifiers, an operating status of the vehicle entertainment system component is determined. A return signal including an operation status message and an instruction for displaying the operation status message at the remote terminal is generated. The signal is transmitted to the remote terminal for display. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110080282 | VEHICLE SYSTEM PASSIVE NOTIFICATION USING REMOTE DEVICE - A method of vehicle monitoring includes monitoring one or more vehicle safety systems while a vehicle is in operation to detect an unsafe condition. The method also includes sending an alert to a handheld device if an unsafe condition is detected. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110082625 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ONE OR MORE VEHICLE FEATURES BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - In at least one embodiment, a device for controlling one or more vehicle features for a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The device comprises at least one controller that is configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of the primary driver and the secondary driver and to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the one of the primary driver and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is further configured to control one or more vehicle features and to prevent the one or more vehicle features from being disabled in response to determining that the at least one driver status signal indicates that the driver of the vehicle is the secondary driver. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110163718 | PROVIDING A CHARGING EVENT FOR A VEHICLE BATTERY - A method for providing a battery charging event comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for inhibiting a first battery load from drawing electrical current from a battery charging system of a vehicle. An operation is performed for activating ignition circuitry of the vehicle after said inhibiting of the first battery load. An operation is performed for starting the engine after said ignition circuitry activation. An operation is performed for inhibiting a second battery load from drawing electrical current from the battery charging system after said starting of the engine. An operation is performed for causing an output of an alternator of the vehicle to be adjusted dependent upon a present location of the vehicle. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110163721 | PROVIDING A CHARGING EVENT FOR A VEHICLE BATTERY - A method for providing a battery charging event comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for inhibiting a first battery load from drawing electrical current from a battery charging system of a vehicle. An operation is performed for activating ignition circuitry of the vehicle after said inhibiting of the first battery load. An operation is performed for starting the engine after said ignition circuitry activation. An operation is performed for inhibiting a second battery load from drawing electrical current from the battery charging system after said starting of the engine. An operation is performed for causing an output of an alternator of the vehicle to be adjusted dependent upon a present location of the vehicle. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110205040 | METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING AN UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A VEHICLE BY AN AUTHORIZED DRIVER - Various embodiments may include detecting an unauthorized use of a vehicle in the absence of GPS location information. Vehicle component condition data may be received for one or more vehicle components. Historical vehicle component condition data for the one or more vehicle components may also be received. A comparison between the vehicle component condition data and the historical vehicle component condition data may be performed in order to determine if an inconsistency exists between the vehicle component condition data and the historical vehicle component condition data based on the comparison. Upon determining the inconsistency, an alert signal signifying an unauthorized use may be generated. At least one of the vehicle component condition data and the alert signal may be transmitted to a remote terminal to alert a user of the unauthorized use. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110205047 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING A TIRE PRESSURE STATUS - Various embodiments may include methods and systems for determining a tire pressure status. The system may include at least one computer. An input defining an inflation status of one or more vehicle tires, as well as tire inflation data of the one or more tires, may be received. A specific value associated with an inflation event of the one or more vehicle tires may be calculated based on the inflation data. Further, one or more messages for outputting the specific value from one or more vehicle components may be generated and transmitted to the one or more vehicle components. The specific value may be output as one or more messages from the vehicle. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110215899 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHORIZING A VEHICLE DRIVEAWAY - Various embodiments may include methods and systems for authorizing a vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code may be received by, for example, a computer system and circuit configured to receive the vehicle authorization code. The vehicle driveaway authorization code may have a corresponding user authorization code. Input may be received at the vehicle that defines the user authorization code. An identifying signal may also be wirelessly received to identify a wireless nomadic device in a vicinity of the vehicle. It may be determined whether the nomadic device was previously wirelessly paired with the vehicle based on the identifying signal. The vehicle driveaway authorization code may be compared to the user authorization code. If the nomadic device was previously wirelessly paired with the vehicle and if the vehicle driveaway authorization code corresponds to the user authorization code, a vehicle drive may be enabled. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110215901 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING AN AUTHORIZED VEHICLE DRIVEAWAY - Various embodiments may include methods and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code for authorizing a vehicle to be driven and a user authorization code that corresponds to the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be generated. The codes may be generated by, for example, at least one server configured to generate the authorization codes. The at least one server may be communicating with a nomadic device and a vehicle driveaway authorization system. A vehicle driveaway request signal may be received. In response to a receipt of the vehicle driveaway request signal, the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be transmitted to the vehicle driveaway authorization system and the user authorization code may be transmitted to the nomadic device for input to the vehicle driveaway authorization system in order to enable the vehicle to be driven. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110230165 | WIRELESS VEHICLE TRACKING - A vehicle tracking system includes a remote portable wireless device. The system also includes a wireless transceiving device included in each of a plurality of vehicles, the wireless transceiving device in communication with a GPS device. The system further includes a server, capable of communicating with both the remote portable wireless device and each wireless transceiving device. The at least one server may receive a plurality of vehicle selections from the remote portable wireless device. The server may also determine a vehicle that corresponds to each of the plurality of selections, including a cellular phone number for each determined vehicle. The server may further transmit tracking instructions to each determined vehicle and receive GPS coordinates from each vehicle. The server may compare the received coordinates from each vehicle and report a deviance beyond a predetermined threshold to the remote portable wireless device. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110273279 | VEHICLE SYSTEM INTERACTION USING REMOTE DEVICE - A method for querying a vehicle system from a remote wireless device includes receiving an inquiry at a cellular transceiver included in a vehicle. The inquiry is sent from a remote server in communication with the remote wireless device and initiated by the remote wireless device. The method includes accessing one or more vehicle systems in accordance with the inquiry and querying the accessed one or more systems in accordance with the inquiry. The method also includes receiving information in accordance with the query from the one or more systems that were queried and transmitting the received information to the remote server through the cellular transceiver, for further transmission to the remote wireless device. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20120126964 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EARLY LOW FUEL WARNING BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generates driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120254948 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTHENTICATING ONE OR MORE USERS OF A VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SYSTEM - In at least one embodiment, a system for authorizing use of a vehicle communication and information system may include one or more data processors configured to receive information associating one or more devices with a vehicle computer. The data processor(s) may be also configured to receive information identifying a user requesting authorization to command the vehicle controls from the one or more devices associated with the vehicle computer. The user(s) may be authorized to command the vehicle controls from the one or more devices associated with the vehicle computer based on performing an authentication process for authenticating the user, determining that the user is an authenticated user based on the authentication process, and enabling command of one or more vehicle controls from the one or more remote devices via the associated vehicle computer based on the user being authenticated. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20130027195 | WIDTH CALIBRATION OF LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM - A lane departure warning system has a trailer detector for detecting that a trailer is attached to a vehicle, a lane boundary detector for detecting a position of a lane boundary on a roadway over which the vehicle is travelling, and an information processor including a calibrator for generating calibration parameters used in determining an unintended lane departure event with respect to the lane boundary. The information processor initiates a process for allowing a vehicle operator to provide trailer width information when the trailer detector indicates that the vehicle has the trailer attached thereto. The trailer width information is used by the information processor for generating the calibration parameters as a function of a width of the trailer. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130040620 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING AN AUTHORIZED VEHICLE DRIVEAWAY - Various embodiments may include methods and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code for authorizing a vehicle to be driven and a user authorization code that corresponds to the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be generated. The codes may be generated by, for example, at least one server configured to generate the authorization codes. The at least one server may be communicating with a nomadic device and a vehicle driveaway authorization system. A vehicle driveaway request signal may be received. In response to a receipt of the vehicle driveaway request signal, the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be transmitted to the vehicle driveaway authorization system and the user authorization code may be transmitted to the nomadic device for input to the vehicle driveaway authorization system in order to enable the vehicle to be driven. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130060419 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OBJECT DETECTION BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary and secondary keys and is configured to generate a driver status signal indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is operably coupled to the key ignition device. The controller is adapted to determine whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is adapted to generate a position notification signal indicative of the position of the object with respect to the vehicle. The controller is adapted to notify the primary and secondary drivers of the position of the object. The controller is adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the position notification signals based on whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130106346 | WIRELESS CHARGING SYSTEM HAVING SENSE SHUTDOWN AND METHOD THEREFOR | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130110321 | System and Method for Remotely Controlling Vehicle Components from a Nomadic Communication Device or Computer | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130158870 | Method and Apparatus for Vehicle Routing - A computer implemented method includes receiving a vehicle route. The method further includes receiving data relating to a vehicle charge level. Also, the method includes estimating a power requirement required to travel the length of the vehicle route. The method additionally includes contingent on a vehicle charge state being insufficient to meet the power requirement, comparing the vehicle route to power outage data to establish the presence of power outage regions along the vehicle route. Further, the method includes sending a warning for at least one portion of the route containing a power outage region to a vehicle computing system for relay to a driver. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130180354 | HEATED/COOLED THERMOELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL - A steering wheel includes a central portion connected to the steering column for rotation about an axis, and a rim extending around the central portion. A steering wheel includes a passageway extending through portions of the steering wheel. A plurality of spaced apart rings are disposed on the rim, and a plurality of N-type and P-type thermoelectric (“TE”) elements are disposed on the rings. The thermoelectric elements may comprise Peltier devices in the form of relatively thin plate-like units having generally planar opposite surfaces, and rectangular perimeters. An electrical conductor interconnects the P-type and N-type elements in series. The steering wheel includes first and second thermal conductors thermally connected to inner and outer surfaces of the thermoelectric elements. An air circulation device moves air through the passageway to cool the rim of the steering wheel. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130249682 | VEHICLE WIRELESS CHARGER SAFETY SYSTEM - A vehicular charging system is provided that includes a battery and a charger region. The system also includes a wireless charger for generating an electric charging signal in the charger region to charge the battery, and a plurality of sensors located to sense foreign objects and living beings in proximity to the charger region. The system further includes a controller for controlling the charger to at least reduce the charging signal when a foreign object or a living being is in proximity to the charger region. The controller may be configured to terminate the charging signal and/or activate an alarm element when a foreign object or a living being is in proximity to the charger region. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130268094 | ADD-ON CAPACITIVE TOUCHSCREEN AID - An apparatus that allows a glove wearer or the wearer of a prosthetic limb to operate a device having a capacitive touchscreen is disclosed. The first embodiment of the disclosed invention is a conductive finger sock that can be applied to the tip or all of a digit of a non-conductive artificial limb. The second embodiment is an adhesive element having a conductive material such as conductive thread or a conductive sponge material. The adhesive element can be attached to a glove or to a prosthetic limb or may be used as an actual bandage. The third embodiment is directed to a factory integrated conductive tip that is part of a digit of a non-conductive artificial limb. The conductive element may be attached to the wearer's skin by a conductive line or may be used without the conductive line and thus may function in isolation. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130305323 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTHENTICATING ONE OR MORE USERS OF A VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SYSTEM - In at least one embodiment, a system for authorizing use of a vehicle communication and information system may include one or more data processors configured to receive information associating one or more devices with a vehicle computer. The data processor(s) may be also configured to receive information identifying a user requesting authorization to command the vehicle controls from the one or more devices associated with the vehicle computer. The user(s) may be authorized to command the vehicle controls from the one or more devices associated with the vehicle computer based on performing an authentication process for authenticating the user, determining that the user is an authenticated user based on the authentication process, and enabling command of one or more vehicle controls from the one or more remote devices via the associated vehicle computer based on the user being authenticated. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130311033 | Methods and Systems for Determining a Tire Pressure Status - Various embodiments may include methods and systems for determining a tire pressure status. The system may include at least one computer. An input defining an inflation status of one or more vehicle tires, as well as tire inflation data of the one or more tires, may be received. A specific value associated with an inflation event of the one or more vehicle tires may be calculated based on the inflation data. Further, one or more messages for outputting the specific value from one or more vehicle components may be generated and transmitted to the one or more vehicle components. The specific value may be output as one or more messages from the vehicle. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20140015637 | VIRTUAL VEHICLE ENTRY KEYPAD AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - Keypad indicia are integral with a window of a vehicle. The keypad indicia are formed using a ultra-violet (UV) fluorescent dye that is nearly invisible to a human eye until exposed to UV light. A UV light emitting device of the vehicle is configured for outputting UV light. The light emitting device is mounted for enabling the keypad indicia to be exposed to the outputted UV light thereby causing the keypad indicia to become readily visible by the human eye. An imaging device of the vehicle captures user interaction with the keypad indicia while the keypad indicia is exposed to the outputted UV light. The keypad interaction processor determines if a sequence of body part movements with respect to the keypad indicia that is captured by the imaging device during exposure of the keypad indicia to the outputted light corresponds to an access code of the vehicle. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140015696 | Vehicle System Passive Notification Using Remote Device - A method of vehicle monitoring includes monitoring one or more vehicle safety systems while a vehicle is in operation to detect an unsafe condition. The method also includes sending an alert to a handheld device if an unsafe condition is detected. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140103865 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING INTERFERENCE DURING WIRELESS CHARGING - A method is provided for reducing interference in an inductive charging system within a vehicle. The method includes inductively charging a device with an inductive charger. The method also includes detecting at least one mode of operation of a potential interfering device in proximity to the inductive charger. The method further includes adjusting at least one of a frequency band employed by the charger and an amount of power provided to the device by the charger based on at least one detected mode of operation. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140111357 | Method and Apparatus for Alarm Control - A system includes a processor in communication with a vehicle computing system (VCS) and a remote target. The processor is configured to receive an alarm message from the VCS, including GPS coordinates. The processor is further configured to interpret the alarm message to retrieve at least the GPS coordinates. The processor is also configured to perform reverse geocoding on the GPS coordinates to associate an address with the GPS coordinates. Also, the processor is configured to package the address in a new alarm message. Finally, the processor is configured to send the new alarm message to the remote destination target | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140125277 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING THERMAL CONDITIONS DURING WIRELESS CHARGING - A method is provided for reducing unsafe thermal conditions in an inductive charging system within a vehicle. The method includes inductively charging a chargeable device with an inductive charger. The method also includes adjusting an amount of power provided to the chargeable device by the charger based on the detected temperature information. The method further includes storing temperature metrics related to at least one chargeable device in a database. The method also includes shutting off the inductive charger if it detects the device on the inductive charger is also connected to a wired charging source. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129053 | CREDENTIAL CHECK AND AUTHORIZATION SOLUTION FOR PERSONAL VEHICLE RENTAL - A vehicle computing system includes a processor programmed and configured to establish communication with a wireless device brought into proximity of a vehicle. The processor may use the wireless device to receive an identifier from a vehicle rental administrative system. The identifier is configured with the processor to activate a vehicle during a prescribed rental period. The processor may receive user input to activate the vehicle for a rental period. The processor may compare the user input to the received identifier and enable a keyless drive-away of the vehicle if the user input corresponds to the identifier. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129113 | HARDWARE AND CONTROLS FOR PERSONAL VEHICLE RENTAL - In a first illustrative embodiment, a processor operably programmed and configured to receive input defining one or more vehicle parameters to monitor and control during a vehicle rental. The processor may monitor and control the vehicle parameters during a vehicle rental period starting when an authorized user keylessly activates a vehicle during a defined start time. The processor may control driver behavior by limiting vehicle performance based on a predefined threshold of one or more vehicle parameters. The monitoring and control may continue until the rental period has expired or when the vehicle is returned to a predetermined geographic area designated by the vehicle owner. The processor may initiate wireless communication of the vehicle parameters to a vehicle rental administrative system through a cellular telephone located in proximity to the vehicle. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129301 | MOBILE AUTOMOTIVE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ENABLED MICROBUSINESSES - A vehicle rental administrative system comprising a computer system configured to manage vehicle rental transactions between vehicle owners and potential Temporary Users. The system allows an owner to develop a customer profile with information related to a rentable vehicle. The customer profile may include, but not limited to, the model year of the vehicle, engine specifications, and the rental rate. The potential Temporary User may request a certain vehicle to rent, and the system may provide a list of one or more vehicles matching the request. Once the Temporary User selects a vehicle, the system may notify customer that his vehicle has been selected. The customer may either approve or deny permission to rent vehicle. If the customer approves, a rental agreement is signed and the system sends a code to both vehicle and Temporary User's mobile device for a predetermined rental period to allow keyless drive-away of the vehicle. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140176057 | SYSTEM OF SECURING A WIDE-RANGE OF DEVICES DURING WIRELESS CHARGING - A system for securing and wirelessly charging a chargeable device on a charger, particularly in a vehicle, is provided. The system includes at least one transmitting coil in proximity to a charging surface and an adjustable retaining assembly configured to substantially engage at least a portion of a perimeter of the chargeable device to position the chargeable device on the charging surface. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176716 | TRAILER LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM - A lane departure warning system has a trailer detector for detecting that a trailer is attached to a vehicle, a lane boundary detector for detecting a position of a lane boundary on a roadway over which the vehicle is travelling, and an information processor including a calibrator for generating calibration parameters used in determining an unintended lane departure event with respect to the lane boundary. The information processor initiates a process for allowing an operator to provide trailer width information when the trailer detector indicates that the vehicle is towing a trailer. The lane departure warning system also includes a sensor for detecting a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A controller determines a lateral offset of the trailer relative to the vehicle based on the hitch angle and a length of the trailer for generating a warning signal when the lateral offset crosses the lane boundary. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140203770 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDICATING CHARGING STATUS DURING WIRELESS CHARGING - A wireless charging system comprising a wireless charger for charging a chargeable device in a charging region in a vehicle. The system includes a controller that detects a charging status of the chargeable device in the charging region and an indicator in proximity to or on the charging region for indicating the charging status by illuminating one or more light sources. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140210592 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO A COMMUNICATION DEVICE KEYPAD IN A VEHICLE - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for interfacing a personal communication device (PCD) to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle module and a communication keypad device (CDK). The vehicle module is configured to detect a first signal indicative of an unlock command in connection with a passive entry operation to detect an access device. The CDK is positioned on the vehicle and is configured to determine whether the PCD has been positioned within a predetermined distance from the vehicle in the event the vehicle module is unable to detect the access device. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140210649 | Method and Apparatus for Customized Vehicle Sound-Based Location - A system includes a vehicle-based processor configured to receive a wireless vehicle-locate request from a remote device. The processor is also configured to receive an instruction from the remote device relating to selection of an outputtable tone and output, through use of one or more external vehicle sound systems, a selected tone in accordance with the instruction. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140217965 | DEVICE FOR WIRELESS CHARGING HAVING A PLURALITY OF WIRELESS CHARGING PROTOCOLS - A receiver device configured to connect to a chargeable device, including an inductive region including at least one receiver coil for receiving magnetic flux from an inductive charging system. Additionally the receiver device includes a conductive region having contacts for receiving wireless electric power from a conductive charging system. In addition, the receiver device includes a connector for transferring wireless power received from the inductive or conductive charging system to the chargeable device in order to charge the chargeable device. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140236314 | ADD-ON CAPACITIVE TOUCHSCREEN AID - An apparatus that allows a glove wearer or the wearer of a prosthetic limb to operate a device having a capacitive touchscreen is disclosed. There are three solutions provided in the disclosed invention. The first embodiment of the disclosed invention is directed to a conductive finger sock that can be applied to a digit of a non-conductive artificial limb. The finger sock may cover the whole digit of the artificial limb or may cover only the tip. The second embodiment is an adhesive element having a conductive material such as a conductive thread or a conductive sponge material. The adhesive element can be attached to a glove or to a prosthetic limb or may be used as an actual bandage. The third embodiment of the disclosed invention is directed to a factory integrated conductive tip that is part of a digit of a non-conductive artificial limb. Regardless of the embodiment, the conductive element may be attached to the wearer's skin by a conductive line or may be used without the conductive line and thus may function in isolation. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140240086 | METHODOLOGY FOR EMERGENCY TRANSFER OF KEYS FOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH BIOMETRIC ACCESS AND START - A system may include a system controller in communication with a function controller and configured to receive an authentication request. The authentication request may include a user input and the user input may be authenticated by matching the user input with at least one stored input. The controller may determine a vehicle mode and update, via the function controller, a status associated with a key fob in response to the vehicle mode being in an authenticated mode. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140240111 | Method and Apparatus for In-Vehicle Alarm Activation and Response Handling - A system includes one or more processors configured to detect activation of an alarm trigger in communication with the one or more processors. The processors are further configured to determine a type of trigger and provide a subtle feedback response, based on the type of trigger, designed to avoid detection by an assailant. The processors are additionally configured to wirelessly contact an emergency responder and provide data usable in determining a vehicle location and a vehicle identification | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140253025 | WIRELESS CHARGER AND CHARGING SYSTEM WITH MULTI-COMPATIBILITY - A wireless charger and charging system compatible with several wireless charging solutions is provided. The wireless charger includes a charging module having a transmitting member that transfers wireless power to a receiving member of a chargeable device so that a battery of the chargeable device can be charged. If the chargeable device is compliant with a recognized wireless charging solution, a charging session can be initiated and the charging module can charge the chargeable device using a charging protocol that is compatible with the wireless charging solution. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140288784 | RAIN ONSET DETECTION GLAZING AUTO-CLOSE - A vehicle system may include a plurality of exterior capacitive sensors, such as door handles, and a controller in communication with the plurality of capacitive sensors. The controller may be configured to identify a rain condition based on sensor data received from at least one of the exterior capacitive sensors of the vehicle; ensure an absence of a key fob in proximity of the at least one locked handle and an absence of a subsequent door opening occurrence when unlocked to confirm the rain condition; and initiate a closure action to a power actuator associated with an open vehicle window for a confirmed rain condition. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140320260 | MITIGATION OF LF INTERFERENCE FROM ADJACENT VEHICLES ALSO USING LF APPROACH DETECTION SYSTEM - A system may include at least one antenna and a controller in communication with the antenna. The controller may be configured to establish a pattern for transmitting low frequency challenges; and instruct the first antenna to transmit the low frequency challenges based on the established pattern. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140361904 | AUTOMOBILE LOCATION DETECTOR - A system includes a receiver configured to receive a signal representing a sequence of user inputs to a portable electronic device and an audible device configured to generate a sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. A duration and volume of the sound is based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs received within a predetermined time interval. A method includes receiving the signal provided to the portable electronic device within a predetermined time interval and generating the sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140379174 | Vehicle Initiated Remote Engine Start for Battery Charge Maintenance and Driver Initiated Remote Engine Start for Vehicle Preconditioning Having Battery Charge Maintenance Priority - One method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle includes notifying, from the vehicle, a remote user of the vehicle that a battery of the vehicle has a charge level below a predetermined threshold. This method includes remotely starting the engine to charge the battery with energy from the engine upon receiving from the user a confirmation to start the engine. Another method includes remotely starting the engine in response to a command, from the user, to start the engine for preconditioning the vehicle. This method assesses charge level of the battery following engine start and adjusts engine-on time and vehicle settings to prioritize battery charge maintenance versus preconditioning based on the charge level. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150052958 | System and Apparatus for Providing a Secure Storage Compartment - A storage compartment in a vehicle is covered by closing a vehicle door over the storage compartment. The storage compartment may be disposed in an end cap, the door, or part of the door frame. An electronic locking system with mechanical latches, a cinching door system, or an electronic latching system with fully electronic latches may be adapted to include a lock override control. The lock override control may be actuated by a graphic view interface, a portable radio frequency switch, or a telematics controller. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150054950 | TAILGATE POSITION DETECTION - A system includes a camera module disposed on a vehicle. The camera module records an image and generates an image signal representing the image. The system further includes a processing device that receives the image signal generated by the camera module and determines whether a vehicle tailgate is open based on the image. A method includes receiving an image signal representing an image captured from a vehicle, processing the image signal, and determining whether a vehicle tailgate is open based on the image. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150059918 | PUMP WITH TIRE FILL ASSIST - A pump system includes a pneumatic pump, a hose, a nozzle that can attach to a tire of a vehicle, and a processing device. The processing device receives a target tire pressure for the tire, receives a current tire pressure of the tire, and controls the operation of the pneumatic pump according to the target tire pressure and the current tire pressure. A method includes receiving a target tire pressure for a tire of a vehicle, receiving a current tire pressure of the tire, and controlling operation of a pneumatic pump according to the target tire pressure and the current tire pressure. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150087241 | RF JAMMING DETECTION AND MITIGATION SYSTEM - A vehicle system for detecting a jamming signal may include a receiver configured to receive a signal, the signal having signal properties. A controller may be in communication with the receiver configured to determine a jamming event probability based at least in part on the signal properties. | 03-26-2015 |
