Abstract: Lead to recognition time delay data, leads and sales data, and lead distance data for leads arriving at a system within a time range can be used to determine a time variable close rate and a distance adjustment thereof which, in turn, can be used to generate a predicted close rate for each lead. Using the predicted close rate for each lead, an address drive distance for each lead, and dealer-level discount information, a logistic regression model can be trained to generate a score for each combination of a dealer, make, and zip code. Each score indicates a probability of closing a sale between a lead in the zip code and the dealer in the combination. Scores thus generated can be used by a computing facility in recommending dealers to a consumer in the zip code who has expressed an interest in purchasing a vehicle of the same make.

Abstract: Lead to recognition time delay data, leads and sales data, and lead distance data for leads arriving at a system within a time range can be used to determine a time variable close rate and a distance adjustment thereof which, in turn, can be used to generate a predicted close rate for each lead. Using the predicted close rate for each lead, an address drive distance for each lead, and dealer-level discount information, a logistic regression model can be trained to generate a score for each combination of a dealer, make, and zip code. Each score indicates a probability of closing a sale between a lead in the zip code and the dealer in the combination. Scores thus generated can be used by a computing facility in recommending dealers to a consumer in the zip code who has expressed an interest in purchasing a vehicle of the same make.

Abstract: Lead to recognition time delay data, leads and sales data, and lead distance data for leads arriving at a system within a time range can be used to determine a time variable close rate and a distance adjustment thereof which, in turn, can be used to generate a predicted close rate for each lead. Using the predicted close rate for each lead, an address drive distance for each lead, and dealer-level discount information, a logistic regression model can be trained to generate a score for each combination of a dealer, make, and zip code. Each score indicates a probability of closing a sale between a lead in the zip code and the dealer in the combination. Scores thus generated can be used by a computing facility in recommending dealers to a consumer in the zip code who has expressed an interest in purchasing a vehicle of the same make.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing accidents in a vehicle. The system comprises an eye gaze detector for receiving an eye gaze vector from a driver. The system additionally comprises a proximity sensor for detecting locations of nearby objects and their velocities. A vehicle accident risk is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity. Additionally, the driver's knowledge of vehicle circumstances is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity as well as the eye gaze location. Responsive to the driver's knowledge and the vehicle accident risk, a vehicle alert is activated.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a morphable pad and display configured for tactile control. The system comprises a display for displaying a user interface comprising a layout of vehicle control features. The display is configured to highlight a portion of the layout associated with a received highlight input, and to update the layout based on a received selection input. A morphable pad is connected to the display and comprises an array of switches. Each switch is configured to receive highlight input and selection input. The switches are also configured to adjust in tactile feel to match the layout, and to reconfigure in tactile feel responsive to a change in the layout.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle temperature regulation system regulates and/or adjusts a cabin temperature based in part on a separation distance between a user and an associated vehicle. The system includes a portable transceiver, a fixed transceiver provided in the associated vehicle and configured to communicate with the portable transceiver, a temperature adjusting system configured to perform operations which adjust a temperature within a vehicle cabin, and a controller in communication with the fixed transceiver and the temperature adjusting system. The controller determines a distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver, and variably controls the temperature adjusting system based on the determined distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver.

Abstract: A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively.

Abstract: A hybrid in-vehicle infotainment network includes a core high-speed network having a number of high-speed nodes, each of which may be connected to at least one other high-speed node via a high-speed backbone link. At least some high-speed nodes may be hybrid nodes. Hybrid nodes may communicate with one or more low-speed devices via one or more low-speed links. Each hybrid node, along with any connected low-speed devices, forms a respective local low-speed network. In some embodiments, hybrid nodes may conform with a 1394 specification for high-speed backbone link communications and may conform with a universal serial bus (USB) specification for low-speed link communications. Communications via the high-speed backbone links and the low-speed links may use a common application layer having defined therein a same maximum packet size and a same set of commands and vendor-specific identifiers.

Abstract: A slide actuated key fob includes a housing having a transmitter disposed therein and at least one slide actuated button disposed on the housing. The transmitter sends an actuating signal when the at least one slide actuated button is slidably moved in a first direction and subsequently depressed in a second direction.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing accidents in a vehicle. The system comprises an eye gaze detector for receiving an eye gaze vector from a driver. The system additionally comprises a proximity sensor for detecting locations of nearby objects and their velocities. A vehicle accident risk is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity. Additionally, the driver's knowledge of vehicle circumstances is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity as well as the eye gaze location. Responsive to the driver's knowledge and the vehicle accident risk, a vehicle alert is activated.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle temperature regulation system regulates and/or adjusts a cabin temperature based in part on a separation distance between a user and an associated vehicle. The system includes a portable transceiver, a fixed transceiver provided in the associated vehicle and configured to communicate with the portable transceiver, a temperature adjusting system configured to perform operations which adjust a temperature within a vehicle cabin, and a controller in communication with the fixed transceiver and the temperature adjusting system. The controller determines a distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver, and variably controls the temperature adjusting system based on the determined distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a morphable pad and display configured for tactile control. The system comprises a display for displaying a user interface comprising a layout of vehicle control features. The display is configured to highlight a portion of the layout associated with a received highlight input, and to update the layout based on a received selection input. A morphable pad is connected to the display and comprises an array of switches. Each switch is configured to receive high-light input and selection input. The switches are also configured to adjust in tactile feel to match the layout, and to reconfigure in tactile feel responsive to a change in the layout.

Abstract: A motor vehicle and methods are presented in which side facing laser scanner sensors are used to detect road profile conditions and road obstructions in adjacent lanes and the profile information is used to update a central database for active suspension control in vehicles subsequently traveling along the scanned roadway.

Abstract: A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively.

Abstract: A sliding key fob includes a housing formed of a first housing member and a second housing member. A transmitter is disposed within the housing. A transmitter sends a first actuating signal when the first housing member is slidably moved in a first direction relative to the second housing member. The transmitter sends a second actuating signal when the first housing member is slidably moved in a second direction relative to the second housing member.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a motor vehicle include detecting an unsafe condition. Unsafe conditions can be driver conditions, vehicle conditions as well as external conditions. The method further includes finding a safe area and automatically determining a route to the safe area. A driver can be notified of the route to the safe area.

Abstract: A hybrid in-vehicle infotainment network includes a core high-speed network having a number of high-speed nodes, each of which may be connected to at least one other high-speed node via a high-speed backbone link. At least some high-speed nodes may be hybrid nodes. Hybrid nodes may communicate with one or more low-speed devices via one or more low-speed links. Each hybrid node, along with any connected low-speed devices, forms a respective local low-speed network. In some embodiments, hybrid nodes may conform with a 1394 specification for high-speed backbone link communications and may conform with a universal serial bus (USB) specification for low-speed link communications. Communications via the high-speed backbone links and the low-speed links may use a common application layer having defined therein a same maximum packet size and a same set of commands and vendor-specific identifiers.

Abstract: A system and method are provided in which an operator/driver of a vehicle may control a number of components within the vehicle via a single human-machine interface. The system may include a computing device, a touch panel with a touch screen located in a center console area of the vehicle near a seat for the operator/driver, and a display device located at a position higher than the touch screen. The operator/driver may select a control presented on the touch screen by touching the control. A display of the touch screen and/or a display of the display device may change in response to the touching of the control. Displays of the touch screen may include current function mode controls in a first layer, logically-grouped current function menu shortcuts in a second layer and HVAC status and control indicators in a third layer.

Abstract: A vehicle commander control switch, system and method includes a touch pad having a touch surface for receiving touch input thereon. The touch surface has a first inner zone and a second outer zone disposed outwardly relative to the first inner zone. A touch pad signal generator detects the location of the touch input on the touch surface and generates signals corresponding thereto. The control unit is operatively connected to the touch signal generator. The control unit receives signals from the touch signal generator and controls display content on a display device. The control unit scrolls the display content on the display when the touch pad signal generator detects the touch input in the second zone and sends the signals to the control unit corresponding to the touch input in the second zone.

Abstract: An audio transmission device that is mountable to a vehicle may include: an audio input device that receives audio input signals from one or more audio sources; an audio output device that provides audio output signals in response to the audio input signals; a knob that is rotatably adjustable with respect to the audio transmission device to adjust the audio transmission device to select between audio functions; an audio function indicator having an indication site for each audio function; and, a touch sensor that senses if the knob is being touched. The audio transmission device is adjustable between audio functions without creating the annoying “channel flipping” effect currently experienced in the art.