Abstract: An interactive system for customizing at least one operational feature on a vehicle by an operator comprises an input device for receiving operator selection data and a message generating device. To assist an operator during the customization process, the message generating device generates a plurality of operator recognizable comments in response to the operator selection data. A processor coupled to the input device and to the message generating device recognizes the operator selection data and directs the message generating device to generate selected ones of the operator recognizable comments.

Abstract: A system and method for managing remote reprogramming of flash memory in a vehicle electronic control unit. A vehicle state manager process is used to first determine if the vehicle conditions are suitable for reprogramming of a particular ECU and, if so, the vehicle state manager then maintains the proper vehicle configuration during the reprogramming operation. The system and method can be used to automatically reprogram a vehicle ECU using new programming received by digital satellite broadcast or other wireless transmission to the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for changing vehicle personalization features. The apparatus comprises a multifunction switch coupled to a multifunction display. The display includes a main menu display configured to display, in response to signals from the switch, in sequence, first numeric codes that are representative of a sequence of settable features and a second numeric code identifying the current selected mode of a given feature. The display also includes a sub-menu display that is configured to display, in response to additional signals from the switch, a first numeric code defining the feature selected to be changed and to display, in sequence, second numeric codes representative of selectable modes of the settable feature. The multifunctional switch is also coupled to an electronic module that is configured to set a selected mode of a settable feature in response to yet a further signal from the switch.

Abstract: An interactive system for customizing at least one operational feature on a vehicle by an operator comprises an input device for receiving operator selection data and a message generating device. To assist an operator during the customization process, the message generating device generates a plurality of operator recognizable comments in response to the operator selection data. A processor coupled to the input device and to the message generating device recognizes the operator selection data and directs the message generating device to generate selected ones of the operator recognizable comments.