Abstract: A turn signal control system for use with a right turn signal and a left turn signal of a motor vehicle and a vehicle navigation system is provided. The turn signal system includes a processor configured to be operably coupled to the vehicle navigation system. The processor is configured to receive map data and route data from the vehicle navigation system. The processor is configured to determine a turn zone of the vehicle based on a set of criteria. A turn signal controller is operably coupled to the processor and configured to activate one of the right and left turn signals when the vehicle is in the turn zone. A method of controlling a right and left turn signal is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling sound within a vehicle includes an acoustical damping device operable to determine a measured sound. The acoustical damping device is operable to output a noise canceling signal to a vehicle audio system to dampen the measured sound. A sound controller is operably coupled to the acoustical damping device and is configured to automatically receive an environment signal from an environment sensor. The sound controller is configured to determine an operating mode of the vehicle based on the environment signal. The operating mode is selectable from an operating mode list that includes a stress operating mode and a calm operating mode. The sound controller is configured to cause alteration of the noise canceling signal and reduction in damping in the stress operating mode with respect to the calm operating mode.

Abstract: A user who desires to use a media application at a vehicle is identified. A stop mark associated with the user is created and the stop mark is configured to uniquely identify the user compared to other users. The media application is presented to the user at the vehicle. The operation of the media application is halted at a stopping point when the user is using the media application and according to instructions from the user. The stopping point on the media is marked with the stop mark. Subsequently, the media application is restarted according to the stop mark when the user wishes to restart the media application.

Abstract: A system and method for providing voice communication to an occupant of a vehicle through a mobile device. The system communicates with a mobile device with an occupant of the vehicle, for example using a telematics controller or network access device. The system receives an identification from the mobile device and transmits a request, as well as, the identification to a service provider. The service provider then initiates a communication to the mobile device based on the request and identification.

Abstract: A system and method for providing profile information for occupants of a vehicle to a service provider. The system may communicate with at least one mobile device to receive an identification from each mobile device. The system may store profile information of an occupant associated with each identification. The system may communicate with the service provider to transmit the profile information associated with the mobile devices if a crash condition is identified and communication with the mobile device occurred during a time period just prior to the crash condition.

Abstract: A control system and method for enhancing motor vehicle fuel economy. The system and method establishes a vehicle operating in either a city operating condition or highway operating condition. Once a highway operating condition is established, an on-board motor vehicle tire pressure pneumatic controller may be commanded set a relatively higher tire inflation pressure optimizing the tires for minimizing rolling resistance and thereby enhancing fuel economy. In a city operating condition, tire inflation pressure may be returned to nominal values optimizing inflation pressure for vehicle dynamic capabilities for maneuvering, braking, or traction. Distinguishing between the operating conditions may be based on one or more of a number of parameters of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system for assisting the braking system of a vehicle includes a processor, a global position system receiver in communication with the processor, and an antenna for receiving global positioning system signals. The processor may be configured to determine the braking efficiency of the vehicle, collecting global positioning system information from the global position system receiver, determine a distance to an end of a grade of a road the vehicle is traveling based on the global positioning system information, determine if there is a possibility of failure of the braking system of the vehicle based on the braking efficiency of the vehicle and the distance to the end of the grade of the road the vehicle is traveling on, and execute a mitigating action to prevent braking failure.

Abstract: A system for determining a safe maximum speed of an vehicle has a processor and a global positioning system receiver in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to determine a grade and distance to an end of an upcoming or a current road segment the vehicle is traveling on based on the global positioning system information received from the global positioning system receiver. The processor is further configured to determine the safe maximum speed of the vehicle based on the distance to the end and pitch of the grade of the upcoming or current road segment the vehicle is traveling on and the braking efficiency of the vehicle.

Abstract: Near field communications devices provide wireless connectivity between vehicles and fueling stations by which vehicle fuel-related information can be exchanged. The exchanged information can include the type of fuel required by the vehicle and thus reduce the likelihood of an improper fuel being introduced to the vehicle. Vehicle fuel related information also includes an amount of fuel required to fill the vehicle's fuel reservoir, an amount of fuel required for the vehicle to travel to a particular location or distance, an amount of fuel received during previous refueling sessions, the identity of the vehicle, and vehicle operator fueling preferences. It can also include the location of the vehicle relative to a fueling station or fuel pump.

Abstract: An electronic vehicle security key for vehicles stores vehicle data and user data in separate, protected memories that are coupled to a processor. Information in the protected memories is exchanged with a processor in a vehicle. The information in the vehicle security key instructs the processor in a vehicle whether to enable the vehicle to operate and if so, when and how the vehicle should be operated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing communication options, including providing one or more 4D entertainment signals, the one or more entertainment signals being associated with one or more 4D entertainment effects, providing one or more vehicle systems; and interfacing the one or more signals with the one or more vehicle systems, the one or more vehicle systems being configured to implement the one or more 4D entertainment effects.

Abstract: A user interface assembly includes a first touch sensitive pad and a second touch sensitive pad spaced apart from each other that both sense a position of corresponding objects on each touch sensitive pad and synchronizes those positions into an output that relates the sensed positions to corresponding positions on a mapped device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing communication options, including determining one or more states of one or more communication-related conditions, and analyzing the one or more states and one or more communication options to determine an optimum communication option.

Abstract: A determination is made as to whether a first channel is communicatively coupled to a communication network. The first communication channel is configured to preferentially transmit emergency messages to the communication network. When the first communication channel is not communicatively coupled to the communication network, a second communication channel and at least one configuration parameter to configure the second communication channel are determined. The second communication channel is configured with the determined at least one parameter. An emergency message is transmitted over the configured second communication channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an on-board navigation system for a commuter vehicle that automatically saves in a database addresses corresponding to destinations to which the vehicle has traveled, along with one or more parameters relating to the addresses. The navigation system uses these parameters to predict a destination by comparing the present state of the vehicle to the saved parameters. The navigation system can present the user with a prioritized list of addresses based on the predicted and prompt the user to select a destination from list. Thus a user can conveniently inform the navigation system of an intended destination. The navigation system can automatically determine a route to the destination based on present traffic conditions, and may have the ancillary benefit of informing the user of traffic conditions, or directing the user around such traffic conditions, even if the user was not otherwise interested in receiving a route.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method of collecting vehicle data for use in incident investigations, including: a vehicle data recorder for recording vehicle parameters such as geographic location, speed, azimuth of motion, acceleration, brake pedal pressure and similar parameters: a means for detecting incidents such as an accident, and sending an incident message to a incident monitoring station, which then transmits a broadcast message. Other vehicles within communication range of the incident monitoring station each respond to the broadcast message with a report message including a unique identifier. When an incident occurs, a portion of the data stored prior to, and at the time of, the incident is saved for future retrieval. The incident message may be reported to a central site or other authority so that emergency response can be provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a traffic management system that utilizes route information provided by on board navigation systems installed in commuter vehicles to predict traffic congestion and determine appropriate traffic management procedures. Traffic management procedures include adjusting the timing of traffic signals, providing traffic updates/instructions to roadside Dynamic Message Signs (DMSs), actuating movable lane barriers, etc. The predictive traffic management capabilities provided by the present system offer an advantage over existing systems because the present system can more reliably predict when and where traffic congestion will occur and implement proactive, rather than reactive, traffic management procedures to deal with congestion before it occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for vehicle security implemented in a vehicle (106). The method includes scanning one or more fingers of a user of the vehicle (106) by using a scanner (102). Based on the information received from the scanner (102), a controller (104) determines the security mode to be implemented in the vehicle (106). The determined security mode is then implemented by the controller (104), thereby making the vehicle (106) secure.