Abstract: An infotainment and connectivity system for a vehicle includes a control module, a first plurality of input devices, and a plurality of output devices. The control module includes a first control logic sequence, a plurality of software based programs, and a memory module. The control logic operates to control operation of the infotainment and connectivity system. The first plurality of input devices is disposed on an interior of the vehicle and includes a camera, a microphone, and an image sensor. The plurality of output devices includes at least a communication synchronization system.

Abstract: An infotainment and connectivity system for a vehicle includes a control module, a first plurality of input devices, and a plurality of output devices. The control module includes a first control logic sequence, a plurality of software based programs, and a memory module. The control logic operates to control operation of the infotainment and connectivity system. The first plurality of input devices is disposed on an interior of the vehicle and includes a camera, a microphone, and an image sensor. The plurality of output devices includes at least a communication synchronization system.

Abstract: A touch screen with haptic feedback knob arrangement. The arrangement includes an interactive surface having a controllable electrostatic pressure region across a portion of the interactive surface. The arrangement further includes a controller having an algorithm programmed thereon for controlling the amount of electrostatic pressure applied to the portion of the interactive surface where the electrostatic pressure region is located. A knob is rotatably mounted to the interactive surface and receives rotational resistance from the electrostatic pressure region of the interactive surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for alerting a driver within an automotive vehicle is provided. An alerting device is disposed within the vehicle, which is configured to alert a driver. A controller is operable to activate the alerting device to produce an alert. A hazard detecting device is configured to detect a hazard. The controller is configured to activate the alerting device to produce the alert if the hazard detecting device detects a hazard. The alert is produced a predetermined reaction time period before a desired driver response. The controller is configured to determine a driver response time. The driver response time includes the time from the alert to an actual driver response. The controller is configured to alter the predetermined reaction time period based on the driver response time. A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle and a non-transitory machine-readable medium that provides instructions are also provided.

Abstract: A touch screen with haptic feedback knob arrangement. The arrangement includes an interactive surface having a controllable electrostatic pressure region across a portion of the interactive surface. The arrangement further includes a controller having an algorithm programmed thereon for controlling the amount of electrostatic pressure applied to the portion of the interactive surface where the electrostatic pressure region is located. A knob is rotatably mounted to the interactive surface and receives rotational resistance from the electrostatic pressure region of the interactive surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for alerting a driver within an automotive vehicle is provided. An alerting device is disposed within the vehicle, which is configured to alert a driver. A controller is operable to activate the alerting device to produce an alert. A hazard detecting device is configured to detect a hazard. The controller is configured to activate the alerting device to produce the alert if the hazard detecting device detects a hazard. The alert is produced a predetermined reaction time period before a desired driver response. The controller is configured to determine a driver response time. The driver response time includes the time from the alert to an actual driver response. The controller is configured to alter the predetermined reaction time period based on the driver response time. A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle and a non-transitory machine-readable medium that provides instructions are also provided.

Abstract: A control display assembly includes a digital display for generating graphic features that represent vehicle system operating parameters and functions that are selectable by an operator. A plurality of buttons are spaced apart from the display and are associated with one of the graphic features generated by the display through a corresponding light path. The light path extends between one of the buttons and a corresponding graphic feature to provide a visual association between the button and the graphic feature generated by the display.

Abstract: A method for bi-directional communication between a vehicle and a vehicle key includes providing a vehicle key with a connector to communicate with the vehicle, storing user data on the vehicle key, communicating with the vehicle with the vehicle key, and adjusting a plurality of vehicle settings to match the user data stored on the vehicle key responsive to communicating between the vehicle and the vehicle key.