Abstract: A system for capturing and presenting views of a vehicle. In an example embodiment, the system captures video data rearward and along a side of the vehicle and/or behind the vehicle. The system includes video cameras for capturing video data at one or more resolutions and in one or more fields-of-view. The displays present the video data to the driver for use during operation of the vehicle. The displays present the video data at one or more resolutions. The resolution of capture and/or display may be in accordance with an operating mode of the vehicle, such as turning, direction of travel and/or driver selection.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of systems. Each system performs a function of the automobile. In an example embodiment, a plurality of system controllers, one for each system, controls the operation of the system. Each system controller controls how its corresponding system performs its function. When all system controllers are functional, a system controller generates control signals for its corresponding system. When one system controller ceased to operate, another system controller may control the system that corresponds to the failed system controller. Distributing control of systems among the various system controllers increases reliability.

Abstract: Headlight and taillight assemblies may include cameras for providing video information. A barrier positioned between the cameras and the lamps of a headlight or taillight assembly reduces or eliminates light reflected from the lamps into the camera from an outer interface of the lens. The barriers enable the cameras to be positioned in close proximity to the lamps. Headlight and taillight assemblies may further include heaters to warm the lenses to melt ice or snow. Various methods may be used to install the headlight and taillight assemblies on the vehicle so the position of each headlight and taillight is known to a processing circuit.

Abstract: Systems for a vehicle include a sound system that detects and compensate for objects that block or muffle sound in the interior of the vehicle; light bars positioned under the headliner of the vehicle or on the front or back of the vehicle that can emulate headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn lights; external light fixtures that are symmetrical around a centerline and can be placed at any position on the front or back of the vehicle without structural change and a collision detection system.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a controller controls the HVAC system, dampers, fans, and heater/coolers in seats to heat or cool the interior and the seats to a desired temperature. The controller may control the temperature and/or the flow of air through a plurality of ducts and the heater/coolers in the seats to heat or cool regions of the interior and the seats to a desired temperature.

Abstract: The control system for a vehicle includes processing circuit, and memory and a touchscreen. The processing circuit detects the characteristics of contact (e.g., touch) between the user's hand and/or an object and the touch-sensitive surface of the touchscreen. Responsive to the touch, the control system may present touch controls of a particular class on the touchscreen, establish sub-areas of the touchscreen, and/or control the operation of a system of the vehicle. The touch controls displayed on the touchscreen may perform the function of a dynamic touch control in that the graphic of the icon of the touch control may change to provide status regarding the operation of the system related to the touch control.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of systems. Each system performs a function of the automobile. In an example embodiment, a plurality of system controllers, one for each system, controls the operation of the system. Each system controller controls how its corresponding system performs its function. When all system controllers are functional, a system controller generates control signals for its corresponding system. When one system controller ceased to operate, another system controller may control the system that corresponds to the failed system controller. Distributing control of systems among the various system controllers increases reliability.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a rearview system detects the present and information regarding one or more second vehicles. The system uses the information regarding the second vehicles to determine whether a collision may occur. In the event of a predictive collision, the system provides the user a warning. In another embodiment, the rearview system presents video data having different fields-of-capture. In another embodiment, the system includes a user interface that includes a display and a haptic pad. The display presents information. The haptic pad enables the user to provide information to the system. A location on the haptic pad corresponds to a location on the display. The user may manipulate the haptic pad to activate icons presented on the display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling vehicle systems. The method may be performed by a mobile device and a vehicle, and may include capturing motion data generated by one or more sensors of the mobile device. The method may also include generating a motion signature, indicative of a motion of the mobile device, from the captured motion data. Furthermore, when the generated motion signature matches a predefined motion signature stored in a memory of the mobile device, the method may include transmitting a motion based gesture command associated with the predefined motion signature to a vehicle. Additionally, the method may include operating one or more of the vehicle systems in response to a processor of the vehicle executing the received motion based gesture command.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for locating a wireless access device relative to a vehicle. The method can include receiving, from a wireless access device, a beacon message at each of two or more antennas positioned within a vehicle and determining, based at least in part on the beacon message received at each of the two or more antennas, a position of the wireless access device relative to the vehicle. One or more systems of the vehicle can be configured based at least in part on the determined position of the wireless access device relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for locating a wireless access device relative to a vehicle. The method can include receiving, from a wireless access device, a beacon message at each of two or more antennas positioned within a vehicle and determining, based at least in part on the beacon message received at each of the two or more antennas, a position of the wireless access device relative to the vehicle. One or more systems of the vehicle can be configured based at least in part on the determined position of the wireless access device relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing access to a system using a wireless access device. The method can include activating a plurality of beacon transceivers of the vehicle. The method may also include determining, based at least in part on at least one beacon message received by the beacon transceivers, the wireless access device, or a combination thereof, when a position of the wireless access device relative to the vehicle satisfies an access threshold. The method may also include, in response to determining that the access threshold has been satisfied, configuring one or more systems of the vehicle based on the position of the wireless access device relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling vehicle systems. The method may be performed by a mobile device and a vehicle, and may include capturing motion data generated by one or more sensors of the mobile device. The method may also include generating a motion signature, indicative of a motion of the mobile device, from the captured motion data. Furthermore, when the generated motion signature matches a predefined motion signature stored in a memory of the mobile device, the method may include transmitting a motion based gesture command associated with the predefined motion signature to a vehicle. Additionally, the method may include operating one or more of the vehicle systems in response to a processor of the vehicle executing the received motion based gesture command.