Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle seating arrangement can include: detecting a current seat occupancy in a vehicle using a plurality of sensors installed in the vehicle; identifying a seat of the vehicle for a future passenger to occupy based on the detected current seat occupancy; unlocking, by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, a door of the vehicle adjacent to the identified seat; and activating, by the ECU, a light of the vehicle proximate to the identified seat.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle seating arrangement can include: detecting a current seat occupancy in a vehicle using a plurality of sensors installed in the vehicle; identifying a seat of the vehicle for a future passenger to occupy based on the detected current seat occupancy; unlocking, by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, a door of the vehicle adjacent to the identified seat; and activating, by the ECU, a light of the vehicle proximate to the identified seat.

Abstract: A method includes: establishing a connection between a mobile communication device and a controller area network (CAN) bus in a CAN of a vehicle; receiving, via the established connection, information from the mobile communication device, including image information acquired by a camera of the mobile communication device; displaying vehicle information and a representation of an interface of the mobile communication device based on the information received from the mobile communication device in a display area of the vehicle; receiving input for controlling a function of the mobile communication device; and controlling, via the established connection, the function of the mobile communication device according to the received input.

Abstract: A multi-touch smartphone display used as a track pad in a motor vehicle is provided. A system includes a handheld device having a multi-touch display, a vehicle controller that transmits and receives data from the handheld device when the handheld device is docked into the vehicle, and a display that is mounted within the vehicle. The docked handheld device functions as a track pad to receive user input. The display is configured to display vehicle functions and applications on the handheld device. The vehicle controller is configured to transmit one or more commands to one or more vehicle components based on the received user input to execute the command.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods to conduct a product or vehicle survey of a user with a vehicle. The survey can be administered using the vehicle's capabilities and remotely accessible hardware and software. A vehicle survey system can provide a survey route suitable to administer survey questions and determine which questions to ask such that the questions correlate with vehicle events.

Abstract: Technique for implementing a liquid crystal layer installed in a transmissive object installed in a vehicle. More specifically, a control system is configured to activate a liquid crystal layer that has been installed a vehicle. The control system then determines an ocular prescription strength of a driver, and sets a refractive index of one or more liquid crystal layers disposed within the liquid crystal layer to adjust a refractive index of the windshield to correlate with the determined ocular prescription strength.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, auscultation is performed using motor vehicle seats. The embodiments include a vehicle seat including a seat support member that includes at least one mounting rod extending in a longitudinal direction, and an auscultation device. The auscultation device includes at least one microphone that is movably coupled to the at least one mounting rod and configured to perform a screening of a passenger in the vehicle seat by capturing a bodily sound of the passenger. A controller is then configured to initiate the screening of the passenger and to diagnose the passenger based on results of the screening.

Abstract: Technique for implementing a liquid crystal layer installed in a transmissive object installed in a vehicle. More specifically, a control system is configured to activate a liquid crystal layer that has been installed a vehicle. The control system then determines an ocular prescription strength of a driver, and sets a refractive index of one or more liquid crystal layers disposed within the liquid crystal layer to adjust a refractive index of the windshield to correlate with the determined ocular prescription strength.