Abstract: An embodiment of a method for simulating manual transmission operation in a vehicle having an automatic transmission includes receiving a selection of a transmission model profile which includes a simulated manual transmission model. The method further includes receiving a gear position user input signal indicative of a position of a user gear selection of the vehicle, receiving a throttle position user input signal indicative of a position of user throttle control of the vehicle, and receiving a clutch position user input signal indicative of a position of a user clutch control of the vehicle. The method still further includes determining a simulated manual transmission response using the selected transmission model profile and at least one of the gear position user input signal, the throttle position user input signal, and the clutch position user input signal, and outputting at least one vehicle control signal corresponding to the simulated transmission response.

Abstract: A system for remote data acquisition and centralized processing and storage provides comprehensive support for processing documents and electronic data associated with different applications including sales, business, banking and general consumer transactions. The system retrieves transaction data such as credit card receipts or checks in either electronic or paper form at one or more remote locations, encrypts the data, transmits the encrypted data to a central location, transforms the data to a usable form, performs identification verification using signature data and biometric data, generates informative reports from the data and transmits the informative reports to the remote location(s), providing high performance, security, reliability, fault tolerance and low cost.

Abstract: An analog-style gauge for displaying the value of a parameter measured or sensed by a remote sensor. The gauge comprises an actuator having a selectively rotatable shaft and a pointer fixedly attached to the actuator shaft and capable of being internally illuminated by light directed into the pointer. A light source is disposed to direct light of at least two colors into the pointer. Control circuitry is operably connected to the actuator, the light source and a remote sensor. The control circuitry rotates the actuator shaft within a range of motion in response to signals received from the remote sensor indicative of changes in the value of the sensed parameter. The control circuitry changes the color of light directed into the pointer when the pointer reaches a pre-determined point within the range of motion, whereby the internal illumination of the pointer will change color when the pointer reaches a predetermined point within the range of motion.

Abstract: A single-button ignition control and starting system for a vehicle. The system comprises an onboard computer, a start button, a light source, a clutch sensor, engine sensor and an identity sensor. The computer is connected to the ignition system and starter motor. The start button is connected to the computer to indicate whether the start button is depressed. The light source is connected to the computer to selectively illuminate the start button in a first, a second and a third illumination color. The clutch sensor is connected to the computer to indicate whether the clutch pedal is depressed. The engine sensor is connected to the computer to indicate whether the engine is running. The identity sensor adapted to receive identity indicia and is connected to the computer for producing signals indicative of the identity indicia.

Abstract: An automated gas cap mechanism for opening and closing the fuel tank of a vehicle includes a housing with a filler compartment door mounted on a door support link that is coupled to an axle having first and second ends mounted in slots formed in the housing and configured to rotate and to move longitudinally in the housing. A crank is mounted on the axle and an arm on the crank is pivotally coupled to the door support link. A drive motor is operable to rotate the axle and crank to retract the filler compartment door into the housing and drive the axle in a linear direction to open a gas cap coupled to the axle.

Abstract: A system for remote data acquisition and centralized processing and storage is disclosed called the DataTreasury™ System. The DataTreasury™ System provides comprehensive support for the processing of documents and electronic data associated with different applications including sale, business, banking and general consumer transactions. The system retrieves transaction data such as credit card receipts checks in either electronic or paper form at one or more remote locations, encrypts the data, transmits the encrypted data to a central location, transforms the data to a usable form, performs identification verification using signature data and biometric data, generates informative reports from the data and transmits the informative reports to the remote location(s). The DataTreasury™ System has many advantageous features which work together to provide high performance, security, reliability, fault tolerance and low cost.

Abstract: A virtual electronic switch system for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system includes a switch assembly, a switch interface, and a computer. The switch assembly provides actuators that interface with non-contact sensors in the switch interface. The computer is coupled to the switch interface and assigns functions to each of the actuators. The non-contact sensors detect movement of the actuators and signal the computer, which manipulates an electrical system in the vehicle based on the assigned function.

Abstract: A Virtual Electrical and Electronic Device Interface and Management System (VEEDIMS) support architecture is provided. In one example, the VEEDIMS support architecture includes a vehicle layer and a shop layer. The vehicle layer has a module and a controller positioned in a vehicle. The module is configured to couple to a device via an input/output (I/O) interface compatible with the device and configured to couple to the controller via a cable adapted to simultaneously carry bi-directional data and uni-directional power to the module. The shop layer is separate from the vehicle layer and has a browser configured to communicate with an HTTP server in the module and an analysis tool configured to receive and analyze event driven and time series data from the controller.

Abstract: An internally illuminated roll bar has a W-shaped frame with “U” shaped cross-section with opposed side walls, a bottom wall and an open top, first and second outer legs, first and second inner legs, a lateral connecting member connecting the inner legs at the lower ends, one or more lenses for covering one or more portions of the rear side of the frame and discrete light sources mounted between the frame and the lenses wherein the some of the discrete light sources may be powered independently of others of the discrete light sources.

Abstract: A Virtual Electrical and Electronic Device Interface and Management System (VEEDIMS) is provided. In one example, the VEEDIMS includes a backbone network formed by cables that are configured to simultaneously carry digital data and power. A controller is coupled to the backbone network and configured to execute control instructions. A plurality of modules are coupled to the controller via the backbone network and receive data and power via the backbone network. The modules receive control signals from the controller based on the control instructions. At least one device is coupled to one of the modules via a direct input/output (I/O) interface positioned in the module. A device specific driver contained in the module provides a communications interface between the device and a generic VEEDIMS controller driver in the controller.

Abstract: A system for processing credit card transactions is disclosed. Merchant locations include at least one Internet protocol (IP) capable credit card terminal, either connected directly to a wide area network such as the Internet, or connected to the Internet via a router. The IP-capable credit card terminal forwards transaction information over the Internet, and biometric information regarding the presenting customer if desired and if available, which is processed by a credit card processing system. According to one embodiment of the invention, the credit card processing system is an IP credit card gateway processor, which formats the transaction information into a conventional format for processing by a credit card processor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking hub cap having at least one locking feature that engages at least one locking feature on a vehicle hub assembly to prevent a spin-on nut from being removed while the locking hub cap is in place.

Abstract: An audio system for an electrically powered vehicle includes a data storage unit, a processor for accessing the data storage unit and retrieving one of pre-recorded engine sounds, pre-recorded exhaust sounds, or one or more algorithms for reproducing engine sounds and exhaust sounds, an amplifier operably connected to the processor for amplifying one of an engine sound or exhaust sound, at least one outwardly directed speaker for generating one of an engine or exhaust sound, an interface between the processor and the one or more vehicle performance sensors for sensing a vehicle performance parameter, the interface configured to receive an input from the one or more vehicle performance sensors and transmit it to the processor, wherein the processor receives the input from at least one vehicle performance sensor and varies a sound parameter of an engine sound or exhaust sound projected by the speaker based on the performance parameter.

Abstract: A system employing enrollment information and the quality of the enrollment information. The enrollment information includes data unique to the identification of a person. The system also stores biometric sensor quality information. When a person seeks to authenticate his/her identity, the sensor transmits the sensor quality data along with the biometric attribute data to the system. The transmitted data is correlated with the enrollment data, and quality of the enrollment data, to produce a score indicative of the probability of a correct identification.

Abstract: Hybrid cables for conveying data and conducting operating power to electrically powered devices and a vehicle utilizing such cables are disclosed.

Abstract: A virtual electronic switch system for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system includes a switch assembly, a switch interface, and a computer. The switch assembly provides actuators that interface with non-contact sensors in the switch interface. The computer is coupled to the switch interface and assigns functions to each of the actuators. The non-contact sensors detect movement of the actuators and signal the computer, which manipulates an electrical system in the vehicle based on the assigned function.

Abstract: Hybrid cables for conveying data and conducting operating power to electrically powered devices and a vehicle utilizing such cables are disclosed.

Abstract: A system employing enrollment information and the quality of the enrollment information. The enrollment information includes data unique to the identification of a person. The system also stores biometric sensor quality information. When a person seeks to authenticate his/her identity, the sensor transmits the sensor quality data along with the biometric attribute data to the system. The transmitted data is correlated with the enrollment data, and quality of the enrollment data, to produce a score indicative of the probability of a correct identification.

Abstract: A power control system positioned within a car is provided. In one example, the power control system includes an electrical system, a battery and a power interface coupled to the electrical system, a communication interface, a controller coupled to the electrical system and the communication interface, and a memory coupled to the controller. The memory contains instructions executable by the controller. The instructions include receiving at least one power consumption parameter from a power controller external to the car via the communication interface, actuating the electrical system to access an external power source via the power interface, and directing power from the power source to the battery via the electrical system in order to charge the battery. One or both of actuating the electrical system to access the external power source and an amount of power directed to the battery are based on the power consumption parameter.