Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request for media playback sent from a vehicle computing system (VCS) and aggregating a plurality of user, environmental and vehicle data elements for at least one known consumer in a vehicle to receive media. The embodiment also includes requesting media plans from a plurality of media provision sources, the plan based at least in part on the aggregated user, environmental and vehicle data elements. The method further includes reviewing the media plans to select a plan received responsive to the request that best corresponds to the user, environmental and vehicle data elements. Also, the method includes sending the selected plan to the VCS for playback.

Abstract: Traffic density may be estimated by increasing a value of a parameter if an object enters a predefined zone on a side of the vehicle and decreasing the value of the parameter after an object exits the predefined zone such that the value of the parameter increases as traffic in a vicinity of the vehicle increases and decreases as traffic in the vicinity of the vehicle decreases.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes connecting to a remote system and requesting data relating to a quality of air level in the vicinity of a known vehicle location. The method further includes receiving data relating to the quality of air level and comparing the data to one or more predetermined threshold levels of tolerance. If the data exceeds at least one threshold level of tolerance an automatic vehicle computing system response is instructed. In this example, the method also includes activating one or more vehicle systems in response to the data exceeding the at least one threshold level of tolerance.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and systems for locating health facilities based on a cost of healthcare. Information may be received identifying a source for receiving health service cost information. Further, vehicle user insurance information may be transmitted to obtain health service cost information. The health service cost information may be received from the identified source and presented at a vehicle computer. The identified source may include information by or from a health facilities and/or information from one or more members of the public.

Abstract: One or more embodiments may include a method and system for providing health information in a vehicle. Geographic location information for a vehicle may be received at a vehicle computer. Additionally, health information for one or more vehicle occupants may be received at the vehicle computer. Based on the geographic location information, one or more dining establishments may be identified. Menu item information, including the nutritional information for the menu items, for the dining establishment(s) may be received. Based on the health information for the vehicle occupant(s), the menu item information, and the nutritional information for the menu items, dining suggestions may be presented at the vehicle computer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes registering at least one medical condition associated with a vehicle occupant. The method also includes monitoring environmental conditions for the onset of a trigger likely to cause complications with regards to the medical condition. The method further includes warning the vehicle occupant about the onset of the trigger. The method also includes adjusting a vehicle component or system, via the VCS, in response to the onset of the trigger.

Abstract: A system and methods for communicating to a motor vehicle driver a desired direction to turn a steering wheel. The desired direction may be determined by, for example, a turn-by-turn navigation system, a lane-keeping aid system, and/or a forward collision warning system. A plurality of lights disposed on the steering wheel in a circumferentially extending array are illuminated in a pattern, the pattern comprises illuminating at least some of the plurality of lights in a repeating sequence beginning at a first position of the array away from the desired direction and progressing toward a second position of the array adjacent the desired direction. The pattern comprises a sequential illumination of the lights to communicate a direction of control action, a frequency of illumination to communicate a desired timing of the control action, and a color of illumination to communicate a positive or negative aspect.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system (10) includes a light source (32). A beam-forming assembly (34) is optically coupled to the light source (32). An object detection sensor (16) detects an object and generates an object detection signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the beam-forming assembly (34) and the object detection sensor (16). The controller (18) adjusts illumination output of the vehicle safety system (10) in response to the object detection signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle model is disclosed. The vehicle model includes a main vehicle module including a primary base and a number of components. The number of main vehicle module components is moveably mounted to the main vehicle module primary base. The vehicle model also includes a secondary vehicle module including a number of components. The main vehicle module and secondary vehicle modules are relatively positionable relative to one another to obtain a first and second vehicle configuration. The first and second vehicle configurations are different from each other.

Abstract: A side impact object sensing system for a vehicle includes a single radar sensor mounted on each side of the vehicle, each sensor generating a range and range-rate value for a detected target object, and a controller coupled to each radar sensor. The controller calculates an estimated target object speed, an angle of the target object line of travel with respect to the respective sensor line of sight, and a shortest distance value from the respective sensor to the target object line of travel, and compares the shortest distance value and a change in the angle value to respective threshold values for potential collision threat assessment.

Abstract: A vehicle crash safety system includes a pre-crash sensing system generating an object threat assessment and vehicle dynamics data, an occupant sensing system generating occupant characteristic data, and an Occupant Safety Reference Model (OSRM) controller for generating a reference safety restraint deployment profile as a function of the object threat assessment, vehicle dynamics data and occupant characteristic data. An active restraint adaptation (ARA) controller in operative communication with the OSRM controller and a decentralized restraint controller. The ARA controller sends restraint deployment targets, and the safety restraint deployment profile to the decentralized restraint controller. The ARA controller may modify input signals to the decentralized controller based on the real-time occupant position trajectory. The decentralized restraint controller is adapted to operate the restraint system as a function of signals from the ARA controller and real-time occupant-restraint system interactions.

Abstract: A vision-based object detection decision-making system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes multiple vision sensing systems (14) that have vision receivers (20) and that generate an object detection signal. A controller (16) includes a plurality of sensing system aid modules (18) that correspond to each of the vision sensing systems (14). The controller (16) operates the sensing system aid modules (18) in response to a vehicle parameter and generates a safety system signal in response to the object detection signal. The sensing system aid modules (18) have associated operating modes and operate the vision sensing systems (14) in the operating modes in response to the vehicle parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight system including a light source, digital beam forming optics optically coupled to the light source, and a memory storing a plurality of light illumination patterns. The memory is electrically coupled to the digital beam forming optics. The digital beam forming optics is adapted to output light from the light source in the form of at least one of the light illumination patterns in response to at least one vehicle operating condition.

Abstract: A drowsy driver detection system (10) for an automobile (12) is coupled to a service center (16) through a communication system (14). A drowsy driver sensor (30) coupled to a controller (32) and a communication device (60) is used to determine the drowsiness of a vehicle operator by monitoring actions of the vehicle operator. When it is determined by the controller (32) that a vehicle operator is drowsy, controller (32) initiates communication device (60) to communicate a communication signal to service center (16). A response signal is generated by the service center (16) to the vehicle operator through communication device (60) to alert the driver and direct the driver to a rest area.

Abstract: A crash assessment and safety device activation system includes a target object potentially colliding with a host object in motion, is disclosed. A remote sensor is coupled to the host object and adapted to detect a target object within a region sensed thereby and generate an object signal from the target object. A visual sensor is adapted to sense the region sensed by the remote sensor and therefrom generate a visual signal. A safety device actuator is coupled to the host object and adapted to activate a safety device. A controller is attached to the host object, the remote sensor, the visual sensor and the safety device actuator. The control is adapted to assess collision threat from the remote sensor signal and confirm the presence of the target object with the vision sensor. The controller is further adapted to control the safety device actuator in response said threat assessment.

Abstract: A pre-crash sensing system is coupled to a countermeasure system that has at least a first countermeasure and a second countermeasure. The pre-crash sensing system has a vision system (26) that generates an object size signal and an object distance signal. A controller (12) is coupled to the vision system (26) and deploys either the first countermeasure or first and second countermeasures in response to the object distance and object size.

Abstract: An image acquisition and display assembly 12 for use upon a vehicle 10 and which includes a pair of substantially identical cameras 14, 16 which are adapted to receive images of objects 50, 52 or portions of the vehicular ambient environment 27 located in the front of and/or along the sides 24, 26 of the vehicle 10 and of objects 28, 30 or portions of the vehicular ambient environment 27 located in the rear and/or along the sides of the vehicle 10. The assembly 12 may include a pair of movable mirror assemblies 34, 36 which selectively and respectively communicate with cameras 14, 16, thereby allowing the cameras 14, 16 to receive the desired and previously delineated images.

Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle (50) has a radar or lidar system (22) used to generate a remote object signal. A vision system (26) confirms the presence of the target object in the detection zone. A controller (12) is coupled to the remote object sensor and a vehicle dynamics sensor and the brake system. The controller predicts a host vehicle trajectory in response to the host vehicle dynamic signal, determines an azimuth angle for the target object, determines an actuation value in response to the target range signal, the target relative velocity signal, the host vehicle trajectory, host vehicle brake system status and the target azimuth angle. The controller (12) activates a countermeasure in response to the actuation value.

Abstract: A vehicular mirror 12 having a first curved portion 18 and a second substantially planar portion 16. The first curved portion 18 is deployed in close proximity to the vehicle 10, thereby substantially eliminating the conventional “blind spot” while concomitantly providing a relatively wide field of view.

Abstract: A vehicle crash safety system (10) for an automotive vehicle has a pre-crash sensing system (17) generating a pre-crash signal, a vehicle dynamics detector (32) generating a vehicle dynamics signal, a pre-crash countermeasure system (40), and a pre-crash controller (12) controlling the pre-crash countermeasure system in response to the pre-crash signal and the vehicle dynamics signal. Vehicle crash safety system (10) also has a coordinated safety system controller (44) coupled to the pre-crash controller (12), an early crash sensing system (46) and an early crash countermeasure system (45). The coordinated safety system controller controls the early crash countermeasure in response to the early crash signal and signals from the pre-crash controller.