Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to an automated triage nurse system in a vehicle. In an example scenario, the system issues a set of questions to evaluate a severity of a medical emergency event associated with an occupant of the vehicle. The questions may be issued through an audio system in the vehicle and the medical emergency event may be caused by a vehicular accident or may be a medical trauma suffered by the occupant. The system provides medical advice to the occupant, if the occupant provides a response that indicates to the system that it is unnecessary to summon a first responder. The medical advice can be a first-aid instruction. On the other hand, the system may contact a first responder located in a medical facility if the occupant of the vehicle provides no response, or provides a response that indicates a serious medical problem.

Abstract: A device localization system for a vehicle and a mobile device configured as a Phone-as-a-Key (PaaK) is described. The system includes a fob-free mode for performing remote control vehicle features using a selective mobile device localization technique that reduces motive functionality of the vehicle, based location of a user performing the vehicle control during the remote-control operation. The system determines a geographic position of a user using a single Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) antenna, and establishes establish a high-fidelity zone based on a change in mobile device position. The system reduces a motive functionality of the vehicle, based on the selective mobile device localization, from a first motive mode having a full motive functionality to a second motive mode responsive to determining that the mobile device is not present in the high-fidelity zone.

Abstract: A method for managing electrical Key Off Load (KOL) and other potentially damaging operational conditions in a vehicle while in a neutral mode setting, comprising: determining a vehicle drivetrain is in the neutral mode setting; determining an operational characteristic that changes with time while the vehicle is in the neutral mode setting; performing, via a vehicle control module and based on the neutral mode setting and the operational characteristic, vehicle actions comprising engaging an automated start powertrain activation while the vehicle is in the neutral mode setting.

Abstract: A distributed biometric vehicle entry system is configured to provide personalized biometric authentication for vehicle entry. The system utilizes an authentication token private key challenge generated a biometric wireless vehicle entry keypad, or a passive device such as a smartphone or fob, such that it would be insufficient for an intruder to simply jump the circuit with an external battery. The biometric authentication may be localized to an embedded system within the biometric vehicle entry keypad, and may be self-contained from all other vehicle systems with a wireless vehicle interface and independent power supply. The vehicle may grant access responsive to receiving the authentication token (and only the authentication token) whenever a valid biometric signature is recognized.

Abstract: A distributed biometric vehicle entry system is configured to provide personalized biometric authentication for vehicle entry. The system utilizes an authentication token private key challenge generated a biometric wireless vehicle entry keypad, or a passive device such as a smartphone or fob, such that it would be insufficient for an intruder to simply jump the circuit with an external battery. The biometric authentication may be localized to an embedded system within the biometric vehicle entry keypad, and may be self-contained from all other vehicle systems with a wireless vehicle interface and independent power supply. The vehicle may grant access responsive to receiving the authentication token (and only the authentication token) whenever a valid biometric signature is recognized.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving, by a vehicle, a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining, that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is not present inside the vehicle. The example method may also include presenting a request for a second passcode. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode has been input. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in memory of the vehicle. The example method may also include generating, using an enhanced valet mode, a first temporary valet passcode based on the determination that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in the memory.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request to enter a valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include enabling the valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include disabling, based on the valet mode of the vehicle being enabled, a secure idle mode of the vehicle, wherein the secure idle mode of the vehicle includes locking a gear shifter of the vehicle in a park position when an occupant of the vehicle is outside of a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A keycard may include electronics to allow access to vehicle functions. A keycard system for a vehicle includes a plurality of sections of a stacking key, and a keycard, including a key holder defining a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having an opening for receiving a respective one of the plurality of sections, wherein the key holder further includes electronics configured to wirelessly provide access to the vehicle. A foldable keycard includes hinged sections, each defining a base and a layer of a blade of a key extending therefrom; and an electronic vehicle access component arranged at the base of one of the sections opposite the blades, and configured to fold away from the blades to allow the keycard to be inserted into a lock.

Abstract: A keycard may include electronics to allow access to vehicle functions. A keycard system for a vehicle includes a plurality of sections of a stacking key, and a keycard, including a key holder defining a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having an opening for receiving a respective one of the plurality of sections, wherein the key holder further includes electronics configured to wirelessly provide access to the vehicle. A foldable keycard includes hinged sections, each defining a base and a layer of a blade of a key extending therefrom; and an electronic vehicle access component arranged at the base of one of the sections opposite the blades, and configured to fold away from the blades to allow the keycard to be inserted into a lock.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to adjust an advertising rate of a device to reduce battery usage are described herein. An example method includes determining a distance of a device from a vehicle based on a signal, determining a state of motion of the device, and adjusting an advertising rate of the signal based on the distance and state of motion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to adjust an advertising rate of a device to reduce battery usage are described herein. An example method includes determining a distance of a device from a vehicle based on a signal, determining a state of motion of the device, and adjusting an advertising rate of the signal based on the distance and state of motion.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a tether activation instruction, including a range. The processor is also configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile wireless module, responsive to the activation instruction. The processor is further configured to track the mobile wireless module as the module travels and issue an alert when the tracking reveals that the mobile wireless module has reached an outer edge of the range, measured from a processor-location.

Abstract: A vehicle remote entry locking or unlocking chirp sound reduction system including a remote transmitter operable to transmit a signal, a receiver operable to receive the signal from the remote transmitter, a controller operably connected to the receiver and being operable in response to the signal from the remote transmitter, and a horn operably connected to the controller. The controller may be configured to cause the horn to generate an audible signal having a predetermined pulse duration which depends on at least one characteristic of a vehicle prior to or during actuation of the remote transmitter. Also provided is a method of reducing the sound of an audible signal generated by actuation of a vehicle remote entry system.

Abstract: A vehicle remote entry locking or unlocking chirp sound reduction system including a remote transmitter operable to transmit a signal, a receiver operable to receive the signal from the remote transmitter, a controller operably connected to the receiver and being operable in response to the signal from the remote transmitter, and a horn operably connected to the controller. The controller may be configured to cause the horn to generate an audible signal having a predetermined pulse duration which depends on at least one characteristic of a vehicle prior to or during actuation of the remote transmitter. Also provided is a method of reducing the sound of an audible signal generated by actuation of a vehicle remote entry system.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a tire pressure monitoring (TPM)/remote keyless entry (RKE) device and method. The device includes a first antenna and a second antenna. An antenna switch is also included for selecting the first antenna and the second antenna. The controller generates signals for the antenna switch to cause selection of the first antenna and the second antenna for the reception of radio-frequency (RF) signals. Additionally, housing encloses the second antenna, the antenna switch and the controller. Also, at least a portion of the first antenna extends external to the housing.