Abstract: A system includes a control computer that is programmed to perform an authentication based on an encryption key, upon being connected to a vehicle communication network. The computer is programmed to control vehicle operation including at least one of propulsion, braking, and steering, upon authentication by a vehicle computer that is physically attached to the communication network.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a park assist system, a passenger detection system configured to detect at least one passenger, and a processing device. The processing device initiates a shutdown sequence when no passengers are present in the vehicle. The shutdown sequence includes commanding the park assist system to park the vehicle and turning off the engine after the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A user gesture is detected based on received data from one or more motion sensors. User gesture attributes are identified including at least one of hand vectoring, wrist articulation, and finger articulation from the gesture including respective movements of each of a plurality of a user's fingers. Based on the gesture attributes, a user and an action to be performed in a vehicle are identified. The action is performed in the vehicle to control at least one vehicle component based on the gesture.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for identifying a person as a driver of a vehicle. Aspects include using in-vehicle sensors to increase the accuracy of driver identification initially determined using other mechanisms. As such, at least two different types of sensory devices can be utilized to gather data in an effort to identify the driver. The data gathered from the first sensor (e.g., at a key fob) is processed to identify the driver based on learned characteristic patterns, such as the driver's gait, before the driver enters the vehicle. The data gathered from the second sensor (e.g., in an in-vehicle face or voice recognition system) is processed to confirm the driver. The confirmation is based on biometric data and learned characteristic patterns. Data from the second sensor is provided back to the first sensor to confirm the driver identity.

Abstract: An emergency in-lane steering assist system for use during a braking event comprises an object sensor for detecting the presence of an object in front of a motor vehicle and providing data from which the distance from the object to the motor vehicle is determined and a velocity sensor providing data from which the forward velocity of the motor vehicle is determined. A controller in communication with the object sensor and the velocity sensor calculates a Time to Contact (TTC) with the detected object and a steering system is responsive at least in part to operation by the controller. If the calculated TTC is less than a predetermined TTC, the controller provides a lateral steering input during the braking event to reduce the linear distance traveled by the motor vehicle relative to a predetermined path in the lane.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the performance of complex operations on a dashboard-mounted touchscreen in a vehicle moving above a predetermined minimal speed. The system includes a sensor for determining that the touchscreen is intended or going to be touched by driver and/or front seat passenger. A control, responsive to operation of the sensor, disallows or allows the touchscreen to be responsive to a touching. The touchscreen is not allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is touched by the driver. The touchscreen is allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is not going to be touched by the driver and is touched by the passenger.

Abstract: A user gesture is detected based on received data from one or more motion sensors. User gesture attributes are identified including at least one of hand vectoring, wrist articulation, and finger articulation from the gesture including respective movements of each of a plurality of a user's fingers. Based on the gesture attributes, a user and an action to be performed in a vehicle are identified. The action is performed in the vehicle to control at least one vehicle component based on the gesture.

Abstract: An emergency in-lane steering assist system for use during a braking event comprises an object sensor for detecting the presence of an object in front of a motor vehicle and providing data from which the distance from the object to the motor vehicle is determined and a velocity sensor providing data from which the forward velocity of the motor vehicle is determined. A controller in communication with the object sensor and the velocity sensor calculates a Time to Contact (TTC) with the detected object and a steering system is responsive at least in part to operation by the controller. If the calculated TTC is less than a predetermined TTC, the controller provides a lateral steering input during the braking event to reduce the linear distance traveled by the motor vehicle relative to a predetermined path in the lane.

Abstract: A vehicle controller identifies a vehicle display within a driver field of view, identifies elements of viewable content including primary elements of viewable content deemed high priority for a current driving situation and secondary elements of viewable content that are driver-specified and deemed safe to display in accordance with a driver workload estimation, receives viewable content, and displays the identified elements of the viewable content on the vehicle display.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the performance of complex operations on a dashboard-mounted touchscreen in a vehicle moving above a predetermined minimal speed. The system includes a sensor for determining that the touchscreen is intended or going to be touched by driver and/or front seat passenger. A control, responsive to operation of the sensor, disallows or allows the touchscreen to be responsive to a touching. The touchscreen is not allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is touched by the driver. The touchscreen is allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is not going to be touched by the driver and is touched by the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a park assist system, a passenger detection system configured to detect at least one passenger, and a processing device. The processing device initiates a shutdown sequence when no passengers are present in the vehicle. The shutdown sequence includes commanding the park assist system to park the vehicle and turning off the engine after the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A restraint system for a removable vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle seat. A restraint tower associated with the restraint system transfers energy generated during vehicle impact.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a driver of a vehicle includes positioning a cellular telephone within a vehicle such that a camera of the cellular telephone views a driver's head, executing application software on the cellular telephone to capture images of the head using the camera, categorizing a pose of the head from the captured images, and affecting at least one safety system of the vehicle based on the categorization.

Abstract: A portion of a riser of a removable vehicle seat has a layered structure. The layered structure provides abrasion resistance and noise isolation.

Abstract: A structural member for a removable vehicle seat provides integrated attachment features for a flex-mat, risers, and restraint system.

Abstract: A restraint system for a removable vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle seat. A restraint tower associated with the restraint system transfers energy generated during vehicle impact.

Abstract: A portion of a riser of a removable vehicle seat has a layered structure. The layered structure provides abrasion resistance and noise isolation.