Abstract: A computer-based method to facilitate detecting wheel imbalance, a tire pressure problem, or excessive tread wear on tires of a moving vehicle is disclosed. The method includes collecting (e.g., from an accelerometer of a mobile personal computing device) data that represents vibration that results, at least in part, from the vehicle's motion, and determining, with a computer-based processor, whether the moving vehicle has wheel imbalance, a tire pressure problem, and/or excessive tire tread wear based at least in part on the vibration data produced by the accelerometer (and, possibly other data), where the mobile personal computing device and the accelerometer are moving with the vehicle when the data is being collected.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for detecting faults in a vehicle includes a sensor proximate to the vehicle configured to produce sensor data that is stored and processed to generate a bulk feature set. Features are selected from the bulk feature set to produce a reduced feature set, and the reduced feature set is provided for a fault analysis of the vehicle, such that the reduced feature set does not substantially compromise accuracy of the fault analysis in comparison with a fault analysis based upon the bulk feature set.

Abstract: A computer-based method to facilitate detecting wheel imbalance, a tire pressure problem, or excessive tread wear on tires of a moving vehicle is disclosed. The method includes collecting (e.g., from an accelerometer of a mobile personal computing device) data that represents vibration that results, at least in part, from the vehicle's motion, and determining, with a computer-based processor, whether the moving vehicle has wheel imbalance, a tire pressure problem, and/or excessive tire tread wear based at least in part on the vibration data produced by the accelerometer (and, possibly other data), where the mobile personal computing device and the accelerometer are moving with the vehicle when the data is being collected.

Abstract: A system and method for providing predictive software upgrades is provided. Generally, the method comprising the steps of: querying a virtual vehicle application that simulates a real vehicle to determine one or more time period when the vehicle will be in an off state for long enough for updating of software to take place without the vehicle operating status being changed; transmitting a push notification to a user portable interactive communication device providing the one or more time periods determined, to the user for selection of one or more time period; receiving a selected one or more time period for upgrading of the software; transmitting a request for confirmation of a first of the one or more time period to the user portable interactive communication device at a predefined time period prior to the first of the one or more time period; and if the user confirms the first time period, instructing the upgrading of the vehicle control module by the vehicle at the first time period.