Abstract: A vehicle includes a radio receiver configured to receive emergency alert messages initiated by an alerting authority and broadcast by an alerting disseminator. The radio receiver is normally inactive when the vehicle is in the dormant state. A user monitor is configured to track a user during a time that the vehicle is in the dormant state to detect whether the user remains in the vehicle or is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. A controller coupled to the radio receiver and to the user monitor is configured to activate the radio receiver during the dormant state when the user is present. The controller detects the existence of a relevant emergency alert message and initiates an annunciation signal which is generated by the vehicle and perceptible to the user to inform the user that the relevant emergency alert message is available.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle provides a workspace in a passenger cabin to support a teleconference with a remote party. External sensors are configured to scan the exterior of the vehicle. A sound exciter is configured to generate a masking noise directed to the exterior. A control circuit which enhances privacy of the teleconference is configured to A) detect the audio content of the teleconference being present in the interior of the vehicle, B) quantify an interior sound level of the audio content, C) estimate a discernability of the audio content at an external location accessible to passersby where the audio content can be overheard, and D) activate the sound exciter such that the masking noise is adapted to mask the audio content at the external location.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle provides a workspace in a passenger cabin to support a teleconference with a remote party. External sensors are configured to scan the exterior of the vehicle. A sound exciter is configured to generate a masking noise directed to the exterior. A control circuit which enhances privacy of the teleconference is configured to A) detect the audio content of the teleconference being present in the interior of the vehicle, B) quantify an interior sound level of the audio content, C) estimate a discernability of the audio content at an external location accessible to passersby where the audio content can be overheard, and D) activate the sound exciter such that the masking noise is adapted to mask the audio content at the external location.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle provides a workspace in a passenger cabin to support a teleconference with a remote party. External sensors are configured to scan the exterior of the vehicle and detect a pedestrian. A sound exciter is configured to generate a masking noise directed to the exterior. A control circuit which enhances privacy of the teleconference is configured to A) detect the audio content of the teleconference being present in the interior of the vehicle, B) quantify an interior sound level of the audio content, C) estimate a discernability of the audio content at an external location corresponding to the detected pedestrian, and D) activate the sound exciter such that the masking noise is adapted to mask the audio content at the external location.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle provides a workspace in a passenger cabin to support a teleconference with a remote party. External sensors are configured to scan the exterior of the vehicle and detect a pedestrian. A sound exciter is configured to generate a masking noise directed to the exterior. A control circuit which enhances privacy of the teleconference is configured to A) detect the audio content of the teleconference being present in the interior of the vehicle, B) quantify an interior sound level of the audio content, C) estimate a discernibility of the audio content at an external location corresponding to the detected pedestrian, and D) activate the sound exciter such that the masking noise is adapted to mask the audio content at the external location.

Abstract: A handsfree voice system has a microphone mounted in a fixed location in a passenger cabin. An audio signal from the microphone can be used by a voice recognition system to detect spoken commands of a driver or can be used by a cellular telephone transceiver to transmit sounds for a spoken conversation over a phone call. A pair of speakers is mounted at a periphery of the microphone. A plurality of noise sensors are configured to characterize intrusive noises into the cabin. An active noise cancellation controller is responsive to the noise sensors for generating anti-noise to be output by the speakers establishing a quiet zone centered on the microphone.

Abstract: A handsfree voice system has a microphone mounted in a fixed location in a passenger cabin. An audio signal from the microphone can be used by a voice recognition system to detect spoken commands of a driver or can be used by a cellular telephone transceiver to transmit sounds for a spoken conversation over a phone call. A pair of speakers is mounted at a periphery of the microphone. A plurality of noise sensors are configured to characterize intrusive noises into the cabin. An active noise cancellation controller is responsive to the noise sensors for generating anti-noise to be output by the speakers establishing a quiet zone centered on the microphone.

Abstract: Voice control is extended outside of an automotive vehicle by an access system associated with a door and window. An accelerometer is mounted on the window to generate a vibration signal. A passive entry system generates an unlock standby signal when an authorized user carrying a wireless fob is detected proximate the door. A voice recognizer in the vehicle is activated by the standby signal to scan the vibration signal for a spoken command for opening the door. A door actuator is activated by the voice recognizer when the command is detected.

Abstract: An automatic wiper control system for a vehicle window determines the presence of rainfall based on window vibrations. During a vehicle driving cycle, a controller measures the window vibrations with an accelerometer attached to the window. The controller calculates a psycho-acoustic metric based on the measured vibrations, wherein the metric can be comprised of Articulation Index, Sharpness, or Roughness. The calculated metric is compared to a threshold indicative of rain impacting the window. The wiper system is activated according to a result of the comparison.