Abstract: A device for controlling a restricted mode of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a controller that is configured to receive an input indicative of a request to change a vehicle state from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode and to transmit a first control signal indicative of a request to limit at least one of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration. The controller is further configured to monitor a distance traveled by a driver when the vehicle is in the restricted mode and to compare the distance traveled to a predetermined distance limit. The controller is further configured to transmit a second control signal to remove the request to limit the at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle acceleration in response to determining that the distance traveled exceeds the predetermined distance limit.

Abstract: A device for controlling a restricted mode of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a controller that is configured to receive an input indicative of a request to change a vehicle state from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode and to transmit a first control signal indicative of a request to limit at least one of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration. The controller is further configured to monitor a distance traveled by a driver when the vehicle is in the restricted mode and to compare the distance traveled to a predetermined distance limit. The controller is further configured to transmit a second control signal to remove the request to limit the at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle acceleration in response to determining that the distance traveled exceeds the predetermined distance limit.

Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.

Abstract: A powered latch system for motor vehicles includes at least one powered latch that can be controlled based, at least in part, on vehicle operating conditions. The system may be configured to control unlatching of the vehicle doors utilizing data relating to the vehicle speed and/or the existence of a crash event. The powered latch system can be configured as required for various vehicles, and to accommodate specific operating requirements with respect to child locks in various geographic jurisdictions.

Abstract: Apparatus for a motor vehicle comprises a location monitor for determining vehicle coordinates for an instantaneous vehicle position within a predetermined reference system. A jurisdictional map database is provided for relating a plurality of jurisdictions to corresponding ranges of coordinates in the predetermined reference system. A regulation database is provided for relating a plurality of vehicle functions to corresponding parametric limitations for respective jurisdictions. A user interface is coupled to the regulation database for configuring at least one of the parametric limitations. A controller is coupled to the location monitor, the jurisdictional map database, and the regulation database for identifying a current jurisdiction in response to the vehicle coordinates, identifying at least one vehicle function having a parametric limitation for the current jurisdiction, and modifying the action of the identified vehicle function to comply with the respective parametric limitation.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver configured to receive a signal representing a sequence of user inputs to a portable electronic device and an audible device configured to generate a sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. A duration and volume of the sound is based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs received within a predetermined time interval. A method includes receiving the signal provided to the portable electronic device within a predetermined time interval and generating the sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver configured to receive a signal representing a sequence of user inputs to a portable electronic device and an audible device configured to generate a sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. A duration and volume of the sound is based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs received within a predetermined time interval. A method includes receiving the signal provided to the portable electronic device within a predetermined time interval and generating the sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs.

Abstract: A device for controlling a restricted mode of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a controller that is configured to receive an input indicative of a request to change a vehicle state from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode and to transmit a first control signal indicative of a request to limit at least one of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration. The controller is further configured to monitor a distance traveled by a driver when the vehicle is in the restricted mode and to compare the distance traveled to a predetermined distance limit. The controller is further configured to transmit a second control signal to remove the request to limit the at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle acceleration in response to determining that the distance traveled exceeds the predetermined distance limit.

Abstract: A system and method for providing keypad information to a user for a keypad coupled to an exterior portion of the vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal from a first transmitter and increasing a first count in response to detecting the first RF signal. The method includes receiving a second RF signal from a second transmitter and increasing a second count in response to detecting the second RF signal. The method includes comparing the first count to a first predetermined count and comparing the second count to a second predetermined count. The method includes transmitting the keypad information to the display device based on at least one of the comparison of the first count to the first predetermined amount and the comparison of the second count to the second predetermined amount.

Abstract: Apparatus for a motor vehicle comprises a location monitor for determining vehicle coordinates for an instantaneous vehicle position within a predetermined reference system. A jurisdictional map database is provided for relating a plurality of jurisdictions to corresponding ranges of coordinates in the predetermined reference system. A regulation database is provided for relating a plurality of vehicle functions to corresponding parametric limitations for respective jurisdictions. A user interface is coupled to the regulation database for configuring at least one of the parametric limitations. A controller is coupled to the location monitor, the jurisdictional map database, and the regulation database for identifying a current jurisdiction in response to the vehicle coordinates, identifying at least one vehicle function having a parametric limitation for the current jurisdiction, and modifying the action of the identified vehicle function to comply with the respective parametric limitation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing keypad information to a user for a keypad coupled to an exterior portion of the vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal from a first transmitter and increasing a first count in response to detecting the first RF signal. The method includes receiving a second RF signal from a second transmitter and increasing a second count in response to detecting the second RF signal. The method includes comparing the first count to a first predetermined count and comparing the second count to a second predetermined count. The method includes transmitting the keypad information to the display device based on at least one of the comparison of the first count to the first predetermined amount and the comparison of the second count to the second predetermined amount.

Abstract: A system (10) for long-range, remote keyless control of predefined functions for a vehicle (1) is provided that has a long-range wireless receiver (22) that receives transmission signals (25) from a wireless transmission source (24), such as a cellular phone network or satellite network. A wireless signal transmitter (22) is mounted on the vehicle (1) and uses the same protocol (15) as a hand-held wireless transmitter (12) to perform various vehicle functions, such as locking/unlocking doors (16), opening/closing windows and/or the trunk (18). The advantage being the low cost addition of the long-range control using the vehicle's existing short-range RF receiver and electrical infrastructure.