Abstract: A system includes a plurality of wireless transmitters and a processor configured to: receive, from a mobile device, signal strengths of signals from the wireless transmitters as detected by the mobile device. The processor is also configured to determine a location of the mobile device in a vehicle, based on a distance from the mobile device to each of the wireless transmitters, as indicated by the received signal strengths and store the location of the mobile device as an occupant location.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of wireless transmitters and a processor configured to: receive, from a mobile device, signal strengths of signals from the wireless transmitters as detected by the mobile device. The processor is also configured to determine a location of the mobile device in a vehicle, based on a distance from the mobile device to each of the wireless transmitters, as indicated by the received signal strengths and store the location of the mobile device as an occupant location.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of wireless transmitters and a processor configured to: receive, from a mobile device, signal strengths of signals from the wireless transmitters as detected by the mobile device. The processor is also configured to determine a location of the mobile device in a vehicle, based on a distance from the mobile device to each of the wireless transmitters, as indicated by the received signal strengths and store the location of the mobile device as an occupant location.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of vehicle-deployed wireless transmitters and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, from a mobile device, signal strengths of signals from the wireless transmitters as detected by the mobile device. The processor is further configured to determine a location of the mobile device in a vehicle, based on the distance from the mobile device to each of the respective transmitters, as indicated by the received signal strengths and store the location of the mobile device as an occupant location.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for advanced warnings to drivers of vehicles for upcoming signs. An example vehicle includes a GPS receiver to determine a vehicle location. The example vehicle also includes a condition identifier to determine a familiarity level of a driver for the vehicle location and detect an upcoming sign. The example vehicle also includes a warning determiner to compare the familiarity level to a threshold level and provide, in response to the familiarity level being less than the threshold level, an advanced warning to the driver for the upcoming sign.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to detect an operating condition of a first vehicle based on at least one sensor of a second vehicle in communication with the processor. The processor is also configured to wirelessly broadcast the operating condition or associated alert including any vehicle identifying traits of the first vehicle as detected by the second-vehicle sensor or other detection systems of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt payout measuring device with a rewind spring having a first end connected to a center spool and a second end connected to a rewind spring housing. A dielectric material layered immediately adjacent to the rewind spring forming a first layer and an electrolytic coil with dielectric material layered on both sides forming a second layer, isolating the rewind spring from the electrolytic coil. A capacitive measuring device having a first lead connected to the first end of the rewind spring and a second lead connected to a first end of the electrolytic coil. The capacitive measuring device measuring capacitance with belt pullout.

Abstract: A motor vehicle secondary hood latch release mechanism comprises a striker, a primary hood latch, and a secondary hood latch. A remote secondary hood latch release device actuates the secondary hood latch only after a primary hood latch switch provides a signal to the controller indicating that the primary hood latch is in the disengaged position. A hood sensor provides a signal when the hood has been lifted to the open condition. The controller actuates the secondary hood latch to the disengaged position for a prescribed period of time upon actuation of a vehicle system input device, and thereafter the controller actuates the secondary hood latch to the engaged position upon the earlier of expiration of the prescribed time or the hood sensor providing the signal to the controller that the hood has been lifted to the open condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for external vehicle illumination management are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving, at a first processor of a mobile device, vehicle data. The vehicle data is to be transmitted to the first processor from a second processor of a vehicle. The example method includes analyzing the vehicle data and mobile device data generated by the mobile device. The example method includes generating an alert for headlamp usage of the vehicle based on the analysis and presenting the alert via the mobile device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a center component defining a center chamber therein and first and second side components defining first and second chambers therein, respectively. The first and second side components are coupled to opposing ends of the center component with the first and second chambers in fluid communication with the center chamber. The center, first side and second side components are configured to extend substantially across a width of a vehicle. The apparatus further includes first, second and third pressure sensors in communication with the first, second and center chambers, respectively.

Abstract: An airbag includes folds with each fold having an apex and limbs. The limbs extend from the apex to the limbs of an adjacent fold. A fastener is fixed to the folds and releasably connects the folds to each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for advanced warnings to drivers of vehicles for upcoming signs. An example vehicle includes a GPS receiver to determine a vehicle location. The example vehicle also includes a condition identifier to determine a familiarity level of a driver for the vehicle location and detect an upcoming sign. The example vehicle also includes a warning determiner to compare the familiarity level to a threshold level and provide, in response to the familiarity level being less than the threshold level, an advanced warning to the driver for the upcoming sign.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for external vehicle illumination management are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving, at a first processor of a mobile device, vehicle data. The vehicle data is to be transmitted to the first processor from a second processor of a vehicle. The example method includes analyzing the vehicle data and mobile device data generated by the mobile device. The example method includes generating an alert for headlamp usage of the vehicle based on the analysis and presenting the alert via the mobile device.

Abstract: A belt assembly includes a belt, a first sensor and a second sensor. The belt has a webbing and a plurality of markers distinct from the webbing and fixed thereto. The markers are equally spaced a first longitudinal distance thereon in a longitudinal direction. The first sensor and the second sensor each have an associated detection field directed toward the belt and responsive to the markers in the fields. The second sensor is a second longitudinal distance from the first sensor differing from the first distance.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of antennas, positioned to be capable of receiving a wireless near field communication (NFC) device signal associated with a device located in any one of a driver's back pocket or front pocket, a center console or a passenger seat. The system also includes an NFC reader, in communication with the plurality of antennas. The NFC reader is operable to assign, based at least in part on a number of signals received and a signal strength, one of one or more devices associated with detected signals to a driver. The NFC reader is in communication with a vehicle computing system, operable to retrieve additional information associated with the device assigned to the driver and to apply that information to control vehicle settings.

Abstract: A computer that includes memory that stores instructions executable by a processor. The computer may be programmed to: receive image data that includes a vehicle seat and an occupant within a vehicle cabin; determine, using the received data, an orientation of the seat and an orientation of the occupant; and perform a vehicle function based on the determination.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a primary door body having a receiver, a removable interior door panel and a retainer. That retainer secures the removable interior door panel to the receiver. A related method of enhancing the ease of ingress and egress from a motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A partitioning device includes a first panel, a second panel and a slider lock mechanism. The first panel includes a first hinge that pivots and slides along a first guide track. The second panel includes a second hinge that pivots and slides along a second guide track. The slider lock mechanism is displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked position wherein the two panels are secured together.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine that a vehicle accident has occurred. The processor is also configured to connect to a detected wearable device. The processor is additionally configured to request measured present biometric information from the wearable device, in response to the accident determination. Also, the processor is configured to receive measured present biometric information from the wearable device and relay the biometric information to a connected emergency operator.

Abstract: A belt assembly includes a belt retractor, a sensor having a detection field, and a belt retractably payable from the belt retractor through the detection field. The belt has a webbing and a plurality of markers fixed to the webbing. The webbing has a longitudinal length and the markers are equally spaced along the longitudinal length of the webbing. The sensor senses the length of the webbing paid out. A size of the occupant may be determined based on the length of the webbing paid out, and the size of the occupant may be used to classify the occupant in classes.