Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to managing electrical power delivery to a peripheral device in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, receiving, at a vehicle-side controller via a communication channel, a request from the peripheral device to modify the electrical power delivery to the peripheral device. The method includes, in response to identifying that the request is for an increase to the electrical power delivery, determining an electrical loading of the vehicle. The method also includes communicating a message over the communication channel to the peripheral device that causes the peripheral device to manage the electrical power delivery according to whether the electrical loading satisfies a loading threshold of the vehicle.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to managing electrical power delivery to a peripheral device in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, receiving, at a vehicle-side controller via a communication channel, a request from the peripheral device to modify the electrical power delivery to the peripheral device. The method includes, in response to identifying that the request is for an increase to the electrical power delivery, determining an electrical loading of the vehicle. The method also includes communicating a message over the communication channel to the peripheral device that causes the peripheral device to manage the electrical power delivery according to whether the electrical loading satisfies a loading threshold of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a display screen viewable by a driver of the motor vehicle. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the display screen. The electronic processor bi-directionally communicates with a plurality of personal electronic devices brought into the vehicle by a plurality of passengers, and presents on the display screen an indication of content being played on each of the personal electronic devices.

Abstract: A human machine interface (HMI) system controls operation of a graphical user interface (GUI) being displayed on a display located in a vehicle. The HMI system includes an interface device, an interface operation module, and a device selection module. The interface device is operable to control the GUI and includes a knob member and a touchpad. The interface operation module receives input data from the interface device in response to an operation of the interface device. The device selection module designates at least one of the knob member or the touchpad as an active device based on a device selection criteria. The interface operation module transmits data from an active device to a display module controlling the GUI and disregards data from an inactive device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a subject vehicle to alert a driver of a secondary vehicle that the secondary vehicle has encroached a safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. Sensors are configured to identify the location of the secondary vehicle. A controller is in receipt of inputs from the sensors and is configured to determine whether the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. A warning system is configured to warn the driver of the secondary vehicle that the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. The controller activates the warning system when the controller determines that the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a subject vehicle to alert a driver of a secondary vehicle that the secondary vehicle has encroached a safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. Sensors are configured to identify the location of the secondary vehicle. A controller is in receipt of inputs from the sensors and is configured to determine whether the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. A warning system is configured to warn the driver of the secondary vehicle that the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. The controller activates the warning system when the controller determines that the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle.

Abstract: A system configured to alert drivers of hazards. The system includes at least one sensor of a subject vehicle that is configured to detect one or more hazards proximate to the subject vehicle. A hazard detection module is configured to identify hazards nearby the subject vehicle based on data collected by the at least one sensor. A warning device of the subject vehicle is configured to alert nearby secondary vehicles that the subject vehicle has identified a hazard.

Abstract: An alert system for a vehicle includes a tracking device, lighting system, control module, and sensor that can detect hazards. The tracking device can detect a driver's line-of-sight. The lighting system can be disposed about the vehicle and can emit light visible to the driver. The control module can determine a location of the hazard relative to the line-of-sight, and to operate the lighting system in a first mode in response to the hazard being outside of an angular threshold of the line-of-sight, and a second mode in response to the hazard being within the angular threshold. When in the first mode, a first region of the lighting system that corresponds to a general direction of the hazard can be illuminated. When in the second mode, a second region of the lighting system that corresponds to a specific location of the hazard is illuminated.

Abstract: A human machine interface (HMI) system controls operation of a graphical user interface (GUI) being displayed on a display located in a vehicle. The HMI system includes an interface device, an interface operation module, and a device selection module. The interface device is operable to control the GUI and includes a knob member and a touchpad. The interface operation module receives input data from the interface device in response to an operation of the interface device. The device selection module designates at least one of the knob member or the touchpad as an active device based on a device selection criteria. The interface operation module transmits data from an active device to a display module controlling the GUI and disregards data from an inactive device.

Abstract: A system for informing a driver of a vehicle of a surrounding hazard and road position of the vehicle. The system includes at least one sensor configured to identify location of the hazard relative to the vehicle. A controller is configured to: receive inputs from the at least one sensor regarding location of the hazard; determine a threat potential of the hazard based on at least one of location of the hazard relative to the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, and heading of the vehicle; and send commands to a display for visually displaying the hazard to the driver based on the determined threat potential of the hazard.

Abstract: A smart device interface for a vehicle. The smart device interface includes a transmitter/receiver and a controller. The transmitter/receiver is configured to communicate with a first smart device of a driver and a second smart device of a passenger. The controller is configured to permit the passenger to perform tasks on behalf of the driver using the second smart device. The tasks include responding to messages received by the first smart device of the driver, entertainment system operation, and navigation system operation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of a vehicle. The method includes the following: setting a gravitational force (g-force) threshold for operation of the vehicle; measuring a g-force onboard the vehicle; and conveying to an operator of the vehicle that operation of the vehicle has resulted in the measured g-force exceeding the g-force threshold.

Abstract: An alert system for a vehicle includes a tracking device, lighting system, control module, and sensor that can detect hazards. The tracking device can detect a driver's line-of-sight. The lighting system can be disposed about the vehicle and can emit light visible to the driver. The control module can determine a location of the hazard relative to the line-of-sight, and to operate the lighting system in a first mode in response to the hazard being outside of an angular threshold of the line-of-sight, and a second mode in response to the hazard being within the angular threshold. When in the first mode, a first region of the lighting system that corresponds to a general direction of the hazard can be illuminated. When in the second mode, a second region of the lighting system that corresponds to a specific location of the hazard is illuminated.

Abstract: A method for locating a desired device by a position detection module residing on a portable computing device. The method includes: receiving, by the position detection module, a communication signal over a communication link from the a desired device; correlating, by the position detection module, a position of the desired device with respect to the portable computing device, wherein the correlating is based in part of a characteristic of the communication signal; and outputting, by the position detection module, a signal detection alert, wherein the signal detection alert indicates a location from which the communication signal originated. The desired device may be a vehicle or a vehicular key fob.

Abstract: A method for detecting possession of a smart device by a driver of a vehicle. The method includes the following: detecting with the smart device at least one of a landmark or signal accessible from an interior of the vehicle; analyzing the landmark or signal and the location of the smart device relative thereto to determine whether the smart device is at a driving location of the vehicle; and configuring the smart device in a driving mode if the smart device is at the driving location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for informing a driver of a vehicle of a surrounding hazard and road position of the vehicle. The system includes at least one sensor configured to identify location of the hazard relative to the vehicle. A controller is configured to: receive inputs from the at least one sensor regarding location of the hazard; determine a threat potential of the hazard based on at least one of location of the hazard relative to the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, and heading of the vehicle; and send commands to a display for visually displaying the hazard to the driver based on the determined threat potential of the hazard.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling functions of a vehicle. The system includes a transmitter, a charge storage device, an accelerometer, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify gestures made by a user moving the accelerometer. The gestures represent functional commands to be transmitted to the vehicle with the transmitter.

Abstract: A system for accessing functionality of a smart device in a vehicle. The system includes a connection system for connecting the smart device to a vehicle system. A vehicle interface is configured to access functionality of the smart device when the smart device is connected to the vehicle system. A controller of the vehicle interface is configured to access and control functionality of the smart device when the smart device is connected to the vehicle system.

Abstract: A smart device interface for a vehicle. The smart device interface includes a transmitter/receiver and a controller. The transmitter/receiver is configured to communicate with a first smart device of a driver and a second smart device of a passenger. The controller is configured to permit the passenger to perform tasks on behalf of the driver using the second smart device. The tasks include responding to messages received by the first smart device of the driver, entertainment system operation, and navigation system operation.