Abstract: A vehicle system and related methods include a sensor, a vehicle computing device (VCD), and a haptic device. The sensor is operable to sense an occurrence or a non-occurrence of a predetermined in-vehicle event. The VCD is in communication with the sensor, and detects a communication signal sent to an in-vehicle mobile device that is capable of receiving the communication signal. The VCD is in communication with the haptic device to actuate the haptic device to provide a haptic signal. If the sensor senses the occurrence of the predetermined in-vehicle event, then the haptic device gives a haptic indication of the communication signal to the occupant. The predetermined in-vehicle event is thereby not interrupted by the haptic indication, and can proceed until the occupant chooses if and when to respond to the communication signal.

Abstract: A system and method for counteracting vibrations within a vehicle that include determining a disposition of an occupant seated within a seat of the vehicle. The system and method also include determining at least one vibrational value associated with at least one vibration affecting the seat of the vehicle and determining at least one counteractive vibrational value and at least one vibrational element located within the seat of the vehicle to be actuated. The system and method further include actuating the at least one vibrational element to counteract the at least one vibration affecting the seat of the vehicle based on the at least one counteractive vibrational value.

Abstract: Vehicle attention systems and techniques may include using a first seat and first actuator, a second seat and second actuator, an image capture device, an image analyzer, a microphone, a voice analyzer, and a controller. The image capture device may capture an image of a seating arrangement of a vehicle. The image analyzer may be implemented via a processor and may identify a first occupant occupying the first seat of the vehicle and a second occupant occupying the second seat of the vehicle. The microphone may receive a sound sample. The voice analyzer may be implemented via the processor and may determine a target occupant and associated seat from among the first seat and the second seat based on the sound sample. The controller may activate the first actuator or the second actuator based on the determined target occupant and the determined associated seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat haptic system in a vehicle includes a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat including a plurality of actuators configured to generate a haptic output. The vehicle seat haptic system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of actuators. The controller is configured to determine an unauthorized entry event has occurred at the vehicle, detect the vehicle is operating, and control said plurality of actuators, in response to determining the unauthorized entry event has occurred, to generate an anti-theft haptic output across the vehicle seat. The anti-theft haptic output has at least one of a magnitude, distribution, and frequency that causes physical discomfort to a user of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat haptic system in a vehicle includes a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat including a plurality of actuators configured to generate a haptic output. The vehicle seat haptic system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of actuators. The controller is configured to determine an unauthorized entry event has occurred at the vehicle, detect the vehicle is operating, and control said plurality of actuators, in response to determining the unauthorized entry event has occurred, to generate an anti-theft haptic output across the vehicle seat. The anti-theft haptic output has at least one of a magnitude, distribution, and frequency that causes physical discomfort to a user of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: Vehicle attention systems and techniques may include using a first seat and first actuator, a second seat and second actuator, an image capture device, an image analyzer, a microphone, a voice analyzer, and a controller. The image capture device may capture an image of a seating arrangement of a vehicle. The image analyzer may be implemented via a processor and may identify a first occupant occupying the first seat of the vehicle and a second occupant occupying the second seat of the vehicle. The microphone may receive a sound sample. The voice analyzer may be implemented via the processor and may determine a target occupant and associated seat from among the first seat and the second seat based on the sound sample. The controller may activate the first actuator or the second actuator based on the determined target occupant and the determined associated seat.

Abstract: A vehicle system and related methods include a sensor, a vehicle computing device (VCD), and a haptic device. The sensor is operable to sense an occurrence or a non-occurrence of a predetermined in-vehicle event. The VCD is in communication with the sensor, and detects a communication signal sent to an in-vehicle mobile device that is capable of receiving the communication signal. The VCD is in communication with the haptic device to actuate the haptic device to provide a haptic signal. If the sensor senses the occurrence of the predetermined in-vehicle event, then the haptic device gives a haptic indication of the communication signal to the occupant. The predetermined in-vehicle event is thereby not interrupted by the haptic indication, and can proceed until the occupant chooses if and when to respond to the communication signal.

Abstract: A system and method for counteracting vibrations within a vehicle that include determining a disposition of an occupant seated within a seat of the vehicle. The system and method also include determining at least one vibrational value associated with at least one vibration affecting the seat of the vehicle and determining at least one counteractive vibrational value and at least one vibrational element located within the seat of the vehicle to be actuated. The system and method further include actuating the at least one vibrational element to counteract the at least one vibration affecting the seat of the vehicle based on the at least one counteractive vibrational value.