Abstract: A motor vehicle includes control apparatus for establishing an interactive human-machine interface (HMI) between a vehicle driver and an on-board communication system that is wirelessly coupled to a nomadic communication device carried by the driver. The on-board communication system has the ability to activate the nomadic communication device to check for messages, and the interactive HMI includes a configurable display through which check-message inquiries are selectively communicated to the driver, and an input device selectively manipulated by the driver to accept a check-message inquiry. An HMI controller responsive to sensed vehicle operating condition data and driver manipulation of the input device determines if and when a check-message inquiry should be communicated to the driver.

Abstract: A universal infrared analyzer, comprising: a focal plane array; a tunable optical filter positioned proximate to the focal plane array, wherein the tunable optical filter is capable of being tuned to one of a selectable set of wavelengths of radiation; a controller in operable communication with the focal plane array and the tunable optical filler; a database of a plurality of function specific settings inoperable communication with the controller, wherein each of the plurality of function specific settings provides data to the controller to tune the tunable optical filter to one of the selectable sets of wavelengths; a database of a plurality of function specific signatures in operable communication with the controller; a user input interface, for selecting one of the plurality of function specific settings and one of the plurality of function specific signatures, wherein the controller tunes the tunable optical filter to one of the selectable set of wavelengths of radiation based upon the selected one of th

Abstract: A thermal-protection apparatus disposed in a vehicle cabin or storage compartment includes a housing enveloping a chamber in which a thermally-sensitive consumer electronic device is received, a thermoelectric module mounted in a wall of the housing, and a remote electronic controller and power source coupled to the housing via an electrical cable for activating the thermoelectric module, and optionally the consumer electronic device, in a manner to prevent the temperature in the chamber from exceeding a prescribed maximum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device or falling below a prescribed minimum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device.

Abstract: An intelligent communication system used with a vehicle and method thereof are provided, wherein the system includes a vehicle-installed telematics unit, and a nomadic device in communication with the vehicle-installed telematics unit via a plurality of different communication paths. The nomadic device is modified by including a software routine that is executed to determine which of the plurality of communication paths is to be used based upon a proximity between the nomadic device and the vehicle-installed telematics unit when a user of the nomadic device instructs the nomadic device to communicate with the vehicle-installed telematics unit.

Abstract: Medium-range remote communication and control for a vehicle is achieved with a wireless vehicle telematics unit, a medium-range wireless portable fob, and an unmodified wireless personal communication device. The portable fob includes a medium-range RF transceiver for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit and a short-range wireless transceiver for bi-directional communication with the personal communication device. The fob communicates with the vehicle telematics unit in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit and the personal communication device. Communication can be initiated by the telematics unit or by the operator via the fob or personal communication device. Once communication is initiated, the fob relays: (1) menu options and status information from the telematics unit to the personal communication device; and (2) menu selections from the personal communication device to the telematics unit.

Abstract: A configurable gauge apparatus includes a flat panel display (FPD) for displaying a user-defined gauge face, a transparent panel spaced from the FPD through which the displayed gauge face is viewed, and a mechanical pointer disposed between the FPD and the transparent panel for indicating a current value of a parameter of interest. The pointer includes a stem and a hub that rotatably supports the stem, and the hub is mounted on the FPD or the transparent panel. Pointer position is regulated either magnetically with a pointer magnet and a magnetic field generator disposed behind the FPD, or electrically with a motorized hub activated with transparent conductors formed on the FPD or transparent panel. The stem of the pointer is illuminated by either the FPD, or a hub-mounted LED activated with transparent conductors. Transparent conductors are also used to form a sensor array for detecting pointer position.

Abstract: Medium-range and global network information and control for a vehicle is achieved with a portable wireless key fob, a user-provided nomadic device, and a vehicle-installed telematics unit including a medium-range RF transceiver and a wireless network transceiver. The fob includes a medium-range RF transceiver for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit, and a short-range wireless transceiver for bi-directional communication with the nomadic device. The fob communicates with the telematics unit in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit and the nomadic device. If a communication initiated via the fob cannot be completed because the fob is out of range, the communication is sent to the nomadic device for network transmission to the telematics unit. If a communication initiated via the nomadic device cannot be completed due to inadequate signal reception, the communication is sent to the fob for RF transmission to the telematics unit.

Abstract: A wireless device is provided having an integrated vehicle fob and entertainment functionality. The wireless device includes a vehicle fob transponder for providing signals to a vehicle for at least one of remote keyless entry, passive entry, passive start, and immobilization functions. The wireless device also includes one or more entertainment receivers for providing entertainment and information functionality on board the vehicle. A controller controls the vehicle fob transponder and the entertainment receivers. One or more communication links are provided for communicating between the wireless device and a vehicle to provide vehicle fob functionality and entertainment and information functionality.

Abstract: A breath analyzer system and method for determining an estimate of blood alcohol concentration of a person. A light source projects light into a sampling region where breath from the person is expected. A first light detector and a second light detector are configured to detect light intensity of light having certain wavelengths at a first time and a second time. Signals from the light detectors at the first time and the second time are used to determine an estimate of the blood alcohol concentration of the person by determining a ratio of a first light detector signal change to a second light detector signal change.

Abstract: A communications system utilizing a portable communications device for controlling functions in a vehicle includes a first display for controlling vehicle operating functions and a first transceiver connected to the first display device. A multifunctional control switch is connected to the first display device, while a second transceiver is used for communicating with either the first transceiver or a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver depending upon whether the second transceiver is located inside or outside the vehicle. The second transceiver operates to configure operational parameters of the display device when those controls have not been readily integrated into the vehicle center stack.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a suspect chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity, for use with safety systems. A vapor concentrator amplifies a suspect chemical vapor concentration to a detectible level, for use with an infrared detector. Compensation is provided for environmental variations that may influence the passive measurement of the chemical vapor sensor. Environmental variations may include extrinsic vapors in the surrounding air, or air currents that divert the sample vapor as it drifts from the suspect vapor source to a sampling intake. In an example, ethanol vapor is measured and carbon dioxide tracer measurements are used to calculate an ethanol vapor measurement that is adjusted for environmental variations. In an aspect, a time artifact filter sets the output of the carbon dioxide sensor to match the time dependence of the ethanol sensor, to calculate blood alcohol concentration.

Abstract: A vehicle location reminder system having a vehicle positioning system operable to provide an approximate location of a vehicle and record the approximate location of the vehicle. A status check system monitors use of the vehicle and sends a signal to the vehicle positioning system to record the approximate location of the vehicle when the vehicle is no longer in use. A memory system is connected to the status check system and the vehicle positioning system, the memory system being adapted to determine if the approximate location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is in a familiar location. An alert system is connected to the memory system. The alert system prompts a vehicle user to record data on a mobile device pertaining to the approximate location of the vehicle when the location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is not in a familiar location. A replay system is adapted to replay the recorded data.

Abstract: A method of determining the health status of a subject includes indirectly coupling a personal monitor to at least a portion of a body of the subject, the person monitor including at least one inertial sensor integrated with a mobile telephonic device. The method further includes obtaining data representative of at least one physiological parameter of the subject, and determining the health status based on the data.

Abstract: A configurable gauge apparatus includes a flat panel display (FPD) for displaying a user-defined gauge face, a transparent panel spaced from the FPD through which the displayed gauge face is viewed, and a mechanical pointer disposed between the FPD and the transparent panel for indicating a current value of a parameter of interest. The pointer includes a stem and a hub that rotatably supports the stem, and the hub is mounted on the FPD or the transparent panel. Pointer position is regulated either magnetically with a pointer magnet and a magnetic field generator disposed behind the FPD, or electrically with a motorized hub activated with transparent conductors formed on the FPD or transparent panel. The stem of the pointer is illuminated by either the FPD, or a hub-mounted LED activated with transparent conductors. Transparent conductors are also used to form a sensor array for detecting pointer position.

Abstract: Long-range remote communication and control of a vehicle is achieved with primary and secondary cellular devices provided by the vehicle user. The primary cellular device is retained by the user, while the secondary cellular device is dedicated to the vehicle and placed in a docking station provided in the vehicle passenger compartment. The vehicle docking station is equipped with typical cell phone electrical interfaces to supply power and to establish a bi-directional data communication link between the secondary cellular device and an on-board vehicle computer. The secondary cellular device remains activated, and provides a low-cost remotely accessible communication link between the on-board vehicle computer and the primary cellular device or any other phone, provided that specified security conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A wireless control apparatus includes a function control device adapted to control a function and a nomadic device. The nomadic device and the function control device communicate by a long-range communication network to control functions on the function control device in response to signals from the nomadic device. The nomadic device and the function control device can also communicate by a mid-range communication network. A portable fob transmits signals to the function control device and/or the nomadic device for controlling functions.

Abstract: Long-range remote communication and control of a vehicle is achieved with primary and secondary cellular devices provided by the vehicle user. The primary cellular device is retained by the user, while the secondary cellular device is dedicated to the vehicle and placed in a docking station provided in a vehicle instrument panel or console. The vehicle docking station is equipped with typical cell phone electrical interfaces to supply battery charging current and to establish a bi-directional data communication link between the secondary cellular device and an on-board vehicle computer. The secondary cellular device remains activated, and provides a low-cost remotely accessible communication link between the on-board vehicle computer and the primary cellular device or any other phone, provided that specified security conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A remote control device for a vehicle remote access system includes the housing, an input switch for selecting a vehicle control function, a control, a transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal from the control to the vehicle remote access system, and an attachment for mounting the housing on or integrating it with a separate article carried or worn by a user. The input switch can be a single pressible member, the number of time spaced sequential activations and the duration of each activation of which is determined by the control member to indicate a selected one of a plurality of distinctive vehicle control functions. The input switch member can alternately be a slidable or a rotary multi-position switch in which each position designates a distinct vehicle control function.

Abstract: Medium-range and global network information and control for a vehicle is achieved with a portable wireless key fob, a user-provided nomadic device, and a vehicle-installed telematics unit including a medium-range RF transceiver and a wireless network transceiver. The fob includes a medium-range RF transceiver for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit, and a short-range wireless transceiver for bi-directional communication with the nomadic device. The fob communicates with the telematics unit in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit and the nomadic device. If a communication initiated via the fob cannot be completed because the fob is out of range, the communication is sent to the nomadic device for network transmission to the telematics unit. If a communication initiated via the nomadic device cannot be completed due to inadequate signal reception, the communication is sent to the fob for RF transmission to the telematics unit.

Abstract: Medium-range remote communication and control for a vehicle is achieved with a wireless vehicle telematics unit, a medium-range wireless portable fob, and an unmodified wireless personal communication device. The portable fob includes a medium-range RF transceiver for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit and a short-range wireless transceiver for bi-directional communication with the personal communication device. The fob communicates with the vehicle telematics unit in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit and the personal communication device. Communication can be initiated by the telematics unit or by the operator via the fob or personal communication device. Once communication is initiated, the fob relays: (1) menu options and status information from the telematics unit to the personal communication device; and (2) menu selections from the personal communication device to the telematics unit.