Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing accidents in a vehicle. The system comprises an eye gaze detector for receiving an eye gaze vector from a driver. The system additionally comprises a proximity sensor for detecting locations of nearby objects and their velocities. A vehicle accident risk is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity. Additionally, the driver's knowledge of vehicle circumstances is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity as well as the eye gaze location. Responsive to the driver's knowledge and the vehicle accident risk, a vehicle alert is activated.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a morphable pad and display configured for tactile control. The system comprises a display for displaying a user interface comprising a layout of vehicle control features. The display is configured to highlight a portion of the layout associated with a received highlight input, and to update the layout based on a received selection input. A morphable pad is connected to the display and comprises an array of switches. Each switch is configured to receive highlight input and selection input. The switches are also configured to adjust in tactile feel to match the layout, and to reconfigure in tactile feel responsive to a change in the layout.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing accidents in a vehicle. The system comprises an eye gaze detector for receiving an eye gaze vector from a driver. The system additionally comprises a proximity sensor for detecting locations of nearby objects and their velocities. A vehicle accident risk is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity. Additionally, the driver's knowledge of vehicle circumstances is determined based on the nearby object location and velocity as well as the eye gaze location. Responsive to the driver's knowledge and the vehicle accident risk, a vehicle alert is activated.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a morphable pad and display configured for tactile control. The system comprises a display for displaying a user interface comprising a layout of vehicle control features. The display is configured to highlight a portion of the layout associated with a received highlight input, and to update the layout based on a received selection input. A morphable pad is connected to the display and comprises an array of switches. Each switch is configured to receive high-light input and selection input. The switches are also configured to adjust in tactile feel to match the layout, and to reconfigure in tactile feel responsive to a change in the layout.

Abstract: A battery control system and method for a battery of a vehicle includes a battery for supplying electrical power to a plurality of loads of the vehicle and a controller that receives a battery signal representative of a condition of the battery, an ignition key signal representative of a state of an ignition key of the vehicle, and an engine signal representative of a state of an engine in the vehicle. The controller selectively electrically connects/disconnects the plurality of loads of the vehicle and the battery based on at least one of the battery signal, the ignition key signal, and the engine signal. An interface provides information on at least one of the battery and a connection state between the plurality of loads and the battery.

Abstract: A battery control system and method for a battery of a vehicle includes a battery for supplying electrical power to a plurality of loads of the vehicle and a controller that receives a battery signal representative of a condition of the battery, an ignition key signal representative of a state of an ignition key of the vehicle, and an engine signal representative of a state of an engine in the vehicle. The controller selectively electrically connects/disconnects the plurality of loads of the vehicle and the battery based on at least one of the battery signal, the ignition key signal, and the engine signal. An interface provides information on at least one of the battery and a connection state between the plurality of loads and the battery.

Abstract: An engine idle control system is provided in a vehicle having an engine that drives an electric power generator arranged to selectively provide electric power to an electrical load of the vehicle and to selectively charge a battery of the vehicle. The engine idle control system includes: a sensor that detects a state of charge (SOC) of the battery; and a controller that controls an idle speed of the engine in response to the SOC detected by the sensor, wherein the controller is provisioned to skip at least one specific engine idle speed that has been identified as a cause of at least one of: unwanted noise in the vehicle; unwanted vibrations in the vehicle; undesirable emissions control; or undesirable driveline torque.