Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed for providing notification at a vehicle that a pre-paired consumer electronics device (CED) has been left inside the vehicle. The vehicle includes a processor and a vehicular system controllable via the processor. The processor can receive an alert signal that indicates that a pre-paired CED has been left inside the vehicle during a time period after a trigger event has occurred. The processor is further configured to control activation of the vehicular system, in response to receiving the alert signal, to cause the vehicular system to generate another signal that is perceptible outside the vehicle to indicate that the pre-paired CED has been left inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A passive entry passive start (PEPS) system is provided for performing at least one PEPS function with respect to a vehicle as an end device (e.g., smart phone or key fob, etc.) approaches the vehicle and comes within range for authorization. The vehicle includes a plurality of sensors and a central module. The central module is communicatively coupled to the end device and to the sensors via short-range wireless connections. The central module can determine, based on signal strength information provided from the sensors or the end device, whether the end device is within range for authorization. When the end device is determined to be within range for authorization, the central module can control performance of at least one PEPS function at the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communicating with a vehicle. In one embodiment, the system includes memory that stores vehicle specific information and one or more vehicle instructions. At least one processor executes instructions that cause the portable communication device to securely communicate the one or more vehicle instructions from the portable communication device to the vehicle based on the vehicle specific information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communicating with a vehicle. In one embodiment, a portable communication device for communicating with a vehicle is provided. The portable communication device includes memory that stores vehicle specific information. The portable communication device further includes at least one processor that executes instructions that cause the portable communication device to enable a secure communication between a wireless end device and the vehicle based on the vehicle specific information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to allow for reliable consumption of GPS and Map information into a Control System, for such uses as improving off cycle fuel economy in a plug in hybrid vehicle with an electric motor, and an internal combustion engine using a global position system (GPS) is provided. The system comprises a global position system (GPS), a clock, and a processor containing a function executing therein that controls the internal combustion engine based on a GPS fix and its Accuracy Information (VDOP/HDOP/Satellite Quantity).

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed for providing notification at an automotive head unit (AHU) of a vehicle that a pre-paired consumer electronics device (CED), such as a wireless communication device, is outside a vehicle. When it is determined that the pre-paired CED is not connected to a wireless communication interface of the AHU, a notification can be provided to the AHU indicating that the pre-paired CED is not connected. Positional data from a location message, provided from the pre-paired CED, can then be processed to generate location data and provide the location data to the AHU.

Abstract: A method and system used to identify an optimal hybrid vehicle operating mode based on a variety of potential factors, and then recommend the optimal operating mode to the driver so that they can make an informed decision regarding their operating mode selection. In one embodiment, the method uses geographic-, vehicle- and/or environmental-related factors to establish one or more operating zones, monitors the location of the hybrid vehicle and determines when it is within one of the operating zones, and then determines an operating mode that is optimal for that particular operating zone.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention contemplate using the communicative connections between a telematics unit in a vehicle and a telematics service provider (TSP) to transmit information pertaining to a vehicle charging event from the vehicle to the TSP and ultimately to electrical power utility companies that provide the electrical power used to charge the vehicle. Specifically, implementations of the present invention contemplate provisioning electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) by linking the EVSE to a particular energy user metering device (EUMD). Implementations of the invention further contemplate a telematics unit in an electric vehicle that acquires a unique identifier of the EVSE when the vehicle uses the EVSE to recharge its battery and that transmits the unique identifier to a TSP for subsequent transmission to the electrical power utility.

Abstract: Data acquisition from a sampling of vehicle sensors includes identifying a vehicle population density for a defined region, calculating a proportional representation ratio from the vehicle population density, and transmitting a request for data over a network. The request includes the response criteria configured with the proportional representation ratio. The data acquisition also includes receiving the data from vehicles that are located in the defined region and that fall within the proportional representation ratio, and which meet the response criteria.

Abstract: A method and system used to identify an optimal hybrid vehicle operating mode based on a variety of potential factors, and then recommend the optimal operating mode to the driver so that they can make an informed decision regarding their operating mode selection. In one embodiment, the method uses geographic-, vehicle- and/or environmental-related factors to establish one or more operating zones, monitors the location of the hybrid vehicle and determines when it is within one of the operating zones, and then determines an operating mode that is optimal for that particular operating zone.

Abstract: A system for activating a vehicle to a key-on state by detecting a presence of a near field communication (“NFC”) tag is provided. The system includes a vehicle bus, a start button in communication with the vehicle bus, an NFC antenna, and a control module. The NFC antenna is positioned to selectively couple with the NFC tag if the NFC tag is within a predetermined distance from the NFC antenna. The control module is in communication with the NFC antenna and the start button. The control module includes control logic for determining if the determining if the NFC antenna is coupled with the NFC tag. The control module includes control logic for determining if the start button has received the input to activate the vehicle to the key-on state. The control module includes control logic for sending a signal through the vehicle bus to activate the vehicle.

Abstract: A passive entry passive start (PEPS) system is provided for performing at least one PEPS function with respect to a vehicle as an end device (e.g., smart phone or key fob, etc.) approaches the vehicle and comes within range for authorization. The vehicle includes a plurality of sensors and a central module. The central module is communicatively coupled to the end device and to the sensors via short-range wireless connections. The central module can determine, based on signal strength information provided from the sensors or the end device, whether the end device is within range for authorization. When the end device is determined to be within range for authorization, the central module can control performance of at least one PEPS function at the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting whether a driver of a vehicle detected an object outside of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving external sensor data that indicates a scene outside of the vehicle; receiving internal sensor data that indicates an image of the driver; determining whether the driver detected the object based on the external sensor data and the internal sensor data; and selectively generating a control signal based on whether the driver detected the object.

Abstract: A vehicle user control system includes an interactive pad providing tactile feedback to a user and disposed on an exterior portion of a steering wheel. Also included is a controller in operable communication with the interactive pad and at least one vehicle component, wherein the controller is configured to perform at least one vehicle command associated with the at least one vehicle component.

Abstract: A system for activating a vehicle to a key-on state by detecting a presence of a near field communication (“NFC”) tag is provided. The system includes a vehicle bus, a start button in communication with the vehicle bus, an NFC antenna, and a control module. The NFC antenna is positioned to selectively couple with the NFC tag if the NFC tag is within a predetermined distance from the NFC antenna. The control module is in communication with the NFC antenna and the start button. The control module includes control logic for determining if the determining if the NFC antenna is coupled with the NFC tag. The control module includes control logic for determining if the start button has received the input to activate the vehicle to the key-on state. The control module includes control logic for sending a signal through the vehicle bus to activate the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle collision warning system and method that alerts a driver of an impending collision by displaying enhanced video of an upcoming road segment, where the enhanced video includes an in-path object that is highlighted so that it stands apart. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method receive video of an upcoming road segment from a forward-looking vision system, obtain certain collision data for an in-path object, and then use the video and the collision data to provide enhanced video to a visual display that is seen by the driver. The enhanced video may include an in-path object that is highlighted according to the collision data (e.g., highlighted with a color-coded scheme where the in-path object changes color based on time-to-collision data) so that it stands apart from the rest of the upcoming road segment.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide feedback system and a method of providing carbon dioxide feedback in a computer system is provided. The method includes computing an amount of carbon dioxide generation avoided by a vehicle at a processor, calculating a number of equivalent trees based on the computation, and displaying the number of equivalent trees on a display device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle system of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: receiving image data that is captured from an occupant of the vehicle; determining a focus of the occupant of the vehicle based on the image data; and generating a user command to control the vehicle system based on the focus of the occupant.

Abstract: In-vehicle messaging includes intercepting an incoming communication on a mobile communication device. The incoming communication is received by a messaging application on the mobile communication device. The in-vehicle messaging also includes parsing the communication, associating elements of the communication with metadata of a digital music application, and transmitting the communication, as well as instructions for handling the communication, over a communication link between the mobile communication device and a vehicle stereo system for presentation on a component of the vehicle stereo system.

Abstract: A charging system of the present invention is connectable to a power grid having a monitoring device. The monitoring device monitors the power delivered to a plurality of loads and determines a power factor and a power factor correction value associated with the loads. The power factor correction value indicates the difference between the power factor and unity. The charging system includes an electrical device, a charger in communication with the electrical device, a charging controller, a power factor correction circuit, a communication device, and a controller. The communication device of the charger receives a data signal from the monitoring device indicative of the power factor correction value associated with the plurality of loads. The power factor correction circuit is configured to communicate an input current to and from the power grid, which adjusts the power factor of the associated loads to about unity.