Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining a vehicle configuration indicative of a towing mode setting for the vehicle, which can include a neutral transmission gear setting, a battery conservation mode, or another towing mode setting. The method can include determining at least one vehicle operation characteristic that changes with time while the vehicle is in the towing mode setting, and performing, via a vehicle control module and based at least in part on the towing mode setting and the vehicle operation characteristic, one or more vehicle actions that include generating an alert signal indicative that vehicle damage may be imminent.

Abstract: An automated teller machine includes a controller. The controller may be configured to transmit via inductive coupling a session key in response to receiving a signal from a nomadic device. The controller may then establish a connection with a vehicle infotainment system (VIS) using the session key and receive from the VIS, a PIN number and a request to dispense funds via the connection. After which, the controller may inhibit release of the funds until a confirmation is received via inductive coupling from the nomadic device.

Abstract: A location of a first wearable device is determined based on a first biometric signature. Operation of a touchscreen display is restricted if the location of the first wearable device is in an operator's side of a vehicle cabin and the first wearable device is within a first distance from the display.

Abstract: A plurality of transducers positioned at respective specified locations in a vehicle are actuated to generate a plurality of respective tones. A plurality of respective time differences are determined between times that each respective tone is generated by the respective transducer and the tone is detected by a portable device. A location of the portable device is determined based at least in part on the time differences.

Abstract: A location of a first wearable device is determined based on a first biometric signature. Operation of a touchscreen display is restricted if the location of the first wearable device is in an operator's side of a vehicle cabin and the first wearable device is within a first distance from the display.

Abstract: A plurality of transducers positioned at respective specified locations in a vehicle are actuated to generate a plurality of respective tones. A plurality of respective time differences are determined between times that each respective tone is generated by the respective transducer and the tone is detected by a portable device. A location of the portable device is determined based at least in part on the time differences.

Abstract: An automated teller machine includes a controller. The controller may be configured to transmit via inductive coupling a session key in response to receiving a signal from a nomadic device. The controller may then establish a connection with a vehicle infotainment system (VIS) using the session key and receive from the VIS, a PIN number and a request to dispense funds via the connection. After which, the controller may inhibit release of the funds until a confirmation is received via inductive coupling from the nomadic device.

Abstract: A method includes remotely starting an engine of a vehicle in response to a command, from a remote user of the vehicle, to start the engine for preconditioning the vehicle. The method assesses a charge level of a battery of the vehicle following engine start and adjusts engine-on time and vehicle settings to prioritize battery charge maintenance versus preconditioning based on the charge level. Another method for remotely starting the engine includes notifying, from the vehicle, the user that the battery has a charge level below a predetermined threshold. This method includes remotely starting the engine to charge the battery with energy from the engine upon receiving from the user a confirmation to start the engine.

Abstract: A first computer is configured to receive, from at least one second computer in a first vehicle, data relating to a gunshot. The computer is configured to then determine a location of the gunshot from the data, and to transmit a message, including the gunshot location, to at least one third computer in a second vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for a wake alarm for vehicles with an autonomous mode. An example disclosed vehicle includes a sensor and a camera to monitor a state of a driver, and a transition manager. The example transition manager, at a first transition location, provides notification to the driver and restores vehicle interior settings from autonomous mode preferences to manual mode preferences. Additionally, the example transition manager, at a second transition location, when the state of the driver indicates that the driver is alert, transfers control of the vehicle to the driver.

Abstract: A method includes remotely starting an engine of a vehicle in response to a command, from a remote user of the vehicle, to start the engine for preconditioning the vehicle. The method assesses a charge level of a battery of the vehicle following engine start and adjusts engine-on time and vehicle settings to prioritize battery charge maintenance versus preconditioning based on the charge level. Another method for remotely starting the engine includes notifying, from the vehicle, the user that the battery has a charge level below a predetermined threshold. This method includes remotely starting the engine to charge the battery with energy from the engine upon receiving from the user a confirmation to start the engine.

Abstract: One method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle includes notifying, from the vehicle, a remote user of the vehicle that a battery of the vehicle has a charge level below a predetermined threshold. This method includes remotely starting the engine to charge the battery with energy from the engine upon receiving from the user a confirmation to start the engine. Another method includes remotely starting the engine in response to a command, from the user, to start the engine for preconditioning the vehicle. This method assesses charge level of the battery following engine start and adjusts engine-on time and vehicle settings to prioritize battery charge maintenance versus preconditioning based on the charge level.

Abstract: A self-disinfecting surface covering for a vehicle is disclosed. The surface covering comprising a pair of electrodes substantially conforms to a vehicle panel. A plurality of printed LEDs suspended in a semiconductor ink are printed between the electrodes and configured to emit a disinfecting emission. An outer layer of the surface covering is disposed proximate one of the electrodes. The outer layer is operable to transmit at least a portion of the disinfecting emission therethrough.

Abstract: A vehicle controller may receive notification settings to apply when determining rain conditions. The controller may identify a rain condition sensor data, and send a rain alert to a mobile device to obtain confirmation to perform rain condition actions specified by the notification settings. The mobile device may receive, from the vehicle controller, the rain alert requesting confirmation to perform rain condition actions specified by the notification settings; and may send, responsive to user input to the mobile device, a confirmation to perform the rain condition actions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a throttle during deceleration fuel shut off (DFSO). In one example, a method may comprise controlling a position of a throttle in an air inlet of an engine propelling a vehicle, in relation to vehicle operator commands, and during a deceleration fuel shut off mode, increasing opening of said throttle independently of said operator commands when speed of said vehicle is or is expected to fall below a desired speed or desired speed trajectory.

Abstract: Biometric data is received from a wearable device. The biometric data concerns a vehicle operator measured by at least one sensor in the wearable device. A load score is determined. The load score is a measurement of operator capacity to operate the vehicle based at least in part on the biometric data from the wearable device. At least one vehicle component is actuated based at least in part on the load score.

Abstract: Biometric data is received from a wearable device. The biometric data concerns a vehicle operator measured by at least one sensor in the wearable device. A load score is determined. The load score is a measurement of operator capacity to operate the vehicle based at least in part on the biometric data from the wearable device. At least one vehicle component is actuated based at least in part on the load score.

Abstract: Data representing movement of a portable device is received. A vibrational torque signal within that data corresponding to the vibration of a steering wheel is identified. Based at least in part on the identification, it is determined that a user has a hand on the steering wheel.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a throttle during deceleration fuel shut off (DFSO). In one example, a method may comprise controlling a position of a throttle in an air inlet of an engine propelling a vehicle, in relation to vehicle operator commands, and during a deceleration fuel shut off mode, increasing opening of said throttle independently of said operator commands when speed of said vehicle is or is expected to fall below a desired speed or desired speed trajectory.

Abstract: A plurality of transducers positioned at respective specified locations in a vehicle are actuated to generate a plurality of respective tones. A plurality of respective time differences are determined between times that each respective tone is generated by the respective transducer and the tone is detected by a portable device. A location of the portable device is determined based at least in part on the time differences.