Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a speech system of a vehicle. In particular, a method is taught for associating a speech utterance with a voice command in response to a failed voice control attempt followed by a successfully voice control attempt.

Abstract: A vehicle is described, and includes a telematics device, a GPS tracking device, and a multi-position driver's seat including a seat position actuator that is operatively connected to a seat controller and disposed to control a position setting thereof. A control system and method for the vehicle is described and includes receiving an alert of an impending traffic event, and determining a desired activation command for the seat position actuator based upon the impending traffic event. The seat controller controls the seat position actuator responsive to the desired activation command.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting operation of a road vehicle with an aerial drone are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for assisting operation of a road vehicle with an aerial drone includes flying the aerial drone on a route ahead of the road vehicle and sensing an object at a location on the route ahead of the road vehicle with the aerial drone. Further, the method includes communicating data associated with the object and/or the location to the road vehicle. Also, the method includes utilizing the data to operate the road vehicle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and aerial drones for assisting communication between a primary road vehicle and other road users are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for assisting communication between a primary road vehicle and other road users includes observing a situation. Further, the method includes directing an aerial drone to a second road user. Also, the method includes communicating information about the situation from the aerial drone to the second road user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a speech system of a vehicle. In particular, a method is taught for associating a speech utterance with a voice command in response to a failed voice control attempt followed by a successfully voice control attempt.

Abstract: A vehicle is described, and includes a telematics device, a GPS tracking device, and a multi-position driver's seat including a seat position actuator that is operatively connected to a seat controller and disposed to control a position setting thereof. A control system and method for the vehicle is described and includes receiving an alert of an impending traffic event, and determining a desired activation command for the seat position actuator based upon the impending traffic event. The seat controller controls the seat position actuator responsive to the desired activation command.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining inputs pertaining to one or more conditions of route planned for a vehicle having autonomous operation capability; predicting, via a processor, a future level of engagement for an operator of the vehicle, using the inputs; and providing, for the operator, information pertaining to the future level of engagement.

Abstract: Systems, automobiles, and methods are provided for warning of a potential collision between an approaching object and an opened side door of a vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes an approach sensor, a side door sensor, an alarm, and a controller. The approach sensor is configured to attach to the vehicle and to generate approach sensor data indicating an approaching object that may collide with a side door of the vehicle. The side door sensor is configured to generate door sensor data indicating an impending opening of the side door by an occupant. The alarm is configured to communicate with the occupant. The controller includes an alert initiation module configured to alert the occupant that the approaching object may collide with the side door in response to detecting the impending opening of the side door and detecting the approaching object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling vehicle braking using a steering wheel mounted brake activation mechanism are disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for braking a vehicle includes providing the vehicle with a steering system including a steering wheel having a brake activation mechanism, a braking system, and a controller in electronic communication with the braking system and the brake activation mechanism, receiving a user input from the brake activation mechanism, calculating an amount of vehicle braking to apply based on the user input, and automatically controlling the vehicle braking system based on the calculated amount of vehicle braking.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyze inputs (110,120) from one or more sources, internal or external to a vehicle, to allocate responsibility of a vehicle during a traffic incident. The system (100) includes a controller (200) for implementing a computer-readable storage device comprising a set of predetermined fault rules that cause a processor (260) of the storage device to perform operations. The system (100) analyzes the inputs (110,120), using the processor (260), according to the predetermined fault rules. In one embodiment, the system (100) includes a processor (260) and a computer-readable storage device comprising instructions that cause the processor (260) to perform operations for providing context-based assistance to a vehicle user. The operations include, in part, the system (100) parsing information received from the inputs (110,120) that can be processed to allocate responsibility among individuals operating vehicles (10,20) involved in the incident.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for making secure, mobile financial transactions, for example, for the purchase of and payment for travel-centric goods/services. The mobile transaction is initiated by placing an on-the-go order for an item with a merchant at a location remote from the purchaser. A payment from a registered payor account is authorized by entering the payment password on a purchaser interface for validating the payment. A purchaser identifier is presented to the merchant for verifying the transaction, and delivery of the item from the merchant is accepted by the purchaser.

Abstract: A modular flexible-screen apparatus allowing a user to transport personal preferences or settings between participating vehicles of transportation. The user can carry the preference-holding screen apparatus to and from the same vehicle, and between other vehicles the user owns, and/or to shared, taxi, or rental vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for dispatching and delivering a purchased item to a dynamic delivery address for an mobile purchaser. Once a delivery mode and a dynamic delivery address for delivery of a purchased item from an mobile purchaser interface is acquired, a time for delivery is estimated based on the delivery mode, the dynamic delivery address and an initial location of the mobile purchaser interface. A dispatch schedule is determined based on the delivery mode, the initial location and the estimated time for delivery. A delivery schedule including a delivery route is determined based on the dynamic delivery address, the updated location and the estimated time for delivery and the delivery schedule is issued to a delivery interface.

Abstract: A navigation system for an electric vehicle includes an electrical energy storing device having a currently-available energy and a controller. The electric vehicle is at least partially operated by a driver. An off-board control module is operatively connected to a remote server and configured to communicate with the controller. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of determining a preferred route for travelling from a start location to an end location. The controller is programmed to obtain respective energy consumption for each of a plurality of routes based at least partially on a driving style profile of the driver.

Abstract: Adaptation methods and systems are provided for a speech system of a vehicle. In one embodiment a method comprises: receiving speech data; determining a speech pace based on the speech data; determining a user model based on the speech pace; and generating adaptation parameters for at least one of a speech recognition system and a dialog manager based on the user model.

Abstract: A navigation system for an electric vehicle includes an electrical energy storing device having a currently-available energy and a controller. The electric vehicle is at least partially operated by a driver. An off-board control module is operatively connected to a remote server and configured to communicate with the controller. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of determining a preferred route for travelling from a start location to an end location. The controller is programmed to obtain respective energy consumption for each of a plurality of routes based at least partially on a driving style profile of the driver.

Abstract: A method for providing customized infotainment options to a vehicle user. The method includes receiving, by a system having a processor, using a data mining module of a learning interface, and from a control panel, a first control signal including an information data set. The method also includes storing, by the system, using the mining module, the information data set to a memory, and identifying, by the system, using the mining module, reoccurring data segments of the information data set. The method further includes generating, by the system, using the mining module, a preference data set including the reoccurring data segments, and processing, by the system, using an adaptive module of the interface, the preference data set, yielding option data. And the method includes sending, by the system, using the adaptive module, via a second control signal, the option data to the control panel for presentation to the vehicle user.

Abstract: A navigation system for a transportation device, such as a vehicle, includes a controller and is at least partially operated by a driver. An off-board control module is operatively connected to a remote server and configured to communicate with the controller. The off-board control module is not physically connected to the controller. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of determining a personalized route for travelling from a start location to an end location. The controller is programmed to divide each of the plurality of routes into a respective plurality of nodes, such that adjacent ones of the plurality of nodes define a respective path (i). The personalized route is selected based at least partially on a weighted consumption score reflecting various preferences of the driver, such as fuel consumption, speed, distance travelled and other preferences.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for adaptive driver guidance for navigation and location-based services based on user behavior patterns. A driver-facing camera and a gaze tracking system determine the location of the driver's visual focus while an outside-facing camera detects and interprets external driving situations, a microphone and a speech analyzer identify driver vocalizations, and driver-proximate sensors and the driver-facing camera detect driver emotions. The driver's visual focus, the driver vocalizations and the driver emotions, along with vehicle system parameters from a data bus, are used to evaluate driver satisfaction with navigation guidance and determine driver behavior patterns. An adaptive navigation guidance engine modifies navigation guidance content and timing based on the driver satisfaction and behavior patterns. Adaptation of guidance for location-based services is also provided.

Abstract: A driver-to-driver communication system includes a server accessible over a communications network, a first vehicle, and a second vehicle. The first vehicle and the second vehicle each have a license plate with a license plate number. The license plate numbers are stored on the server. The first vehicle may be substantially behind the second vehicle, and may be configured to send the second license plate number to the server. This may be accomplished by a computer device, which includes a camera to detect and read the second license plate number. A processor recognizes the second license plate number and sends it to the server over the communications network via a wireless module. The server matches the second license plate number with the second vehicle, and subsequently establishes communication, either direct or indirect, between the first vehicle and the second vehicle.