Abstract: A system (100) and method (300) for evaluating an audio configuration is provided. The system can include a media device (110) that receives audio (121) from an application (115) and transmits the audio, and a media system (150) that receives the audio, and plays the audio out of a speaker (170) to produce external audio (156). The media device can capture the external audio from a microphone (145) to produce captured audio (146), perform pattern matching (125) on the audio signal and the captured audio signal in real-time, and present a notification (200) identifying whether audio sourced by the media device is rendered by the media system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an on-board navigation system for a commuter vehicle that automatically saves in a database addresses corresponding to destinations to which the vehicle has traveled, along with one or more parameters relating to the addresses. The navigation system uses these parameters to predict a destination by comparing the present state of the vehicle to the saved parameters. The navigation system can present the user with a prioritized list of addresses based on the predicted and prompt the user to select a destination from list. Thus a user can conveniently inform the navigation system of an intended destination. The navigation system can automatically determine a route to the destination based on present traffic conditions, and may have the ancillary benefit of informing the user of traffic conditions, or directing the user around such traffic conditions, even if the user was not otherwise interested in receiving a route.

Abstract: Systems and methods for two-way, interactive communication regarding emergency notifications and responses for mobile environments are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a specific geographic area is designated for selective emergency communications. The emergency communications may comprise text, audio, video, and other types of data. The emergency notification is sent to users' mobile communications devices such as in-vehicle telematics units, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, etc. that are currently located in the designated area. The sender of the emergency message or the users' service provider(s) may remotely control cameras and microphones associated with the users' mobile communications devices. For example, a rear camera ordinarily used when driving in reverse may be used to capture images and video that may assist authorities in searching for a suspect.

Abstract: A method for dynamically building and maintaining call priority information for use in emergency calls from a client device to an emergency call center is provided. The method provides a plurality of communication connections operable on at least one communication system, and each of the plurality of communication link comprises a plurality of metrics. The method further determines by the client device whether each of the plurality of communication connections is active, and evaluates each of the plurality of metrics for each of the active communication connections, and orders sequentially the plurality of active communication connections based on at least one of the plurality of evaluated metrics.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a traffic management system that utilizes route information provided by on board navigation systems installed in commuter vehicles to predict traffic congestion and determine appropriate traffic management procedures. Traffic management procedures include adjusting the timing of traffic signals, providing traffic updates/instructions to roadside Dynamic Message Signs (DMSs), actuating movable lane barriers, etc. The predictive traffic management capabilities provided by the present system offer an advantage over existing systems because the present system can more reliably predict when and where traffic congestion will occur and implement proactive, rather than reactive, traffic management procedures to deal with congestion before it occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for vehicle security implemented in a vehicle (106). The method includes scanning one or more fingers of a user of the vehicle (106) by using a scanner (102). Based on the information received from the scanner (102), a controller (104) determines the security mode to be implemented in the vehicle (106). The determined security mode is then implemented by the controller (104), thereby making the vehicle (106) secure.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the processing of content in a vehicle involves restricting content with a requirement of at least one vehicle condition. A request is received to process the restricted content with a content processing device. A vehicle system or controller obtains vehicle information of the vehicle. The vehicle system determines whether the vehicle information meets the requirement of the vehicle condition restricting the content. If met, the content processing device is allowed to process the restricted content. Otherwise, the content processing device is prevented from processing the restricted content.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for accurately determining the location and orientation of adevice in a vehicle are disclosed. The ability of a device to automatically determine its location in a vehicle by using images from a camera or distance measurements is provided. The images or distance measurements are compared to previously stored data, and an image recognition algorithm or pattern recognition algorithm is used to determine the closest match and the location of the device. The camera is also configured to rotate itself such that the camera lens is substantially aligned with the user interface of the device. Upon orienting itself in this manner, the camera is configured to capture an image which allows the device to determine which occupants of the vehicle are able to access the device. In other embodiments, the orientation of the device can be determined by determining the offset angle between a reference line and the user interface of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the processing of content for a vehicle involves configuring the processing of content with at least two modes of operation, where each mode is based on at least one vehicle condition. A vehicle system or controller monitors vehicle information from the vehicle. To process the content, the vehicle system determines which of the vehicle conditions is met by the vehicle information. Processing the content is then performed in the mode of operation corresponding to the determined vehicle condition. The modes of operation, for example, can include a “normal” mode and a “simplified” mode for a graphical user interface based on whether the vehicle is moving or not. Also, the modes of operation can include a “graphical” mode and a “voice” mode for a user interface based on whether the vehicle is moving or not.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the processing of content in a vehicle involves restricting content to at least one predefined zone within a vehicle. A request is received to process the restricted content with a content processing device. A vehicle system or controller of the vehicle obtains zone information from the vehicle. The vehicle system determines from the zone information whether the content processing device is designated for the predefined zone or whether the predefined zone is occupied. If the content processing device is designated for the predefined zone restricting the content or the zone is occupied, then the content processing device is allowed to process the restricted content. Otherwise, the content processing device is prevented from processing the restricted content.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content from a source to a vehicle is disclosed. The content is restricted by associating the content with at least one requirement for vehicle information from a vehicle to which the content is provided. When restricted content is requested, a vehicle system obtains vehicle related information from the vehicle. The vehicle information is transferred to the vehicle system from the source, and the restricted content is transferred from the source to the vehicle system. The vehicle system, the source, or both determine whether the vehicle information meets the at least one requirement restricting the content. As long as the requirement for vehicle information is met, processing of the restricted content is allowed.

Abstract: A system and method for managing media content between media devices is disclosed. In a centralized embodiment, a server monitors the media devices actively connected to the network and maintains information on each of the active media devices. The information includes the functions of each of the active media devices for processing media content. The server receives a request for media content and determines functions required to process the media content. The server then determines which of the active media devices have the required functions to process the media content and sends instructions to the determined media devices to configure processing of the media content. In response, the determined media devices process the media content, and the processed media content is delivered at the requesting media device. In a decentralized embodiment, the functions performed by the server are distributed among the various devices of the network.

Abstract: A dispensing system in a vehicle comprises a dispensing device 22 enabled to provide a desired scent or antidote, a gas detection unit 24 enabled to detect undesirable gases and odors, and a controller 20 enabled to provide electrical controls to the dispensing device 22.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly providing activity on a vehicle network bus includes a node having a bus connection to the vehicle network bus. The node includes a Rapid Response Stack loaded with the predetermined message to respond to any network bus request before the application is up and running. A true stack is loaded with real messages from the application once it is booted up and running on the node, whereupon the application subsequently responds to network bus requests using the true stack instead of the Rapid Response Stack.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for selection of content on a device allows a radio to scan for desired (e.g. audio) selections being broadcast in accordance with a defined priority list that has been pre-stored. A found selection is played in order of priority and then placed back in the priority list in accordance with a prioritization logic. Desired content is identified by a digital signature or audio clip, for example. Associated with the identifier can be user interface settings, such as audio controls, and even vehicle settings such as window position, sun roof, moon roof, or convertible roof top, for example. The user interface can be used to store and sort identifiers and to provide control settings to the user in audio or video format.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for detecting a potential collision between a plurality of vehicles and alerting the operator to the potential collision. If the operator fails to heed the alert, the system may also assume control of the vehicle until the dangerous situation is passed. In connection with these systems, each vehicle is equipped with a telematics system that defines a safe perimeter around the vehicle. The safe perimeter is constantly changed in response to the velocity and acceleration of the vehicle. The telematics system is in communication with the telematics systems of other vehicles in the vicinity and the systems exchange data about the current extent of their safe perimeters. If a telematics system detects the impingement of one of the other safe perimeters into its safe perimeter, the alert is triggered.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a communication system for a vehicle service station. The communication system includes a local area network (LAN) and a local communication device operable on the LAN for the vehicle service station. The invention is operable with a vehicle having a diagnostic system, a transceiver operable on the LAN, a transceiver operable on a wide area network (WAN), and a memory for storing information on the vehicle. The local communication device of the service station is operable to download information from the vehicle. Preferably, the WAN is used to direct the vehicle to perform a diagnostic which can be downloaded by the local communication device over the WAN.