Abstract: The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining incident related data in a motor vehicle. In particular, the system is operative to determine a vehicle to vehicle contract event or near contact event, transmit a request for data, such as video, numeric, and telemetry data, from proximate actors via V2X communications channel, or to request the data be transmitted to a network storage location.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining incident related data in a motor vehicle. In particular, the system is operative to determine a vehicle to vehicle contract event or near contact event, transmit a request for data, such as video, numeric, and telemetry data, from proximate actors via V2X communications channel, or to request the data be transmitted to a network storage location.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes at least one actuator configured to control vehicle steering, acceleration, braking, or shifting, at least sensor configured to provide signals based on features in the vicinity of the vehicle, and a controller configured to control the at least one actuator in an automated driving mode. The controller is configured to detect behavior of at least one object external to the vehicle based on signals from the at least one sensor. The controller is additionally configured to determine, based on the detected behavior, that the at least one object is influencing lateral or longitudinal motion of the vehicle. The controller is also configured to determine, based on signals from the at least one sensor, that no driving condition is present to necessitate the behavior of the at least one object. The controller is further configured to, in response to the determinations, activate a swarm defense mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for responding to drowsiness of a driver. The method and system comprise detecting by a module the drowsiness of the driver based on a detected level exceeding a threshold associated with at least one of a set of conditions of the driver which indicate the drowsiness of the driver. The conditions of driver drowsiness include driver performance, vigilance, judgment and alertness. A response to the conditions which have been detected is provided by assists to the driver to at least facilitate reducing the detected level below the threshold associated with the conditions and any subsequent drowsiness of the driver.

Abstract: A control system and method of controlling a mobile platform safety system is provided. User input including a modification to a predefined alert response associated with the mobile platform safety system is received, the modification being associated with a geographic location. The pre-defined response, the user modification, and global positioning system (GPS) data are processed to generate therefrom a location specific personalized alert response for the mobile platform safety system.

Abstract: A device for haptically communicating to an individual includes a haptic unit that is operatively coupled to a remotely located actuator to effect a haptic pulse signal.

Abstract: A system for analyzing driver fitness to drive with consideration given to any of various conditions such as driver drowsiness, fatigue, and anxiety. The system includes a processing hardware unit, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device comprising various modules to determine if the driver is impaired. The modules include an input interface module that, when executed by the processing unit, receives sensor data indicating a present driver health factor. A database module includes pre-established driver-profile data particular to a driver. And the modules include an activity module that, when executed by the processing unit, obtains the driver-profile data and the sensor data, and determines, based on the present health factor and the pre-established driver-profile data, fitness of the driver to drive. The disclosure relates in various embodiments to a computer-readable storage device, separately, and processes performed by the system and device.

Abstract: A control system and method of controlling a mobile platform safety system is provided. User input including a modification to a predefined alert response associated with the mobile platform safety system is received, the modification being associated with a geographic location. The pre-defined response, the user modification, and global positioning system (GPS) data are processed to generate therefrom a location specific personalized alert response for the mobile platform safety system.

Abstract: A system for analyzing driver fitness to drive with consideration given to any of various conditions such as driver drowsiness, fatigue, and anxiety. The system includes a processing hardware unit, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device comprising various modules to determine if the driver is impaired. The modules include an input interface module that, when executed by the processing unit, receives sensor data indicating a present driver health factor. A database module includes pre-established driver-profile data particular to a driver. And the modules include an activity module that, when executed by the processing unit, obtains the driver-profile data and the sensor data, and determines based on the present health factor and the pre-established driver-profile data, fitness of the driver to drive. The disclosure relates various embodiments to a computer-readable storage device, separately, and processes performed by the system and device.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an alert to one or more occupants of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an input signal from a vehicle safety system. The input signal is indicative of an alert condition (e.g. an impending collision). The method further includes generating an output signal responsive to said input signal and wirelessly transmitting the output signal to the portable device. The portable device, such as a cellular communications device, has a haptic actuator and is configured to be mechanically disconnected from the vehicle while in physical contact with an occupant of the vehicle. The output signal, which may be transmitted directly to the portable device using short-range wireless communication protocols, is configured to activate the haptic actuator to cause a vibratory movement of the portable device and alert the vehicle occupant to the alert condition.

Abstract: A method of alerting a driver of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: receiving conditions data from one or more collision avoidance systems; determining an alert mode based on the conditions data, wherein the alert mode indicates at least two of alert conditions, vehicle conditions, and driving scenarios; and at least one of arbitrating, synchronizing, and combining at least two alert patterns associated with the at least two of the alert conditions, the vehicle conditions, and the driving scenarios and associated with one or more alert devices.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided. The assembly includes a seat back member and a haptic alert assembly. The haptic alert assembly includes a first actuator incorporated into the seat back member. The first actuator is configured to generate at least a first portion of a haptic alert.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an alert to one or more occupants of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an input signal from a vehicle safety system. The input signal is indicative of an alert condition (e.g. an impending collision). The method further includes generating an output signal responsive to said input signal and wirelessly transmitting the output signal to the portable device. The portable device, such as a cellular communications device, has a haptic actuator and is configured to be mechanically disconnected from the vehicle while in physical contact with an occupant of the vehicle. The output signal, which may be transmitted directly to the portable device using short-range wireless communication protocols, is configured to activate the haptic actuator to cause a vibratory movement of the portable device and alert the vehicle occupant to the alert condition.

Abstract: A method of alerting a driver of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: receiving alert settings configured by a user through a user interface; and selectively generating an alert pattern for at least one of a haptic alert device, an auditory alert device, and a visual alert device based on the alert settings.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided. The assembly includes a bottom seat member and a haptic alert assembly. The haptic alert assembly includes a first actuator incorporated into the bottom seat member. The first actuator is configured to generate at least a first portion of a haptic alert.

Abstract: Methods and vehicles are provided for providing haptic feedback to a vehicle occupant. In one embodiment, the method includes determining at least one of interior conditions and exterior conditions of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of haptic actuators disposed in a seat. The method further includes calculating at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) pattern and an on/off compensation pattern based on the determined interior conditions and exterior conditions. The method further includes generating a signal with active periods that include at least one of the calculated patterns to command the plurality of haptic actuators to produce haptic pulses.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for displaying a user alert option in a vehicle having a transparent conformal display unit. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving user input indicating a request to view an alert option; and in response to the user input, generating a conformal image that illustrates at least one of a time and a distance to a point, and selectively generating a display signal to display the conformal image on a transparent display of the vehicle through the transparent conformal display unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for alerting a driver of a vehicle having a transparent conformal display unit. In one embodiment, a method includes: detecting that an object is located in proximity to the vehicle based on sensor data; determining at least one of a time and a distance associated with the detected object based on vehicle conditions; generating an image that illustrates the at least one of time and distance based on vehicle conditions; and selectively generating a display signal to display the image on a transparent display of the vehicle through the transparent conformal display unit.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided. The vehicle seat assembly includes a bottom seat member with a seat pan with a first side and a second side, a first bolster positioned on the first side of the seat pan, and a second bolster positioned on the second side of the seat pan. The first bolster defines a first depression. The vehicle seat assembly further includes a haptic alert assembly with a first actuator having a first housing and a first motor within the first housing. The first housing is mounted within the first depression.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for alerting a driver of a vehicle having a transparent conformal display unit. In one embodiment, a method includes: detecting that an object is located in proximity to the vehicle based on sensor data; determining at least one of a time and a distance associated with the detected object based on vehicle conditions; generating an image that illustrates the at least one of time and distance based on vehicle conditions; and selectively generating a display signal to display the image on a transparent display of the vehicle through the transparent conformal display unit.