Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus includes a controller coupled to a first sensor positioned on a first object external to a vehicle and configured to receive first information indicative of a height of the first object from the first sensor via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and store second information corresponding to a height of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to receive third information corresponding to a height of overhead obstacle positioned external to the vehicle and to compare at least one of the first information and the second information to the third information. The controller is further configured to generate an alert based on the comparison of the at least one of the first information and the second information to the third information.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting vehicle information to a portable personal communication device (PCD) is provided. The apparatus comprises a communication module positioned in the first vehicle. The communication module is configured to transmit a first signal including static information and dynamic information to the first PCD. The static information includes one of a first vehicle serial number and a vehicle type and the dynamic information includes one of a connect status, a driver alert rating, and a silent alarm. The first PCD is arranged to control operation thereof based on at least one of the static information and the dynamic information.

Abstract: A cellular communication module utilized within a battery-powered vehicle comprising a processor configured to activate an extended power mode, wherein the extended power mode allows the cellular communication module to establish a data session with a cellular communication network for a first time period. The process if further configured to activate a low power mode, wherein the low power mode allows the cellular communication module to maintain a registered cellular connection with the cellular communication network for a second time period, and activate a sleep mode, wherein the sleep mode maintains a registered cellular connection with the cellular communication network during a reoccurring wake-up cycle or is disconnected from the cellular communication network for a third time period.

Abstract: A backup key for a vehicle includes a blade extending along an axis within a first plane and a head, attached to the blade, extending along the axis and defining a slot along the axis for insertion of a torque assisting device. The slot may be configured to receive a coin. The slot may be configured such that the torque assisting device, when inserted into the slot, lies in a second plane that is generally perpendicular to the first plane. A case for a portable electronic device includes a housing configured to receive the portable electronic device and defining a plurality of receptacles for one or more backup keys. The case also includes a key fob circuit for wirelessly interfacing with a keyless entry system and a communication circuit that connects to the key fob circuit for coupling the portable electronic device and the keyless entry system.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive rental return information. The system is also configured to verify deposit of a key fob. Further, the system is configured to connect to a device containing vehicle usage information relating to a rental period. The system is additionally configured to gather vehicle usage information from the connected device. The system is also configured to verify a vehicle presence in a rental parking lot and terminate a vehicle rental.

Abstract: A backup key for a vehicle includes a blade extending along an axis within a first plane and a head, attached to the blade, extending along the axis and defining a slot along the axis for insertion of a torque assisting device. The slot may be configured to receive a coin. The slot may be configured such that the torque assisting device, when inserted into the slot, lies in a second plane that is generally perpendicular to the first plane. A case for a portable electronic device includes a housing configured to receive the portable electronic device and defining a plurality of receptacles for one or more backup keys. The case also includes a key fob circuit for wirelessly interfacing with a keyless entry system and a communication circuit that connects to the key fob circuit for coupling the portable electronic device and the keyless entry system.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a request to enable a privacy screen. The processor is further configured to receive a privacy screen engage trigger. Also, the processor is configured to change a current radio station to a predefined station, upon receipt of the engage trigger when a privacy screen is enabled.

Abstract: A vehicle inventory interface system may include a user interface configured to present a plurality of vehicle icons each representing a vehicle in a fleet, present at least one list icon associated with each vehicle icon, receive a selection of one of the list icons, and display, in response to the selection, an inventory list associated with the selected list icon and indicating whether items specified by the inventory list are present within the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of vehicle monitoring includes monitoring one or more vehicle safety systems while a vehicle is in operation to detect an unsafe condition. The method also includes sending an alert to a handheld device if an unsafe condition is detected.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to communicate, via a voice call, with a remote server over a connection established through a wireless phone in communication with the processor. The processor is also configured to deliver and receive data and instructions over a voice channel, using spoken, human-language-based communication. The processor is further configured to utilize a standardized voice, to dynamically form, transmit and interpret commands and data, including both predefined system commands and dynamically user-input variables relating to one or more system commands.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and vehicles are disclosed. Exemplary methods may include determining that a vehicle is a fleet vehicle, establishing a presence of a configuration bit indicating the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, receiving an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage session as a fleet vehicle, and resetting a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the conclusion of the vehicle usage. Other exemplary methods may include installing a configuration bit into a vehicle, which indicates that the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, and providing a processor for the vehicle. The processor may be configured to reset a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the configuration bit and an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage associated with the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely communicating with a vehicle using a mobile communication device and a sleeve associated with the mobile communication device. The sleeve including a transceiver, the transceiver enabling communication between the mobile communication device and the vehicle. The mobile communication device provides commands to the vehicle through the sleeve.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code for authorizing a vehicle to be driven and a user authorization code that corresponds to the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be generated. The codes may be generated by, for example, at least one server configured to generate the authorization codes. The at least one server may be communicating with a nomadic device and a vehicle driveaway authorization system. A vehicle driveaway request signal may be received. In response to a receipt of the vehicle driveaway request signal, the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be transmitted to the vehicle driveaway authorization system and the user authorization code may be transmitted to the nomadic device for input to the vehicle driveaway authorization system in order to enable the vehicle to be driven.

Abstract: A powered door latch system for vehicles includes a controller configured to receive data concerning vehicle operating conditions. The door latch system also includes at least one electrically powered door latch having a powered actuator that can be actuated by the controller to unlatch the electrically powered latch. An emergency release is mechanically connected to the electrically powered latch to mechanically release the latch. The system also includes a user communication device such as a display screen that is operably connected to the controller. The user communication device provides a user with information concerning the location and/or operation of the emergency release if a predefined operating condition such as a loss of electrical power has occurred.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a powered latch configured to selectively retain the door in a closed position when the powered latch is latched, and permits the door to be opened when the powered latch is unlatched. The vehicle door further includes an exterior door handle having an outer side that faces away from the door structure, and an inner side that is spaced apart from an outer surface of the door to define a gap. A force sensor on the exterior door handle detects impact forces on the handle. The door also includes an unlatch switch that can be actuated by a user to request unlatching of the powered latch. A controller is configured to deny an unlatch request generated by actuation of the unlatch switch if the force sensor detects an impact on the exterior handle.

Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.

Abstract: A powered latch system for motor vehicles includes at least one powered latch that can be controlled based, at least in part, on vehicle operating conditions. The system may be configured to control unlatching of the vehicle doors utilizing data relating to the vehicle speed and/or the existence of a crash event. The powered latch system can be configured as required for various vehicles, and to accommodate specific operating requirements with respect to child locks in various geographic jurisdictions.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a powered latch mechanism and an interior door handle having first and second sensors disposed on opposite sides of the interior door handle. The first and second sensors are configured to detect the presence of a user's hand to control operation of the powered latch mechanism. The powered latch may be unlatched if an unlatch switch is actuated and the first and second sensors detect the presence of a user's hand.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code for authorizing a vehicle to be driven and a user authorization code that corresponds to the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be generated. The codes may be generated by, for example, at least one server configured to generate the authorization codes. The at least one server may be communicating with a nomadic device and a vehicle driveaway authorization system. A vehicle driveaway request signal may be received. In response to a receipt of the vehicle driveaway request signal, the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be transmitted to the vehicle driveaway authorization system and the user authorization code may be transmitted to the nomadic device for input to the vehicle driveaway authorization system in order to enable the vehicle to be driven.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system for authorizing use of a vehicle communication and information system may include one or more data processors configured to receive information associating one or more devices with a vehicle computer. The data processor(s) may be also configured to receive information identifying a user requesting authorization to command the vehicle controls from the one or more devices associated with the vehicle computer. The user(s) may be authorized to command the vehicle controls from the one or more devices associated with the vehicle computer based on performing an authentication process for authenticating the user, determining that the user is an authenticated user based on the authentication process, and enabling command of one or more vehicle controls from the one or more remote devices via the associated vehicle computer based on the user being authenticated.