Abstract: A telematics control unit comprising a transceiver configured to receive a message from a vehicle module during a sleep mode, the message requesting the telematics control unit to output information via a telecommunications network. The telematics control unit also includes a processor configured to determine whether to output the information or delay the output of the information based upon the message, and output the information to the telecommunications network, or delay outputting the information until the telematics control unit enters a full-power mode or a wake-up cycle.

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 vehicle may include a passive entry system having a controller and at least one antenna within the vehicle. The controller is operably arranged with the at least one antenna, and configured to cause, in response to a trigger event, the at least one antenna to transmit at least one challenge, receive a response to the challenge indicative of a tag in a vicinity of the vehicle, and identify an item based on the tag.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a passive entry system that unlocks the vehicle upon authenticating a fob in a vicinity of the vehicle. The passive entry system further recognizes the vehicle is approaching a restrictive geographic location within which at least one proscribed item is prohibited, receives item data indicative of items located within the vehicle, and provides output indicating whether any of the items is a proscribed item for the restrictive geographic location.

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: A telematics control unit comprising a transceiver configured to receive a message from a vehicle module during a sleep mode, the message requesting the telematics control unit to output information via a telecommunications network. The telematics control unit also includes a processor configured to determine whether to output the information or delay the output of the information based upon the message, and output the information to the telecommunications network, or delay outputting the information until the telematics control unit enters a full-power mode or a wake-up cycle.

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.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a request for temporary vehicle usage. The processor is also configured to associate a requesting user with an available vehicle and generate a temporary vehicle access code and start code, usable during a predetermined time period. The processor is further configured to send the access code and start code to both the user and the vehicle.

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: An apparatus for detecting a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes one or more near field communication (NFC) devices positioned about a driver zone of the vehicle for being wirelessly coupled to the PCD. The PCD is configured to (i) determine if the vehicle is moving above a predetermined vehicle speed, (ii) wirelessly transmit a first signal to the one or more NFC devices in the vehicle, and (iii) determine that the PCD is positioned in the driver zone of the vehicle in response to a second signal from the one or more NFC devices.

Abstract: A snow plow blade detection and compensation system and method operable to detect when a plow blade is attached to the vehicle and then, when the driver is in plowing mode, take appropriate compensating actions. The systems and methods may include: (1) computer vision based recognition of plow blade position, wherein object recognition from a forward looking camera and computer vision system may be installed on the vehicle to recognize that the plow blade is in the down position; (2) proximity sensing system indicating that the plow blade is down, wherein multiple sensors may be used to indicate that the plow blade position is down; (3) direct input of plowing status, wherein vehicle Interfaces indicate that a plow mode is active; (4) drive pattern recognition; and/or (5) audio recognition, wherein microphones detect sound characteristics of “scraping” sounds, inferring that the plow blade is on the ground and pushing snow.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle-based processor configured to receive a wireless vehicle-locate request from a remote device. The processor is also configured to receive an instruction from the remote device relating to selection of an outputtable tone and output, through use of one or more external vehicle sound systems, a selected tone in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: A pump system includes a pneumatic pump, a hose, a nozzle that can attach to a tire of a vehicle, and a processing device. The processing device receives a target tire pressure for the tire, receives a current tire pressure of the tire, and controls the operation of the pneumatic pump according to the target tire pressure and the current tire pressure. A method includes receiving a target tire pressure for a tire of a vehicle, receiving a current tire pressure of the tire, and controlling operation of a pneumatic pump according to the target tire pressure and the current tire pressure.

Abstract: One exemplary illustration of a vehicle video recording system may include an on-vehicle camera generating a video signal indicative of video data, at least one sensor, a RAM device and a controller communicatively coupled to the camera, the sensor and the RAM device. The controller may determine a recording duration based on sensor data received from the sensor. Further, the controller may store the video data and the associated sensor data to the RAM device for the recording duration. The controller may transfer video data and associated sensor data from the RAM device to a storage device in response to receiving a save-event signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle computing system includes a processor programmed and configured to establish communication with a wireless device brought into proximity of a vehicle. The processor may use the wireless device to receive an identifier from a vehicle rental administrative system. The identifier is configured with the processor to activate a vehicle during a prescribed rental period. The processor may receive user input to activate the vehicle for a rental period. The processor may compare the user input to the received identifier and enable a keyless drive-away of the vehicle if the user input corresponds to the identifier.

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 telematics control unit comprising a transceiver configured to receive a message from a vehicle module during a sleep mode, the message requesting the telematics control unit to output information via a telecommunications network. The telematics control unit also includes a processor configured to determine whether to output the information or delay the output of the information based upon the message, and output the information to the telecommunications network, or delay outputting the information until the telematics control unit enters a full-power mode or a wake-up cycle.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to detect activation of an alarm trigger in communication with the one or more processors. The processors are further configured to determine a type of trigger and provide a subtle feedback response, based on the type of trigger, designed to avoid detection by an assailant.

Abstract: A system for locating a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. A controller is configured to receive a first signal from the PCD at a first antenna in a driver zone and to generate a first signal strength value for the first signal. The controller is configured to receive the first signal from the PCD at the second antenna and to generate a second signal strength value for the first signal. The controller is configured to determine whether the first signal at the first antenna and the second signal at the second antenna are received within a predetermined amount of time of one another and to compare the first signal strength value to the second signal strength value if the first signal at the first antenna and the second signal at the second antenna are received within the predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle-based processor configured to receive a wireless vehicle-locate request from a remote device. The processor is also configured to receive an instruction from the remote device relating to selection of an outputtable tone and output, through use of one or more external vehicle sound systems, a selected tone in accordance with the instruction.