Abstract: A vehicle including an autonomic vehicle control system is described. A method for operating the vehicle includes, during operation of the autonomic vehicle control system, determining vehicle and environmental operating conditions and extra-vehicle conditions when the autonomic vehicle control system is activated. A confidence level associated with operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is determined based upon the vehicle operating conditions, the environmental operating conditions and the extra-vehicle conditions. The confidence level associated with the operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is transmitted via an operator interface device.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle system, for providing feedback to a user-worn wearable device, including a hardware-based processing unit and a hardware-based computer-readable storage device. The device includes a vehicle-function identification module that, when executed by the processing unit determines that a trigger condition has occurred. The vehicle-function identification module also determines, for responding to the trigger condition, a wearable-communication function including transmitting a vehicle signal to the wearable device. An activation module causes the processing unit to initiate transmitting the vehicle signal to the wearable device. The technology also in various embodiments includes the vehicle storage device, the wearable device, a storage unit of the wearable device, and processes including any of the operations disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems for use with an autonomous vehicle. The systems in various embodiments include a non-transitory storage device comprising an autonomous-vehicle context module that, when executed by a hardware-based processing unit, determines that manual operation of the vehicle is recommended or required during autonomous operation of the vehicle. The storage device also includes an autonomous-vehicle driver module that, when executed, determines that a vehicle occupant is not ready to take manual control of the autonomous vehicle based on one or both of occupant-position data, indicating a position of the vehicle occupant, and occupant-gaze data, indicating a gaze of the vehicle occupant. The system may in response advise the user of the need to take proper position to assume manual control of the vehicle. The system may also adjust present autonomous driving, such as to slow the vehicle, or pull the vehicle over to park.

Abstract: A vehicle including an autonomic vehicle control system is described. A method for operating the vehicle includes, during operation of the autonomic vehicle control system, determining vehicle and environmental operating conditions and extra-vehicle conditions when the autonomic vehicle control system is activated. A confidence level associated with operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is determined based upon the vehicle operating conditions, the environmental operating conditions and the extra-vehicle conditions. The confidence level associated with the operation of the autonomic vehicle control system is transmitted via an operator interface device.

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: A methods and a server for operating a vehicle are provided. A method includes selecting an identifier that is associated with a vehicle reservation for passenger service in the vehicle. The method further includes initiating a pick-up portion of the vehicle reservation for making the vehicle available to a passenger. The method further yet includes displaying the identifier at the vehicle during the pick-up portion of the passenger service. The server includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that configure the server for performing the method.

Abstract: A situation awareness method can be used to provide information to a vehicle operator via first, second, and third substantially transparent ambient displays that are coupled to a windshield of a vehicle.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle system, for providing feedback to a user-worn wearable device, including a hardware-based processing unit and a hardware-based computer-readable storage device. The device includes a vehicle-function identification module that, when executed by the processing unit determines that a trigger condition has occurred. The vehicle-function identification module also determines, for responding to the trigger condition, a wearable-communication function including transmitting a vehicle signal to the wearable device. An activation module causes the processing unit to initiate transmitting the vehicle signal to the wearable device. The technology also includes the device, along, and processes for performing the operations disclosed.

Abstract: A method to display a registered graphic upon a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display within a source vehicle includes monitoring an operating environment of the source vehicle, monitoring a driver registration input, determining a recommended continuous gaze location based upon the operating environment and the driver registration input, and displaying the registered graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display.

Abstract: A windshield includes a windshield body and an ambient display coupled to the windshield body. The ambient display includes a light guide plate and a light source optically coupled to the light source. Aside from the light source, the ambient display includes a transparent phosphor film and an optic array. The transparent phosphor film includes at least one phosphor. The optic array includes a plurality of lenses and is disposed between the light guide plate and the transparent phosphor film. The light guide plate is positioned relative to the optic array such that light emitted from the light source is directed toward the optic array. The chromaticity and luminance of the light emitted by the transparent phosphor film can be adjusted based on the electrical current received by the light source.

Abstract: A situation awareness method can be used to provide information to a vehicle operator via first, second, and third substantially transparent ambient displays that are coupled to a windshield of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of controlling a component of a vehicle with a user device includes receiving a data signal from the user device, within a vehicle controller. Graphics, corresponding to the data signal received from the user device, are displayed on a display screen of the vehicle. A signal is received from the user device that indicates the user device has received an input into a user interface of the user device. A determination is made, in the controller, that the signal received from the user device corresponds to controlling the component of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of alerting a user of a vehicle as to a scene, external to the vehicle, includes capturing data pertaining to the scene, external to the vehicle. The captured data, pertaining to the scene external to the vehicle, is transmitted to a processor. The determination is made, in the processor that a characteristic is in the scene that requires the user's visual attention. Data pertaining to a gaze of the user is captured. Captured data, pertaining to the gaze of the user, is transmitted to the processor. A determination is made, in the processor that the drive is gazing toward a user device. A signal is transmitted to the user device such that the user device alerts the user as to the characteristic in the scene requiring the user's visual attention.

Abstract: A magnetic spring utilizing spatially modulated magnetic field patterns of magnetic regions for both stator and slider, allowing custom force curves over the range of motion. Also disclosed is a magnetic spring whose slider can be rotated relative to the stator on the axis, such that the alignment of the spatially modulated magnetic field patterns of the slider and the stator is altered, resulting in changeable force curve for the spring, selected by rotating the slider.

Abstract: A method for augmenting a graphic displayed on a surface inside of a vehicle using a rear seat entertainment projection (RSEP) system includes generating the graphic for display on the surface inside the vehicle. When the graphic is displayed on the surface, an input that causes a reaction to the graphic displayed upon the surface is obtained, and the graphic displayed on the surface is augmented based on the reaction to the graphic.

Abstract: A method of and attachment system for securing and manipulating attractive objects upon an interior vehicular surface, utilizing at least one coded magnet to selectively attach/retain the objects, and provide various other functions, including aiding in alignment, orientation, and retrieval of the objects, and activating an associated sub-system.

Abstract: A method to display a registered driving path image upon a transparent windscreen head-up display in a source vehicle includes monitoring an operating environment of the source vehicle, monitoring a driver registration input, determining a registered driving path image based upon the operating environment of the source vehicle and the driver registration input, and displaying the registered driving path image upon the head-up display.

Abstract: A method of and attachment system for securing and manipulating attractive objects upon an interior vehicular surface, utilizing at least one coded magnet to selectively attach/retain the objects, and provide various other functions, including aiding in alignment, orientation, and retrieval of the objects, and activating an associated sub-system.

Abstract: A method to display a ghosting image upon a transparent windscreen head-up display in a vehicle includes monitoring an operating environment of the vehicle, monitoring a driver registration input, determining a registered desired location graphic illustrating a future desired location for the vehicle based upon the operating environment of the vehicle and the driver registration input, and displaying the registered desired location graphic upon the head-up display.

Abstract: A system and method for entering a destination into a navigation system, usually a vehicle navigation system, that reduces the cognitive load on the vehicle user over known systems. The method includes contacting the destination by any suitable and available manner, such as by a cell phone provided on or in the vehicle, through the internet, through an ad-hoc network, etc., where information concerning the GPS location of the destination is sent back to the navigation system and is displayed on the navigation system screen. If the destination is accurate, the vehicle driver can select that destination, such as by touching an icon on the screen, which would allow the destination entry process to be performed while the vehicle was moving.