Abstract: The described method and system provide for HMI steering for a telematics-equipped vehicle based on likelihood to exceed eye glance guidelines. By determining whether a task is likely to cause the user to exceed eye glance guidelines, alternative HMI processes may be presented to a user to reduce ASGT and EORT and increase compliance with eye glance guidelines. By allowing a user to navigate through long lists of items through vocal input, T9 text input, or heuristic processing rather than through conventional presentation of the full list, a user is much more likely to comply with the eye glance guidelines. This invention is particularly useful in contexts where users may be searching for one item out of a plurality of potential items, for example, within the context of hands-free calling contacts, playing back audio files, or finding points of interest during GPS navigation.

Abstract: A user control assembly is provided for use on a vehicle having a processor, a steering wheel, and a plurality of vehicular systems controllable by the processor each having first and second adjustable features. The user control comprises a first button mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for selecting one of the plurality of vehicular systems, and first and second rotary dials mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for adjusting the first and second adjustable features associated with the selected system.

Abstract: A method of processing vehicle crash data includes the steps of receiving vehicle data obtained at a vehicle during a vehicle crash, determining the identity of the vehicle, estimating the severity of the vehicle crash using the determined vehicle identity and the received vehicle data, and providing the estimated severity to an emergency responder.

Abstract: The described method and system provide for HMI steering for a telematics-equipped vehicle based on likelihood to exceed eye glance guidelines. By determining whether a task is likely to cause the user to exceed eye glance guidelines, alternative HMI processes may be presented to a user to reduce ASGT and EORT and increase compliance with eye glance guidelines. By allowing a user to navigate through long lists of items through vocal input, T9 text input, or heuristic processing rather than through conventional presentation of the full list, a user is much more likely to comply with the eye glance guidelines. This invention is particularly useful in contexts where users may be searching for one item out of a plurality of potential items, for example, within the context of hands-free calling contacts, playing back audio files, or finding points of interest during GPS navigation.

Abstract: A method of processing vehicle crash data includes the steps of receiving vehicle data obtained at a vehicle during a vehicle crash, determining the identity of the vehicle, estimating the severity of the vehicle crash using the determined vehicle identity and the received vehicle data, and providing the estimated severity to an emergency responder.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing an interior component of a vehicle. A system includes a device for monitoring a passenger, a vehicle speed detector, and a controller in communication the interior component, the passenger monitoring device, and the vehicle speed detector, wherein the controller is configured to disable at least one function of the interior component if the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed and enable the disabled function(s) when the passenger attempts to actuate the function(s). One method includes the steps of determining a rate of speed the vehicle is traveling, disabling at least one function of the interior component when the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed, and enabling the disabled function(s) when the rate of speed is greater than the threshold speed if a passenger attempts to actuate the function(s).

Abstract: A navigational route providing method for use with various types of vehicle navigation systems. The route providing method generally enables a user to pre-select one or more destinations and trigger events, so that navigational routes leading to the pre-selected destinations can be subsequently generated and presented to the user when the designated trigger events occur. According to some embodiments, multiple destinations and trigger events can be provided so that multiple navigational routes are generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing an interior component of a vehicle. A system includes a device for monitoring a passenger, a vehicle speed detector, and a controller in communication the interior component, the passenger monitoring device, and the vehicle speed detector, wherein the controller is configured to disable at least one function of the interior component if the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed and enable the disabled function(s) when the passenger attempts to actuate the function(s). One method includes the steps of determining a rate of speed the vehicle is traveling, disabling at least one function of the interior component when the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed, and enabling the disabled function(s) when the rate of speed is greater than the threshold speed if a passenger attempts to actuate the function(s).

Abstract: A navigational route providing method for use with various types of vehicle navigation systems. The route providing method generally enables a user to pre-select one or more destinations and trigger events, so that navigational routes leading to the pre-selected destinations can be subsequently generated and presented to the user when the designated trigger events occur. According to some embodiments, multiple destinations and trigger events can be provided so that multiple navigational routes are generated.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a mode selector input device and a characteristic adjustment input device. Manipulation of the mode selector input device causes the control system to alternate between first and second modes of operation. In the first mode of operation, manipulation of the characteristic adjustment input device causes a first variable characteristic to change. In the second mode of operation, manipulation of the characteristic adjustment input device causes a second variable characteristic to change. The control system thus enables a single input device to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A user control assembly is provided for use on a vehicle having a processor, a steering wheel, and a plurality of vehicular systems controllable by the processor each having first and second adjustable features. The user control comprises a first button mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for selecting one of the plurality of vehicular systems, and first and second rotary dials mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for adjusting the first and second adjustable features associated with the selected system.

Abstract: A user control assembly is provided for use on a vehicle equipped with a processor, an armrest, and a plurality of vehicular systems each having at least one adjustable feature associated therewith that may be controlled by the processor. The user control assembly comprises a first button deployed in the armrest and coupled to the processor for selecting a vehicular system from the plurality of vehicular systems, and a first rotary dial deployed in the armrest and coupled to the processor for adjusting a first feature associated with a selected vehicular system.

Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. A driving workload estimate is calculated in response to the workload estimation data. The driving workload estimate is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. The driving workload estimate is then output.

Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. Driving conditions responsive to the workload estimation data are detected. An impact value of at least one of the driving conditions is calibrated. The impact values are combined to determine a current driving workload estimate. The current driving workload estimate is output.

Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data for a vehicle. The method also comprises receiving an information message from the vehicle and a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A control signal responsive to said vehicle feature data, said information message, said driver preference data and said driving workload estimate is provided to initiate the activation or disablement of a function of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data. The method also comprises receiving a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A subroutine corresponding to at least one of the vehicle feature data is executed. The subroutine initiates the activation or disablement of a function of a vehicle and is responsive to the driver preference data and the driving workload estimate.

Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data for a vehicle. The method also comprises receiving an information message from the vehicle and a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A control signal responsive to said vehicle feature data, said information message, said driver preference data and said driving workload estimate is provided to initiate the activation or disablement of a function of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. Driving conditions responsive to the workload estimation data are detected. An impact value of at least one of the driving conditions is calibrated. The impact values are combined to determine a current driving workload estimate. The current driving workload estimate is output.

Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. A driving workload estimate is calculated in response to the workload estimation data. The driving workload estimate is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. The driving workload estimate is then output.

Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data. The method also comprises receiving a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A subroutine corresponding to at least one of the vehicle feature data is executed. The subroutine initiates the activation or disablement of a function of a vehicle and is responsive to the driver preference data and the driving workload estimate.