Abstract: A method of posting a voice related message on a remotely accessible networking page includes receiving, at a data center, a voice connection from a communications device. An account on the remotely accessible networking page that is associated with the voice connection is identified at the data center. A voice post is generated during or from the voice connection. Via the data center, the voice post is associated with the remotely accessible networking page so that the voice post is associated with the identified account.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing changes of a telematics language from a current telematics language to a proposed telematics language with changes made to a vehicle language from a current vehicle language to a new vehicle language through involvement of a call center is described. The system includes, but is not limited to an antenna adapted for attachment to a vehicle and configured for communicating with the call center. The system further includes a telematics unit adapted for attachment to the vehicle and communicatively connected to the antenna. The telematics unit is configured to monitor a vehicle bus to detect when a user changes the vehicle language to the new vehicle language and further configured to automatically initiate contact with the call center when the change in the vehicle language is detected to confirm a user desire to change the telematics language to the new vehicle language.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing map data for intersections having stop sign indicators. A request is initiated for turn-by-turn navigation instructions for a destination from a vehicle to an infrastructure. A turn-by-turn navigation maplet is transmitted from the infrastructure to the vehicle. A geographical region associated with the received turn-by-turn navigation maplet is identified. A determination is made whether stop sign locations already retained within a memory of the vehicle relate to the identified geographical region. The vehicle on-board device requests stop sign maplets for the identified geographical regions from the infrastructure if the stop sign locations retained within the memory of the vehicle do not relate to the identified geographical region. The stop sign maplets are transmitted for the identified geographical region from the infrastructure to the vehicle. The stop sign maplets relate to stop sign intersection data within the identified geographical region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a recommended route, based, in part, on fuel consumption, to a requesting vehicle using data collected from other vehicles. The system includes, but is not limited, to a communication system that is configured to receive vehicle data from a plurality of vehicles. A data storage system is in communication with the communication system and is configured to store the vehicle data as compiled vehicle data. A processor is in communication with the data storage system and the communication system. The processor is configured to utilize the compiled vehicle data to calculate a recommended route that is based, in part, on fuel consumption. The communication system is further configured to transmit the recommended route to the requesting vehicle.

Abstract: A method for estimating an emergency level of a vehicular accident includes detecting an event associated with the vehicular accident, initiating a video recording of an interior and/or exterior of the vehicle in response to the detecting of the event, uploading the video recording on a remotely accessible page, and reviewing the uploaded video recording to estimate the emergency level of the vehicular accident. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data to a traffic information server includes obtaining, at a mobile vehicle, data including at least one of a vehicle speed and a vehicle location at a then-current time, and determining whether the data is redundant. Determining whether the data is redundant may be accomplished by at least one of comparing the data with other data previously transmitted to the traffic information server from an other mobile vehicle or determining whether the data falls within an expected range for a predetermined time interval. The method further includes transmitting the data, via a wireless communication system, to the traffic information server from the mobile vehicle if the data is determined to be non-redundant. Also disclosed herein is a system to perform the method.

Abstract: A method of finding a key to a mobile vehicle includes receiving a call, at a call center, indicating that the key is lost and requesting, via the call center, a telematics unit on-board the mobile vehicle to establish communication with a remote access key fob that is associated with the key, the remote access key fob having an alarm integrated therewith. The method further includes requesting, via the call center, the telematics unit to activate the alarm of the remote access key fob and activating, via the telematics unit, the alarm of the remote access key fob.

Abstract: A system for providing alert information to a user of a vehicle comprising a telematics unit associated with the vehicle and further including a short range wireless interface. A mobile wireless device is paired with the vehicle via a pairing with the telematics unit. The mobile device further comprises a first communication interface for wirelessly receiving the alert information and a second communication interface for communicating with the telematics unit via the short range wireless interface. A processor controls the mobile device, running an application for detecting that the mobile device is within range of the telematics unit and for causing the alert information to be played in response to detecting that the mobile device is within range of the telematics unit.

Abstract: Ways are provided for improving the in-cabin air quality of a vehicle by automatically adjusting the HVAC system settings sufficiently in advance of approaching a location associated with an air quality hazard. In one example, the vehicle's telematics unit correlates the vehicle's position information with locations of static and dynamic air quality hazards, including locations of incidents potentially affecting the air quality in vicinity of the vehicle's location and issues instructions to adjust the HVAC settings to minimize the impact on in-cabin air quality.

Abstract: A method for communicating navigational information to a telematics unit. The method comprises receiving route requirements; calculating a plurality of portions of a route, each portion calculated according to different sets of criteria, the criteria determined from the route requirements; and sending the plurality of portions to the telematics unit. The portions of the route can be provided to the telematics unit sequentially, with non-final portions including a trigger for indicating to the telematics unit when to request the next portion. The portions can also be provided to the telematics unit as a complete route comprising concatenated route portions.

Abstract: A navigation server as part of a vehicle navigation system provides a set of turn-by-turn directions to a vehicle driver from the vehicle's current location to a destination chosen by the driver. Further, a navigation server receives new route requests because a vehicle driver disregards a previous a maneuver contained in a previous set of turn-by-turn directions. The navigation server tracks vehicle locations whereat new routes have been requested. If a large number of new route requests occur in a given location, the system analyzes this location to determine whether the location is one where poor directions are given. Improved directions may thus be generated and provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enhancing subscriber privacy while delivering location-based in-vehicle alerts to the subscribers of a mobile traffic reporting system by disassociating subscriber information from location information transmitted by a traffic probe vehicle. In various examples, the in-vehicle alerts include Flash Flood alerts, Hurricane alerts, Amber alerts, as well as non-crisis alerts, such as traffic hotspots, locations of inexpensive gas stations, and various points of interest.

Abstract: A method of communicating information that has been formatted for Internet publication from a principal vehicle using short range wireless communication components to communicate with a second vehicle. The method includes storing a web page (blog, social networking page, etc.) or other information formatted for Internet publication in the principal vehicle. An introductory signal is transmitted to the second vehicle. A communication link is established between the principal vehicle and the second vehicle using the respective short range wireless communication components. The second vehicle is then queried for authorization to transmit the information and, if given, the information is then transmitted to the second vehicle via the communications link. User-selected categories can be used to identify common interests between users of the two vehicles. The method can be used to share user information with other potentially interested drivers to facilitate human interactions and relationships.

Abstract: A method for synching online address book sources for a vehicle user is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a server, at least two different user selected destination entries from at least two different destination entry systems in selective communication with the server, and consolidating the destination entries received from the Internet-enabled programs into a personalized online and vehicle accessible address book.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human-machine interface where control is achieved without the use of buttons. By providing multiple knobs, the audio system maximizes functionality while minimizing cost and space requirements. Each knob is capable of two selection modes: a first selection mode provided by rotating the knob and a second selection mode provided by depressing the knob. The two selection modes correspond to ergonomic selection pairs for controlling the audio system. The reduced area required for controls allows for a larger display area; which provides the user with a more attractive display that can convey more information. When a change in a status, through knob manipulation is sensed by the audio system, the display automatically provides a menu that corresponds to the ergonomic pair assigned to that knob. The automated switching of menus minimizes navigation between screens, while providing full manipulation of that audio system function using a single knob control.

Abstract: A vehicle fleet navigation system includes a main mobile navigation system, at least one secondary mobile navigation system, and a land based navigation system. The main mobile navigation system includes a navigation unit for determining the position of the main vehicle, a visual display for displaying the position of the main vehicle, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the navigation unit. The secondary system includes a second navigation unit for determining the position of the second vehicle, and a second wireless transceiver in communication with the second navigation unit. The second wireless transceiver is operable to transmit a position signal corresponding to positional information of the second vehicle received from the second navigation unit. The main mobile navigation system is operable to receive the positional information of the second vehicle and display the position of the second vehicle on the visual display.

Abstract: A motor vehicle mileage logging system is disclosed that will calculate a cumulative mileage log by summing several different types of individual trip logs. The system is installed on a vehicle having a navigation assist system. A first type of individual trip log includes mileage information determined as the vehicle is driven from an origination point to a destination point with the assistance of the navigation system. A second type of individual trip log includes mileage information that is estimated by the navigation assist system using a manually entered origination point and a manually entered destination point. A third type of individual trip log includes a manually entered estimated mileage log.

Abstract: A motor vehicle mileage logging system is disclosed that will calculate a cumulative mileage log by summing several different types of individual trip logs. The system is installed on a vehicle having a navigation assist system. A first type of individual trip log includes mileage information determined as the vehicle is driven from an origination point to a destination point with the assistance of the navigation system. A second type of individual trip log includes mileage information that is estimated by the navigation assist system using a manually entered origination point and a manually entered destination point. A third type of individual trip log includes a manually entered estimated mileage log.

Abstract: A cruise control has a throttle controller for maintaining the speed of a vehicle at a desired speed. The cruise control can operate in a conventional cruise mode and a fuel economy cruise mode. When in the fuel economy cruise mode, the throttle is held at a fixed position as the vehicle travels within a prescribed range of speeds from the desired speed. The throttle remains fixed until an exit condition occurs or acceleration/deceleration input is supplied at which point the cruise control provides throttle adjustment at less than normal rates.