Abstract: Emergency communication is provided between a vehicle and a public safety answering point (PSAP). The vehicle has a wireless peer-to-peer (P2P) transceiver exchanging two-way messages with remote transceivers in remote vehicles, a telematics unit for a mobile telephone system, and an emergency call activator. Polling messages are exchanged with the remote vehicles via the P2P transceiver. A group list of specific remote vehicles contactable via the P2P transceiver is compiled together with connection status of remote vehicles to the mobile telephone system. When the emergency call activator is triggered and the telematics unit is unable to intercommunicate with the mobile telephone system, then a remote vehicle is selected from the group list which has a respective connection to the mobile telephone system. A messaging sequence via the P2P transceivers relays an emergency call to the PSAP via the selected remote vehicle.

Abstract: An aftermarket two-way mobile radio transceiver incorporating a push-to-talk activator for selecting a transmitting mode or a receiving mode is installed in a vehicle. When a driving state of the vehicle is detected, the push-to-talk activator is inhibited. A discontinuous trigger action of a user may be corresponding to a selection of the transmitting mode or the receiving mode using a user input component separate from the two-way transceiver. Selection of the transmitting mode sets a latch to continuously generate a first PTT signal to the aftermarket transceiver. A subsequent selection of the receiving mode resets the latch to discontinue the first PTT signal.

Abstract: A hideable security key for a vehicle comprises a protective body which receives a fastening member configured to hold the hideable security key to an externally-accessible surface of the vehicle. A near-field communication (NFC) antenna is disposed in the protective body. An NFC controller is disposed in the protective body and is configured to drive a security key signal to the NFC antenna. A set of code entry elements are supported on the protective body adapted for manipulation by a user to input a predetermined passcode. The NFC controller is inhibited from driving the security key signal to the NFC antenna unless the user first inputs the predetermined passcode.

Abstract: Distances between spatial features such as a clearance height of a bridge over a roadway are determined based on camera images captured in a moving vehicle. A stream of images is captured. The presence of bridge overpasses is recognized in the images. A range between the vehicle and the bridge overpasses is detected at which each respective image is captured. A height of each respective bridge overpass is photometrically determined according to the respective detected range, a respective location on the respective bridge overpass, and a calibration factor. A posted height is recognized in a respective image of a respective one of the bridge overpasses. The calibration factor is revised according to a discrepancy between the respective posted height and the respective photometrically determined height. In succeeding determinations of the monitored distances, the revised calibration factor is employed.

Abstract: Distances between spatial features such as a clearance height of a bridge over a roadway are determined based on camera images captured in a moving vehicle. A stream of images is captured. The presence of bridge overpasses is recognized in the images. A range between the vehicle and the bridge overpasses is detected at which each respective image is captured. A height of each respective bridge overpass is photometrically determined according to the respective detected range, a respective location on the respective bridge overpass, and a calibration factor. A posted height is recognized in a respective image of a respective one of the bridge overpasses. The calibration factor is revised according to a discrepancy between the respective posted height and the respective photometrically determined height. In succeeding determinations of the monitored distances, the revised calibration factor is employed.

Abstract: A hideable security key for a vehicle comprises a protective body which receives a fastening member configured to hold the hideable security key to an externally-accessible surface of the vehicle. A near-field communication (NFC) antenna is disposed in the protective body. An NFC controller is disposed in the protective body and is configured to drive a security key signal to the NFC antenna. A set of code entry elements are supported on the protective body adapted for manipulation by a user to input a predetermined passcode. The NFC controller is inhibited from driving the security key signal to the NFC antenna unless the user first inputs the predetermined passcode.

Abstract: A movement prevention system preventing undesired travel of a vehicle. A transmission gear sensor senses an out of park position of a vehicle transmission. An occupant detection system senses a presence of a driver in a driver seat of a vehicle in response to the vehicle transmission being out of the park position. A processor determines whether movement of the vehicle is likely to occur in response to a determination of the non-presence of the driver. A vehicle movement prevention device prevents movement of the vehicle in response to the processor determining whether movement of the vehicle is likely to occur.

Abstract: A movement prevention system preventing undesired travel of a vehicle. A transmission gear sensor senses an out of park position of a vehicle transmission. An occupant detection system senses a presence of a driver in a driver seat of a vehicle in response to the vehicle transmission being out of the park position. A processor determines whether movement of the vehicle is likely to occur in response to a determination of the non-presence of the driver. A vehicle movement prevention device prevents movement of the vehicle in response to the processor determining whether movement of the vehicle is likely to occur.

Abstract: A movement prevention system preventing undesired travel of a vehicle. A transmission gear sensor senses an out of park position of a vehicle transmission. An occupant detection system senses a presence of a driver in a driver seat of a vehicle in response to the vehicle transmission being out of the park position. A processor determines an imminent movement of a vehicle in response to a determination of the non-presence of the driver. A vehicle movement prevention device prevents movement of the vehicle in response to the processor determining imminent movement of the vehicle. Imminent movement is identified as actual movement of the vehicle or movement of the vehicle likely to occur.

Abstract: The reproduction sound level of high priority messages such as navigation instructions, parking aid signals, and back-up warning signals is controlled based on the average ambient sound level in a vehicle. A sound level calibration table provides priority gain values for setting the programmable gain of a gain controller to ensure that messages are reproduced at a sound level which is relatively greater than ambient noise level by a predetermined target difference which is consistent for all levels of ambient noise. The target difference may be modified according to user preferences.

Abstract: A rotational sensing assembly including a ferromagnetic sensor wheel rotationally fixed to a shaft having a tooth pattern including a missing tooth. An inductive sensor is mounted adjacent the periphery of the sensor wheel and in communication with a processor. The sensor produces a generally sinusoidal signal in response to the wheel rotation, with voltage zero crossings that are time stamped by the processor. The geometry of the sensor wheel around the missing tooth location is altered to equalize the induced voltage in the sensor for fixed time intervals in order to maintain proper timing of the zero crossings in the sensor signal.

Abstract: A method for more accurately sensing the rotational position of a shaft having a toothed sensor wheel with a missing tooth is disclosed. The method includes employing an inductive sensor to produce a signal in response to the passing of the teeth on the sensor wheel. The sensor signal is altered by the geometry of the wheel about a gap formed by the missing tooth in order to correct for residual stored energy in the sensor at this location, and thus correct the signal for the timing measured by a processor in communication with the sensor.

Abstract: A seat structure capable of being manipulated between a normal seat or chair position and a bed position can be formed so that the seat bottom and the seat back are used along with a base of the seat structure as parts of a five-bar linkage system. A structure is provided on the base and on the seat bottom for controlling the movement of the seat bottom and the other parts connected to it in this linkage system as the seat bottom is moved between the seat and bed configurations. Interlocks are provided between the base and the seat bottom for preventing up or down movement of the back of the seat and the seat back when the seat structure is in the seat configuration.