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: Improved vehicle emergency lighting control may be implemented in a vehicle computer. Data may be collected related to a pursuit of a second vehicle. The collected data can be used to determine at least one of an action of the first vehicle and an action of the second vehicle. An emergency light in the first vehicle can be controlled based on the at least one determined action.

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: An overhead clearance system for a vehicle is configured to receive signals from wireless transceivers attached to objects that are towed or carried by the vehicle and extend above a top of the vehicle. A controller is programmed to receive the signals from the wireless transceivers and transmit a request to a remote device to send height data associated with the object and the vehicle. The controller outputs an alert when combined object and vehicle heights exceed a sensed vertical clearance.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus includes a controller coupled to a first sensor positioned on a first object external to a vehicle and configured to receive first information indicative of a height of the first object from the first sensor via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and store second information corresponding to a height of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to receive third information corresponding to a height of overhead obstacle positioned external to the vehicle and to compare at least one of the first information and the second information to the third information. The controller is further configured to generate an alert based on the comparison of the at least one of the first information and the second information to the third information.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting vehicle information to a portable personal communication device (PCD) is provided. The apparatus comprises a communication module positioned in the first vehicle. The communication module is configured to transmit a first signal including static information and dynamic information to the first PCD. The static information includes one of a first vehicle serial number and a vehicle type and the dynamic information includes one of a connect status, a driver alert rating, and a silent alarm. The first PCD is arranged to control operation thereof based on at least one of the static information and the dynamic information.

Abstract: A device for controlling a restricted mode of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a controller that is configured to receive an input indicative of a request to change a vehicle state from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode and to transmit a first control signal indicative of a request to limit at least one of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration. The controller is further configured to monitor a distance traveled by a driver when the vehicle is in the restricted mode and to compare the distance traveled to a predetermined distance limit. The controller is further configured to transmit a second control signal to remove the request to limit the at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle acceleration in response to determining that the distance traveled exceeds the predetermined distance limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus including a controller that is electrically coupled to a plurality of transceivers within a vehicle for enabling bi-directional wireless communication via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) between the controller and an occupant communication device (OCD). The controller is further configured to: transmit an advertisement signal indicative of the vehicle being in motion from each transceiver to the OCD via BLE and to receive, at each transceiver, a scan request signal from the OCD via BLE at a first power level. The controller is further configured to determine the location of the OCD in the vehicle in response to receiving the scan request signal at each transceiver at the first power level.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a vehicle controller. The vehicle controller is programmed to receive a signal indicative of an eye gaze of a driver and to transmit an advertisement to a personal communication device (PCD) to indicate that the driver is distracted in response to the eye gaze of the driver being diverted off of a road for a period of time that exceeds an associated time threshold.

Abstract: Data is collected related one or more objects proximate to a first vehicle, the one or more objects including a second vehicle. The collected data is used to generate a virtual map of the one or more objects including the second vehicle. It is determined that the second vehicle is likely to pass within a predetermined distance of the first vehicle, thereby identifying a threat of a collision. An action is initiated based on the threat. The predetermined distance is determined by comparing a current traffic density to a predetermined traffic density threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.

Abstract: A method of vehicle monitoring includes monitoring one or more vehicle safety systems while a vehicle is in operation to detect an unsafe condition. The method also includes sending an alert to a handheld device if an unsafe condition is detected.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and vehicles are disclosed. Exemplary methods may include determining that a vehicle is a fleet vehicle, establishing a presence of a configuration bit indicating the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, receiving an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage session as a fleet vehicle, and resetting a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the conclusion of the vehicle usage. Other exemplary methods may include installing a configuration bit into a vehicle, which indicates that the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, and providing a processor for the vehicle. The processor may be configured to reset a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the configuration bit and an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage associated with the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vehicle wrong-way detection including systems, sensors or features, such as those for system/network clocks, ambient light, driver impairment, automatic cruise control, blind spot warning or configurable vehicle security, either singly or in any combination therewith, may refine and/or modify the confidence level of detecting particular or potential wrong-way incidents. By modifying the confidence level, the system may change the system sensitivity by moving the cutoff point at which an alert activation takes place. The systems described above can modify the wrong-way detection sensitivity. Greater confidence, or system sensitivity, may also help enable the system to take further actions beyond a simple warning. At greater confidence levels, the system could intervene, by way of a non-limiting example, with throttle limiting, turning on the hazard lights or even bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for masking an in-coming call from a portable communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller that is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of a driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The controller is further configured to transmit a first signal to a PCD to block a notification of an incoming call in the event the driver status signal indicates that the driver is the secondary driver.

Abstract: Data is collected related one or more objects proximate to a first vehicle, the one or more objects including a second vehicle. The collected data is used to generate a virtual map of the one or more objects including the second vehicle. It is determined that the second vehicle is likely to pass within a predetermined distance of the first vehicle, thereby identifying a threat of a collision. An action is initiated based on the threat. The predetermined distance is determined by comparing a current traffic density to a predetermined traffic density threshold.