Abstract: A method for aiding emergency vehicle navigation includes a first step (100) of calculating a travel route for the emergency vehicle from a starting point to a destination point. A next step (102) includes establishing a location of any non-emergency vehicle in proximity to the emergency vehicle. A next step (104) includes determining a likelihood of the non-emergency vehicle and emergency vehicle encountering each other. A next step (106) includes providing navigational information to the non-emergency vehicle to re-route the non-emergency vehicle out of the path of the emergency vehicle if the vehicles are likely to encounter each other. Likelihood can be based on whether the vehicles are on the same navigational road segment or by a time or distance when the vehicles will intercept each other.

Abstract: A system and method is described for alerting authorities during a vehicle carjacking or carnapping. The method includes a first step of providing a vehicular radiotelephone communication system with speech recognition and a controller operable to monitor at least one vehicular system. A next step includes defining at least one predetermined sequence of operation of the at least one vehicular system for triggering a silent alert. The sequence can include spoken words or vehicle control operation. A next step includes monitoring the at least one vehicular system for the defined at least one predetermined sequence, such as a hidden switch activation for example. A next step includes activating a silent alert upon detection of the at least one predetermined sequence.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for selection of content on a device allows a radio to scan for desired (e.g. audio) selections being broadcast in accordance with a defined priority list that has been pre-stored. A found selection is played in order of priority and then placed back in the priority list in accordance with a prioritization logic. Desired content is identified by a digital signature or audio clip, for example. Associated with the identifier can be user interface settings, such as audio controls, and even vehicle settings such as window position, sun roof, moon roof, or convertible roof top, for example. The user interface can be used to store and sort identifiers and to provide control settings to the user in audio or video format.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for detecting a potential collision between a plurality of vehicles and alerting the operator to the potential collision. If the operator fails to heed the alert, the system may also assume control of the vehicle until the dangerous situation is passed. In connection with these systems, each vehicle is equipped with a telematics system that defines a safe perimeter around the vehicle. The safe perimeter is constantly changed in response to the velocity and acceleration of the vehicle. The telematics system is in communication with the telematics systems of other vehicles in the vicinity and the systems exchange data about the current extent of their safe perimeters. If a telematics system detects the impingement of one of the other safe perimeters into its safe perimeter, the alert is triggered.

Abstract: A video recording system is responsive to an automotive controls system. The video recording system includes a video camera, capable of capturing either still photos or video footage. The video camera may be integral to the interior of a vehicle, for example in a navigation unit, or may be coupled to a detachable electronic device like a cellular telephone. The video recording system communicates with the controls system by either hard wire link or wireless link. The controls system includes one or more sensors capable of detecting when a collision has occurred. One such sensor is an airbag deployment sensor. When the controls system detects that a collision has occurred, it sends an actuation signal to the video recording system, thereby causing the video recording system to begin capturing either photos or video footage. This video footage may then be stored locally or transmitted to a remote server.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a communication system for a vehicle service station. The communication system includes a local area network (LAN) and a local communication device operable on the LAN for the vehicle service station. The invention is operable with a vehicle having a diagnostic system, a transceiver operable on the LAN, a transceiver operable on a wide area network (WAN), and a memory for storing information on the vehicle. The local communication device of the service station is operable to download information from the vehicle. Preferably, the WAN is used to direct the vehicle to perform a diagnostic which can be downloaded by the local communication device over the WAN.