Abstract: According to a vehicle controller, when a communication control unlit (13) of a vehicle controller (1) acquires a variable control parameter from a server (5) via the Internet (4), the variable control parameter is stored in a write-enabled storage unit (11), and the user can change to a desired vehicle driving state on the basis of the variable control parameter. A fixed control parameter set as a default value and adapted for initializing the vehicle driving state is stored in a non-write-enabled storage unit (12). If an emergency stop button (16) is pushed or a vehicle-information-acquiring unit (17) acquires driving error detection information when the vehicle is driving on the basis of the variable control parameter, the vehicle immediately switches to a safe driving state according to the fixed control parameter.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus includes: a torque sensor for detecting a steering torque applied to a steering wheel and outputting a torque signal corresponding to the steering torque; a speed sensor for detecting a speed of a vehicle and outputting a speed signal corresponding to the speed of the vehicle; a humidity sensor for outputting a humidity signal corresponding to a humidity of an interior of the power steering apparatus; and an electronic control unit for receiving the humidity signal from the humidity sensor, and for, when a measured humidity is an reference value or higher, generating a motor current signal for supplying an assistant steering force smaller than an assistant force set in response to the torque signal and the speed signal.

Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle integrated system comprises one or more remotely operated vehicles (ROV) configured to be deployed substantially continuously subsea and one or more a tether management systems configured to be deployed substantially continuously subsea. The ROVs and tether management systems are typically deployed substantially continuously subsea where a first signal interface, e.g. for power and/or data, is operatively connecting the signal source deployed substantially permanently subsea and one or more of the ROVs operatively connected the signal source.

Abstract: A mobile device intermediary for vehicle adaptation is disclosed. A mobile device intermediary can access driver profile information and vehicle profile information from a remotely located device, determine vehicle adaptation information based on the driver profile information and vehicle profile information, and facilitate access to the vehicle adaptation information to facilitate adapting an aspect of a first vehicle. The mobile device intermediary can further receive other vehicle profile information related to a second vehicle associated with a driver profile and include the other vehicle profile information in determining the vehicle adaptation information. The vehicle adaptation information can be related to adapting a performance aspect of the first vehicle. The vehicle adaptation information can also be related to adapting an amenity aspect of the first vehicle.

Abstract: An unmanned systems operator control system includes a hand held controller with a set of switches and control enumeration software specially configured to report a superset of virtual switches based on the physical switches. A core unit includes a first unmanned system control application subscribing to a first switch subset of the superset and outputting commands controlling a first unmanned system based on activation of the set of switches. A second unmanned system control application subscribes to a second switch subset of the superset and outputs commands controlling a second unmanned system based on activation of the set of switches. A mode switching subsystem is configured, in a first state, to map the set of switches to the first switch subset and, in a second state, to map the set of switches to the second switch subset.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle configured to determine the heading of an object-of-interest based on a point cloud. An example computer-implemented method involves: (a) receiving spatial-point data indicating a set of spatial points, each spatial point representing a point in three dimensions, where the set of spatial points corresponds to an object-of-interest; (b) determining, for each spatial point, an associated projected point, each projected point representing a point in two dimensions; (c) determining a set of line segments based on the determined projected points, where each respective line segment connects at least two determined projected points; (d) determining an orientation of at least one determined line segment from the set of line segments; and (e) determining a heading of the object-of-interest based on at least the determined orientation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for presenting fleet vehicle operation information in standardized forms includes a telematics module and a data standardizing module. The telematics module receives measurements related to operation of multiple vehicles in a fleet. The data standardizing module, using a first technique, estimates a first value for a parameter for at least one vehicle of the multiple vehicles based at least on the measurements. Further, the data standardizing module, using a second technique, estimates a second value for the parameter for at least one vehicle of the multiple vehicles based at least on the measurements. The second technique including using some measurement to estimate the second value different from the measurements used to estimate the first value according to the first technique. The data standardizing module outputs one or both of the first value and the second value for presentation to a user.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control key for controlling a vehicle, includes a main body, a handle portion, a control module, a displaying module, a terminal communication module and a touch module. The main body includes a first display panel and at least one touch screen. The handle portion is connected to the main body. The terminal communication module is electrically connected to the control module. The display module is electrically connected to the first display panel and the control module, the terminal communication module sends vehicle information to the control module, and the vehicle information is displayed on the first display panel via the display module, the touch module is electrically connected to the at least one touch screen and the control module, when the vehicle is in a parked state, it can be controlled via touching of the touch screen.

Abstract: A data management system is disclosed for use with a plurality of machines operating at a worksite. The data management system may have a plurality of onboard sensory devices, each configured to generate data regarding at least one of machine performance and worksite conditions. The data management system may also have a plurality of onboard locating devices, each configured to generate a machine location signal. The data management system may further have a plurality of onboard communication devices, and a worksite controller. The worksite controller may be configured to receive the data and the machine location signals from onboard the plurality of machines via the plurality of communication devices, trigger an event based on the data received from onboard at least a first of the plurality of machines, and selectively retrieve data from at least a second of the plurality of machines based on event triggering.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive remote vehicle identification information and a user-confirmable vehicle variable value from a remote vehicle computing system. The processor is also configured to receive vehicle identification information and user-confirmable variable value user-input, input in conjunction with a remote process remote access request. Further, the processor is configured to compare the user-input variable value to the remotely received variable value. The processor is additionally configured to provide access to the remote process upon a correspondence between the user-input variable value and the remotely received variable value.

Abstract: A wiper system and a control method thereof are provided. The wiper system includes a first camera provided inside a vehicle to photograph outside of the vehicle beyond a windshield glass. A wiper apparatus removes foreign materials from the windshield glass, and a body control module operates the wiper apparatus. The telematics module communicates with a driver terminal and controls the body control module. The telematics module determines whether an external view is extractable from an image acquired by the first camera during an engine stop, and applies a wiper operation signal to the body control module based on the communication result according to a communication with the driver terminal if the external view is not extracted.

Abstract: Embodiments of a metrology device and a computer-implemented method generate survey data without touching the subsea objects being surveyed. The metrology device can include an inertial navigation system (INS) outputting position and orientation data of the metrology device; an aiding device positioned at a known distance and orientation with respect to the INS for collecting image data of the subsea objects; and a computer having one or more computer programs that use the image data to calculate measured velocity of the metrology device at first and second subsea objects to perform virtual zero velocity updates, and uses an apparent difference in the position of the first subsea object measured prior and subsequent to measuring the second subsea object to perform virtual position update.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory can transmit a first signal to a mobile device, the first signal including a location of a vehicle. The mobile device can monitor its own location. The mobile device can assess whether one or more location-based criteria have been satisfied based on the location of the mobile device and the location of the vehicle. Upon determining that a location-based criterion has been satisfied, the mobile device can transmit a second signal to the vehicle accessory indicating that a function of the vehicle is to be controlled. Thus, for example, the mobile device can activate or de-activate vehicle features (e.g., door locking, vehicle defrosting, etc.) in a manner that capitalizes on efficient signal transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel apparatus includes a communication unit configured to receive a widget or content transmitted from one or more user terminals, an instrument panel page constituted of a plurality of instrument panel containers in which the widget or content is embedded, a converting unit configured to generate data capable of being embedded in the instrument panel containers according to a type of the received widget or content, an execution unit configured to load the instrument panel page to a screen, a sensing data acquiring unit configured to acquire measurement information input through one or more sensors, and an interface unit configured to combine the measurement information acquired by the sensing data acquiring unit with the instrument panel page loaded by the execution unit.

Abstract: Navigation instructions using low-bandwidth signaling are supported in an alternative user interface that may be utilized as either a full replacement or as an enhancement to conventional visual/audio navigation interfaces. In one illustrative example, the alternative interface makes use of the more constrained, but generally broadly available low-bandwidth signaling capability of mobile devices to encode navigation instructions in the form of varying patterns of tactile vibrations that may be imparted from the device to a user as haptic feedback. The user can sense the vibrations and readily translate them into the navigation instructions without needing any kind of special decoding equipment or using any special techniques. The vibrations may be encoded using easy to remember patterns so that a full and rich navigation feature set may be accessed with minimal training on the user's part.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may include a stuck condition detection component and a communications component. The stuck-detection component may be configured to detect a condition in which the autonomous vehicle is impeded from navigating according to a first trajectory. The communications component may send an assistance signal to an assistance center and receive a response to the assistance signal. The assistance signal may include sensor information from the autonomous vehicle. The assistance center may include a communications component and a trajectory specification component. The communications component may receive the assistance signal and send a corresponding response. The trajectory specification component may specify a second trajectory for the autonomous vehicle and generate the corresponding response that includes a representation of the second trajectory. The second trajectory may be based on the first trajectory and may ignore an object that obstructs the first trajectory.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface and a processor. The interface is operable to wirelessly transmit instructions to one or more mobile drive units. The processor is communicatively coupled to the interface and is operable to instruct a mobile drive unit to transport a first shipping container storing at least one completed order to a shipping station, instruct the mobile drive unit to connect the first shipping container to a second shipping container to form a group of connected shipping containers. The processor is also operable to detect a trigger event, and in response to detecting the trigger event, coordinate movement of one or more mobile drive units to transport the group of connected shipping containers onto a vehicle for shipment.

Abstract: A vehicle-side unit transmits a first request signal WAKE periodically toward a portable unit, and transmits a second request signal CHLG at every predetermined transmission interval specific to the vehicle-side unit upon reception of a first response signal ACK from the portable unit in response to the transmitted WAKE. The portable unit is operable with power supplied from a battery. The portable unit transmits ACK upon reception of WAKE and becomes ready for reception of CHLG at a timing CHLG is transmitted in accordance with the transmission interval specific to the vehicle-side unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of modifying a worksite for calibrating a vehicle model used to autonomously control a first machine on the worksite. The method may include receiving a signal from the first machine indicative of an aspect of the vehicle model in need of calibration. The method may also include determining, in response to receipt of the signal, that the worksite includes a calibration site having a characteristic corresponding to the aspect of the vehicle model, and that calibrating the aspect of the vehicle model requires modifying the characteristic of the calibration site. The method may further include autonomously modifying the characteristic of the calibration site with a second machine at the worksite, and directing the first machine to the modified calibration site for autonomous calibration of the aspect of the vehicle model.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control device includes a communications device for transferring vehicle movement control signals to a remote vehicle and a touch-screen interface configured to present a graphical representation of the remote vehicle and to allow a user to manipulate the graphical representation on the touch-screen. A conversion component converts the manipulation of the graphical representation into vehicle control signals for transfer by the communications device.

Abstract: A lid lock controller includes a lid lock unit operable in a lock state, which keeps the lid closed, and an unlock state, which allows for the lid to open. A detection unit detects an unlocking operation performed on the lid lock unit. A key check unit checks whether or not an electronic key is located in the vicinity of the vehicle through wireless communication between the vehicle and the electronic key when the unlock operation is detected. An unlocking unit switches the lid lock unit to the unlock state when the electronic key is located in the vicinity of the vehicle. The unlocking unit switches the lid lock unit to the unlock state even when the electronic key is not located in the vicinity of the vehicle as long as a further lid unlock condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A device for road and urban mobility and for solving the problem of traffic congestion, installed on a vehicle in order to make traffic flow more fluid in and between cities. The device consists of a set of five electronic modules, including a processor. The processor analyzes and extracts positional data of the equipped vehicle from a satellite signal and sends the requests of same for an exchange with a server, bi-directionally. The device is incorporated into an onboard housing. The present device is intended, in particular, to make the traffic flow more fluid and to communicate with a dedicated server in order to guide the driver of the equipped vehicle during his/her journey from a start point to the point entered into the device as the desired final destination. The present device reduces traffic congestion and pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrate satellite communications. A network of upward facing antennas placed on top of cell phone towers is established. Each upward facing antenna has a footprint at the altitude of a particular satellite orbit. Upward facing antennas are placed on cell towers so as to establish a continuous coverage over the orbit of a satellite(s) thereby allowing continuous communication using cellular technology with the satellite(s) on orbit.

Abstract: A vehicle operated in a self-propelled program-controlled manner, in particular without a driver, for automatically measuring, marking and/or pre-drilling predetermined desired positions for foundation devices to be introduced into the ground, possibly also for introducing the foundation devices themselves. The vehicle includes a working device, which can be pivoted about pivoting axes and is equipped with a device for automatically detecting and correcting misalignments of the axis thereof and which brings the vehicle to the desired positions with a locating device, which establishes the actual position thereof, and a data processing system, which is loaded with the desired positions in such a way that it can perform the prescribed working steps in a program-controlled manner.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an electric vehicle battery system and a method. The electric vehicle battery system includes a rechargeable traction battery pack configured to supply electric power to a propulsion system of a vehicle. The system includes a data-gathering module configured to monitor or test an aspect of the traction battery pack and in response to generate a traction battery pack status report. The system includes a gatekeeper module configured to permit or deny the rechargeable traction battery pack (i) supplying electric power to the propulsion system or (ii) receiving a recharge, the permit or deny in response to a management instruction issued by a remote battery manager system. The system includes a communication system configured to communicate with the remote battery manager. In an embodiment, the system includes an on-board charging system configured to recharge the rechargeable traction battery pack.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle automatically implements steer maneuvers when objects enter one or more zones proximate the vehicle, wherein the zones are monitored by a controller associated with the vehicle. The controller tracks objects in the zones via sensor data obtained from at least one obstacle sensor located on the vehicle and via dead reckoning. The objects are tracked by the controller until they are no longer in an environment proximate the vehicle. Different zones result in different steer maneuvers being implemented by the controller.

Abstract: An operator control unit has a user interface that allows a user to identify a mode of display and interaction that narrows the user's options for his next interaction with the user interface. The user interface utilizes portals to transition between environments such as indoors to outdoors, outdoors to indoors, different rooms of a building, and different floors of a building, the portals representing one or more of stairways and doors, and being used in remote vehicle path planning as waypoints that may require execution of predetermined behaviors.

Abstract: A method for operating an authorization device for keyless entry and starting of a vehicle with a portable ID transmitter that has a motion sensor. A wireless communication link for interchanging data messages can be set up between the authorization device and the ID transmitter. Keyless entry to the vehicle is permissible only when an instant of last movement of the ID transmitter, as captured by the motion sensor, is within a stipulated interval of time. The authorization device permits keyless starting of the vehicle only when keyless entry to the vehicle has previously been permitted.

Abstract: A mobile device enabling one or more processors to receive vehicle key security codes from a vehicle key. The mobile device may receive a signal from a transmitter associated with a vehicle key, the signal being indicative of one or more security codes associated with the vehicle key. The mobile device may store the one or more security codes in memory and configure a mobile device application to implement one or more vehicle control functions using the security codes. The mobile device may wirelessly transmit commands for implementing the one or more vehicle control functions using the security codes to a vehicle associated with the key. The wireless transmission of commands may include short range wireless communication.

Abstract: Provided is a remote vehicle diagnostic system which utilizes a smart phone as a centralized communication hub between a vehicle and several remote resources. The system includes a program downloadable onto the smart phone to program the phone to perform desired functionality. The smart phone app may allow the smart phone to operate in a diagnostic mode and an emergency mode. In the diagnostic mode, the smart phone may relay vehicle data from the vehicle to a remote diagnostic center. The smart phone may also query the user to obtain symptomatic diagnostic information, which may be uploaded to the remote diagnostic center. In the emergency mode, the smart phone may be configured to upload critical information to a remote diagnostic center, or an emergency response center. The emergency mode may be triggered automatically in response to the vehicle being in an accident, or by user actuation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining vehicle ignition state using a device added to the vehicle after the manufacture of the vehicle without a direct connection to the vehicle ignition line are disclosed. In a number of embodiments, a system includes a processor, a motion detector configured to detect vehicle motion and to enable the processor to obtain motion data, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver configured to determine location and to enable the processor to obtain at least speed data, and a radio transceiver configured to communicate with the processor. Additionally, the processor is configured to estimate the ignition state of a vehicle using at least the motion data and the speed data.

Abstract: A self-propelled robot and method for operating the same are provided. The self-propelled robot includes a base, a drive motor, a communication transceiver, at least two laterally spaced-apart range finding sensors and a processor. The base defines a bottom of a payload receiving space. The drive motor is operable to propel the base across a surface. The communication transceiver is configured to communicate with a carry sensor that is remote from the robot. The range finding sensors are configured to provide range information indicative of a distance between the remote device and the range finding sensors. The processor is configured to, when communication transceiver is in communication with the remote device, operate the drive motor to maintain a predefined distance between the range finding sensor and the carry sensor.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for adjusting a position of at least one component of a vehicle for a user of the vehicle. A user is identified with a user key associated with the user. The user key and a vehicle identifier associated with the vehicle are transmitted to a server remote from the vehicle. At least one user setting for the vehicle is received from the remote server, with the at least one user setting relating to the user key, the vehicle identifier, and the position of the at least one component. A vehicle system setting is updated with the at least one user setting so as to adjust the position of the at least one component based on the at least one user setting when the vehicle system setting does not correspond with the at least one user setting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver configured to receive a signal representing a sequence of user inputs to a portable electronic device and an audible device configured to generate a sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. A duration and volume of the sound is based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs received within a predetermined time interval. A method includes receiving the signal provided to the portable electronic device within a predetermined time interval and generating the sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs.

Abstract: In-vehicle functions are implemented using a location device disposed in a vehicle, a central controller of the vehicle, and logic executable by a computer processor of the central controller. The location device includes a wireless communications interface. The logic receives a unique identifier of the location device. The unique identifier identifies a location in the vehicle in which the location device is disposed. The logic also validates the location device and an end user device in response to activation of the location device by the end user device via the communications interface. The logic further receives a request from the end user device to implement end user-configured settings for an electronic component that services the location in the vehicle corresponding to the unique identifier and activates the electronic component based on the end user-configured settings.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for remotely controlling a plurality of functions of an emergency vehicle, wherein at least one of the functions is activating the emergency lights. The method comprises connecting a mobile computing device to a central control unit through a wireless network, inputting a command on the mobile computing device, transmitting the command to the central control unit through the network, and performing the one or more functions of the emergency vehicle. Also provided is a computer program and a system for enabling a plurality of mobile computing devices to connect to at least one emergency vehicle, wherein an administrator may, among other things, control user access levels and vehicle functionality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting an intruder inside a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a load sensor coupled to the vehicle, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the load sensor and is configured to monitor the load in the vehicle after the vehicle is vacated and locked and to determine if the load in the vehicle changes by more than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for operating a remotely controlled powered system, the system including a feedforward element configured to provide information to the remotely controlled powered system to establish a velocity, and a feedback element configured to provide information from the remotely controlled powered system to the feedforward element. A method and a computer software code are further disclosed for operating the remotely controlled powered system.

Abstract: A system for transporting goods arranged on loading devices between two areas, one area being a high-bay warehouse, includes a driverless transport system with at least one transport trolley for transporting the goods including the loading devices. The transport trolley has a lifting device which can be lifted and lowered above the trolley. The transport system furthermore includes a transfer station under which the transport trolley can drive and from which the transport trolley can accept and/or transfer loading devices with load deposited there.

Abstract: Driving condition monitoring system for a vehicle on a travel surface includes stationary mounting structures arranged proximate the travel surface, and sensors located in the mounting structures in a vicinity of the travel surface and apart from the travel surface. The sensors generate information about the travel surface or an environment around the travel surface. An arrangement on the vehicle or associated with the sensors initiates a transmission of the information generated by each sensor to the vehicle when the vehicle is proximate the sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle control method of a server is provided. The vehicle control method includes receiving, when a user terminal is connected, user information from the user terminal, searching for vehicle environment information corresponding to the user information, and controlling an environment of a vehicle using the searched vehicle environment information.

Abstract: The drone comprises altitude determination means (134), with an estimator (152) combining the measures of an ultrasound telemetry sensor (154) and of a barometric sensor (156) to deliver an absolute altitude value of the drone in a terrestrial system. The estimator comprises a predictive filter (152) incorporating a representation of a dynamic model of the drone making it possible to predict the altitude based on the motor commands (158) and to periodically readjust this prediction as a function of the signals delivered by the telemetry sensor (154) and the barometric sensor (156). Validation means analyze the reflected echoes and possibly modify the parameters of the estimator and/or allow or invalidate the signals of the telemetry sensor. The echo analysis also makes it possible to deduce the presence and the configuration of an obstacle within the operating range of the telemetry sensor, to apply if need be a suitable corrective action.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a step of calculating a reference value Itag_b; a step of performing a first Pchg calculating process when a SOC at present is not in a predetermined range or speed V of a vehicle is smaller than a threshold value, or when a target value Itag is not less than the reference value Itag_b; and a step of performing a second Pchg calculating process when the SOC at present is in the predetermined range between SOC(1) and SOC(2) and the speed V of the vehicle is not less than the threshold value V(0), and when the target value Itag is smaller than the reference value Itag_b.

Abstract: An example method may include receiving a first set of points based on detection of an environment of an autonomous vehicle during a first time period, selecting a plurality of points from the first set of points that form a first point cloud representing an object in the environment, receiving a second set of points based on detection of the environment during a second time period which is after the first period, selecting a plurality of points from the second set of points that form a second point cloud representing the object in the environment, determining a transformation between the selected points from the first set of points and the selected points from the second set of points, using the transformation to determine a velocity of the object, and providing instructions to control the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the velocity of the object.

Abstract: An automated personal safety system and method for detecting and communicating unsafe temperature conditions in an automobile is disclosed. The system/method includes a device comprising a temperature sensing unit that senses human body temperature and ambient temperature. A controller in the device detects changes between a programmed threshold temperature and sensed temperatures. When in an automobile, the device communicates unsafe conditions to an automobile electronics panel that reacts accordingly to alleviate the unsafe conditions before any support arrives to the automobile. The temperature data is also constantly monitored by a third party at a remote location. Another embodiment includes a system to detect device malfunctioning in real time and react accordingly to provide assistance.

Abstract: A system for incorporation into a manually controlled vehicle to provide unmanned operational capability to the vehicle, comprises a quantity of subsystem controllers. The subsystem controllers include: a throttle controller, integratable with an existing throttle system of the vehicle; a brake controller, integratable with an existing brake system of the vehicle; and a steering controller, integratable with an existing steering system of the vehicle. An actuator control system is operably coupleable to each of the subsystem controllers, and the actuator control system is capable of enabling remote or automated control of each of the subsystem controllers. An interrupt device is operably coupled to the actuator control system, the interrupt device providing selective: i) actuation of the actuator control system to provide remote or automated control of the subsystem controllers; and ii) deactivation of the actuator control system to return the subsystem controllers to a manually controlled state.

Abstract: A system and a method of managing one or more vehicles deployed in a worksite are provided. The system includes a battery management module which may receive, via a data network, battery health information and/or location co-ordinates from at least one vehicle. The battery management module is configured to issue a battery changing command, via the data network, to a battery-changing device based at least on the battery health information and the location co-ordinates of the vehicles. The battery-changing device may be configured to change at least one battery on the at least one vehicle with charged batteries based on the issued command. The battery-changing device is configured to return each of the changed battery to a central station to recharge the changed battery.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating between a vehicle having a vehicle telematics unit and a central facility includes establishing a virtual private network (VPN) connection between a vehicle and a central facility; constructing a data message for communication between the vehicle and the central facility using the VPN; transmitting the data message via the VPN using an unreliable transmission protocol; and determining if the transmitted data message arrived at its destination.