Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of handheld devices including a plurality of transceivers. A control unit may be coupled to a handheld device of the plurality of handheld devices. The system may further include a plurality of end-of-train air devices coupled to a plurality of air brakes. An air manifold may be coupled to the plurality of air brakes. The system may include a controller coupled to the control unit and to the air manifold. A processor may be coupled to the controller and the control unit, and a non-transitory computer readable medium may be coupled to the processor. The non-transitory computer readable medium may include instructions executable to receive information from the control unit corresponding to an air brake test performed on the plurality of end-of-train air devices, determine a status of the air brake test, and generate an inspection form based on the received information and the determined status.

Abstract: A trailer reversing assist system for controlling reversing operations of a vehicle and trailer connected to the vehicle includes a module that detects an angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and outputs a trailer angle signal corresponding to the detected angle. The system also includes a human machine interface (HMI) device that provides an output signal based upon an input of the user, where the generated output signal includes information regarding magnitude and direction of a desired change to the angle. The system calculates a trailer trajectory that positions the trailer at a target location or calculates a trailer trajectory correction, wherein the calculation is performed using the output signal as corresponding to a change relative to the detected angle, and the detected angle corresponds to the trailer angle signal generated at the time of operation of the HMI device by the user.

Abstract: A method of assembling a recreational vehicle includes providing a structural panel for installation in the recreational vehicle, which has a surface and a readable image in or internal to the structural panel, with the readable image being located at or near a location on the surface of the structural panel for installing a component at the location. The readable image has to-be-installed component information about the component to be installed at the location and is readable at the surface of the structural panel. The method further includes reading the readable image to determine the to-be-installed component information about the component that is to be installed at the location on the surface of the structural panel.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging and discharging system according to the present invention includes: a charge and discharge unit capable of charging a battery mounted on an electric vehicle and discharging the battery; a first communication unit that acquires a vehicle identification number of the electric vehicle and a dischargeable capacity value indicating a dischargeable amount of power of the battery from the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is connected with the charge and discharge unit; and a display unit that displays the vehicle identification number and the dischargeable capacity value acquired by the first communication unit.

Abstract: An illustrative electrical harness for bypassing a vehicular security module includes first, second, and third connectors, and electrical conductors. The electrical conductors electrically couple a first pin of the first connector to a third pin of the third connector, a second pin of the first connector to an eleventh pin of the third connector, a first pin of the second connector to a fourteenth pin of the third connector, and a second pin of the second connector to a sixth pin of the third connector. When the first connector is mated with a connector of a first communication bus of a vehicle and the second connector is mated with a connector of a second communication bus of the vehicle, the third connector is configured to bypass the vehicular security module by providing access to a diagnostic port of electrical modules coupled to the first or second communication buses.

Abstract: An aircraft monitoring system includes a sensor operatively connected to at least a portion of an aircraft, a memory configured to store instructions, and a processor disposed in communication with the memory and the sensor. The processor, upon execution of the instructions, is configured to display a graphical representation of the portion of the aircraft reflecting real-time monitoring activity, and display a monitoring controller. A method of providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for an aircraft monitoring system includes displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of an aircraft's geometry reflecting real-time monitoring activity. The method includes displaying one or more monitoring controllers. Each monitoring controller is associated with at least a portion of an aircraft monitoring system and a location on the aircraft's geometry.

Abstract: Techniques for related to retail transaction are disclosed. The techniques involve various uses of a mobile device, such as a cell phone, in authorizing payment for a retail transaction and/or receiving and/or transmitting data to/from the mobile device.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method of interacting with a vehicle or a home control system. A context associated with a user input is obtained in relation to the vehicle or the home control system. An instruction based on the user input and the context is generated. The instruction is transmitted to the vehicle or the home control system to generate control or indication in connection with one of a component and a function of the vehicle or the home control system.

Abstract: An example method for outputting a PID filter list (PFL) includes: receiving RO data from one or more ROs that indicate particular vehicle identifying information (PVII), at least one symptom identifier, and a particular vehicle component; determining, symptom-to-parameter-identifier (PID) mapping data (MD) based on the received RO data and component-to-PID MD; determining, based on the set of available PIDs for the SOV and the symptom-to-PID MD, a PFL, wherein the PFL is associated with the PVII and the at least one symptom identifier, and wherein the PFL indicates a symptom-based subset of PIDs from the set of available PIDs for the SOV; receiving, a request sent over a communication network from a display device, wherein the request comprises the PVII and the at least one symptom identifier; and transmitting, over the communication network to the display device, a response to the request, the response comprising the PFL.

Abstract: An example method for outputting a PID filter list (PFL) includes: receiving RO data from one or more ROs that indicate particular vehicle identifying information (PVII), at least one symptom identifier, and a particular vehicle component; determining, symptom-to-parameter-identifier (PID) mapping data (MD) based on the received RO data and component-to-PID MD; determining, based on the set of available PIDs for the SOV and the symptom-to-PID MD, a PFL, wherein the PFL is associated with the PVII and the at least one symptom identifier, and wherein the PFL indicates a symptom-based subset of PIDs from the set of available PIDs for the SOV; receiving, a request sent over a communication network from a display device, wherein the request comprises the PVII and the at least one symptom identifier; and transmitting, over the communication network to the display device, a response to the request, the response comprising the PFL.

Abstract: A backpack for convenient charging, the backpack comprising: a backpack body with a battery storage space to accommodate a storage battery unit; at least one strap connected to the backpack body, where at least one strap has a fixture for fixing a product to be charged and a power cable output port proximal to the fixture; wherein the backpack body further includes at least one cable passage leading from the battery storage space to the power cable output port to accommodate at least one power cable each with a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least one power cable is connected to the storage battery unit to be charged.

Abstract: A method for collecting operational data from an aircraft having a display screen for operational data. The method includes using a mobile terminal equipped with at least one optical sensor, images of the display screen are acquired in such a way that at least some of the acquired images represent operational data displayed on the display screen; using an optical character recognition (OCR) module associated with said mobile terminal, character strings each representative of one piece of said operational data displayed on the display screen are identified in the acquired images; and using a report generation module and said identified character strings, an electronic report is generated containing at least some of said operational data of the aircraft.

Abstract: An illustrative electrical harness for bypassing a vehicular security module includes first, second, and third connectors, and electrical conductors. The electrical conductors electrically couple a first pin of the first connector to a third pin of the third connector, a second pin of the first connector to an eleventh pin of the third connector, a first pin of the second connector to a fourteenth pin of the third connector, and a second pin of the second connector to a sixth pin of the third connector. When the first connector is mated with a connector of a first communication bus of a vehicle and the second connector is mated with a connector of a second communication bus of the vehicle, the third connector is configured to bypass the vehicular security module by providing access to a diagnostic port of electrical modules coupled to the first or second communication buses.

Abstract: A system for providing privileged access to an internal vehicle communication network is provided. The system includes a presentation network bus configured to provide listen-only access to a subset of in-vehicle networks, a security system configured to enable access to the presentation network bus by verifying access credentials, and a diagnostic service system configured to control access to the presentation network bus. The diagnostic service system is configured to receive a diagnostic service request after the access credentials have been verified to enable the presentation network busses for listen-only access to the subset of the in-vehicle networks. The presentation network busses may be enabled for the listen-only access after credential verification by the security system and in response to receipt of a diagnostic service request from the diagnostic service system requesting that the presentation network busses be enabled.

Abstract: A wheel unit including an environmental pressure sensor, a non-volatile memory for storing a first program and a second program and configuration code, a processing unit for executing the programs, a communication module comprising a wireless transmitter for transmitting at least one parameter indicative of conditions within a tire and a wireless or wired receiver for loading the second program into the non-volatile memory and a battery for powering the wheel unit. The second program may be loaded to the memory by the first program and configured by the configuration code to operate within a specific TPM system.

Abstract: A method implemented using at least one of the processor includes disposing a power source on a vehicle, wherein the power source is configured to power auxiliary loads of the aircraft. The method also includes connecting a power source disposed on a vehicle configured to engage an aircraft for ground operation, to auxiliary loads of the aircraft via an on-board power system. The method also includes performing energy management of the aircraft during the period of ground operation. The method further includes disconnecting the power source when an alternate electrical power is available to the on-board power system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively accessing information in a vehicle under test, in a manner to avoid malfunctions associated with accessing the information. A data acquisition device is provided for accessing and retrieving diagnostic data from the vehicle. A memory unit is provided including listing of malfunctioning vehicles, as well as information associated with each of vehicle. At least one service mode request is communicated to the vehicle to identify characteristic information and characteristic features of the vehicle, which information is compared to stored vehicle characteristic information, to determine if the vehicle conforms to any of the listed vehicles, subject to malfunction. If not, additional service requests are communicated to the vehicle. If the vehicle conforms to one or more of the listed vehicles additional service request(s) are modified to remove service requests, or portions thereof, that are associated with the malfunction.

Abstract: A mobile device may authorize with a paired telematics control unit of a vehicle to ensure the vehicle is in a remote service mode; send a command request to the telematics control unit requesting an operation to be automatically performed by a vehicle electronic control unit in place of manual input by an assistant; and receive diagnostic data from the vehicle electronic control unit via the telematics control unit. The telematics control unit may query electronic control units of the vehicle to identify whether the vehicle is in a mode in which commands from a remote service application of a mobile device can be processed; indicate the mode to the application; and receive the command request requesting a service operation to be automatically performed by one of the electronic control units.

Abstract: A method and computer system provides vehicle insurance underwriting and ratings to a policy holder. The method and system receives captured sensor data associated with a vehicle from the policy holder. For example, the captured sensor data may include vehicle image and sound data. The method and system may compare the received data to baseline data to determine an operating condition of the vehicle. Based at least in part on the determined operating condition of the vehicle, the method and system may identify a risk of loss for the vehicle. The method and system may then determine an insurance premium for the vehicle based at least in part on the identified risk of loss, and provide the determined insurance premium to the policy holder. In some embodiments, the sensor data is image and sound data captured by a user's mobile phone.

Abstract: An aircraft failure diagnostic method and system includes a group of at least one smart mobile device, mobile in relation to the on-board equipment of an aircraft. The smart mobile device transmits a request for measurement data to an on-board equipment, following a tree structure of measurement data to be acquired. A piece of measurement data received from the on-board equipment by a smart mobile device causes passage to a later step in the tree structure of measurement data requests or interactive maintenance document. The interactive maintenance document is generated by automatically extracting inferences, data to be measured, measurements achievable on the on-board equipment, and measurements requiring a tool not included in the on-board equipment from an aircraft technical documentation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating baselines based on vehicle service request (VSR) data are described. Additional VSR data accumulated after generating a baseline can be compared to the baselines, by a processor executing program logic, to detect a deviation in the additional VSR data. Responsive to detecting the deviation, a notification regarding the deviation can be provided. The notification can prompt receivers of the notification to analyze the baseline and VSR data and responsively prepare a service bulletin regarding the VSR data. The service bulleting can be provided to repair shop equipment (RSE) or to users of the RSE. VSR data pertaining to different vehicle models built on a common vehicle platform can be aggregated to increase an amount of VSR data used to generate a baseline. Multiple baselines can be generated for each of one or more vehicle models.

Abstract: An information terminal includes: an operation assignment information storage unit that stores operation assignment information; an actuation information reception unit that receives from an in-car device actuation information; an assignment unit that, on the basis of the operation assignment information and the actuation information, assigns some among a plurality of operations in the information terminal to each of one or more actuations among a plurality of types of actuation that can be inputted with an actuation unit provided to the in-car device respectively, according to priority levels; an actuation signal reception unit that receives an actuation signal outputted from the in-car device; and a conversion unit that, on the basis of the result of assignment by the assignment unit, converts the actuation signal into an operating command that corresponds to one among the plurality of operations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an extension connector. The extension connector may include a first connector communicatively coupled to an in-vehicle connector associated with an automobile. The extension connector may further include a second connector that may be communicatively coupled to the first connector. The extension connector may further include a third connector that may be communicatively coupled to the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: A system for triggered request for downloaded information from a vehicle-based monitor comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor is configured to determine whether it is desired to receive one or more data from a vehicle-based monitor. In the event that it is desired to receive one or more data from the vehicle-based monitor, the processor is configured to provide an indication that it is desired to receive the one or more data from the vehicle-based monitor. The processor is configured to receive the one or more data.

Abstract: A system and method of securely communicating information between a vehicle and a central facility includes receiving at a vehicle diagnostic tool a challenge query from the vehicle; establishing a wireless connection between the vehicle diagnostic tool and a central facility; transmitting the challenge query from the vehicle diagnostic tool to the central facility via the wireless connection; receiving at the vehicle diagnostic tool a response to the challenge query via the wireless connection; and accessing one or more vehicle modules on the vehicle using the received response to the challenge query.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus allow for capturing the results of drug tests using mobile devices. One or more implementations include apparatus that interface a mobile computing device with a drug test, while ensuring that an imaging device of the mobile computing device is optically aligned with a test display areas of the drug test. One or more additional implementations include a method for analyzing drug testing results. The method includes receiving and analyzing drug testing data, which includes an identification of a type drug testing apparatus being used at a remote testing device, and an image that visually represents a portion of a drug test. The method also includes analyzing the test results of the drug test based on the identification of the type drug testing apparatus.

Abstract: An aircraft failure diagnostic method and system includes a group of at least one smart mobile device, mobile in relation to the on-board equipment of an aircraft. The smart mobile device transmits a request for measurement data to an on-board equipment, following a tree structure of measurement data to be acquired. A piece of measurement data received from the on-board equipment by a smart mobile device causes passage to a later step in the tree structure of measurement data requests or interactive maintenance document. The interactive maintenance document is generated by automatically extracting inferences, data to be measured, measurements achievable on the on-board equipment, and measurements requiring a tool not included in the on-board equipment from an aircraft technical documentation.

Abstract: A power balancing system includes a vehicle communication device connected to a data link connector of a vehicle, and a scan tool connected to the vehicle communication device, the scan tool including a handset and a vehicle connector interface (VCI), wherein power can be received from one or more of an external power source being external from the VCI, the vehicle, and an internal power supply of the scan tool, and wherein the system balances the received power.

Abstract: A data acquisition device for a vehicle includes a first body and a second body. A first body includes a first casing, an antenna member, and two cushion pads. A terminal of the first casing forms a recession and two lateral walls of the recession have two pivot members. The antenna member is disposed in the first casing. The two cushion pads are respectively located on the two lateral walls of the recession and circumferentially disposed around the two pivot members. Each of the cushion pads has a core hole and the pivot members are respectively passing through the core holes. The second body includes a second casing and a process device. A terminal of the second casing has a plug part, and the second casing respectively have two pivot holes pivoted on the two pivot members. The processing device is disposed in the second casing.

Abstract: A shovel management apparatus includes a temporary storing part and an abnormality information storing part. The temporary storing part temporarily stores detection information containing an operation input amount detected by an input amount detecting part of a shovel and physical amounts detected by a plurality of sensors in the shovel. The abnormality information storing part stores abnormality information. A controller performs an abnormality determination based on the detection information. The controller transfers, when an occurrence of an abnormality is determined at a first time, the detection information as the abnormality information, which is stored in a time period from a second time earlier than the first time to at least the first time, from the temporary storing part to the abnormality information storing part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that allow an off-the-shelf USB flash memory device to be used with a scan tool. The USB flash memory device can have a different operating system then the proprietary operating system of the scan tool. The method and apparatus allows the scan tool to read from and write on the USB flash memory device regardless of the formatted operating system on the device.

Abstract: A diagnostic scan tool is provided including a connect/configure module for establishing a communication link between the scan tool and a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU). A vehicle specification module operates to identify a vehicle under test in response to receipt of a vehicle identification number (VIN). A trouble code module retrieves digital trouble codes (DTCs) from the ECU. A freeze frame data module retrieves freeze frame data from the ECU, the retrieved freeze frame data being functionally associated with a highest priority DTC. A database lists possible vehicle defect solutions, indexed to the VIN and the DTCs. A digital signal processor is operative to derive the highest priority DTC from analysis of the retrieved freeze frame data. The digital signal processor further being operative to regulate selection of a most likely vehicle defect solution associated with the VIN and the highest priority DTC.

Abstract: A method of automatically establishing a data connection between a wireless automotive interface component and a mobile communication device, comprising: providing a wireless automotive interface component connected to a vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, the interface component comprising: a short range communication module; and a vehicle network protocol interface; providing a mobile communication device running a gateway module; representing an automatically recognizable Bluetooth profile and a Serial Port Profile (SPP) by the wireless interface component; detecting the automatically recognizable profile by the mobile communication device; searching for the SPP profile by the mobile communication device; and automatically establishing a data connection between the wireless interface component and the mobile communication device via the SPP profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that allows a technician to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and remove any duplicates. The diagnostic tool can retrieve DTCs from the various diagnostic systems in the vehicle, remove any duplicates and display a unique list of DTCs. The diagnostic tool can also erase all DTCs including any duplicates from the vehicle after repairs have been completed. The tool can retrieve the DTCs without the user selecting the system to retrieve from.

Abstract: An in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), stores behavior information, when a specific vehicle behavior (i.e. a vehicle behavior that does not correspond to the driver's driving operation) is detected. The in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) stores, as the behavior information, vehicle travel information, a storage time of the vehicle travel information, and storage execution information that indicates that the vehicle travel information is stored. When the engine of the vehicle stops, the ECU first executes an abnormality check of a CPU operation, when, based on the storage execution information of the behavior information, the vehicle travel information is stored. The ECU stores, as abnormality check information, an abnormality check result, an execution time of the abnormality check, and check execution information indicating that the abnormality check has been executed, and after the storage of the abnormality check information, the ECU stops power supply to the CPU.

Abstract: A preferred method of the invention is executed by code stored on a non-transient medium to control a portable computing device with a touchscreen. The code generates graphical interfaces includes an application that allows a user to capture necessary data for reporting data to permit quick and efficient diagnoses of repairs by a repair service to a part or sub-assembly of an aircraft. The data acquisition is controlled and guided with reference to actual aircraft specifications that are updated by an aircraft part supplier, such as an aircraft manufacturer.

Abstract: A diagnostic system that includes a vehicle communication interface (VCI) and a diagnostic tool is provided. When the VCI and the diagnostic tool are coupled together through a wired connection, the VCI and the diagnostic tool can communicate with each other and provide power, as needed, to each other. The VCI and the diagnostic tool can also communicate with each other wirelessly when they are not directly coupled to each other. The VCI and the diagnostic tool are configured so that communication is uninterrupted when going from the wired connection to the wireless connection and vice versa.

Abstract: Systems, software and methods are disclosed for using a mobile phone (1640) in conjunction with a head unit (1620) of a vehicle. The user interface of a user application program (1644) executing on the mobile phone is extended to utilize a generic display screen (2104) of the head unit, so that custom or per application development of head unit software can be avoided. Preferably, a handset application proxy (HAP) software application (1642) is installed and executable in the mobile phone; and a head unit proxy (HUP) software component (1630) is executable on the head unit. The HAP and the HUP communicate messages (1814, 1824) between the head unit and the mobile phone. Preferably, the HAP (1700) includes a scripting language component (1710) associated with the user application (Nomadic Appn), and having a template message translator component (1712).

Abstract: A system for completing a walk around inspection of an aircraft is provided. The system may include a processor, a memory, and a user interface. The user interface also includes a user input system and a user output system. The user interface is configured for presenting a graphical checklist for a walk around inspection of an aircraft. The system also includes a communications device. The communications device is configured for communicating with an Onboard Maintenance System for the aircraft. The system, including the processor, memory, user interface and communications device, can be used to perform the inspection of the aircraft and provide a compliance record for the inspection.

Abstract: A diagnostic display device is coupled to a vehicle data bus and receives vehicle identification information which is used to identify one or more expected onboard systems installed on the vehicle. Expected systems are queried to determine that they are present and operating properly. Presence and operation status information are stored and/or presented to a user to facilitate automated vehicle system inspection.

Abstract: Described are airbag control units having a radio-frequency identification transceiver, at least one battery pack, at least one inflator driver electrically connected to an airbag module, and one or more processors in communication with the radio-frequency identification transceiver, the battery pack, and the inflator driver. Alternatively, the airbag control unit includes signal conditioning hardware in communication with the radio-frequency identification transceiver, the battery pack, and the inflator driver. The airbag control unit retrieves a signal from the battery pack, analyzes the signal to determine battery status and/or voltage, transmits a signal to the inflator driver to perform an airbag status check, detects and analyzes the signal from the inflator driver to determine a status of the airbag module, and transmits the results to the radio-frequency identification transceiver for communication to a radio-frequency identification reader.

Abstract: A vehicle computing system having a computer processor in communication with a wireless transceiver, such that the wireless transceiver is capable of communication with a wireless communication device located remotely from the processor. The computer processor may be configured to receive input identifying at least one checksum value from one or more modules in the vehicle. The computer processor may transmit the at least one checksum value to a remote server through the wireless communication device. The remote server may compare the at least one checksum value to a predetermined value. Based on the compared results, the processor may receive one or more messages from the remote server to indicate whether the at least one checksum is equal to the predetermined value. The processor may generate one or more remedial actions if the at least one checksum is not equal to the predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center comprising the steps of connecting a device to the diagnostic port of an unknown vehicle and, without user input to the device, automatically downloading vehicle identification data and odometer data from the vehicle, transferring the vehicle identification data and odometer data from the device to work station at the service center, wherein the work station include a database, programmatically populating the vehicle identification data and odometer data into the database, the work station retrieving information based on one or both of the vehicle identification data and the odometer; and displaying the retrieved data on one or both of a computer and a paper printout.

Abstract: An on board diagnostic (OBD) II cable connector for use with an automobile diagnostic tool or the like. The on board diagnostic (OBD) II cable connector has a housing having an interface that extends from the housing. The interface engages an on board (OBD) II port on a vehicle using a series of pins extending therefrom. The on board diagnostic (OBD) II cable connector also includes a light source disposed upon the housing.

Abstract: A vehicular device includes a communication unit that performs communication with a portable communication terminal; a display unit that display an execution screen of a terminal application; an operation input unit provided in a corresponding manner with the display unit and receives an input regarding an operation for a manual setting of information used by the terminal application; and a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information regarding a vehicle, which is used by the terminal application. A control unit of the vehicular device sets, to the terminal application, the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit without using the input from the operation input unit for an execution of the terminal application, and controls a transmission of the vehicle information to the external server through the portable communication terminal by using the communication unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an extension connector. The extension connector may include a first connector communicatively coupled to an in-vehicle connector associated with an automobile. The extension connector may further include a second connector that may be communicatively coupled to the first connector. The extension connector may further include a third connector that may be communicatively coupled to the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: A server that delivers a control program for an on-vehicle apparatus detects a distance between a vehicle and a user of the vehicle, and instructs the on-vehicle apparatus to update the control program by use of an update program when the detected distance is equal to or longer than a prescribed distance.

Abstract: A method of providing maintenance to an aircraft having multiple aircraft systems and a method of operating an aircraft having multiple aircraft systems, with at least some of the aircraft systems outputting one or more visual indicia indicative of a status of a system of the aircraft where the method provides information based on such visual indicia. An aircraft system for at least one of operating and maintaining the aircraft, which may retrieve information based on such visual indicia.

Abstract: A vehicle and texting monitoring device communicates with an on board diagnostics port of a vehicle, a phone in the vehicle, and a remote electronic device to permit remote monitoring of vehicle conditions and texting within the vehicle while the vehicle is being operated. The device includes a housing and a processor coupled to and positioned in the housing. A connector is configured for coupling to a digital communications port of a vehicle wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to a plurality of subsystems of the vehicle. A transceiver is communicatively coupled to the processor wherein the transceiver transmits data to and from the processor wherein the transceiver defines a communications gateway between the processor and the vehicle, a phone positioned in the vehicle, and an extrinsic electronic device. Thus, the extrinsic electronic device monitors functional aspects of the vehicle and use of the phone positioned in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system provide an interface in a vehicle for connecting to a mobile computing device for exchanging data between the interface and the mobile computing device, the interface being connected to a vehicle data bus for exchanging data with at least one vehicle system. The data exchange between the mobile computing device and the interface occurs according to a first data protocol and the data exchange between the interface and the at least one vehicle system occurs according to a second data protocol that differs from the first data protocol.