Abstract: A detection method, system and device for a motor vehicle (V1). The method, system and device uses at least one camera which has a predetermined field of vision. The method includes the following steps: receiving information which is representative of a driving state associated with the vehicle; and modifying the field of vision of the camera, and in particular its orientation, according to the information.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a vehicle. The method comprises determining whether at least one occupant of the vehicle is moving at least one body part based on data collected by at least one ultrasonic sensor arranged in the vehicle. If it is determined that at least one occupant of the vehicle is moving at least one body part, the movement is classified based on the data collected by the at least one ultrasonic sensor and a determination is made as to whether the movement corresponds to a predefined movement type from a plurality of predefined movement types. If it is determined that at the movement corresponds to a predefined movement type from a plurality of predefined movement types, at least one component of the vehicle is adapted automatically depending on the predefined movement type.

Abstract: An automatic opening and closing apparatus of an opening and closing member for a vehicle includes an opening and closing member driving portion, a receiving portion configured to receive a radio signal transmitted from a radio transmitter and indicating identification information for identifying the vehicle, a non-contact detection sensor including a detection range that is specified to an inner side than an outermost position of the vehicle in a direction towards an outer side of a vehicle interior from the opening and closing member in a state where the opening and closing member is closed, and a control portion configured to control the opening and closing member driving portion in a case where the non-contact detection sensor detects an object in a state where the identification information is correlated to the vehicle on a basis of the radio signal received from the radio transmitter.

Abstract: A wiper control device controls a drive section for driving a wiper to operate at a target speed, thereby causing the wiper to perform wiping operation. The wiper control device includes a voltage monitoring section, which monitors a power source voltage supplied to the drive section, and a target speed setting section, which sets the target speed. When the power source voltage is lower than or equal to a threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed in accordance with the power source voltage. When the power source voltage is higher than the threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed at a constant value.

Abstract: An adjustable grill shutter system is provided. In one embodiment, adjustment of the grill shutter system can be provided by a method of adjusting a grill shutter system for a vehicle, the method comprising adjusting opening of one or more grill shutters located at a front end opening of the vehicle in response to a non-driven vehicle condition.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes state measurement means for measuring states of the vehicle; required power estimation means for calculating an estimated required power indicating a motor power required to operate the vehicle based on the states of the vehicle measured by the state measurement means; critical power estimation means for calculating a critical power when the motor power saturates based on the states of the vehicle measured by the state measurement means; modified reference input means for modifying a reference input so that the estimated required power falls within the estimated critical power when it is determined that the estimated required power estimated by the required power estimation means exceeds the estimated critical power estimated by the critical power estimation means; and control means for controlling a motor of the vehicle based on the reference input modified by the modified reference input means.

Abstract: An open/close actuating mechanism control device for a vehicle includes: an actuating mechanism (24, 30) that is exposed to outside air and that opens or closes on the basis of whether a predetermined condition is satisfied; an open/close failure determining unit (32) that determines whether an open/close failure of the actuating mechanism (24, 30), in which the actuating mechanism (24, 30) fails to open or close, has occurred; an outside air temperature detecting unit (26, 32) that detects an outside air temperature; and a determination timing changing unit (32) that changes timing, at which the open/close failure determining unit (32) determines that the open/close failure of the actuating mechanism (24, 30) has occurred, on the basis of the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature detecting unit (26, 32).

Abstract: A downforce-generating device for improving motor vehicle control is described. The device includes a movable underbody with a suspension-mounted support system such that the movable underbody transfers downforce load to, and moves with, the wheels of the vehicle. The suspension-mounted support system is adapted to functionally or physically disengage the movable underbody from the suspension of the vehicle upon lifting the movable underbody with a separate retraction system. A height-adjustment system may be provided to precisely control the ride height and orientation of the movable underbody relative to the roadway during vehicle travel.

Abstract: A password authentication mechanism is capable of determining whether a password has expired without referring to a database or other information repository. Additional information can be encoded in the password without unduly lengthening the password, so that the additional information can be extracted from the password when the user provides the password for authentication purposes. Thus, the password serves as an information-carrying data item as well as acting as an authentication mechanism. Such a password can be used, for example, to provide time-limited access to a vehicle in response to receipt of timely payment, and to disable the vehicle if payment is not made.

Abstract: For error-proof, gesture-controlled opening of an actuating element in a motor vehicle, provision is made to detect a vehicle user's gesture, which conveys an opening command, by means of a sensor, to check a control behavior for activating at least one further gesture-controlled actuating element of the motor vehicle for plausibility in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion and, upon identification of the opening command, to refuse the opening of the actuating element if, in a temporal relationship with the identification of the opening command, the control behavior for activating the further actuating element is identified as being implausible.

Abstract: An active suspension system for a suspended device. The system has an electromagnetic actuator that produces force on the suspended device and that is powered by a power source, and a control system that provides control signals that cause the electromagnetic actuator to exert force on the suspended device. The control system is adapted to receive a turn-off signal that results in disabling the electromagnetic actuator from producing force on the suspended device. When the control system receives a turn-off signal it provides actuator turn-off control signals that cause the force exerted by the electromagnetic actuator to progressively transition to zero over a transition time period.

Abstract: In a tire pressure detecting apparatus, a receiver stores wheel positions detected by a previous wheel position detection as previous wheel positions. When an ignition switch is turned on and until wheel positions are newly specified by a current wheel position detection, the receiver permits an indicator to indicate tire pressure of each of wheels based on the previous wheel positions to notify a driver of the tire pressure from an earlier timing. The receiver permits the indication of the tire pressure based on the previous wheel positions only when a difference of the tire pressure between the wheels is equal to or less than a threshold. If there is a possibility that tire pressure of one of the wheels is insufficient, the receiver prevents the indicator to indicate the tire pressure until a current wheel position detection finishes.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle is provided. In the information display system, a display device changes a position of a display screen by retracting a portion of a display screen from a visible space to an in invisible space and deploying the retracted portion of the display screen from the invisible space to the visible space. In accordance with the position of the display screen in the display device, a display controller changes information displayed on an effective display region of the display screen.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of at least one of commanding an occupant communication device and entering data into the occupant communication device based on whether a driver is a primary or a secondary driver is provided. A controller is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is configured to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is one of the primary and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is configured to selectively control the operation of at least one of commanding the occupant communication device and entering data into the occupant communication device based on whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary driver or the secondary driver.

Abstract: A multi-function vehicle mirror control system includes at least one mirror assembly having at least one first mirror and at least one second mirror. Each of the mirrors have one or more motors to tilt and/or pan the mirror, and/or at least one heating element. The system also includes a control input device having a plurality of selectable controls to select the mirror assembly, the first mirror, the second mirror, and/or the heating element. In some embodiments, the controller controls selection, activation, and/or movement of the mirror assembly, the first mirror and/or the second mirror. In some embodiments, the system includes an orientation switch used to determine a selection orientation of the multi-function vehicle mirror control system. Additional alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle rental transaction system and method which provide a vehicle lot owner with a choice of options for vehicle security and customer convenience. The vehicle rental transaction system includes a computer for identifying a customer as part of a rental transaction involving a vehicle, and for sending a wireless message to the vehicle containing instructions for preparing the vehicle for the customer. Example instructions include, but are not limited to, unlocking doors and a trunk of the vehicle, adjusting power seats and power mirrors in accordance with customer preferences, adjusting climate control settings in accordance with the customer preferences, adjusting radio station settings in accordance with the customer preferences, and adjusting GPS settings in accordance with the customer preferences.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor, a movable partition, a controller, a sensor, and a power source. The movable partition is operably coupled with the motor. The controller is associated with the movable partition and is configured to detect a resting position of the movable partition. The sensor is coupled with the controller and is configured to detect a vehicular condition. The power source is in electrical communication with the motor and the controller and is configured to facilitate passage of electrical current to each of the controller and the motor. Passage of electrical current to the motor facilitates movement of the movable partition. If passage of electrical current to the motor is interrupted, the controller is configured to detect the resting position of the movable partition after passage of a delay time. The delay time changes in response to changes in the vehicular condition.

Abstract: An intelligent side step apparatus for a vehicle includes a step panel (13) that protrudes and expands to a side of a vehicle body (16) when a getting-off mode signal of a passenger is generated. The step panel (13) moves down to a side of the vehicle body when a getting-on mode signal of a passenger is generated. A step lamp (14) mounted on the step panel (13) is turned on when a night mode signal is generated.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, passive release of a charge cord is provided for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a charging port having one or more sensors for detecting movement of the charging cable relative to the charging port. A transceiver responds to the detected movement by transmitting an authentication request and receiving an authentication signal, which is processed by a controller and unlocks the charging cable from the charging port responsive to verifying the authentication signal. In an exemplary method, an authentication request is transmitted responsive to detecting an uncoupling action of the charging cable from a vehicle. Upon receipt and verification of an authentication signal, the charging cable is automatically unlocked and unlatched facilitating release of the charging cable. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the charging cable can be passively released from the vehicle.

Abstract: In an emergency evacuation device of a vehicle that executes an automatic vehicle stop control based on a command of a driver through a switch or a command input device in a driver's emergency, there is provided a structure of a switch or a command input device in which an area or a position in a spatial region possible or easy for the driver to access and/or an operation possible or easy for the driver to perform are taken into account.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively activating a gravity down mode of a hydraulic system during operation of a lift gate. An electronic control circuit is added to hydraulic control circuitry and is configured to selectively interrupt the power down mode or gravity down mode of operation of the hydraulic system based on either a manual input (override) or a sensed condition and switch to the other mode of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a headrest position adjusting device provided with a distance measuring device and drive motor units. The distance measuring device is provided with a plurality of detection electrodes and a detection circuit including a plurality of capacitance detection circuits and a computation circuit. The computation circuit uses capacitance values, position information from the detection electrodes, and a high-degree function with a degree of at least 3 to compute a high-degree curve in a two-dimensional coordinate system with capacitance on the y-axis and detection-electrode position on the x-axis. The computation circuit computes the highest-degree coefficient of the high-degree curve and determines the distance between a head and a front part of a headrest on the basis of the computed highest-degree coefficient. On the basis of the measurement result, the headrest position adjusting device moves the front part of the headrest towards the front or back of a vehicle.

Abstract: A control system is employed in a vehicle to assist a user to operate the vehicle effectively and safely. In accordance with the invention, the system provides driving assistance to the user by taking into account the user's physical condition, the vehicle condition and the surrounding conditions. The surrounding conditions include, e.g., road, weather and traffic conditions, external to the vehicle. The vehicle condition concerns the conditions of the brakes, steering, tires, radiator, etc. of the vehicle. Signs of fatigue, stress and illness of the user are monitored by the control system to assess the user's physical condition.

Abstract: In an inverted pendulum type vehicle having a traveling motion unit, when a component about an axis in a second direction and a component about an axis in a first direction from within a tilt error between an actual tilt angle and a desired tilt angle of the payload supporting part are defined as ?be_x_s and ?be_y_s, respectively, and when a component in the first direction and a component in the second direction from within a traveling velocity of a representative point of the vehicle in a stationary state in which ?be_x_s and ?be_y_s are retained constant are defined as Vb_x_stb and Vb_y_stb, respectively, a traveling motion of the traveling motion unit is controlled so that a ratio of a magnitude of Vb_x_stb with respect to a magnitude of ?be_x_s and a ratio of a magnitude of Vb_y_stb with respect to ?be_y_s becomes a ratio different from each other.

Abstract: A method where vibration information is received from a plurality of vibration sensors fixed to a steering wheel at given positions of the steering wheel. It is then determined, based on the received vibration information and expected propagation of vibration along the steering wheel, whether a user has caused vibration to the steering wheel and at which section of the steering wheel the vibration is caused. The section of the steering wheel where the vibration is caused to the steering wheel is referred to as a touch section. Responsive to the determination of the touch section, a user command is determined and a corresponding control command is sent to a controllable device so that a user can command the controllable device in a desired manner e.g. by tapping a particular section of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for receiving and recording a closure panel release request. The system comprises an input device for transmitting the closure panel release request, a closure mechanism for securing the closure panel in the closed position, and a processor that is coupled to the vehicle, the closure mechanism, and the input device. The processor is configured to receive the closure panel release request and set a condition indicating that the closure panel is released from the closed position.

Abstract: The disclosed capacitance sensing apparatus may be used in an occupant classification system. The sensing apparatus may comprise a sensor pad, a sensing element disposed on the sensor pad for sensing capacitive current, at least one additional electronic element disposed on the sensor pad for providing information related to another parameter, and a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism may electrically connect the at least one additional electronic element to the sensing element during the capacitance measurements and electrically disconnect the at least one additional electronic element from the sensing element after the capacitance measurement.

Abstract: A sunroof control interface, as well as a method of using the interface, is provided. The interface may use a visual representation of the vehicle's exterior and/or a slide controller to help the user to quickly identify the desired sunroof position. Assuming a touch-screen interface, the user can simply tap on the visual representation of the vehicle, or tap on the slide controller, to select the desired sunroof position. The desired sunroof position may also be selected using a mouse controller. The visual depiction of the vehicle may include a phantom sunroof overlay to further aid the user in selecting the desired sunroof position. A numerical indicator may be used with either the overlay or the slide controller to indicate the selected sunroof position relative to a fully open or fully closed sunroof.

Abstract: A sunroof control interface, as well as a method of using the interface, is provided. The interface may use a visual representation of the vehicle's exterior and/or a slide controller to help the user to quickly identify the desired sunroof position. Preset sunroof positions are used with the control interface to simplify sunroof positioning. Assuming a touch-screen interface, the user can simply tap on the visual representation of the vehicle, or tap on the slide controller, to select a preset sunroof position. The preset sunroof position may also be selected using a mouse controller. The visual depiction of the vehicle may include a phantom sunroof overlay to further aid the user in selecting the desired sunroof position. A numerical indicator may be used with either the overlay or the slide controller to indicate the selected sunroof position relative to a fully open or fully closed sunroof.

Abstract: A sunroof control interface, as well as a method of using the interface, is provided. The interface may use a visual representation of the vehicle's exterior and/or a slide controller to help the user to quickly identify the desired sunroof position. Assuming a touch-screen interface, a tap-and-slide motion is used with either the visual representation of the vehicle or the slide controller to select the desired sunroof position. A select-and-slide motion may also be used with a mouse controller. The visual depiction of the vehicle may include a phantom sunroof overlay to further aid the user in selecting the desired sunroof position. A numerical indicator may be used with either the overlay or the slide controller to indicate the selected sunroof position relative to a fully open or fully closed sunroof.

Abstract: A first operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a first sensor that a first physical variable is higher than a predetermined first threshold value. In a similar way, a second operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a second sensor that a second physical variable is higher than a predetermined second threshold value. A third operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of the first sensor that the first physical variable is higher than a predetermined third threshold value and if at the same time it is detected by means of the second sensor that the second physical variable is higher than a predetermined fourth threshold value, the third threshold value being higher than the first threshold value.

Abstract: An automatic hatch system is disclosed. The system includes a hatch frame and a hatch cover connected thereto. A pneumatic actuator assembly is connected to the hatch frame and the hatch cover. The system also includes an automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator assembly to open, close or adjust the opening of the hatch. The automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator includes a compressor assembly, a valve assembly, and a controller assembly.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a standard connection circuit part which connects a standard electronic device and an ECU, and an optional connection circuit part which connects optional electronic devices and the ECU. The optional connection circuit part includes a communication connector which is provided to be connectable to the optional electronic devices, and an optional circuit which connects the ECU to the communication connector. The communication connector performs multiplex communication which multiplexes communication of the optional electronic devices and the ECU.

Abstract: A method by which a setting, which corresponds to a type of parking space, of at least one side mirror of a motor vehicle is ensured during a parking operation, the method including at least the following: a. a control unit of the motor vehicle detects the type of parking space into which the motor vehicle is to be parked, b. the control unit initiates an adjustment of the side mirror to a setting which is adapted to the type of parking space detected in step a. if an instantaneous setting of the side mirror does not correspond to the setting which is adapted to the type of parking space detected in step a.

Abstract: A lane tracking apparatus and method using camera direction control is provided. The lane tracking apparatus using camera direction control includes a lane recognition unit for obtaining lane information from an image captured and acquired by a camera. A road curvature calculation unit calculates a curvature of a road using the lane information. A camera direction angle control unit controls a direction angle of the camera in consideration of the road curvature.

Abstract: When an occupant's sight line detected by sight line detector is directed to any one of multiple onboard units (a side mirror, a rear view mirror, a navigation system, an in-vehicle phone, an air blowout port, and a meter panel), a controller allows the onboard unit, to which the sight line is directed, to be operable. Thus, the occupant can select the onboard unit, which the occupant wishes to operate, by the sight line without using the hand and further can operate the onboard unit by use of a common steering switch, thereby enhancing the convenience of operation. In addition, a corresponding one of pilot lamps notifies the occupant that the corresponding one of the onboard units, to which the sight line is directed, is operable. Accordingly, the occupant can avoid operating a wrong onboard unit while reliably recognizing the operable onboard unit even if the multiple onboard units are arranged close to one another.

Abstract: A suspension system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The suspension system may have a seat operatively connected to a cabin floor of the mobile machine, a cylinder connected between the seat and the cabin floor, and a spring associated with the cylinder. The suspension system may also have at least one valve configured to regulate fluid flow into and out of the cylinder, and a controller in communication with the at least one valve. The controller may be configured to detect a failure condition of the suspension system. In response to detection of the failure condition, the controller may be further configured to cause the at least one valve to move to a default position at which fluid flow into and out of the cylinder is restricted by an amount that still allows fluid flow through the at least one valve.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device performs a tilt operation of a steering shaft to a predetermined position by using a driving force of a motor, a steering wheel being mounted to an upper end of the steering shaft. The vehicle steering device includes: a tilt drive motor allows the steering shaft to move during the tilt operation; and a control unit which controls driving of the tilt drive motor. The control unit drives the tilt drive motor so as to determine a tilt displacement amount from an open loop transfer function of a mechanical system which takes inertia and viscosity of a steering column into consideration, based on a resultant force of torque of the tilt drive motor and steering torque, which is generated in the steering column in which the steering shaft is rotatably supported.

Abstract: A posture control apparatus is provided. More specifically, a memory stores positional information of a seat corresponding to a sex, a stature, a sitting stature and a body type of a driver. An information collector receives the sex, the stature, the sitting stature and a weight of the driver and a sitting stature section determinator determines a sitting stature section of the driver based on the received stature and sitting stature of the driver. A Body Mass Index section determinator determines a body type section of the driver based on the received sex, stature, and weight of the driver. A controller then determines a position of the seat corresponding to the sex, the stature, the sitting stature section and the body type section of the driver based on the positional information of the seat stored in the memory.

Abstract: A machine employing controllable mounts and a method for controlling such mounts based on machine operation are disclosed. The controllable mount may include a housing, a pin, rheological fluid within the housing and coils provided proximate to the rheological fluid. As current is applied to the coils, the apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid is increased, and in so doing so are the damping and stiffness properties of the controllable mount. With other operations such as roading or working on a flat surface, the feedback afforded by the mounts is not as important as operator comfort, in which case the current applied to the coils can be lowered and thus the mount can be made more relaxed. The machine of the present disclosure identifies the machine operation being performed through sensors, predictive algorithms, implement position, and operator input and sets the current and properties of the controllable mounts accordingly.

Abstract: An active door lock system allows a user to confirm a state of a child in a vehicle before opening a door by partially opening a window of the door in the case of sensing unlock of door lock from an outer side of the door in the state in which a child lock is set.

Abstract: To be configured inexpensively to enable cost reduction and sense sitting posture of an occupant highly accurately, occupant posture sensing apparatus 100 includes capacitance sensor unit 10 and circuit unit 20. Capacitance sensor unit 10 includes first and second sensing electrodes 11 and 12 provided at portions of vehicle interior ceiling 2 ahead of and right above a seat 40 and connected to capacitance sensing circuit 21 of circuit unit 20 and shield-driving circuit 23 through selector switches SW1 and SW2. CPU 29 of circuit unit 20 determines sitting posture of occupant (human body) 48 sitting on the seat 40 based on information regarding position of head 49 of the occupant 48 by using capacitance values detected by capacitance sensing circuit 21 based on capacitances from sensing electrodes 11 and 12. Posture information regarding the determined sitting posture is output to ECU mounted on a vehicle 1 and used for controlling air bag deployment, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for preventing the unauthorized use of a vehicle. A set of vehicle operating parameters is entered onto a person's driver's license, and that person registers as an authorized user of a specified vehicle. When that person enters the vehicle, the person inserts the driver's license into a card reader, and the card reader reads the operating parameters and enters those parameters onto a computing platform. The computing platform receives these operating parameters and checks to determine if the person is an authorized user of the vehicle. If the computing platform determines that the person is an authorized user, the computing platform sends the operating parameters to a control module within the vehicle. If the person then operates the vehicle, the control module controls the vehicle to maintain that operation within the operating parameters.

Abstract: A steering wheel position control system includes a head position acquisition part for acquiring a position of a head part of a driver, a seat movement detection part for detecting movement of a seat, on which the driver is seated, a steering wheel position calculation part for calculating a position of a steering wheel based on the position of the head part acquired by the head position acquisition part when the movement of the electric power seat is detected by the seat movement detection part, and a steering wheel position change part for moving the steering wheel to the position of the steering wheel calculated by the steering wheel position calculation part.

Abstract: Provided is an overturn preventing device for a dump vehicle equipped with a body (3) and hoist cylinders (5). The dump vehicle overturn preventing device comprises: a loaded weight estimation unit (32) which estimates loaded weight on the body; a vehicle rotation moment calculation unit (33) which calculates a vehicle rotation moment Mb caused by movement of the dump vehicle's load upon discharging of the load; a reference moment calculation unit (34) which determines a reference moment Ms not greater than an overturn threshold moment MI which is the minimum value of a rotation moment required to lift the front wheels (1) off the ground; a judgment unit (35) which judges whether or not the vehicle rotation moment Mb has exceeded the reference moment Ms; and a display device (37) which notifies the driver that there is a probability of an overturn of the vehicle when the vehicle rotation moment Mb is judged to have exceeded the reference moment Ms.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a guidance application capable of coordinating the interior features of a vehicle (e.g., the heating/cooling system, automatic windows, automatic seats, automatic sunroof, seat heaters, etc.) to produce the current environmental conditions (e.g., sunshine, heat, wind, etc.) displayed in a media asset being accessed in the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving assistance apparatus for assisting a driving operation by outputting a reverse sound at the time of a reversing maneuver of a vehicle. The apparatus includes an information acquisition unit for acquiring driving assistance information including a vehicle condition and a vehicle surrounding condition, a reverse sound management unit for managing reverse sounds belonging in a musical scale including the reverse sound as the tonic note thereof as musical scale reverse sounds, an output reverse sound determination unit for determining a sequence of musical scale in the form of temporal sequence corresponding to the driving assistance information, and a reverse sound output control unit configured to select from the reverse sounds managed by the reverse sound management unit and output to a speaker reverse sounds suitable for the sequence of the musical scale determined by the reverse sound determination unit.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted control device is provided with a touch detection unit and a control unit. The touch detection unit is provided corresponding to a vehicle-mounted apparatus to be controlled, and can detect a touch operation that is of a user and that relates to a function of the vehicle-mounted apparatus to be controlled. The control unit controls the vehicle-mounted apparatus on the basis of the touch operation of the user detected by the touch detection unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an input device for allowing entry of vehicle operator identification information, a transceiver for transmitting a message and receiving a response to the message, an interface for allowing a processor to communication with a vehicle sub-system, and a processor connected to the input device, the transceiver, and the interface, the processor for receiving the vehicle operator identification information from the input device, for generating the message comprising the vehicle operation identification information and providing the message to the transceiver, for receiving the response from the transceiver and for controlling the vehicle sub-system, via the interface, based on the response.

Abstract: A method for operating an HVAC system in a host vehicle. The method includes detecting a following distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle, and operating an on-board control device to control the HVAC system in the host vehicle to operate in a first mode while the following distance is detected as being greater than a threshold distance and to automatically operate in a second mode while the following distance is detected as being less than or equal to the threshold distance.