A system for controlling operation of a vehicle, the system comprising: a voice synthesizer unit for providing voice communication to a driver; a speech recognition unit for receiving speech from a driver; a breath alcohol sensor unit for detecting a presence of alcohol on the breath of a driver and providing a signal representative of the same; a vehicle operation interface for controlling operation of the vehicle; and a controller for (i) selectively causing the voice synthesizer unit to speak to the driver, (ii) operating the speech recognition unit to detect speech by the driver, (iii) receiving the signal from the breath alcohol sensor unit, and (iv) depending on the signal received from the breath alcohol sensor unit, providing a command to the vehicle operation interface to control operation of the vehicle.

A system including a vehicle electronic control unit, an imaging device, and a controller is disclosed. The controller includes a processor and memory storing computer-readable medium including executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to capture an image of an operator of a vehicle by the imaging device, determine a facial expression of the operator, and transmit a vehicle operation command to the vehicle electronic control unit. The vehicle operation command causes the vehicle electronic control unit to perform a vehicle operation action based on the facial expression of the operator and an operation state of the vehicle.

At a sensor electrode of a steering wheel, a protruding portion protrudes from a main body portion. A first thread and a second thread each extend in the protruding portion and effect conduction between a terminal at the protruding portion and a main body portion. Therefore, even if there is no conduction between the first thread and the second thread at intersection portions between the first thread and second thread in the protruding portion, the first thread and the second thread may each effect conduction between the terminal and the main body portion, and a degradation of conduction performance of the sensor electrode may be suppressed.

At a sensor electrode of a steering wheel, a protruding portion protrudes from a main body portion. A first thread and a second thread each extend in the protruding portion and effect conduction between a terminal at the protruding portion and a main body portion. Therefore, even if there is no conduction between the first thread and the second thread at intersection portions between the first thread and second thread in the protruding portion, the first thread and the second thread may each effect conduction between the terminal and the main body portion, and a degradation of conduction performance of the sensor electrode may be suppressed.

A garment and tether system is presented. The system includes a garment and tether. The garment includes: a garment body, and at least one electrical element connected to the garment body. The tether includes: a first end and a second end, at least one electrical conductor operatively connected between the first and second ends, and an electrical contact at the second end. The tether is connected to the garment at the first end, the second end being removably connectable to a base disposed on a vehicle. The base is adapted to provide power to the at least one electrical conductor of the tether via the electrical contact. The at least one electrical element is provided power from the vehicle via the tether.

A garment and tether system is presented. The system includes a garment and tether. The garment includes: a garment body, and at least one electrical element connected to the garment body. The tether includes: a first end and a second end, at least one electrical conductor operatively connected between the first and second ends, and an electrical contact at the second end. The tether is connected to the garment at the first end, the second end being removably connectable to a base disposed on a vehicle. The base is adapted to provide power to the at least one electrical conductor of the tether via the electrical contact. The at least one electrical element is provided power from the vehicle via the tether.

A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.

A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.

A method for controlling a locking system for automatic locking and shutdown of a motor vehicle comprising a device for partially autonomous parking is described. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a request for automatic locking and shutdown of the motor vehicle; determining at least one feature which identifies an imminent use of the function for partially autonomous parking; evaluating the at least one feature captured and on the basis thereof determining whether a use of the function for partially autonomous parking is to be expected; delaying the automatic shutdown of the motor vehicle if it was determined that a use of the function for partially autonomous parking is to be expected.

A method for controlling a locking system for automatic locking and shutdown of a motor vehicle comprising a device for partially autonomous parking is described. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a request for automatic locking and shutdown of the motor vehicle; determining at least one feature which identifies an imminent use of the function for partially autonomous parking; evaluating the at least one feature captured and on the basis thereof determining whether a use of the function for partially autonomous parking is to be expected; delaying the automatic shutdown of the motor vehicle if it was determined that a use of the function for partially autonomous parking is to be expected.