A computer-implemented remote starting method includes instructing the remote start of a vehicle using a wireless device. The method also includes inputting, to the wireless device, a desired vehicle interior temperature. The method further includes sending a remote start instruction to a vehicle from the wireless device, including at least the desired temperature and monitoring a current temperature of the vehicle. The method additionally includes outputting, on the wireless device, the current vehicle temperature.

A method is disclosed for producing a communications link between a motor vehicle and a mobile user terminal. The mobile user terminal and/or the motor vehicle send a request to establish a communications link between the motor vehicle and the mobile user terminal. A check is carried out as to whether the mobile user terminal is configured to output a transfer indication sent from the motor vehicle to the mobile user terminal. A communications link is established between motor vehicle and mobile user terminal if the check is successful. A communications link is not established between motor vehicle and mobile user terminal if the check is unsuccessful.

A system for enhancing the visibility of a ground surface adjacent to a land vehicle is provided. The system includes a mobile communication device, a hand-held communication device and control logic coupled to the mobile device and operative to determine if the hand-held device is an authorized device. An imaging assembly is supported on the vehicle to obtain an image of the ground surface. An image processor processes the image to detect an obstacle located on the ground surface. The control logic is operative to generate a display command signal. A display device is responsive to the signal to display in real time the detected obstacle or a welcome mat onto or adjacent the vehicle for enhanced viewing by an approaching pedestrian when the pedestrian carrying the authorized device is located within a predetermined range of the mobile device.

The present invention relates to a windshield and wiper blade deicing system. The system is designed to use a plurality of vents that are angled to blow out or direct warm air from the vehicle engine and heater of the vehicle towards the windshield and wiper blades for quickly melting ice and snow thereon. The plurality of vents can be disposed near, or proximal to, the base of the windshield and the vehicle hood. The system uses internal warm air generated from the vehicle engine, and the heater of the vehicle and control same with a deicing controller. The system can be controlled by a plurality of control buttons disposed on a dashboard of the vehicle. The system can also be controlled remotely by a key fob of the vehicle.

The vehicle is provided with a dashboard and with a housing in which a mobile device, for example a mobile phone or smartphone, can be inserted. An electronic control unit of the vehicle co-acts with the mobile device by means of an electronic interface, so as to provide the mobile device with information relating to the operation of the vehicle. In this way, the mobile device provides an integration of the on-board instruments of the vehicle, which completes the instruments available on the dashboard.

A system and method for identifying a type of vehicle occupant based on locations of a portable device that include receiving a plurality of communication signals from the portable device and evaluating received signal strength measurements of the plurality of communication signals to determine a tracking pattern that includes a tracked path of the portable device as a user approaches a vehicle, enters the vehicle, and is seated within a particular seat of the vehicle. The system and method also include identifying the user as a driver of the vehicle or a non-driving occupant of the vehicle based on the tracking pattern and controlling at least one vehicle system by executing vehicle settings associated with the driver of the vehicle and the non-driving occupant of the vehicle based on identifying the user as the driver of the vehicle or the non-driving occupant of the vehicle.

A vehicle driving challenge system includes a first mobile module in a first vehicle and operated by a first driver and a second mobile module included in a second vehicle and operated by a second driver. A request includes planned driving route information and location of the first mobile module. A computer server system checks if the second driver has requested or indicated willingness to participate in a driving challenge, whether the second mobile module has a planned driving route at least partly in common with the planned driving route of the first mobile module, and determines, a common driving challenge route associated with the first and second mobile modules. Based on the planned driving route of the first mobile module, a real-time concurrent vehicle driving challenge between the first and second drivers is initiated along the common driving challenge route.

A method and system couples a first user interface with a second user interface. The first user interface is implemented in the form of a mobile terminal or one or more back-end components. The second user interface is implemented in the form of a control device of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: registering one or more elements of the first user interface; determining one or more display elements based on first heuristics and the one or more elements, wherein the one or more display elements are configured to reproduce at least one portion of the one or more elements; and displaying the one or more display elements on the second user interface. The system has the control device and/or the one or more back-end components, wherein the control device and/or the one or more back-end components are configured to carry out the method.

An example operation includes one or more of displaying, on a transport display, first data from a device detachably attached to a transport and displaying, on the transport display, second data from a device affixed to the transport. The second data is overlaid on the display proximate to the first data.

An interactive system for a vehicle using a display unit integrated on the windshield. The system receives user inputs and control the display unit based on the user input is disclosed. The system includes a display unit, which is present on the windshield of the rear window glazing, side window glazing or roof glazing of a vehicle. The display unit is composed of one or more illumination devices sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate of the glass assembly. The display unit is configured to display patterns, emoticons with varying intensity of illumination, frequency and color. The system further includes a sensor unit with a plurality of sensors that monitors condition and status of the vehicle. The processing unit is configured to control the display unit based on user actions and data received from the data retrieving unit.