A motor vehicle includes a first time switch and a second time switch for controlling a preparation function for an operation of the motor vehicle. A set first time switch overrides a set second time switch. A method for controlling the preparation function includes determining an expected utilization time of the motor vehicle; determining that the first time switch is not set; outputting a specific utilization time and detecting a confirmation of the specific utilization time; and setting the first time switch to the specific utilization time.

A monitor monitors whether a person is present inside a vehicle that travels in an automated driving mode. The monitor also monitors the state of the vehicle. A controller performs one or more actions according to the result of monitoring of the monitor. This means that when one or more persons are present inside the vehicle, the controller performs one or more actions according to the state of the vehicle. In other words, when no person is present inside the vehicle, the controller does not perform one or more actions. Here, the controller generates control information for controlling the vehicle according to the result of the monitoring, and transmits it to the vehicle.

Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.

An assembly for a ventilation system of a vehicle is provided. The assembly is configured to use a single actuator to control direction of a vent and additionally control the flow rate of that vent. The assembly may comprise a single rotatable control member with two routes, one route used for controlling flow rate and one route for controlling flow direction. Each route may have a straight portion and curved portion.

An electronic device and a method for remote control of vehicle features are provided. The electronic device receives a first user input indicative of a selection of a first vehicle from a set of vehicles associated with a user. The electronic device further receives, via a haptic device associated with the electronic device, a second user input including a tactile gesture. The second user input is indicative of an instruction to remotely control a first set of features on the selected first vehicle. The tactile gesture includes a first swipe input along a first direction associated with the haptic device and further includes a second swipe input along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The electronic device further controls the first set of features on the selected first vehicle based on the received second user input.

A method of remotely managing a transport climate control system (TCCS) includes a remote management device receiving performance data from the TCCS. The performance data based on one or more detected operating parameters of the climate control circuit. The method also including the remote management device providing the performance data to one or more user devices. A remote management system includes a remote management device configured to receive performance data for a climate control circuit from a climate controller of a TCCS and to provide the performance data to one or more user devices. A TCCS includes a controller configured to: generate performance data based on the one or more detected operating parameters of a climate control circuit, and transmit the performance data to a remote monitoring device. The climate controller also configured to receive an operating instruction from the remote monitoring device.

An olfactory communication system for generating aroma-based notifications to one or more occupants of a vehicle includes an aroma diffuser that emits aromas into an interior cabin of the vehicle and a controller in electronic communication with the aroma diffuser. The one or more controllers execute instructions to receive a message indicating a specific event is occurring, where the specific event is an occurrence that the one or more occupants experience while in the interior cabin of the vehicle. In response to receiving the message, the one or more controllers determine a customized aroma based on the specific event, where the customized aroma creates an odor that informs the one or more occupants of the specific event. The one or more controllers instruct the aroma diffuser to emit the customized aroma into the interior cabin of the vehicle.

A vehicle ventilation control system includes: a reception unit that receives an instruction signal input by a user via wireless communication; and a control unit that controls ventilation inside a vehicle based on the instruction signal, in which the control unit performs ventilation control to control the ventilation based on the instruction signal input during a period after the user gets out of the vehicle to next boarding.

A control system includes a manual-type air conditioner, and a control device which causes the manual-type air conditioner to execute remote air conditioning in response to a command from outside of a vehicle. The control device starts actuation of the manual-type air conditioner with a maximum temperature as a target blowout temperature of an air-conditioning air and a maximum air quantity as a target air quantity in response to a trigger command of the remote air conditioning, and gradually changes and reduces the target air quantity while gradually changing the target blowout temperature toward a target intermediate temperature with elapse of time. The control device changes the target blowout temperature and the target air quantity respectively to a set blowout temperature and a set air quantity at a time of previous disembarkment, when boarding of a user to the vehicle is detected.

A machine charging system includes a machine, a charging unit, at least one user locator, and a control system. The machine may include one or more batteries, a cab, and a temperature control system. The charging unit may be configured to be removably coupled to the machine via a cable. The control system may include a controller in communication with the at least one user locator and the cab temperature control system. When the controller detects that the at least one user locator is within a predetermined distance from the machine while the machine is coupled to the charging unit, the controller may initiate one or more pre-start or pre-conditioning procedures with the temperature control system to control a temperature of one or more components of the machine.