A system and method for remote control of a passenger control unit (PCU) via a mobile communications device includes a wireless controller and receiver installed between the PCU and a PCU control module connected to actuators for seats and other peripheral devices. The wireless controller includes a set of contacts mapped to a matrix of switches within the PCU. The wireless receiver receives a contact signal from a user device configured for execution of a graphical interface of virtual contacts mapped to the set of contacts. When the user engages a virtual contact, the contact signal indicates the engaged virtual contact and the wireless controller engages the corresponding contact. The PCU control module detects the engaged contact as an engagement of the corresponding PCU switch and signals the appropriate seat or peripheral device actuator. Seats and peripheral devices may be simultaneously controlled via the physical PCU or via mobile device.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for enacting various driving profiles based on identifying the age and gender of the user. Initially, identifying information is acquired from a user of a vehicle. An identification program determines whether the driver is known, by comparing the identifying information to a set of stored identifying information. If the driver of the vehicle is known, as the identifying information from the user is similar to stored identifying information, then a specific driver profile associated with the specific driver is activated. If the driver is not known, as the identifying information from the user of the vehicle is not similar to the stored identifying information, then the age and gender of the user of the vehicle is determined. Based on the determined age and gender of the driver of the vehicle, various vehicle setting ranges are enacted.

A vehicle seat control system comprises a plurality of seats, a plurality of wireless receivers arranged about the seats, a controller for each of the seats, and a data network between the wireless receivers and controllers. Each of the seats has a seat customization function controlled by its controller. The wireless receivers receive a wireless signal from a portable electronic device. At least one of the controllers measures signal strengths and times of flight for the wireless signal using the wireless receivers, analyzes the signal strengths and times of flight to detect a location of the electronic device, and determines if the location is in any of the seating zones. When the location is in one of the seating zones, the seat customization function for the seating zone with the location is controlled according to the electronic device.

A method for specifying a group of control commands for a motor vehicle is based on the use of an NFT that links the access path for a group of control commands with owner and/or holder data and with identification data for the motor vehicle.

A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom and move relative to the seat bottom. The vehicle seat is coupled to a vehicle floor for movement relative to the vehicle floor between a use arrangement and a storage arrangement.

A vehicle includes a controller programmed to identify a seating position in the vehicle corresponding to each of a plurality of nomadic devices in communication with the vehicle. The controller is configured to receive at least one seating profile from each of the nomadic devices and adjust seating parameters for each of the seating positions according to the seating profile received from the corresponding nomadic device.

A message is received that a mobile device is in proximity to a vehicle. For example, a cloud system may receive a message that the mobile device is in proximity to the car of a specific person. Based on the mobile device being in proximity to the vehicle, sensor information is received from one or more sensors on the vehicle. For example, an array of cameras on the vehicle may be used to detect a gesture. The received information from the one or more sensors on the vehicle is processed to identify one or more actions to implement on the vehicle. One or more commands are then sent to implement one or more actions on the vehicle. For example, the one or more commands may be to open a specific door on the vehicle and to turn on a specific heating system in the vehicle.

Systems of a vehicle for sharing vehicle controls are provided. One example system includes an on-board computer that is part of the vehicle and communications circuitry of the vehicle usable by the on-board computer. The communications circuitry is configured to make connections with a wireless network for accessing a server. The on-board computer is configured to execute instructions for enabling portable devices that enter the vehicle to make a wireless connection with the vehicle. Vehicle electronics are interfaced with one or more vehicle systems and the on-board computer. The on-board computer is configured to provide access to at least one graphical user interface viewable via the portable device using the wireless connection. The at least one graphical user interface includes input options that enable control for features of said vehicle systems of the vehicle. A location for the portable device within the vehicle is identified. The location is associated with select ones of the vehicle systems for an environment zone of the location, and vehicles systems that are not for the environment zone are not provided as input options via the graphical user interface provided for the portable device. The graphical user interface provides preferences associated with a user account when the portable device transfers credentials to the vehicle when making the wireless connection with the vehicle.

A method for controlling a seat is performed by a mobile device in cooperation with a database. The database contains at least one reference data set which contains a physical characteristic data and a seat setting data. The method includes the steps of: a) upon receipt of an input, searching the database to identify which one(s) of the at least one reference data set contains the physical characteristic data that matches the input, the one(s) serving as candidate data set(s); and b) when a total number of the candidate data set(s) identified in step a) is one, outputting, to the seat, the seat setting data contained in the candidate data set for controlling the seat.

A method and apparatus for automatically arranging seats of an autonomous vehicle enable seats to be remotely changed between a standard arrangement mode and a final target arrangement mode. The apparatus includes a manipulation device configured to generate a signal corresponding to a target arrangement mode of seats through manipulation by a passenger, seat motors respectively provided in the seats so as to control positions and postures of the seats, seat controllers for controlling operation of the seat motors, and a vehicle controller configured to transmit a signal from the manipulation device to the seat controllers, transmit an abnormal signal indicating jamming of the seats to the manipulation device or control the seat controllers provided in the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to easily change the seats to a desired arrangement mode in an autonomous vehicle without interference with peripheral components during movement of the seats.