Patent attributes
Systems and methods of a vehicle for sharing vehicle controls are provided. One example method includes sharing vehicle system control of a vehicle with a passenger. The vehicle has an on-board computer and communications circuitry integrated with the on-board computer. The communications circuitry is configured to interface with a wireless network for accessing the Internet. The on-board computer is configured to enable the communications circuitry to provide a wireless connection to portable devices that enter and pair with the vehicle. The on-board computer is interfaced with one or more vehicle systems. The method includes providing a portable device access to at least one graphical user interface via the wireless connection. The graphical user interface includes input options that enable control of settings or functions of one or more of said vehicle systems. The method includes processing, during wireless connection of the portable device with the on-board computer or communications circuitry, information associated with a wireless signal used between the portable device and the on-board computer or communications circuitry. The processing of the information associated with the wireless signal identifies an approximate location of the portable device inside the vehicle. The approximate location of the portable device is utilized to identify a passenger seat of the vehicle and enable said control of settings or functions that pertain to an environment proximate to the passenger seat that was identified.
