Abstract: A weld inspection system is adapted to inspect a weld of a work product via thermographic technology. The weld inspection system includes a heat source assembly, a thermal imaging camera, and a controller. The heat source assembly is adapted to sequentially direct a plurality of heat pulses upon the work product from varying perspectives and within a pre-determined time period. Thea thermal imaging camera is configured to thermally image the weld over the pre-determined time period and collect thermal imaging data of heat dissipation from the work product. The thermal imaging data is associated with the weld and the plurality of heat pulses. The controller is configured to control the heat source assembly and the thermal imaging camera. The controller includes a processor configured to receive and transform the thermal imaging data into a binary image for evaluation of the weld.

Abstract: A vehicle, system for operating a vehicle and method of navigating a vehicle. The system includes a sensor and a multi-layer convolutional neural network. The sensor generates an image indicative of a road scene of the vehicle. The multi-layer convolutional neural network generates a plurality of feature maps from the image via a first processing pathway, projects at least one of the plurality of feature maps onto a defined plane relative to a defined coordinate system of the road scene to obtain at least one projected feature map, applies a convolution to the at least one projected feature map in a second processing pathway to obtain a final feature map, and determines lane information from the final feature map. A control system adjusts operation of the vehicle using the lane information.

Abstract: An electric drive unit for powering a load, e.g., road wheels of a motor vehicle, includes a housing having a floor section separating the housing into upper and lower chambers. The floor section defines an elongated drain opening, drain holes, and an oil supply port in fluid communication with an oil pump. A rotary electric machine is enclosed within the lower chamber, and has electrical leads positioned directly below the drain opening. A cover assembly is fastened to the housing within the upper chamber, and has a coolant channel assembly integrally connected to a cover plate. The coolant channel assembly includes electrical terminals that project through the drain opening and are fastened at a first distal end of the electrical terminals to the electrical leads. The cover assembly defines a primary coolant channel in fluid communication with the oil supply port, and directs oil to the electrical terminals.

Abstract: A method includes receiving object data, by a controller of a host vehicle, from a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources including remote objects and a sensor system of the host vehicle; identifying, by the controller of the host vehicle, a target object using the object data from the plurality of sources, the object data including a target-object data, and the target-object data is the object data that specifically pertains to the target object determining, by the controller, that the target-object data is available from more than one of the plurality of sources; and in response to determining that the target-object data is available from more than one of the plurality of sources, fusing, by the controller, the target-object data that is available from more than one of the plurality of sources to create a single dataset about the target object.

Abstract: An exemplary ramp system for an automotive vehicle includes a ramp member including an upper ramp surface and a lower ramp surface, the upper ramp surface including a retention feature, a first channel, and a second channel, the lower ramp surface including a guide member, a platform including an upper platform surface and a lower platform surface, the upper platform surface including a guide rail and a support assembly, and a drive assembly coupled to the platform. The drive assembly is actuatable to move the ramp member relative to the platform.

Abstract: A method for exhaust braking includes monitoring, by a controller of a vehicle, an engine speed of an internal combustion engine; comparing, by the controller, the engine speed with the a predetermined braking speed threshold to determine whether the engine speed is greater than the a predetermined braking speed threshold; and, in response to determining that the engine speed is greater than the a predetermined braking speed threshold, switching the vehicle to an exhaust braking mode.

Abstract: A powertrain optimization method is used to identify the optimal torque operating range. The method for controlling the vehicle includes: receiving, by a planning controller, a trip plan based on an input from a vehicle-operator, wherein the trip plan is indicative of a planned trip; determining, by the planning controller, a current location of the vehicle using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) of the vehicle; determining, by the planning controller, a geography of the planned trip using map data from a map database; determining, by the planning controller, a target speed profile for the vehicle as a function of the trip plan, the geography of the planned trip, and a predetermined, optimal acceleration range; determining, by an adaptive cruise controller, a torque request as a function of the target speed profile, a predetermined-optimal torque range, and a current speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A side impact load management system for a vehicle having a vehicle frame includes a plurality of cross-vehicle support members extending from a first side of the vehicle to a second side of the vehicle. A first structural member extends in a first vertical plane parallel to a vehicle body axis defined by the vehicle frame and coupled to the vehicle frame, the first structural member connecting the plurality of cross-vehicle support members on the first side of the vehicle. A second structural member extends in a second vertical plane parallel to the vehicle body axis defined by the vehicle frame and coupled to the vehicle frame, the second structural member connecting the plurality of cross-vehicle support members on the second side of the vehicle. The first and second structural members are configured to transfer a side impact load simultaneously to the plurality of cross-vehicle support members.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly for selective attachment to a structure at an oblong aperture defined thereby and detachment therefrom includes an anchor arranged along an axis. The anchor has an oblong-shaped section configured to be inserted into the structure's oblong aperture. The anchor also has a knob section which turns the anchor's oblong-shaped section about the axis when a torque is applied to the knob section. The assembly also includes a rail mount configured to abut the oblong-shaped section, and defining a pocket for accepting the knob section and limiting rotation of the oblong-shaped section via contact with the knob section. The anchor's oblong-shaped section and the rail mount are together configured to sandwich therebetween material of the structure proximate the oblong aperture after the anchor's oblong-shaped section is inserted into and turned relative to the oblong aperture to thereby attach the tie-down assembly to the structure.

Abstract: A system and method of assisting user engagement of vehicle features, the method including: identifying a vehicle engagement feature from a plurality of vehicle engagement features; sending vehicle feature trigger information to a vehicle, the vehicle feature trigger information being information used to detect an occurrence of a vehicle feature trigger that corresponds to the identified vehicle engagement feature; transmitting a vehicle feature engagement notification to a vehicle user of the vehicle, the vehicle feature engagement notification including vehicle feature operating instructions and/or a vehicle feature availability notification; and receiving a vehicle feature usage indicator, the vehicle feature usage indicator indicating that the vehicle user has engaged the identified vehicle engagement feature, wherein the vehicle feature usage indicator is generated by a vehicle system module (VSM) of the vehicle in response to detection of the occurrence of the vehicle feature trigger at the vehicle.

Abstract: Presented are adaptive propulsion assist systems and control logic for manually-powered vehicles, methods for making/using such systems, and intelligent electric scooters with distributed sensing and control-loop feedback for adaptive e-assist operations. A method for regulating a propulsion assist system of a manually-powered vehicle includes a vehicle controller detecting a user contacting the vehicle's handlebar, responsively receiving sensor signals indicative of a user-applied force to the handlebar, and then determining a net user-applied force based on the handlebar force and user-generated forces applied to the scooter deck. The vehicle controller also receives sensor signals indicative of the vehicle's current acceleration, and determines therefrom a pitch angle of the surface on which the vehicle moves.

Abstract: A sliding door mechanism includes a track that is fixed in position relative to a door opening, a post fixed in position relative to the track, and a member that is moveable longitudinally with respect to the track, the member being configured to be guided by the track. The mechanism further includes an arm mounted to the member, the arm rotatable about a vertical axis and configured to be pivotably attached to the sliding door. The arm defines a slot that is configured to receive the post as the door is moved from an open position toward a closed position such that the post urges the arm to rotate relative to the carriage such that the arm transmits a force to the door to urge the door to move laterally into the door opening.

Abstract: A shield assembly is employed for a friction brake used to decelerate a road wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle has a body with a first body end configured to face an incident ambient airflow, a second body end opposite of the first body end, and an underbody section spanning a distance between the first and second ends. The shield assembly includes a first shield component arranged proximate the brake and rotationally fixed relative to the vehicle body. The shield assembly also includes a second shield component operatively connected to the first shield component for shifting relative thereto. The shield assembly additionally includes an actuator employing a shape memory alloy element to shift the second shield component relative to the first shield component in response to a temperature of the brake to thereby direct at least a portion of the airflow to the brake and control temperature thereof.

Abstract: A LIDAR system, LIDAR chip and method of manufacturing a LIDAR chip. The LIDAR system includes a photonic chip configured to transmit a transmitted light beam and to receive a reflected light beam, a scanner for directing the transmitted light beam towards a direction in space and receiving the reflected light beam from the selected direction, and a fiber-based optical coupler. The photonic chip and the scanner are placed on a semiconductor integrated platform (SIP). The fiber-based optical coupler is placed on top of the photonic chip to optically couple to the photonic chip for directing the a transmitted light beam from the photonic chip to the scanner and for directing a reflected light beam from the scanner to the photonic chip.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a fuel injector includes a plurality of sensors to sense vehicle data. A controller includes a fuel injector diagnostic module configured to receive the vehicle data during operation of the vehicle and to selectively identify at least one of a fuel injector with a stuck armature and a fuel injector with pintle fatigue.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes: receiving, by a controller, route data, wherein the route data is continuously updated while the vehicle is moving, and the vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle operating modes; receiving, by the controller, feature data, wherein the feature data is information about a plurality of features needed for each of the plurality of vehicle operating modes; determining, by the controller, a plurality of ranges for each of the plurality of vehicle operating modes, wherein each of the plurality of ranges is a function of the route data and the feature data for each of the plurality of vehicle operating modes; and commanding, by the controller, a user interface to display a list of range-mode combinations, wherein the list of range-mode combinations includes the plurality of ranges for each of the plurality of vehicle operating modes.

Abstract: A structural instrument panel member for an instrument panel assembly of a vehicle comprises a cross beam, a steering column support, a first and second HVAC duct, and a first dash panel mount. The cross beam mount has a first surface, a first side, a second side and a first, second, third, fourth and fifth walls. The cross beam mount is fastened to a cross beam of the vehicle. The steering column support extends from the first side of the cross beam mount. The first and second HVAC duct each have a first end and a second end. The first HVAC duct is disposed on the second side of the cross beam mount and the second HVAC duct is disposed adjacent the first HVAC duct. The first dash panel mount extends from the first HVAC duct and fastened to a dash panel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A knitted fabric for use on a vehicle seat includes a plurality of interconnected loops of yarn forming a repeating stitch pattern including a plurality of transversely-oriented courses and a plurality of longitudinally-oriented wales, wherein each loop of the plurality of loops in a first course of the plurality of courses is positioned in contact with an adjacent loop in the first course of the plurality of courses. The yarn is a flat yarn including at least two plies, each ply having a ply twist of at least three turns per inch and the yarn is characterized by an overall twist of at least eight turns per inch. A stitch density of the knitted fabric is greater than twelve wales per inch.

Abstract: A vehicle seat system includes a seat back. A seat cushion is positioned proximate to the seat back. The seat cushion includes: a first side configured when upwardly directed for supporting an adult passenger; and a second side oppositely facing from the first side. The second side is configured when upwardly directed for supporting a child passenger and includes: an elevated face positioned proximate to the seat back; and a lower elevation face forward of the elevated face at a lower elevation than the elevated face when the second side is upwardly directed. The seat cushion is releasable and rotatable to configure the seat cushion with either the first side or the second side upwardly directed.

Abstract: A storage tank for a gas is provided. The storage tank includes a liner defining an internal compartment; a boss coupled to the liner; an interlayer covering a portion of the boss and the liner, the interlayer being non-pyrolyzed and including an interconnected web and pores having a diameter greater than the diameter of a hydrogen molecule and less than or equal to about 2 nm; and an outer shell including a carbon fiber reinforced composite, the outer shell covering the interlayer, except for an interlayer end that is in contact with the boss, so that the interlayer end defines an interlayer ring that is exposed to an external environment. The storage tank is configured so that when gas diffuses through the liner to the interlayer, the interlayer channels the gas out of the exposed interlayer ring. Methods of fabricating the storage tank are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of making negative electrode materials for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions are provided. A surface of the electrode material formed of silicon, silicon-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, or combinations thereof is treated with an oxidant at a first temperature of greater than or equal to about 100° C. to form a continuous intermediate layer comprising oxides. The method also includes pyrolyzing a carbon-containing precursor over the continuous intermediate layer at a second temperature of greater than or equal to about 600° C. to form a continuous carbon coating thereon. The intermediate layer oxides may be transformed to carbides. The continuous carbon coating comprises both graphitic carbon and amorphous carbon and may be a multilayered coating, where the inner layer predominantly includes amorphous carbon and the outer layer predominantly includes graphitic carbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake control device and a brake control method for a vehicle comprising a plurality of brakes which are respectively installed on wheels, the brake control device comprising an auto leveling sensor which senses a load state of the vehicle according to a change in an angle; a control unit which calculates a correction value according to the load state of the vehicle sensed by the auto leveling sensor; and an electronic brake booster which corrects a predetermined braking power set according to a brake pedal force with the calculated correction value so that the braking operation of each brake is made.

Abstract: A system for utilizing a deployable flex range battery to augment a primary battery is provided. The system includes a flex electronics bay. The flex electronics bay is electrically connected to an electrical sub-system including the primary battery and includes a DC-DC converter operable to change a voltage of electric power and at least one battery connection terminal. The system further includes the deployable flex range battery removably connected to the at least one battery connection terminal and a flex electronics bay controller programmed to selectively supply electric power from the flex electronics bay to the electrical sub-system.

Abstract: A window regulator may include a first guide rail assembly, that may be coupled to the door panel and including a first guide rail, a first pulley and a second pulley. The first slider may be configured to receive the window pane and translate along the first guide rail to move the window pane between an open position and a closed position. The first cable may be coupled to a drive and engaged with the first pulley and may be fixed to the first slider such that actuation of the drive moves the first slider and the window pane into the opening. The spring may be disposed between an end of the first cable and a portion of the first slider. The spring may be configured to bias the slider and an edge of the window pane towards the A-side beam or the B-side beam.

Abstract: A rotary electric machine for use with coolant includes a stator and rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor, rotor shaft, and first and second end rings. The rotor has inner and outer diameter surfaces and an embedded set of rotor magnets proximate the outer diameter surface. The shaft is connected to the rotor and defines a main coolant passage along an axis of rotation. Radial shaft coolant passages are in fluid communication with the main coolant passage. The end rings are positioned at opposing distal ends of the rotor. The shaft coolant passages direct the coolant into the rotor and/or the end rings such that the coolant flows axially through rotor cavities of the rotor and cools the rotor magnets via forced convection.

Abstract: Management system for a rechargeable energy storage device in an electric vehicle and corresponding method is disclosed. The rechargeable energy storage device has one or more battery packs each having a plurality of modules with one or more respective cells. A respective module management unit is embedded in each of the plurality of modules through respective microcircuits and configured to determine one or more local parameters. A supervisory controller is configured for two-way communication with the respective module management unit. The supervisory controller is configured to receive the local parameters, determine one or more global pack parameters based in part on the local parameters and transmit the global pack parameters back to the respective management unit. The supervisory controller is configured to control operation of the rechargeable energy storage device based in part on the global pack parameters and the local parameters.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle having reduced galvanic corrosion includes a first component defining at least one interface region that includes a carbon-fiber reinforced polymeric composite (CFRP) and a first material present in the at least one interface region and having a first electrochemical potential. A second component has a second material and is in contact with the at least one interface region of the first component. The second material has a second electrochemical potential different than the first electrochemical potential. In this manner, in the presence of an electrolyte the first material may be either less noble than the second material and serve as a sacrificial material or alternatively more noble to the second material reducing a driving force for corrosion. Methods of reducing galvanic corrosion in an assembly (e.g., for a vehicle) are also provided.

Abstract: A method of creating an interface includes: a) adding organometallic compounds to a polymeric material to create an interfacial layer; b) placing the polymeric material having the interfacial layer in a mold; c) heating a deposit material until the deposit material has a predetermined-minimized volumetric density; and d) depositing the deposit material on the interfacial layer. The latent heat of the molten metallic material transfers to the interfacial layer to create chemical bonds and physical interlocks between the interfacial layer and the metallic material. The deposit material cools to form solidified layer on the interfacial layer.

Abstract: An optical device (e.g., display device) includes a coherent light source generating a coherent light beam in a visible, ultraviolet, or infrared range. The coherent light beam is directed at a liquid crystal component. A plurality of liquid crystals and a plurality of microparticles having an average diameter of ?about 450 nm to ?about 20 micrometers (?m) are disposed in an interior compartment. An electrical source is in electrical communication with the first and the second electrodes. When no voltage or current is applied, a filtered light beam transmitted or reflected from the liquid crystal component exhibits a first speckle contrast ?about 0.6. When voltage or current is applied, the microparticles are induced to move and the filtered light beam has a second speckle contrast that is ?about 0.6. A method of reducing speckle in an optical device having a coherent light source is also provided.

Abstract: Presented are embedded control systems with logic for computation and data sharing, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles with distributed sensors and embedded processing hardware for provisioning automated driving functionality. A method for operating embedded controllers connected with distributed sensors includes receiving a first data stream from a first sensor via a first embedded controller, and storing the first data stream with a first timestamp and data lifespan via a shared data buffer in a memory device. A second data stream is received from a second sensor via a second embedded controller. A timing impact of the second data stream is calculated based on the corresponding timestamp and data lifespan. Upon determining that the timing impact does not violate a timing constraint, the first data stream is purged from memory and the second data stream is stored with a second timestamp and data lifespan in the memory device.

Abstract: A process for anode overpressure remedial action in a fuel cell system is provided. The process includes monitoring a pressure of hydrogen gas at an anode of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system, diagnosing a mechanically stuck open injector based upon the monitored pressure, and based upon diagnosing the mechanically stuck open injector, closing a valve within a hydrogen storage system to prevent flow of the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen storage tank into a gas line connecting the hydrogen storage tank to the mechanically stuck open injector and maintaining operation of the fuel cell stack to deplete the hydrogen gas at the anode.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of forming an electrode material for use in an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions. The method includes contacting a catalyst precursor with one or more electroactive materials to form a mixture. The catalyst precursor includes one or more metal salts. The method may also include activating the catalyst precursor in the mixture to form an activated mixture including an activated catalyst; and/or contacting one or more carbonaceous materials with the activated mixture to form the electrode material. The electrode material includes one or more electroactive particles that may be carbon coated disposed within a carbonaceous structure.

Abstract: A hybrid electrochemical device including at least two electrically connected solid-state electrochemical cells is provided. Each electrochemical cell includes a first outer electrode having a first current collector and a first electroactive layer, a second outer electrode having a second current collector and a second electroactive layer, and one or more intervening electrodes disposed between the electroactive layers. At least one of the intervening electrodes includes one or more capacitor additives. The first outer electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the intervening electrodes in a first electrical configuration. The second outer electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the intervening electrodes in a second electrical configuration. The at least two electrochemical cells are electrically connected in a third electrical configuration.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system includes a battery pack and a DC-DC converter. The converter has a bypass switch and semiconductor switches. A traction power inverter module (“TPIM”) rectifies a DC bus voltage on the voltage bus to produce an AC bus voltage. An electric machine is connected to the TPIM and energized via the AC bus voltage. A controller calculates required output power from the converter based on a requested operating mode, and speed and torque of the electric machine. When the output power exceeds a threshold, the bypass switch closes to bypass the converter. When the output power is less than the threshold, the controller uses a minimum loss voltage from a loss map as a target control voltage of the converter to optimize efficiency of the electric propulsion system.

Abstract: An AC electronic solid-state switch includes an electrically insulating and thermally conductive layer, a first electrically conductive trace, a second electrically conductive trace, and a plurality of semiconductor dies each electrically connected to the first electrically conductive trace and the second electrically conductive trace. Each of the plurality of semiconductor dies forms a MOSFET, IGBT or other types of electronically controllable switch. The AC electronic solid-state switch further includes a common drain conductor that is electrically connected to each drain terminal of the plurality of semiconductor dies. The AC electronic solid-state switch is configured to block between 650 volts and 1700 volts in the off-state in a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction, and the AC electronic solid-state switch is configured to carry at least 500 A continuously in the on-state with a voltage drop of less than 2V.

Abstract: A distributed battery power system having a battery pack and a battery controller. The battery pack has: a plurality of cells configured to generate a plurality of cell voltages; a voltage current temperature module electrically connected to the plurality of cells; and a plurality of isolation switch sets electrically connected between the plurality of cells. The battery controller is in communication with the voltage current temperature module, and operable to: send a status request to the voltage current temperature module; receive the plurality of cell voltages from the voltage current temperature module in response to the status request; determine if the plurality of cells includes one or more problem cells in response to the plurality of cell voltages; and perform an action in response to determining that the one or more problem cells are present to prevent damage to the one or more problem cells.

Abstract: Methods of making a solid-state electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions are provided that include applying a liquid metal composition comprising gallium to a first major surface of either a solid-state electrolyte or a solid electrode (e.g., lithium metal) in the presence of an oxidant and in an environment substantially free of water to reduce surface tension of the liquid metal composition so that it forms a continuous layer over the first major surface. The first major surface having the continuous layer of liquid metal composition is contacted with a second major surface to form a continuous interfacial layer between the solid-state electrolyte and the solid electrode. Solid-state electrochemical cells formed by such methods are also provided, where the metal composition comprising gallium is a liquid in a temperature range of greater than or equal to about 20° C. to less than or equal to about 30° C.

Abstract: An internal combustion gasoline engine includes an air heater coupled to an intake duct of the engine in a heat transfer relationship with air in the intake duct. A combustion pre-chamber is also formed in the head of the engine. The pre-chamber is at least partially separated from the combustion chamber by a wall. One or more apertures are formed through the wall and provide fluid communication paths from the combustion chamber to the pre-chamber, feeding a mixture of air and fuel from the combustion chamber to the pre-chamber. The apertures further define a plurality of combustion paths allowing ignited fuel and air from the pre-chamber to efficiently enter and combust the fuel and air mixture within the combustion chamber. The air heater and the combustion pre-chamber increase combustion efficiency from a first efficiency level to a second efficiency level greater than the first efficiency level.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a leak in a coolant system of an automobile includes repeatedly measuring the coolant level within the coolant system at a pre-determined time interval, calculating a short term leak rate, wherein the short term leak rate is the rate of coolant leakage over a first pre-determined length of time, calculating a long term leak rate, wherein the long term leak rate is the rate of coolant leakage over a second pre-determined length of time, further wherein the second pre-determined length of time is longer than the first pre-determined length of time, identifying a coolant system leakage state based on a current coolant level within the coolant system, the short term leak rate, and the long term leak rate, and providing notification of the coolant system leakage state to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery switch testing system that includes a memory configured to may include one or more executable instructions and a controller configured to execute the executable instructions, where the executable instructions enable the controller to: (a) monitor current discharge from a first battery; after (a), (b) when the current discharge from the first battery falls below a threshold value, open an internally integrated first battery switch of the first battery; after (b), (c) close the first battery switch; after (c), (d) monitor current discharge from a second battery; after (d), (e) when the current discharge from the second battery falls below a threshold value, open an internally integrated second battery switch of the second battery; and after (e), (f) close the second battery switch.

Abstract: A system and method to generate a family of orthogonal signals for a code division multiple access (CDMA) radar system involve selecting a first signal of the family of orthogonal signals for transmission by one of a plurality of transmitters of the radar system. The method includes using an algorithm to determine a second signal of the family of orthogonal signals. The algorithm uses cross-correlation values between candidate signals for consideration as the second signal of the family of orthogonal signals and the first signal. The method also includes transmitting the first signal of the family of orthogonal signals and the second signal of the family of orthogonal signals simultaneously from two different transmitters, and obtaining and processing reflections resulting from transmission of the first signal of the family of orthogonal signals and the second signal of the family of orthogonal signals.

Abstract: A method for position correction of a machine relative to a work piece. The machine may be provided with an end effector. The work piece may be engaged with the end effector. A force or a moment resulting from engaging the work piece with the end effector may be measured. A pose error may be determined from the force and/or the moment, wherein the pose error may define a misalignment of the end effector. The end effector may be repositioned an amount equal to the pose error to correct the misalignment. One application may involve torqueing nuts with a nut runner, which may be accomplished through the use of an automated machine such as a robot.

Abstract: A device for hailing a vehicle includes a location sensor outputting location information indicative of a location of the device. The device further includes a device interface configured to receive an input from a user of the device. Responsive to the input, a transmitter of the device transmits the location information, input information, and identification information for the device to a dispatch server system. The transmitter is further configured to route the location information, the input information, and the identification information for the device to only the dispatch server system. The identification information is used by the dispatch server system to set a predefined location associated with the identification information as a destination for a trip for the user in the vehicle. The predefined location is defined in an account corresponding to the identification information of the device maintained by the dispatch server system prior to receipt of the input.