Abstract:
A method for accessing functionality of a mobile electronic device through a vehicle system onboard a motor vehicle. The method includes making functionality of the mobile electronic device accessible through the vehicle system based on where a sensor that the mobile electronic device is paired with is physically located about the vehicle.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to methods for controlling vehicle telecommunication, information access, and entertainment functionality. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods for controlling such functionality based on the location of a user&#39;s mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art. 
         [0003]    Vehicles often include a system for wirelessly pairing with a user&#39;s smartphone, such as with a Bluetooth connection. Once the phone is paired, a user&#39;s telephone conversation can be conducted using the vehicle&#39;s audio speakers and a microphone mounted in the passenger cabin, typically on the rear view mirror. Such systems are difficult to setup and operate, and they sometimes function in a manner contrary to what the user intended. For example, if a user talking on their smartphone outside of the vehicle decides to start the vehicle remotely, then the phone call will often automatically transfer to the vehicle&#39;s hands-free system, which will prevent the user from participating in the call unless they enter the vehicle. Another example is a situation where the user receives a telephone call while operating the vehicle. Typically, the call will automatically be broadcast through the vehicle&#39;s audio system. If the user does not want another occupant to hear the call, then the user must navigate a complex menu on either the smartphone or a vehicle interface to disconnect the phone, which is obviously undesirable when the user is operating the vehicle. 
         [0004]    Another issue with current systems occurs when multiple smartphones are present in the vehicle. If both phones were previously paired with the vehicle, difficulties may arise as to which phone will take precedent and under what circumstances. A priority scheme is sometimes implemented, whereby a phone designated with a high priority takes precedent over a phone with a lower priority. But priority schemes are often too rigid and difficult to modify, particularly during operation of the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
         [0006]    The present teachings provide for a method for accessing functionality of a mobile electronic device through a vehicle system onboard a motor vehicle. The method includes making functionality of the mobile electronic device accessible through the vehicle system based on where a sensor that the mobile electronic device is paired with is physically located about the vehicle. 
         [0007]    The present teachings provide for an additional method for accessing functionality of a mobile electronic device through a vehicle system onboard a vehicle. The method includes wirelessly pairing the mobile electronic device with the vehicle system, reading a device ID from the mobile electronic device with a sensor mounted proximate to a storage location in response to placement of the mobile electronic device at the storage location, and providing access to functionality of the mobile electronic device through the vehicle system, the functionality selected by a user of the vehicle system. 
         [0008]    The present teachings provide for another method for accessing functionality of a mobile electronic device through a vehicle system onboard a vehicle. The method includes wirelessly pairing the mobile electronic device with the vehicle system, and identifying functionality of the mobile electronic device to be accessible through the vehicle system based on either user inputs entered using a display screen of the vehicle system, or functionality of the mobile electronic device selected directly through the device. 
         [0009]    The present teachings provide for yet another method for accessing functionality of a mobile electronic device through a vehicle system onboard a vehicle. The method includes wirelessly pairing the mobile electronic device with the vehicle system, identifying functionality of the mobile electronic device to be accessible through the vehicle system in response to user inputs entered using a display screen of the vehicle system, and identifying the mobile electronic device to be controlled by the vehicle system by reading a device ID from the mobile electronic device with a sensor of the vehicle system in response to the mobile electronic device being moved into close proximity to the sensor. 
         [0010]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a vehicle center counsel including a storage receptacle for a mobile electronic device; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic view of a vehicle system including a plurality of subsystems; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a method for pairing the mobile electronic device with the vehicle system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a charging pad for charging multiple mobile electronic devices, selection of the device to connect to the vehicle system is based on the position of each device on the charging pad; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  illustrates another charging pad for charging multiple mobile electronic devices, selection of the device to connect to the vehicle system is based on the position of each device on the charging pad; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3C  illustrates an additional charging pad for charging multiple mobile electronic devices, selection of the device to connect to the vehicle system is performed by actuating a button proximate to the desired device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates yet another charging pad for charging multiple mobile electronic devices, associated with the pad are multiple mode buttons for selecting functionality of the device for access through the vehicle system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a display of the vehicle system showing the vehicle system in a Bluetooth audio stream connection mode, associated with the display is a sensor for reading information from the mobile electronic device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5B  illustrates the display at an internet radio connection mode screen; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5C  illustrates the display at a mobile internet connection mode screen; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5D  illustrates the display at a mobile telephone connection mode screen; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a display of the vehicle system displaying various modes of operation for the mobile electronic device upon placement of the mobile electronic device in a storage receptacle; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a charging pad with a button associated therewith for placing a mobile electronic device paired with the vehicle system in private mode; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7B  illustrates removal of a mobile electronic device from a charging pad to place the mobile electronic device in private mode; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  illustrates a method for issuing a warning to a user upon exiting the vehicle to prevent the user from leaving his/her phone in the vehicle; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9A  illustrates communication between a mobile electronic device and a sensor at a door handle of the vehicle; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a method of unlocking a vehicle door and authorizing vehicle ignition using a mobile electronic device. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0031]    With initial reference to  FIG. 1A , a center counsel  10  of a vehicle passenger cabin  12  is illustrated. The center counsel  10  defines a storage receptacle  14  and includes a display  16 . Seated within the storage receptacle  14  is a charging pad  18 A for a mobile electronic device  20 . 
         [0032]    The storage receptacle  14  can be any recess or container suitable to receive and retain the mobile electronic device  20  therein. The storage receptacle  14  can be included within the center counsel  10 , or can be located at any other suitable location within the passenger cabin  12 . As illustrated, the storage receptacle  14  is included within the center counsel  10  just below the display  16 . While the storage receptacle  14  is illustrated as including the charging pad  18 A, the charging pad  18 A need not be included. 
         [0033]    The display  16  can be any suitable device for displaying text and images to occupants of the vehicle passenger cabin  12 , such as a suitable LCD display. The display  16  can be dedicated to provide access to functionality of the mobile electronic device  20 , as described herein, or can be a multipurpose display. For example, the display  16  can provide access to navigation, climate control, radio, and audio system functionality as well. 
         [0034]    The charging pad  18 A can be any suitable device capable of charging a battery of the mobile electronic device  20  seated thereon, such as by electromagnetic induction. The charging pad  18 A can be any suitable shape or size. For example, the charging pad  18 A can be sized to fit a single mobile electronic device  20 , or two mobile electronic devices  20  seated side-by-side. As illustrated, the charging pad  18 A includes a first half or side  24 A and a second half or side  24 B, each of which is large enough to accommodate one mobile electronic device  20 . 
         [0035]    The charging pad  18 A includes a first sensor  22 A at the first side  24 A of the charging pad  18 A, and a second sensor  22 B at the second side  24 B of the charging pad  18 A. The first and the second sensors  22 A and  22 B can be any suitable sensors for reading data from the mobile electronic device  20 . For example, the first and second sensors  22 A and  22 B can be near field communication sensors (NFC) configured to read a device ID of the mobile electronic device  20 , which is unique to the electronic device  20 . The device ID can be actively transmitted from the mobile electronic device  20 , or passively stored in the mobile electronic device  20 . When the mobile electronic device  20  is seated on or placed in very close proximity to either the first sensor  22 A or the second sensor  22 B, the device ID will be read by either the first sensor  22 A or the second sensor  22 B and input to an onboard vehicle system  50  ( FIG. 1B ) as further described herein. To retain the mobile electronic device  20  on the charging pad  18 A, the storage receptacle  14  can include a suitable retention device therein to prevent the mobile electronic device from being unintentionally separated from the charging pad  18 A, such when the vehicle passes over a bump in the road. To retain the mobile electronic device  20  within the storage receptacle  14 , the storage receptacle  14  can include a cover  26 . The charge of the charging pad  18 A can be interleaved with the reading of the device ID to prevent any interference issues that may occur if the device ID is read while the device  20  is being charged. 
         [0036]    The mobile electronic device  20  can be any suitable mobile electronic device capable of communicating with the onboard vehicle system  50  wirelessly using any suitable wireless connection, such as with a Bluetooth or WiFi connection for example, and capable of communicating a device ID to the onboard vehicle system  50  to identify the mobile electronic device  20  to the onboard vehicle system  50 . Further, the mobile electronic device  20  can be any suitable device capable of receiving and transmitting data, such as by way of a cellular connection, to be accessed by a user of the device  20 . For example, the data can be voice data associated with a telephone call, internet data, MMS data, SMS data, or navigation data, such as GPS coordinates. The device  20  can thus be a suitable smart phone, tablet computer, or PDA. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 1B , the onboard vehicle system  50  can include any suitable system(s) and sub-system(s) capable of communicating with the mobile electronic device  20  to permit control of, and access to, functionality of the mobile electronic device  20  within the vehicle passenger cabin. The onboard vehicle system  50  can communicate with the mobile electronic device  20  in any suitable manner, such as with a suitable wireless connection. The onboard vehicle system  50  can include a hands free telephone subsystem  52 , to permit hands-free operation of the mobile electronic device  20  through the vehicle&#39;s audio speakers and using a microphone mounted within the passenger cabin  12 . The system  50  can include a Bluetooth audio subsystem  54  to play audio files stored on the device  20  through the audio speakers of the passenger cabin  12 . The system  50  can include an Internet access subsystem  56  to permit access to the Internet through the mobile electronic device  20 . For example, Internet websites and data can be viewed on the display  16 , and commands for accessing data or webpages can be input using the display  16  or any other suitable input device. The system  50  can further include a vehicle entry subsystem  58 , which can unlock doors of the vehicle upon determining that the device ID of the device  20  is authorized. The system  50  can also include an engine start subsystem  60 , which can enable pushbutton start of the vehicle if the device ID of the device  20  is authorized. 
         [0038]    For the onboard vehicle system  50  to provide access to and control of the functionality of the mobile electronic device  20 , the device  20  must first be connected to the onboard vehicle system  50 . The device  20  can be connected to the system  50  in any suitable manner, such as illustrated in  FIG. 2  for example at reference numeral  100 . With initial reference to block  102 , if the device  20  was not previously connected to the system  50 , it must first be paired therewith. The device  20  can be paired with the onboard vehicle system  50  in any suitable manner, such as with a wireless Bluetooth connection. Bonding information regarding the pairing of the mobile electronic device  20  with the onboard vehicle system  50  is stored in the system  50 . The device  20  is subsequently positioned in close proximity to one of the first or the second sensors  22 A and  22 B at block  104 . At block  106 , the mobile device ID of the device  20 , which is unique to the device  20 , is read by the first sensor  22 A or  22 B, and at block  108  the device ID is mapped to the bonding information previously stored in the system  50 . At block  110 , the primary communication system of the device  20 , such as Bluetooth communication, is activated if not yet previously activated. Activation can occur in any suitable manner, such as in response to an activation signal received by the device  20  transmitted from the system  50  through the sensors  22 A or  22 B. With reference to block  112 , when the device  20  is wirelessly linked to the onboard vehicle system  50  and subsequently brought to within close proximity of the first sensor  22 A or the second sensor  22 B, control of the device  20  will be transferred to the onboard vehicle system  50  as further described herein. 
         [0039]    After control of the mobile electronic device  20  is transferred to the onboard vehicle system  50 , the device  20  can generally be operated using the onboard vehicle system  50 , such as with one or more of the subsystems  52 - 56 . For example, a user will be alerted to an incoming call to the device  20  by the hands free telephone subsystem  52 . To answer the call, the user will press an answer button typically located on the steering wheel and the voice of the caller will be broadcast throughout the cabin  12  over speakers of the cabin  12 . A microphone within the passenger cabin  12  will receive the user&#39;s voice, which is subsequently transmitted by the device  20  as voice data to a cellular network. 
         [0040]    Audio files stored in the mobile electronic device  20  can be played through speakers of the cabin  12  by the Bluetooth audio subsystem  54 . Audio data from the device  20  is transmitted to the Bluetooth audio subsystem  54  through the Bluetooth connection with the device  20 , and subsequently played through speakers of the cabin  12 . Internet data received by the device  20  can also be accessed in the passenger cabin  12  using the internet access subsystem  56 , which includes the display  16 . For example, weather or traffic information received by the device  20  can be transmitted to the internet access subsystem  56  through the Bluetooth link between the device  20  and the vehicle system  50 . The weather and/or traffic information can then be shown on the display  16  for access by the user. The display  16  can also give the user access to any suitable webpage or web application, and can be a touch sensitive display capable of receiving inputs from the user to input data, which can be subsequently transmitted to the device  20  for ultimate transmission to a server hosting the website or web application for two way data transfer. The vehicle entry subsystem  58  and the engine start subsystem  60  will be described herein in connection with  FIGS. 8 ,  9 A and  9 B. 
         [0041]    With additional reference to  FIG. 3A , the charging pad  18 A and use thereof will be described in additional detail. As illustrated, the charging pad  18 A can be sized to accommodate both a first mobile electronic device  20 A and a second mobile electronic device  20 B. In order to avoid any interference issues that may result from wirelessly linking both the first device  20 A and the second device  20 B to the onboard vehicle system  50 , the system  50  will only link with the device  20  seated on the first side  24 A of the charging pad  18 A, which as illustrated is the first mobile electronic device  20 A. Alternatively, the system  50  can be configured to only link with the second device  20 B seated on the second side  24 B, which is the passenger side. Because it will be more common for a driver to place his or her device  20  on the charging pad  18 A, the system  50  can be configured to link with the first device  20 A at the first side  24 A as the default setting. The onboard vehicle system  50  will know which of the devices  20 A and  20 B is seated on the first side  24 A by reading the device ID of the first device  20 A using sensor  22 A. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3B  illustrates an additional charging pad according to the present teachings at reference numeral  18 B. The first sensor  22 A is located at a rear of the first side  24 A of the charging pad  18 B, and the second sensor  22 B is located at a rear of the second side  24 B. The user can select either the first device  20 A or the second device  20 B for connection with the system  50  by moving the selected device  20 A/ 20 B to the rear of the charging pad  18 B such that the selected device  20 A/ 20 B is seated on or proximate to the sensor  22 A/ 22 B associated therewith. For example and as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , to connect the first device  20 A with the system  50 , the first device  20 A is slid backward such that it is proximate to the first sensor  22 A so that the system  50  can detect the presence of the first device  20 A via the first sensor  22 A (and the user&#39;s intent to connect the first device  20 A by virtue of the user&#39;s movement of the first device  20 A). Because the second device  20 B has not been moved to the second sensor  22 B, the system  50  will not detect the presence of the second device  20 B at the second sensor  22 B and thus will not pair with the second device  20 B. To provide the user with visual cues identifying which of the devices  20 A/ 20 B has been selected to be paired with the system  50 , the charging pad  18 B includes “connected” labels  28 A at a front of the charging pad  18 B and “not connected” labels  28 B at a rear of the charging pad  18 B. Therefore, when the first device  20 A is slid backward to make contact with the first sensor  22 A, the “connected” label  28 A is exposed so that the user knows that the first device  20 A has been selected for connection. Because the second device  20 B has not been slid backward, the “not connected” label  28 B on the second side  24 B will be exposed, thus notifying the user that the second device  20 B has not been selected for connection. If both the first device  20 A and the second device  20 B are moved to the first sensor  22 A and the second sensor  22 B respectively, the system  50  will connect with the first device  20 A and not the second device  20 B because the first device  20 A is at the driver&#39;s side. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3C  illustrates another charging pad according to the present teachings at reference numeral  18 C. Associated with the first side  24 A of the charging pad  18 C is a first selector  30 A. Associated with the second side  24 B of the charging pad  18 C is a second selector  30 B. The selectors  30 A and  30 B can each be any suitable device for accepting an input from the user, such as a button, switch, or touch pad. If the user desires to connect the first device  20 A to the system  50 , the user need only actuate the first selector  30 A, such as by depressing the first selector  30 A when the first selector  30 A is a button. Similarly, if the user desires to connect the second device  20 B to the system  50 , the user need only actuate the second selector  30 B. The selectors  30 A and  30 B can be located at any suitable location within the passenger cabin  12 , such as on the steering wheel, dashboard, or incorporated within a heads-up display. The first selector  30 A and the second selector  30 B can be provided with status indicators, such as backlighting, to identify which of the first selector  30 A and the second selector  30 B has been selected. 
         [0044]    An additional charging pad according to the present teachings is illustrated in  FIG. 4  at reference numeral  18 D. Associated with the first side  24 A of the charging pad  18 A are a plurality of first selectors  32 A. Associated with the second side  24 B of the charging pad  18 D are a plurality of second selectors  32 B. The first and second selectors  32 A and  32 B allow the user to select a particular functionality or service of either the first device  20 A or the second device  20 B to be accessed through, and controlled by, the onboard vehicle system  50 . If one of the selectors  32 A is selected, then the onboard vehicle system  50  will connect to the first device  20 A. If one of the selectors  32 B is selected, then the onboard vehicle system  50  will connect to the second device  20 B. The first and the second selectors  32 A and  32 B can permit selection of any suitable function of the devices  20 A/ 20 B, such as telephone functionality, internet functionality, or Bluetooth audio functionality. Therefore, if the user desires to play an audio file from the first device  20 A using the Bluetooth audio subsystem  54 , for example, the user will select the “Bluetooth audio” selector  32 A. If the user desires to select the telephone functionality of the second device  20 B for operation using the hands free telephone subsystem  52 , the user will select the “phone” selector of the second selectors  32 B. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 5A-5D  generally illustrate use of the display  16  to select functionality of a particular device  20  to be provided through the onboard vehicle system  50 . Associated with the display  16  is a sensor  34 , which is similar to the first and second sensors  22 A and  22 B and is configured to read a device ID from the device  20 . The sensor  34  can be any suitable type of sensor, such as a NFC sensor. As described below, functionality of the device  20  to be provided through the onboard vehicle system  50  can be selected using the display  16  before the device  20  is identified and connected to the system  50  by bringing the device  20  into contact with, or within close proximity to, the sensor  34 . Alternatively, the device  20  can be identified and connected to the system  50  by bringing the device  20  into contact with, or within close proximity to, the sensor  34 . Functionality of the device  20  to be provided through the onboard vehicle system  50  can then subsequently be selected using the display  16 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5A  illustrates the display  16  navigated to a Bluetooth audio system connection mode screen at  16 A. The display  16  can be navigated to the Bluetooth audio system connection mode screen  16 A in any suitable manner, such as by selecting the mode from a dropdown menu using touch inputs. To connect the mobile electronic device  20  with the Bluetooth audio subsystem  54  and select the Bluetooth audio functionality of the device  20  for operation through the Bluetooth audio subsystem  54 , the user need only bring the device  20  into contact with, or within close proximity to, the sensor  34 . The sensor  34  will then read the device ID off the device  20 , convey the device ID to the vehicle system  50  in order to inform the vehicle system  50  that the user desires that the Bluetooth audio functionality of the device  20  be made accessible through the Bluetooth audio subsystem  54 . The Bluetooth audio subsystem  54  will then make the Bluetooth audio system functionality of the device  20  accessible to the user in any suitable manner, such as by way of the display  16 . For example, the display  16  at  FIG. 5A  will change from the connection mode screen  16 A to a screen whereby the user can operate the Bluetooth audio functionality, such as a screen with a user interface for selecting a desired song and controlling the volume of the passenger cabin speakers. 
         [0047]    With additional reference to  5 B, the display  16  is illustrated as having been navigated to a Pandora radio connection screen  16 B. To access the internet functionality of the device  20 , the device  20  can be brought into contact with, or within close proximity to, the sensor  34 . The sensor  34  will read the device ID from the device  20  to inform the onboard vehicle system  50  that the user desires to access the internet radio functionality of the device  20 . The internet access subsystem  56  will then connect to the device  20 , such as with a Bluetooth connection, to stream the audio from an internet radio source, such as Pandora, and permit control of the internet radio functionality of the device  20  through systems of the passenger cabin  12 , such as the display  16 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5C  illustrates the display  16  navigated to a mobile internet connection screen at  16 C. To transfer mobile internet functionality from the device  20  to the onboard vehicle system  50 , the device  20  is brought into contact with, or within close proximity to, the sensor  34 . The sensor  34  reads the device ID of the device  20  to inform the onboard vehicle system  50  that the user of the device  20  desires to transfer internet functionality from the device  20  to the onboard vehicle system  50 . The internet access subsystem  56  then takes control of the device  20  to make the Internet accessible to the user in the passenger cabin  12 , such as through the display  16 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 5D  illustrates the display  16  navigated to a mobile telephone connection screen  16 D. To transfer telephone functionality from the device  20  to the onboard vehicle system  50 , such as to permit hands free telephone access in the passenger cabin  12 , the device  20  is moved to the sensor  34 , such that the sensor  34  can read the device ID off of the device  20 . The device ID is processed by the onboard vehicle system  50 , which instructs the hands free telephone subsystem  52  to connect with the device  20  to provide hands free telephone operation in the passenger cabin  12 , such as through the audio system and one or more microphones of the passenger cabin  12 . 
         [0050]    Functionality of the device  20  to be accessed through the onboard vehicle system  20  can also be selected directly through the device  20 . For example, if the user selects map functionality from the device  20 , upon bringing the device  20  into contact with, or within close proximity to, the sensor  34 , access to map functionality will be transferred to the onboard vehicle system  50  such that the user can view map and route information, for example, using the display  16 . 
         [0051]    In addition to moving the device  20  to the sensor  34  to identify to the vehicle system  50  the device  20  that the user would like to control using the vehicle system  50 , the user may place the device  20  on the charging pad  18 A, which will identify the device  20  to the vehicle system  50  by reading the device ID using either the first sensor  22 A or the second sensor  22 B, as described above. The user can then navigate the display  16  to a “select service” screen  16 E, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The user may then simply select the particular functionality using the display  16 , such as phone, Bluetooth audio, or internet functionality. The user may also select “charge only,” whereby the device  20  will only be charged by the charging pad  18 A and no functionality of the device will be transferred to the onboard vehicle system  50 . Another option available to the user is the “none” mode, in which the device  20  will not be charged when placed on a charging pad  18 A. In the “none” mode, placing the device  20  in the storage receptacle  14  on the charging pad  18 A will not transfer functionality from the device  20  or charge the device  20 . The device  20  will merely be stored in the storage receptacle  14 . Storing the device  20  in the storage receptacle  14  with the cover  26  closed can be useful in a number of situations, such as when traveling over a rough road and during an accident to prevent the device  20  from moving throughout the vehicle passenger cabin  12 . 
         [0052]    When a telephone call is accessed using the hands free telephone subsystem  52 , the telephone conversation will be broadcast throughout the vehicle passenger cabin  12 . In some instances, such as when additional persons are present in the passenger cabin  12  in addition to the participant in the phone call, there may be a desire to decouple the device  20  from the hands free telephone subsystem  52  so that the conversation is not broadcast throughout the passenger cabin  12 , but is only accessible directly through the device  20 . In this regard,  FIG. 7A  illustrates an additional charge pad according to the present teachings at reference numeral  18 E. Associated with the charging pad  18 E is a selector  36 . The selector  36  provides for manual decoupling of the device  20  from the hands free telephone subsystem  52 . The selector  36  can be any suitable selection device, such as a button, switch, touch pad, or sliding selector switch. The selector  36  can be provided with a label identifying its functionality, such as “push for private mode,” as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . Upon selection of the selector  36  by the user, the device  20  will decouple from the hands free telephone subsystem  52  to transfer the call back to the device  20  such that the voice at the other end of the call can only be heard through the speaker of the device  20 , and the user must speak directly into a microphone of the device  20  in order for the user&#39;s voice to be heard by the person on the other end of the call. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7B  illustrates another way in which the device  20  can be switched to a private mode, such that the telephone conversation is not broadcast throughout the passenger cabin  12  by the hands free telephone subsystem  52 . Once the device  20  is removed from the charging pad  18 F, the device ID will no longer be able to be read by the first or second sensors  22 A or  22 B, which will inform the hands free telephone subsystem  52  that the device  20  has been removed from the charging pad  18 F and that the user desires to decouple the device  20  from the hands free telephone subsystem  52 . The subsystem  52  will then cease broadcasting the call through the speakers of the passenger cabin  12  and transfer functionality of the call back to the device  20 , which can connect with a Bluetooth earpiece or other suitable device to allow the user to privately conduct a call. As a result, the device  20  will be operational to conduct the call in the traditional manner, i.e., with the user speaking directly into the microphone of the phone and the voice on the other end of the call being heard only from the speaker on the device  20 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  illustrates a reminder system at reference numeral  120  to assist a user with remembering to take their device  20  with them upon exiting the vehicle passenger cabin  12 . With initial reference to block  122 , the onboard vehicle system  50  provides a pre-warning when the ignition is turned off. The pre-warning can be any suitable subtle warning or reminder to the user that the device  20  remains in the storage receptacle  14 , such as a subtle chime or a voice reminder. The vehicle system  50  will know when the device  20  is seated on the charging pad  18  because the device ID will be accessible by either the first sensor  22 A or the second sensor  22 B. If the user removes the device  20  such that the device ID is no longer readable using the sensors  22 A/ 22 B, the pre-warning will cease. 
         [0055]    With additional reference to block  124 , an additional, more aggressive warning will be provided by the system  50  when the user opens the door or is no longer seated on the seat of the passenger cabin  12 , such as detected by a weight sensor of the seat or any other occupant detection system. The vehicle system  50  will issue a more aggressive warning than the pre-warning, such as a more aggressive chime, flashing dome lights, or any other suitable visual warning, including illuminating a warning light, ambient light, or symbol that is proximate to or within the storage receptacle  14 . So that the user is able to easily identify the visual warning, the warning can be directed to the storage receptacle  14 , such as by illuminated arrows pointing at the charging pad  18 . The warning can also be provided by the device  20 , such as in the form of an audible or visual warning, as well as a vibration warning. 
         [0056]    With reference to block  126 , the warning can be further intensified once the user closes the door after exiting the vehicle. For example, the vehicle horn may sound and an exterior speaker of the vehicle may broadcast a simple message, such as “don&#39;t forget your phone,” and the headlights of the vehicle may flash. To interrupt or cease any of the warnings, the user can express his or her intent to leave their device  20  within the passenger cabin  12  to the vehicle system  50 . For example, the passenger cabin  12  or the display  16  can include a cease warning selector or button that will disable the warnings. The user can also raise their device  20  from the charging pad  18 A, such that the device ID of the device  20  cannot be read by the sensors  22 A/ 22 B for a brief period of time, thereby informing the vehicle system  50  that the user intends to leave their device  20  in the passenger cabin  12  and that the warnings should not be provided. 
         [0057]    With additional reference to  FIG. 9A , a door  40  of the vehicle can include a door sensor  42  at an exterior thereof proximate to or on a door handle  44 . The door sensor  42  can be any suitable sensor for communicating with the device  20 , such as an NFC sensor. The door sensor  42  can be used to read an authentication code from the device  20 , which is processed by the onboard vehicle system  50  using the vehicle entry subsystem  58  to determine whether the code is authentic and whether the door  40  should be unlocked. The door sensor  42  is particularly useful for reading codes encrypted in a passive NFC chip on the device  20 , such that access to the vehicle can still be granted even if the battery of the device  20  has completely lost its charge. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a method at reference numeral  130  for determining whether to grant entry to a vehicle passenger cabin  12  using the vehicle entry subsystem  58 , and for authorizing engine start using the engine start subsystem  60 . Starting at block  132 , the mobile device  20  is arranged proximate to the door sensor  42 . The vehicle entry subsystem  58  reads the authentication code from the mobile device  20  at block  134 . At block  136 , the vehicle entry subsystem  58  processes the code to determine whether it is authentic and whether it entitles a person presenting the code with access to the vehicle passenger cabin  12 . The vehicle entry subsystem unlocks the door  40  at block  138  if the vehicle entry subsystem  58  determines that the bearer is authorized. At block  140 , the engine start subsystem  60  will determine if the authentication code authorizes the bearer of the code to start the vehicle by reading the code using any suitable vehicle sensor of the subsystem  60  or the system  50  generally. If the engine start subsystem  60  determines that the bearer is authorized, the subsystem  60  will enable the vehicle to start, such as upon pressing an “engine start” button at block  142 . The engine start subsystem  60  can be configured to restrict engine start until the device  20  is placed in the storage receptacle  14  on the charging pad  18 , as a precaution to prevent direct use of the device  20  simultaneous with operation of the vehicle. 
         [0059]    The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.