Abstract: Upon detecting an absence of a user inside a passenger cabin of a vehicle, an object inside the passenger cabin is classified as one of preferred or nonpreferred. Upon classifying the object as preferred, a sensor is activated to monitor an environment outside the passenger cabin based on determining the object is visible from outside the passenger cabin. A priority level for the preferred object is determined based on data from the sensor, wherein the priority level is one of high or low. A vehicle component is actuated to reduce the priority level based on determining the priority level for the preferred object is high.

Abstract: Vehicles can be equipped to operate in both autonomous and occupant piloted mode. Refueling stations can be equipped to refuel autonomous vehicles without occupant assistance. Refueling stations can be equipped with a fueling control computer that communicates with vehicles via wireless networks to move vehicles between waiting zones, service zones and served zones. Refueling stations can include liquid fuel, compressed gas and electric charging.

Abstract: Redundant vehicle controls based on user presence and position are disclosed herein. A method can include determining a presence and a position of a driver in a sensing zone of a vehicle using a sensor platform integrated into the vehicle. The sensing zone is associated with a primary driving interface of the vehicle. Determining when the position of the driver indicates that the driver is not in a fully-seated position relative to a driver's seat of the vehicle, and that the vehicle is in a non-seated drive mode where the driver is permitted to operate the vehicle while not being in the fully-seated position. Activating a secondary driving interface of the vehicle when the driver is not in a fully-seated position and the vehicle is in the selected driving mode. The secondary driving interface can be used in combination with the primary driving interface.

Abstract: A first computer and a second computer are each connected to a communication network. User data is generated for a user by the first computer based on receiving, from the second computer, initial enrollment biometric data for the user. The user is authorized by the first computer based on a confidence score for challenge biometric data exceeding a first confidence threshold. Then the user data is updated with updated enrollment biometric data by the first computer based on a confidence score for the updated enrollment biometric data exceeding a second confidence threshold. The second confidence threshold is greater than the first confidence threshold. The initial enrollment biometric data is deleted by the second computer after a predetermined time of receiving the initial enrollment biometric data.

Abstract: An item repositioning method includes, in response to a request for an item, moving a vehicle along a first route to a location of the item, loading the item in the vehicle using a lift assist device mounted to the vehicle, moving the vehicle along a second route to transport the item to a desired location, and at the desired location, unloading the item from the vehicle using the lift assist device.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for providing a monitoring service for a pedestrian. In an example method, a request for activation of a monitoring service can be received. The request can include a present location and a destination. Upon receiving the request for activation of the monitoring service, a travel route can be determined from the present location to the destination. As a traveler travels along the travel route, each of one or more vehicles along the travel route may be activated. Each of the one or more vehicles can be configured to stream at least one video feed when the traveler is proximate to the each of the one or more vehicles. The monitoring service can be terminated when the traveler has reached the destination.

Abstract: Upon obtaining biometric data for a user of a structure while the user is outside the structure, user data for the user is updated based on a confidence score for the biometric data exceeding a first confidence threshold. Based on the confidence score for the biometric data not exceeding the first confidence threshold, instructions are provided to the user to provide updated biometric data. Then the user data is updated based on a confidence score for the updated biometric data exceeding a second confidence threshold. The second confidence threshold is greater than the first confidence threshold. Structure components are controlled based on the updated user data.

Abstract: Upon authorizing a user via challenge biometric data, user data is determined to be updated based on detecting a trigger. Upon detecting the trigger prior to authenticating the user, the user data is updated with the challenge biometric data based on authenticating the user. Upon detecting the trigger after authenticating the user, the user data is updated with updated challenge biometric data based on a confidence score for the second biometric data exceeding a threshold. Structure components are controlled based on the updated user data.

Abstract: Upon detecting an authorized portable device, a user of the portable device is authenticated for a structure based on then receiving an authentication message from the authorized portable device. A location of the user is determined with respect to the structure. Instructions are provided to the authorized portable device for the user to provide biometric data based on the location. Upon obtaining the biometric data for the user, user data is generated for the user. Structure components are controlled based on the user data.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powered door having an actuator to move the door between open and closed positions, a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices, and an imaging device oriented to capture images in a region proximate to the powered door. A controller processes the captured images and controls the actuator to move the door to the open position when a mobile device is detected proximate the vehicle and a user is detected in the captured images located in a door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a face of a user is recognized as an authorized user located in the door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a gait of the user is detected and identifies the gait are indicative of an authorized user located in the door detection zone.

Abstract: A dynamic navigation coach system is programmed to monitor and assist drivers while keeping them engaged en route to the destination. The system may provide driver navigation assistance and training that monitors user navigational skills, driving habits, and environmental factors, and provides dynamically adjustable tools to provide varying levels of navigation assistance in a game play format. The system may selectively provide navigational directions or corrections to the driver when the driver deviates from a scheduled travel route, instead of providing instructions at every driving event.

Abstract: A vehicle receives designation of a coverage area for deployment of a portable network comprised of a plurality of wireless-equipped toolboxes and determines a plurality of toolboxes available for use in the network based on indications to the vehicle from a plurality of toolboxes that they are usable in the network. The vehicle determines a placement of the available toolboxes within the coverage area to achieve a wireless network having at least one box location capable of reaching a location designated as a vehicle parking location with wireless communication, the location determined by the vehicle based at least in part on the ability of the vehicle to reach the location and a known cellular signal available at the location. The vehicle provides guidance for deployment of individual toolboxes of the plurality of toolboxes at deployment locations according to the determined placement.

Abstract: A system for passive locking and unlocking a vehicle is described that includes a memory for storing executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to unlock the vehicle using a time of flight to transmit the trigger request between the vehicle and the first key fob. The processor receives, from a first key fob, a trigger request to unlock the vehicle, and determines, based key fob identifiers that identify the first key fob and a second key fob that is also near the vehicle, that the first and second key fobs are associated with a vehicle. The processor selects the first key fob based on a key fob characteristic. The processor evaluates the time of flight using the first key fob, and unlocks the vehicle based on the time of flight satisfying a threshold for signal transmission flight time.

Abstract: Upon deactivating a vehicle, first operating data are collected, the first operating data including a measure of operation of a vehicle component other than a battery of the vehicle. Upon determining that a charge level of the battery of the vehicle is below a charge threshold, second operating data are collected from the vehicle component. Upon determining that the vehicle is unmoved from a location at which the vehicle was deactivated by determining that second operating data are within a threshold of the first operating data, a propulsion system is actuated to charge the battery.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive radar data from a radar sensor of a vehicle; demarcate a zone of coverage of the radar sensor, the zone of coverage having an area based on a number of objects indicated by the radar data; and after demarcating the zone of coverage, in response to detecting a newly present object in the zone of coverage, adjust a scanning rate of the radar sensor based on a distance of the newly present object from the radar sensor.

Abstract: A device localization system for a vehicle and a mobile device configured as a Phone-as-a-Key (PaaK) is described. The system includes a fob-free mode for performing remote control vehicle features using a selective mobile device localization technique that reduces motive functionality of the vehicle, based location of a user performing the vehicle control during the remote-control operation. The system determines a geographic position of a user using a single Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) antenna, and establishes establish a high-fidelity zone based on a change in mobile device position. The system reduces a motive functionality of the vehicle, based on the selective mobile device localization, from a first motive mode having a full motive functionality to a second motive mode responsive to determining that the mobile device is not present in the high-fidelity zone.

Abstract: A vehicle having powered door access is provided including a powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, at least one sensor for sensing a first user approaching the vehicle, and a transceiver for communicating with another vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller determining a distance of the first user from the vehicle and communicating with the other vehicle which determines a second user from the other vehicle, wherein the controller prioritizes which of the vehicle and the other vehicle is granted permission to open a door based on the distances of the first user and the second user.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes first and second wireless modules and a processor. The processor estimates a region of probability representative of possible locations of a mobile device based on a first signal strength indicator. When the region of probability overlaps a virtual boundary, the processor polls a key fob, estimates a distance of the key fob from the vehicle based on a second signal strength indicator, and when the key fob is within the virtual boundary, enable autonomous parking.

Abstract: An apparatus includes, among other things, a spare tire cover comprising an attaching ring configured to surround an outer circumference of a tire and a center panel that is attached to the attaching ring. At least one exciter is mounted to the center panel. A method includes, among other things, molding at least one temperature sensor to a center panel, mounting the center panel to enclose one open side of an attaching ring to form a spare tire cover, and mounting at least one exciter to the center panel to selectively generate a desired sound.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a cabin interior, a seat configured to hold a passenger, a window having a movable panel actuatable between open and closed positions, and an actuator to power the window between the open and closed positions. The vehicle also includes an imaging device located in the cabin interior and oriented to capture images of a passenger seated on the seat and at least a portion of the movable panel of the window, and a controller processing the images to determine one or more characteristics of a face of the passenger. The controller further processes the images to monitor a position of the movable panel.