Abstract: A method for a video communication system for a rideshare system includes conducting at least a portion of a video communication session involving a passenger using at least one exterior audio/video component on an exterior surface of an AV dispatched to a designated location; and transferring the video communication session to at least one interior audio/video component on an interior of the AV.

Abstract: A designated location preview method includes obtaining an image of a portion of an environment of a vehicle dispatched to a designated location in response to a service request from a user, wherein the obtaining is performed using at least one onboard sensor of the vehicle; and displaying the image of the environment portion on a user interface (UI) of a user device substantially in real-time.

Abstract: A fleet management system coordinates multiple autonomous vehicles (AVs) to transport a group of passengers from one location to another. A single user can submit a request to the fleet management system to provide a ride for the group, the request specifying the number of passengers and the pickup location. The fleet management system determines a number of AVs to transport the group based on the number passengers, and dispatches this number of AVs to the pickup location. The AVs pick up the passengers at the pickup location, drive the passengers to a destination, and drop the passengers off at the destination.

Abstract: A fleet management system coordinates multiple autonomous vehicles (AVs) to transport a group of passengers from one location to another. A single user can submit a request to the fleet management system to provide a ride for the group, the request specifying the number of passengers and the pickup location. The fleet management system determines a number of AVs to transport the group based on the number passengers, and dispatches this number of AVs to the pickup location. The AVs pick up the passengers at the pickup location, drive the passengers to a destination, and drop the passengers off at the destination.

Abstract: A designated location preview method includes obtaining an image of a portion of an environment of a vehicle dispatched to a designated location in response to a service request from a user, wherein the obtaining is performed using at least one onboard sensor of the vehicle; and displaying the image of the environment portion on a user interface (UI) of a user device substantially in real-time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adding stops to an autonomous vehicle route. A passenger can request an intermediate stop during which the passenger can exit the autonomous vehicle. An intermediate stop request may include a stop duration. Autonomous vehicle driving behavior during the intermediate stop may include parking, driving around, and performing a different route.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring wetness in a diaper or other absorbent article includes a housing that attaches to the absorbent article. The sensor may include inner and outer housing portions that capture an edge of the absorbent article between the housings. The sensor may include contacts that electrically connect with a pair of contact strips embedded in the absorbent article. The distance between the embedded strips may vary depending on the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may include multiple pairs of contacts that are spaced apart to match the distance between the contact strips for the variously sized absorbent articles. In this way, depending on the pair of contacts connected to the contact strips, the sensor may indicate the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may have a housing with a cavity and a lid that closes the cavity. The lid may be secured with a latch.

Abstract: A designated location preview method includes obtaining an image of a portion of an environment of a vehicle dispatched to a designated location in response to a service request from a user, wherein the obtaining is performed using at least one onboard sensor of the vehicle; and displaying the image of the environment portion on a user interface (UI) of a user device substantially in real-time.

Abstract: A method for a video communication system for a rideshare system includes conducting at least a portion of a video communication session involving a passenger using at least one exterior audio/video component on an exterior surface of an AV dispatched to a designated location; and transferring the video communication session to at least one interior audio/video component on an interior of the AV.

Abstract: A method for a video communication system for a rideshare system includes conducting at least a portion of a video communication session involving a passenger using at least one exterior audio/video component on an exterior surface of an AV dispatched to a designated location; and transferring the video communication session to at least one interior audio/video component on an interior of the AV.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for child-friendly authentication for autonomous vehicle rides. In particular, systems and methods are provided for offering alternative authentication methods that automatically engage child-friendly features. The systems and methods provided enable unsupervised children to take advantage of autonomous rideshare and delivery programs using child-friendly authentication methods. Additionally, augmented autonomous vehicle safety and security practices for children are provided.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) maintenance system engages a user of an AV to assist in maintenance tasks. A sensor interface receives data captured by a sensor of the AV. An issue detector processes the sensor data to detect an issue in the AV. A user interface module instructs a user to perform a maintenance task addressing the detected issue. A verification module verifies that the user successfully completed the maintenance task.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting when a mobile device is left in a vehicle, and returning forgotten devices to owners. Additionally, systems and methods are provided for preventing mobile devices from being left in vehicles. In particular, sensors inside a vehicle as well as sensors on mobile devices can be used to identify when a mobile device remains in a vehicle after the owner has exited the vehicle and ended their trip. Systems and methods are provided for notifying the user of the forgotten device and intelligently returning the device to the user.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) maintenance system engages a user of an AV to assist in maintenance tasks. A sensor interface receives data captured by a sensor of the AV. An issue detector processes the sensor data to detect an issue in the AV. A user interface module instructs a user to perform a maintenance task addressing the detected issue. A verification module verifies that the user successfully completed the maintenance task.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating images from an autonomous vehicle ride. The images can include images from inside the vehicle and outside the vehicle, and can be used to create a highlight reel of the ride. The images can be captured automatically and include images of passengers during the ride. The highlight reel is provided to a user who can choose to share it with others.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating images from an autonomous vehicle ride. Systems and methods are provided for determining whether a vehicle route passes a photogenic location and, if so, capturing an image at the photogenic location. The user can be provided with an option to take a detour to a nearby photogenic location. Additionally, a route can be selected based on one or more photogenic locations along the route. Captured images are provided to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting when a mobile device is left in a vehicle, and returning forgotten devices to owners. Additionally, systems and methods are provided for preventing mobile devices from being left in vehicles. In particular, sensors inside a vehicle as well as sensors on mobile devices can be used to identify when a mobile device remains in a vehicle after the owner has exited the vehicle and ended their trip. Systems and methods are provided for notifying the user of the forgotten device and intelligently returning the device to the user.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring wetness in a diaper or other absorbent article includes a housing that attaches to the absorbent article. The sensor may include inner and outer housing portions that capture an edge of the absorbent article between the housings. The sensor may include contacts that electrically connect with a pair of contact strips embedded in the absorbent article. The distance between the embedded strips may vary depending on the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may include multiple pairs of contacts that are spaced apart to match the distance between the contact strips for the variously sized absorbent articles. In this way, depending on the pair of contacts connected to the contact strips, the sensor may indicate the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may have a housing with a cavity and a lid that closes the cavity. The lid may be secured with a latch.

Abstract: A portable filtration system is described. The system may comprise: a mixing portion, comprising: a pump adaptor and a contaminant regulator. The pump adaptor may comprise: an upper plate, a lower plate, and a screen. The screen may axially extend between the upper and lower plates, wherein the upper plate, the lower plate, and the screen define a channel of a mixing chamber. The contaminant regulator may comprise a through-passage coupled to the upper plate, wherein the through-passage is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a passenger destination given a destination type. In particular, based on one or more conditions, a rideshare application selects one or more destination options for the user, and presents the one or more destination options to the user. The conditions can include user input criteria such as type of destination, pricing, and popularity, and external factors such as time of day and traffic.