Abstract: A passive authentication method includes, in response to receiving a requested action from a first user, obtaining a set of sensor data and categorizing first sensor data of the set of sensor data into a first modality of a set of modalities. The method includes, for the first modality of the set of modalities, determining a distance value by applying a first modality model to the first sensor data and comparing the distance value to a first verified value of the first user for the first modality. The method includes, based on the comparison, determining a first authentication decision of the distance value. The method includes, in response to the first authentication decision indicating the first sensor data corresponds to the first user, performing the requested action.

Abstract: Enhanced ridehail systems and methods are disclosed herein. A method can include determining a pattern of a patterned object associated with a ridehail stand from images obtained by a vehicle camera, determining presence of a user at the ridehail stand using the images when at least a portion of the patterned object is being obscured by the user or when the user is detected using a sensor of the vehicle, and causing the vehicle to stop at the ridehail stand when the presence of the user is determined.

Abstract: A passive authentication method includes, in response to receiving a requested action from a first user, obtaining a set of sensor data and categorizing first sensor data of the set of sensor data into a first modality of a set of modalities. The method includes, for the first modality of the set of modalities, determining a distance value by applying a first modality model to the first sensor data and comparing the distance value to a first verified value of the first user for the first modality. The method includes, based on the comparison, determining a first authentication decision of the distance value. The method includes, in response to the first authentication decision indicating the first sensor data corresponds to the first user, performing the requested action.

Abstract: A device that includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the device is programmed to identify a wearable device and a set of vehicle data from a vehicle. The user device sends a human machine interface (HMI) message to the wearable device. The HMI message is based at least in part on the set of vehicle data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for external vehicle illumination management are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving, at a first processor of a mobile device, vehicle data. The vehicle data is to be transmitted to the first processor from a second processor of a vehicle. The example method includes analyzing the vehicle data and mobile device data generated by the mobile device. The example method includes generating an alert for headlamp usage of the vehicle based on the analysis and presenting the alert via the mobile device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a horn, a plurality of exterior lights, and at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to grant vehicle system access to a nomadic device paired to the vehicle, and in response to receiving a message that contains data identifying a source of the message while the vehicle is in a key-off state from a nomadic device not paired to the vehicle, activate the horn and exterior lights according to respective patterns.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for external vehicle illumination management are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving, at a first processor of a mobile device, vehicle data. The vehicle data is to be transmitted to the first processor from a second processor of a vehicle. The example method includes analyzing the vehicle data and mobile device data generated by the mobile device. The example method includes generating an alert for headlamp usage of the vehicle based on the analysis and presenting the alert via the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for making a purchase using a vehicle computing system includes receiving input to the vehicle computing system instructing order initiation. The method also includes receiving a selection at the vehicle computing system of a merchant from which to order. The method further includes receiving an order at the vehicle computing system, determining an address of the merchant to which the order was placed and providing directions to the address. These can be provided as, for example, turn by turn directions spoken and/or displayed on a nav display. Finally, the exemplary method includes processing a payment for the order.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a horn, a plurality of exterior lights, and at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to grant vehicle system access to a nomadic device paired to the vehicle, and in response to receiving a message that contains data identifying a source of the message while the vehicle is in a key-off state from a nomadic device not paired to the vehicle, activate the horn and exterior lights according to respective patterns.

Abstract: A device that includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the device is programmed to identify a wearable device and a set of vehicle data from a vehicle. The user device sends a human machine interface (HMI) message to the wearable device. The HMI message is based at least in part on the set of vehicle data.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to detect a wireless signature indicating an animal presence within a predefined proximity to a vehicle. The processor is also configured to issue an alert to vehicle occupants responsive to the wireless signature detection, the alert varying based on detected signal strength. The wireless signature may be transmitted from a BLE or RFID device provided to an animal affixed to a collar, for example, or from an RFID chip embedded in an animal.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to detect a wireless signature indicating an animal presence within a predefined proximity to a vehicle. The processor is also configured to issue an alert to vehicle occupants responsive to the wireless signature detection, the alert varying based on detected signal strength. The wireless signature may be transmitted from a BLE or RFID device provided to an animal affixed to a collar, for example, or from an RFID chip embedded in an animal.

Abstract: A system includes a processor in communication with at least one input, and configured to control at least one vehicle system. The processor is further configured to receive a command including a subjective element. The processor is also configured to access a mapping associated with a user from whom the command originated to retrieve a user-specific meaning, the mapping defining user-specific meanings for at least one subjective element. Further, the processor is configured to apply a user-specific meaning to an implementation of the command, such that a vehicle system is adjusted in accordance with both the subjective element and the user-specific meaning associated therewith.

Abstract: A heads up display apparatus for a vehicle, comprising a wireless transceiver configured to connect and communicate with a device providing information for display, an energy storage device configured to provide energy to the display apparatus, a processor configured receive information from the transceiver and configure the information for display, and a display configured to output the information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes connecting to a remote system and requesting data relating to a quality of air level in the vicinity of a known vehicle location. The method further includes receiving data relating to the quality of air level and comparing the data to one or more predetermined threshold levels of tolerance. If the data exceeds at least one threshold level of tolerance an automatic vehicle computing system response is instructed. In this example, the method also includes activating one or more vehicle systems in response to the data exceeding the at least one threshold level of tolerance.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes providing an interface on a wireless device corresponding to an interface for vehicle infotainment system control. The method also includes providing simulated functionality of controls on the interface, such that activation of a control informs a user of what would occur if the control were activated on a vehicle interface. Further, the method includes saving at least one user setting input into the interface. The method additionally includes transferring the saved setting to a vehicle computing system (VCS) for use in infotainment system control when the wireless device is in communication with the VCS.

Abstract: A server comprising a transceiver configured to communicate data with a remote vehicle computer system and a car-reservation system. The server further includes a processor configured to utilize the data to output a car-sharing social-graph, the car-sharing social-graph including a vehicle for sharing, a vehicle-location, a user-location, and a potential parking-spot for sharing the vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a processor, configured to communicate with a vehicle camera, a vehicle audio input and at least one vehicle input control. In this embodiment, the processor is configured to receive a request to being recording user audio from the audio input. The processor is also configured to record user audio and GPS coordinates to be associated with the audio and record one or more images or video files from the vehicle camera, to be associated with the audio or the GPS coordinates. Further, the processor is configured to compile and save the audio input, GPS coordinates and one or more images as a tour data file.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining a user account associated with a vehicle occupant. The method also includes detecting the presence of at least one active monitoring device. The method further includes determining an association between the active monitoring device and the user account and periodically downloading device information from the active monitoring device to a vehicle computing system. Finally, the method includes storing downloaded device information in association with the user account.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system comprising a transceiver in a vehicle configured to wirelessly connect with a nomadic device, wherein the nomadic device is capable of running a contextual application which operates at least in part based on vehicle environment data. The vehicle computer system further comprises one or more vehicle modules configured to receive environment data and capable of causing the transceiver to provide the vehicle environment data to the nomadic device for processing by the contextual application.