Abstract: Methods, autonomous vehicles, and servers for passenger service in an autonomous vehicle are provided. A method includes receiving at least one signal indicating a status of at least one passenger of the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes processing the at least one signal to determine whether the at least one passenger has taken action consistent with completion of the passenger service reservation in the absence of an action that is inconsistent with completion of the passenger service reservation. The method yet further includes completing the reservation based on the processing the at least one signal. A server includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that configure the server for performing the method.

Abstract: A method for determining vehicle location via a mobile computing device includes: determining, by an application of the mobile computing device, a first signal strength corresponding to a communications component of a vehicle and a first mobile device location corresponding to the first signal strength; detecting, by the application, a signal drop event corresponding to a loss of the signal corresponding to the communications component of the vehicle; determining, by the application, in response to detecting the signal drop event, the first mobile device location corresponding to the first signal strength as the vehicle location based on the first mobile device location being the most recent location at which a recorded signal strength was at a highest level; and providing, by the application, a notification indicating the vehicle location to a user of the mobile device.

Abstract: A communication system and method utilizing the communication system. The method includes performing a vehicle function based on a proximity of two wireless devices to a vehicle. The steps of method include: establishing a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) link between a SRWC system on the vehicle and a first wireless device; establishing another SRWC link between the SRWC system and a second wireless device, wherein the first and second wireless devices are associated with a common user; receiving a wireless signal at the SRWC system from each of the first and second wireless devices; determining a proximity of the two wireless devices based on receiving the wireless signals; and performing a vehicle function based on the determined location.

Abstract: A communication system and method utilizing the communication system. The method includes performing a vehicle function based on a proximity of two wireless devices to a vehicle. The steps of method include: establishing a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) link between a SRWC system on the vehicle and a first wireless device; establishing another SRWC link between the SRWC system and a second wireless device, wherein the first and second wireless devices are associated with a common user; receiving a wireless signal at the SRWC system from each of the first and second wireless devices; determining a proximity of the two wireless devices based on receiving the wireless signals; and performing a vehicle function based on the determined location.

Abstract: A system and method of selecting a vehicle function to control using a wearable electronic device includes: receiving, at a vehicle, an identity of a gesture that is associated with two or more vehicle functions and made using the wearable electronic device; identifying which of the two or more vehicle functions to control in response to receiving the identity of the gesture; and controlling the vehicle function.

Abstract: A system and method of authenticating purchases made with a handheld wireless device using a vehicle includes: transmitting a first security token and a second security token to a merchant via a short-range wireless connection between the handheld wireless device and the merchant; wirelessly transmitting a copy of the first security token from the handheld wireless device to a third party credit issuer; and transmitting a copy of the second security token from the handheld wireless device to the vehicle via a separate short-range wireless connection between the handheld wireless device and the vehicle.