Abstract: The present invention provides a system for reading a license plate from a poor image captured in various environments. To this end, the present invention provides a license plate reading apparatus and method using deep learning technology and provides a license plate learning apparatus and method for generating and providing a restoration neural network and a recognition neural network by using the license plate reading apparatus and method, thereby implementing a circular recognition network generating and using system.

Abstract: The NACC method and system will increase security by centralizing vetting, authorization and providing authoritative biometrics for matching either at the NACC or at a requestor's facility. Automatic biometric matching will save manpower and increase security. Access authorizations for personnel are determined by the requestor's facility and communicated to the NACC. The NACC provides authoritative biometrics, templates, or authorizations as selected by the requestor's facility. The NACC will enhance personnel access to multiple facilities at stationary access points, on-the-move walking, and with individuals seeking entrance while in a vehicle. The NACC can either be in one or more bricks-and-mortar structures or in a cloud.

Abstract: A car sharing management device includes a communication device and an information processing device. The communication device is configured to acquire, from an information terminal owned by a user of a car sharing service, commercial facility information acquired by the information terminal at a commercial facility. The information processing device is configured to determine, based on the commercial facility information, whether the user uses the commercial facility while using the car sharing service. The information processing device is configured to provide the user with a reward in a case where the user uses the commercial facility while using the car sharing service.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is a method including assigning, by a virtual assistant computing device, a transaction intent associated with a mobile device user for a transaction and determining by the virtual assistant computing device, whether the transaction is in accordance with policy. The method further includes sending by the virtual assistant computing device, a policy decision recommendation to the mobile device and receiving, by the virtual assistant computing device, a response from the mobile device indicating whether to perform the transaction. The method further includes facilitating, by the virtual assistant computing device, performance of the transaction and generating, by the virtual assistant computing device, an expense report associated with the transaction.

Abstract: Data processing systems and methods, according to various embodiments, are adapted for performing a process of procuring a vendor and sub-processes associated therewith, such as performing vendor risk assessments and providing training specific to the procurement of that particular vendor. Training requirements for the user procuring the vendor and/or for the vendor itself are determined and any deficiencies in current, valid training requirements are identified. Training to address any identified deficiencies is provided as part of the vendor procurement process. Training may be customized based on trainee and/or organization attributes to improve the effectiveness of such training.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a display interface. The vehicle includes a controller configured to execute commands to transport a passenger from a pickup location to a destination and display a brand name or logo associated with a brand identifier during at least a portion of the transport. The execution is responsive to a request for transportation service including the brand identifier, the pickup location, and the destination.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods of conducting transactions associated with a transit card. A method of conducting transactions may be conducted between a processor and a transit processor. Steps may include receiving a redemption request and determining if it is a pre-authorization request or a redemption; if the redemption request is a pre-authorization request, determining if the account is authorized for a particular transit type. If the account is authorized, communicating approval to the transit processor. If the account is not authorized communicating denial. If the redemption request is a redemption: determining if account value is sufficient to pay the redemption amount; if not, denying and if so approving the transaction and deducting the amount, and determining if the account value is below a pre-determined threshold for a particular transit types, and if so, updating the status of the account at a data store.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a low-profile, surface-mounted, wireless parking sensor (LPSMPS) that is easy-to-install, easy-to-maintain, easy-to-repair, and low-cost. The LPSMPS can support the weight of a typical motor vehicle without damage to the electronic components therein. The LPSMPS has a disk-like shape and houses a circular printed circuit board (PCB) that includes electronics for motor vehicle sensing and for wireless communication with other devices. Batteries (e.g., standard AA batteries) are positioned around the circular PCB to enable a low overall profile. For example, according to some embodiments, the maximum height of the LPSMPS is less than 20 mm.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods applying an innovative non-discriminating and anonymous car related navigation driven traffic model predictive control, producing predictive load-balancing on road networks which dynamically assigns efficient sets of routes to car related navigation aids and which navigation aids may refer to in dash navigation or to smart phone navigation application. The system and methods are may enable, for example, to improve or to substitute commercial navigation service solutions, applying under such upgrade or substitution a new highly efficient proactive traffic control for city size or metropolitan size traffic.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product for using self-driving autonomous vehicles to form traffic barriers. The method may include receiving, by a processor, an identification of a location of an event. The method may identify a vehicle from an inventory of autonomous vehicles based on one or more criteria. The criteria may include a vehicle location criterion, a vehicle size criterion, a vehicle fuel criterion, or a vehicle availability criterion. The method may include transmitting to the vehicle an instruction to move to a first location. The method may include identifying a perimeter encompassing the location of the event. The method may include identifying a subset of vehicles in the first position and instructing the subset of vehicles to move to a second position. The method may include instructing the subset of vehicles in the second position to move back to the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roaming method for an electrical charging system with at least two subsystems. In the method, a charging data set is received through a communication module of a gateway device from a charging station assigned to the gateway device. The charging data set is forwarded by a peer-to-peer module assigned to the gateway device to a peer-to-peer application of a peer-to-peer network, and a roaming action is controlled by a roaming controlling means of the peer-to-peer application executed by at least a part of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network based on the received charging data set.

Abstract: A system and method of providing information in connection with one or more services on a computing device is described. The system can receive data in connection with a location-based service from a remote system and can programmatically display information about the service on or as part of a user interface of the service application. A system can dynamically display content to instruct a user of the computing device to go to a particular location and to perform a particular task associated with the service based on the user's current condition.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for wireless beacon devices for use in managing transportation service terminals. A user may travel with a device, such as a communication device, that includes a communication module that may utilize specialized hardware features to establish short range wireless communications with nearby wireless beacons. The wireless beacons may be established at or nearby transportation service terminals, such as bus/train stops. The beacon may provide the aforementioned communication services with the communication device and be utilized to determine whether the user will utilize a transportation service for the terminal. If the user wishes to utilize the transportation service, a transportation service may be alerted. The user may also be alerted of an expected time of arrival for the transportation service, other transportation services available at the transportation terminal, and/or of nearby transportation terminals.

Abstract: A parking lot information service system and method provide position information of an available parking space in a parking lot. The system includes an electronic device that outputs parking lot information in a vehicle that is waiting to park in a parking lot associated with a multi-use facility. The system further includes a facility server that manages facility usage information of a user corresponding to a parked vehicle in the parking lot. The system also includes a parking lot server that predicts departure time of the parked vehicle by analyzing the facility usage information and generates the parking lot information based on the predicted departure time.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for dynamic route estimation and prediction using discrete sampled location updates from various mobile devices for the purpose of providing a graphical representation of a mobile device's route along a known network path of map data. The embodiments also provide supplemental route metrics, such as traveled distance, elapsed time, etc., and the capability to assign destination points for the purpose of providing the ability to modify location update points in an application, such as a route planner, and/or to store the dynamically generated route based on various preferences for later retrieval.

Abstract: A control device is configured to cause a vehicle parked in a parking lot to move to a pick-up area in accordance with a call from a user of the vehicle. The control device includes a predicted time calculator and a moving-out vehicle determiner. The predicted time calculator is configured to, with regard to the vehicle that has arrived at the pick-up area in response to the call, acquire a user position and calculate a predicted user arrival time on the basis of the user position. The user position is a current position of the user. The predicted user arrival time is a time in which the user is predicted to arrive at the pick-up area. The moving-out vehicle determiner is configured to determine a moving-out vehicle on the basis of the calculated predicted user arrival time. The moving-out vehicle is a vehicle that is to be moved out of the pick-up area.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a communication system that facilitates generating, by a waveguide system of the communication system based on a first wireless signal, first electromagnetic waves that convey sensor data, where the first electromagnetic waves propagate along a transmission medium to a server, where the transmission medium comprises an external surface, and where the first electromagnetic waves propagate along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path; and receiving, by the waveguide system, second electromagnetic waves that convey instruction information, where the second electromagnetic waves propagate along the transmission medium to the waveguide system, where the second electromagnetic waves propagate along the transmission medium without requiring the electrical return path, and wherein the instruction information is generated by the server according to the sensor data. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A client device obtains and records inbound station information. The client device sends first electronic credential information to an inbound charging apparatus, where the first electronic credential information comprises authentication information generated by a payment system based on a user identity in the client device. The client device sends second electronic credential information and the inbound station information to an outbound charging apparatus, where the second electronic credential information comprises authentication information generated by the payment system based on the user identity in the client device.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to controlling autonomous vehicles to optimize traffic characteristics. A computing platform may receive vehicle guidance data from autonomous vehicle control systems of vehicles. Subsequently, the computing platform may identify a number of the vehicles currently operating in an autonomous mode based on the vehicle guidance data. Thereafter, the computing platform may identify a target number of the vehicles to be operated in an autonomous mode in order to optimize traffic characteristics. Then, the computing platform may generate messages directing selected vehicles to switch into autonomous mode in order to achieve the target number. Subsequently, the computing platform may send the messages directing the selected vehicles to switch into autonomous mode in order to receive incentives. Thereafter, the computing platform may award the incentives to the selected vehicles that switch into the autonomous mode as directed by the messages.

Abstract: A method for safely and efficiently requesting transportation services through the use of mobile communications devices capable of geographic location is described. Individual and package transportation may be provided. New customers may be efficiently serviced, and the requester and transportation provider locations may be viewed in real time on the mobile devices.

Abstract: A provider terminal transmits, to a server, (i) location information for specifying a location of a power supply facility for supplying power to a vehicle and (ii) an acceptance period for accepting the supply of power at the location. The user terminal transmits, to the server, (i) a desired location for the supply of power to the vehicle and (ii) a desired starting time for the supply of power to the vehicle at the desired location. The server includes: a provision DB configured to store one or more pieces of association information in which respective pieces of location information are associated with respective acceptance periods; a determination device configured to determine a power supply facility corresponding to the desired location and the desired starting time; and a communicator configured to notify a location of the power supply facility.

Abstract: A parking detection system comprises a plurality of sensor nodes configured to detect and monitor an event of a parking space, at least one of the sensor nodes detected the event and generates a data package including a received signal strength (RSS) value and an access point network that receives the data packet and measure the RSS value of the data packet, wherein the access point network measures a variation in the RSS value for detecting and monitoring of the event by measuring a change in propagation patterns of radio signals distorted by a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of communication between vehicle-mounted communication equipment or a vehicle and a plurality of roadside units includes: in a first step, a first vehicle communication message is transmitted from a first roadside unit to the vehicle-mounted communication equipment or to the vehicle, wherein the first vehicle communication message contains a first piece of token information; and in a second step, which follows the first step, a second vehicle communication message is transmitted from the vehicle-mounted communication equipment or the vehicle to a second roadside unit, wherein the second vehicle communication message either comprises the first piece of token information or wherein the second vehicle communication message comprises a second piece of token information that is generated or modified by the vehicle-mounted communication equipment or in the vehicle on the basis of the first piece of token information received previously.

Abstract: A control unit of the article processing terminal controls a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader of the article processing terminal to periodically scan a plurality of short-range articles. In response to a status change of an article of the plurality of short-range articles, the control unit receives an article identifier of the article from the RFID reader. The control unit controls a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) module of the article processing terminal to send an article change message to a LPWAN gateway, where the article change message includes the article identifier and an address of an application server, and where the LPWAN gateway instructs, based on the article change message and the address, the application server to perform a next processing step on the article identified by the article identifier.

Abstract: Optimizing the assignment of vehicles in a fleet across a pool of customers. Identifying a pool of customers to be included in an assignment event and identifying available vehicles. Cull the domain of potential assignment scenarios by filtering out undesired matches. Score the generated scenarios based on various desired factors and then rank the scenarios. Select one or more optimal scenarios and analyze for week spots. Bolster the week spots by interacting with one or more customers to identify alternate solutions. Select and implement the optimal scenario.

Abstract: One variation of a method for identifying a user entering an autonomous vehicle includes: receiving a ride request from the user, the ride request specifying a pickup location; at the autonomous vehicle, autonomously navigating to the pickup location, scanning a field near the autonomous vehicle for a human approaching the autonomous vehicle, and, in response to detecting the human proximal the autonomous vehicle, recording an image of the human; detecting a face of the human in the image; accessing a faceprint characterizing facial features of the user; and, in response to the face of the human detected in the image exhibiting features represented in the faceprint, identifying the human as the user and triggering a door of the autonomous vehicle to unlock for the user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a storage device, for monitoring a vehicle access point. In one aspect, a monitoring system is disclosed that includes a processor and a computer storage media storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations may include obtaining, by the monitoring system, monitoring system data that is generated by a first monitoring system component, determining, by the monitoring system and based on the monitoring system data, a current occupancy of a vehicle, determining, by the monitoring system and based on the current occupancy of the vehicle, whether a vehicle access point is to be monitored, and in response to determining, by the monitoring system and based on the current occupancy of the vehicle, that the vehicle is not occupied by a human occupant, using one or more second monitoring system components to monitor the vehicle access point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting the availability of parking spots. A driver of a first vehicle that is parked in a parking spot inputs into a device, such as a smartphone, an estimated time of occupancy of the parking spot. This information is transmitted by the device to a server. A driver of a second vehicle may transmit to the server a request for a vacant parking spot. The server uses information, such as the estimated time of occupancy, to determine an expected wait time for the second vehicle to obtain the parking spot occupied by the first vehicle. The expected wait time is transmitted by the server to the driver of the second vehicle which can then drive to the parking spot when vacated. The server may provide driving directions to the driver to reach the vacated parking spot.

Abstract: A managing system includes a waiting space managing unit that manages a plurality of waiting spaces for keeping a movable body waiting, classifying them into a first waiting space for first movable body having an automatic operation function and a second waiting space for a second movable body not having an automatic operation function. The waiting space managing unit may: manage a usage status of the first waiting space and a usage status of the second waiting space; and determine to change an area of at least one of the first waiting space and the second waiting space according to at least one of the usage status of the first waiting space and the usage status of the second waiting space.

Abstract: At each of a plurality of point of sale terminals (POS) of a merchant for each of a plurality of consumers, where each consumer seeks to conduct a transaction with the merchant for a good or service at a cost by using a payment device issued by an issuer in a payment system, data is read from a payment device. The data can include an identifier for an account issued by an issuer, information is stored for each transaction and the consumer is permitted to receive the good or service from the merchant. After the consumer has received the good or service, a batch of the transaction are processed to derive there from the respective costs that are assessable to the respective accounts, where the merchant can be a transit system, the consumer a rider thereon, end the transaction can be access to a facility thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a plurality of electric vehicles with a fleet management portal is described herein. In one embodiment, a machine implemented method for managing one or more fleets of electric vehicles includes monitoring one or more fleets of electric vehicles using a fleet management portal associated with a server. Next, the method includes monitoring a plurality of charge transfer devices using the fleet management portal. Next, the method includes receiving charging information from the charge transfer devices. Next, the method includes determining a charging status for each electric vehicle based on the charging information. Next, the method includes generating one or more reports having the charging status for each electric vehicle.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a charging system for electrically driven vehicles sets a first usage condition for a hybrid vehicle when an electrically driven vehicle fusing electricity supply equipment is the hybrid vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine, and set a second usage condition for an electric vehicle different from the first usage condition when an electrically driven vehicle using the electricity supply equipment is the electric vehicle provided with no internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A vehicle service system incorporating a set of imaging sensors disposed in an inspection lane through which a vehicle is driven. A first imaging sensor is disposed with a field of view aligned to observe leading surfaces on an approaching vehicle, while a second imaging sensor is disposed with a field of view aligned to observe trailing surfaces of a departing vehicle. A processor is configured with software instructions to capture a set of images from the first imaging sensor as the vehicle approaches, and a set of images from the second imaging sensor as the vehicle departs. The processor evaluates the acquired images from the first and second imaging sensors according to a set of rules to identify images in which a license plate is present on an observed surface of the vehicle, and to extract license plate information from at least one of the identified images.

Abstract: A computing system can receive a pick-up request including a carpool service preference from a requesting user. The system can access user data of the requesting user and a plurality of potential carpool riders, and determine one or more common links between the requesting user and each of one or more carpool riders of the plurality of potential carpool riders. The system may then select the one or more carpool riders to ride with the requesting user in the carpool vehicle, and transmit a notification to the requesting user to indicate the one or more common links between the requesting user and each of the one or more carpool riders.

Abstract: A method and system is provided in which an electric automotive charging station connects to the host computer system using un-dedicated network resource contained within the electric vehicle to be charged enabling un-supervised (non-networked) deployment of said charging stations.

Abstract: An electronic mail system detects actuation of location integration functionality and populates a compose pane in the electronic mail system with an interactive map display, that is populated in-line with other message content in the compose pane. A user can interact with the interactive map display to perform mapping functionality to modify the interactive map display.

Abstract: A method for safely and efficiently requesting transportation services through the use of mobile communications devices capable of geographic location is described. Individual and package transportation may be provided. New customers may be efficiently serviced, and the requester and transportation provider locations may be viewed in real time on the mobile devices.

Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth® compatible transceiver is described a (BLEET). The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing the functionality of a semi-autonomous vehicle are described herein. The semi-autonomous vehicle may receive a communication from a fully autonomous vehicle within a threshold distance of the semi-autonomous vehicle. If the vehicles are travelling on the same route or the same portion of a route, the semi-autonomous vehicle may navigate to a location behind the fully autonomous vehicle. Then the semi-autonomous vehicle may operate autonomously by replicating one or more functions performed by the fully autonomous vehicle. The functions and/or maneuvers performed by the fully autonomous vehicle may be detected via sensors in the semi-autonomous vehicle and/or may be identified by communicating with the fully autonomous vehicle to receive indications of upcoming maneuvers. In this manner, the semi-autonomous vehicle may act as a fully autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enforcing plugin vehicle parking regulations are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: capture parked vehicle images of a parked vehicle in a parking location from a plurality of cameras on electric vehicle service equipment systems (EVSEs) in a parking facility; compare the parked vehicle images to a plurality of plugin vehicle type images in a database; and sound an alarm if the parked vehicle is not a plugin vehicle or if the parked vehicle is not charging from the electric vehicle service equipment systems associated with the parking location within a predetermined time.

Abstract: A management system includes a storing unit that stores route information on a running course of each of a plurality of users, a selecting unit that selects a user who is expected to cooperate in a task of transferring a vehicle, along a part or whole of a transfer pathway from a transfer start point of the vehicle to a transfer destination, from the users, based on a positional relationship between the transfer pathway, and the running course of each of the users, and a communicating unit that sends a message that proposes cooperation in the task of transferring the vehicle, along the part or whole of the transfer pathway, to a communication terminal of the user selected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a parking assist apparatus capable of improving convenience when a passenger of a vehicle gets on and off. According to the present invention, the parking assistance apparatus acquires information on parking candidate frames, and where an own vehicle can park, from a front camera, a right camera, a rear camera, and a left camera configured to acquire information on a surrounding environment of the own vehicle, and from surrounding environment information acquired by these cameras. The parking assistance apparatus detects surrounding environment information and of the parking candidate frames, and from the surrounding environment information and information on the parking candidate frames, and determines a target parking position where the own vehicle parks based on the information on the parking candidate frames, the surrounding environment information, and the preference information related to getting on and off of a passenger who rides on the own vehicle.

Abstract: A method of determining occupancy of a vehicle along a route is determined by processing data generated by two different smartphones reported to be travelling in the same vehicle. An app executing within each smartphone. Information that has been transmitted from the two smartphones includes a unique identification of the mobile computing device and a unique identification of a person associated with the mobile computing device. Sensor data is also received, which corresponds to a local ambient environment inside the vehicle of the mobile computing device generating the data. The sensor data does not include location data or data entered by a user. The received data is used to determine if both mobile computing devices were actually present during the portions of the route, by comparing the data from each device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented parking system for managing a plurality of vehicle parking spaces disbursed over a plurality of physically separate parking locations, the system comprising at least one central server including one or more databases for storing information associated with a vehicle and user of the vehicle, at least one first computer capable of communicating with the central server, at least one second computer capable of communicating with the central server and the first computer, a payment system that enables an electronic payment to be sent directly from the first computer to the central server, a reservation system, the reservation system enabling a user to reserve one of the plurality of physically separate parking locations on the first computer and the reservation system enabling the user to reserve one of the plurality of physically separate parking locations at a pre-determined time on the first computer, a vehicle retrieval system, the vehicle retrieval system estimating a vehicle retrieval

Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying a distant-from-home financial transaction related to a customer account based on travel indicators in earlier purchase transactions made by that customer.

Abstract: A method for safely and efficiently requesting transportation services through the use of mobile communications devices capable of geographic location is described. Individual and package transportation may be provided. New customers may be efficiently serviced, and the requester and transportation provider locations may be viewed in real time on the mobile devices.

Abstract: Aspects described herein may allow for vehicle access in a retail environment with limited human intervention. Systems and methods described herein may associate a vehicle with a physical location, and/or may enable a user to use a mobile device to select a vehicle for a test drive. The system may provide access to (e.g., unlock) the vehicle, and may track test drive information across one or more users.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implementing an electronic toll data collection management system in a decentralized computing network that employs a distributed ledger. An electronic toll data collection management system may comprise a plurality of nodes, wherein the plurality of nodes are connected to each other over a communication network. Each node may have access to a copy of a distributed ledger, wherein the plurality of nodes is configured to utilize blockchain protocols to verify and record a transaction occurring within the distributed ledger. Data may be recorded as a block, wherein a blockchain is formed by the addition of blocks. Each block may be encrypted and linked to a previous block, wherein a consensus must be reached to update the distributed ledger with the addition of a new block.

Abstract: Described herein is a framework for optimal demand-based allocation. In accordance with one aspect of the framework, trip data is extracted from vehicle operation data received from one or more vehicle data devices servicing a region of interest. Vehicle demands for multiple tiles of the region of interest and mutual travel times between neighboring tiles are estimated based at least in part on the trip data. A set of candidate tiles for allocating vehicle stations may then be determined by minimizing total travel time based on the mutual travel times and vehicle demands.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computing device selects a number of location updates from users which corresponds to a place. Each location update includes data indicating a geographic location that a user was at, and a time corresponding to when the user was at the geographic location. The computing device selects a first subset of the location updates which have geographic locations within a particular geographic area. For each location update in the first subset, the computing device determines a corresponding user and time. The computing device selects a second subset of location updates, each location update in the second subset corresponding to a user from the first subset, and a time within a threshold time of the time of the location update in the first subset. The computing device generates a probability map based on a distribution of geographic locations corresponding to the location updates in the second subset.