The present disclosure is directed to a computer system and techniques for updating map data used for navigating an autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the computer system is configured to obtain map data including a starting location and a destination location; obtain a plurality of travel times corresponding to a plurality of respective possible routes for traveling from the starting location to the destination location; obtain benefit information for at least a first respective possible route; and determine a selected route based on the travel times and the benefit information. In some embodiments, the computer system is configured to obtain a route between a starting location and a destination location; obtain map-age information for the route; determine a first set of driving parameters for the autonomous vehicle based on the map-age information; and navigate the autonomous vehicle along the route using the first set of driving parameters.

Methods and a system for in-vehicle contextual promotions are described herein. In a first method a driver receives in-vehicle promotions on a predetermined route and user-defined favorite vendors. The driver taps on the promotion and receives a list of favorite items. The driver makes a selection of one of the favorite items, makes a payment for the selected product using an e-wallet, and picks up the selected product. The driver may also receive loyalty rewards. In a second method, the driver may receive an in-vehicle promotion, including a remind me later link. When the user taps on the link, they may access the promotion at a later time on the user's mobile phone app. The user taps on the saved link and is redirected to a vendor's website. The user may make a purchase for a product at the vendor's website at this later time.

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.

A system for analyzing the environment of a vehicle i) receives a plurality of data from at least one sensor associated with a vehicle, such that the plurality of data includes at least one environmental condition at a location; (ii) analyzes the plurality of data to determine the at least one environmental condition at the location; (iii) determines a condition of a building at the location based upon the at least one environmental condition; (iv) determines an insurance product for the building based upon the determined condition associated with the building; and (v) generates an insurance quote for the insurance product. As a result, the speed and accuracy of insurance providers learning about potential clients and the conditions of the potential client's property and needs is increased.

A vehicle-mounted communication system is provided. The communication system includes a communication device. The communication device includes at least a plurality of displays that are mounted on top of a vehicle. Each display includes a smoky acrylic covering for hiding one or more dead pixels. Based on real-time status of the vehicle, a driver of the vehicle, or a passenger therein, the communication device obtains targeted content and displays the targeted content on the plurality of displays for communicating relevant information to various prospective passengers for their rides or other near-by individuals who can offer help in case of any emergency.

An information providing apparatus including a detection unit of at least one computer, a decision unit of the at least one computer, and a sound control circuit. The detection unit detects a position and a movement direction of a moving object in an area in which an article, corresponding to information that is provided, is disposed. The decision unit decides a direction in which the information is provided to the moving object from a relationship between the position of the moving object, the movement direction of the moving object, and a position in the area of the article. The sound control circuit controls a sound output attached to the moving object to localize a sound image according to the information in the direction decided.

The present disclosure relates to a voice assistant that may provide a generalized recommendation based on a natural flow of a conversation and thereafter, generate specific advertisements if there is interest in the generalized recommendation. In an illustrative embodiment, the voice assistant operating on a vehicle computing system may interact with a driver or operator of the vehicle to both respond to and anticipate the user's needs. The voice assistant may identify potential advertisements based on communications with the driver or occupant. The generalized recommendation related to the potential advertisements may be provided to the driver or occupant. If there is interest, the voice assistant may provide an advertisement within the potential advertisements. Real-time information from a location of the advertisement may also be provided that typify the feeling of the location to further draw interest to the advertisement.

An autonomous robot vehicle includes a front side and an energy absorbing system. The front side includes a front bumper and a front face including a frame defining a cavity. The energy absorbing system includes an energy absorbing member mounted in the cavity of the frame, and an inflatable airbag. The energy absorbing member is configured to reduce impact on an object struck by the autonomous robot vehicle. The inflatable airbag is mounted on the front side of the autonomous robot vehicle such that when the inflatable airbag is deployed, the inflatable airbag is external to the autonomous robot vehicle.

A dynamic display system on a for-hire vehicle (FHV) is provided, the display system being configured to change displayed information when it is safe and when other conditions are met. The FHV display system can determine it is safe when the FHV is in a defined location or meets other criteria that reduce a probability of violating a law or of other drivers allowing themselves to become distracted by the display change. The FHV display system can be configured to process information about the FHV, including its position and its speed to determine whether safety conditions are met. The FHV display system can include a notification system configured to alert the FHV operator that a display change is requested and to indicate proposed transition locations near the position of the FHV.

The present application discloses a system for displaying images on a vehicle. The system includes an electronic display associated with and configured to move in unison with the vehicle. The electronic display is configured to display an image when the system is in operation. The system also includes a controller in communication with the electronic display with the controller configured to receive user information regarding the image and instruct the electronic display to display the image.