A self-venting device includes a first component having an interior, a second component coupled to the first component so as to close the interior, and seal structure engaged between the first and second components in a sealed state so as to seal the interior from external agents. The seal structure includes a plurality of seal members, each having a resilient seal tip extending therefrom. The seal tips are constructed and arranged such that 1) when pressure inside the interior is equal to pressure outside of the device, the seal tips are compressed between the first and second components in the sealed state, and 2) when pressure in the interior is greater than the pressure outside of the device causing the second component to move away from the first component, the seal tips move to an unsealed state, permitting air to exit from the interior.

This disclosure relates to an access control method for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a plurality of access elements, which are automatically moveable between a closed position and an open position. Depending on the at least one detected position of the key element, a prediction is made of which of the plurality of access elements the user is likely to use. This access element is automatically opened. If the prediction turns out to be incorrect, the corresponding one of the plurality of access elements for which the use was originally predicted is returned back from the open position to the closed position. This disclosure further relates to an access control system for a motor vehicle.

This disclosure relates to an access control method for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a plurality of access elements, which are automatically moveable between a closed position and an open position. Depending on the at least one detected position of the key element, a prediction is made of which of the plurality of access elements the user is likely to use. This access element is automatically opened. If the prediction turns out to be incorrect, the corresponding one of the plurality of access elements for which the use was originally predicted is returned back from the open position to the closed position. This disclosure further relates to an access control system for a motor vehicle.

Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous vehicles may be automatically refueled by routing the vehicles to available fueling stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A fuel level within a tank of an autonomous vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a refueling threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to refuel the vehicle may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a fueling station, refill a fuel tank, and return to its starting location in order to refuel when not in use.

The disclosure relates to a method for preventing thefts of motor vehicles. The method includes detecting motor vehicles within a predetermined neighborhood of a motor vehicle to be monitored. The method further includes sending a query data record from the motor vehicle to be monitored to the detected motor vehicles. The method also includes monitoring of the motor vehicle to be monitored by the detected motor vehicles on reception of the query data record.

A vehicular ECU (electronic control unit) is any one of a plurality of vehicular ECUs connected to an in-vehicle network in a vehicle and includes: a service interface, a service bus, and a service manager. The service interface issues a request of service that uses a function installed in a different vehicular ECU based on a request from the application, and makes the application generate a service as a response to a request of service from the different vehicular ECU. The service bus transmits and receives a message corresponding to a request of service and a response by using a predetermined protocol between the service interfaces of the vehicular ECU and the different vehicular ECU. The service manager achieves the service to be dynamically and interoperably used by managing a position of the service.

When an ignition switch has been turned off, an accessory switch has been turned off, and a door has been opened (100, 102), a message is displayed in a monitor on an opposite side to a side that the door has been opened (112). In addition, when it has been detected that a key has been shut in or that it has been forgotten to close a window (104), there is performed a warning display that displays a warning in a monitor on an opposite side to a door where a door locking operation has been performed (110). Moreover, when there has been detected a smart key carried by an occupant on a vehicle outside after getting out of a vehicle (118), a message is displayed in a monitor on an opposite side to a key detection direction (120).

A communication apparatus executes authentication via wireless communication with a mobile device and, based on an authentication process, controls execution of a vehicle operation requested by a user. The communication apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect closure of a door of a vehicle, an authentication processing unit configured to determine, in response to detection of the closure of the door by the detection unit, whether a specific mobile device is inside the vehicle by executing a first authentication process corresponding to a vehicle operation for which a highest security is set, among a plurality of vehicle operations that can be requested by the user, and an execution unit configured to execute, when the authentication processing unit has determined that the specific mobile device is inside the vehicle, a requested vehicle operation requestable from an inside of the vehicle and included in the plurality of vehicle operations.

An electronic key fob device, in one embodiment, includes a transmitter, a counter configured to provide a current counter value indicated by a plurality of bits, a memory configured to store an operation key, and a processor coupled to the transmitter and memory. The processor is configured to encrypt the current counter value using the operation key to produce an encrypted counter value, select a subset of the plurality of bits of the current counter value, transmit a message the includes the encrypted counter value and the subset of plurality of bits of the current counter value.

An electronic key fob device, in one embodiment, includes a transmitter, a counter configured to provide a current counter value indicated by a plurality of bits, a memory configured to store an operation key, and a processor coupled to the transmitter and memory. The processor is configured to encrypt the current counter value using the operation key to produce an encrypted counter value, select a subset of the plurality of bits of the current counter value, transmit a message the includes the encrypted counter value and the subset of plurality of bits of the current counter value.