A vehicle rear cargo reminder system having a front door sensor, a rear door sensor, an alerting device and a controller. The front door sensor being configured to detect opening movement and closing movement of a front door. The rear door sensor configured to detect opening movement and closing movement of a rear door. The alerting device is configured to provide an alarm signal. The controller detects a sequence of events via the front door sensor and the rear door sensor. The controller determines whether or not an object might be located beside or on the rear seat of the passenger compartment, and operates the alerting device to provide the alarm signal to the vehicle operator in the absence of detection of conditions of an ignition switch of the vehicle.

A control system for a machine may include a door sensor configured to generate a closed signal when a door of a cab of the machine is in a closed position, and an Electronic Control Module (ECM) communicably coupled to the door sensor and configured to detect the closed signal. The ECM is programmed to prevent release of a parking brake of the machine if the ECM does not detect the closed signal for the door.

The disclosure relates to a method performed by a within-vehicle-confirming system on-board a vehicle for establishing that a key device is within an interior of the vehicle. The system determines that there is a secure communication link between the vehicle and the key device. The system further provides a vehicle sound signal within the interior of the vehicle. Moreover, the system receives from the key device a key device signal via the secure communication link, which key device signal is derived from a sound signal detected by one or more sensors associated with the key device. The system further compares the vehicle sound signal with the key device signal, and enables a start of the vehicle when the key device signal matches the vehicle sound signal. The disclosure also relates to a within-vehicle-confirming system in accordance with the foregoing, and to a vehicle at least partly comprising such a system.

The disclosure relates to a method performed by a within-vehicle-confirming system on-board a vehicle for establishing that a key device is within an interior of the vehicle. The system determines that there is a secure communication link between the vehicle and the key device. The system further provides a vehicle sound signal within the interior of the vehicle. Moreover, the system receives from the key device a key device signal via the secure communication link, which key device signal is derived from a sound signal detected by one or more sensors associated with the key device. The system further compares the vehicle sound signal with the key device signal, and enables a start of the vehicle when the key device signal matches the vehicle sound signal. The disclosure also relates to a within-vehicle-confirming system in accordance with the foregoing, and to a vehicle at least partly comprising such a system.

A method and apparatus for detecting a status of a vehicle door are provided. The method includes detecting a status of a door based on at least one image received from a camera of a vehicle, determining a function to be performed from among a plurality of functions based on the detected status of the door, and performing the determined function. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of a door being ajar or as a supplemental detection system to a hardwired door status sensor.

A method and apparatus for detecting a status of a vehicle door are provided. The method includes detecting a status of a door based on at least one image received from a camera of a vehicle, determining a function to be performed from among a plurality of functions based on the detected status of the door, and performing the determined function. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of a door being ajar or as a supplemental detection system to a hardwired door status sensor.

An autonomous driving vehicle, which provides a driverless transportation service, includes: an authentication device that performs authentication of a user in the autonomous driving vehicle; an intention receiving device that receives information indicating intention of the user in the autonomous driving vehicle; and a control device that controls the autonomous driving vehicle. When maneuvering the autonomous driving vehicle to depart to a destination, the control device performs departure condition confirmation processing that prohibits the autonomous driving vehicle from departing until a departure condition is satisfied and permits the autonomous driving vehicle to depart when the departure condition is satisfied. The departure condition includes: a first condition that the authentication of the user by the authentication device is completed; and a second condition that the intention receiving device receives departure intention information indicating departure intention of the user.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first controller operable to assume one of a plurality of respective states, in a first state the first controller being configured automatically to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque and cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the first controller being configured to receive a door state indicator signal indicative of whether a door is in an open or closed state, and an occupant presence indicator signal indicative of whether an occupant is present in a given seat of a vehicle, the system being configured not to permit operation of the first controller in the first state in dependence on the door state indicator signal and the occupant presence indicator signal.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first controller operable to assume one of a plurality of respective states, in a first state the first controller being configured automatically to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque and cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the first controller being configured to receive a door state indicator signal indicative of whether a door is in an open or closed state, and an occupant presence indicator signal indicative of whether an occupant is present in a given seat of a vehicle, the system being configured not to permit operation of the first controller in the first state in dependence on the door state indicator signal and the occupant presence indicator signal.

Methods and systems are disclosed for activating a vehicle ignition system. An example vehicle includes an ignition system, a plurality of sensors, and a processor. The processor a processor is configured to determine, based on data received from the sensors, (i) that a person occupies a driver's seat of the vehicle, (ii) that a key fob corresponding to the vehicle is present, and (iii) that an input has been received at a shifter of the vehicle. The processor is also configured to responsively activate the ignition system.