A vehicle control apparatus includes a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to determine whether or not a position of a key device is located within a predetermined area, and in a case where the position of the key device is located within the predetermined area, stop a smart key function of a vehicle or transmit a first signal requesting setting of a remote immobilizer function of the vehicle.

A method is for setting up a data connection between a terminal device of a telematics system in a vehicle and a central module of a stationary local area network (SLAN). The SLAN covers a depot. The method includes: providing access data for identifying and authenticating the terminal device in the SLAN, the access data being provided via an access network differing from the SLAN; transferring the provided access data to the terminal device in an automated manner using the access network; setting up a connection between the terminal device and the central module of the SLAN in an automated manner when the vehicle having the terminal device is located in range; authenticating the terminal device in an automated manner on the basis of the access data to check authenticity of the terminal device; and, authorizing the terminal device and/or the vehicle automatically if the terminal device is authentic.

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.

A vehicle-mounted device includes vehicle information detecting unit for detecting an on/off state of vehicle power, relay input/output unit for controlling an external relay configured to make a switch between a starting-disabled state and a starting-enabled state of a vehicle, and vehicle information-associated control unit for controlling the external relay based on a relay control command. The vehicle information-associated control unit controls the external relay based on an elapsed time since a change in the on/off state of vehicle power detected by the vehicle information detecting unit.

A vehicle-mounted device includes vehicle information detecting unit for detecting an on/off state of vehicle power, relay input/output unit for controlling an external relay configured to make a switch between a starting-disabled state and a starting-enabled state of a vehicle, and vehicle information-associated control unit for controlling the external relay based on a relay control command. The vehicle information-associated control unit controls the external relay based on an elapsed time since a change in the on/off state of vehicle power detected by the vehicle information detecting unit.

An information processing device comprising a processor, the processor being configured to: in a case in which a door of a vehicle is locked, determine whether or not a terminal that operates as an electronic key is located in the vehicle; and in a case in which the terminal is determined to be located in the vehicle, perform control to restrict at least a subset of functions, among functions of the vehicle that are controlled in accordance with communications with the terminal, based on a lock trigger causing the locking of the door of the vehicle.

An information processing device comprising a processor, the processor being configured to: in a case in which a door of a vehicle is locked, determine whether or not a terminal that operates as an electronic key is located in the vehicle; and in a case in which the terminal is determined to be located in the vehicle, perform control to restrict at least a subset of functions, among functions of the vehicle that are controlled in accordance with communications with the terminal, based on a lock trigger causing the locking of the door of the vehicle.

A shared vehicle authenticates a holder of a driver's license prior to the holder accessing and operating the shared vehicle. Previously captured biometric data of at least one biometric feature of the holder of the driving license is obtained from the driver's license. Newly captured biometric data of a corresponding biometric feature of the holder is detected when the holder wants to operate the shared vehicle. The previously captured biometric data and the newly captured biometric data are compared to verify the holder is authorized to operate the shared vehicle. When the biometric data match, the shared vehicle is released for use by the holder. In some instances, biometric data of the driver of the shared vehicle is captured at select times while the shared vehicle is operated to confirm the driver is the holder of the driver's license.

A shared vehicle authenticates a holder of a driver's license prior to the holder accessing and operating the shared vehicle. Previously captured biometric data of at least one biometric feature of the holder of the driving license is obtained from the driver's license. Newly captured biometric data of a corresponding biometric feature of the holder is detected when the holder wants to operate the shared vehicle. The previously captured biometric data and the newly captured biometric data are compared to verify the holder is authorized to operate the shared vehicle. When the biometric data match, the shared vehicle is released for use by the holder. In some instances, biometric data of the driver of the shared vehicle is captured at select times while the shared vehicle is operated to confirm the driver is the holder of the driver's license.

Devices, methods, and a computer program for releasing transportation vehicle components and a vehicle-to-vehicle communication module. The device for releasing a vehicle component of a transportation vehicle includes at least one interface for communication with further vehicle components of the transportation vehicle and a control module for controlling the at least one interface to receive messages from the further vehicle components of the transportation vehicle and to verify the identity of the further vehicle components based on the received messages and the stored identification data of the further vehicle components. The messages on which the verification of the identity of the further vehicle components is based are messages used in regular operation of the vehicle component. The control module also releases the vehicle component in response to the identity of the further transportation vehicle components being consistent with the stored identification data of the further vehicle components.