A vehicle component storage system for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The vehicle component storage system includes a storage container that is configured to hold a vehicle component, a sensor for sensing the position of the storage container relative to the vehicle, an electronic device for communicating with the user, and a controller configured to prompt the electronic device to issue an alert to the user based on data received from the sensor relating to the position of the storage container relative to the vehicle.

A vehicle state presentation system includes a terminal device including an ear mounting unit that is mounted on an ear of a user, and a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the terminal device, and a first controller that causes the first communication unit to transmit a notification signal indicating that the vehicle detects a state of the vehicle other than a predetermined state to the terminal device, and the terminal device includes a second communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle, and a second controller that causes an output unit to perform a notification to the user based on the notification signal received by the second communication unit when the terminal device moves out of a predetermined distance range in which the vehicle is included.

A program and a control device capable of calibrating a detection value of a sensor that detects contact with a steering wheel are provided. The program in accordance with the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to execute processing of distinguishing whether or not a user is on a driver's seat of a vehicle; acquiring, from a sensor (21) that converts contact with a steering wheel (2) into an electric signal for detection, a detection value of the detected electric signal; determining whether or not a difference between the detection value acquired when it has been distinguished that the user is not on the driver's seat, and a reference value is equal to or larger than a threshold value; and setting the detection value as the reference value when it has been determined that the difference is not equal to or larger than the threshold value.

An anti-theft electronic parking brake actuator includes a key switch for activating and de-activating the parking brake, and preventing theft of a vehicle. The electronic parking brake actuator further includes a cell phone interface to both notify an owner when the parking brake is released. The electronic parking brake actuator may further include a GPS device monitoring vehicle location and notifying the owner if the vehicle is moved while the parking brake is actuated, and reporting vehicle location.

A vehicle door handle circuit coupled to a vehicle control unit includes a transmission antenna circuit, a control circuit and an actuation sensor via which the door handle circuit receives DC voltage for supplying the control circuit or AC voltage for controlling the antenna circuit. The antenna circuit includes a series oscillating circuit with an inductor and a capacitor. A series circuit including a first capacitor and a first rectifier is connected between two contacts and in parallel with the antenna circuit allows part of the AC voltage signal to be used for the voltage supply of the control circuit. A second rectifier connects one of the two contacts to the series circuit. A third rectifier is also provided in order to feed DC voltage to the vehicle control unit.

A vehicle state presentation system includes a terminal device including an ear mounting unit that is mounted on an ear of a user, and a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the terminal device, and a first controller that causes the first communication unit to transmit a notification signal indicating that the vehicle detects a state of the vehicle other than a predetermined state to the terminal device, and the terminal device includes a second communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle, and a second controller that causes an output unit to perform a notification to the user based on the notification signal received by the second communication unit when the terminal device moves out of a predetermined distance range in which the vehicle is included.

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.

A lighting system of a vehicle is provided herein and includes an external lighting device, one or more sensors configured to detect an object approaching the vehicle, and a controller configured to identify the object and assess a threat level thereof based on input from the one or more sensors. If the controller determines that the object is high threat, the controller operates the external lighting device to produce an illumination sequence in the direction of the object.

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 security system may be automatically activated when a vehicle (e.g., car or truck) is temporarily stopped. Specifically, if a car is stopped at a gas station or other type of temporary stop (e.g., where a car would not be fully closed and locked) the vehicle security system may engage (e.g., based on opening of a gas cap cover). The vehicle security system monitors for theft of contents from inside a vehicle in a temporary stopped state. The vehicle security system may lock different doors based on different conditions. In some cases, only some doors (and not all doors) will be locked. In a temporary stop condition, a vehicle may not be fully locked to engage a standard anti-theft security system. If a driver's attention is diverted during the temporary stopped condition a quick and quiet theft scenario (e.g., a reach and grab) may be attempted.