A biometric authentication system is configured to perform a biometric authentication operation based on biometric information of an occupant in a passenger compartment of a vehicle and is configured to permit starting of a travel driving force source in the vehicle based on a condition that biometric authentication is established in the biometric authentication operation. The biometric authentication system includes: a biometric information detecting unit configured to detect the biometric information; and a notification unit configured to issue a notification dependent on non-establishment of biometric authentication in the biometric authentication operation to the occupant. The notification unit is configured to issue the notification dependent on the non-establishment of the biometric authentication based on a condition that a brake pedal is depressed at the time of detecting the biometric information by the biometric information detecting unit when the biometric authentication is not established.

A vehicle alarm assembly includes a housing that is positionable in a vehicle. A communication unit is integrated into the housing and the communication unit is in remote communication with a personal electronic device and an extrinsic communication network. A plurality of motion sensors is each integrated into the housing to sense motion within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. A plurality of cameras is each integrated into the housing to visually monitor the surrounding area of the vehicle. A microphone is integrated into the housing to capture audio and a speaker is remotely positioned with respect to the housing to emit audible sound outwardly from the housing. Each of the motion sensors, the cameras and the microphone is in communication with the communication unit.

Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicle and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Such assessment may be performed to determine the condition of components for salvage following a collision or other loss-event. To this end, the information regarding a plurality of components may be received. A component of the plurality of components may be identified for assessment. Assessment may including causing test signals to be sent to the identified component. In response to the test signal, one or more responses may be received. The received response may be compared to an expected response to determine whether the identified component is salvageable.

A system for monitoring an interior of a vehicle, comprising an identification device adapted to be carried by an individual, a vehicular unit adapted for mounting within the vehicle, and a controller adapted for remote wireless communication with the unit. The unit will activate a camera and a microphone when a person is detected within the vehicle. The unit will search for the identification device and, if the identification device is not detected, the unit will activate an alarm. If the identification device is detected, the unit will compare an access code from the identification device with authorized access codes. If the access code is not found within the authorized access codes, the unit will activate an alarm. The controller is operable to display images, broadcast sounds, and display the alarm status from the unit in real time to a user in possession of the controller.

The present invention is a theft deterrent system for a catalytic converter. The present invention alerts anyone nearby an automotive vehicle when someone is trying to steal the catalytic converter. The underside of the automotive vehicle is monitored by the present invention and the present invention can act independently or be integrated into the existing alarm system. The present invention can be positioned at various points across the underside of the automotive vehicle in order to accommodate different types of automotive vehicles. Furthermore, the present invention may be integrated into an aftermarket automotive vehicle alarm system without attaching or physically connecting with the automotive vehicle catalytic converter. This allows the automotive vehicle catalytic converter to remain uninhibited by the present invention while still being monitored by the security system.

Methods and systems for communicating between autonomous vehicles are described herein. Such communication may be performed for signaling, collision avoidance, path coordination, and/or autonomous control. A computing device may receive data for the same road segment from autonomous vehicles, including (i) an indication of a location within the road segment, and (ii) an indication of a condition of the road segment. The computing device may generate, from the data for the same road segment, an overall indication of the condition of the road segment, which may include a recommendation to vehicles approaching the road segment. Additionally, the computing device may receive a request from a computing device within a vehicle approaching the road segment to display vehicle data. The overall indication for the road segment may then be displayed on a user interface of the computing device.

Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicles and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Such assessment may be performed to determine the robustness of autonomous systems, including the use of virtual assessment of software components within a simulated environment. To this end, a server may retrieve one or more routines associated with autonomous operation. The server may also generate a set of test data associated with test conditions. The server may also execute an emulator that virtually simulates autonomous environment. The test data may be presented to the routines executing in the emulator to generate output data. The server may then analyze the output data to determine a quality metric.

Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicles and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Such assessment may be performed to determine the robustness of autonomous systems, including the use of virtual assessment of software components within a simulated environment. To this end, a server may retrieve one or more routines associated with autonomous operation. The server may also generate a set of test data associated with test conditions. The server may also execute an emulator that virtually simulates autonomous environment. The test data may be presented to the routines executing in the emulator to generate output data. The server may then analyze the output data to determine a quality metric.

Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle control relating to malfunctions are disclosed. Malfunctioning sensors or software of autonomous vehicles may be identified from operating data of the vehicle, and a component maintenance requirement status associated with such malfunctioning component may be generated. Based upon such status, usage restrictions may be enacted to limit operation of the vehicle while the component is malfunctioning. This may include disabling or restricting use of certain autonomous or semi-autonomous features of the vehicle until the component is repaired or replaced. Repair may be accomplished by automatically scheduling repair of the vehicle or installing an updated or uncorrupted version of a software program, in various embodiments.

Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle routing are disclosed. Roadway suitability for autonomous operation is scored to facilitate use in route determination. Maps of roadways suitable for various levels of autonomous operation may be generated. Such map data may be used by autonomous vehicles or other computer devices in determining routes based upon criteria for vehicle trips. Such routes may be automatically updated based upon changes in road conditions, vehicle conditions, operator conditions, or environmental conditions. Emergency routing using such map data is described, such as automatic routing and travel when a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency.