A method including computing coordinated movements for a plurality of autonomous vehicles to provide access to a particular one of the autonomous vehicles, wherein each of the coordinated movements is computed to avoid movement of any one of the autonomous vehicles interfering with movement of any other one of the autonomous vehicles, and the requested access comprises one or more passengers entering into or exiting from the particular one of the autonomous vehicles, and causing the autonomous vehicles to execute autonomously the coordinated movements to provide the requested access. In addition, or alternatively, the requested access may comprise cargo being loaded into or unloaded from the particular one of the autonomous vehicles.

In some embodiments, a powered trailer is provided having a chassis, a fixation structure for fixing the chassis to a target vehicle to be pushed, a drive mechanism for applying motive force to the chassis, an energy source for powering the drive mechanism, and a controller for controlling the application of motive force to the chassis by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is actuated by the controller to push the target vehicle.

One variation of a method for renting a vehicle includes: receiving a signal from a fleet manager, the signal specifying a current availability of the vehicle for rent; updating a visual indicator arranged on the vehicle according to the signal, the visual indicator visually detectable from outside the vehicle; receiving identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; enabling access to the vehicle for the user in response to verification of the user as a driver of the vehicle; determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that the user is seated in a driver's seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle for the user in response to determination that the user is seated in the driver's seat.

In a method of operating a motor vehicle driven electrically, at least temporarily, on a roadway, the motor vehicle is moved fully autonomously by a control unit in response to a command for automatic operating mode. After a charging arm of the motor vehicle has been extended, a lateral control of the motor vehicle is executed to bring the extended charging arm into electric contact with a charging line arranged at or on the roadway. As a result, electric energy provided from the charging line to the charging arm is used for charging an energy accumulator of the motor vehicle and/or operating a drive device of the motor vehicle for moving the motor vehicle. A longitudinal control of the motor vehicle is executed to thereby maintain a predefined longitudinal speed of the motor vehicle until a distance of the motor vehicle reaches a predefined minimum distance to a leading vehicle.

A system, an apparatus or a process may be configured to implement an application that applies artificial intelligence and/or machine-learning techniques to predict an optimal course of action (or a subset of courses of action) for an autonomous vehicle system (e.g., one or more of a planner of an autonomous vehicle, a simulator, or a teleoperator) to undertake based on suboptimal autonomous vehicle performance and/or changes in detected sensor data (e.g., new buildings, landmarks, potholes, etc.). The application may determine a subset of trajectories based on a number of decisions and interactions when resolving an anomaly due to an event or condition. The application may use aggregated sensor data from multiple autonomous vehicles to assist in identifying events or conditions that might affect travel (e.g., using semantic scene classification). An optimal subset of trajectories may be formed based on recommendations responsive to semantic changes (e.g., road construction).

An intervehicle message center system including a message center apparatus including a panel, a plurality of attachment means, functional indicia, and a powerer. The functional indicia may be disposed about a surface area of the panel and configured to provide a visual indicator. The visual indicator includes a plurality of lights powered by the powerer. The plurality of attachment means is configured to attach the elongate member to a vehicle. The apparatus is configured to display a user-selected message.

A digital license plate supporting both access and analysis of vehicle relevant information is disclosed. The digital license plate includes sensors that provide status data to a processor in the digital license plate. A power path control module can initiate power state changes and adjust power depending on system state as determined by at least one the multiple sensors. In some embodiments a temperature control module is connected to a temperature sensor and configured to modify heat relevant display parameters as critical temperatures are approached.

Various embodiments relate generally to autonomous vehicles and associated mechanical, electrical and electronic hardware, computer software and systems, and wired and wireless network communications to provide an autonomous vehicle fleet as a service. In particular, a method may include receiving data associated with a sensor measurement of a perceived object, determining a label associated with the perceived object based on an initial calibration, retrieving log file data associated with the label, determining a calibration parameter associated with the sensor measurement based on the retrieved log file data, and storing the calibration parameter in association with a sensor associated with the sensor measurement. Sensors may be calibrated on the fly while the autonomous vehicle is in operation using one or more other sensors and/or fused data from multiple types of sensors.

A system that performs a method is disclosed. The system detects one or more characteristics about a vehicle via a first set of one or more sensors and determines one or more characteristics about the vehicle's surroundings via a second set of one or more sensors. The system also detects a vehicle failure via the first set of one or more sensors. In response to detecting the vehicle failure via the first one or more sensors, the system selects one or more road hazard indicators using the one or more characteristics about the vehicle's surroundings. After selecting the one or more road hazard indicators using the one or more characteristics about the vehicle's surroundings, the system deploys the one or more road hazard indicators.

Vehicle mounted exterior displays and digital license plates able to operate over a wide temperature range are disclosed. In one embodiment, heat relevant display parameters can be modified as critical low temperatures are approached. If decreasing temperature is determined to be likely to interfere with display switching operation, legally required information is displayed and potentially interfering content is eliminated.