A biometric authorization apparatus and method for a vehicle. A visor is connected to an interior cabin of a vehicle, and a biometric authentication interface is associated with the visor. The biometric authentication interface includes one or more biometric readers for scanning the biometric identifier(s) provided by a user. The biometric authentication interface facilitates analysis and processing of data associated with the biometric identifier(s) for use in authorizing the user with respect to the vehicle and optionally to also access an electronic system associated with the vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example, an autonomous vehicle and the user may be a passenger of the autonomous vehicle or in the case of a connected vehicle, a driver or a passenger. In some situations, the vehicle may be a rideshare vehicle and the user may be authorized (or not) for a rideshare trip in the vehicle.

Methods and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate vehicle locking. An example vehicle comprises an engine, wheels, a door, a door lock, a torque lock, and a processor and memory. The torque lock is to disable torque transfer from the engine to the wheels. The door lock is to secure the door. The processor and memory are in communication with the torque lock and the door lock and configured to: engage the torque and door locks based on receipt of at least one lockout code and, if received authentication information matches the at least one lockout code, disengage the torque and door locks.

A vehicle key includes: a voice input configured to receive a voice command of a user; and the key controller configured to determine at least one of a service type and information indicating whether the vehicle key is disposed in a key groove of a vehicle, and to process at least one of a voice recognition result acquired from the user voice command and a control command corresponding to the voice recognition result on the basis of a result of determination.

An apparatus, including a first controller located at a vehicle which monitors, and detects an event regarding, a system, equipment system, component, device, or equipment, of the vehicle. The vehicle is a shipping container, pallet, tote, or piece of luggage. The first controller generates and transmits a first signal, containing information regarding the event, to a second controller. The second controller is located remote from the vehicle, automatically receives the first signal, and generates and transmits a second signal, containing information regarding the event, via the Internet or World Wide Web to a communication device located remote from the second controller. The apparatus activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, or controls an operation of, the system, equipment system, component, device, or equipment, of the vehicle.

A system includes a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a control system and a wireless transceiver operatively connected to the control system. The control system is configured to wirelessly communicate with a wearable device worn by a user using the wireless transceiver. The control system is configured to receive biometric input from one or more sensors of the wearable device to identify an occupant of the vehicle or individual proximate the vehicle. The wearable device may be a wearable earpiece with one or more sensors.

An authentication device to be mounted on a vehicle includes a processor. The processor is configured to execute first authentication based on biometric information acquired from a user and biometric information preregistered in the vehicle. The processor is configured to execute second authentication based on identification information acquired from a mobile device of the user and identification information preregistered in the vehicle. The processor is configured to permit start of the vehicle when at least one of the first authentication and the second authentication is successful. The processor is configured to set an authentication function of the first authentication from ON to OFF when at least one of the first authentication and the second authentication is successful.

A robot that recognizes a user by identifying elements in a captured image that match elements in at least one previously captured image of the user, identifying biometric data that matches previously captured biometric data of the user, or identifying voice data that matches previously captured voice data of the user. Upon recognition of the user, the user is authorized to use the robot, control the robot, modify settings of the robot, add or delete or modify access of users to the robot, actuate the robot, program the robot, and assign a task to the robot.

Methods and systems are provided for an automated door system for a vehicle. In one example, the automated door system may include a set of manual actuating devices and a set of hands-free actuating devices for automatically unlocking and opening the doors of a commercial vehicle used for transporting cargo. The manual and hands-free actuating devices may be used in response to the operating state of the vehicle.

A system and method for sound-activated remote control of vehicle functions for a vehicle having a remote-control system, the remote-control system has a key fob and at least one vehicle control module. A sound sensor module of a stand-alone smart sound sensor detects a sound event, correlates the sound event with a code, and transmits the code to the remote-control system to activate a function on the vehicle that is associated with the code.

Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to create, modify, and maintain profiles associated with users. The user profiles are generated based on selectively collecting data associated with the users. Although each user profile may include settings, preferences, habits, and content associated with an individual user and/or vehicle, some user profiles may represent multiple users. These user profiles can change a configuration of a vehicle to match settings for a user, such as a driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for a user. Further, the user profiles can be transferred from vehicle-to-vehicle and/or user-to-user.