Connie Zeng

Systems and methods providing vehicle access using identified biometric data are provided herein. An example method includes storing a first biometric input for a user in a database; receiving a ride reservation from the user, the ride reservation having at least a pickup location; activating a biometric input device associated with a vehicle when the vehicle arrives at the pickup location to obtain a second biometric input for the user; authenticating the user by comparing the first biometric… Show more

Systems and methods providing vehicle access using identified biometric data are provided herein. An example method includes storing a first biometric input for a user in a database; receiving a ride reservation from the user, the ride reservation having at least a pickup location; activating a biometric input device associated with a vehicle when the vehicle arrives at the pickup location to obtain a second biometric input for the user; authenticating the user by comparing the first biometric input with the second biometric input; and granting access to the vehicle when the first biometric input substantially matches the second biometric input. Show less

A drone flight plan between an origin and destination is evaluated with respect to planned routes of connected vehicles. The drone flight path is calculated such that it includes one or more docking segments on one or more vehicles. For multiple vehicles, multiple permutations of docking segments may be evaluated and assigned scores according to risk, drone flying time, timing issues, and other factors. A permutation having a score indicating higher desirability may be selected. The one or more… Show more

A drone flight plan between an origin and destination is evaluated with respect to planned routes of connected vehicles. The drone flight path is calculated such that it includes one or more docking segments on one or more vehicles. For multiple vehicles, multiple permutations of docking segments may be evaluated and assigned scores according to risk, drone flying time, timing issues, and other factors. A permutation having a score indicating higher desirability may be selected. The one or more vehicles may be autonomous and routes of the one or more vehicles may be adjusted in order to provide suitable docking segments for the drone flight path. The destination of the drone flight path may also be adjusted in order to permit docking on one or more vehicles. Show less

A method is disclosed for using an autonomous vehicle to teach a student how to drive. The method may include generating, by the autonomous vehicle during a training session, a plan for navigating a section of road. During the training session, the autonomous vehicle may receive control instructions from the student regarding how the student would like to navigate the section of road. If the autonomous vehicle determines that implementing the instructions would be safe and legal, it may… Show more

A method is disclosed for using an autonomous vehicle to teach a student how to drive. The method may include generating, by the autonomous vehicle during a training session, a plan for navigating a section of road. During the training session, the autonomous vehicle may receive control instructions from the student regarding how the student would like to navigate the section of road. If the autonomous vehicle determines that implementing the instructions would be safe and legal, it may implement those instructions. However, if the autonomous vehicle determines that implementing the instructions would not be safe and legal, it may execute the plan. During a training session, an autonomous vehicle may provide on a head-up display to the student certain visual feedback regarding a driving performance of the student. Show less

According to one embodiment, a system for rewarding a user includes a route component, a reward location component, an augmented reality component, and a reward component. The route component determines a route between a start location and a destination for a user. The reward location component determines one or more reward locations along the route to provide an augmented reality indication of an award to the user. The augmented reality component receives an indication that the user collected… Show more

According to one embodiment, a system for rewarding a user includes a route component, a reward location component, an augmented reality component, and a reward component. The route component determines a route between a start location and a destination for a user. The reward location component determines one or more reward locations along the route to provide an augmented reality indication of an award to the user. The augmented reality component receives an indication that the user collected or selected the augmented reality indication of the award. The reward component provides the award to the user. Show less

A vehicle having an enclosure to receive and selectively lift a vehicle for servicing. The system includes a first vehicle having an enclosure to receive a second vehicle. The enclosure includes a retractable roof. A vehicle lift is disposed in the enclosure and is configured to raise the second vehicle through an opening created by the retractable roof.

The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for selective ride sharing. A plurality of users interacts with a ride-sharing system. Using the ride-sharing system, a user can select to be a rider or a driver. The user enters the desired destination into the ride-sharing system and the approximate starting time of his/her trip. A map populates on the screen with visual representations (e.g., dots) of individual drivers and/or riders that satisfy various… Show more

The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for selective ride sharing. A plurality of users interacts with a ride-sharing system. Using the ride-sharing system, a user can select to be a rider or a driver. The user enters the desired destination into the ride-sharing system and the approximate starting time of his/her trip. A map populates on the screen with visual representations (e.g., dots) of individual drivers and/or riders that satisfy various criteria. In one aspect, the map is a street map with the locations of user's indicated on the street map. The various criteria can include predetermined distances, predetermined times, and social profile information. Users sharing the same rider are able to view social profile information for one another. Show less

A storage container, such as luggage, includes a drive unit, controller, and sensors for detecting proximity of a user and for performing obstacle detection. Sensors detect proximity of the user and traverse a trajectory following the user. In response to detecting movement outside of a prescribed range from the user, an alert may be generated. Likewise, if movement of the storage container does not correspond to instructions from a controller, an alert may also be generated. The controller of… Show more

A storage container, such as luggage, includes a drive unit, controller, and sensors for detecting proximity of a user and for performing obstacle detection. Sensors detect proximity of the user and traverse a trajectory following the user. In response to detecting movement outside of a prescribed range from the user, an alert may be generated. Likewise, if movement of the storage container does not correspond to instructions from a controller, an alert may also be generated. The controller of the storage container may connect to a controller of a vehicle, which may provide a target location to the storage container and may also transmit obstacle locations to the storage container. Show less