PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11673547-B2
Application Number: US-202117175476-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dynamic element protection

Abstract:
Some embodiments provide a vehicle that includes a protection system configured to mitigate hazards to vehicle occupants posed by dynamic elements located within proximity of the vehicle. The vehicle can, in response to determining that a dynamic element is moving along a trajectory that intersects a sweep volume of a vehicle portal, can selectively restrict operation of the portal so that an occupant is restricted from opening the portal into a volume through which the dynamic element may pass. The vehicle can restrict portal operation in response to detecting external dynamic elements that are not within an occupant&#39;s field of vision. The vehicle can communicate a limited selection of vehicle sensor data, including representations of a detected dynamic element, to a user device supporting an authorized user in response to detecting that the dynamic element is located within a certain proximity of the vehicle.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 one or more sensors of the vehicle; and 
 one or more processors operatively coupled to the one or more sensors of the vehicle, the one or more processors configured to:
 determine, using the one or more sensors of the vehicle, whether an occupant has exited the vehicle; 
 subsequent to a determination that the occupant has exited the vehicle, determine, using the one or more sensors of the vehicle, whether another occupant is within the vehicle; 
 determine whether one or more environmental parameters for the vehicle exceed one or more thresholds; and 
 in response to determining the occupant has exited the vehicle, the other occupant is within the vehicle, and the one or more environmental parameters exceed the one or more thresholds, cause a control device of the vehicle to adjust the one or more environmental parameters to be within the one or more thresholds. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
 based on a determination that the other occupant is within the vehicle, provide one or more prompts to the other occupant via one or more user interfaces of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
 in response to receiving a response to the one or more prompts, lock one or more doors of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       4. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to send the notification to the user device based on a determination that no response to the one or more prompts has been received. 
     
     
       5. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
 in response to receiving a lock command from the user device, lock one or more doors of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
 detect, using the one or more sensors of the vehicle, an emergency condition associated with the vehicle; and 
 in response to detecting the emergency condition, execute an emergency response associated with the detected emergency condition. 
 
     
     
       7. The vehicle of  claim 6 , wherein the emergency response comprises opening one or more windows of the vehicle. 
     
     
       8. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein causing a control device of the vehicle to adjust the one or more environmental parameters comprises causing one or more climate control devices of the vehicle to adjustably control temperature or airflow within the vehicle. 
     
     
       9. A method, comprising:
 determining, using one or more sensors of a vehicle, whether an occupant has exited the vehicle; 
 subsequent to a determination that the occupant has exited the vehicle, determining, using the one or more sensors, whether another occupant is within the vehicle; 
 determining whether one or more environmental parameters for the vehicle exceed one or more thresholds; and 
 in response to determining the occupant has exited the vehicle, the other occupant is within the vehicle, and the one or more environmental parameters exceed the one or more thresholds, causing a control device of the vehicle to adjust the one or more environmental parameters to be within the one or more thresholds. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 based on a determination that the other occupant is within the vehicle, providing one or more prompts to the other occupant via one or more user interfaces of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 in response to receiving a response to the one or more prompts, locking one or more doors of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein sending the notification to the user device is based on a determination that no response to the one or more prompts has been received. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 in response to receiving a lock command from the user device, locking one or more doors of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 detecting, using the one or more sensors of the vehicle, an emergency condition associated with the vehicle; and 
 in response to detecting the emergency condition, executing an emergency response associated with the detected emergency condition. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the emergency response comprises opening one or more windows of the vehicle. 
     
     
       16. One or more computer-readable storage media storing instructions that, when executed on or across one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
 determine, using one or more sensors of a vehicle, whether an occupant has exited the vehicle; 
 subsequent to a determination that the occupant has exited the vehicle, determine, using the one or more sensors, whether another occupant is within the vehicle; 
 determine whether one or more environmental parameters for the vehicle exceed one or more thresholds; and 
 in response to determining the occupant has exited the vehicle, the other occupant is within the vehicle, and the one or more environmental parameters exceed the one or more thresholds, cause a control device of the vehicle to adjust the one or more environmental parameters to be within the one or more thresholds. 
 
     
     
       17. The one or more computer-readable storage media of  claim 16 , further comprising instructions that, when executed on or across the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
 based on a determination that the other occupant is within the vehicle, provide one or more prompts to the other occupant via one or more user interfaces of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       18. The one or more computer-readable storage media of  claim 17 , further comprising instructions that, when executed on or across the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
 in response to receiving a response to the one or more prompts, lock one or more doors of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       19. The one or more computer-readable storage media of  claim 17 , wherein the notification is sent to the user device based on a determination that no response to the one or more prompts has been received. 
     
     
       20. The one or more computer-readable storage media of  claim 16 , further comprising instructions that, when executed on or across the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
 detect, using the one or more sensors of the vehicle, an emergency condition associated with the vehicle; and 
 in response to detecting the emergency condition, execute an emergency response associated with the detected emergency condition.

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/762,528, filed Mar. 22, 2018, which is a 371 of PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/053173, filed Sep. 22, 2016, which claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/222,721, filed Sep. 23, 2015. The above applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent that any material in the incorporated application conflicts with material expressly set forth herein, the material expressly set forth herein controls. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to vehicle actions in response to proximate dynamic elements, and in particular to interactions between a vehicle and an individual based on positions and motions of dynamic elements in an external environment proximate to the vehicle. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Vehicles are often navigated through environments in which various elements are located, where vehicles are navigated to avoid collisions with such elements. Elements in an environment can include static elements that do not change location within an environment, including plant life structures, etc. Elements in an environment can include dynamic elements that can change location within an environment, including vehicles, humans, animal life, etc. 
     In some cases, dynamic elements can pose a hazard to a vehicle, including occupants of the vehicle. For example, a dynamic element can collide with an occupied vehicle. In another example, a dynamic element can pose a hazard to individuals entering and exiting a vehicle interior. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Some embodiments provide a vehicle that includes an ingress/egress portal (e.g., door) configured to mitigate hazards to vehicle occupants posed by dynamic elements located within proximity of the vehicle. The protection module can, in response to determining that a dynamic element is moving along a trajectory that intersects a sweep volume of a vehicle portal, can selectively restrict operation of the portal so that an occupant is restricted from opening the portal into a volume through which the dynamic element may pass. The portal can restrict operation in response to detecting external dynamic elements that are not within an occupant&#39;s field of vision. The vehicle can communicate a limited selection of vehicle sensor data, including representations of a detected dynamic element, to a user device supporting an authorized user in response to detecting that the dynamic element is located within a certain proximity of the vehicle. 
     Some embodiments provide an apparatus that selectively restricts a portal, included in a vehicle, from opening through an entire sweep volume of the portal, based on a determination that a dynamic element located in an environment external to the vehicle is moving along a trajectory that intersects at least a portion of the sweep volume of the portal. 
     Some embodiments provide a vehicle that includes a portal and a protection system. The portal is configured to be reversibly opened, through a sweep volume of the portal that extends through a portion of an environment external to the vehicle, such that portal selectively enables transit of occupants between an interior of the vehicle and the environment. The protection system is configured to selectively restrict the portal from moving through an entirety of the sweep volume of the portal, based on a determination that a dynamic element located in the environment is moving along a trajectory that intersects at least a portion of the sweep volume of the portal. 
     Some embodiments provide an apparatus that provides a protection system installable in a vehicle. The apparatus selectively restricts a portal, included in the vehicle, from moving through an entire sweep volume of the portal, based on a determination that a dynamic element located in an environment external to the vehicle is located within a particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle and is located outside of a determined field of view of at least one occupant of an interior of the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a vehicle that restricts vehicle portal movement based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates controlling portal movement based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a vehicle that restricts vehicle portal movement based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates controlling portal movement based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a vehicle that adjustably restricts vehicle portal movement based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates controlling portal movement based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a vehicle that communicates selected data to a user device supporting a particular user based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates communicating selected data to a user device supporting a particular user based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a vehicle that communicates selected data to a user device supporting a particular user based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates communicating selected data to a user device supporting a particular user based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a vehicle that adjustably controls climate control devices in the vehicle based on occupants detected in the vehicle interior, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates controlling climate control devices in a vehicle based on occupants detected in the vehicle interior, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates managing various vehicle elements and communicating with various entities based on occupants detected in the vehicle interior and detection of emergency conditions associated with a vehicle, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates responding to a detected at least partial submergence of a vehicle, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an example computer system configured to implement aspects of a system and method for autonomous navigation, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a vehicle that includes a protection module configured to restrict vehicle portal movement based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. 
     Vehicle  110  and dynamic element  140  are located in environment  100 . Dynamic element  140  can include one or more of a vehicle, pedestrian, animal, some combination thereof, etc. Vehicle  110  can include one or more various vehicles, including an automobile. 
     As shown, vehicle  110  includes an interior  114  in which a human individual  115  is located. An individual  115  located within an interior  114  of a vehicle  110  is referred to herein as a vehicle occupant  115 , occupant  115 , etc. Vehicle  110  includes a protection module  111 , a set of sensor devices  112 , a user interface  116 , a vehicle interior portal  117 , a portal actuator  118 , and a portal latch device  119 . The portal  117  can include a door, window, hatch, tailgate, trunk cover (whether front or rear), cargo bed cover, or some combination thereof that can be adjusted to selectively enable or restrict movement of occupant  115  between the interior  114  and the environment  110  external to the vehicle  110 . 
     The actuator  118  can include a mechanism configured to adjustably move the portal  117  through at least a portion of a sweep volume  120  of the portal  107 . Such adjustable movement of the portal  117 , also referred to as adjusting the position of the portal  117 , can include opening the portal from a closed configuration, where the portal  117  restricts occupant  115  movement between interior  114  and environment  100  and where opening the portal from the closed configuration includes moving at least a portion of the portal  117  through at least a portion of the sweep volume  120 , so that the at least partially opened portal  117  establishes a conduit between interior  114  and environment  100  via which occupant  115  can move. Such adjustable movement of the portal  117  can include closing the portal from an opened configuration, where the portal  117  enables occupant  115  movement between interior  114  and environment  100  and where closing the portal from the closed configuration includes moving at least a portion of the portal  117  through at least a portion of the sweep volume  120 , so that the closed portal  117  restricts movement, by occupant  115  between interior  114  and environment  100 . 
     As referred to herein, as sweep volume  120  of a portal  117  includes a volume of the environment  100 , external to the vehicle  110 , through which one or more portions of the portal  117  can be moved, adjustably positioned, etc., when the portal is moved between a fully open configuration and a fully closed configuration. Portal  117  movement, also referred to herein as portal  117  operations, can include moving the portal  117  through at least a portion of the sweep volume  120 . 
     The latch device  119  can include one or more of a handle, locking mechanism, etc. via which occupant  115  can interact to open the portal  117 , close the portal  117 , etc. In some embodiments, the occupant  115  can adjust the position of the portal  117 , via interaction with latch device  119 , independently of operation of the actuator  118 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the actuator  118  can adjust the position of the portal  117  independently of occupant  115  interaction with the latch device  119 . 
     Sensor devices  112  can include various devices that can monitor one or more aspects of the environment  100 , including the interior  114  of the vehicle  100 . For example, one or more sensor devices  112  can include a camera device, a light beam scanning device, a radar device, some combination thereof, etc. 
     Protection module  111  can be implemented by one or more computer systems. In some embodiments, protection module interacts with one or more sensor devices  112  to identify (“detect”) a dynamic element  140  in the environment  100 . Module  111  can, based on the sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices  112  monitoring  160  the dynamic element  140  in the environment  100 , determine some or all of a position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element  140  through the environment  100 , relative to the vehicle  110 . In some embodiments, the module  111  can determine, based on the sensor data, a projected trajectory of the dynamic element through the environment. For example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , module  111  determines that element  140  is presently moving along a particular trajectory  150  through environment  100 . 
     In some embodiments, protection module  111  selectively controls elements of the vehicle in response to a determination that the dynamic element  140  poses a hazard to moving between the vehicle interior  114  and the environment  100  via portal  117 . Such control provides protection to vehicle occupants  115  who may attempt to exit the interior  114  via portal  117 , individuals who may attempt to enter the interior  114  via portal  117  etc. when such actions present a risk of a collision between the occupants  115 , individuals, etc. with a dynamic element  140  in the environment. 
     As shown, module  111  can monitor motions, positions, trajectories, etc. of dynamic elements through an environment relative to a portion  120  of the environment through which a portal  117  of the vehicle  100  can move when the portal  117  is adjusted to permit movement of individuals, occupants  115 , etc. between environment  100  and interior  114 . Such a portion  120  is to associated with a particular corresponding portal  117  and is referred to herein as the sweep volume  120  of portal  117 . 
     In some embodiments, module  111  determines, based on processing sensor data generated by sensor devices  112  monitoring  160  dynamic element  140  through the environment  110 , whether a trajectory  150  of the dynamic element  140  passes through a sweep volume  120  of a portal  117  of the vehicle  110 , such that the dynamic element  140  is predicted to pass through the volume  120  along trajectory  150  within a certain period of time. In some embodiments, module  111  determines a predicted trajectory  150  of a dynamic element  140  based on one or more of a present position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the element  140  determined via processing of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices  112 . In some embodiments, one or more of the sensor devices includes a communication transceiver that is operatively coupled to and configured to communicate with one or more portions of the dynamic element  140 , and module  111  can determine trajectory  150  based on navigation data received from element  140  based on such communication. For example, element  140  can include a vehicle navigating through environment, and module  111  can determine trajectory  150  based on communication with a navigation computer system of the vehicle  110  via an interface included in a sensor  112 . 
     The dimensions, boundaries, etc. of a sweep volume  120  of a portal  117  can be stored locally to vehicle  100  and accessed by module  111  in determining whether trajectory  150  intersects with a sweep volume  120 . 
     In some embodiments, module  111 , in response to a determination that a dynamic element  140  trajectory  150  intersects a sweep volume  120  of a portal  117 , controls various elements of the vehicle  100  to cause the portal  117  to be restricted from being adjusted to permit occupant  115  movement from interior  114  to environment  100 , thereby mitigating a hazard of dynamic element  140  colliding with one or more of the portal  117 , the occupant  115 , etc. Such restriction includes restricting movement of the portal, so that the portal  117  is at least partially restricted from being moved, via one or more of elements  118 ,  119 , through some or all of the sweep volume  120  of the portal  117 . For example, based on a determination that trajectory  150  intersects the sweep volume  120  of portal  117 , module  111  can command actuator  118  to be inhibited from adjusting a position of the portal  117  from a closed configuration, command latch device  119  to be inhibited from adjusting the portal  117  from a closed configuration based on occupant  115  interaction with the latch device  119 , some combination thereof, etc. As a result, in some embodiments, module  111  can control elements  118 ,  119  to cause portal  117  to be restricted from being moved from a closed to configuration. Such control can include controlling a lock mechanism included in the latch device  119  to be engaged, such that the portal is “locked” and manually-initiated control of the position of the portal, manually-initiated movement of the portal, some combination thereof, etc. is inhibited. In some embodiments, the portal may be restricted in regard to movement by either an internal occupant or an external actor. 
     In some embodiments, module  111 , in response to a determination that a dynamic element  140  trajectory  150  intersects a sweep volume  120  of a portal  117 , generates a warning prompt, which can be provided to occupant  115  via an interface  116  included in the vehicle  110 , to alert the occupant  115  to a risk of dynamic element  140  moving along a trajectory  150  that intersects sweep volume  120  and thus presenting a risk of collision with one or more of portal  117  or occupant  115  if the occupant  115  opens the portal  117  within a certain period of time during which element  140  moves along trajectory  150  through sweep volume  120 . In some embodiments, the prompt comprises one or more of an audio signal, an audio message, a visual indication, a graphical message, etc. 
     As used herein, the word “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. 
     In some embodiments, the module  111  disables restrictions upon operation of the portal  117 , thereby enabling occupant  115  to move the portal  117 , based on receiving an occupant-initiated override command. In some embodiments, the override command can be generated based on occupant  115  interaction with an interface  116  included in the vehicle  110 . For example, a warning prompt provided to occupant  115  via interface  116  can include an option for the occupant to disable module  111 -commanded restrictions on portal  117  operation, and module  111  can control one or more of elements  118 ,  119  to disable restrictions on portal operation  117  based on occupant  115  interaction with the option. In some embodiments, the override command can be generated based on occupant  115  interacting with latch device  119 . For example, where module  111  controls latch device  119  to restrict control of the mechanism  119  over adjustment of the portal  117  based on occupant interaction, the module  111  can release control of the latch device  119 , so that latch device controls adjustment of the portal  117  based on occupant interaction with latch device  119 , based on occupant  115  interacting with latch device  119  more than a threshold quantity of interactions after the module  111  controls the latch device  119  to restrict control, after the module  111  provides a warning prompt to occupant  115  via interface  116 , some combination thereof, etc. 
     In some embodiments, module  111  selectively restricts operation of portal  117  based on a determination of whether occupant  115  is likely, above a certain probability threshold level, to operate portal  117  to enable occupant movement between interior  114  and environment  110 . For example, one or more sensor devices  112  can include interior sensors that can monitor motions, facial positions, etc. of the occupant  115  and module  111  can determine, based on processing the sensor data generated by interior sensors, a likelihood that occupant  115  will operate the particular portal  117  within a certain period of time during which element  140  may pass through volume  120  along trajectory  150 . Portal operation by an occupant includes manually-initiated control of one or more of portal  117 , elements  118 ,  119 , etc. that causes the portal  117  to be moved, adjustably positioned, etc. through at least some of the sweep volume  120  of portal  117 . A likelihood can comprise a determined probability value that the occupant (or, in some embodiments, an external actor) will operate the portal, wherein operating the portal comprises opening the portal through at least a portion of the sweep volume of the portal. 
     In some embodiments, where the occupant  115  is determined to be likely to not operate portal  117 , operate a different portal associated with a different sweep volume through which a dynamic element trajectory does not pass, etc., module  111  can refrain from one or more of providing a warning prompt to occupant  115  via interface  116 , controlling one or more of elements  118 ,  119  to cause portal  117  operation to be at least partially restricted, etc. In some embodiments, module  111  determines whether occupant  115  is likely to operate portal  117  based on a present position, velocity, etc. of the vehicle  110 . For example, one or more sensors devices  112  can include vehicle sensors, including speedometers, wheel rotation sensors, geopositioning sensors, etc. and module  111  can determine that, based on a determination that vehicle  110  is in motion above a certain threshold velocity, is located in a certain location, etc. that occupant  115  is unlikely to operate portal  117 . For example, where module  111  determines that vehicle  110  is stopped at a roadway intersection and dynamic element  140  is moving along trajectory  150 , module  111  can determine that occupant  115  is unlikely to operate portal  117  and can refrain from providing a prompt through interface  116 , controlling one or more of elements  118 ,  119  to restrict operation of the portal  117 , etc. In another example, where module  111  determines that vehicle  110  is stopped in a parking spot in a parking lot, module  111  can determine that occupant  115  is likely to operate portal  117  and can, in response, provide a prompt through interface  116 , control one or more of elements  118 ,  119  to restrict operation of the portal  117 , etc. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates controlling portal movement based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. The discussions herein pertaining to an occupant may, in some embodiments, additionally or alternatively apply to an external actor. The controlling can be implemented by any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein. A protection module can be implemented by one or more computer systems. 
     At  202 , one or more instances of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices included in a vehicle are received and processed. At  204 , based on processing the received sensor data, a dynamic element is detected in the external environment in which the vehicle is located, where detection of the dynamic element includes determining one or more of a present position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment. 
     At  206  and  207 , a determination is made regarding whether a predicted trajectory of the dynamic element, which can be determined based on one or more of a determined position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment, intersects one or more particular sweep volumes of one or more particular portals of the vehicle, and a further determination is made regarding whether an occupant of the vehicle is likely to operate the one or more particular portals of the vehicle. If so, as shown, at  208  and  210 , the portal actuator and latch devices are commanded to restrict movement of the particular portal, so that operation of the portal that would result in the portal being moved through the sweep volume is restricted. In addition, as shown at  212  a warning prompt is generated, which can be provided through an interface and includes an indication, to an occupant of the vehicle, that the dynamic element poses a hazard if the portal were operated. In some embodiments, the prompt includes an override interface element via which an occupant can interact to provide an override command. 
     At  214 , a determination is made regarding whether an override command is received. If so, at  216 , restriction of the portal via control of the portal latch device and actuator is released, so that the occupant can operate the portal via operation of one or more of the latch device or the actuator. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a vehicle that includes a protection module configured to restrict vehicle portal movement based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. The vehicle  310  illustrated in  FIG.  3    can include any of the embodiments of vehicles included herein, including vehicle  110  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The protection module  311  illustrated in  FIG.  3    can include any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein, including module  111  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Vehicle  310 , located in a common environment  300  with dynamic element  340 , includes a set of sensor devices  312 , a protection module  311 , an interior  314 , an interface  316 , a portal  317 , and a portal actuator  318  and latch device  319 . An occupant  315  is located in the interior  314 . A sweep volume  320  is associated with portal  317 . 
     In some embodiments, a protection module determines a particular portion of a portal sweep volume that is overlapped by a trajectory volume through which a dynamic element, moving along a trajectory through the environment, can occupy at one or more times during such movement. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, protection module  311  can determine, based on sensor data generated by sensor devices  312  monitoring  342  element  340 , that element  340  is determined to be moving through environment  300  along trajectory  350 . In addition, based on the sensor data, module  311  can determine one or more various spatial dimensions of the dynamic element  340  and can further determine, based on the trajectory  350  and the determined spatial dimensions of element  340 , a trajectory volume  352  representing a volume through which one or more portions of element  340  passes when element  340  moves along trajectory  350 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , module  311  can determine that the trajectory volume  352  overlaps a particular portion  322  of the sweep volume  320  of portal  317 . 
     In some embodiments, a protection module, in response to determining that a trajectory volume of a dynamic element overlaps a portion of the sweep volume of a particular portal, selectively and adjustably controls operation of the particular portal to restrict movement of the portal to movement through a limited portion of the sweep volume. The limited portion of the sweep volume can include a portion of the sweep volume that is not overlapped by a dynamic element trajectory volume and can include a portion that is removed from the overlapped portion of the sweep volume by a particular margin distance. As a result, the protection module can restrict the portal from moving through a portion of the sweep volume that overlaps with a trajectory volume of a dynamic element, thereby mitigating a risk of a collision between the dynamic element and the portal while permitting at least some movement of occupants, individuals, etc. between the vehicle interior and the environment external to the vehicle. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , module  311  can control operation of portal  317  via control of one or more of elements  318 ,  319 , to cause the portal  317  to be restricted in motion so that the portal  317  is restricted to moving within a limited portion  324  of the sweep volume  320 . The limited portion  324  can be determined at the module  311  as a portion of volume  320  that extends a certain distance  325  that is a limited portion of the full distance  321  to the overlapped portion  322 , where the difference  326  represents a predetermined safety margin distance. The safety margin distance can be based at least in part upon a fixed distance, a proportion of the distance  321 , one or more scanned  342  aspects of the dynamic element  340 , some combination thereof, etc. The control can include permitting the portal  317  to move through portion  324  and commanding one or more elements  318 ,  319  to restrict further motion of the portal  317  beyond volume portion  324  based on a determination that one or more portions of the portal  317  is positioned within a certain proximity  326  of the overlapped portion  322  of the volume  320 . 
     In some embodiments, module  311  can provide, to occupant  315  via interface  316 , an indication that portal  317  operation is restricted in that movement of the portal is restricted to the limited portion  324  of the sweep volume  320 . In some embodiments, module  311  can release the restriction of portal  317  operation, such that module  311  enables portal  317  to move through the full sweep volume  320 , based on an occupant-initiated override command received at module  311 . 
     In some embodiments, module  311 , in response to determining that dynamic element  340  is moving along a trajectory  350  that intersects the sweep volume  320 , communicates with dynamic element  340  and provides, to element  340 , an indication that element  340  is approaching a volume  320  through which portal  317  is likely to be moved by an occupant  115  of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the communication can include module  311  requesting dynamic element  340  to move along a diversion trajectory  354  in order to avoid the sweep volume  320 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates controlling portal movement based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. The controlling can be implemented by any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein. A protection module can be implemented by one or more computer systems. 
     At  402 , one or more instances of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices included in a vehicle are received and processed. At  404 , based on the processing, a dynamic element is detected in the external environment in which the vehicle is located, where detection of the dynamic element includes determining one or more of a present position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment. 
     At  406  and  407 , a determination is made regarding whether a predicted trajectory of the dynamic element, which can be determined based on one or more of a determined position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment, overlaps one or more portions of one or more particular sweep volumes of one or more particular portals of the vehicle, and a further determination is made regarding whether an occupant of the vehicle is likely to operate the one or more particular portals of the vehicle. If so, as shown, at  408  and  410 , the portal actuator and latch devices are commanded to be at least partially restricted, so that operation of the portal that would result in the portal being moved through the sweep volume is restricted to cause the portal to be restricted to moving within a determined limited portion of the sweep volume that is not overlapped by the dynamic element trajectory volume. The restriction can include controlling the portal actuator to restrict the portal from being moved beyond the limited portion of the sweep volume. In addition, as shown at  412  a warning prompt is generated, which can be provided through an interface and includes an indication, to an occupant of the vehicle, that the dynamic element poses a hazard if the portal were operated. In some embodiments, the prompt includes an override interface element via which an occupant can interact to provide an override command. 
     At  414 , a determination is made regarding whether an override command is received. If so, at  416 , restriction of portal movement via control of the portal latch device and actuator is released, so that the occupant can operate the portal, via operation of one or more of the latch device or the actuator, to cause the portal to be moved through the full sweep volume of the portal. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a vehicle that includes a protection module configured to adjustably restrict vehicle portal movement based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. The vehicle  510  illustrated in  FIG.  5    can include any of the embodiments of vehicles included herein, including vehicle  110  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The protection module  511  illustrated in  FIG.  5    can include any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein, including module  111  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Vehicle  510 , located in a common environment  500  with dynamic elements  540  and  560 , includes a set of sensor devices  512  and  513 , a protection module  511 , an interior  514 , an interface  516 , a portal  517 , and a portal actuator  518  and latch device  519 . An occupant  515  is located in the interior  514 . A sweep volume  520  is associated with portal  517 . 
     In some embodiments, a protection module restricts operation of one or more portals in a vehicle based at least in part upon determining that a dynamic element is located within a particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle and the one or more portals. The protection module can restrict operation of a portal based on a determination that a dynamic element is moving towards one or more of the vehicle, portal, portal sweep volume, etc. 
     A dynamic element within a particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle, a particular proximity region that extends from one or more portions of the vehicle into an environment external to the vehicle, etc. can pose a potential hazard to an occupant of the vehicle when the occupant exits the vehicle interior via a portal of the vehicle. For example, where a dynamic element  540  in the environment  500  is a pedestrian that is loitering within a proximity distance from the vehicle  510 , a proximity region extending from the vehicle  510 , etc., the pedestrian  540  may potentially pose a safety hazard to occupant  515  if the occupant exits the vehicle interior  514 . As a result, restricting portal operation based on a detected dynamic element that is within a proximity distance from the vehicle  510 , a proximity region extending from the vehicle  510 , etc. can augment the safety of an occupant of the vehicle. A proximity region extending from a vehicle into an environment can be referred to herein as a proximity region of the vehicle, a proximity region associated with the vehicle, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the protection module selectively restricts portal operation based on one or more of a present position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of a detected dynamic element. In the illustrated embodiment, protection module  511  monitors dynamic elements  540 ,  560  located within a certain proximity region  580  of the vehicle  510 , via sensor data generated by sensor devices  512  monitoring  542 ,  562  the dynamic elements. As shown, protection module  511  can determine that both dynamic elements  540 ,  560  are located within the proximity region  580 . In some embodiments, module  511  controls one or more portions of the vehicle  510 , including one or more of elements  518 ,  519 , to restrict operation of portal  517  to cause the portal  517  to be restricted from moving through volume  520  to enable occupant  515  to move from interior  514  to environment  500 , based on a determination that at least one of the dynamic elements  540 ,  560  is located within proximity region  580 . 
     In some embodiments, module  511  monitors a present velocity of the dynamic elements  540 ,  560  via sensor devices  512  and controls one or more portions of the vehicle  510 , including one or more of elements  518 ,  519 , to restrict portal  517  from moving through volume  520 , based on a determination that dynamic element  540  is moving along a trajectory  543  that approaches the vehicle  510 . Although trajectory  543  may not intersect sweep volume  520 , module  511  can restrict operation of portal  517  based on a determination that element  540  is within region  580  and is moving along a trajectory  543  that approaches vehicle  510 . 
     In another example, module  511  can restrict operation of portal  517  based on a determination that dynamic element  560  is located within region  580  and is stopped in the to environment, such that the element  560  is determined to be loitering within region  580 . 
     In some embodiments, the protection module monitors a field of view of an occupant that is determined likely to operate a portal and selectively restricts operation of a portal based on whether a dynamic element that is located within a proximity region is located beyond the determined field of view of the occupant. In some embodiments, the field of view may be determined based on an available field of view from the interior at the portal. In other embodiments, the field of view may be determined based, at least in part, on camera or other sensor data indicating the occupants head position or direction of vision, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle  510  includes an interior sensor  513 , which can include a camera device and which can monitor one or more aspects of occupant  515 . Module  511  can determine, based on sensor data generated by sensor  513  that monitors occupant  515 , a field of view  570  of the occupant  515 . Module  511  can further determine that the detected dynamic element  560 , which is stopped within region  580  is also located within the field of view of occupant. For example, where dynamic element  540  is absent, module  511  can refrain from restricting portal  517  operation based on dynamic element  560  which is stopped within region  580 , based on the determination that element  560  is within field of view  570 . In another example, where dynamic element  540  is present and element  560  is absent, module  511  can restrict portal  517  operation based at least in part upon the determination that dynamic element  540 , located in region  580 , is outside the determined occupant  515  field of view  570 . 
     Because an occupant may be more suited to determining whether a dynamic element poses a hazard, module  511 , by accounting for whether the dynamic element is within the occupant&#39;s field of view, defers to occupant judgment regarding whether to operate the portal when the dynamic element is within the field of view. In contrast, where a dynamic element is not within the occupant&#39;s field of view, module  511  provides protection to the occupant by accounting for a dynamic element of which the occupant may be unaware. 
     In some embodiments, module  511 , based on restricting portal operation based on detection of a dynamic element within the proximity region, provides an indication, to occupant  515  via interface  516 , of the presence of the detected dynamic element. The occupant  515  can then choose to provide an override command to module  511 , upon which the module  511  releases restrictions on portal  517  operations. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates controlling portal movement based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. The controlling can be implemented by any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein. A protection module can be implemented by one or more computer systems. 
     At  602 , one or more instances of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices included in a vehicle are received and processed. At  604 , based on the processing, a dynamic element is detected in the external environment in which the vehicle is located, where detection of the dynamic element includes determining one or more of a present position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment. 
     At  606  and  608 , a determination is made regarding whether the detected dynamic element, which can be determined based on one or more of a determined position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment, is located within a certain proximity region associated with one or more of the vehicle, of one or more particular portals of the vehicle, etc., and a further determination is made regarding whether the dynamic element is moving along a trajectory that approaches the vehicle. If so, as shown, at  610 , a determination is made regarding whether the dynamic element is located within a field of view of an occupant that is determined to be likely to operate one or more particular portals of the vehicle. An occupant can be determined to be likely to operate a portal based on proximity of the occupant to the portal, whether one or more aspects of the portal, including a latch device of the portal, is located with a field of view of the occupant, some combination thereof, etc. 
     At  612 , if the dynamic element is not within a field of view of an occupant determined likely to operate a particular portal, operation of the particular portal is restricted to restrict the portal from moving through a sweep volume. In addition, as shown at  614 , a warning prompt is generated and can be provided through an interface and includes an indication, to an occupant of the vehicle, that a dynamic element is detected that poses a hazard if the portal were operated. In some embodiments, the prompt includes an override interface element via which an occupant can interact to provide an override command. 
     At  616 , a determination is made regarding whether an override command is received. If so, at  618 , a restriction on operation of the portal via control of the portal latch device and actuator is released, so that the occupant can operate the portal, via operation of one or more of the latch device or the actuator, to cause the portal to be opened through the sweep volume of the portal and enable one or more occupants to move between the vehicle interior and the environment via the opened portal. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a vehicle that includes a protection module configured to communicate selected data to a user device supporting a particular user based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. The vehicle  710  illustrated in  FIG.  7    can include any of the embodiments of vehicles included herein, including vehicle  110  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The protection module  711  illustrated in  FIG.  7    can include any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein, including module  111  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Vehicle  710 , located in a common environment  700  with dynamic element  730 , includes a set of sensor devices  712 , a protection module  711 , a communication interface  714 , and a set of functional mechanisms  716 . An individual  750  associated with the vehicle  710  is located externally to the vehicle  710  and is supported by a user device  740  which is communicatively coupled to the vehicle  710  via a communication link with interface  714 . The communication link can include a two-way communication link established via one or more communication networks. 
     In some embodiments, a protection module included in a vehicle is configured to, in response to detection of a dynamic element within a particular proximity distance from the vehicle, a particular proximity region of the vehicle, etc. in the absence of a certain authorized individual being located within the vehicle, communicate information regarding the detected dynamic element to a user device that supports the authorized individual. The communicated information can include a limited selection of sensor data generated by sensor devices in the vehicle, where the limited selection includes sensor data associated with the detected dynamic element, including images, point clouds, etc. of the dynamic element captured by sensor devices included in the vehicle. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a dynamic element  730  is located within a certain proximity region  780  associated with vehicle  710  when an authorized individual  750  associated with the vehicle  710  is external to the vehicle. The authorized individual  750  can be a registered user of the vehicle  710 . The module  711  detects the dynamic element  730  based on processing sensor data generated by sensors  712  and can determine that dynamic element  730  is located within region  780 . Based on the determination, module  711  can generate a warning prompt that is communicated to the user device  740  supporting the authorized individual  750  via link  742 . The warning prompt can include an indication that a dynamic element is detected within a proximity region  780  of vehicle  710 . 
     In some embodiments, module  711  communicates a limited selection of sensor data associated with the detected dynamic element  730 , including one or more captured images within a field of view  730  of one or more sensors  712  that encompasses a limited portion of environment  700  that includes dynamic element  730 . In some embodiments, the sensor data communicated to user device  740  via link  742  includes a continuous streaming sensor data, including a streaming video of the dynamic element  730 . The captured field of view  732  of sensor data communicated to device  740  can be adjusted over time so that the field of view  732  encompasses the dynamic element  730  as the element  730  moves through region  780 . The field of view  732  can, in some embodiments, including a smallest field of view  732  that encompasses the detected dynamic element  730  and can include a limited selection of sensor data generated by sensor devices  712 . 
     In some embodiments, module  711  generates a warning prompt and communicates sensor data to user device  740  based on a determination that dynamic element  730  is both located in region  780  and is moving at less than a threshold velocity, is located within region  780  more than a threshold period of elapsed time, some combination thereof, etc. For example, where element  730  is stopped within region  780  for more than a certain period of time, module  711  can respond by generating the warning prompt to user device  740  via link  742  and communicating a limited selection of sensor data, including images of element  730  within field of view  732  to device  740  via link  742 . 
     In some embodiments, a warning prompt communicated to device  740  includes an invitation to the authorized individual  750  supported by device  740  to command one or more actions to be performed by one or more functional mechanisms  716  of the vehicle  710  via interaction with an interface provided by device  740 . For example, where a functional mechanism  716  includes an audio speaker, noisemaker device, etc., the prompt can include an invitation to command the mechanism  716  to activate, thereby providing an audio warning signal to dynamic element  730 . Module  711 , in some embodiments, controls one or more functional mechanisms  716  of vehicle  710  based on an individual  750 -initiated command received from device  740  via link  742 . 
     In some embodiments, module  711  determines to communicate with a particular user device  740  supporting a particular authorized user  750  based on determining, via comparing sensor data representations of an interior of the vehicle with a set of authorized user data that includes data via which module  711  can identify a presence of an authorized user in the vehicle interior, that one or more authorized users are absent from the vehicle interior. The module  711  can, based on determining an absence of one or more authorized users from the vehicle interior, identify a user device supporting the authorized user via accessing a database that associates an authorized user profile, associated with the authorized user, with user device information that identifies a particular user device. Based on identifying the user device, the module  711  can establish a communication link with the identified user device and communicate sensor data and warning prompts to the user device via the link. 
     Users can benefit from use of personal data, which can include data associated with a user profile. For example, the personal data can be used to communicate data associated with a vehicle to a particular user via an associated user device, and execute functions based on communication from a user device supporting an authorized user. Accordingly, use of such personal data enables remotely-located users to receive information associated with a vehicle, including information regarding proximate dynamic elements, indications of collisions, indications of occupancy and climate conditions within the vehicle, some combination thereof, etc. 
     Users, which can include occupants, can selectively block use of, or access to, personal data. A system incorporating some or all of the technologies described herein can include hardware and/or software that prevents or blocks access to such personal data. For example, the system can allow users to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal data or portions of portions thereof. Also, users can select not to provide location information, or permit provision of general location information (e.g., a geographic region or zone), but not precise location information. 
     Entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal data should comply with established privacy policies and/or practices. Such entities should safeguard and secure access to such personal data and ensure that others with access to the personal data also comply. Such entities should implement privacy policies and practices that meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal data. For example, an entity should collect users&#39; personal data for legitimate and reasonable uses, and not share or sell the data outside of those legitimate uses. Such collection should occur only after receiving the users&#39; informed consent. Furthermore, third parties can evaluate these entities to certify their adherence to established privacy policies and practices. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates communicating selected data to a user device supporting a particular user based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. The controlling can be implemented by any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein. A protection module can be implemented by one or more computer systems. 
     At  802 , one or more instances of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices included in a vehicle are received and processed. At  804 , based on the processing, a dynamic element is detected in the external environment in which the vehicle is located, where detection of the dynamic element includes determining one or more of a present position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment. 
     At  806  and  808 , a determination is made regarding whether the detected dynamic element, which can be determined based on one or more of a determined position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment, is located within a certain proximity region associated with one or more of the vehicle, of one or more particular portals of the vehicle, etc., and a further determination is made regarding whether the dynamic element is moving along a trajectory that approaches the vehicle. 
     If so, as shown, at  810 , a limited selection of sensor data, generated by one or more sensor devices included in the vehicle, which includes sensor data representations of the detected dynamic element are communicated to a user device that supports one or more particular individuals. The user device can be determined via accessing a database that associates user device communication link contact addresses with a user profile of a particular authorized individual. The communication can include identifying an authorized individual; identifying, based on processing sensor data, that the authorized individual is absent from the vehicle interior; identifying a particular supporting user device via accessing a database of user devices associated with authorized individuals; and further identifying a contact address associated with the particular supporting user device. Sensor data representations of a detected dynamic element can include sensor data that characterizes one or more aspects of the dynamic element. For example, a sensor data representation of a dynamic element can include an image, captured by a camera sensor device, in which an image of at least a portion of the dynamic element is included. 
     In addition, as shown at  812 , a warning prompt is generated that can be provided through an interface of the user device and includes an indication that the dynamic element is detected within the proximity region. In some embodiments, the prompt includes a functional mechanism command interface via which an occupant can interact to provide one or more functional mechanism commands. 
     At  814 , a determination is made regarding whether a functional mechanism command, which includes a command to control one or more particular functional mechanisms in the vehicle to provide one or more observable (i.e., audio, visual, etc.) indications to the dynamic element is received. If so, at  816 , the one or more particular functional mechanisms are controlled as commanded by the received functional mechanism command. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a vehicle that includes a protection module configured to communicate selected data to a user device supporting a particular user based on dynamic elements detected in the external environment, according to some embodiments. The vehicle  910  illustrated in  FIG.  9    can include any of the embodiments of vehicles included herein, including vehicle  110  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The protection module  911  illustrated in  FIG.  9    can include any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein, including module  111  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Vehicle  910 , located in a common environment  900  with dynamic element  930 , includes a set of sensor devices  912 , a protection module  911 , a communication interface  914 , and a set of functional mechanisms  916 . An individual  970  associated with the vehicle  910  is located externally to the vehicle  910  and is supported by a user device  940  that is communicatively coupled to the vehicle  910  via a communication link with interface  914 . The communication link can include a two-way communication link established via one or more communication networks. 
     In some embodiments, a protection module included in a vehicle monitors a collision between the vehicle and a dynamic element in the environment when one or more particular authorized individuals are absent from the vehicle interior and, based at least in part upon detecting the collision, provides a user device supporting the authorized individual with sensor data providing representations of the colliding dynamic element as it moves through the environment, including representations of the dynamic element before, during, and after the collision with the vehicle. 
     As shown, module  911  initially detects dynamic element  930  at position  930 A when the dynamic element enters proximity region  980 . Based at least in part upon one or more of determining that the dynamic element is within region  980 , is moving along a trajectory  932 A that intersects with the vehicle  910 , etc. module  911  can initiate recording of sensor data representations of the dynamic element as the dynamic element moves through the region  980 . Such recording can include recording limited portions of sensor data generated by devices  912 , where the limited portions include separate representations of the dynamic element characterized by sensor data generated at various times. As shown, when dynamic element  930  is located at position  930 A, recorded sensor data can include a captured image of a portion of environment  900 , including the dynamic element at position  930 A, included within field of view  950 A. 
     As shown, the dynamic element, subsequently to being detected at position  930 A, continues along trajectory  932 A to collide with vehicle  910 , at point  940  on a surface of the vehicle  910 , when the dynamic element is located at position  930 B, and the dynamic element subsequently moves along trajectory  932  until reaching position  930 C at an edge of region  980 . Module  911  can continue to record sensor data representations of the dynamic element as the element moves through region  980  along trajectories  932 A-B and collides with vehicle  940 . Module  911  can determine that the dynamic element has collided with point  940  on vehicle  910 , when the element is at position  930 B, based on processing sensor data generated by one or more senor devices, including one or more accelerometers, position orientation sensors, image capturing sensors, etc. Based on determining that the dynamic element has collided with vehicle  710 , module  911  can generate a warning prompt that is communicated to the user device  960  supporting an identified authorized individual  970  via communication link  962 , where the prompt includes an indication, which can be presented to the individual  970  via an interface of device  960 , that a dynamic element has collided with the vehicle. The prompt can include an indication of the particular point  940 , region, etc. of the vehicle exterior at which the collision occurred. 
     In some embodiments, module  911  can, in response to detecting the collision of the detected dynamic element  930  with vehicle  910  at point  940 , communicate the recorded sensor data representations of the dynamic element to the user device  960  via link  962 , so that the individual  970  can be provided with representations of the dynamic element that collided with vehicle  910 . In some embodiments, where module  911  continues to record sensor data representations of the dynamic element as it moves through region  980 , the module  911  can continue to record sensor data representations of the dynamic element subsequent to the collision. As shown, module  911  can record images of the dynamic element captured via field of view  950 B when the dynamic element is at position  930 B at the time of collision, images of the dynamic element captured via field of view  950 C when the dynamic element is at position  930 C at the time when the dynamic element leaves region  980 , etc. 
     In some embodiments, to record sensor data representations of a dynamic element as the dynamic element moves through an environment, module  911  can control one or more sensor devices  912  to track the dynamic element through the environment. For example, where a sensor device  912  includes a camera device that can capture images of portions of environment  900  within a field of view of the camera, module  911  can, in response to detection of a dynamic element at position  930 A, control the orientation, field of view, etc. of the camera to cause the field of view  950 A-C to track the dynamic element as it moves along trajectories  932 A-B through positions  930 A-C through environment  900 , so that the camera is controlled to capture images of the dynamic element as the dynamic element moves through the environment. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates communicating selected data to a user device supporting a particular user based on detection of dynamic elements in an external environment, according to some embodiments. The controlling can be implemented by any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein. A protection module can be implemented by one or more computer systems. 
     At  1002 , one or more instances of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices included in a vehicle are received and processed. At  1004 , based on the processing, a dynamic element is detected in the external environment in which the vehicle is located, where detection of the dynamic element includes determining one or more of a present position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment. 
     At  1006  and  1008 , a determination is made regarding whether the detected dynamic element, which can be determined based on one or more of a determined position, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the dynamic element through the environment, is located within a certain proximity region associated with one or more of the vehicle, of one or more particular portals of the vehicle, etc., and a further determination is made regarding whether the dynamic element is moving along a trajectory that approaches the vehicle. 
     If so, as shown, at  1010 , a limited selection of sensor data, generated by one or more sensor devices included in the vehicle, including sensor data representations of the detected dynamic element, are recorded. Sensor data representations of a detected dynamic element can include sensor data that characterizes one or more aspects of the dynamic element. For example, a sensor data representation of a dynamic element can include an image, captured by a camera sensor device, in which an image of at least a portion of the dynamic element is included. The recorded sensor data representation of the dynamic element can include a limited selection of sensor data generated by sensor devices included in the vehicle, including a limited portion of sensor data representations of one or more portions of the external environment in which the vehicle is located. In some embodiments, sensor data representations of the dynamic element are continuously recorded for a duration of elapsed time in which the dynamic element is located within a proximity distance of the vehicle, where recording of additional sensor data representations is terminated upon a determination that the dynamic element is located more than a threshold distance from the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, recorded sensor data representations of a dynamic element are stored as a set of representations at the vehicle. The stored set can be communicated to one or more external devices based on user interaction with one or more interfaces included in the vehicle. 
     At  1012 , a determination is made regarding whether the dynamic element has collided with the vehicle at one or more various points, regions, etc. along the vehicle exterior. If so, at  1014 , a warning prompt is generated that can be provided through an interface of a particular user device supporting a particular authorized user and includes an indication that the dynamic element has collided with the vehicle at one or more particular points, regions, etc. of the vehicle exterior. 
     The particular user device can be determined via accessing a database that associated user device communication link contact addresses with a user profile of a particular authorized individual. The communication can include identifying an authorized individual, identifying a particular supporting user device via accessing a database of user devices associated with authorized individuals, and further identifying a contact address associated with the particular supporting user device. 
     In addition, at  1016 , the recorded sensor data representations of the dynamic element are communicated to the user device. Where the sensor data representations are continuously being recorded concurrently with communication of representations to the user device, a continuous stream of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices can be communicated to the user device as a continuous data stream. For example, a streaming tracking video feed of a limited portion of the environment in which the dynamic element is located can be communicated to the user device. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a vehicle that includes a protection module configured to adjustably control climate control devices in the vehicle based on occupants detected in the vehicle interior, according to some embodiments. The vehicle  1110  illustrated in  FIG.  11    can include any of the embodiments of vehicles included herein, including vehicle  110  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The protection module  1111  illustrated in  FIG.  11    can include any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein, including module  111  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Vehicle  1110 , located in a common environment  1100 , includes a set of sensor devices  1112 , a protection module  1111 , a communication interface  1114 , a vehicle interior  1116 , one or more climate control devices  1118  configured to adjustably control one or more parameters of an interior environment of the interior  1116 , and an interface  1115 . An occupant  1117  is located within interior  1116 . A user device  1120  supporting an authorized individual  1130  is located external to vehicle  1110  and is communicatively coupled to vehicle  1110  via a communication link  1122  with interface  1114 . 
     In some embodiments, the one or more climate control devices  118  include one or more of an air conditioning unit, an air moving device, an adjustable air vent, a heater unit, some combination thereof, etc. 
     In some embodiments, a protection module included in a vehicle is configured to monitor an internal environment of a vehicle interior and to, in response to detecting one or more occupants of the vehicle where one or more authorized individuals are absent from the vehicle interior and further detecting that one or more environmental parameters of the interior  1116  environment at least meets one or more threshold values, control one or more of the climate control devices  1118  included in the vehicle  1110  to adjust one or more parameters of the environment to within the one or more threshold values. 
     An authorized individual can include one or more individuals associated with a particular user profile, one or more individuals associated with a particular occupant type, some combination thereof, etc. An occupant type can include a human adult, a human child, a human senior, an animal, etc., and an individual associated with a particular user profile can be identified based on facial recognition data associated with the user profile. 
     In some embodiments, module  1111  controls one or more climate control devices  1118  to adjust the environment of interior  1116  to comprise environmental parameters that are within a range of values based at least in part upon a determination that the interior  1116  is occupied by occupants associated with one or more particular occupant types. For example, module  1111  can control climate control devices  1118  based at least in part upon a determination that occupant  1117  is a human child occupant and human adult occupants are absent from interior  1116 . In another example, module  1111  can control climate control devices  1118  based at least in part upon a determination that occupant  1117  is an animal occupant and human adult occupants are absent from interior  1116 . Module  1111  can be configured to control climate control devices  1118  to to cause the environment  1116  to approximate a particular range of parameter values based on a determination that the interior  1116  is occupied by occupants  1117  of an occupant type other than that of a human adult occupant. 
     Environmental parameters can include one or more of air temperature, humidity, etc. Module  1111  can respond to a determination that the interior  1116  is occupied by occupants  1117  of an occupant type other than that of a human adult occupant and that one or more environmental parameters of the environment of interior  1116  meets a threshold value by adjustably controlling one or more climate control devices  1118  to adjust the environmental parameter to fall within the threshold value. Where module  1111  controls one or more climate control devices  1118  to control one or more particular environmental parameters, module  1111  can selectively control one or more particular climate control devices that are configured to adjustably control the one or more particular environmental parameters. For example, where module  1111  determines that a temperature of environment in interior  1116  meets a high temperature threshold, and the interior  1116  is occupied by an occupant  1117  of an occupant type other than that of a human adult occupant, module  1111  can selectively control an air conditioning unit climate control device  1118  to cause the environment temperature to fall within the threshold value. In another example, where module  1111  determines that a temperature of environment in interior  1116  meets a low temperature threshold, and the interior  1116  is occupied by an occupant  1117  of an occupant type other than that of a human adult occupant, module  1111  can selectively control a heater unit climate control device  1118  to cause the environment temperature to rise within the threshold value. 
     In some embodiments, module  1111 , in response to detecting vehicle interior occupants associated with particular occupant types and detecting one or more environmental parameters of the vehicle interior that meet one or more threshold values, generates a warning prompt that is communicated, via communication link  1122 , to one or more user devices  1120  supporting one or more authorized individuals  1130 . The warning prompt can include sensor data representations of one or more portions of the vehicle interior  1116 , including captured images, streaming video, etc. of the one or more occupants  1117 . The prompt can include an alert that the occupants  1117  are located in a vehicle interior with extreme environmental conditions, an invitation to travel to the vehicle  1110  and access the interior  1116 , an invitation to communicate with the occupant  1117  via communication link  1122  and interface  1115 , etc. 
     An authorized individual, and supporting user device, can be identified based on accessing a database that includes a set of user profiles associated with authorized individuals. Each user profile can include user device contact address information associated with user devices supporting to the authorized individual. Module  1111  can, in response to detecting vehicle interior occupants associated with particular occupant types and detecting one or more environmental parameters of the vehicle interior that meet one or more threshold values, identify an authorized individual and supporting user device contact address information and further communicate a warning prompt to the supporting user device. 
     In some embodiments, module  1111 , in response to failing to receive a response from the individual  1130  via device  1120 , generates a warning signal to one or more alternative remote systems, services, etc. via interface  1114 , including one or more local emergency services, additional authorized individuals, etc. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates controlling climate control devices in a vehicle based on occupants detected in the vehicle interior, according to some embodiments. The controlling can be implemented by any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein. A protection module can be implemented by one or more computer systems. 
     At  1202 , one or more instances of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices included in a vehicle are received and processed. At  1204 , based on the processing, an occupant is detected in the interior of the vehicle, where detection of the occupant includes determining a particular occupant type with which the detected occupant is associated. 
     At  1206 , a determination is made regarding whether the occupant is associated with one or more of a set of particular occupant types. A set of particular occupant types can include human child occupants, human senior occupants, animal occupants, etc., while certain occupant types, including human adult occupants, can be excluded from the set. If the occupant is associated with a particular occupant type, a further determination is made, at  1208 , regarding whether one or more environmental parameters, including one or more of interior temperature, humidity, etc., at least meets one or more predetermined environmental parameter threshold values. 
     If so, as shown at  1210 , one or more sensor data representations of the occupant, comprised within limited selections of sensor data generated by one or more sensors devices monitoring the vehicle interior, are recorded. At  1212 , one or more particular climate control devices are adjustably controlled to cause the one or more environmental parameters that are determined to at least meet the one or more predetermined environmental parameter threshold values to be adjusted to at least meet a separate parameter value. 
     At  1214 , a warning prompt is generated that can be provided through an interface of a to particular user device supporting a particular authorized individual and includes an indication that the detected occupant of the vehicle is located in a vehicle interior in which environmental parameters have at least met one or more predetermined threshold values. In addition, at  1216 , the recorded sensor data representations of the occupant are communicated to the user device. Where the sensor data representations are continuously being recorded concurrently with communication of representations to the user device, a continuous stream of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices can be communicated to the user device as a continuous data stream. 
     In some embodiments, a determination is made regarding whether a response is received from the particular user device within a certain period of elapsed time following generation of the warning prompt at  1214 . If no response is received following the elapse of the certain period of time, another warning prompt can be generated and communicated to one or more additional remote devices, systems, services, etc., including one or more predetermined emergency services, alternative contact addresses associated with the authorized individual, etc. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates managing various vehicle elements and communicating with various entities based on occupants detected in the vehicle interior and detection of emergency conditions associated with a vehicle, according to some embodiments. The controlling can be implemented by any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein. A protection module can be implemented by one or more computer systems. 
     At  1302 , the protection module determines that a primary user (e.g., owner, driver, so forth) of the vehicle has exited the vehicle interior. Such a determination can be based on a determination, based on processing sensor data, that an occupant located in a particular (e.g., driver) position of the vehicle interior has exited the vehicle interior, a determination that a user device supporting a primary user of the vehicle has exited the vehicle interior, etc. The user device supporting a primary user of the vehicle can include a vehicle key device, an electronic device associated with a user profile of the user, etc. 
     At  1304 , a determination is made regarding whether at least one occupant remains within the vehicle interior subsequent to the primary user leaving the vehicle interior. The determination can be made based on processing sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices included in the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more sensor devices includes an ultra-wide band radar device that can feature high range resolution, and a protection module can detect one or more various life sign signatures associated with an occupant, including a breathing pattern and heart beats through micro-Doppler analysis of data generated by the device. In some embodiments, the various life signs signatures that can be detected based on processing sensor data generated by a radar device can be utilized to associate a detected occupant with a particular occupant type, including that of a human child, human elderly, dog, cat, pet, etc. In some embodiments, the processed sensor data can be utilized to determine whether a health state associated with the occupant exceeds one or more threshold values, such that the occupant is determined to be associated with an emergency health state. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more sensor devices includes a microphone, a pressure sensor installed in a seat, a motion detection sensor, a camera device, a carbon dioxide density detector, a body temperature detector, some combination thereof, etc. A body temperature detector can include an infrared thermometer, a laser thermometer, etc. 
     At  1306 , a determination is made regarding whether the occupant detected at  1304  is responsive to one or more prompts provided to the occupant via one or more user interfaces included in the vehicle. A prompt that can be provided to the occupant can include one or more of an audio prompt, visual prompt, etc. The prompt can include a request for the occupant to indicate a capacity of the occupant to exit the vehicle interior. In some embodiments, a user interface included in the vehicle includes one or more user interactive interfaces via which an occupant can interact to provide an indication of a capacity of the occupant to exit the vehicle interior. 
     At  1306 , if no occupants remain in the vehicle, or if one or more detected occupants indicate a capacity to exit the vehicle interior via response to an interface prompt, one or more doors of the vehicle are locked. In some embodiments, the determinations at  1304  and  1306  are implemented in response to a command, received from a user device associated with the primary user, to lock the one or more vehicle doors, where the locking at  1305  is implemented based on the determinations at one or more of  1304  and  1306 . 
     At  1308 , a message is generated that is communicated to a user device supporting the primary user who has exited the vehicle interior, where the message includes content configured to inform the primary user, via one or more user interfaces of the user device, that one or more occupants remain in the vehicle. The content can, in some embodiments, identify an occupant type associated with one or more of the detected occupants in the determination at  1304 . In some embodiments, the determination at  1306  is omitted, and the action at  1308  is implemented in response to a detection of an occupant remaining in the vehicle at  1304 . 
     At  1310 , a determination is made regarding whether a door locking confirmation signal is received from a user device supporting the primary user. In some embodiments, the determinations at  1304  and  1306  are implemented in response to a command, received from a user device associated with the primary user, to lock the one or more vehicle doors, and the message at  1308  comprises a prompt for the primary user to confirm, via interaction with one or more user interfaces of the user device supporting the primary user, whether to lock the one or more doors of the vehicle. If such a confirmation signal is received, the one or more vehicle doors are locked at  1312 . If not, at  1311 , the one or more vehicle doors remain unlocked. In some embodiments, keeping the one or more doors unlocked, at  1311 , includes repeating the informing at  1308  one or more times. 
     At  1314 , one or more reminder messages are generated and communicated to the user device supporting the primary user who has exited the vehicle interior, where the messages include reminders configured to remind the primary user, via one or more user interfaces of the user device, that one or more occupants remain in the vehicle. The content can, in some embodiments, identify an occupant type associated with one or more of the detected occupants in the determination at  1304 . 
     At  1316 , a determination is made regarding whether an emergency condition associated with the vehicle is detected. The determination can be made based on processing sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices installed in the vehicle. 
     An emergency condition can be detected based on a determination that a health state of one or more occupants in the vehicle at least meets one or more threshold values associated with an emergency health state. For example, an emergency condition can be detected based on a determination that one or more of a heart rate, breathing rate, etc. of a detected occupant of the vehicle interior at least meets a threshold heart rate, breathing rate that is associated with an emergency health state. The one or more thresholds can be associated with an occupant type that is associated with the detected occupant, so that a threshold heart rate associated with an emergency health state for a dog occupant is a different value than a threshold heart rate associated with an emergency health state for a human child occupant. 
     An emergency condition can be detected based on a determination that one or more environmental parameters of the vehicle interior environment at least meets one or more threshold values. For example, an emergency condition can be detected based on a determination that ambient air temperature in one or more portions of the vehicle at least meets one or more threshold values, a determination that a concentration of one or more substances, including carbon dioxide, in one or more portions of the vehicle at least meets one or more threshold values, a determination that a concentration of oxygen in one or more portions of the vehicle interior at least meets one or more threshold values, some combination thereof, etc. 
     An emergency condition can be detected based on a determination that one or more operating parameters of the vehicle at least meets one or more threshold values. For example, an emergency condition can be detected based on a determination that a primary power source included in the vehicle has failed, that an amount of stored energy remaining in one or more power sources included in the vehicle at least meets one or more threshold values, etc. 
     At  1318 , based on a determination of an emergency condition, an emergency response associated with the detected condition is executed. An emergency response can include one or more of activating an alarm device installed in the vehicle, unlocking one or more doors of the vehicle, opening one or more windows of the vehicle, adjustably controlling one or more climate control devices installed in the vehicle, generating one or more signals that are communicated to one or more remote devices, systems, services, etc. An alarm device installed in the vehicle can include one or more of an audio signal generator device, a visual signal generator device, etc. A generated signal can include a message that is communicated to a user device supporting the primary user, a message that is communicated to an emergency service, including a “911” dispatch service, some combination thereof, etc. A generated signal can include information indicating the basis for the emergency condition being determined, one or more instances of data associated with the emergency condition, etc. 
     In some embodiments, separate emergency conditions can be determined based on separate determinations regarding the vehicle occupants, vehicle interior environment, vehicle itself, etc., where separate emergency conditions are associated with separate determined emergency conditions. For example, an emergency response executed based on an emergency condition that is determined based on a determined emergency health state of a vehicle occupant can include contacting an emergency service, while an emergency response executed based on an emergency condition that is determined based on a determined operating state of the vehicle can be limited to generating a message that is communicated to a user device supporting the primary user. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates responding to a detected at least partial submergence of a vehicle, according to some embodiments. The responding can be implemented by any of the embodiments of protection modules included herein. A protection module can be implemented by one or more computer systems. 
     At  1402 , a determination is made, based on processing sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices, that the vehicle is at least partially submerged in a fluid, where a fluid can include water. In some embodiments, a vehicle comprises one or more sensor devices that are configured to detect fluid pressure on one or more external surfaces of the vehicle, and at least partial submergence of the vehicle can be determined based on a determination that a fluid pressure detected on one or more particular external surface of the vehicle at least meets one or more particular threshold values. For example, based on a determination that a fluid pressure on a roof surface, including an external surface of a moon roof, meets a threshold pressure, the vehicle can be determined to be fully submerged. In another example, based on a determination that a fluid pressure on a side window of the vehicle at least meets a threshold pressure and a fluid pressure on a roof surface is less than the threshold pressure, the vehicle can be determined to be partially submerged. In some embodiments, sensor data generated by one or more liquid sensors included in the vehicle, including one or more rain sensor devices installed in the vehicle and configured to detect precipitation, can provide confirmation of fluid presence on the exterior of the vehicle to provide a secondary indication of vehicle submergence. 
     At  1404 , in response to the determination that the vehicle is at least partially submerged, a submergence initial response is executed. The submergence initial response, when executed, can include one or more adjustments  1405 A-F to the vehicle which cause the flow of fluid into the vehicle interior to be at least partially mitigated, to give occupants of the vehicle time and interior maneuvering space to prepare themselves to escape the vehicle. Such preparation can include orienting themselves to escape the vehicle via one or more windows, doors, etc. of the vehicle, removing any restrains that might prevent escape, etc. 
     As shown, the adjustments  1405 A-F included in the submergence initial response can include one or more of closing one or more vehicle windows, unlocking one or more vehicle doors, unlocking one or more vehicle safety restraints, deploying one or more flotation aid devices installed in the vehicle, generating one or more distress signals, and adjusting one or more interior seat and interface positions. Closing vehicle windows  1405 A can mitigate the flow of fluid into the vehicle, thereby giving occupants more time to prepare to escape the vehicle. Unlocking the vehicle doors can configure the vehicle doors to be manually opened by the occupants, even if power supply to the doors is lost during the submergence. Unlocking the safety restraints  1405 C, which can include safety belts, can enable the occupants to be configured to escape the vehicle without hindrance. In some embodiments, a mechanism, included in the vehicle, that is configured to unlock one or more vehicle safety restraints may be susceptible to failure as a result of one or more of electrical or mechanical failure. In some embodiments, the mechanism comprises a fail-safe mechanism that is configured to unlock one or more safety restraints based on one or more of an electrical failure, mechanical failure, etc. of one or more portions of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the unlocking  1405 C comprises providing a cutting device that is configured to cut through one or more safety restraints. The cutting device can be included in a safety restraint device as a fail-safe that is activated in response to one or more of an electrical failure, mechanical failure, etc. In some embodiments, the cutting device included in a safety restraint device is activated, at  1405 C, independently of one or more of an electrical failure, mechanical failure, etc. In some embodiments, the cutting device is separate from the safety restraint device and is deployed from a portion of the vehicle for manual access and utilization as part of unlocking  1405 C. 
     Deployed flotation aids  1405 D can include one or more inflatable devices configured to assist occupants in escaping the vehicle and reaching the fluid surface. A flotation aid can be deployed from various locations in the vehicle interior, and deployment can include at least partial inflation of the aid. In some embodiments, the deployment includes providing one or more audio indicators, visual indicators, etc. regarding a location of a flotation aid device in the vehicle interior, so that an occupant can locate the flotation aid device and inflate the device manually. In some embodiments, the flotation aid devices are configured to be automatically mounted onto the occupants at  1405 D. In some embodiments, the floatation aid device comprises one or more instances of equipment, including one or more transceiver devices configured to transmit a distress signal that can be utilized by others to locate a position associated with one or more of the vehicle, occupants escaping the vehicle, etc. The equipment included in the flotation aids can be configured to be activated as part of deploying the aids at  1405 D. The distress signal  1405 E can include one or more of a signal communicated via one or more communication networks, an audio signal, a visual signal, some combination thereof, etc. In some embodiments, the distress signal includes information indicating a geographic location of the vehicle. Adjusting one or more seat and interface positions  1405 F can include adjusting a position of one or more interior seats, including moving the seats away from the dashboard to increase interior maneuvering space for occupants of the vehicle, adjusting a position of one or more user interfaces to increase interior maneuvering space, including moving a steering wheel device, foot pedals, etc. away from the positions of the occupants, etc. 
     At  1406 , a prompt is provided to the occupants, via one or more user interfaces installed in the vehicle, which prompts the occupants to indicate whether the occupants are prepared to escape the vehicle. The prompt can comprise one or more of an audio prompt provided via an audio interface, a visual prompt provided via a visual interface, some combination thereof, etc. The prompt can specify how the occupants can indicate readiness. Readiness can be indicating via occupant interaction with one or more user interfaces, which can include interaction with one or more user interfaces that are separate from the one or more user interfaces via which the prompt is provided. For example, the prompt can include an audiovisual prompt that requests that the occupants indicate readiness to escape the vehicle via pressing a button interface installed in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the prompt can specify a period of time remaining until the vehicle automatically executes a submergence escape response at  1410  without receiving a readiness indication from the occupants, where the occupants can accelerate the execution of the response at  1410  via indicating readiness prior to the expiration of the time period. 
     At  1408 , a determination is made regarding whether the occupants have indicated a readiness to escape the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes one or more devices configured to provide one or more breathable gasses, including oxygen, into the vehicle interior, and such devices can be controlled, at  1409  to provide at least some air in response to a determination that the occupants have not provided the indication at  1408 . Such one or more devices can include one or more pressurized gas container devices configured to provide a breathable gas from a pressurized gas vessel, a device configured to generate a breathable gas based on a chemical reaction of one or more reactants included in the device, some combination thereof, etc. 
     At  1410 , based at least in part upon one or more of a determination that the occupants are ready to escape the vehicle, an expiration of a period of time, a determination that an amount of breathable gas in the vehicle interior is less than a threshold value, some combination thereof, etc. a submergence escape response is executed that exposes the vehicle interior to the external environment, which can be comprised of the fluid, in a controlled manner that enables the occupants to escape the vehicle. Such a response at  1410  can include one or more of at least partially opening one or more vehicle windows  1411 A, at least partially opening one or more vehicle doors  1411 B, some combination thereof, etc. so that fluid is allowed to enter the vehicle interior and at least partially reduce a pressure differential between the vehicle interior and the external environment. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises. Opening a window at  1411 A can include at least partially opening one or more selected windows, including a moon roof, a window that is furthest from the one or more occupants in the vehicle interior, etc. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes one or more windows comprised of tempered material, including tempered glass, which is configured to break into a plurality of relatively small particles upon structural failure, so that the exposed portal as a result of the window failure is unobstructed by a remainder portion of the window, including shards, which can mitigate escape through the portal and could injure occupants attempting to escape through the portal. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a puncture device configured to shatter a tempered window as part of opening a vehicle window at  1411 A. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a puncture device that is configured to shatter a tempered window in response to a loss of power supply to one or more portions of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the puncture device is configured to shatter a tempered window independent of a power supply failure. For example, based on a pressure difference between the vehicle interior and the fluid external to the vehicle, opening the windows via a motor device can be mitigated, and the puncture device can be activated to shatter the glass as part of opening the vehicle window at  1411 A. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates an example computer system  1500  that may be configured to include or execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  1500  may be any of various types of computing devices, including, but not limited to, those powered by one or more microprocessors such as CPUs and/or GPUs. Exemplary computer systems include a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, cell phone, smartphone, PDA, portable media device, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera or video camera, a set top box, a mobile device, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     Various embodiments of a protection module, as described herein, may be executed in one or more computer systems  1500 , which may interact with various other devices. Note that any component, action, or functionality described above with respect to  FIG.  1  through  14    may be implemented on one or more computers configured as computer system  1500  of  FIG.  15   , according to various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  1500  includes one or more processors  1510  coupled to a system memory  1520  via an input/output (I/O) interface  1530 . Computer system  1500  further includes a network interface  1540  coupled to I/O interface  1530 , and one or more input/output devices, which can include one or more user interface devices. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  1500 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  1500 , may be configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system  1500  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  1500  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  1510 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  1510  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  1510  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in some embodiments processors  1510  are general-purpose or embedded processors implementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISA. For example, in some embodiments processors  1510  are graphical processor units or GPUs. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors  1510  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  1520  may be configured to store program instructions, data, etc. accessible by processor  1510 . In various embodiments, system memory  1520  may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment, program instructions included in memory  1520  may be configured to implement some or all of an automotive climate control system incorporating any of the functionality described above. Additionally, existing automotive component control data of memory  1520  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  1520  or computer system  1500 . While computer system  1500  is described as implementing the functionality of functional blocks of previous Figures, any of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system. 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  1530  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  1510 , system memory  1520 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  1540  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  1550 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  1530  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  1520 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  1510 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  1530  may include support for devices attached through various types of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/O interface  1530  may be split into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in some embodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface  1530 , such as an interface to system memory  1520 , may be incorporated directly into processor  1510 . 
     Network interface  1540  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  1500  and other devices attached to a network  1585  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  1500 . Network  1585  may in various embodiments include one or more networks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g., an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface  1540  may support communication via wired or wireless general data networks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example; via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/or protocol. 
     Input/output devices may, in some embodiments, include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for entering or accessing data by one or more computer systems  1500 . Multiple input/output devices may be present in computer system  1500  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  1500 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  1500  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  1500  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  1540 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  15   , memory  1520  may include program instructions  1525 , which may be processor-executable to implement any element or action described above. In one embodiment, the program instructions may implement the methods described above. In other embodiments, different elements and data may be included. Note that data may include any data or information described above. 
     Various example embodiments may include an apparatus comprising a protection module which is configured to selectively restrict a door, included in a vehicle, from moving through at least a portion of a sweep volume of the door, based on a determination that a dynamic element located in an environment external to the vehicle is moving along a trajectory which intersects at least a portion of the sweep volume. Some embodiments may include an apparatus comprising a protection module configured to be included in a vehicle and to selectively restrict a door of the vehicle from opening, based at least in part upon a determination that a dynamic element located in an environment external to the vehicle is located within a particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle and located outside of a field of view from an interior of the vehicle at the door. Some embodiments may include an apparatus including a protection module of a vehicle configured to communicate, to a remotely-located device, information associated with a dynamic element located externally to the vehicle, based at least in part upon a determination that the dynamic element is located within a particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle and is on a trajectory to intersect a portion of the vehicle. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  1500  is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system  1500  may also be connected (e.g., operatively coupled) to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead may operate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may in some embodiments be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided and/or other additional functionality may be available. 
     Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various items are illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while being used, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of the software components may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by an appropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from computer system  1500  may be transmitted to computer system  1500  via transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a computer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium or memory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g. SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as network and/or a wireless link. 
     The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, the order of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow. The following clauses include examples of embodiments of the systems and methods discussed above. 
     Clause 1. A vehicle, comprising:
         a door configured to open; and   one or more processors operatively coupled to one or more sensors, the one or more processors configured to selectively restrict the door from moving through at least a portion of a sweep volume of the door, based on a determination, using the one or more sensors, that a dynamic element located in an environment external to the vehicle is moving along a trajectory that intersects at least a portion of the sweep volume.       

     Clause 2. The vehicle of clause 1, wherein, to selectively restrict the door from moving through at least a portion of a sweep volume of the door, the one or more processors are configured to:
         determine a trajectory volume through which the dynamic element is predicted to pass when moving along the trajectory; and   determine that the trajectory volume overlaps at least the portion of the sweep volume.       

     Clause 3. The vehicle of clause 2, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: based on the determination that the trajectory volume overlaps at least the portion of the sweep volume, restrict the door to moving through a remainder of the sweep volume that is not overlapped with the trajectory volume. 
     Clause 4. The vehicle of clause 3, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
         selectively restrict the door from moving through at least a portion of a sweep volume of the door based at least in part upon a determination that a probability that the door will be opened through at least a portion of the sweep volume during a time period in which the dynamic element is moving along at least a portion of the trajectory that overlaps with the sweep volume at least meets a threshold probability value.       

     Clause 5. The vehicle of clause 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
         based on selectively restricting the door from moving through at least a portion of the sweep volume of the door, causing a warning prompt, via one or more user interfaces installed in the vehicle, wherein the warning prompt provides an indication that the dynamic element poses a hazard if the door is opened.       

     Clause 6. The vehicle of clause 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
         selectively disable the restriction of the door from moving through at least a portion of the sweep volume of the door, based on receiving an override command.       

     Clause 7. The vehicle of clause 1, wherein, to selectively restrict the door from moving through at least a portion of a sweep volume of the door, the one or more processors are configured to control operation of at least one door actuator device. 
     Clause 8. A vehicle, comprising:
         a door configured to open; and   one or more processors operatively coupled to one or more sensors, the one or more processors configured to selectively restrict the door of the vehicle from opening, based at least in part upon a determination, using the one or more sensors, that a dynamic element located in an environment external to the vehicle is:
           located within a particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle, and   located outside of a determined field of view of an occupant of the vehicle.   
               

     Clause 9. The vehicle of clause 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to selectively restrict the door from opening based at least in part on a determination that the dynamic element is approaching at least a portion of the vehicle. 
     Clause 10. The vehicle of clause 9, wherein:
         the portion of the vehicle that the dynamic element is determined to be approaching comprises a limited portion of the vehicle which includes the door that the protection module selectively restricts from opening.       

     Clause 11. The vehicle of clause 8, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
         selectively disable the restriction of the door from opening, based on receiving an override command as a result of interaction with at least one user interface installed in the vehicle.       

     Clause 12. The vehicle of clause 8, wherein, to selectively restrict the door from opening, the one or more processors are configured to control operation of at least one door actuator device. 
     Clause 13. A vehicle, comprising:
         one or more sensors; and   one or more processors operatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to:
           communicate, to a remotely-located device, information associated with a dynamic element located externally to the vehicle, based at least in part upon a determination, using the one or more sensors, that:
               the dynamic element is located within a particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle; and   the dynamic element is moving along a trajectory that intersects at least a portion of the vehicle.   
               
               

     Clause 14. The vehicle of clause 13, wherein the information communicated to the remotely-located device comprises at least one sensor data representation of the dynamic element that is generated by the one or more sensors of the vehicle. 
     Clause 15. The vehicle of clause 13, wherein the one or more processors are configured to communicate the information based at least in part upon a determination, using the one or more sensors, that the dynamic element is located within the particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle for at least a particular period of elapsed time. 
     Clause 16. The vehicle of clause 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
         record, using a memory, a set of sensor data representations of the dynamic element, generated by the one or more sensors of the vehicle, based on the determination that the dynamic element is located within a particular proximity distance from one or more portions of the vehicle and is moving along a trajectory that intersects at least one portion of the vehicle; and   communicate at least the set of sensor data representations to the remotely-located device based at least in part upon a determination that the dynamic element has collided with at least one portion of the vehicle.       

     Clause 17. The vehicle of clause 16, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
         communicate, to the remotely-located device, an indication that the collision has occurred, based at least in part upon a determination that the dynamic element has collided with at least one portion of the vehicle.       

     Clause 18. The vehicle of clause 16, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
         continue recording and communicating sensor data representations of the dynamic element, subsequent to the determination that the dynamic element has collided with at least one portion of the vehicle.       

     Clause 19. The vehicle of clause 17, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
         communicate, to the remotely-located device an invitation to command activation of one or more functional mechanisms of the vehicle via interaction with an interface provided by the device, wherein the one or more functional mechanisms comprise one or more devices configured to provide an externally-observable signal to the dynamic element.       

     Clause 20. The vehicle of clause 17, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:
         selectively activate at least one of the one or more functional mechanisms in response to receiving a command, from the device, to activate the at least one of the one or more functional mechanisms.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210212
Publication Date: 20230613
Grant Date: 20230613
Priority Date: 20150923
Inventors: CHEN, TIE-QI
LYON, BENJAMIN B.
HAN, BYRON B.
AL-DAHLE, AHMAD
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G01S17/931", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/01", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S13/56", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B77/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B77/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B77/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60W30/0953", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S13/56", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/166", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60W30/0956", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60W30/0953", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S13/56", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60W30/0956", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B77/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 57137252