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Theses, Dissertations, and Journals.

The Relationship between Existing Autonomous Vehicle Development Practices, Consumer Expectations, and Regulatory Requirements
École des Ponts Business School, France, 2021

Abstract: Several startups and established automobile manufacturers are working on Level 4 and Level 5 fully autonomous vehicles. However, despite many technological advancements, market availability may be decades away in some cases.  Further complicating the development processes is that some autonomous vehicle hardware and software developers may lack an understanding of the relationships between regulatory requirements, consumer expectations, and existing autonomous vehicle development practices, leading them to use design approaches that may eventually fail to meet regulatory certification or consumer requirements.   Therefore, the purpose of this quantitative non-experimental descriptive study was to examine the relationship between regulatory requirements, consumer expectations, and existing autonomous vehicle development practices as perceived by hardware and software developers working on self-driving cars.  The population consisted of autonomous driving technology software and hardware developers who are developing fully autonomous driving technologies.  The theory of dynamic capabilities formed the basis for this study with its focuses on processes, positions, and paths, as well as reliability and imitability of organizational positions and processes with an emphasis on achieving sustainable competitive advantages, all of which are also essential benchmarks when designing autonomous vehicle technologies.  The study found that the majority of autonomous vehicle developers believed their development practices help them meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations, even though the current literature suggests that regulations and consumer expectations lack a precise definition, which would make alignment with certainty impossible.  Therefore, this study concluded that autonomous vehicle developers should aim to understand regulatory requirements and consumer expectations better, and policymakers should develop binding regulations quicker for better guidance and market introduction.

Countering Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in Point of Sale Credit Card Terminals
American Public University, 2015

Abstract: Credit and debit cards have become the preferred method of payment for many, thanks to their low cost, convenience, and limited liability. As acceptance of these payment methods has become commonplace, criminals likewise increasingly target these accounts to commit fraud. Although various initiatives over the years have aimed at reducing credit card theft by hardening, or implementing additional security features, the overall system of processing these transactions is based on outdated technology. This study examines current technologies, their vulnerabilities, known exploits, and alternatives to existing processes, for the purpose of securing credit card information and transaction processing. Various countermeasures are evaluated in a three level probability impact matrix in order to compare their effectiveness in preventing credit card theft. The researcher concludes that by implementing established technologies and extending the standards currently used for credit card transactions, backward compatibility is ensured, while also allowing the deployment of more secure systems at low cost.

Exploring Strategies for Adapting Traditional Vehicle Design Frameworks to Autonomous Vehicle Design
Walden University, 2019

Abstract: Fully autonomous vehicles are expected to revolutionize transportation, reduce the cost of ownership, contribute to a cleaner environment, and prevent the majority of traffic accidents and related fatalities. Even though promising approaches for achieving full autonomy exist, developers and manufacturers have to overcome a multitude of challenged before these systems could find widespread adoption. This multiple case study explored the strategies some IT hardware and software developers of self-driving cars use to adapt traditional vehicle design frameworks to address consumer and regulatory requirements in autonomous vehicle designs. The population consisted of autonomous driving technology software and hardware developers who are currently working on fully autonomous driving technologies from or within the United States, regardless of their specialization. The theory of dynamic capabilities was the conceptual framework used for the study. Interviews from 7 autonomous vehicle hard and software engineers, together with 15 archival documents, provided the data points for the study. A thematic analysis was used to code and group results by themes. When looking at the results through the lens of dynamic capability theory, notable themes included regulatory uncertainty, functional safety, rapid iteration, and achieving a competitive advantage. Based on the findings of the study, implications for social change include the need for better regulatory frameworks to provide certainty, consumer education to manage expectations, and universal development standards that could integrate regulatory and design needs into a single approach.

Professional Books.

Working Title
Alex Munoz, Published by T.B.A., 2020

Print, News, Blogs, and Patents.

High-powered Wireless LED-based Strobe for Still and Motion Photography
USPTO #11,736,808 (2023)

Abstract: – pending –

Multi-function control and display apparatus and device for automobiles
USPTO #7,737,831 (2010)

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards an aftermarket automobile accessory that interfaces with vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECU’s) and local networks such as Controller Area Network busses (CAN-busses) in order that a user may add performance, convenience, and safety systems to the vehicle using factory controls and displays. Various embodiments of the invention allow wireless control of cabriolet tops, automatic control of cabriolet tops, and the control of further vehicle systems.

Pro Photo West
Professional Photographers of California, 2013-2015

Pro Photo West is the premier publication of the Professional Photographers of California. Pro Photo West features photographers, industry news, and reviews for the professionals and interested hobbyists. Alex Munoz contributed several original articles in several issues between 2013 and 2015.

Bokeh
Bokeh Magazine, May 2014

Bokeh Magazine is concerned with the art and life of photography. It is published on the Apple Newsstand and features photographers and their stories from all over the world.

Tight Rope
Tight Rope Magazine, July 2014

Tightrope Magazine is a lifestyle magazine. All featured images in this issue were photographed and edited by me.