Abstract: An autonomous vehicle operates in a Follow Mode, wherein an apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle includes an exterior monitoring system comprising at least one sensor to monitor an exterior region and to detect a location of a target user. A controller is configured to A) interactively map an activity zone having a selected expanse in the exterior region relative to the vehicle, B) compare a monitored location of the target user to the activity zone, C) detect a relocation event when the comparison of the monitored location of the target user to the activity zone exceeds a predetermined deviation, and D) send a navigation command in response to detecting the relocation event in order to autonomously reposition the vehicle so that a relative location of the target user is restored to the activity zone.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus used to send sound exterior to the vehicle to a location on the interior of a vehicle which corresponds with the sound’s external location. The apparatus adjusts for gain by frequency and shifts frequencies of the audio signals received exterior to the vehicle to generate a modified audio signal. The adjustments include compensation for hearing loss, compensation for audio in the interior of the vehicle, and attenuation adjustments for unwanted exterior noise. The modified audio signal is generated by filtering unwanted audio from the exterior audio, adjusting for gain by frequency and shifting/compressing frequencies according to hearing deficiencies, and adjusting for gain by frequency according to audio in the interior of the vehicle. The modified audio signal may be limited to a maximum gain and then amplified in the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: In-vehicle transducers (speakers, sound exciters, or vibrating window panels) are used to generate the ultrasonic waves to repel pests, without driving away family pets or exposing nearby people. In one preferred method, a pest deterrent mode is activated in response to a first user command by emitting ultrasonic soundwaves from a transducer driven by an onboard audio system. A region around the vehicle is monitored for human-related activity within the region. The emission of ultrasonic soundwaves is deactivated when the human-related activity is detected. Emission of the ultrasonic soundwaves is resumed when the human-related activity is no longer detected. Then the pest deterrent may be set to a deactivated mode in response to a second user command.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle has separate compartments with a common sidewall. Doors that are interchangeable between the compartments close the compartments. A latching assembly between the doors and sidewall limits movement of the sidewall when only one of the doors is closed. The compartments are combined into a single compartment by moving the sidewall when the doors are open. A hinge assembly connects the doors. A contact and wiper assembly between the doors carries power and commands for the hinge assembly.

Abstract: In-vehicle transducers (speakers, sound exciters, or vibrating window panels) are used to generate the ultrasonic waves to repel pests, without driving away family pets or exposing nearby people. In one preferred method, a pest deterrent mode is activated in response to a first user command by emitting ultrasonic soundwaves from a transducer driven by an onboard audio system. A region around the vehicle is monitored for human-related activity within the region. The emission of ultrasonic soundwaves is deactivated when the human-related activity is detected. Emission of the ultrasonic soundwaves is resumed when the human-related activity is no longer detected. Then the pest deterrent may be set to a deactivated mode in response to a second user command.

Abstract: A mat includes a receiving surface, a transceiver, and a computer. The computer is programmed to cause the transceiver to transmit a beacon, including one or both of a mat identifier and location, upon detecting an approaching delivery vehicle. The computer is programmed to, upon detecting placement of an object on the receiving surface, transmit a confirmation message.

Abstract: A mat includes a receiving surface, a transceiver, and a computer. The computer is programmed to cause the transceiver to transmit a beacon, including one or both of a mat identifier and location, upon detecting an approaching delivery vehicle. The computer is programmed to, upon detecting placement of an object on the receiving surface, transmit a confirmation message.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle has separate compartments with a common sidewall. Doors that are interchangeable between the compartments close the compartments. A latching assembly between the doors and sidewall limits movement of the sidewall when only one of the doors is closed. The compartments are combined into a single compartment by moving the sidewall when the doors are open. A hinge assembly connects the doors. A contact and wiper assembly between the doors carries power and commands for the hinge assembly.