Abstract: A vehicle that can assist with preventing predatory towing is provided. The vehicle includes one or more sensors that can capture audio-visual and other data related to a location at which the vehicle may be parked. Based on the captured data, the vehicle can determine if that location has any specific parking rules and whether the vehicle is subject to towing. If the vehicle detects that it is being towed, it can verify based on the captured data whether the towing is legal or illegal. If the vehicle determines that the towing is illegal, it can output a notification to the tow operator that the towing activity is illegal. Additionally, the vehicle can capture data as the vehicle is being towed. This data along with the data captured by the vehicle prior to parking or just after parking can then be sent to the proper authorities.

Abstract: A vehicle that can assist with preventing predatory towing is provided. The vehicle includes one or more sensors that can capture audio-visual and other data related to a location at which the vehicle may be parked. Based on the captured data, the vehicle can determine if that location has any specific parking rules and whether the vehicle is subject to towing. If the vehicle detects that it is being towed, it can verify based on the captured data whether the towing is legal or illegal. If the vehicle determines that the towing is illegal, it can output a notification to the tow operator that the towing activity is illegal. Additionally, the vehicle can capture data as the vehicle is being towed. This data along with the data captured by the vehicle prior to parking or just after parking can then be sent to the proper authorities.

Abstract: A system comprises a computer having a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to determine a wakeup time for an occupant of a vehicle based on a destination and an object in an interior of the vehicle, and actuate a vehicle component to awaken the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle may detect an entity within a specified distance of a vehicle, output a first audio outside of the vehicle in response to detecting the entity, classify the entity based on data collected about the entity after outputting the first audio, and output a second audio based on classifying the entity.

Abstract: A first vehicle including a transceiver and a processor is disclosed. The transceiver may be configured to transmit a surveillance request to a first set of vehicles and/or a first set infrastructure sensors located within a first radius from the first vehicle, and receive inputs from a second vehicle from the first set of vehicles and/or a first infrastructure sensor from the first set of infrastructure sensors responsive to transmitting the surveillance request. The processor may be configured to determine that a predefined condition may be met based on the inputs. The processor may further cause the transceiver to transmit the surveillance request to a second set of vehicles and/or a second set of infrastructure sensors located within a second radius from the first vehicle, responsive to determining that the predefined condition may be met. The second radius may be greater than the first radius.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assisting a customer retrieve a package from an autonomous vehicle. In an example procedure, the autonomous vehicle may detect the customer waiting at a first spot and may determine that the first spot is unsuitable/unsafe for the customer to retrieve a package from a locked compartment in the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may therefore instruct the customer to move to a second spot that is safer and closer to the compartment and may then execute an authentication procedure to authenticate the customer and unlock a door of the compartment. In an alternative approach, the autonomous vehicle may travel to a parking spot that is safer and closer to where the customer is waiting (rather than instructing the customer to move) before authenticating and unlocking the door of the compartment to allow the customer to retrieve the package.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to determine, based on vehicle sensor data, that an object is present in a vehicle compartment; and to actuate the vehicle compartment to close based on the object presence, a user proximity to the vehicle, and environmental data including at least a risk index and an environmental condition.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to evaluating loading and unloading times of items in a vehicle. The vehicle may be equipped with an object-sensing mat placed in a cargo area and coupled to a computer configured to execute a timing evaluation module. A first change in weight or pressure is sensed when an item is either placed upon, or removed from, the object-sensing mat. An increase in weight or pressure indicates loading of the item on to the vehicle, and vice-versa. The computer can generate a timing prediction model based on processing sensor signals from the object-sensing mat and determining the amount of time taken for loading or unloading items from the vehicle. In one application, a timing prediction model may be generated for each customer of a goods delivery service and used for optimizing delivery operations.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to an autonomous vehicle food locker system that may include environmentally controlled storage compartments for storing and/or transporting perishable food items to be delivered to end consumers. The storage compartments may provide ultraviolet light controls and surfaces that provide sanitized food storage areas for a delivery vehicle. Computing processor(s) may be configured for determining a sanitization procedure for sanitizing the interior portion of the food storage locker based on sensor information received from internal and external sensors, video feeds, photographs, and other information. The processor(s) may determine one or more sanitation characteristics that can indicate or inform cleanliness of the interior portion of the food storage locker, and perform automated sanitization procedures that can include activating a chemical layer disposed on the interior portion of the food storage locker.

Abstract: Vehicle-based package delivery and alignment systems and methods are provided herein. An example method includes performing a first alignment of a delivery door of a vehicle with a receiving door of a package locker using location signals that are indicative of a location of the package locker, performing a second alignment of the delivery door with the receiving door based on camera images of an alignment target, and transferring a package from the vehicle to the package locker.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assisting a customer retrieve a package from an autonomous vehicle. In an example procedure, the autonomous vehicle may detect the customer waiting at a first spot and may determine that the first spot is unsuitable/unsafe for the customer to retrieve a package from a locked compartment in the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may therefore instruct the customer to move to a second spot that is safer and closer to the compartment and may then execute an authentication procedure to authenticate the customer and unlock a door of the compartment. In an alternative approach, the autonomous vehicle may travel to a parking spot that is safer and closer to where the customer is waiting (rather than instructing the customer to move) before authenticating and unlocking the door of the compartment to allow the customer to retrieve the package.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to evaluating loading and unloading times of items in a vehicle. The vehicle may be equipped with an object-sensing mat placed in a cargo area and coupled to a computer configured to execute a timing evaluation module. A first change in weight or pressure is sensed when an item is either placed upon, or removed from, the object-sensing mat. An increase in weight or pressure indicates loading of the item on to the vehicle, and vice-versa. The computer can generate a timing prediction model based on processing sensor signals from the object-sensing mat and determining the amount of time taken for loading or unloading items from the vehicle. In one application, a timing prediction model may be generated for each customer of a goods delivery service and used for optimizing delivery operations.

Abstract: A method of transferring an item between a motor vehicle and a locker can include extending an extension mechanism between a motor vehicle and a locker. The extension mechanism includes a conveyor system having an extension mechanism item carrying surface. The locker includes a conveyor system having a locker item carrying surface. The method assesses whether the motor vehicle is receiving an item from the locker, or transferring an item to the locker. When the item is to be transferred from the locker, the method positions the extension mechanism relative to the locker such that the extension mechanism item carrying surface is vertically lower than the locker item carrying surface. When the item is to be transferred from the motor vehicle, the method positions the extension mechanism relative to the locker such that the extension mechanism item carrying surface is vertically higher than the locker item carrying surface.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to determine, based on vehicle sensor data, that an object is present in a vehicle compartment; and to actuate the vehicle compartment to close based on the object presence, a user proximity to the vehicle, and environmental data including at least a risk index and an environmental condition.

Abstract: A divider assembly for partitioning a vehicle cargo space includes a divider body, a window extending through the divider body, and a panel movable between a first position in which the window is concealed and a second position in which the window is exposed. When the window is exposed, cargo can be inserted through the window and into the vehicle cargo space without first removing the divider body from the cargo space.

Abstract: Vehicle-based package delivery and alignment systems and methods are provided herein. An example method includes performing a first alignment of a delivery door of a vehicle with a receiving door of a package locker using location signals that are indicative of a location of the package locker, performing a second alignment of the delivery door with the receiving door based on camera images of an alignment target, and transferring a package from the vehicle to the package locker.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to an autonomous vehicle food locker system that may include environmentally controlled storage compartments for storing and/or transporting perishable food items to be delivered to end consumers. The storage compartments may provide ultraviolet light controls and surfaces that provide sanitized food storage areas for a delivery vehicle. Computing processor(s) may be configured for determining a sanitization procedure for sanitizing the interior portion of the food storage locker based on sensor information received from internal and external sensors, video feeds, photographs, and other information. The processor(s) may determine one or more sanitation characteristics that can indicate or inform cleanliness of the interior portion of the food storage locker, and perform automated sanitization procedures that can include activating a chemical layer disposed on the interior portion of the food storage locker.

Abstract: A method of transferring an item between a motor vehicle and a locker can include extending an extension mechanism between a motor vehicle and a locker. The extension mechanism includes a conveyor system having an extension mechanism item carrying surface. The locker includes a conveyor system having a locker item carrying surface. The method assesses whether the motor vehicle is receiving an item from the locker, or transferring an item to the locker. When the item is to be transferred from the locker, the method positions the extension mechanism relative to the locker such that the extension mechanism item carrying surface is vertically lower than the locker item carrying surface. When the item is to be transferred from the motor vehicle, the method positions the extension mechanism relative to the locker such that the extension mechanism item carrying surface is vertically higher than the locker item carrying surface.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo area cover assembly is provided having a retractable cover roll mechanism, a cargo cover extending from the cover roll mechanism between retracted and extended positions, and a cover position member for maintaining the cover in a use position over a vehicle cargo area. The cover assembly further has a hanger coupled to the cover position member.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo area cover assembly is provided having a retractable cover roll mechanism, a cargo cover extending from the cover roll mechanism between retracted and extended positions, and a cover position member for maintaining the cover in a use position over a vehicle cargo area. The cover assembly further has a hanger coupled to the cover position member.