Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Kendra White

Pattrick Loew

Stuart C Salter

Kristopher Karl Brown

Paul Kenneth Dellock

David Brian Glickman

Annette Lynn Huebner

Pietro Buttolo

Cornel Lewis Gardner

Keith Weston

Scott Holmes Dunham

Zeljko Deljevic

Steven Wayne Friedlander

Kyle Ness

Eric Rinke

Andrew Szymczak

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.

Vehicle HMI actuation

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.

Systems and methods to assist a customer retrieve a package from an autonomous vehicle

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.

Vehicle security system

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.

Systems and methods for evaluating loading and unloading times of items in a vehicle

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. The system may also maintain a digital record documenting the delivery process.

Food locker sanitation system for autonomous vehicles

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.

Vehicle-based package delivery and alignment systems and methods

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.

Motor vehicle and locker item transferring method and item transferring system

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.

Divider assemblies for partitioning vehicle cargo spaces

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.

Vehicle cargo cover assembly having hanger

A vehicle includes a cargo area defined by opposing interior sidewalls, each of the sidewalls having a mount formed therein and a shelving arrangement defining a storage receptacle. The arrangement has a rigid top panel with extendable wings configured to engage the mounts to support and suspend the arrangement within the cargo area. The arrangement further has collapsible walls attached with the top panel such that in an expanded position, the storage receptacle is disposed underneath the panel.

Shelving arrangement for a vehicle

A vehicle having a cargo area includes a first cargo panel having a first recess extending into the first cargo panel, and a second cargo panel having a second recess extending into the second cargo panel. The vehicle includes a cargo floor for supporting the first and second cargo panels in an interlocked configuration in contact with the cargo floor. In the interlocked configuration, the first and second cargo panels are disposed in upright orientations and the second cargo panel is disposed orthogonally to the first cargo panel such that the first recess interfaces the second recess. The vehicle further includes a trim panel for supporting the first and second cargo panels in a coplanar configuration such that first and second cargo panels are spaced from the cargo floor.

Multi-configurable cargo panel system

A vehicle trunk includes a panel having a leg protruding past a perimeter thereof and a trunk floor defining a recess and cavity. The leg occupies a first portion of the cavity to secure the panel perpendicular to the floor, and a second portion of the cavity different from the first to secure the panel flush within the recess such that the panel is disposed over unoccupied portions of the cavity.

Vehicle trunk

A cover and divider system for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a plurality of connected cover portions securable over a cargo bed and at least one panel securable to underside of each of the plurality of cover portions in a stored condition and removable from the corresponding one of the plurality of cover portions to partition the cargo bed.

Tonneau cover and divider panel system

A vehicle cargo area is disclosed that includes support brackets supported on sides of the vehicle cargo areas. The support brackets are movable between a first position holding a cover above the cargo area and a second position enabling movement of the cover to partition portions of the cargo area.

Growing community of inventors

Redford, MI, United States of America

Kendra White