18464826. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DRIVE-THROUGH DELIVERY simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)

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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DRIVE-THROUGH DELIVERY

Organization Name

Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Inventor(s)

Shenglong Gao of Miami FL (US)

Travis Feuerbacher of Los Gatos CA (US)

Jessica A. Solomon of San Francisco CA (US)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DRIVE-THROUGH DELIVERY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18464826 titled 'SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DRIVE-THROUGH DELIVERY

Simplified Explanation

An autonomous vehicle (AV) system described in the patent application includes a cabin with a table, processors, and memory storing executable instructions. The system is designed to receive delivery orders from a remote AV delivery service system, set pick-up and delivery locations, obtain delivery bins, drive to the delivery location, and unlock access panels based on vehicle access codes.

  • The AV system is equipped with processors and memory to execute instructions for receiving and fulfilling delivery orders.
  • The system sets pick-up and delivery locations using the navigation system and provides access to the receiving area to obtain delivery bins.
  • Once the delivery bin is received, the drive system is instructed to drive to the delivery location, and access panels are unlocked based on vehicle access codes.

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be applied in the development of autonomous delivery vehicles for various industries, such as e-commerce, food delivery, and logistics.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of efficiently and autonomously delivering goods from one location to another without human intervention, reducing delivery times and costs.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include increased efficiency in delivery operations, reduced labor costs, improved accuracy in deliveries, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Potential Commercial Applications

The potential commercial applications of this technology include autonomous delivery services for online retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses looking to streamline their delivery processes.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be autonomous vehicles developed for ride-sharing services, such as self-driving taxis or shuttles. These vehicles also use navigation systems, processors, and memory to operate autonomously, similar to the AV system described in the patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does the AV system handle unexpected obstacles or road closures during delivery?

The patent application does not provide details on how the AV system adapts to unexpected obstacles or road closures while en route to the delivery location. This aspect of the technology would be crucial for ensuring successful and efficient deliveries in real-world scenarios.

What measures are in place to ensure the security of the delivery bins during transit?

The patent application does not mention specific security measures for the delivery bins while the AV is en route to the delivery location. Ensuring the safety and integrity of the goods being transported is essential for the success of autonomous delivery services.


Original Abstract Submitted

An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes a cabin having a receiving with a table, one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions executable by the processors. The instructions have the processors: obtain information regarding an order to be delivered from an AV delivery service system that is remote from the AV; have the navigation system set a first selected destination as a pick-up location and a second selected destination as a delivery location; provide access to the receiving area via an access panel to obtain a delivery bin when the AV is at the pick-up location; determine that the delivery bin is received for the order to cause the drive system drive to the delivery location; and instruct an access panel to be unlocked to provide access to the receiving area in response to obtaining a vehicle access code.