US 12,008,507 B2
Systems and methods for handling packages transported in a delivery vehicle
Young-Chae Hong, Dearborn, MI (US); Shan Chy Chueh, Ypsilanti, MI (US); John Randolph Vincent, Livonia, MI (US); and Steven Stark, Northville, MI (US)
Assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed by Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed on Aug. 4, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/394,288.
Prior Publication US 2023/0039236 A1, Feb. 9, 2023
Int. Cl. G06Q 10/083 (2024.01); B65B 35/54 (2006.01); B65B 65/00 (2006.01); B65B 65/02 (2006.01)
CPC G06Q 10/083 (2013.01) [B65B 35/54 (2013.01); B65B 65/003 (2013.01); B65B 65/02 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method comprising:
receiving, by a computer in a vehicle that is traveling on a package delivery route, a command related to a delivery of a first package;
determining, by the computer, a time constraint associated with the delivery of the first package, wherein the time constraint is based on a trip time to a delivery destination for the first package;
operating, by the computer, responsive to the command and based on the time constraint, an unmanned package moving apparatus to move the first package from a first location in a cargo area of the vehicle to a second location in the cargo area while the vehicle is in motion and prior to the vehicle reaching the delivery destination for the first package, wherein the unmanned package moving apparatus comprises a bed of rollers operated by one or more servomotors under control of the computer;
determining, by the computer, an arrival of the vehicle at a pickup location for a second package;
determining, by the computer, a first physical characteristic of the second package;
determining, by the computer, based on the command and the first physical characteristic of the second package, a third location in the cargo area of the vehicle;
determining, by the computer, a first movement path for the second package upon the bed of rollers, the first movement path extending between a door of the vehicle and the third location; and
activating, by the computer, a first set of rollers in the bed of rollers, to automatically move the second package along the first movement path from the door of the vehicle to the third location.