WO2018030988A1 - Storage bin monitoring, illumination, and reservation - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage bin assembly includes: (a) a divider including: PCB(s) having emitters, receivers, and lights; (b) storage bins including: apertures for the emitters, receivers, and lights; rotatable doors having locks, light pipes, and tabs; wherein when the doors are closed: (i) the tabs are configured to block the emitter apertures or the receiver apertures and (ii) the light pipes are configured to line up with the light apertures.

Description

STORAGE BIN MONITORING, ILLUMINATION, AND RESERVATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This document relates to storage bin monitoring, illumination, and reservation systems.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Some vehicles, such as buses and airplanes, include storage bins. The storage bins often have similar exterior appearances and are thus difficult to identify.

SUMMARY

[0003] A storage bin assembly includes: (a) a divider including: PCB(s) having emitters, receivers, and lights; (b) storage bins including: apertures for the emitters, receivers, and lights; rotatable doors having locks, light pipes, and tabs; wherein when the doors are closed: (a) the tabs are configured to block the emitter apertures or the receiver apertures and (b) the light pipes are configured to line up with the light apertures.

[0004] According to various embodiments, the tabs protrude from rear surfaces of the doors and thus protrude into the bins when the doors are closed.

[0005] According to various embodiments, rear surfaces of the doors are opaque such that no interior portions of the first and second bins are externally visible when the rotatable doors are closed.

[0006] According to various embodiments, the light pipes are transparent and configured to carry and disperse light.

[0007] According to various embodiments, the light pipes are externally visible when the doors are closed.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the light pipes protrude into the bins when the doors are closed.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the light pipes line up with the light apertures such that light travels in a straight path from the lights, through the light apertures, and into the light pipes.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the light pipes are cylindrical and each door has a width parallel to a major axis of the light pipes.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the widths exceed the lengths of the light pipes such that doors are wider than the light pipes' lengths.

[0012] According to various embodiments, processor(s) are configured to: deactivate the lights upon detecting a zero signal at the receivers.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the processor(s) are configured to: reactivate the lights upon detecting a non-zero signal at the receivers.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the emitter apertures line up with the emitters, the receiver apertures line up with the receivers, and the light apertures line up with the lights.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the processor(s) are configured to: identify a user, activate the lights to illuminate the light pipes based on the identity.

[0016] According to various embodiments, load sensors are coupled to the bins.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the apertures of each bin are collinear.

[0018] According to various embodiments, the divider is located between the bins.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the divider includes a housing that shares a wall with one of the bins.

[0020] According to various embodiments, the tabs are displaced from the outer edges of the doors.

[0021] According to various embodiments, a vehicle includes the assembly, a speed sensor, and processor(s) configured to: (a) via the speed sensor, determine that the vehicle has stopped; (b) measure the bin loads via the load sensors based on (a); (c) compare the measured bin loads to previously measured bin loads; (d) save and flag a video recording of the interior of the vehicle based on the comparison yielding a first result.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made to embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and related elements may be omitted, or in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated, so as to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, system components can be variously arranged, as known in the art. Further, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle computing system.

[0024] Figure 2 is a top plan view of a vehicle including the vehicle computing system.

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross sectional front view of a bin assembly for the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 4 is a cross sectional side view of one of the bins.

[0027] Figure 4a is a rear plan view of a bin door for one of the bins.

[0028] Figures 5a and 5b show a method of reserving and illuminating the bins. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] While the invention may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0030] In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to "the" object or "a" and "an" object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects. Further, the conjunction "or" may be used to convey features that are simultaneously present, as one option, and mutually exclusive alternatives as another option. In other words, the conjunction "or" should be understood to include "and/or" as one option and "either/or" as another option.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a computing system 100 of an example vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 includes a motor, a battery, at least one wheel driven by the motor, and a steering system configured to turn the at least one wheel about an axis. Vehicles are also described, for example, in U.S. Patent App. No. 14/991,496 to Miller et al. ("Miller"), U.S. Patent No. 8,180,547 to Prasad et al. ("Prasad"), U.S. Patent App. No. 15/186,850 to Lavoie et. al. ("Lavoie") and U.S. Patent App. No. 14/972,761 to Hu et al. ("Hu"), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. According to various embodiments, and as discussed below, the vehicle 200 is a bus or shuttle configured to carry many passengers (e.g., more than 10 passengers). According to various embodiments, and as discussed below, the vehicle 200 is a bus, truck, or shuttle configured to carry many packages via bins.

[0032] The computing system 100 enables automatic control of mechanical systems within the device. The computing system 100 also enables communication with external devices (e.g., servers, mobile phones, cellular towers, etc.). The computing system 100 includes a data bus 101, one or more processors 108, volatile memory 107, non-volatile memory 106, user interfaces 105, a telematics unit 104, actuators and motors 103, and local sensors 102.

[0033] The data bus 101 traffics electronic signals or data between the electronic components. The processor 108 performs operations on the electronic signals or data to produce modified electronic signals or data. The volatile memory 107 stores data for immediate recall by the processor 108. The nonvolatile memory 106 stores data for recall to the volatile memory 107 and/or the processor 108. The non-volatile memory 106 includes a range of non-volatile memories including hard drives, SSDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, etc. The user interface 105 includes displays, touch-screen displays, keyboards, buttons, and other devices that enable user interaction with the computing system. The telematics unit 104 enables both wired and wireless communication with external processors via Bluetooth, cellular data (e.g., 3G, LTE), USB, etc. The telematics unit 104 may be configured to broadcast signals at a certain frequency.

[0034] The actuators /motors 103 produce physical results. Examples of actuators /motors include fuel injectors, windshield wipers, brake light circuits, transmissions, airbags, engines, power train motors, steering, lights (as discussed below), locks of bin doors, etc. The local sensors 102 transmit digital readings or measurements to the processor 108. Examples of suitable sensors include temperature sensors, rotation sensors, capacitance sensors, load sensors, seatbelt sensors, speed sensors, cameras, lidar sensors, radar sensors, etc. It should be appreciated that the various connected components of Figure 1 may include separate or dedicated processors and memory. Further detail of the structure and operations of the computing system 100 is described, for example, in Miller and/or Prasad.

[0035] Figure 2 generally shows and illustrates the vehicle 200, which includes the computing system 100. Although not shown, the vehicle 200 is in operative wireless communication with a nomadic device, such as a mobile device or a smartphone. Some of the local sensors 102 are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle 200. Local sensor 102a may be an ultrasonic sensor, a lidar sensor, a camera, a video camera, and/or a microphone, etc. Local sensor 102a may be configured to detect objects leading the vehicle 200. Local sensor 102b may be an ultrasonic sensor, a lidar sensor, a camera, a video camera, and/or a microphone, etc. Local sensor 102b may be configured to detect objects trailing the vehicle 200 as indicated by trailing sensing range 109b. Left sensor 102c and right sensor 102d may be configured to perform the same functions for the left and right sides of the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 includes a host of other sensors 102 located in the vehicle interior or on the vehicle exterior. These sensors may include any or all of the sensors disclosed in Prasad.

[0036] It should be appreciated that the vehicle 200 is configured to perform the methods and operations described below. In some cases, the vehicle 200 is configured to perform these functions via computer programs stored on the volatile and/or non-volatile memories of the computing system 100. A processor is "configured to" perform a disclosed operation when the processor is in operative communication with memory storing a software program with code or instructions embodying the disclosed operation. Further description of how the processor, memories, and programs cooperate appears in Prasad. It should be appreciated that the nomadic device or an external server in operative communication with the vehicle 200 perform some or all of the methods and operations discussed below.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the vehicle 200 includes some or all of the features of the vehicle 100a of Prasad. According to various embodiments, the computing system 100 includes some or all of the features of the VCCS 102 of Figure 2 of Prasad. According to various embodiments, the vehicle 200 is in communication with some or all of the devices shown in Figure 1 of Prasad, including the nomadic device 110, the communication tower 116, the telecom network 118, the Internet 120, and the data processing center 122 (i.e., a server).

[0038] The term "loaded vehicle," when used in the claims, is hereby defined to mean: "a vehicle including: a motor, a plurality of wheels, a power source, and a steering system; wherein the motor transmits torque to at least one of the plurality of wheels, thereby driving the at least one of the plurality of wheels; wherein the power source supplies energy to the motor; and wherein the steering system is configured to steer at least one of the plurality of wheels." The term "equipped electric vehicle," when used in the claims, is hereby defined to mean "a vehicle including: a battery, a plurality of wheels, a motor, a steering system; wherein the motor transmits torque to at least one of the plurality of wheels, thereby driving the at least one of the plurality of wheels; wherein the battery is rechargeable and is configured to supply electric energy to the motor, thereby driving the motor; and wherein the steering system is configured to steer at least one of the plurality of wheels."

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross sectional front view of storage bin assembly 309 consistent with the present disclosure. The storage bin assembly 309 may be mounted inside of the vehicle 200. The storage bin assembly 309 may be mounted outside of the vehicle 200. The storage bin assembly 309 is configured to (a) monitor for changes within the storage bins via load sensors and infrared sensors, (b) illuminate light pipes mounted to doors of the storage bins. Although only two storage bins 301, 302 are shown, it should be appreciated that the vehicle 200 may include many storage bin assemblies 309, each similarly configured to the storage bin assembly 309 discussed below.

[0040] The storage bin assembly 309 includes a first or left storage bin 301 separated from a second or right storage bin 302 by a divider 300. The left storage bin 301 defines a left storage space 301e. Similarly, the right storage bin 302 defines a right storage space 302e. When the storage bin doors 310 are open, the storage spaces 30 le, 302e are accessible to users. Users may deposit items in the storage spaces 30 le, 302e. To be clear, and as discussed below, each storage space 301e, 302e is associated with a separate storage bin door 310.

[0041] The divider 300 may be connected to the storage bins 301, 302. According to some embodiments, the divider 300 includes a separate and complete divider housing. According to other embodiments, the divider 300 is formed by placing a front-facing panel over the space defined between the first storage bin 301 and the second storage bin 302 such that the left wall of the divider 300 serves as the right wall of the first storage bin 301 and the right wall of the divider 300 serves as the left wall of the second storage bin 302.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the right wall of the first storage bin 301 defines apertures 301a to 301d. The left wall of the second storage bin 301 defines apertures 302a to 302d. The apertures enable transfer of light between the divider 300 and the storage bins 301, 302. In embodiments where the divider 300 includes left and right walls distinct from the storage bins 301, 302 (i.e., the divider 300 does not share walls with the storage bins 301, 302), then the apertures 301a to 30 Id and 302a to 302d are also defined through the left and right walls of the divider 300.

[0043] The divider 300 houses a printed circuit board (PCB) 303. The PCB 303 may be a two-sided PCB or may be an assembly of two one-sided PCBs. One or more cords 303b extending through a power supply aperture 300a defined in a back wall of the divider 300 power the PCB 303. The cords 303b may also connect the PCB 303 to the vehicle computing system 100, thus enabling the processor 108 to dictate operations of the PCB 303. Stands 303a join the PCB 303 to the divider 300.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the PCB 303 includes processor(s) and memory. The PCB 303 controls operations of the lights and sensors (discussed below) connected thereto based on programs stored in the memory and executed by the processor(s). According to some embodiments, the PCB 303 forwards signals generated by the processor 108 of the computing system 100 to the lights and sensors. According to some embodiments, the PCB 303 is a component of the vehicle computing system 100.

[0045] The PCB 303 is connected to and powers the following components: (a) first and second infrared emitters 304a, 304b; (b) first and second infrared receivers 305a, 305b; (c) first and second RGB LEDs 306a, 306b; (d) first and second white LEDs 307a, 307b. According to some embodiments, the PCB 303 is connected to and powers (e) first and second load sensors 308a, 308b. According to other embodiments, the load sensors 308a, 308b are not directly connected to or powered by the PCB 303.

[0046] The first and second infrared emitters 304a, 304b respectively emit infrared rays into the first and second bins 301, 302 via apertures 301a, 302a. The emitters 304a, 304b may be IR LEDs.

[0047] The first and second receivers 305a, 305b detect infrared rays incident through apertures 301b, 302b. Infrared rays incident through apertures 301b, 302b will have been generated at the first and second infrared emitters 304a, 304b, and reflected off walls of the bins 301, 302 or items stored in the bins 301, 302. The receivers 305a, 305b measure the magnitude and/or frequency of the incident infrared rays and report the measurements to the vehicle computing system 100 for further analysis.

[0048] The RGB LEDs 306a, 306b, and the white LEDs 307a, 307b respectively emit visible light via apertures 301c, 302c, 301d, and 302d. As explained below, these apertures 301c, 302c, 30 Id, and 302d funnel the emitted light to light pipes in the storage bin doors. These LEDs 306, 307 thus generate a glowing effect in the storage bin doors. [0049] The load sensors 308a, 308b transmit signals to the computing system 100 related to weight or load incident upon bottom panels of the storage bins 301, 302. The load sensors 308a, 308b are thus configured to measure weight or load of items deposited in the storage bins 301, 302.

[0050] Figure 4 is a cross sectional side view of the left storage bin

301 and a left bin door 310. It should be appreciated that the right storage bin

302 includes a right storage bin door with mirrored features.

[0051] The left storage bin 301 is attached to a left bin door 310 rotatable about a hinge 404. The left bin door 310 is configured to occupy both an open position (shown in Figure 4), enabling access to the left storage bin 301 and a closed position blocking access to the left storage bin 301. The hinge 404 may include one or more springs that bias the left bin door 301 to the open position. As shown in Figure 4, the left bin door 310 includes a selective lock 403, configured to mate with a corresponding lock feature (not shown) mounted in or defined by the left storage bin 301. The selective lock 403 may be any suitable lock, as an electromagnetic lock, or a pin-based lock. When the left storage bin door 301 is in the closed position, a user (or the computing device 100) may command the selective lock 403 to engage the corresponding lock feature mounted in or defined by the left storage bin 301. Although not shown, the door 310 may include a retaining feature that holds the door in the closed position even after the lock 403 opens. The retaining feature releases in response to user-applied force. Suitable retaining features are known in the art.

[0052] The left bin door 310 includes a main panel 310a shaped to lie flush against the front panel of the divider 300. Thus, the curvature of the main panel 310a matches the curvature of the front panel of the divider 300. The left bin door 310 includes a protrusion 310b configured to extend into the storage bin space 30 le. The rear surface 406a of the protrusion 310b is made from an opaque and non-transparent material, such as a colored plastic or metal. The side surfaces 406b, 406c of the protrusion are made from a transparent material such as a glass or plastic. According to some embodiments, the side surfaces 406b, 406c are empty space or voids.

[0053] The protrusion 310b houses a light pipe 402 made from a glass or plastic. The light pipe 402 transversely extends through the protrusion 310b and is configured to disperse or leak light along the length of the light pipe 402. Light pipes are known in the art.

[0054] Figure 4a is a rear plan view of the left bin door 310. As shown in Figure 4a, the protrusion 310b only partially extends over the width of the left bin door 310. More specifically, the protrusion 310b is no longer than the width of the left storage bin space 30 le to enable a portion 405 of the main housing 310a of the left bin door 310 to lie flush against the divider 300.

[0055] The front-facing surface 310c of the protrusion 310b is made of a transparent material, such as a glass or plastic, enabling outside view of the light pipe 402. The main panel 310a may be made from an opaque and non- transparent material, such as a metal or a colored plastic. Because both the main panel 310a and the rear surface 406a of the protrusion 310b are made from opaque and non-transparent material, items housed within the left storage bin space 301e are not visible when the left bin door 310 is in the closed position.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the left bin door 310 does not include a separate and distinct light pipe 402. In these embodiments, the front 310c, and side surfaces 406b, 406c of the protrusion 310b are made from a single and integral piece of transparent material such as a glass or plastic, which serves as a light pipe.

[0057] The left bin door 310 is sized and configured such that the light pipe 402 and side surface 406c line up with apertures 301c and 301d when the left bin door 310 is in the closed position. Put differently, the left bin door 310 is configured such that light from apertures 301c and 30 Id passes through side surface 406c and enters light pipe 402 when the left bin door 310 is in the closed position. In this way, LEDs 306a and 307a are capable of depositing light in the light pipe 402 when the left bin door 310 is in the closed position.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the left bin door 310 includes a blocking tab 401. The blocking tab 401 extends from the rear surface of the left bin door 310. The blocking tab 401 is made from an opaque and non-transparent material, such as a colored plastic or a metal and is configured to block one or both of apertures 301a and 301b when the door 310 is in the closed position. Put differently, when the left bin door 310 is in the closed position, the blocking tab 401 substantially prevents IR communication between emitter 304a and receiver 305a.

[0059] Figure 5 generally shows and illustrates a method 500 consistent with the present disclosure. As described above, the vehicle 200 and a mobile device, such as a smartphone, are configured to execute the method 500. More specifically, the vehicle 200 and the smartphone include software code embodying the method 500 stored on memory. The processors are capable of executing the software code to perform the method 500. The vehicle 200 and the smartphone may only store and execute code related to their portions of the method 500 (e.g., the vehicle 200 does not store code for running the smartphone application). The vehicle 200 may be a shuttle or bus.

[0060] At block 502, a customer logs into a smartphone application with a personal ID, such as a username and password. At block 506, the customer selects between three pre-populated service options: block 508 corresponds to rider only, where the customer does not need a storage bin; block 510 corresponds to rider and carry on where the customer will ride the shuttle and store items in a storage bin; block 512 corresponds to parcel delivery where the customer will not ride the shuttle, but will deposit an item in a storage bin of the shuttle for delivery. With reference to block 504, block 512 may only be displayed to preapproved customers.

[0061] If the customer selects rider only at block 508, then the method terminates at 514. If the customer selects block 510 or 512 (i.e., requests a storage bin), then the method proceeds to block 516 where the customer confirms the storage bin request and provides some or all of the following information: (a) the kind of storage bin required (e.g., large storage bin, small storage bin); (b) information about the items to be stored in the storage bin (e.g., dimensions, weight); (c) information about requested pick-up time/location and delivery time/location; (d) information about the identity of the recipient (i.e., "receiver") of the items in the storage bin. The information may include a mobile number of the receiver's smartphone or a username of the receiver.

[0062] At block 518, a centralized server parses available shuttles (i.e., vehicles 200) given (a), (b), and/or (c) and identifies a suitable shuttle. The centralized server transmits, to the smartphone, (a) a trip ID, (b) a security code,

(c) a storage bin ID, and (d) estimated arrival time and location.

[0063] At block 520, the customer accepts or declines the information provided at block 518. If the customer declines, then the method returns to block 516. If the customer accepts, then the centralized server transmits a message to the shuttle with (a) the trip ID, (b) the security code, (c) the storage bin ID, and

(d) the arrival time and location. The centralized server may also transmit a message to the customer and the receiver (if one was identified) containing similar information. Some or all of the information may be represented in machine-readable format, such as a QR code, displayable on the customer's smartphone.

[0064] At block 522, the customer meets the shuttle at the arrival location at the scheduled arrival time. Before arriving, the centralized server updates the customer's smartphone with an estimated ETA of the shuttle. At block 524, the shuttle scans the QR code displayed on the customer's smartphone. It should be appreciated that any machine-readable communication is acceptable, such as a data transmission via Bluetooth, WiFi, or NFC instead of QR codes.

[0065] At block 526, the shuttle loads the customer's reservation based on the information contained within the machine-readable communication (e.g., the trip ID and the security code). At block 528, the shuttle captures an image of the customer via a camera mounted on the exterior of the shuttle.

[0066] The shuttle may compare the captured image to a prestored image. The prestored image may have been previously provided by the customer via the smartphone application. If the pictures sufficiently match, then the shuttle authorizes access. If the pictures do not match, then the shuttle denies access.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the shuttle captures the image via the exterior camera and only stores the captured image (i.e., does not perform an immediate comparison). According to these embodiments, the shuttle may authorize access upon capturing a suitable (i.e., unobscured) image of the customer's face. The shuttle may evaluate whether the image is suitable by identifying whether the image includes sufficient detail (e.g., clear pictures of eyes, hair, and chin) to identify the customer at a later time, if needed. The shuttle may transmit all captured images to an external server before departing from the pick-up location. As stated above, these embodiments do not require a prestored image of the customer because no comparison is performed by the shuttle.

[0068] Upon authorizing access, the shuttle sends a signal to the reserved storage bin at block 530. The signal may include an unlock command, which causes the lock 403 to release. The signal may also include a color command, which causes LEDs 306 and 307 to illuminate the light pipe of the storage bin door 310 a certain color (it should be appreciated that the element numbers of the left storage bin door 310 will be applied generally, since every storage bin 301, 302, etc. includes a separate storage bin door 310; in other words element number 310 refers to the storage bin door corresponding to the reserved storage bin). As discussed above, it should be appreciated that the door 310 and/ or the storage bin may include a retaining feature, such as a retaining clip or pin that holds the door 310 in the closed position until a user applies a sufficient opening force. Such retaining features are known in the art.

[0069] As shown in block 530, the shuttle sends a command to illuminate the light pipe of the bin door 310 (e.g., in flashing green). At block 532, the customer opens the unlocked door 310. The computing system 100 and/or the PCB detects when the door 310 is opened via the IR receiver 305. More specifically, the blocking tab 401 rotates away from one or both of the apertures (e.g., 301a, 301b), thus enabling the IR receiver (e.g., 305a) to detect IR light produced by the IR emitter (e.g., 304a). Upon detecting the open door, the shuttle (e.g., the PCB 303 or the computing system 100) turns off LEDS 306, 307.

[0070] At block 534, the customer closes the door 310 after storing items inside of the storage bin. The shuttle determines that the door 310 has closed when the IR receiver 305 no longer detects IR light (i.e., the blocking tab 401 of the door 310 has now covered one or more of the apertures) and/or the load sensor 308 of the storage bin detects that the load or weight of the storage bin has stabilized for at least a predetermined amount of time.

[0071] The shuttle records the measured weight of the stored items and locks the door. The shuttle may also issue a command to the LEDs 306, 307 to light up a new color (e.g., continuous red) to indicate an occupied and locked storage bin. If the customer is not riding the shuttle, then the shuttle may also send a wireless confirmation message to the identified recipient of the items (the original customer is the "sender" and the recipient is the "receiver"). [0072] If the customer selected parcel delivery only at block 512 (i.e., the customer is not riding the shuttle), then the shuttle verifies that the customer has departed the shuttle at block 536. The shuttle may perform such a verification via internal shuttle cameras with image-recognition software. The shuttle may alternatively perform such a verification by having the customer pose for an exit image, outside of the shuttle, via the external camera. The shuttle may lock the door before capturing the exit image. The shuttle compares the exit image to the entrance image (i.e., the image recorded at block 528). If image recognition software finds that the entrance and exit images match, then the shuttle confirms that the customer has departed.

[0073] If the customer is riding the shuttle, then the shuttle transmits a message, at block 538, to the customer's smartphone a predetermined amount of time before arriving at the destination. If the customer is not riding the shuttle, then the shuttle transmits two messages at block 540. A first message is to the customer (i.e., the sender) and is sent a first predetermined amount of time before the shuttle arrives at the destination. A second message is to the receiver and is sent a second predetermined amount of time before the shuttle arrives at the destination. The shuttle may provide updates of destination ETA to the receiver.

[0074] At block 542a, the shuttle arrives at the destination. At block 542b, the shuttle transmits a signal to the PCB 303 and the door 310. The signal causes the LEDs 306, 307 to light up a specific color (e.g., flashing green) and the lock 403 to release. At block 544, the shuttle applies the processes of blocks 524, 526, 528, and 530 to the receiver. More specifically, the receiver transmits machine readable information to the shuttle (e.g., via a QR code supplied to the receiver by the shuttle at block 534), the receiver poses for the exterior camera, and thereafter, the shuttle authorizes access and transmits the signal of block 542b. [0075] At block 546, the shuttle verifies that the customer (or the receiver) has departed the shuttle via the processes of block 536. The shuttle confirms that all items have been cleared from the storage bin with reference to the load sensor 308. If the load sensor indicates a clean storage bin, the method 500 is complete. If the load sensor indicates that items remain in the storage bin, the method proceeds to block 548 if the customer originally selected only parcel delivery at block 512 and to block 550 if the customer selected ride and storage at block 510. At block 548, the shuttle transmits an alert to both the sender (i.e., the original customer) and the receiver and optionally assesses a financial penalty. At block 550, the shuttle transmits an alert to the customer and adjusts the color of the LEDs (e.g., bright yellow).

[0076] Block 548 may automatically enable the receiver to enter the shuttle (e.g., causes the method to return to block 544 and re-execute some or all of blocks 544, 542b). Block 550 may automatically enable the customer to enter the shuttle (e.g., re-executes some or all of blocks 524, 526, 528, and 530).

[0077] It should be appreciated that the shuttle may periodically query the load sensor 308 during transit. According to some embodiments, the shuttle queries each load sensor 308 whenever and/or only when the shuttle has come to a stop (i.e., as a speed of zero). This prevents contours of the road from producing false readings at the load sensor 308.

[0078] If the load detected by the load sensor has changed by more than a predetermined degree, then the shuttle may automatically save all video recorded of the interior of the shuttle in between the time when the storage bin door 310 locked and the load sensor 308 indicated a change in load or weight, flag the saved video as important, and upload the saved video to a centralized server.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the shuttle only uploads flagged saved video to the centralized server. According to some embodiments, the shuttle is configured to automatically upload flagged saved video to the centralized server, but is not configured to automatically upload saved, but not flagged video to the centralized server. According to some embodiments, the shuttle is configured to save both flagged and unflagged video. According to some embodiments, the shuttle is configured to automatically delete saved and unflagged video after a predetermined amount of time. According to some embodiments, the shuttle is configured to automatically delete saved flagged video only after successfully uploading the saved flagged video.

[0080] For the purposes of the claims: PCB is defined to mean "printed circuit board"; "PCB(s)" is defined to mean "one or more printed circuit boards".

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: a divider comprising:

PCB(s) having emitters, receivers, and lights; storage bins comprising: apertures for the emitters, receivers, and lights; rotatable doors having locks, light pipes, and tabs; wherein when the doors are closed: (a) the tabs block the emitter apertures or the receiver apertures and (b) the light pipes line up with the light apertures.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the tabs protrude from rear surfaces of the doors and thus extend into the bins when the doors are closed.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein rear surfaces of the doors are opaque such that no interior portions of bins are externally visible when the rotatable doors are closed.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the light pipes are transparent and configured to carry and disperse light.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the light pipes are externally visible when the doors are closed.

6. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the light pipes protrude into the bins when the doors are closed.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the doors are closed, the light pipes line up with the light apertures such that light travels in a straight path from the lights, through the light apertures, and into the light pipes.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the light pipes are cylindrical, each door has a width parallel to a major axis of the light pipes, and each light pipe has a length running from one end of the light pipe to a second end of the light pipe along the major axis of the light pipe.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the widths exceed lengths of the light pipes such that doors are wider than the light pipes' lengths.

10. The assembly of claim 1, comprising processor(s) configured to deactivate the lights upon detecting a zero signal at the receivers.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the processor(s) are configured to: reactivate the lights upon detecting a non-zero signal at the receivers.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the emitter apertures line up with the emitters, the receiver apertures line up with the receivers, and the light apertures line up with the lights.

13. The assembly of claim 1, comprising processor(s) configured to: identify a user, and activate the lights to illuminate the light pipes based on the identity.

14. The assembly of claim 1 , comprising load sensors coupled to the bins.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the apertures of each bin are collinear.

16. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the divider is located between the bins.

17. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the divider includes a housing that shares a wall with one of the bins.

18. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the tabs are displaced from outer edges of the doors.

19. A vehicle comprising the assembly of claim 14, a speed sensor, and processor(s) configured to:

(a) via the speed sensor, determine that the vehicle has stopped;

(b) measure the bin loads via the load sensors based on (a).

20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the processor(s) are configured to:

(c) compare the measured bin loads to previously measured bin loads;

(d) save and flag a video recording based on a first result of the comparison.