SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE LOCKERS

Abstract

The autonomous vehicle locker includes a controller including a memory that stores instructions and a processor configured to execute instructions that cause the controller to associate the autonomous vehicle locker with a guest at a first location, receive an indication of a guest item in a storage compartment, secure the storage compartment based on the indication, instruct the autonomous vehicle locker to move to a second location, identify the guest from a plurality of guests at the second location, and instruct the autonomous vehicle locker to unlock the storage compartment in response to identifying the guest.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 358,722, filed July 6, 2022, and entitled "AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE LOCKER UTILIZATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present technology, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks or similar entertainment facilities often include one or more locker systems so that users (e.g., guests and staff) can store their belongings in lockers while at the amusement park. However, finding or registering for an available locker among a large number of lockers can be time-consuming. Unlocking / locking a locker while attending to other needs (e.g., transporting belongings, enjoying the amusement park) can also be tedious. Furthermore, efficiently providing suitable lockers to a large number of users simultaneously searching for lockers can be difficult. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an efficient system and method for providing lockers to users at an amusement park. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following describes several embodiments commensurate with the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but merely to provide a brief summary of some disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an autonomous vehicle locker includes a controller including a memory that stores instructions and a processor configured to execute instructions that cause the controller to associate the autonomous vehicle locker with a guest at a first location, receive an indication of a guest item in a storage compartment, secure the storage compartment based on the indication, instruct the autonomous vehicle locker to move to a second location, identify the guest from a plurality of guests at the second location, and instruct the autonomous vehicle locker to unlock the storage compartment in response to identifying the guest.

[0006] In one embodiment, an autonomous vehicle locker includes a controller including a memory that stores instructions and a processor configured to execute instructions that cause the controller to receive an indication of an association between the autonomous vehicle locker and a guest, move the autonomous vehicle locker to a storage area after receiving a guest item, track a guest location, receive a request to receive a guest item from the autonomous vehicle locker, move the autonomous vehicle locker to the tracked guest location based on the request, and unlock a storage compartment in response to identifying the guest at the guest location.

[0007] In one embodiment, an autonomous vehicle locker method includes associating an autonomous vehicle locker with a guest, capturing an image of the guest using a camera of the autonomous vehicle locker, receiving a guest item in a storage compartment of the autonomous vehicle locker, receiving data from other autonomous vehicle lockers, determining a location of the guest based on the data from the other autonomous vehicle lockers, instructing the autonomous vehicle locker to move to the guest's location based on the determination of the location, capturing an updated image at the location, identifying the guest in the updated image, and unlocking the storage compartment in response to identifying the guest.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an autonomous vehicle locker according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an autonomous vehicle rocker embodied as a dinosaur, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an autonomous vehicle locker embodied as a beverage cart, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an autonomous vehicle locker with adaptive location-based theming, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of several components of an autonomous vehicle locker system, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a process for storing guest items in an autonomous vehicle locker and delivering the guest items for retrieval at a new location, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process for removing a guest item from an autonomous vehicle locker, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for storing guest items in an autonomous vehicle locker and delivering the guest items to a guest location for retrieval based on a guest photograph, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is an example user interface for an autonomous vehicle locker, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is an example user interface for an autonomous vehicle locker, according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the implementations may be described herein. It should be understood that the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, while such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood that it would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Furthermore, to the extent that specific terms, such as parallel and perpendicular, are used in the present invention, it should be understood that these terms allow for departures from their strict mathematical definitions, accommodating, for example, departures related to manufacturing imperfections and associated tolerances.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean the presence of one, two, or more of the element. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. One or more specific embodiments of the present embodiments described herein are described below. In the interest of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of an implementation may be described herein. It should be noted that the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's particular objectives, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, while such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, it would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that utilize autonomous vehicle lockers for the storage, transportation, and delivery of various items in an amusement park environment. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution that allows users to conveniently access lockers for storing guest items, conveniently transporting items, and / or delivering purchased items. For example, some entertainment attractions require guests to store their bags and mobile phones in lockers. In some cases, guest lockers are located near the entrance to the entertainment attraction, and guests must return to a locker room to retrieve their belongings after completing the entertainment attraction. Locker rooms may be crowded, and the retrieval process may be disorganized. In other examples, guests may experience inconvenience in parking and retrieving strollers and / or wheelchairs from designated locations. Also, guests may acquire certain items, such as prizes, souvenirs, toys, or food, during their time at the amusement park and may need to carry the acquired items with them throughout their visit. Carrying or managing multiple acquired items can lead guests to forget or lose the acquired items while at the amusement park.

[0013] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides autonomous vehicle lockers that can navigate autonomously to guest locations. In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle lockers can store and return guest items at any location convenient for the guest, eliminating or reducing the need for the guest to visit a dedicated locker area (e.g., a dedicated locker room). In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle lockers can accompany the guest throughout the guest's visit to the amusement park, transporting items acquired by the guest and eliminating the need for the guest to carry and manage the acquired items. In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle lockers can acquire and deliver food or retail items and store these items until needed by the guest. The autonomous vehicle lockers can transport strollers and wheelchairs to designated parking locations during an amusement park ride and return them to the guest after the ride. In embodiments, the autonomous vehicle lockers can navigate to the guest or use guest biometrics to lock and / or unlock the autonomous vehicle lockers, eliminating the need to track the guest using location information from a guest mobile device that may be housed in a locker compartment and inaccessible.

[0014] With this in mind, to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, the present embodiments are described with respect to an autonomous vehicle locker that stores, transports, and / or delivers guest items at an amusement park, entertainment center, or any other suitable facility. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure present a solution that provides guests with a convenient method for storing, transporting, and / or receiving personal guest items and / or purchased items. In embodiments, the autonomous vehicle locker can navigate to the guest or use a guest biometric to lock and / or unlock the autonomous vehicle locker, eliminating the need to track the guest using location information from a guest mobile device that may be housed in a locker compartment and inaccessible.

[0015] For example, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an amusement park environment 10. In the illustrated example, an entrance 12 of an entertainment attraction 14 (e.g., an amusement ride, an immersive experience, a show experience) can be positioned to allow guests 16 to interact with autonomous vehicle lockers 18 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, guests 16 are queuing at the entrance 12 of the entertainment attraction 14. In the illustrated embodiment, autonomous vehicle lockers 18 (also referred to herein as "lockers") can be used to store any personal guest items while the guests 16 are participating / riding the entertainment attraction 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, guest 16A is in the process of storing a guest item 20 (e.g., a wallet) in autonomous vehicle locker 18A before queuing to enter the entertainment attraction 14. Autonomous vehicle locker 18A can have a securable storage compartment 22 (e.g., a chamber) that can accommodate the guest item 20. Guests 16B and 16C are in the process of retrieving guest items 20 (e.g., toys) from storage compartment 22 of autonomous vehicle locker 18B. In addition to storing guest items 20, autonomous vehicle locker 18 can also manage personal transportation / mobility equipment 30 (e.g., strollers, wheelchairs, carts, mobility scooters) of guests 106 during their stay at entertainment attraction 14. For example, locker 18C is transporting personal transportation equipment 30 (e.g., cart) to its temporary parking spot while the cart's owner(s) 16 are participating / riding at entertainment attraction 14.

[0016] In this embodiment, a guest pass 24 (e.g., a paper guest pass, an electronic guest pass) may be used to access a locker 18 before or after an entertainment attraction 14 for storage and / or retrieval of a guest item 20. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a guest 16A accesses a locker 18A by scanning a guest pass 24 (e.g., a physical or paper ticket, or a pass stored on a mobile device or other computer and, in embodiments, displayed on such a device) via a pass scanner 26. The guest pass 24 may include a QR code or other readable code, and the pass scanner 26 may include an optical reader. However, other methods are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the guest pass may provide identification via an RFID tag that is read by the pass scanner 26 (e.g., an RFID reader (e.g., an RFID tag reader)). Scanning the guest pass 24 via the pass scanner 26 may transmit a radio signal to the locker 18A, conveying the location of the guest 16A. After exiting the entertainment attraction 14, guest 16A can call locker 18A to retrieve guest items 20 by scanning guest pass 24 with another pass scanner 26 located at the exit of the entertainment attraction. In some embodiments, guest pass 24 can be an electronic pass viewable via an application on a mobile device. In some embodiments, calling locker 18 to deposit and / or retrieve items before and / or after participating in the entertainment attraction 14 can be a premium guest experience. In this instance, the guest pass 24 used to call locker 18 can be a premium pass, and only guests 16 with premium guest pass 24 can use the autonomous guest locker 18.

[0017] When a guest 16 uses a locker 18 to store a guest item 20, to ensure protection of the guest item 20 stored in the autonomous vehicle locker 18, the locker 18 may be associated (e.g., linked, assigned) solely with the guest 16, at least for as long as the guest 16's guest item 20 is stored in the locker 18. Thus, the guest 16 has exclusive access to the locker 18 assigned to that guest 16. For example, because locker 18A is assigned to guest 16A, guests 16B-16C cannot use locker 18A. In some embodiments, the locker 18 may be assigned to the guest 16 for the duration of the guest 16's visit to the amusement park. In this case, the guest 16 may call the locker 18 multiple times during their visit to the amusement park. In some embodiments, the locker 18 may be assigned to a group of guests 16. In one embodiment, once a locker 18 is assigned to a guest 16, it may autonomously move to a storage area or maintenance bay after receiving the guest items and generally remain out of guest traffic until called or until it receives an indication that the guest experience, such as a ride, is complete.

[0018] A guest 16 can unlock a locker 18 assigned to the guest 16 using various techniques. For example, the locker 18 may include a biometric sensor (e.g., a camera, fingerprint scanner, retina scanner, iris scanner) that can scan, record, and / or capture one or more biometric characteristics (e.g., fingerprint, facial features, retinal pattern, iris pattern) of the guest 16. The biometric characteristics of the guest 16 assigned to the locker 18 may be used to verify the identity of the guest 16 and unlock the locker 18. The assigned locker 18 may record the biometric characteristics of the guest 16 to be used as a reference during the locker assignment process. For example, the guest 16 may scan a fingerprint via a biometric sensor to lock and unlock the storage compartment 22 of the locker 18. Alternatively, the assigned locker 18 may obtain the guest's biometric characteristics from the guest's guest profile (e.g., online profile, registration profile). For example, the guest's biometric characteristics may be stored in the guest profile from the guest's previous visits to the amusement park. In one embodiment, biometric information can be provided via an application running on the guest mobile device that provides the guest interface, and the biometric sensor can be a sensor present on the mobile device. Biometric authentication can be advantageous when guests 16 surrender all personal items to lockers 18, such as during a roller coaster ride where loose items are prohibited. Thus, guests 16 do not need to have a mobile device or paper ticket to mediate guest identification by the system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the locker 18 can verify the identity of the guest 16 using RFID technology. For example, the guest 16 can wear an RFID wearable device (e.g., an armband, bracelet, watch, or another wearable device) within the amusement park that enables the guest 16 to pay for purchases and / or gain admission to entertainment attractions within the park. Such an RFID device can be used to lock and unlock the guest's 16's assigned locker 18. Specifically, the RFID armband can include an RFID tag, and the locker 18 can include an RFID sensor (e.g., an RFID reader, RFID tag reader). The guest 16 can scan the RFID tag on the armband to unlock the locker 18. In some embodiments, the guest 16 can carry a key fob (e.g., an RFID-enabled key fob) to unlock / lock the assigned locker 18, or wireless communication between the locker 18 and the guest's mobile device can mediate the unlocking of the locker 18.

[0020] In general, various techniques can be employed to arrange contact between a guest 16 and an assigned locker 18 (e.g., after the assigned locker 18 is called by the guest 16 or when the guest 16 is otherwise associated with the locker 18). That is, the locker 18 can be moved or navigated to the guest 16 after being triggered by a locker assignment event in the system and / or after being triggered by a guest request for the locker 18 or an attraction completion. In one embodiment, locker assignment to a guest can be based on availability or proximity, e.g., the guest 16 can select an available locker 18. In one example, the nearest available locker 18 in a fleet can be navigated to the guest 16. In one example, an available locker 18 can activate an availability signal, such as an audio and / or visual signal. In one example, the locker 18 can have a displayed “name” or call sign, and the guest 16 can shout that name to call the locker 18. Onboard sensors on the locker 18 can detect guest audio and match it with characteristic audio data associated with the name. If a match is verified, the locker 18 is navigated to the associated guest 16. In some embodiments, a locker 18 that is stationary in an area may be considered an available locker 18. In contrast, after an assigned locker 18 receives a guest item, the locker 18 may be instructed to move to another area that is inaccessible to the guest until a guest request for the item is received.

[0021] Navigation of the assigned locker 18 that provides secured contents to the guest 16 can be achieved using location tracking. In some embodiments, the locker 18 can arrive at the location of the guest 16 (e.g., after the guest 16 has participated in the entertainment attraction 14) using remote tracking of the guest 16. For example, the key fob that the guest 16 can use to open / unlock the locker 18 can be augmented to include a tracking device that communicates the location (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) location) of the guest 16 to the locker 18. When the tracking device indicates that the guest 16 is at the exit of the entertainment attraction 14, the locker 18 can approach the exit of the entertainment attraction 14 to contact / reunite with the guest 16. It should be understood that tracking technology (e.g., technology for tracking the location of the guest 16 (e.g., GPS technology)) can also be embedded in a wearable device such as an armband. The guest 16's mobile device can also be used to provide the associated locker 18 with the guest's location. That is, the location of the mobile device can be associated with GPS data and / or wireless communication data associated with a particular location.

[0022] In some embodiments, lockers 18 may use more sensitive (e.g., more location-accurate) sensors to arrive at the precise location of the associated guest 16 within the amusement park. For example, global positioning system (GPS) information from a tracker (e.g., in an armband or key fob) may provide the approximate location of the guest 16, while facial recognition and data from light detection and ranging (LIDAR) or image sensors within the amusement park may be used to estimate more precise location information. However, to ensure that the lockers 18 do not get too close, the lockers 18 may approach the guest 16 no closer than a threshold distance to the guest's 16's precise location.

[0023] In one embodiment, guests 16 within an amusement park can be tracked and located using a mesh network of multiple lockers 18, with the lockers 18 communicating with each other directly or through a central controller 56 (see FIG. 4 ) and using the network to capture and transmit biometric data. For example, as guests 16 place guest items 20 in the lockers 18 throughout the duration of an amusement park attraction 14, the lockers 18 can take photographs of the guests 16 using cameras located on the lockers 18. The camera's capture of the guest's face can be mediated by a user interface on the locker 18 that can provide instructions to allow the locker's 18's onboard camera to capture an initial image of the assigned guest 16. The captured image and an indication of the associated locker 18 can be provided to the central controller to temporarily associate the guest 16 with the individual locker 18. A local camera, which can be at least partially mounted on each locker 18 for an amusement attraction 14 (e.g., all lockers 18 dedicated to the amusement attraction 14), can capture and provide to the central controller images of all guests 16 entering the amusement attraction 14. Thus, the pool of images of potential guests 16 taken from the group entering the attraction 14 is relatively small, thus enabling a fast and less computationally intensive facial recognition or matching process.

[0024] The assigned locker fleet can proceed to the exit of the entertainment attraction 14 to await an exiting guest 16. Movement to the exit triggers an exit protocol, which activates onboard cameras to capture images of guests 16 within camera range and uses these images to identify the guest 16 assigned to that locker 18, as well as transmit the images to a central controller, which can then use these images to map the location of potential guests 16 in the exit area and direct the assigned locker 18 there. Lockers 18 can discover associated guests 16 through edge computing using a pool of images of potential guests 16. For example, each locker 18 in the fleet can capture an image of an exiting guest 16 within the field of view of its locker camera and transmit it to the central controller. If the guest 16 is associated with that particular locker 18, the locker 18 can initiate item access for the guest 16. If the guest 16 is not associated with a locker 18, the central controller can use the pool of images taken at the attraction entrance to identify whether the captured departing guest 16 is assigned to another locker 18 and provide the guest's assigned locker 18 with a location, including the relative location of the captured departing guest to the locker 18 whose image was captured.

[0025] If this process is performed by all lockers 18 in the fleet (e.g., edge computing in a mesh network of lockers 18), the lockers 18 can efficiently find relevant guests 16 from a pool of potentially hundreds of guests 16, avoiding the use of complex facial recognition algorithms. Each locker 18 in the mesh network can update all lockers 18 in the mesh network (either through direct communication or via a central controller) as potential guest matches are eliminated. For example, a locker 18 can capture an image of a guest 16 as the guest 16 exits an amusement attraction 14, determine that the guest 16 does not match the guest 16 associated with the locker 18, and then transmit the image and location information of the unmatched guest 16 to other lockers 18 in the mesh network. A matching locker 18 in the fleet (e.g., the locker 18 associated with the guest 16) can use the image to identify the guest 16 and use the transmitted location information to track the guest 16. In further or alternative embodiments, the lockers 18 can find relevant guests 16 using a facial recognition algorithm (e.g., a machine learning algorithm that performs facial recognition). For example, each locker 18 may use a facial recognition algorithm to identify guests 16 in its vicinity (e.g., based on an initially captured photo of the guest 16 or based on a photo associated with a guest profile) and share the identities of the recognized guests 16 and the locations of the recognized guests 16 with other lockers 18 in the mesh network. Each locker 18 may then track its associated guests 16 using the facial recognition and location data available on the mesh network.

[0026] Alternatively, the locker 18 can simply approach each guest 16 in turn and perform facial recognition on each guest 16 until the locker identifies the assigned guest 16. In this manner, guest recognition and navigation to the assigned locker 18's associated guest 16 can be performed in a phone-less or device-less manner, which is useful when the guest's mobile device is housed in the locker 18. That is, rather than calling or hailing the locker 18, the locker 18 navigates to the guest 16 in a manner similar to friends greeting each other or, in certain narrative environments, a predator stalking its prey.

[0027] In one embodiment, a guest 16 can recognize their own nearby locker 18 by customizing the appearance of their assigned locker 18. This allows the guest 16 to approach the locker 18 to deposit and / or retrieve items without waiting for the locker 18 to arrive at the guest's 16's location. This approach can be used in crowded locations or other locations where the locker 18 may experience delays in reaching the guest 16. In some embodiments, a guest 16 can name a locker 18 and shout the name, allowing an onboard sensor on the locker 18 to detect the assigned guest 16 calling the name. The locker 18 can then move toward the recognized sound or phrase using an acoustic sensor.

[0028] In some embodiments, locker 18 can be customized to display guest 16's preferred color and emit a preferred sound and / or light. Locker 18 can also display a gesture or perform a specific action when guest 16 is near locker 18. For example, locker 18 can emit a light, emit a sound, and / or change the output of its display. An example of this is shown in FIG. 1, where locker 18B emits a sound 27 and emits a laser 28 from its eye to attract the attention of guests 16B and 16C who have guest items 20 in locker 18B.

[0029] In some embodiments, when a guest 16 is assigned a locker 18, the guest 16 may select and / or customize features of the locker 18 (e.g., audio functions such as emitting sounds 27 and / or activating lasers 28). For example, the guest 16 may use a mobile application to select and / or customize features (e.g., one or more features of the locker 18 (e.g., one or more outputs (e.g., color, sound, light, action, gesture) of the locker 18)). Alternatively, the locker 18 may include a user interface that the guest 16 can use to select and / or customize features of the locker 18. In some embodiments, the selected and / or customized features (e.g., custom features) of the locker 18 may be added and / or saved to the guest profile of the guest 16. In some embodiments, the assigned locker 18 may output (e.g., display or implement) the selected and / or customized feature configurations associated with the profile of the assigned guest 16. The guest profile may enable the assigned locker 18 to indicate the selected and / or customized features selected by the guest 16 during a previous visit to the amusement park. Additionally, certain display, visual, and / or audible features may be used to indicate whether a locker 18 is occupied or available for use. In some embodiments, a locker 18 may have one set of features associated with an unrecognized guest 16 and a different set of features when it recognizes an assigned guest 16. For example, a red glowing eye may be activated when a guest 16 not associated with the locker 18 is captured by the locker camera, while a green glowing eye may indicate recognition of an assigned guest 16.

[0030] The custom features of the locker 18 may enable the guest 16 to identify and find their assigned locker 18 within the amusement park. In some embodiments, finding their assigned locker 18 within the amusement park may be an interactive quest for the guest 16. For example, the guest 16 may be provided with clues and / or a map that the guest 16 can use to find the locker 18. In some embodiments, the clues and / or map may be provided to the guest 16 through an application on a mobile device. Once the guest 16 finds their assigned locker 18, they may unlock the locker 18 and discover the prize inside. Guests 16 who successfully find the locker 18 may be assigned points and / or a score. The points and / or score may be added to the guest profile of the guest 16. The points and / or score may depend on the time it takes the guest 16 to find the locker 18 and / or the difficulty of the clues provided. Additionally or alternatively, the guest 16 may unlock special features of the locker 18 by completing a quest to find the locker 18. Special features may include exclusive custom features of locker 18, special prizes, tickets, etc. For example, a guest 16 who discovers a locker 18 within five minutes may customize the locker 18 to glow in the dark, a feature unavailable to other guests 16.

[0031] Autonomous vehicle lockers 18 can have different appearances and / or designs depending on the theme of the amusement park and constraints imposed on lockers 18 by functionality. In one embodiment, autonomous vehicle lockers 18 can have an unexpected appearance to surprise and / or entertain guests 16. For example, according to aspects of the present disclosure, lockers 18 can be configured to generally resemble dinosaurs, as shown in FIG. 2A . In one embodiment, lockers 18 can be designed to maximize the capacity of storage compartments 22. In this case, lockers 18 can appear like beverage carts, as shown in FIG. 2B . FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of an autonomous vehicle locker 18D embodied as a beverage cart, according to aspects of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, one or more storage compartments 22 can be refrigerated or heated compartments suitable for food storage.

[0032] The locker 18 may include one or more storage compartments 22 in which the guest's 16's guest items 20 can be stored. The locker 18 may include wheels 32 operated under the control of a motor and / or engine for movement. Alternatively, the locker 18 may include actuators and joints to enable robotic actuation. The locker 18 may include various sensors (e.g., for authenticating guest identity, detecting obstacles, and locating guest items 20 within the storage compartments 22) and / or wireless communication circuitry (e.g., for tracking the assigned guest 16). The locker 18 may include different colored lights, lasers, and LEDs to display custom features. The locker 18 may also include one or more speakers and one or more displays 36 that display images 38 corresponding to the custom and / or themed features. The locker 18 may include additional robotic components to enable realistic movement. For example, the locker 18 may have a soft robotic tail and / or neck that enables tail movement and / or head rotation.

[0033] In addition to storing guest items 20, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 can also be used for the transportation and / or delivery of purchased items and / or food and / or beverages. To accommodate such multiple uses, in some embodiments, the locker 18 can have multiple storage compartments 22. For example, the locker 18 shown in FIG. 2B has two large storage compartments 22. For example, one storage compartment 22 can be designated for storing guest items 20, while the other storage compartment 22 can be designated for the transportation and / or delivery of purchased items and / or food and / or beverages. One or both storage compartments 22 can be temperature controlled. For example, the storage compartments 22 can be heated or refrigerated to maintain the appropriate temperature for the delivered food and / or beverages.

[0034] In some embodiments, the storage compartments 22 of the lockers 18 can be dual-sided storage compartments 22, with one side of the storage compartment 22 for loading items (e.g., by the retailer) and the other side for retrieving items (e.g., by the guest 16). For example, the dual-sided storage compartments 22 can have two doors, one on each side. One door can be opened by retail staff to load food or items purchased by the guest 16, and the other door can be opened by the guest 16 to retrieve the food or items purchased. As a result, the retail staff and the guest 16 can access the storage compartment 22 using different methods (e.g., keys). For example, the retail side can be opened with a key, and the guest side can be unlocked with a biometric read.

[0035] In some embodiments, the storage compartments 22 of the lockers 18 may include standardized modules (e.g., having a standard size and shape) that can be removed from the locker 18 and placed and added to other lockers 18. Thus, the standardized modules can be interchanged between different lockers 18 at the foot of the lockers 18. The standardized modules may reduce the level of human supervision required for loading lockers 18. For example, the standardized modules may allow purchased items for delivery to be robotically loaded into the lockers 18 via the standardized modules. The standardized modules may also allow the guest items 20 to be stored in a storage area (e.g., a locker room, a stockroom) so that the lockers 18 can perform other tasks while waiting for the items to be ready for pickup by the guests 16. For example, instead of storing the guest items 20 in the storage compartments 22 for the duration of the entertainment attraction 14, the lockers 18 may take the guest items 20 to a designated storage area. After dropping off a guest item 20, the locker 18 may perform other tasks, such as receiving another guest item 20 for another guest 16 and taking it to a storage area. After receiving a signal indicating that the guest 16 is exiting the entertainment attraction 14, the locker 18 may retrieve the standardized module with the guest item 20 from the storage area and return the guest item 20 in the standardized module to the guest 16. In fact, because the standardized modules are interchangeable, a different locker 18 may return the guest item 20 to the guest 16. This may be advantageous because fewer lockers 18 are needed to service the entertainment attraction 14. Storing guest items 20 in a storage area may also be more secure than storing guest items 20 within the locker 18. Similarly, standardized modules may be used to enhance the delivery of food and / or beverages using the lockers 18.For example, instead of unlocking the storage compartment 22 of a locker 18, retail store staff may load a standardized module containing food items into the storage compartment 22. In some embodiments, some lockers 18 in the locker fleet may act as delivery go-betweens, delivering standardized modules containing items from the retail store to other lockers 18 associated with guests 16.

[0036] Different areas of the park may have different themes. Lockers 18, which may be involved in the delivery and transportation of items throughout the park, may move between areas of the park having different themes. It may be desirable for lockers 18 to adapt to different themes as they move between different areas of the park to promote thematic unity / consistency. To this end, lockers 18 may perform adaptive theming. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of lockers 18 adapting to different themes in a location-dependent manner. In the illustrated example, when autonomous vehicle locker 18 is present within a farm-themed park environment, a collaborative theming (e.g., farm theming) for locker 18 may be activated. Locker 18 may transition to an appropriate theming when moving between other environments, such as an underwater-themed park environment and / or a space-themed park environment, according to aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the displayed environments and adaptive theming are exemplary.

[0037] The lockers 18 can adapt to different themes using various technologies. In one embodiment, the lockers 18 can display images 38 (e.g., animations, photos, special effects) related to the current theme using a display 36 located on the side of the locker 18. For example, as shown, the lockers 18 can display a tractor in a farm-themed amusement park environment, a fish in an underwater-themed amusement park environment, and a flying saucer in a space-themed amusement park environment. In one embodiment, the displays 36 can not display images 38. Instead, the lockers 18 display electronic ink graphics on the surface(s) of the lockers 18. In one embodiment, the lockers 18 can include soft robotics that adaptively change the appearance of the lockers 18 depending on the amusement park theme in the locker's 18's location. In one embodiment, the lockers 18 can output audio related to the current theme (e.g., via a speaker (e.g., an onboard speaker, an offboard speaker within a threshold distance of the locker)). For example, these audio may be sound effects, speech (eg, speech from a particular character), and / or music related to the current theme.

[0038] The transition between different adaptive themings can be based on the location of the locker 18 during the autonomous path. For example, if the locker 18 is called to move from a first location having a first theme to a second location having a second, different theme, the system can track the location of the locker 18, for example, via GPS or wireless communication within the environment. Detecting that a predetermined boundary between the first and second locations has been crossed can trigger a display change or activation of a particular adaptive theming.

[0039] 4 is a block diagram of several components of an autonomous vehicle locker system 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the illustrated components may also include additional software or hardware elements. Furthermore, the components of the illustrated system 10 may duplicate and / or replace the functionality of various disclosed hardware or software elements. For example, some components of the autonomous vehicle locker 18 may also reside in the system controller, mobile device, and environmental sensor(s), and the accompanying descriptions of these components may apply.

[0040] The autonomous vehicle locker 18 can be configured to operate at least in part through instructions from a controller 41, which can include a memory 43 that stores instructions executable by a processor 42 to perform the methods and control operations described herein. The processor 42 can include one or more processing devices, and the memory 43 can include one or more tangible, non-transitory machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to hold or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the processor 42 or a dedicated or programmed computer or other machine that includes a processor. The controller 41 can also be configured to include communications circuitry or other devices, such as a receiver 45 and a transmitter 46, for communicating with other lockers 18 and guest devices (e.g., a guest's smartphone, smartwatch, armband) via wired and wireless communication paths.

[0041] The autonomous vehicle locker 18 can include a motor 47 and a power source 48 (e.g., a battery, a solar panel, a generator, a gas engine, a capacitor, or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 can include a rechargeable battery. In one example, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 can automatically return to a charging station when the charging station is not in use for charging (e.g., via wireless charging). In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 can operate using wireless power transmission. The operation of the motor 47 can be controlled by a controller 41 including a memory 43 and a processor 42 configured to operate any on-board logic to control the path or progression of the locker. For example, the controller 41 can control (e.g., command) the motor 47 to adjust the power output of the motor 47 to accelerate (e.g., increase speed (e.g., speed up) or decelerate (e.g., slow down)) the locker 18. The controller 41 can also control a brake to decelerate (e.g., reduce speed, slow down) or stop the rocker 18.

[0042] The controller 41 may include on-board navigation logic that at least partially controls the autonomous navigation of the autonomous vehicle locker 18. In some cases, the system 40 may generate navigation instructions via the controller 56. These instructions may include destination instructions. However, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 may also receive navigation instructions using on-board navigation logic and determine the best route to the destination based on information from the sensor(s) 34. Thus, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 may generate on-board navigation instructions. The location information of the autonomous vehicle locker 18 used as input to generate the navigation instructions may be tracked using one or more of GPS, wireless communication, on-board sensor data, or environmental sensor data.

[0043] The autonomous vehicle locker 18 may include sensors 34 (e.g., biometric sensors, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, optical and / or motion sensors, weigh scales, cameras, laser scanners, and / or ultrasonic scanners). The locker 18 may use biometric sensors, cameras, and / or RFID sensors to recognize the associated guest 16 and authenticate the identity of the guest 16. Sensors such as cameras, laser scanners, and / or ultrasonic scanners may also be used to navigate and avoid obstacles during movement of the locker 18. For example, if the LIDAR or camera detects an obstacle in the path of the locker 18, the controller 41 sends a signal to the motor 47 and / or brakes to stop movement of the locker 18. The optical / motion sensors and / or weigh scales may also be used to determine whether any guest items 20 remain in the storage compartment 22 after the guest 16 has removed the guest items 20.

[0044] The autonomous vehicle locker 18 may also include a user input (e.g., user input system, user input assembly, user input mechanism) 49. The user input 49, such as a keypad, push buttons, microphone, camera (e.g., for use with gesture detection), and / or touch screen, allows the guest 16 to interact with the locker 18. For example, the guest 16 may use the touch screen to select custom features for their assigned locker 18. In another example, the guest 16 may use the keypad to enter a passcode to unlock the locker 18. The guest 16 may also use the user input 49 to select a location and time for interacting with the locker 18. As described above, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 may also include one or more displays 36 and one or more speakers 50 for indicating various custom features, such as custom colors, sounds, lights, gestures, etc.

[0045] The autonomous vehicle locker 18 may include a lock control 51 that receives instructions from the controller 41 and / or the controller 56 and operates to lock or unlock the locking system 52 (e.g., lock assembly, locking mechanism, locking device) of the individual storage compartment 22 based on the instructions. These instructions may be triggered by recognizing the assigned guest 16 and / or by receiving communication from a mobile device 58 or a guest wearable device 66. For example, in one embodiment, the guest 16 may have a mobile device 58 that includes one or more processors 60 and memory 62, as well as a display 63 and communication circuitry 64. The mobile device 58 may communicate directly with the locker 18 to control (e.g., command) the locking and / or unlocking of the locking system 52. In another example, the guest 16 may interact with a software application running on the mobile device 58 via the controller 56 to trigger (e.g., command) the locking and / or unlocking of the locking system.

[0046] In some embodiments, guest 16 may have a wearable device 66 (e.g., bracelet, strap) or other device that includes communication circuitry 67 that can communicate identification information of guest 16 to autonomous vehicle locker 18. If the identification information indicates the assigned guest 16, lock control 51 may operate (e.g., command) lock system 52 to unlock.

[0047] In some embodiments, unlocking is based on guest recognition and proximity determination. For example, an identified guest may be determined to be within a predetermined distance of a locker 18. The proximity determination may be generated via data from sensor(s) 34. In this manner, unlocking is triggered when a guest 16 is within sufficient distance to remove an item from a locker 18 upon unlocking.

[0048] The system 40 may enable communication (e.g., wireless communication) between individual lockers 18 in the fleet and / or with a central controller 56 that may receive guest requests for lockers and store guest locker assignments and / or track locker and / or guest locations. The central controller 56 may include a processor 53, memory 54, and communication circuitry 55, which may be implemented as generally described in the context of the lockers 18. In some embodiments, the controller 56 may operate to perform several locker control functions as described herein. The system 40 may also receive input from guest and / or operator devices, such as a mobile device 58. Additionally, the system 40 may include input from environmental sensors 57 (e.g., cameras, wireless beacons, RFID scanners) that the system 40 may use to track guests 16 and / or lockers 18.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process 70 for storing guest items 20 in an autonomous vehicle locker 18 and delivering the guest items 20 for retrieval at a new location, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] The process 70 begins by associating (e.g., assigning) an autonomous vehicle locker 18 to a guest 16 at a first location (block 72). The first location may include a location where the guest 16 first interacts with the locker 18 and a location where the guest 16 loads guest items 20 into the locker 18. The association with the guest 16 may involve the locker 18 collecting guest data by performing a biometric measurement (e.g., a biometric scan, a fingerprint pattern, a retinal pattern, an iris pattern, a facial image measurement), scanning the guest's RFID key fob, wearable device (e.g., an armband), or guest pass 24, and / or taking a photograph of the guest 16. This guest data may be used to identify the associated guest 16 (e.g., the guest 16 associated with the locker 18) and lock and / or unlock the storage compartment 22 for the guest 16. For example, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 may use facial recognition (e.g., a facial recognition machine learning algorithm) to identify the associated guest 16 based on a photograph of the associated guest 16. Associating with guest 16 may also involve locker 18 identifying and / or accessing a guest profile (e.g., using the guest's photo, RFID signature, biometric data, pairing with the guest's mobile device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) to determine guest 16 preferences, which may be stored in the guest profile. For example, locker 18 may access the guest profile to determine custom features selected by guest 16. Alternatively, associating with guest 16 may involve receiving guest input through user input 49. For example, guest 16 may enter a barcode number and / or password for guest pass 24 to initiate association with locker 18.

[0051] Once assigned to a guest 16, a locker 18 may receive guest items 20 and / or secure storage compartments 22 at a first location (block 74). The received guest items 20 may include items such as phones, wallets, prizes, souvenirs, food, etc., purchased and / or obtained by the guest 16 within the amusement park.

[0052] Once the guest items 20 are placed in the locker 18, the locker 18 is instructed to move to a second location (block 76). The second location may include a location where the guest 16 retrieves the guest items 20 from the locker 18. In one embodiment, the instructions for moving to the second location may be preset within the controller 41 of the locker 18. For example, a locker 18 storing items for a guest 16 participating in a particular amusement attraction 14 may include preset instructions for moving to an exit of the amusement attraction 14 (e.g., a second location) after picking up the guest items 20 near the entrance of the amusement attraction 14 (e.g., a first location). In some embodiments, the guest 16 may select the second location. For example, the guest 16 may select a GPS location of the second location within the amusement park using an application on a mobile device (e.g., a mobile device paired with the locker 18 via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). The guest 16 may also select the second location using the user input 54 of the locker 18. For example, locker 18 may use a touch screen display to display a map of the amusement park, allowing guest 16 to select a second location on the map.

[0053] Upon moving to the second location, the locker 18 identifies the guest 16 from one or more guests 16 at the second location (block 78). Identifying the guest 16 may involve identifying the location of the guest 16 within an area containing one or more guests 16. In some embodiments, the guest 16 is distinguished from multiple guests 16. In one embodiment, the locker 18 may identify the location of the guest 16 based on location tracking of the guest's armband / key fob. As described in FIG. 7 , the lockers 18 may form a mesh network of lockers 18 to identify guest locations based on image and location data transmitted from other lockers 18. The guest 16 may also transmit their location (e.g., guest location) to the locker 18 by scanning the guest pass 24 on the pass scanner 26. The locker 18 may then verify the identity of the guest 16 after approaching the guest 16 using biometric measurements, facial recognition, an RFID scan of the guest's armband or key fob, etc. The locker 18 may unlock the storage compartment 22 in response to identifying the guest 16 in this manner (block 79). In some embodiments, the storage compartment may mechanically open (e.g., spring open) in response to the unlocking. The guest 16 may then retrieve the guest items 20.

[0054] 6 is a flow diagram of a process 80 for removing guest items 20 from an autonomous vehicle locker 18 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Process 80 begins by unlocking storage compartment 22 in response to identifying guest 16 (block 82). Guest 16 can retrieve guest items 20 after storage compartment 22 is unlocked (e.g., after storing them in locker 18 for the duration of the entertainment attraction).

[0055] The locker 18 may then determine (e.g., make) whether the storage compartment 22 is empty based on the sensor input (block 84). The determination may begin based on input from a light / motion sensor. For example, such a sensor may detect movement within the storage compartment 22, indicating that the guest 16 has reached into the storage compartment 22 to retrieve a guest item 20. Based on the instruction, a weigh scale may determine whether any items remain within the storage compartment 22 based on the weight of the storage compartment 22. Other types of sensors may also be used to determine whether the storage compartment 22 is empty (e.g., whether there are no guest items (e.g., guest belongings) present, whether it is completely empty). For example, a camera may take a photograph of the storage compartment 22 after the weigh scale indicates that the compartment is empty. Image recognition algorithms may then be used to determine whether lightweight items, such as guest passes 24, remain within the storage compartment 22 based on the photograph.

[0056] If the storage compartment 22 is emptied (block 86), the locker 18 may be disconnected from the guest 16 (block 88). If the storage compartment 22 is not emptied (block 86), the locker 18 may generate a notification indicating that items remain in the storage compartment 22 (block 90). For example, the locker 18 may issue a verbal reminder via the speaker 50 to prompt the guest 16 to remove the guest items 20. The locker 18 may also display the reminder in written form via the display 36. Additionally or alternatively, the storage compartment 22 and / or the locker 18 may flash a red light or send a notification to the guest 16's mobile device indicating that the storage compartment 22 is not emptied. Additionally or alternatively, a notification may be communicated to the controller 56 and / or an operator's device.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process for storing guest items 20 in an autonomous vehicle locker 18 and delivering the guest items 20 to a guest 16 for retrieval based on a photograph of the guest 16, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The process 100 begins with associating an autonomous vehicle locker 18 with a guest 16 (block 102), as described in the specification of FIG. 5. After the locker 18 is associated with the guest 16, the locker 18 may take a photograph of the guest 16 (block 104). In one embodiment, the photograph may be a full-body photograph of the guest 16 capturing the guest's overall appearance. The photograph may then be transmitted (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular communications) to other lockers 18 in a mesh network of lockers. A mesh network of lockers is a group of lockers 18 that share data with each other. For example, a mesh network of lockers may include a fleet of lockers dedicated to guests 16 riding a particular amusement attraction 14. After associating with the guest 16, the autonomous vehicle locker 18 may receive the guest items 20 and secure (e.g., lock) the storage compartment 22 in addition to taking a photograph of the guest 16 (block 706).

[0058] A locker 18 may receive data from other lockers 18 (e.g., lockers 18 in a mesh network of lockers) (block 108). The data may include photographs of the other guests 16, the locations of the other guests 16, and timestamps of when the photographs and / or locations were collected. In further or alternative embodiments, the data may include facial recognition data (e.g., guest identity). A locker 18 may receive data only from other lockers 18 that are within a threshold distance from the locker 18. However, each locker 18 in the mesh network may share aggregated data from multiple other lockers 18. Thus, a locker 18 may receive data collected by all lockers 18 in the mesh network even if it is not within signal range of some of the other lockers 18.

[0059] The locker 18 may determine the location of the guest 16 (e.g., the guest 16 with whom the locker 18 is associated) based on the data received from the other lockers 18 (block 110). The locker 18 may compare the photograph of the guest 16 with the data from the other lockers 18 via the controller 41 to identify data regarding the guest 16 associated with the locker 18 within the data from the other lockers 18. The locker 18 may track the guest 16 based on the identified data and identify the guest's current location within the amusement park.

[0060] After the current location of the guest 16 is identified, the locker 18 may be instructed via the controller 41 to move to the location of the guest 16 (block 112). The guest 16 may be moving (e.g., walking) through the amusement park. Thus, in one embodiment, the locker 18 may continually update the current location of the identified guest 16 based on data received from other lockers 18.

[0061] Upon arriving at the location of the guest 16, the locker 18 may unlock the storage compartment 22 in response to identifying the guest 16 based on the photograph of the guest 16 (block 114). When the locker 18 comes within a threshold distance of the guest 16, the locker 18 may take a photograph of the guest 16 to verify the guest's identity. For example, the newly taken photograph may be compared to the originally taken photograph to ensure that the characteristics of the guest 16 (e.g., appearance, clothing, hair color, height) match. In another example, a facial recognition machine learning algorithm may determine whether the newly taken image of the guest 16 matches the originally taken image of the guest 16. In some embodiments, additional authentication methods, such as biometric authentication, may be used to confirm the identity of the guest 16 and unlock the storage compartment 22.

[0062] 8-9 illustrate example user interfaces for an autonomous vehicle locker 18. In FIG. 8, a user interface screen 120 illustrates an example message for a guest 16 that is provided with a lock icon 122 that, when contacted, generates a command to the lock system 52 to lock the lock system 52. In FIG. 9, a user interface screen 124 illustrates an example message for a guest 16 that includes an unlock or open icon 126 that, when contacted, generates a command to the lock system 52 to unlock the lock system 52. The unlocking can be part of a two-step verification in which the system 40 first identifies the correct guest 16 in proximity to the locker 18 and, once identified, grants the unlocking based on receiving the appropriate user input (e.g., selection of an unlock key 126).

[0063] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0064] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for (performing) ... (function)" or "step for (performing) ... (function)," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10 Amusement park environment 12. Entrance to an entertainment attraction 14. Entertainment Attractions 16, 16A~C Guest 18, 18A~C Autonomous Vehicle Locker 20 Guest Items 22 storage compartment 24 Guest Passes 26 Pass Scanner 27 sounds 28 Laser

Claims

1. 1. An autonomous vehicle locker, comprising: a controller including a memory that stores instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions; The instruction: Associating an autonomous vehicle locker with a guest at a first location; Receive an indication that a guest item is present in the storage compartment; commanding the storage compartment to be locked based on the instructions; commanding the autonomous vehicle locker to move to a second location; Identifying the guest at the second location; instructing the autonomous vehicle locker to unlock the storage compartment in response to identifying the guest; configured to cause the controller to An autonomous vehicle locker characterized by:

2. The instructions include associating the autonomous vehicle locker with the guest; taking photographs of said guests; receiving biometric data of said guest; reading an RFID tag associated with said guest; receiving guest pass data for said guest from a pass scanner; or These combinations, 10. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 1, configured to cause the controller to include:

3. The instructions are configured to cause the controller to identify the guest from a plurality of guests at the second location, the instructions comprising: taking photographs of said guests; receiving biometric data of said guest; scanning an RFID tag associated with said guest; receiving guest pass data for said guest from a pass scanner; or These combinations, 10. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 1, comprising:

4. The instructions are configured to cause the controller to identify the guest from a plurality of guests at the second location, the instructions comprising: tracking devices, Sensors in the amusement park, Edge computing, or These combinations, 10. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 1, further comprising: tracking the guest via a

5. a sensor configured to detect an obstacle in a path of the autonomous vehicle rocker, the sensor including a LIDAR sensor; The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 1 .

6. The autonomous vehicle locker is configured to exhibit custom features via a display, a speaker, or a combination thereof based on user input by the guest, the custom features comprising: Custom colors, light, sound, gestures, Action, or These combinations, 10. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 1, comprising:

7. the storage compartment includes a removable module configured to be utilized by a plurality of autonomous vehicle lockers. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 1 .

8. the instructions are configured to cause the controller to associate the autonomous vehicle locker with a guest, the instructions including instructions to access a guest profile of the guest. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 1 .

9. The instructions may include making a determination based on sensor input as to whether a guest item has been removed from the storage compartment, and based on the determination, performing at least: Decoupling the autonomous vehicle locker from the guest; or generating a notification indicating an item is left in the autonomous vehicle locker; configured to cause the controller to The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 1 .

10. The instruction: adding points to or increasing a score associated with the guest profile based on identifying the guest; 10. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to:

11. 1. An autonomous vehicle locker system, comprising: a controller including a memory for storing instructions; a processor configured to execute the instructions; wherein the instructions receiving an indication of an association between the autonomous vehicle locker and the guest; moving the autonomous vehicle locker to a storage area after receiving the guest items; Track guest locations, receiving a request to receive the guest item from the autonomous vehicle locker; moving the autonomous vehicle locker to the tracked guest location based on the request; unlocking a storage compartment in response to identifying the guest at the guest location; causing the controller to 1. An autonomous vehicle locker system comprising:

12. The request is received from a mobile device.

12. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 11.

13. The instruction: receiving camera images from different autonomous vehicle lockers in a fleet that includes the autonomous vehicle locker; identifying the guest in the camera image; moving the autonomous vehicle locker to the different autonomous vehicle locker location based on the identified guest; 12. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 11, comprising:

14. The instruction: receiving a plurality of images of the guest from an autonomous vehicle locker in the fleet, an environmental sensor, or both; accessing the plurality of images to identify the guest; 14. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 13, comprising:

15. the instructions include identifying the guest using facial recognition.

14. The autonomous vehicle locker of claim 13.

16. 1. An autonomous vehicle locker method, comprising: Associating an autonomous vehicle locker with a guest; and capturing an image of the guest using a camera in the autonomous vehicle locker; receiving a guest item into a storage compartment of the autonomous vehicle locker; receiving data from one or more other autonomous vehicle lockers; determining a location of the guest based on the data from the other autonomous vehicle locker; and commanding the autonomous vehicle locker to travel to the guest's location based on the location identification; obtaining an updated image at said location; identifying the guest in the updated image; unlocking the storage compartment in response to identifying the guest; A method comprising:

17. receiving a user input; and activating, based on the user input, one or more display features of the autonomous vehicle locker, one or more audio features of the autonomous vehicle locker, or a combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 16.

18. activating one or more display features of the autonomous vehicle locker, one or more audio features of the autonomous vehicle locker, or a combination thereof in response to identifying the guest.

17. The method of claim 16.

19. associating the autonomous vehicle locker with the guest includes scanning a guest code using a scanner of the autonomous vehicle locker.

17. The method of claim 16.

20. the data includes image data from one or more cameras of the one or more other autonomous vehicle lockers; 17. The method of claim 16.

Images