Patent Publication Number: US-2022221875-A1

Title: Shipping system and control system for secure package delivery

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/944,357, filed Jul. 31, 2020, entitled SHIPPING SYSTEM AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SECURE PACKAGE DELIVERY, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/881,669, filed Aug. 1, 2019, entitled ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR SECURE PACKAGE DELIVERY, each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present invention relates generally to shipping systems. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a shipping system and a control system operable to provide secure package delivery. 
     2. Discussion of Prior Art 
     Prior art shipping methods include secure and unsecure methods for transferring a delivery item from a sender or transferring a delivery item to a recipient. Conventional post office practices utilize secure mailbox equipment to securely hold a sender&#39;s delivery item prior to shipment. Similarly, conventional secure mailbox equipment is generally provided by the post office or shipping service and may be used to securely hold a recipient&#39;s delivery item when it is received. It is known for secure mailboxes to be utilized at a post office, at places of business, or at other locations near a residential location or place of business. 
     With the proliferation of online retailers, drop-shipping services, and home delivery services, conventional mailbox equipment and shipping practices have several notable deficiencies. For instance, prior art home deliveries and services are known to leave delivered items unsecured at a location. For unsecured delivery items, instances of theft and tampering are pervasive and well-known. Furthermore, it is also common for delivery items to be sent to the wrong address by home delivery services. 
     This background discussion is intended to provide information related to the present invention which is not necessarily prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following brief summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a shipping system that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of prior art devices, including those devices set forth above. 
     A first aspect of the present invention concerns a shipping system configured to facilitate transfer of a package into and/or out of a room in a building. The shipping system is for controlling a shiftable panel of the building to selectively provide a path into and out of the room. The shipping system broadly includes an autonomous vehicle and a control system. The autonomous vehicle is configured to be advanced along the path to facilitate package transfer. The control system is configured to permit movement of the package into and/or out of the room. The control system is configured to control the shiftable panel to selectively provide the path into and out of the room. The control system broadly includes a vehicle sensor and a system processor. The vehicle sensor is configured to sense vehicle location data associated with the location of the autonomous vehicle relative to the panel. The system processor is configured to receive package identification data associated with the package, have the panel opened to allow room ingress and egress along the path based on the package identification data, move the autonomous vehicle to a location adjacent the panel to facilitate package transfer, based on the vehicle location data, and have the panel closed to restrict room ingress and egress along the path in response to a determination that the package has been transferred into or out of the room via the path. 
     A second aspect of the present invention concerns a shipping system configured to facilitate transfer of a package into and/or out of a room in a building. The shipping system is operable to selectively provide a path into and out of the room for package transfer and an autonomous vehicle configured to be advanced along the path to facilitate package transfer. The shipping system broadly includes a shiftable panel assembly and a control system. The shiftable panel assembly is operable to be constructed as part of the building and includes a shiftable panel that is shiftable between open and closed positions to selectively provide access to the room. The control system is configured to permit movement of the package into and/or out of the room. The control system is configured to control the shiftable panel to selectively provide the path into and out of the room. The control system broadly includes a location sensor and a system processor. The location sensor is configured to sense package location data associated with the location of the package relative to the panel. The system processor is configured to receive package identification data associated with the package, have the panel opened to allow room ingress and egress along the path based on the package identification data, move the autonomous vehicle to a location adjacent the panel to facilitate package transfer, based on the vehicle location data, and have the panel closed to restrict room ingress and egress along the path in response to a determination that the package has been transferred into or out of the room via the path. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational view of a shipping system constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing an autonomous vehicle, door, base station, and network of the shipping system provided as part of a building, with the vehicle being located in a room of the building; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of the shipping system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation of the door shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a panel assembly of the door in an open position to permit room ingress and egress; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation of the door similar to  FIG. 3 , but showing the panel assembly of the door in a closed position to restrict room ingress and egress; 
         FIGS. 5-10  are schematic views of the shipping system shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , showing steps of a package transfer process where a package is delivered to a building occupant; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of several packages for delivery by the shipping system and showing a corresponding data structure associated with the packages; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram of a control method of the shipping system shown in  FIGS. 1-11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an elevational view of a shipping system constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, showing an autonomous vehicle, door, base station, and network of the shipping system provided as part of a building, with the vehicle being located in a room of the building; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation of the door shown in  FIG. 13 , showing a panel assembly of the door in an open position to permit room ingress and egress; 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation of the door similar to  FIG. 14 , but showing the panel assembly of the door in a closed position to restrict room ingress and egress; 
         FIGS. 16-21  are schematic views of a shipping system constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, showing steps of a package transfer process where a package is delivered to a building occupant; 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  are schematic views of the shipping system similar to  FIGS. 16-21 , but showing an alternative delivery vehicle in the form of a flying drone used to transfer a package to the autonomous vehicle; 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic plan view of a shipping system constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the shipping system being provided as part of a multi-tenant complex; 
         FIGS. 25 and 26  are elevational views of the shipping system shown in  FIG. 24 , showing the shipping system in a shipping and receiving facility of the building; 
         FIGS. 27-29  are schematic views of the shipping system shown in  FIGS. 24-26 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic diagram of a control method of the shipping system shown in  FIGS. 24-29 . 
         FIGS. 31-33  are schematic views of a shipping system constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 34  is a schematic diagram of a control method of the shipping system shown in  FIGS. 31-33 . 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. While the drawings do not necessarily provide exact dimensions or tolerances for the illustrated components or structures, the drawings, not including any purely schematic drawings, are to scale with respect to the relationships between the components of the structures illustrated therein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a shipping system  30  is constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is configured to facilitate transfer of a package P between a room R in a building B and a delivery vehicle  32  outside the room R associated with a shipment order. As will be described, the shipping system  30  includes a control system  34  for controlling a shiftable panel of the building B to selectively provide a path T (see  FIGS. 6-8 ) into and out of the room R and an autonomous vehicle  36  configured to be advanced along the path to receive the package P. The shipping system  30  includes the autonomous vehicle  36 , a base station  38 , and a door  40 . 
     The package P may have a package container to hold one or more delivery items. The package container may take various forms, such as an envelope, box, sack, can, tube, etc. Suitable packaging materials may include paper, cardboard, wood, synthetic resin material, and/or a metal material. The package P may include a plurality of items that are packaged together or separately packaged from one another. 
     The package identification data may be associated with the package P and provided in various forms, such as printed indicia (e.g., a barcode) and/or an RFID chip. 
     The depicted building B is preferably in the form of a single-family residential home. However, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable for use with other types of buildings, such as a multi-family residential complex or a commercial building having one or more commercial occupants. As will be shown in a subsequent embodiment, the building B may include a multi-occupant facility. 
     Shipping System 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1-12 , the door  40  preferably includes a powered panel assembly  42  to selectively provide a path T into and out of the room R for room ingress and egress. As described below, the panel assembly  42  facilitates transfer of the package P between the room R and the delivery vehicle  32  outside the room R associated with a shipment order. 
     The door  40  broadly includes a door frame  44 , a swingable door  46 , and the panel assembly  42  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In the usual manner, the swingable door  46  is swingably mounted to the door frame  44  and includes a door handle  48 . The door handle  48  preferably includes a door lock  50 , which may comprise a manual door lock or an electronic smart lock. In the usual manner, the swingable door  46  is configured to be opened and closed for room ingress and egress by a person. The swingable door  46  preferably presents a panel opening  52  to operably receive a shiftable panel  54  of the panel assembly  42 . 
     The illustrated panel assembly  42  includes the shiftable panel  54 , panel actuators  56 , a servo controller  58 , panel transceiver  60 , user interface  62 , display  64 , processor  66 , memory  68 , battery  70 , line power source  72 , audio speaker and microphone assembly  74 , communication port  76 , antenna  78 , and a sensor and camera suite  80  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ). 
     The panel  54  is shiftably supported by guide rails  82  of the swingable door  46  and is shiftable between an open position, where the panel  54  is located above the panel opening  52 , and a closed position, where the panel  54  spans the door opening  52 . 
     The panel actuators  56  each preferably include a linear motor with an electric motor  84  and an extendable shaft  86  that is shiftable along a vertical direction to raise and lower the panel  54  between the open and closed positions. It is within the ambit of the present invention for the panel assembly to have an alternative actuator, such as an alternative linear motor (e.g., a hydraulic or pneumatic linear motor), or a drive motor other than a linear motor (e.g., an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor with a rotating shaft). The panel actuators are configured to be operated by the servo controller  58 , which may be operably connected to the actuators  56  via a wired or wireless connection. The panel assembly  42  also preferably includes electromagnets  87  that are configured to removably secure the panel  54  in the closed position. 
     The battery  70  is configured to supply power to other components of the door  40 . The battery  70  preferably comprises a conventional rechargeable battery (such as a lithium ion battery) and may be integrated into the swingable door construction. 
     The audio speaker and microphone assembly  74  is configured to permit two-way communication between a room occupant and a delivery person outside the building B. The communication port  76 , which may include a USB port, is configured to be removably operably connected with an electronic device (such as a portable computer, tablet, smart phone, etc.) outside the room R via a cable or other line (not shown). The communication port  76  is configured to provide data transfer between the system  30  and the electronic device. 
     The depicted sensor and camera suite  80  is operable to monitor various aspects of the system  30  and delivery service, particularly during the process of conducting a package transfer. The suite  80  includes sensors  88  and cameras  90 . For instance, as will be described, one or more of the sensors  88  (such as a barcode scanner and/or an RFID scanner) and/or cameras  90  may be used to identify the package P and/or determine the location of the package P. 
     As used herein, the term “sensor” may include one or more of various types of sensors or cameras for sensing, collecting, and/or generating corresponding sensor data. 
     Although the panel assembly  42  is preferably integrated as part of the door, the panel assembly could be alternatively provided as part of the building B. For instance, the panel assembly may be integrated into an alternative exterior door. The panel assembly may also be integrated into an exterior wall of the building B. 
     The autonomous vehicle  36  is configured to receive and move the package P during the package transfer process (see  FIGS. 5-10 and 12 ). The autonomous vehicle  36  preferably includes a chassis  92 , a drive train  94 , a transceiver  96 , user interface  98 , display  100 , processor  102 , memory  104 , battery  106 , and a sensor and camera suite  108  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
     The drive train  94  is operably supported by the chassis  92  and includes electric motors  110  to drive wheels  112 . 
     The depicted sensor and camera suite  108  is operable to monitor various aspects of the system  30  and delivery service, particularly during the process of conducting a package transfer. The suite  108  includes sensors  114  and cameras  116 . For instance, one or more sensors  114  (such as a barcode scanner and/or an RFID scanner) and/or cameras  116  may be used to identify the package P and/or determine the location of the package P. 
     The delivery vehicle  32  is configured to transfer the package P with a building occupant (by delivering the package to the occupant or receiving the package from the occupant). The delivery vehicle  32  preferably includes a commercial truck or van (not shown) configured to haul multiple packages. However, an alternative delivery vehicle may include an alternative wheeled vehicle (e.g., an automobile, motorcycle, scooter, moped, etc.) or a flying vehicle (e.g. a helicopter, drone, etc.) configured to transport one or more packages. 
     The delivery vehicle  32  preferably includes a chassis (not shown), drive train (not shown), transceiver  118 , user interface  120 , display  122 , processor  124 , memory  126 , battery  128 , and a sensor and camera suite  130  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     The depicted sensor and camera suite  130  is operable to monitor various aspects of the system  30  and delivery service, particularly during the process of conducting a package transfer. The suite  108  includes sensors  132  and cameras  134  (see  FIG. 2 ). For instance, one or more sensors  132  (such as a barcode scanner and/or an RFID scanner) and/or cameras  134  may be used to identify the package P and/or determine the location of the package P. 
     As used herein, one or more system processors may include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration) for executing instructions. The instructions may be executed within a variety of different operating systems, such as UNIX, LINUX, Microsoft Windows®, etc. More specifically, the instructions may cause various data manipulations on data stored in a storage device. It should also be appreciated that upon initiation of a computer-based method, various instructions may be executed during initialization. Some operations may be required to perform one or more processes described herein, while other operations may be more general and/or specific to a programming language (e.g., C, C#, C++, Java, or other suitable programming languages, etc.). 
     One or more system processors may be operatively coupled to a communication interface such that the corresponding base station, delivery vehicle, autonomous vehicle, panel assembly, etc. can communicate with one or more remote devices. For example, a communication interface associated with the base station may receive wireless or wired communications from the delivery vehicle, autonomous vehicle, panel assembly, or another remote device. 
     As described herein, a memory may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The above memory types are exemplary only and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program. 
     It will be understood that one or more processors of the system may be operatively coupled to a storage device (not shown). The storage device is any computer-operated hardware suitable for storing and/or retrieving data. In some embodiments, the storage device may be integrated in the base station. In other embodiments, the storage device may be external to the base station, such as the third party data repository or database. For example, the base station may include one or more hard disk drives as the storage device. In other embodiments, the storage device may be external to the base station and may be accessed by a plurality of base stations. For example, the storage device may include multiple storage units such as hard disks or solid-state disks in a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) configuration. The storage device may include a storage area network (SAN) and/or a network attached storage (NAS) system. 
     In some embodiments, one or more system processors may be operatively coupled to the storage device via a storage interface. The storage interface is any component capable of providing the processor with access to the storage device. The storage interface may include, for example, an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) adapter, a Serial ATA (SATA) adapter, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter, a RAID controller, a SAN adapter, a network adapter, and/or any component providing the processor  56  with access to the storage device. 
     Control System and Control Method 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5-12 , embodiments of a control system and a computer-implemented control method are shown for facilitating transfer of a package between a room in a building and a delivery vehicle outside the room associated with a shipment order. 
     The control system and computer-controlled control method may involve some or all of the elements and features described above or may involve substantially any suitable additional or alternative conventional or non-conventional technologies for accomplishing the processes described below. Further, while described in an example agricultural operating context, the control system and computer-implemented control method are not limited thereto and may be adapted for use in substantially any other suitable operating context. 
     An embodiment of the control system  34  is shown for facilitating the transfer of a package between a delivery service and a secure room. Broadly, the control system  34  may be configured to communicate with and/or control the delivery vehicle  32  in connection with a package transfer relative to the room R. In various embodiments, the autonomous vehicle  36  may autonomously receive and transfer the package P between the room R and the delivery vehicle  32 , while maintaining periodic or continuous communication with the base station  38  and a mobile access device  136  via a wireless communications network  138 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the base station  38  may include a base memory  140 , a base processor  142 , a base transceiver  144 , an input interface  146 , display  147 , line power source  148 , and base camera and sensor suite  149 . The base station  38  may also include a vehicle dock  150  configured to have the autonomous vehicle  36  removably docked therewith. The base memory  140  may store a management computer program for initiating, monitoring, or otherwise managing operation of the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36 . The base memory  140  may also store operation instructions for a particular job, wherein the operation instructions may guide one or more operations of the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36  during the particular job. The base processor  142  may execute the management computer program, including communicating the operation instructions to the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36  via the base transceiver  144 , and receiving sensor and/or camera data from the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36  via the base transceiver  144 . 
     The depicted sensor and camera suite  149  is operable to monitor various aspects of the system  30  and delivery service, particularly during the process of conducting a package transfer. The suite  149  includes sensors  151  and cameras  152  (see  FIG. 2 ). For instance, one or more sensors  151  (such as a barcode scanner and/or an RFID scanner) and/or cameras  152  may be used to identify the package P and/or determine the location of the package P. 
     In at least one implementation, some or all operations of the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36  may be controlled by the management computer program executed by the base processor  142 , with control signals being transmitted from the base station  38  and sensor and/or camera data being received by the base station  38  via the communications network  138   
     In another implementation, some or all operations of the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36  may be controlled by local computer programs executed by the processors of the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36 , based on operation instructions transmitted from the base station  38  and/or mobile access device  136 . The local computer programs may be in periodic or continuous communication with the management computer program. The base transceiver  144  may facilitate bi-directional communication between the base station  38  and the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36  via the communications network  138 . The interface  146  may facilitate interaction by a user with the management computer program, including entry of the operation instructions. The interface  146  and/or display  147  may facilitate communication to the user of relevant information, including sensor and/or camera data from the delivery vehicle  32 , door  40 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36 . 
     The base memory  140  may be an electronic memory storing operation instructions and other relevant information for access and use by the processor  142 . 
     The base memory  140  may store a look-up table or other data structure  153  for one or more packages, which may include such information as an identifier, a location, a content, and a status for each package (see  FIG. 11 ). Stored data may also include other information, such as item quantity contained in the package and/or a package weight. 
     The base station  38  preferably comprises a central computer, which may include various equipment, such as a desktop computer, server, portable computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. 
     The base station  38  may communicate with other system components (e.g., delivery vehicle, autonomous vehicle, panel assembly, etc.) via wired or wireless communication. For example, communication between the components may be established via one or more of a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) in typical wired communications. Further, for wireless communications, for example, communication may be established via one or more of Wi-Fi (e.g., implementing the Institute of Electrical and Electronics/IEEE 802.11 family of standards), radio frequency (RF) communication, Bluetooth communication, and/or with a mobile phone network, such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), broadband cellular networks (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), or other mobile data networks, and/or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) and the like. 
     In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the base station may be implemented as a software application. In such embodiments, the hardware described above, such as the processor, the memory, and/or other components may be shared with hardware components of a cloud based system (not shown). 
     The delivery vehicle  32  preferably provides elements of the control system  34 , including the transceiver  118 , user interface  120 , display  122 , processor  124 , memory  126 , battery  128 , and the sensor and camera suite  130 . 
     In at least one implementation, the delivery vehicle  32  may be a partially or fully autonomous vehicle, while in other implementations, the delivery vehicle may be a conventional manually driven vehicle or remotely driven vehicle. 
     The vehicle memory  126  may be an electronic memory storing operation instructions and other relevant information for access and use by the vehicle processor  124 . The vehicle processor  124  may be an electronic processor executing one or more computer programs to control operation of the delivery vehicle  32 , including autonomous travel to and from jobsites, aligning with the autonomous vehicle  36 , and/or coupling and uncoupling with the autonomous vehicle  36 . The vehicle transceiver  118  may facilitate bi-directional communication between the delivery vehicle  32  and the base station  38 , panel assembly  42 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36  via the communications network  138 , including receiving operation instructions for the delivery vehicle  32 . 
     The vehicle sensor and camera suite  130  may include one or more electronic sensors and/or cameras monitoring internal and/or external operations of the delivery vehicle  32  and facilitating accomplishment of the functions of the delivery vehicle  32 . For instance, the delivery vehicle  32  may have any internal and/or external sensors  132  and/or cameras  134  desired or needed to accomplish autonomous travel to shipment delivery and/or shipment pickup locations. The delivery vehicle  32  may include one or more cameras providing images of the delivery vehicle  32 , the door  40 , and/or the autonomous vehicle  36 , and/or an area around the delivery vehicle  32  during operation. 
     The delivery vehicle  32  may have one or more external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate relative positioning with the autonomous vehicle  36 , such as position sensors to sense the position of the delivery vehicle  32 . In one implementation, the delivery vehicle  32  may present one or more alignment markers (not shown) which the autonomous vehicle  36  senses and/or images for aligning itself with the delivery vehicle  32 . The alignment markers may be passive, in that they reflect, e.g., light (e.g., visual, infrared, laser), wherein the light may be emitted by emitters on the autonomous vehicle  36 , or the alignment markers may be active in that they emit, e.g., light. 
     The delivery vehicle  32  may have a delivery vehicle sensor configured to sense delivery vehicle location data associated with the location of the delivery vehicle  32  relative to the panel  54 . For example, the delivery vehicle  32  may include a navigation sensor configured to sense and generate navigation data regarding a geographic location and/or a navigation camera to collect or generate the vehicle location data. 
     The processor  124  of the delivery vehicle  32  and/or another processor of the system  30  may be configured to have the delivery vehicle  32  move to a location adjacent the panel  54  to transfer the package between the delivery vehicle  32  and the room R, based on the delivery vehicle location data. 
     The delivery vehicle  32  may also include control and drive components, such as electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic controls for controlling operation of the delivery vehicle  32  in accordance with operation instructions, and motors and/or engines for accomplishing the functions of the delivery vehicle  32 . This may include autonomous travel, aligning with the autonomous vehicle  36 , and/or coupling and uncoupling with the autonomous vehicle  36 , under the control of the vehicle processor  124  and vehicle control components. 
     The panel assembly  42  preferably provides elements of the control system  34 , including the panel actuators  56 , wireless servo controller  58 , panel transceiver  60 , user interface  62 , display  64 , processor  66 , memory  68 , battery  70 , line power source  72 , audio speaker and microphone assembly  74 , communication port  76 , antenna  78 , and the sensor and camera suite  80 . The door lock  50  may also be provided as part of the control system  34 . 
     The panel memory  68  may be an electronic memory storing operation instructions and other relevant information for access and use by the processor  66 . 
     The panel memory  66  may store a look-up table or other data structure  153  for one or more packages P, which may include such information as an identifier, a location, a content, and a status for each package (see  FIG. 11 ). Stored data may also include other information, such as item quantity contained in the package and/or a package weight. 
     The panel processor  66  may be an electronic processor executing one or more computer programs to control operation of the panel assembly  42  and door lock  50 . The panel transceiver  60  may be an electronic transceiver facilitating communications via the communications network  138 , including receiving operation instructions for the panel assembly  42  and door lock  50 . 
     The panel transceiver  60  may facilitate bi-directional communication between the panel assembly  42  and the base station  38 , delivery vehicle  32 , and/or autonomous vehicle  36  via the communications network  138 , including receiving operation instructions for the panel assembly  42 . In one implementation, the panel assembly  42  may use the panel transceiver  60  to communicate the status of one or more packages P and/or communicate other data associated with the packages P. 
     The panel sensor and camera suite  80  may include one or more electronic sensors  88  and/or cameras  90  monitoring operations of the panel assembly  42  and facilitating accomplishment of the functions of the panel assembly  42 , including opening and closing of the panel  54 . 
     The panel assembly  42  may include a sensor to sense whether the autonomous vehicle  36 , the package P, and/or another item is positioned within the panel opening  52 . The panel assembly  42  may have one or more cameras providing images of the area outside the building B (e.g., to provide images of the delivery person and/or the delivery vehicle  32 ), the room interior, and/or the autonomous vehicle  36 . 
     The door  40  preferably comprises control and actuation components that may include electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic controls for controlling operation of the panel assembly  42  and/or the door lock  50  in accordance with the operation instructions, and electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic actuators for accomplishing the functions of the panel assembly  42  and/or door lock  50 . For instance, the panel assembly  42  preferably includes actuators  56  and servo controller  58  to facilitate raising and lowering of the panel  54  between the open and closed positions. The door  40  may include a suitable actuator for locking and unlocking of the door lock  50 . 
     The autonomous vehicle  36  preferably provides elements of the control system  34 , including the transceiver  96 , user interface  98 , display  100 , processor  102 , memory  104 , battery  106 , and the sensor and camera suite  108 . 
     In one implementation, the autonomous vehicle may be fully autonomous, while in other implementations, the autonomous vehicle may be at least sufficiently autonomous to accomplish the functionality described herein. The autonomous vehicle may be remotely drivable and/or its operations otherwise remotely controllable in case of emergency or other special circumstances. 
     The vehicle memory  104  may be an electronic memory storing operation instructions and other relevant information for access and use by the vehicle processor  102 . 
     The vehicle processor  102  may be an electronic processor executing one or more computer programs to control operation of the vehicle  36 , including moving into a package transfer position relative to the delivery vehicle  32 , moving into a package transfer position relative to a delivery person, transferring one or more packages between the transfer position and a position in the room R, and/or other autonomous movement/travel, such as autonomous movement along an interior space (such as a room or hallway) or an exterior space (such as a porch, driveway, walkway, or street). The vehicle transceiver  96  may facilitate bi-directional communication between the autonomous vehicle  36  and the base station  38 , delivery vehicle  32 , and/or the panel assembly  42  via the communications network  138 , including receiving operation instructions for the autonomous vehicle  36 . 
     The vehicle sensor and camera suite  108  may include one or more electronic sensors  114  and/or cameras  116  monitoring operations of the autonomous vehicle  36  and facilitating accomplishment of the functions of the autonomous vehicle  36 , including moving into the transfer position relative to the delivery vehicle  32 , moving into the transfer position relative to the delivery person, transferring one or more packages between the transfer position and a position in the room R, autonomously advancing itself through the panel opening  52 , and/or other autonomous movement/travel. In particular, the autonomous vehicle  36  may include any internal and/or external sensors and/or cameras desired or needed to accomplish autonomous movement along an interior space (such as a room or hallway) or an exterior space (such as a porch, driveway, walkway, or street). 
     The sensors  114  may include a speed sensor configured to sense and generate speed data regarding a speed of movement of the autonomous machine across the location; a weight sensor configured to sense and/or generate weight data regarding the weight(s) of the supported package(s), a motor and/or engine sensor configured to sense and generate motor performance, a navigation sensor configured to sense and generate navigation data regarding a geographic location of the autonomous vehicle  36 , one or more cameras configured to provide images of the autonomous vehicle  36  in operation, and/or an area around the autonomous vehicle  36 . 
     The vehicle processor  102  may accomplish moving and operating the autonomous vehicle  36  at the building location in accordance with the set of operation instructions based at least in part on the speed, weight, motor, navigation, camera, and any other sensor and/or camera data. 
     The autonomous vehicle  36  may have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate alignment with the delivery vehicle  32  (such as alignment sensors to sense alignment markers on the delivery vehicle) or to facilitate coupling and uncoupling with the delivery vehicle  32 . 
     In particular, the autonomous vehicle  36  may have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate the transfer of packages, such as alignment sensors to sense whether the autonomous vehicle  36  is properly aligned with the delivery vehicle  32 . The external sensors and/or camera suite  108  may sense or provide images of the autonomous vehicle  36 , delivery vehicle  32 , and/or packages to facilitate coupling and uncoupling with the delivery vehicle and/or identifying and transferring packages. 
     Similarly, the autonomous vehicle  36  may have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate coupling and uncoupling with the vehicle dock  150  of the base station  38 . The external sensors and/or camera suite  108  may sense or provide images of the dock  150  and/or the autonomous vehicle  36  to facilitate coupling and uncoupling with the vehicle dock  150 . 
     In one implementation, the autonomous vehicle  36  may include an alignment sensor configured to sense and generate alignment data regarding a relative position of the delivery vehicle  32 , package(s) P, panel assembly  42 , and/or dock  150 . The delivery vehicle  32 , package(s) P, panel assembly  42 , and/or dock  150  may present one or more alignment markers  154  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11 ) which the docking alignment sensor senses or images and uses to align itself therewith (e.g., during coupling or uncoupling). 
     The alignment markers  154  may be passive, in that they reflect, e.g., light (e.g., visual, infrared, laser), wherein the light may be initially emitted by emitters on the autonomous vehicle  36 , or the alignment markers  154  may be active in that they emit, e.g., light. The processor  102  may align the autonomous vehicle  36  with the delivery vehicle  32 , package(s) P, panel assembly  42 , and/or dock  150  based on the alignment data from the alignment sensor. For instance, the machine processor  102  may align the autonomous vehicle  36  with the delivery vehicle  32  and facilitate transfer of a particular package between the delivery vehicle  32  and the autonomous vehicle  36 . 
     The locations, contents, and statuses of packages may be provided in a look-up table or other data structure  153  stored in a memory of the system  30  (such as vehicle memory  104 ), and the processor  102  may refer to such data to identify the location of package for transfer. Additionally or alternatively, a package identification indicia or data for each package may be indicated by a bar code or other machine readable label  156  (see  FIG. 11 ) on an exterior package surface, and the autonomous vehicle  36  may sense and/or image the label to determine or confirm the identity of the package. 
     The autonomous vehicle  36  may have control and drive components, such as electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic controls for controlling operation of the autonomous vehicle  36  in accordance with operation instructions, and motors and/or engines for accomplishing the functions of the autonomous vehicle  36 , including autonomous movement along or adjacent to the transfer location (and, in some implementations, autonomous travel to and from the transfer location), aligning with the delivery vehicle  32 , panel assembly  42 , or dock  150 , coupling and uncoupling with the delivery vehicle  32 , and coupling and uncoupling with the dock  150 , under the control of the processor  102  and the control components. 
     The mobile access device  136  may provide supplementary input and output interfaces for entering operation instructions and communicating sensor and/or camera data from the delivery vehicle  32 , autonomous vehicle  36 , base station  38 , and/or panel assembly  42 . The mobile access device  136  may be a smartphone, tablet, portable computer, or substantially any other suitable conventional or non-conventional technology. The mobile access device  136  may be used by the building occupant and/or the delivery person. 
     The communications network  138  may be substantially any suitable network employing substantially any suitable communications technology. 
     The control system  34  may include more, fewer, or alternative components and/or perform more, fewer, or alternative actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein, and particularly those discussed in the below-described computer-implemented control method. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-10 and 12 , an embodiment of a control method  200  is shown for facilitating delivery of one or more packages, including aligning and/or coupling the autonomous vehicle  36  relative to a delivery vehicle, and including transferring the package between the autonomous vehicle and the delivery vehicle. The control method  200  may be a corollary to the functionality of the above-described control system  34 , and may be implemented using the various components of the control system  34  within the above-described example operating environment or other context. Broadly, the control method  200  may proceed substantially as follows. Some or all of the steps may be accomplished under partial or full computer control. 
     Operation instructions may be initially provided for at least the autonomous vehicle  36 . The room occupant and/or delivery person may enter the operation instructions, and the operation instructions may be any relevant instructions, such as a start time, pause, end time, speed of movement, etc. Operation instructions may include whether or not the autonomous vehicle  36  is used to facilitate transfer of a package. Operation instructions may include whether the autonomous vehicle  36  is positioned in a transfer location outside the building B or within the room R (e.g., in a location adjacent the panel assembly) for transfer of a package. Relevant operation instructions may be similarly entered for the panel assembly  42  and/or the delivery vehicle  32 . 
     The operation instructions may be entered at the transfer location, at the base station  38 , or any other location. The operation instructions may be entered using the interface  146  or substantially any other suitable input interface. The operation instructions may be individually entered or selected from the base memory  140  or the vehicle memory  104  as a subset or full set of prior-entered operation instructions, which may modified, as desired or needed. 
     It will be appreciated that the control methods described herein may be used in connection with an incoming delivery process, where package(s) are delivered from a shipper (such as a supplier) at another location, via the delivery vehicle, to a person (i.e., a recipient) in the building B, and/or an outgoing delivery process, where package(s) are delivered from a person in the building B (i.e., a shipper), via the delivery vehicle, to a recipient at another location. 
     The system  30  may be activated to initiate and conduct a package transfer, as shown in  202 . In one implementation, the delivery person or delivery vehicle may provide package identification data to the system  30  (e.g., by sending data to the base station) as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. For instance, the delivery person may manually input the data through a device (see  FIG. 5 ). Similarly, the delivery person may position a package adjacent the door  40  so that a sensor (e.g., barcode scanner, RFID reader, etc.) and/or camera of the system  30  may collect sensor and/or camera data from the package. 
     The base station  38 , autonomous vehicle  36 , panel assembly  42 , delivery vehicle  32 , and/or another device associated with the delivery service may provide the sensor and/or camera used to collect the package identification data. The sensor and/or camera data may be collected from a barcode, RFID chip, or other identifying element that includes the package identifying data and is supplied with the package. 
     The sensor and/or camera data may be transmitted from the autonomous vehicle  36 , panel assembly  42 , delivery vehicle  32 , and/or another device, via its corresponding transceiver, through the network  138 , to the transceiver  144  of the base station  38 . In this manner, the transceiver  144  of the base station  38  may be configured to receive package identification data associated with the package P and/or other data associated with package transfer. 
     The system  30  may then compare the package identifying data with a stored identifier to confirm that the package P corresponds with a shipment order. A processor of the system  30 , such as the base processor  142 , is operable to receive package identification data associated with the package P. 
     In particular, a processor of the system  30  is configured to access a data structure (such as data structure  152 ) containing an identifier for the package P. The identifier is generated in connection with creation of a shipment order. The system processor is configured to compare the identifier and the sensed package identification data to confirm a match, indicating the package corresponds with the shipment. 
     The system processor is also configured to open the panel  54  to allow room ingress and egress based upon confirmation that the identifier and package identification data match one another. 
     The system processor is also configured to have the autonomous vehicle  36  moved based upon confirmation that the identifier and package identification data match one another. 
     In another implementation, a package transfer may be initiated when the system  30  senses the presence of the delivery person or delivery vehicle  32 . In another implementation, a package transfer may be initiated when the system  30  communicates with the delivery person or delivery vehicle  32 . In another implementation, a package transfer may be initiated when an occupant of the building B manually authorizes the system  30  to begin a package transfer. 
     In another implementation, package location data associated with the location of the package relative to the panel may be provided to the system  30 . 
     For instance, the autonomous vehicle  36 , panel assembly  42 , delivery vehicle  32 , or another device associated with the delivery service may include a location sensor (e.g., a navigation sensor configured to sense and generate navigation data regarding a geographic location and/or camera) used to collect or generate the package location data, which may be sent to another part of the system  30  (e.g., by sending data to the base station). It will also be appreciated that package location data may be collected by the system  30  as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. For instance, the delivery person may position a package adjacent the door  40  so that a sensor (e.g., barcode scanner, RFID reader, etc.) and/or camera of the panel assembly  42  may collect sensor and/or camera data associated with a package location in proximity to the door  40 . 
     The package location data provided by the sensor and/or camera data may be transmitted from the autonomous vehicle  36 , panel assembly  42 , delivery vehicle  32 , or another device (such as a portable computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.), via its corresponding transceiver, through the network  138 , to the transceiver  144  of the base station  38 . For instance, package location data may be transmitted from a transceiver associated with the delivery vehicle  32 , through the network  138 , to the transceiver  144  of the base station  38 . In this manner, the transceiver  144  of the base station  38  may be configured to receive package location data associated with the package P. 
     In various embodiments, the delivery vehicle  32  may have a powered loading device  158  (see  FIG. 2 ) configured to transfer the package P into or out of the delivery vehicle  32 . The loading device  158  may be operable to transfer the package to or from a transfer location adjacent the building (e.g., a porch, walkway, driveway, street, etc.). The loading device  158  may be operable to transfer the package to or from the autonomous vehicle  36 . A system processor may be configured to have the autonomous vehicle  36  moved into the transfer location, which may be adjacent the delivery vehicle  32 , to transfer the package between the autonomous vehicle and the delivery vehicle, based on the vehicle location data. 
     If the package identifier does not match the collected package identification data, the system  30  is configured to keep the panel closed, as shown in  204 . 
     If the package identifier matches the collected package identification data, the system  30  may have the panel assembly  42  open the panel  54  to permit room ingress and egress via the panel opening, as shown in  206  (see  FIGS. 6 and 12 ). In particular, the system  30  may operate the actuators to raise the panel  54  from the closed position. In the closed position, the panel  54  is preferably secured to restrict room ingress and egress along the path T. The system  30  may stop the actuators  56  when sensor data and/or camera data confirm that the panel  54  is in the open position. 
     Although the panel assembly  42  is preferably configured so that the panel  54  is driven by actuators  56  between open and closed positions, the panel assembly may be alternatively configured within the scope of the present invention. An alternative panel assembly may have a panel shiftable between open and closed positions without the use of an actuator. 
     For instance, an alternative panel assembly may have a panel swingably supported along an upper margin that permits the panel to normally return to a closed position. In such an embodiment, the panel assembly may include a panel lock device that shifts between a locked condition, in which the panel is secured in the closed position, and an unlocked condition, in which the panel is unlocked and permitted to shift open to allow room ingress and egress along the path. 
     If the package identifier matches the collected package identification data, the system  30  may ready the autonomous vehicle for package transfer, see  206 . For instance, if the autonomous vehicle is docked with the dock, the system  30  may have the autonomous vehicle  36  uncouple itself from the dock  150 . The system  30  may have the autonomous vehicle  32  advance itself to a ready position adjacent the panel  54 , where the autonomous vehicle  36  is preferably aligned with the panel opening  52 . 
     The system  30  is configured to have the autonomous vehicle  36  align itself with the panel opening  52 , another element of the panel assembly  42 , and/or another element of the door  40  via alignment markers (not shown) positioned on the panel assembly  42  or another part of the door  40 . 
     In one implementation, with the autonomous vehicle  36  in the ready position and the panel  54  opened, the autonomous vehicle  36  may be configured to receive a package or have a package removed therefrom. 
     In another implementation, with the autonomous vehicle  36  in the ready position and the panel  54  opened, the autonomous vehicle  36  may be configured to be advanced through the panel opening  52  for room egress to receive a package or to have a package removed. 
     Again, operation instructions may include whether a transfer location for the autonomous vehicle is outside the building B or within the room R. For instance, the transfer location may be outside the building B (e.g., on a porch, walkway, driveway, street, etc. adjacent the building) for receiving the package from a delivery service or providing a package for pickup by the delivery service. 
     Vehicle location data associated with the location of the autonomous vehicle  36  relative to the panel  54  may be provided to the system  30 . 
     The base station  38 , autonomous vehicle  36 , and/or panel assembly  42 , may include a sensor and/or camera used to collect vehicle location data, which may be sent to another part of the system  30  (e.g., by sending data to the base station  38 ). For example, the autonomous vehicle  36  may include a sensor (e.g., a navigation sensor configured to sense and generate navigation data regarding a geographic location and/or navigation camera) used to collect or generate the vehicle location data. 
     It will also be appreciated that package location data may be collected by the system  30  as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. For instance, the delivery person may position a package adjacent the door  40  so that a sensor (e.g., barcode scanner, RFID reader, etc.) and/or camera of the panel assembly  42  may collect sensor and/or camera data associated with a package location in proximity to the door  40 . 
     The package location data provided by the sensor and/or camera data may be transmitted from the autonomous vehicle  36 , panel assembly  42 , delivery vehicle  32 , or other device, via its corresponding transceiver, through the network  138 , to the transceiver  144  of the base station  38 . In this manner, the transceiver  144  may be configured to receive vehicle location data associated with the vehicle  36 . 
     Package transfer data may be associated with the removal of a package P from the autonomous vehicle  36  (e.g., where the package is removed from a position supported on the vehicle or is otherwise detached or uncoupled from the vehicle  36 ). Similarly, package transfer data may be associated with the receipt of a package by the autonomous vehicle  36  (e.g., where the vehicle  36  supports or is otherwise connected or coupled with the package P). 
     The base station  38 , autonomous vehicle  36 , delivery vehicle  32 , and/or panel assembly  42 , may include a sensor and/or camera used to collect package transfer data, which may be sent to another part of the system  30  (e.g., where data is sent to the base station  38 ). 
     For example, the autonomous vehicle  36  may include a weight sensor configured to indicate a change in weight supported by the autonomous vehicle  36 . In another implementation, package transfer data may be provided by sensor data (such as data from a proximity sensor) and/or camera data from the system  30  indicating an addition or removal of a package supported by or coupled relative to the autonomous vehicle  36 . Associated sensor or camera data may be provided by the delivery vehicle  32 , autonomous vehicle  36 , panel assembly  42 , and/or base station  38 . In another implementation, package transfer data may be generated by manual input to a user interface of the system  30  by the delivery driver and/or a building occupant. 
     It will also be appreciated that package transfer data may be collected by the system  30  as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. For instance, the building occupant may position a package on the autonomous vehicle  36  so that a sensor and/or camera of the system  30  may collect sensor and/or camera data associated with package receipt on the vehicle  36 . 
     The package transfer data provided by the sensor and/or camera data may be transmitted from the autonomous vehicle  36 , panel assembly  42 , delivery vehicle  32 , or other device, via its corresponding transceiver, through the network  138 , to the transceiver  144  of the base station  38 . In this manner, the transceiver  144  may be configured to receive package transfer data associated with the package P. 
     If the transfer location is outside the building B, the autonomous vehicle is advanced through the panel opening  52  to the transfer location for the package transfer, as shown in  208  (see  FIGS. 6 and 12 ). At the transfer location, the system  30  confirms that the package transfer is completed. The transfer location outside the building B may be adjacent the panel assembly  42  to receive the package. 
     In one implementation, package transfer completion may be confirmed, as shown in  210 , by sensor data from a package transfer sensor of the system  30  configured to sense removal of the package from the autonomous vehicle  36  (e.g., where the package is removed from a position supported on the vehicle or is otherwise detached or uncoupled from the vehicle). Package transfer completion may also be confirmed by sensor data from a package transfer sensor of the system  30  configured to sense receipt of the package by the autonomous vehicle  36  (e.g., where the vehicle supports or is otherwise connected with the package). 
     After room egress of the autonomous vehicle  36  and while the vehicle  36  remains outside the building B, the system  30  may have the panel  54  remain open. However, for at least some embodiments of the present invention, the system  30  may have the panel  54  return to the closed position for this period. 
     Subsequent to confirmation of package transfer in  210 , the system  30  has the autonomous vehicle returned to the room R by advancing the autonomous vehicle through the panel opening and into the room R, as shown in  212  (see  FIGS. 9 and 12 ). In one implementation, the system  30  may sense the autonomous vehicle  36  to confirm the vehicle is inside the room R. Vehicle return may be confirmed by sensor data (e.g., from a barcode scanner or an RFID reader) and/or camera data from the system  30 . Sensor or camera data confirming the vehicle location in the room R may be provided by the delivery vehicle  32 , autonomous vehicle  36 , panel assembly  42 , base station  38 , and/or another device. 
     In another implementation, where the package P is being received by the building occupant, the system  30  may sense the package to confirm the vehicle  36  and package are both inside the room R. Package location in the room R may be confirmed by sensor data (e.g., from a barcode scanner or an RFID reader) and/or camera data from the system  30 . 
     Based upon a determination that the package has been transferred into or out of the room R via the path T and/or based upon confirmation of the vehicle being returned to the room R, the system  30  may have the panel assembly  42  secure the panel  54  closed to restrict room ingress and egress via the panel opening  52 , as shown in  214  (see  FIGS. 10 and 12 ). 
     For instance, the system  30  may operate the actuators  56  to lower the panel  54  from the open position to the closed position and secure the panel closed. The system  30  may stop the actuators  56  when sensor data and/or camera data confirm that the panel  54  is in the closed position. The system  30  may prevent the actuators  56  from lowering the panel  54  if sensor data and/or camera data identify an obstruction extending through, across, or adjacent the panel opening. 
     As noted above, an alternative panel assembly may have a panel that is alternatively shiftable between open and closed positions and/or is alternatively secured in the open and closed positions. For example, the panel assembly may include a panel lock device that shifts between a locked condition, in which the panel is secured in the closed position to restrict room ingress and egress, and an unlocked condition, in which the panel is unlocked and permitted to shift open to allow room ingress and egress along the path. 
     If the transfer location is inside the building B, the autonomous vehicle  36  may be advanced to a transfer location adjacent the panel  54  for the package transfer, as shown in  216 . At the transfer location, the system  30  confirms that the package transfer is completed, see  218 . Package transfer completion may be confirmed by sensor data from the system  30 , as discussed above. 
     Upon confirmation of package transfer completion, the system  30  may have the panel assembly  42  close the panel  54  to restrict room ingress and egress via the panel opening  52 , as shown in  220  (see  FIG. 12 ). In particular, the system  30  may operate the actuators  56  to lower the panel  54 . The system  30  may stop the actuators  56  when sensor data and/or camera data confirm that the panel  54  is in the open position. Again, the system  30  may prevent the actuators  56  from lowering the panel  54  if sensor data and/or camera data identify an obstruction extending through, across, or adjacent the panel opening. 
     For some embodiments of the present invention, a package transfer may be conducted without using an autonomous vehicle, such as the autonomous vehicle  36 . For example, if the package identifier matches the collected package identification data, the system  30  may have the panel assembly  42  open the panel  54  to permit room ingress and egress via the panel opening  52 . In particular, the system  30  may operate the actuators  56  to raise the panel  54 . Again, the system  30  may stop the actuators  56  when sensor data and/or camera data confirm that the panel  54  is in the open position. 
     To transfer the package without use of an autonomous vehicle, it will be appreciated that the package P may be advanced through the panel opening  52  to a transfer location in the room R by various means. For instance, the package P may be advanced manually through the panel opening  52  by a delivery driver. The package P may also be advanced using a powered device (e.g., a vehicle, conveyor, etc.) or a manually operated device, which may or may not communicate with the system  30 . 
     With the transfer location being inside the building B, the system  30  confirms that the package transfer is completed. Package transfer completion may be confirmed by sensor data from the system  30 , as discussed above. 
     Upon confirmation of package transfer completion, the system  30  may have the panel assembly  42  close the panel  54  to restrict room ingress and egress via the panel opening  52 . As described above, the system  30  may operate the actuators to lower the panel  54 . The system  30  may stop the actuators when sensor data and/or camera data confirm that the panel is in the open position. The system  30  may prevent the actuators from lowering the panel if sensor data and/or camera data identify an obstruction extending through, across, or adjacent the panel opening. 
     ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning to  FIGS. 13-15 , an alternative system  300  is constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The following description of system  300  will primarily describe differences of the system  300  compared to the system  30 . 
     The alternative system  300  includes, among other things, an alternative autonomous vehicle  302 , a base station  304 , and an alternative door  306 . 
     The door  306  preferably includes an alternative swingable door  308  and a powered panel assembly  310 . The panel assembly  310  has an alternative shiftable panel  311  and an alternative panel actuator  312 . The door  308  presents a panel opening  314  that permits room ingress and egress when the panel  310  is opened. The door  308  preferably includes a lowermost door rail  316  that defines a lower margin of the panel opening  314 . The door rail  316  preferably restricts the vehicle  302  from driving through the panel opening  314 , whether the panel opening  314  is opened or closed. In this manner, the door  306  is configured to restrict the vehicle  302  from room egress while permitting package transfer through the panel opening  314 . 
     The panel actuator  312  includes an electric motor  318 , a shaft  320 , opposite pulleys  322  mounted on the shaft  320 , and lines  324  attached to the pulleys  322  to raise and lower the panel  310 . 
     The autonomous vehicle  302  is configured to receive and move a package P during the package transfer process. The autonomous vehicle  36  preferably includes a chassis  326 , a drive train  328 , and a temperature-controlled enclosure  330  supported on the chassis  326 . 
     The enclosure  330  preferably includes an enclosure cover  332  that can be raised and lowered between open and closed positions to provide selective access to an enclosure chamber  334 . The enclosure  330  preferably includes a heating and cooling device (not shown) configured to maintain the chamber  334 , along with a package(s) therein, at a temperature higher or lower than room temperature. 
     The heating and cooling device is operably coupled to the vehicle processor and battery. Thus, the vehicle processor is configured to control heating and cooling of the chamber  334  and package(s). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 16-23 , an alternative system  400  is constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The following description of system  400  will primarily describe differences of the system  400  compared to the system  30 . 
     The alternative system  400  includes, among other things, an alternative autonomous vehicle  402 , an alternative delivery vehicle  404 , and a door  406 . 
     The autonomous vehicle  402  is configured to receive and move a package P during the package transfer process. The autonomous vehicle  406  preferably includes a chassis  408 , a drive train  410 , and an enclosure  412  supported on the chassis  408 . 
     The enclosure  412  preferably includes a powered enclosure lid  414  that can be swung between open and closed positions to provide selective access to an enclosure chamber  416  (see  FIG. 19 ). For instance, the lid  414  can be swung open for manual transfer of a package for receipt by the enclosure  412  (see  FIGS. 16-21 ). However, the enclosure  412  may also be swung open for automated transfer of a package to the enclosure by the delivery vehicle  404 . The depicted delivery vehicle  404  preferably comprises an autonomous drone configured to deposit the package in the chamber of the enclosure  412  (see  FIGS. 22 and 23 ). 
     Alternative embodiments of an autonomous wheeled vehicle may be configured to support various devices for other tasks or functions inside or outside the building. For instance, alternative vehicle embodiments may have a chassis configured to be selectively coupled and uncoupled with one of multiple devices or systems that perform corresponding tasks, such as transporting an item within the building. In one such embodiment, the vehicle may be configured to support a fire extinguishing system (not shown) configured to autonomously deploy itself for extinguishing a fire in the building when the fire is sensed by the system. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 24-30 , an alternative shipping system  500  is constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The following description of system  500  will primarily describe differences of the system  500  compared to the system  30 . 
     The shipping system  500  is preferably used in association with a multi-tenant complex  502 . The depicted complex  502  includes a secure shipping and receiving facility  504  and a series of secure spaces/rooms  506  associated with corresponding tenants/occupants. The facility  504  and rooms  506  are accessible along a walkway  508 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the complex  502  may comprise a single building that houses the facility  504 , rooms  506 , and walkway  508 . In other preferred embodiments, the complex  502  may include multiple buildings that cooperatively house the facility  504  and rooms  506 . In various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the walkway  508  or another transportation area connecting the facility  504  and rooms  506  may be located inside a building of the complex  502 , outside any building of the complex  502 , or have parts located inside and outside. 
     Each room  506  is preferably associated with a room door  510  having a panel assembly (similar to door  40 ) that provides secure access to the room  506  from the walkway  508  for package transfer. 
     The shipping system  500  includes a control system  512  for controlling package transfers associated with the facility  504  and the rooms  506 . The shipping system  500  also preferably includes a delivery vehicle  514 , autonomous vehicles  516 , a base station  518 , room doors  510 , and a network  520 . Yet further, the shipping system  500  preferably includes interior facility doors  522 , exterior facility door  524 , facility robot  526 , and conveyor  528 . 
     The interior facility doors  522  each preferably comprise a powered panel assembly  532  (similar to panel assembly  42 ) to selectively provide a path between the facility  504  and the walkway  508  for facility ingress and egress. The panel assembly  532  facilitates transportation of package(s) P between the facility  504  and the walkway  508  outside the facility  504  (e.g., for package transfer with one or more of the rooms  506 . 
     In a similar manner, the exterior facility door  524  preferably comprises a powered panel assembly  534  (similar to panel assembly  42 ) to selectively provide a path into and out of the facility  504  for facility ingress and egress. The panel assembly  534  facilitates transfer of package(s) P between the facility  504  and the delivery vehicle  514  outside the facility  504 . The facility doors  524 , 526 , including the panel assemblies  532 , 534 , provide elements of the control system  512 , similar to the door  40  in the first embodiment described above. 
     The delivery vehicle  514  preferably provides elements of the control system  512 , including a transceiver  538 , user interface  540 , display  542 , processor  544 , memory  546 , battery  548 , and the sensor and camera suite  550 . 
     The delivery vehicle  514  may also have a powered loading device  552  configured to transfer package(s) P into or out of the delivery vehicle  514 . The loading device  552  may include one or more motors  553  and may be operable to transfer the package(s) to or from the conveyor  528  and/or the robot  526 . A system processor may be configured to have the conveyor  528  and/or robot  526  moved into a transfer location, which may be adjacent the delivery vehicle  514 , to transfer the package(s) between locations in the facility  504  (such as shelving or racks  554 ) and the delivery vehicle  514 , based on the vehicle location data. 
     The robot  526  is configured to carry and transport one or more package(s) P within the facility  504 . The robot  526  preferably provides elements of the control system  512 , including a transceiver  556 , user interface  558 , display  560 , processor  562 , memory  564 , battery  566 , a line power source  568 , and a sensor and camera suite  570  with cameras  572  and sensors  574 . 
     In one implementation, the robot  526  may be fully autonomous, while in other implementations, the robot  526  may be at least sufficiently autonomous to accomplish the functionality described herein. The robot  526  may be remotely controllable (e.g., in case of emergency or other special circumstances). 
     The memory  564  may be an electronic memory storing operation instructions and other relevant information for access and use by the processor  562 . 
     The processor  562  may be an electronic processor executing one or more computer programs to control operation of the robot  526 , including moving into a package transfer position relative to the delivery vehicle  514  and/or conveyor  528 , moving into a package transfer position relative to a delivery person, moving into the transfer position relative to an autonomous vehicle  516 , transferring one or more packages between the transfer position and a position in the facility  504  (e.g., a position on shelving  554 ), and/or other autonomous movement/travel. The transceiver  556  may facilitate bi-directional communication between the robot  526  and the base station  518 , delivery vehicle  514 , and/or the panel assembly  534  via the communications network  520 , including receiving operation instructions for the robot  526 . 
     The robot sensor and camera suite  570  may include one or more electronic cameras  572  and/or sensors  574  monitoring operations of the robot  526  and facilitating accomplishment of the functions of the robot  526 , including moving into the transfer position relative to the delivery vehicle  514  and/or conveyor  528 , moving into the transfer position relative to an autonomous vehicle  516 , moving into the transfer position relative to the delivery person, transferring one or more packages between the transfer position and a position in the facility  504  (e.g., a position on shelving  554 ), and/or other autonomous movement/travel. In particular, the robot  526  may include any internal and/or external sensors and/or cameras desired or needed to accomplish autonomous movement within the facility. 
     The sensors  570  may include a speed sensor configured to sense and generate speed data regarding a speed of movement of the robot  526  across a location; a weight sensor configured to sense and/or generate weight data regarding the weight(s) of the supported package(s), a motor and/or engine sensor configured to sense and generate motor performance, a navigation sensor configured to sense and generate navigation data regarding a geographic location of the robot  526 , one or more cameras configured to provide images of the robot  526  in operation, and/or an area around the robot  526 . 
     The processor  562  may accomplish moving and operating the robot  526  within the facility  504  in accordance with the set of operation instructions based at least in part on the speed, weight, motor, navigation, camera, and any other sensor and/or camera data. 
     The robot  526  may have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate alignment and/or engagement with the delivery vehicle  514  (such as alignment sensors to sense alignment markers on the delivery vehicle), the conveyor  528 , and/or package(s) P, and/or to facilitate coupling and uncoupling with the delivery vehicle  514 , conveyor  528 , an autonomous vehicle  516 , and/or package(s) P. 
     In particular, the robot  526  may have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate the transfer of packages, such as alignment sensors to sense whether the robot  526  is properly aligned and engaged with the delivery vehicle  514 , the conveyor  528 , and/or package(s) P moving through the door  524 . The external sensors and/or camera suite  570  may sense or provide images of the robot  526 , delivery vehicle  514 , the conveyor  528 , and/or package(s) P to facilitate alignment, engagement, coupling and uncoupling, and/or identifying and transferring package(s). 
     The robot  526  may also have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate alignment with an autonomous vehicle  516  (such as alignment sensors to sense alignment markers on the autonomous vehicle) and/or to facilitate coupling and uncoupling with the autonomous vehicle  516  and/or package(s) P. 
     In particular, the robot  526  may have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate the transfer of packages, such as alignment sensors to sense whether the robot  526  is properly aligned and engaged with the autonomous vehicle  516  and/or package(s) P moving through a door  522 . The external sensors and/or camera suite  570  may sense or provide images of the robot  526 , autonomous vehicle  516 , and/or package(s) P to facilitate alignment, engagement, coupling and uncoupling, identifying package(s), and/or transferring package(s). 
     In one implementation, the robot  526  may include an alignment sensor configured to sense and generate alignment data regarding a relative position of the delivery vehicle  514 , package(s) P, panel assemblies  532 , 534 , autonomous vehicle  516 , and/or conveyor  528 . The delivery vehicle  514 , package(s) P, panel assemblies  532 , 534 , autonomous vehicle  516 , and/or conveyor  528  may present one or more alignment markers which the docking alignment sensor senses or images and uses to align itself therewith (e.g., during alignment, engagement, coupling and uncoupling, identifying package(s), and/or transferring package(s)). 
     The processor  562  may align the robot  526  with the delivery vehicle  514 , package(s) P, panel assemblies  532 , 534 , autonomous vehicle  516 , and/or conveyor  528  based on the alignment data from the alignment sensor. For instance, the processor  562  may align the robot  526  with the delivery vehicle  514  and/or conveyor  528  to facilitate transfer of a package between the robot  526  and the facility  504 . Similarly, the processor  562  may align the robot  526  with an autonomous vehicle  516  to facilitate transfer of a package between the robot  526  and the autonomous vehicle  516 . 
     The locations, contents, and statuses of packages may be provided in a look-up table or other data structure stored in a memory of the system  500 , and the processor  562  may refer to such data to identify the location of package for transfer. Additionally or alternatively, a package identification indicia or data for each package may be indicated by a bar code or other machine readable label on an exterior package surface, and the robot  526  may sense and/or image the label to determine or confirm the identity of the package. 
     The robot  526  may have control and drive components, such as electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic controls for controlling operation of the robot  526  in accordance with operation instructions, and motors and/or engines for accomplishing the functions of the robot  526 , including autonomous movement along or adjacent to the transfer location, aligning and/or engaging with the delivery vehicle  514 , package(s) P, panel assemblies  532 , 534 , autonomous vehicle  516  and/or conveyor  528 , or coupling and uncoupling with the delivery vehicle  514 , package(s) P, panel assemblies  532 , 534 , autonomous vehicle  516 , and/or conveyor  528 , under the control of the processor  562  and the control components. 
     Robot location data associated with the location of the robot  562  (e.g., relative to the delivery vehicle  514 , package(s) P, panel assemblies  532 , 534 , autonomous vehicle  516  and/or conveyor  528 ) may be provided to the system  500 . 
     The base station  518 , robot  526 , delivery vehicle  514 , panel assemblies  532 , 534 , and/or autonomous vehicle  516  may include a sensor and/or camera used to collect robot location data, which may be sent to another part of the system  500  (e.g., by sending data to the base station  518 ). For example, the robot  526  may include a sensor (e.g., a navigation sensor configured to sense and generate navigation data regarding a geographic location and/or navigation camera) used to collect or generate the robot location data. 
     It will also be appreciated that robot location data may be collected by the system  500  as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. 
     Referring to  FIG. 30 , an embodiment of a control method  600  is shown for facilitating delivery of one or more packages relative to the facility  504 . It will be appreciated that the control methods described herein may be used in connection with an incoming delivery process, where package(s) are delivered from a shipper (such as a supplier) at another location, via the delivery vehicle, to a person (i.e., a recipient) in the complex  502 , and/or an outgoing delivery process, where package(s) are delivered from a person in the complex  502  (i.e., a shipper), via the delivery vehicle, to a recipient at another location. Furthermore, the described control methods may be used in connection with a delivery process where package(s) are delivered from a shipper in the complex  502  to a recipient in the complex  502 . 
     The system  500  may be activated to initiate and conduct a package transfer, as shown in  602 . In one implementation, the delivery person or delivery vehicle may provide package identification data to the system  500  (e.g., by sending data to the base station) as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. For instance, the delivery person may manually input the data through a device (see  FIG. 5 ). Similarly, the delivery person may position a package adjacent the facility  504  so that a sensor (e.g., barcode scanner, RFID reader, etc.) and/or camera of the system  500  may collect sensor and/or camera data from the package. 
     The base station  518 , autonomous vehicle  516 , panel assembly  532 , 534 , delivery vehicle  514 , and/or another device associated with the delivery service may provide the sensor and/or camera used to collect the package identification data. The sensor and/or camera data may be collected from a barcode, RFID chip, or other identifying element that includes the package identifying data and is supplied with the package. 
     The sensor and/or camera data may be transmitted from the autonomous vehicle  516 , panel assembly  532 , 534 , delivery vehicle  514 , and/or another device, via its corresponding transceiver, through the network  520 , to the transceiver of the base station  518 . In this manner, the transceiver of the base station  518  may be configured to receive package identification data associated with the package P and/or other data associated with package transfer. 
     The system  500  may then compare the package identifying data with a stored identifier to confirm that the package P corresponds with a shipment order. A processor of the system  500  is operable to receive package identification data associated with the package P. 
     If the package identifier does not match the collected package identification data, the system  500  is configured to keep the panel closed, as shown in  604 . 
     If the package identifier matches the collected package identification data, the system  500  may have the panel assembly  532 , 534  open the panel to permit room ingress and egress via the panel opening, as shown in  606 . 
     If the package identifier matches the collected package identification data, the system  500  may ready the robot  526  for package transfer, see  606 . The system  500  may have the robot  526  advance itself to a ready position adjacent the respective panel assembly  532 , 534 , where the robot  526  may be aligned with the corresponding panel opening. 
     The system  500  is configured to have the robot  526  align itself with the panel opening, another element of the panel assembly  532 , 534 , and/or another structure in the facility  504  via alignment markers (not shown). 
     In one implementation, with the robot  526  in the ready position and the panel opened, the robot  526  may be configured to receive a package or release a package therefrom. In another implementation, with the robot  526  in the ready position and the panel opened, the robot  526  may be configured to be at least partly advanced through the panel opening for room egress to receive a package or to release a package. 
     Robot location data associated with the location of the robot  526  may be provided to the system  500 . It will also be appreciated that package location data and/or package transfer data may be collected by the system  500  as part of the process of a package transfer. 
     The base station  518 , autonomous vehicle  516 , delivery vehicle  514 , robot  526 , and/or panel assembly  532 , 534  may include a sensor and/or camera used to collect package transfer data and/or package transfer data, which may be sent to another part of the system  500 . 
     For example, the robot  526  may include a weight sensor configured to indicate a change in package weight supported by the robot  526 . In another implementation, package transfer data may be provided by sensor data (such as data from a proximity sensor) and/or camera data from the system  500  indicating an addition or removal of a package supported by or coupled relative to the robot  526 . Associated sensor or camera data may be provided by the delivery vehicle  514 , autonomous vehicle  516 , panel assembly  532 , 534 , robot  526 , and/or base station  518 . In another implementation, package transfer data may be generated by manual input to a user interface of the system  500  by the delivery driver and/or a building occupant. 
     In one implementation, package transfer completion may be confirmed, as shown in  608 , by sensor data from a package transfer sensor of the system  500  configured to sense transfer of the package relative to the robot  526  (e.g., where the package is released by the robot  526  onto the conveyor  528  or an autonomous vehicle  516 ). 
     Subsequent to confirmation of package transfer in  608 , based upon a determination that the package(s) has been transferred into or out of the facility  504 , the system  500  may have the panel assembly  532 , 534  secure the respective panel closed to restrict room ingress and egress via the panel opening, as shown in  610 . 
     A processor of the system  500  may be configured to move the robot  526  to transfer the package(s) between the delivery vehicle  514  and the robot  526 . 
     The processor  544  of the delivery vehicle  514  may be configured to operate a loading device  552  to transfer the package into or out of the delivery vehicle  514 . A robot sensor may configured to sense robot location data associated with the location of the  552  relative to the delivery vehicle  514 . The processor  544  of the delivery vehicle  514  and/or another processor of the system  500  may be configured to move the  552  into a location adjacent the delivery vehicle  514  to transfer the package(s) between the  552  and the delivery vehicle  514 , based on the robot location data. 
     The robot sensor may be configured to sense robot location data associated with the location of the  552  relative to the delivery vehicle  514 , package(s) P, panel assemblies  532 , 534 , autonomous vehicle  516  and/or conveyor  528 . The processor  544  of the delivery vehicle  514  and/or another processor of the system  500  may be configured to move the robot  526  and/or the autonomous vehicle  516  adjacent one another to transfer the package between the robot  526  and the autonomous vehicle  516 , based on the robot location data and/or the vehicle location data. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 31-33 , an alternative shipping system  700  is constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The following description of system  700  will primarily describe differences of the system  700  compared to the system  30 . 
     The shipping system  700  is preferably used in association with a kiosk  702 . The depicted kiosk  702  comprises a supply facility for supplying product to one or more customers and includes a secure building  704  with one or more secure spaces/rooms  706 . In the illustrated embodiment, kiosk  702  may be configured to prepare and store food for subsequent purchase and delivery by customers. To that end, kiosk  702  preferably includes a food preparation area  708 , oven  710 , and food storage area  712  housed within the building  704 . 
     It is also within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention for the embodiments of the kiosk to be used for preparation, manufacture, packaging, storage, and/or distribution of products other than food or other perishable items. In such embodiments, the kiosk may be configured to facilitate preparation, manufacture, packaging, storage, and/or distribution of nonperishable goods. 
     In preferred embodiments, equipment within the kiosk may be configured to conduct one or more automated tasks which may include, but are not limited to, preparation, manufacture, packaging, storage, and/or distribution of products. Such automated tasks may require some or no human intervention to complete the task. For at least certain embodiments, kiosk operations may be largely or entirely automated, such that no workers are required within the kiosk to complete one or more automated tasks. However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the kiosk may be configured to accommodate one or more workers within one or more rooms of the kiosk. 
     For at least certain aspects of the present invention, a building structure other than a kiosk (e.g., a warehouse, office, residence, manufacturing facility, etc.) may be configured as a supply facility for supplying products to one or more customers. Alternative supply facilities may be used as an alternative to the kiosk or in addition to the kiosk. Accordingly, preferred embodiments may comprise a relatively larger supply facility, such as a post office, fulfillment warehouse, distribution hub, etc. for providing products to customers. To accommodate the use of multiple supply facilities, it will be appreciated that the system may operate one or more automated vehicles so that the vehicles are configured to travel for transporting package(s) between the facilities and/or transporting package(s) between one or more of the facilities and one or more customer locations. 
     In preferred embodiments, the building  704  of kiosk  702  may be unitary or may include multiple buildings to house various aspects of the facility, such as equipment and storage elements. The building  704  is preferably associated with a panel assembly  714  (which includes a shiftable panel  714   a ) that provides secure access to the room  706  from outside the kiosk  702  for package transfer and facilitates transportation of package(s) P into and/or out of the building  704 . 
     The shipping system  700  includes a control system  716  for controlling package transfers associated with the building  704 . The shipping system  700  also preferably includes one or more autonomous vehicles  718 , a base station  720 , and a network  722 . 
     Shipping system  700  may also be used in association with one or more other buildings  724 , which may be associated with one or more customers or other package recipients to receive one or more package deliveries. The depicted building  724  may comprise a secure building with one or more secure spaces/rooms  726 . The building  724  is preferably associated with a building door  728  having a panel assembly  730  (similar to door  40 ) that provides secure access to the room  726  from outside the building  724  for package transfer and facilitates transportation of package(s) P into and/or out of the building  724 . Panel assembly  730  preferably includes a shiftable panel  730   a.    
     In preferred embodiments, the recipient building may comprise a residential home or apartment building. For at least certain aspects of the present invention, the recipient building may also include other types of enclosed building structures (e.g., a warehouse, office, residence, manufacturing facility, etc.) to receive a package shipment. It is also within the scope of at least certain aspects of the present invention for the recipient location to comprise a venue other than a building, such as an “open air” venue (e.g., a yard, dock, lot, field, driveway, pavilion, tent, terrace, etc.) that may or may not have a roof or other covering. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the autonomous vehicle  718  may include features of autonomous vehicles disclosed above and may also include features of delivery vehicles disclosed above. 
     The autonomous vehicle  718  is configured to receive and move a package P during the package transfer process. The autonomous vehicle  718  preferably includes a chassis  732 , a drive train  734 , and an enclosure  736  supported on the chassis  732 . 
     The enclosure  736  preferably includes a powered enclosure door  738  that can be shifted vertically between open and closed positions (see  FIG. 31 ) to provide selective access to an enclosure chamber. For instance, the door  738  may be opened for manual transfer of a package for receipt by the enclosure  736 . However, the enclosure  736  may also be opened for automated transfer of a package to and/or from the enclosure  736  by another mechanism (such as an automated device of the kiosk). 
     The autonomous vehicle  718  is configured to carry and transport one or more package(s) P within the buildings  704 , 724 . The autonomous vehicle  718  preferably provides elements of the control system  716 , including a transceiver  742 , user interface  744 , display  746 , processor  748 , memory  750 , battery  752 , a sensor and camera suite  754  with cameras  756  and sensors  758 , the drive train  734  with one or more motors  750 , and a panel shifter  752  with one or more motors  754 . 
     The illustrated panel shifter  752  preferably includes a vertically shiftable arm  756  that is powered by the motor  754 . The depicted arm  756  is configured to removably and directly engage the panels  714   a , 730   a  for shifting the panels  714   a , 730   a  between open and/or closed positions. Physical engagement between the arm  756  and the panels  714   a , 730   a  may be provided by various constructions within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the arm  756  and panel may include male and female connector elements that are complementally engaged with one another. 
     In other embodiments, the arm and panel may be removably frictionally engaged with one another. For instance, the arm may include a frictional engagement end provided by an elastomeric element. The element may be cup-shaped to produce a “suction” condition between the element and the panel to enhance frictional engagement therebetween. 
     The memory  750  may be an electronic memory that stores operation instructions and other relevant information for access and use by the processor  748 . 
     The processor  748  may be an electronic processor executing one or more computer programs to control operation of the vehicle  718 , including moving into a package transfer position relative to a person or device associated with the kiosk, moving into a package transfer position relative to a person or device associated with another building (such as the building  724 ) or a delivery vehicle, moving into a package transfer position relative to a delivery person, moving into the transfer position relative to another autonomous vehicle  718 , transferring one or more packages between the transfer position and a position in the building  704  (e.g., a position on shelving or supported by another storage structure), and/or other autonomous movement/travel. The transceiver  742  may facilitate bi-directional communication between the vehicle  718  and the base station  720 , a delivery vehicle, and/or a panel assembly (e.g., panel assembly  714 , 730 ) via the communications network  722 , including receiving operation instructions for the vehicle  718 . 
     The sensor and camera suite  754  may include one or more electronic cameras  756  and/or sensors  758  monitoring operations of the vehicle  718 , panel assemblies  714 , 730 , and/or other features of the system. The sensor and camera suite  754  may facilitate accomplishment of the functions of the vehicle  718 , including moving into a transfer position relative to a building (such as building  704  or  724 ), a delivery vehicle  514 , another autonomous vehicle  516 , a delivery person, transferring one or more packages between the transfer position and a position in the facility  704 , 724  (e.g., a position on shelving), and/or other autonomous movement/travel. In particular, the vehicle  718  may include any internal and/or external sensors and/or cameras desired or needed to accomplish autonomous movement inside and/or outside of the buildings. 
     Sensors  758  may include a speed sensor configured to sense and generate speed data regarding a speed of movement of the vehicle  718  across a location; a weight sensor configured to sense and/or generate weight data regarding the weight(s) of the supported package(s), a motor and/or engine sensor configured to sense and generate motor performance, a navigation sensor configured to sense and generate navigation data regarding a geographic location of the vehicle  718 , one or more cameras configured to provide images of the vehicle in operation, and/or an area around the vehicle, and/or a sensor (proximity sensor, optical sensor, accelerometer, etc.) associated with the panel shifter  752  to monitor position and movement of the panel shifter  752 . 
     The processor  748  may accomplish moving and operating the vehicle  718  inside and/or outside the buildings in accordance with the set of operation instructions based at least in part on the speed, weight, motor, navigation, camera, and any other sensor and/or camera data. 
     The vehicle  718  may have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate alignment and/or engagement with the panel assemblies  714 , 730  (such as alignment sensors to sense alignment markers on the delivery vehicle), a delivery vehicle, another autonomous vehicle, equipment located inside and/or outside the buildings, and/or package(s) P, and/or to facilitate coupling and uncoupling with the delivery vehicle, another autonomous vehicle, equipment located inside and/or outside the buildings, and/or package(s) P. 
     In particular, the vehicle  718  may have external sensors and/or cameras to facilitate the transfer of packages, such as alignment sensors to sense whether the vehicle  718  is properly aligned and engaged with the delivery vehicle, another autonomous vehicle, equipment located inside and/or outside the buildings, and/or package(s) P. The external sensors and/or camera suite  754  may sense or provide images of the vehicle  718 , the delivery vehicle, another autonomous vehicle, equipment located inside and/or outside the buildings, and/or package(s) P to facilitate alignment, engagement, coupling and uncoupling, and/or identifying and transferring package(s). 
     The locations, contents, and statuses of packages may be provided in a look-up table or other data structure stored in a memory of the system  700 , and the processor  748  may refer to such data to identify the location of package for transfer. Additionally or alternatively, a package identification indicia or data for each package may be indicated by a bar code or other machine readable label on an exterior package surface, and the vehicle  718  may sense and/or image the label to determine or confirm the identity of the package. 
     The vehicle  718  may have control and drive components, such as electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic controls for controlling operation of the vehicle  718  in accordance with operation instructions, and motors and/or engines for accomplishing the functions of the vehicle  718 , including autonomous movement along or adjacent to the transfer location, aligning and/or engaging with package(s) P, panel assemblies  714 , 730 , another autonomous vehicle, and/or a delivery vehicle, or coupling and uncoupling with package(s) P, panel assemblies  714 , 730 , another autonomous vehicle, and/or a delivery vehicle, under the control of the processor  748  and the control components. 
     Vehicle location data associated with the location of the vehicle  718  (e.g., relative to package(s) P, panel assemblies  714 , 730 , another autonomous vehicle, and/or a delivery vehicle) may be provided to the system  700 . 
     The base station, panel assemblies  714 , 730 , and/or autonomous vehicle  718  may include a sensor and/or camera used to collect vehicle location data, which may be sent to another part of the system  700  (e.g., by sending data to the base station). For example, the vehicle  718  may include a sensor (e.g., a navigation sensor configured to sense and generate navigation data regarding a geographic location and/or navigation camera) used to collect or generate the vehicle location data. 
     It will also be appreciated that vehicle location data may be collected by the system  700  as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. 
     Referring to  FIG. 34 , an embodiment of a control method  800  is shown for facilitating transfer of one or more packages relative to the kiosk and the building. It will be appreciated that the control methods described herein may be used in connection with a kiosk-supplying delivery process, where package(s) are delivered from a shipper (such as a supplier) at another location (not shown), via the automated vehicle  718  or another delivery vehicle, to a location or a person (i.e., a recipient) in a building (such as the kiosk), and/or a customer-supplying delivery process, where package(s) are delivered from a building (such as the kiosk) or a person in the building (i.e., a shipper), via the automated vehicle  718  or another delivery vehicle, to a recipient in the building or at another location. Furthermore, the described control methods may be used in connection with a delivery process where package(s) are delivered from a shipper in the kiosk or at another location to a recipient in the kiosk, the building, or another location. 
     The system  700  may be activated to initiate and conduct a package transfer. Initially, the vehicle  718  and package(s) may be presented to the panel assembly  714  of the kiosk  702  for transfer, as shown in  802 . In one implementation, the vehicle or a person associated with delivery may provide package identification data to the system  700  (e.g., by sending data to the base station) as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. For instance, a person may manually input the data through a device or position a package adjacent the door so that a sensor (e.g., barcode scanner, RFID reader, etc.) and/or camera of the system  700  may collect sensor and/or camera data from the package. 
     The system  700  may then compare the package identifying data with a stored identifier to confirm that the package P corresponds with a shipment order. A processor of the system  700 , such as the vehicle processor  748  or a processor of the panel assembly or the base station, is operable to receive package identification data associated with the package P. 
     In particular, a processor of the system  700  is configured to access a data structure containing an identifier for the package P. The identifier is generated in connection with creation of a shipment order. The system processor is configured to compare the identifier and the sensed package identification data to confirm a match, indicating the package corresponds with the shipment. 
     The system processor is also configured to open the panel  714   a  of the panel assembly  714 , as shown in  804 , to allow deployment of the vehicle  178  and package(s) relative to the kiosk  702  based upon confirmation that the identifier and package identification data match one another. The system processor is also configured to have the autonomous vehicle  718  moved based upon confirmation that the identifier and package identification data match one another. 
     In another implementation, a package deployment may be initiated when the system  700  senses the presence of the vehicle  718  and/or a person authorizing delivery adjacent the panel assembly  714 . In another implementation, a package deployment may be initiated when the system  700  communicates with the vehicle  718  and/or a person authorizing delivery. In another implementation, a package deployment may be initiated when an occupant of the building B manually authorizes the system  700  to begin package deployment. 
     The panel assembly  714  may be configured within the scope of the present invention to be shiftable between open and closed positions without the use of an actuator. For instance, the panel assemblies may be shiftable via the vehicle  718 . In various embodiments, the vehicle  718  may have the panel shifter  752  engage the corresponding panel  714   a  and to raise and/or lower the panel  714   a.    
     Subsequent to deployment, the vehicle  718  and package(s) may be presented to the panel assembly  730  of the building  724  for package transfer, as shown in  806 . In one implementation, the vehicle or a person associated with delivery may provide package identification data to the system  700  (e.g., by sending data to the base station) as part of the process to initiate a package transfer. For instance, a person may manually input the data through a device or position a package adjacent the door so that a sensor (e.g., barcode scanner, RFID reader, etc.) and/or camera of the system  700  may collect sensor and/or camera data from the package. 
     The system  700  may then compare the package identifying data with a stored identifier to confirm that the package P corresponds with a shipment order. A processor of the system  700 , such as the vehicle processor  748  or a processor of the panel assembly or the base station, is operable to receive package identification data associated with the package P. 
     Again, a processor of the system  700  is configured to access a data structure containing an identifier for the package P. The identifier is generated in connection with creation of a shipment order. The system processor is configured to compare the identifier and the sensed package identification data to confirm a match, indicating the package corresponds with the shipment. 
     The system processor is also configured to open the panel  730   a  of the panel assembly  730 , as shown in  808 , to allow transfer of the package(s) relative to the building  724  based upon confirmation that the identifier and package identification data match one another. The system processor is also configured to have the autonomous vehicle  718  moved based upon confirmation that the identifier and package identification data match one another. 
     In another implementation, a package transfer may be initiated when the system  700  senses the presence of the vehicle  718  and/or a person authorizing delivery adjacent the panel assembly  714 . In another implementation, a package deployment may be initiated when the system  700  communicates with the vehicle  718  and/or a person authorizing delivery. In another implementation, a package transfer may be initiated when an occupant of the building B manually authorizes the system  700  to begin package transfer. 
     The panel assembly  730  may be configured within the scope of the present invention to be shiftable between open and closed positions without the use of an actuator. For instance, the panel assembly may be shiftable via the vehicle  718 . In various embodiments, the vehicle  718  may have the panel shifter  752  engage the corresponding panel  730   a  and to raise and/or lower the panel  730   a.    
     In one implementation, with the autonomous vehicle  718  in the ready position and the panel  730   a  opened, the autonomous vehicle  718  may be configured to have a package removed therefrom. 
     In another implementation, with the autonomous vehicle  718  in the ready position and the panel  730   a  opened, the autonomous vehicle  36  may be configured to be advanced through the panel opening for room ingress to have the package removed. 
     Again, operation instructions may include whether a transfer location for the autonomous vehicle is outside the building B or within the room. For instance, the transfer location may be outside the building B (e.g., on a porch, walkway, driveway, street, etc. adjacent the building) for receiving the package from a delivery service or providing a package for pickup by the delivery service. 
     Subsequent to package transfer and with the vehicle  718  located outside the building B, the system  700  may have the panel  730   a  remain open. However, for at least some embodiments of the present invention, the system  700  may have the panel  730   a  return to the closed position. 
     Subsequent to confirmation of package transfer, the system  700  has the autonomous vehicle  718  returned to the kiosk, as shown in  810 . The vehicle  718  is returned to the kiosk and presented to the panel  714   a  of the kiosk. 
     In one implementation, the vehicle  718  or a person associated with delivery may provide vehicle identification data to the system  700  (e.g., by sending data to the base station) as part of the process to return the vehicle  718  to the kiosk. For instance, the vehicle  718  may transmit vehicle identification data to the system  700  when in close proximity to the panel  714   a  to initiate opening of the panel  714   a . Alternatively, a person may manually input data through a device to authorize return of the vehicle and initiate opening of the panel  714   a.    
     The system  700  may then compare the vehicle identifying data with a stored identifier to confirm that the vehicle  718  is authorized to gain access to the kiosk. A processor of the system  700 , such as the vehicle processor  748  or a processor of the panel assembly or the base station, is operable to receive vehicle identification data associated with the vehicle  718 . 
     A processor of the system  700  is configured to access a data structure containing an identifier for the vehicle  718 . The identifier is generated in connection with creation of a shipment order. The system processor is configured to compare the identifier and the sensed vehicle identification data to confirm a match, indicating the vehicle corresponds with the shipment. 
     The system processor is also configured to open the panel  714   a  of the panel assembly  714 , as shown in  812 , to allow ingress of the vehicle  718  relative to the kiosk based upon confirmation that the identifier and vehicle identification data match one another. The system processor is also configured to have the autonomous vehicle  718  moved based upon confirmation that the identifier and vehicle identification data match one another. 
     In another implementation, vehicle ingress relative to the kiosk may be initiated when the system  700  senses the presence of the vehicle  718  and/or a person authorizing vehicle return adjacent the panel assembly  714 . In another implementation, a vehicle ingress relative to the kiosk may be initiated when the system  700  communicates with the vehicle  718  and/or a person authorizing the return (such as a person inside or outside the kiosk). 
     Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present invention, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Such other preferred embodiments may, for instance, be provided with features drawn from one or more of the embodiments described above. Yet further, such other preferred embodiments may include features from multiple embodiments described above, particularly where such features are compatible for use together despite having been presented independently as part of separate embodiments in the above description. 
     The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.