Editing Ford repossession patent (section)

==Repossession procedure<ref>https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/20230055958#page=8</ref>==
"The first step of the multi-step repossession procedure may involve instructing the repossession system computer to '''disable a functionality of one or more components of the vehicle'''. The repossession system computer may perform this operation based on associating various components in the vehicle with various categories. In an example implementation, the categories can include a primary-use component category, a first level optional-use component, a second level optional-component, and so on."

===First level optional-use components===

*cruise control
*automated window controls
*automated seat controls
*components of the infotainment system (radio, GPS, MP3 Player, etc.)

"Disabling such components may cause a certain level of discomfort to the driver and occupants". 

"..in accordance with disclosure.. ..the repossession system computer.. ..may disable some or all components belonging to the first level optional-use component category for a first period of time (a few days, for example)."

===Second level optional-use components===

*air conditioning system
*remote key fob
*automated door lock/unlock system

"Disabling such components may cause an additional level of discomfort to the driver and occupants".

"If the owner of the vehicle fails to respond to the notice of delinquency over the first period of time, the repossession system computer may then disable some or all components belonging to the second level optional-use component category for a second period of time (same, or different than, the first period of time)."

===Primary-use components===

*engine
*brake
*accelerator
*steering wheel
*doors
*lights

If the vehicle owner still fails to respond to the notice of delinquency over the second period of time and/or despite the audio manipulation, the repossession system computer may disable some or all components of the primary-use component category.

===Activation of audio components<ref name=":1">[https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/20230055958 https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/20230055958#page=9]</ref>===
The repossession system computer may activate an audio component of the vehicle, such as the radio, a beeper, or a chime. Activation of the component could cause it to emit an incessant and unpleasant sound whenever the owner is inside the vehicle. To make the audio unpleasant the computer may vary the timber, tone, pitch, cadence, beat, or volume of the sound. The computer may also ensure the owner is unable to disable the sound.

===Vehicle lockout<ref name=":1" />===
After the second period of time, the door lock mechanism may be disabled. This effectively places the vehicle in a lockout condition to prevent a person from entering the cabin of the vehicle. The lockout condition can be enforced in modified forms, such as only being in effect during the weekends and allowing access during the weekdays. The repossession system computer may define a geofence around the residence of the owner and allow limited use of the vehicle inside the geofence for only certain days and/or times of a day.

===Self repossession<ref>[https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/20230055958 https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/20230055958#page=13]</ref>===
"Wherein the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle and wherein the method further comprises: detecting, by the first computer, a failure to receive the vehicle-related payment within a first period time; and sending, by the first computer, to the autonomous vehicle, a command to travel to a repossession site."

This claim method states that the first computer can issue a command for an autonomous vehicle to drive itself to a repossession agency.