US20060010077A1 - Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries - Google Patents

Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20060010077A1
US20060010077A1 US11/224,333 US22433305A US2006010077A1 US 20060010077 A1 US20060010077 A1 US 20060010077A1 US 22433305 A US22433305 A US 22433305A US 2006010077 A1 US2006010077 A1 US 2006010077A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
information
access
token
container
delivery
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/224,333
Inventor
Steve Dohrmann
Darren Yee
Peter Nee
James Dishman
Seshadri Sathyanarayan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Intel Corp
Original Assignee
Intel Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Intel Corp filed Critical Intel Corp
Priority to US11/224,333 priority Critical patent/US20060010077A1/en
Publication of US20060010077A1 publication Critical patent/US20060010077A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G29/00Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00 
    • A47G29/14Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
    • A47G29/141Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/36Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using electronic wallets or electronic money safes
    • G06Q20/367Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using electronic wallets or electronic money safes involving electronic purses or money safes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/40Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
    • G06Q20/401Transaction verification
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G29/00Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00 
    • A47G29/14Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
    • A47G29/141Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means
    • A47G2029/147Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means the receptacle comprising heating or cooling means

Definitions

  • Transaction information can include information regarding a location, such as a geographical location of a container to which access was attempted or successfully made.

Abstract

A secure pickup and delivery container includes a lockable door, a control unit, an access element, and an anchoring element, according to an embodiment. The control unit includes a processing element and a memory that can be programmed either on-site or remotely with access privilege information such as identity (e.g. of container, delivery person, etc.), location, date, time, frequency of access, and/or package-specific information. In an embodiment, access privilege information is programmed when an intended recipient of a delivery consummates a point of sale transaction, for example over the Internet or telephone. The access element can be a keypad, a biometric scanner, a card reader, a bar-code reader, and/or a wireless control element to read a programmable token such as a smart card. Delivery personnel can enter access request information into the access element, and if it favorably compares with the access privilege information, the control unit unlocks the door. Notification can be concurrently made via wireline or wireless communications to the intended recipient, who may be situated remote from the secure container. The recipient can optionally return a delivery acknowledgment to the delivery personnel. Details of the delivery transaction can also be recorded electronically on the delivery personnel's token, within the container, or at a remote location.

Description

    DIVISIONAL APPLICATION
  • The present application is a divisional of application U.S. Ser. No. 09/561,835, filed on Apr. 28, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The subject matter relates generally to package transport. More particularly, the subject matter relates to methods and apparatus that enable packages to be picked up or delivered at unattended locations by delivery personnel in a manner that safeguards such packages from theft and adverse environmental conditions.
  • BACKGROUND INFORMATION
  • In the field of package transport and delivery, it is well known to use mailboxes located at a postal station or in the vicinity of residences or other buildings occupied by the intended recipients of packages. Generally, mailboxes are suitable for letter-sized packages, but they are not suitable for large packages. Lockable mailboxes that can accommodate large packages and that are accessible by postal delivery personnel are also known, but such mailboxes can only be accessed by postal delivery personnel and the mailbox owner.
  • With the anticipated rapid growth in Internet commerce, there is projected a corresponding increase in the delivery of packages by delivery personnel. Such packages can be of any type, value, size, weight, and durability. They can include a wide spectrum of items ranging from jewelry, consumer electronics, groceries, cash, pharmaceuticals, large documents, fine art, and so forth.
  • The preponderance of deliveries need to be made during the working day, which is the peak delivery time for most delivery companies. However, with increasing numbers of people being away from their residence during the day, it is increasingly difficult for delivery personnel to make contact with intended recipients of packages to complete delivery. Consequently, delivery personnel are often compelled to leave packages on a porch or protruding from a mailbox or door, or to attempt to locate a neighbor who is willing to sign for the package; otherwise, delivery personnel must return packages to a distribution center, attempt to make contact with the intended recipient, and deliver the package at a later time. The current process is very inefficient and wastes a significant amount of time and non-renewable vehicular fuel resources. In addition, when packages are not secured at the point of delivery, they are subject to theft, pilferage, spoilage, as well as damage and/or destruction resulting from adverse environmental conditions.
  • It is often necessary for delivery personnel to pick up packages from residences and other buildings notwithstanding the absence of anyone to safeguard the packages until they can be put into the hands of the delivery personnel.
  • For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a significant need in the art for methods and apparatus that enable the unattended delivery and pickup of packages in a manner that overcomes the problems mentioned above.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a residential building having a secure pickup and delivery container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a secure pickup and delivery container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of electrical components associated with a secure pickup and delivery container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a token or access card for a secure pickup and delivery container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for operating a secure pickup and delivery container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a residential building 10 having a secure pickup and delivery container 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Secure container 1 is intended as a secure repository wherein a package 2 can be deposited for later pickup or delivery. A “package” is broadly defined herein as any item that is transported in any manner from one entity (referred to as a “shipper”) to another entity (referred to as a “recipient”) by means of a transporting entity (referred to as a “delivery person”).
  • A delivery person 7 is shown carrying a package 2 for deposit in secure container 1. Secure container 1 is a self-standing box located near the door 3 of residential building 10, according to an embodiment; however, in other embodiments it can be situated in any suitable location proximate to or within a building that houses one or more intended shippers and/or recipients. For example, secure container 1 could be built into an exterior wall of building 10 or buried partially or entirely underground except for a user-accessible door. In the case wherein secure container 1 is integral with a building, the user-accessible door could be formed as part of an existing door, panel, wall, or other architectural element of the building, so long as it provides the desired degree of physical accessibility to delivery personnel and the requisite protection for packages.
  • In an embodiment, delivery person 7 carries a token 6 for accessing secure container 1. A “token” is defined herein to include a smart card, credit card, a magnetically encoded card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other handheld computing device, a bar-coded card or label, a device capable of communicating via radio frequency or light signals, or any other device that is readily transportable and that can store information. Token 6 need not comprise “active” electronic components, but it can be implemented with “passive” or even purely mechanical components, according to some embodiments. Further details concerning token 6 are provided below.
  • In an embodiment, building 10 houses a computer 20, such as a personal computer, that is capable of communicating over a network, such as the Internet. According to an embodiment, the network connection is a high speed Internet connection using, for example, a terrestrial or satellite antenna 5; however, any type of network connection could be used, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, integrated services digital network (ISDN), telephone modem, wireless modem, network card, or the like.
  • Computer 20 can be utilized, as described in greater detail below, where it is referred to as one type of “user device”, to order items to be delivered to secure container 1. In addition, computer 20 can be utilized, in an embodiment, to define and store access privilege information that sets forth specific limits on physical access to secure container 1. The access privilege information is stored, according to an embodiment, in a control unit (described regarding FIG. 3 below) associated with secure container 1.
  • In addition, information can be communicated to computer 20 concerning an access of secure container 1 or an attempted access of secure container 1. Such information can include the identity of the delivery person(s), the date and/or time of each access or attempted access, and the identity of each package that has been picked up from and/or delivered to secure container 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a secure pickup and delivery container 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Secure container 202 includes a lockable door 204 that can include a handle 206. In an embodiment door 204 is coupled to secure container 202 by means of suitable hinges 208. Door 204 allows access to an interior part of the secure container 202. Other types of doors besides hinged doors could be used, such as sliding, shuttered, or revolving doors.
  • Secure container 202 includes an access element 210 that can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as with a token or card slot 212 or a keypad, as described further below. A delivery person must present access request information to access element 210 that matches stored access privilege information in order to gain physical access to secure container 202.
  • Secure container 202 can be anchored using any suitable anchoring element that renders secure container 202 substantially immobile. In an embodiment, flanges or panels 220 are provided on secure container 202, and they are anchored to an appropriate structure such as a wall, foundation, concrete slab, or the like, using tamper-resistant fasteners such as anchor bolts 222. Anchor bolts 222 can be of any type and can have a large disc 224 to resist removal. Anchor bolts 226 can be similar to anchor bolts 222, but rather than being inserted through panels 220, they are inserted through apertures in the floor (not shown) on the interior of secure container 202 to thwart attempts to remove the secure container by removal of the bolt heads.
  • Secure container 202 can include a self-contained power source, such as a solar panel 218 that, in an embodiment, enables secure container 202 to be located anywhere without requiring a connection to an electric power line. An antenna 216 can be provided, according to an embodiment, to support wireless communications to and/or from secure container 202; alternatively, communications with secure container 202 can be supported via a cable or other wireline element 230 that links secure container 202 with a computer network that is accessible by shippers, recipients, and/or delivery personnel.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of electrical components associated with a secure pickup and delivery container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The electrical components include a system bus 301, a control unit 302, a power supply 318, an electric lock 330, and an access element to receive a request to access the interior of the container. The access element can be of any suitable type, such as a card/token reader 313, keypad 316, and/or a biometric scanner 319. Other types of access elements can be utilized with embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing card/token reader 313, keypad 316, and biometric scanner 319 are merely illustrative. For example, a programmable bar-code reader on the secure pickup and delivery container could read a bar-coded label on a package. Likewise, any of a number of access elements could be employed that comprise a wireless interface element to communicate with a token via a wireless interface, e.g. a radio frequency or light-based interface, when the token takes the form, for example, of a wireless PDA, a one-way or two-way radio, an RF tag device, a laser-based device, an infra-red device, or the like. To provide additional security or for other reasons, more than one access element and/or more than one token could be utilized. The design of suitable access elements to implement the herein-disclosed embodiments of the present invention is well within the abilities of one skilled in the art.
  • Control unit 302 includes a processing element in the form of local processor 304, and it further includes a memory element in the form of local memory 306. Local processor 304 executes computer program instructions stored in local memory 306, stores data into local memory 306, and reads data from local memory 306.
  • Local memory 306 can comprise any suitable type or types of memory storage elements, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk, floppy disk, compact disk (CD), or any other type of memory device or combination of memory devices. Local memory 306 includes a memory area 307 that stores algorithms in the form of computer-executable instructions, data structures, and/or other data types. These algorithms can be utilized by certain embodiments of the present invention to perform various methods of operating a secure pickup and delivery container, illustrative ones of which will be described further below.
  • Local processor 304 can be of any suitable type. As used herein, “processor” means any type of computational element, such as but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or any other type of processor or processing circuit. In an embodiment, local processor 304 is an Intel (R) Pentium (R) III processor available from Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif.
  • Control element 302 can also include a wireline interface 308, to which at least one user device 331 can be coupled, and/or a wireless interface in the form of wireless transceiver 310, with which at least one user device 332 can be in wireless communication via antenna 312 over wireless link 339.
  • User devices can include computers of all types, including personal computers, hand-held computers, and Web appliances; cellular and wireline telephones; pagers; televisions; radios of all types; video game players; and any other device capable of communication. Depending upon the particular implementation, user devices can communicate information unidirectionally to or from control unit 302 or communicate bidirectionally with control unit 302.
  • For example, a user device 331 or 332 can communicate access privilege information to be stored in local memory 306 of control unit 302.
  • The access privilege information can comprise, for example, information regarding a package. Such package-specific information could grant access only for the delivery of a specifically identified package. The identity of the package could be entered by the delivery person at the time of delivery. Alternatively, the package shipping papers or address label could, for example, contain a token that, upon presentation to the secure container's access element, grants physical access to the secure container.
  • The access privilege information can comprise, for example, information regarding a container, such as the identity of the container.
  • The access privilege information can comprise, for example, information regarding a delivery person who is authorized to physically access the secure container. The identity information can identify a particular individual or a group of individuals, or it can grant unrestricted access to anyone presenting a token to the secure container's access element.
  • The access privilege information can comprise information, for example, regarding a token, such as the identity of the token and/or token holder, type of token, and so forth.
  • The access privilege information can comprise, for example, information regarding location, such as the geographical location of a secure container to which access is desired to be granted. Alternatively, such location information could grant access by delivery personnel to all secure containers located within a specified region and deny access to secure containers outside of the region.
  • The access privilege information can comprise, for example, information that indicates what manner of notification should be made regarding an attempted access of the container, or regarding a successful access of the container, or regarding an unsuccessful access of the container. Such information includes information specifying who should be notified, when and how notification should be made, whether an acknowledgment of such notification is to be requested from the person notified, and so forth.
  • The access privilege information can comprise, for example, date and/or time information. Date and/or time information could grant access during a specified range of dates and/or during a specified range of times. For example, access could be granted only during a two-day period and only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • The access privilege information can comprise, for example, frequency of delivery information. Frequency of delivery information could grant only a specified quantity or number of accesses and deny access after that number had been reached. The frequency of access information could be reset on a daily, weekly, or other periodic basis, or it could be a one-time value that, when attained, renders the token void.
  • Other types of access privilege information can be communicated to and stored in control unit 302, depending upon the needs of the particular pickup and delivery system the subject matter is utilized in.
  • Access privilege information can be communicated to control unit 302 at any time and corresponding to any of a variety of transactions. For example, if a recipient places a telephone order for the delivery of perishable goods requiring refrigeration, either the recipient or the shipper could send access privilege information to local memory 306 of control unit 302 specifying the desired access privileges, which could identify the delivery person, the anticipated time range of delivery, and the location of the secure container. In addition, the access privilege information could include information specifying that certain actions shall occur concurrently with or shortly after the moment of delivery. These could include notification to the shipper and/or recipient of the delivery by communication of a message to a user device or the activation of indicator 334 (discussed below). These could further include an order for the control unit 302 to turn on the alternative power supply that comprises rechargeable battery 324 and solar panel 325 (discussed below). They could additionally include an order to turn on the climate control element 333 (discussed below)
  • In an embodiment, user devices 331 and 332 communicate information to system users, such as shippers and recipients, to notify them of event occurrences. For example, notification can be communicated regarding a delivery to or a pickup from a secure container. Notification can also be made concerning an attempted access of a secure container resulting in a denial of access, and such notification could include the identity of the token holder, the date and/or time of the attempted access, the geographical location of the secure container, and/or the identity of the particular package attempted to be delivered or picked up.
  • Indicator 334 can be any suitable mechanism for providing a human perceivable indication, such as a visual annunciator 338 that emits a light beam or an audible annunciator 336 that emits sound. Indicator 334 can be used to indicate that the secure container has been accessed, or that an attempt to access the secure container has occurred; according to an embodiment, different visual and/or audible signals are used to differentiate successful and failed deliveries.
  • As mentioned earlier, the electrical components of the secure container comprise an access element that can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as with a card/token reader 313 having a card/token slot 315. Card/token reader 313 can be any device having a portion such as card/token slot 315 to which a card or other token can be mated. When information stored on the token is identical to, or otherwise favorably compares with, information stored in or communicated to card/token reader 313, a positive match occurs, and this event is communicated over system bus 301 to local processor 304, which can then order electric lock 330 to open; otherwise, local processor 304 does not order electric lock 330 to open, and processor 304 may store an indication of an attempted access in local memory 306.
  • An electric keypad 316, optionally coupled to system bus 301 via bus 317, can be used in place of or in conjunction with card/token reader 313. Electric keypad 316 is electrically programmable, and it enables delivery personnel who do not have a card/token to access the secure container. A recipient could, for example, program electric keypad 316 for use by a friend to pick up an item from the secure container, or for use by a local small-business person to deliver an order into the secure container.
  • A biometric scanner 319, optionally coupled to system bus 301 via bus 314, can be used in place of or in conjunction with card/token reader 313 and electric keypad 316. Biometric scanner 319 can be of any known type that compares a scan of a biological attribute, such as a retina pattern, fingerprint, or voice pattern, of a delivery person with a stored sample of such attribute and generates a positive signal over system bus 301 to local processor 304 if a satisfactory match occurs.
  • As mentioned earlier in the description, many other types of access elements can be utilized with embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing card/token reader 313, keypad 316, and biometric scanner 319 are merely illustrative.
  • A power supply 318 supplies regulated voltage to the electrical components that are associated with the secure container. In an embodiment, power supply 318 is powered by line voltage via line 320. Optionally, a self-standing power supply subsystem can include at least one rechargeable battery 324 and a solar panel 326 to charge battery 324 as solar conditions permit. (As illustrated in FIG. 2, a solar panel 218 can be built into an appropriate panel of the secure container 202.)
  • Electric lock 330 is an electrically actuated lock that is triggered to open upon receiving one or more electric pulses or electrical signals, such as a combination of digital signals, over system bus 301 from local processor 304. Unless electric lock 330 is actuated, it remains locked, keeping the door 204 (FIG. 2) of secure container 202 closed to physical entry.
  • Climate control element 333 is optionally coupled via bus 337 to system bus 301, and it is employed to maintain a desired environment within the secure container. Climate control element 333 can include a heater element, a cooling element, or both, as well as a thermostat and any other climate control elements, such as a humidifier and/or dehumidifier, that may be necessary to maintain the environment within the secure container in a desired state.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a token or access card 6 for a secure pickup and delivery container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As indicated elsewhere in the description, token 6 can be a smart card, credit card, a magnetically encoded card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other handheld computing device, a bar-coded card or label, a device capable of communicating via radio frequency or light signals, or any other device that is readily transportable and that can store information. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, token 6 is a programmable smart card that includes a connector 401 for coupling to a card reader (such as card/token reader 313, FIG. 3); alternatively, token 6 can be coupled to a card reader through non-contact means such as inductive coupling, optical scanning, radio-frequency (RF) scanning, or the like.
  • Token 6 also comprises a card reader interface 415 that comprises suitable known circuitry for interfacing the internal electrical components of token 6 with an access element such as a card reader. Card reader interface 415 serves to pass information in at least one direction between token 6 and a card/token reader 313 (FIG. 3) and preferably bidirectionally.
  • Token 6 further comprises a processor 411, a clock 414, and at least one computer-readable medium in the form of an electronic memory or storage element, such as random access memory (RAM) 412 and electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 413. Processor 411 executes computer program instructions stored in RAM 412 and/or EEPROM 413, stores data into RAM 412 and/or EEPROM 413, and reads data from RAM 412 and/or EEPROM 413.
  • Processor 411 can be of any suitable type, including those mentioned earlier with respect to local processor 304. The particular type is not essential to the implementation of embodiments of the present invention.
  • EEPROM 413 can alternatively be any other type of non-volatile memory such as flash memory. EEPROM 413 includes a memory area 416 that stores algorithms in the form of computer-executable instructions, data structures, and/or other data types. These algorithms can be utilized by certain embodiments of the present invention to perform various methods of accessing a secure pickup and delivery container. Memory area 416 also stores access information that, when token 6 is mated with a token reader such as card/token reader 313 (FIG. 3), is used to determine whether the secure container will be opened or not to the holder of token 6. The access information stored in memory area 416 can include identity information, authorization information, access control information, and transaction information.
  • Identity information identifies a delivery person, a particular package, or a particular secure container, for example.
  • Authorization information identifies the scope of access privileges as they pertain to the token holder. For example, a token holder can be authorized to access secure containers only during his or her work shift and/or only in a specified geographical area.
  • Access control information identifies the scope of access permitted for one or more secure containers. For example, access to one or more secure containers may be limited to certain dates and/or times. Whereas earlier, in the description of FIG. 3, this information was described as being stored in the control units of secure containers, where it is used to make a determination whether to unlock the secure container or not, a less sophisticated and correspondingly less expensive control unit on the secure container could be employed if the access control information were stored on the token.
  • Transaction information identifies various attributes of an access transaction. Transaction information can be stored in a memory element, such as local memory 306 (FIG. 3). Transaction information can also be appropriately distributed, for example, to be stored on a token carried by a delivery person. Transaction information can be distributed to any other entity, such as a shipper, a delivery company, and/or to a recipient. For example, transaction information can be distributed to a recipient's PDA or personal computer, either via a wireline interface or a wireless interface.
  • Transaction information can include information regarding a package, such as information identifying the package, the shipper, the package contents, and any other package attributes.
  • Transaction information can include information regarding a container to which access was made or attempted, such as the identity of the container.
  • Transaction information can include information regarding a delivery person accessing or attempting to access the secure container, such as the identity of the delivery person.
  • Transaction information can include information regarding a token, such as the identity of the token, as well as other token attributes, such as the type of token, the identity of the token holder or issuer, and so forth.
  • Transaction information can include information regarding a location, such as a geographical location of a container to which access was attempted or successfully made.
  • Transaction information can include information regarding access of the container, such as information indicating whether an access was attempted, and whether the access was successful or unsuccessful.
  • Transaction information can include date information and/or time information, for example identifying a date and/or time when an access was attempted or completed.
  • Other types of transaction information can be generated, stored, and/or distributed, depending upon the needs of the particular pickup and delivery system that the subject matter is utilized in.
  • In an embodiment, token 6 comprises a battery 404 for powering the electrical components of token 6. In another embodiment, token 6 does not include a battery, and the electrical components are powered through appropriate conductor elements of connector 401.
  • Token 6 further comprises a housing 406 that houses the constituent elements of token 6. The shape of housing 406 is typically designed to mate with a corresponding portion of the access element, such as a card slot 315 (FIG. 3) in card/token reader 313. Thus, in an embodiment housing 406 is card-shaped. However, housing 406 could be of any desired shape.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for operating a secure pickup and delivery container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method can be performed by computer processors, such as those contained in user devices 331 and/or 332 (FIG. 3), or such as local processor 304 (FIG. 3) and token processor 411 (FIG. 4), which processors, whether singly or in combination, execute suitable instructions to carry out the various operations of the method. The method begins in 501.
  • In 503, first access information is generated, for example, by user devices 331 and/or 332 (FIG. 3). The first access information can be identity information (e.g. identity of delivery person, identity of container, identity of token, etc.), location information, date information, time information, access frequency information, package-specific information, and/or information specifying what to do if an access is attempted or completed, all substantially as discussed earlier.
  • In 505, the first access information is stored in the control unit of a secure container, for example in local memory 306 (FIG. 3).
  • In 507, second access information is entered into an access element using a token. As mentioned earlier, a “token” can include a programmable card, a keypad, and/or a biometric scanner, and any other device that is readily transportable and that can store information. The second access information is generally required to be identical or similar to the first access information, in order to permit access to the container interior by unlocking the door.
  • In 509, the first and second information are evaluated, for example by local processor 304 (FIG. 3) executing suitable computer program instructions.
  • In 511, a determination is made whether the first and second information match. If so, the method proceeds to 513; if not, it goes to 515. “Match” is defined herein to mean that the first and second information are substantially identical within some acceptable degree of tolerance.
  • In 513, the door on the secure container is unlocked, so that a package can be deposited within the secure container.
  • In 515, an indicator is activated to notify either that an access has been made to the secure container or that an access attempt has been made. The visual or audible annunciator of the indicator could emit different lights or sounds to differentiate a valid access from a failed access attempt.
  • In 517, a signal is transmitted to a user device, for example user device 331 and/or user device 332, using wireline or wireless communications, respectively. As described earlier, the signal can provide notification regarding the details of the access or access attempt. The signal can be stored in the user device at a remote location for later analysis or reporting.
  • In 519, an acknowledgment is received from a user device in response to its receipt of the transmitted notification signal. In an embodiment, the acknowledgment is recorded in the token 6 of the delivery person 7, thus serving as an electronic “signature” for the pickup or delivery of the package.
  • The method ends in 521.
  • It will be noted from the above description that user devices 331 and/or 332 (refer, for example, to FIG. 3) may communicate first access information (also referred to herein as “access privilege information”) as well as receive transaction information. The term “integral hand-held recipient user device” refers herein to an embodiment in which a hand-held “user device” (as previously defined) may be used by a “recipient” (as previously defined) to generate first access information and to receive transaction information.
  • The operations described in the flow diagrams can be performed in a different order from that shown. It should also be understood that, while the methods depicted in the flow diagrams are depicted as having an “end”, they can be performed continuously.
  • The inventive subject matter provides a secure pickup and delivery container that enables delivery personnel to pick up packages from, and to deliver packages to, residences and other buildings notwithstanding the absence of anyone to safeguard the packages from theft or adverse environmental conditions. The architecture of the computing and electrical structures that are used to implement embodiments of the invention provides a great deal of flexibility and scalability, so that embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of commercially competitive products.
  • Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the subject matter. For example, the subject matter could be used by a package delivery enterprise to maintain statistical records of deliveries, including productivity statistics, such as the number of deliveries per delivery person per unit time or per unit distance. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments of this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (25)

1. A token for use with a secure pickup and delivery container having a door, a lock, and an access element, the token comprising:
a storage element to store information; and
a housing to house the storage element and to mate with the access element, wherein the housing comprises an interface to pass identity information from the token to the access element and to pass transaction information regarding a completed or attempted access of the container to the token.
2. The token recited in claim 1, wherein the storage element comprises electronic memory.
3. The token recited in claim 1, wherein the housing is card-shaped.
4. The token recited in claim 1, wherein the token is a smart card.
5. The token recited in claim 1 and further comprising:
a computational element coupled to the storage element;
wherein the storage element is to store computer program instructions and the transaction information; and
wherein the computational element can execute one or more computer program instructions, store information in the storage element, and read information from the storage element.
6. The token recited in claim 1, wherein the token comprises a hand-held computer.
7. A method of operating a secure pickup and delivery container having a door, a lock, a control unit, and an access element, the method comprising:
storing first access information in the control unit;
entering second access information into the access element;
evaluating the first and second access information; and
unlocking the door only if the first and second access information match.
8. The method recited in claim 7, wherein the first access information is entered with a user device.
9. The method recited in claim 7, wherein the first access information is entered with a computer.
10. The method recited in claim 7, wherein the second access information is entered with a token.
11. The method recited in claim 7, wherein the access element is from the group consisting of a card reader, a keypad, a biometric scanner, a bar-code reader, and a wireless interface element.
12. The method recited in claim 7, wherein the first access information is from the group consisting of information regarding a package, information regarding the container, information regarding a delivery person, information regarding a token, information regarding a location, date information, time information, and information regarding frequency of delivery.
13. The method recited in claim 12, wherein a portion of the first access information is generated in part when an item to be delivered to the container is ordered.
14. The method recited in claim 7, wherein the second access information is from the group consisting of information regarding a package, information regarding the container, information regarding a delivery person, information regarding a token, information regarding a location, date information, time information, and information regarding frequency of delivery.
15. The method recited in claim 7, and further comprising:
activating an indicator when the door is unlocked.
16. The method recited in claim 15, wherein the indicator is activated by transmitting a signal to a user device using either wireless or wireline communications.
17. The method recited in claim 16, and further comprising:
receiving an acknowledgment from the user device in response to its receipt of the signal.
18. The method recited in claim 17, and further comprising:
activating an indicator when the door is unlocked.
19. An apparatus comprising:
a computer-readable medium containing computer instructions which when executed cause a computer system to perform operations including:
transmitting first access information from an integral hand-held recipient user device to a memory in a secure pickup and delivery container;
evaluating the first access information with second access information entered into an access element on the container;
unlocking a door on the container if the first and second access information match; and
transmitting a signal to the recipient user device using either wireless or wireline communications.
20. The apparatus recited in claim 19, wherein, in evaluating, the second access information is entered using a token.
21. The apparatus recited in claim 19, wherein, in evaluating, the first access information is selected from the group consisting of information regarding a package, information regarding the container, information regarding a delivery person, information regarding a token, information regarding a location, date information, time information, and information regarding frequency of delivery.
22. The apparatus recited in claim 19 and further comprising:
an interface over which the recipient user device can communicate bidirectionally with the container, the interface being selected from the group consisting of a wireline connection to which the recipient user device can be coupled and a wireless transceiver with which the recipient user device can communicate wirelessly.
23. The apparatus recited in claim 22, wherein, in evaluating, the first access information is receivable over the interface from the recipient user device.
24. The apparatus recited in claim 22, wherein transaction information is receivable by the recipient user device over the interface.
25. The apparatus recited in claim 24, wherein transaction information comprises information selected from the group consisting of information regarding a package, information regarding the container, information regarding a delivery person, information regarding a token, information regarding a location, information regarding a successful access of the container, information regarding an attempted access of the container, date information, and time information.
US11/224,333 2000-04-28 2005-09-12 Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries Abandoned US20060010077A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/224,333 US20060010077A1 (en) 2000-04-28 2005-09-12 Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/561,835 US6967575B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-04-28 Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries
US11/224,333 US20060010077A1 (en) 2000-04-28 2005-09-12 Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/561,835 Division US6967575B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-04-28 Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060010077A1 true US20060010077A1 (en) 2006-01-12

Family

ID=35344913

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/561,835 Expired - Fee Related US6967575B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-04-28 Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries
US11/224,333 Abandoned US20060010077A1 (en) 2000-04-28 2005-09-12 Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/561,835 Expired - Fee Related US6967575B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-04-28 Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US6967575B1 (en)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050154602A1 (en) * 2004-01-10 2005-07-14 Allen David Hertz Parcel pick up notification apparatus and method
US20060224512A1 (en) * 2005-03-29 2006-10-05 Fujitsu Limited Delivery management system and delivery cabinet
WO2007123756A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-11-01 Intel Corporation Array comparison and swap operations
US20090259593A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2009-10-15 Fujitsu Limited Electronic commerce method, electronic commerce system, certificate terminal, and principal certification method by agent
US20110100405A1 (en) * 2008-01-16 2011-05-05 Gilbert Fournier Installation for defense or protection allowing the control of the entry of people
WO2014164860A3 (en) * 2013-03-12 2015-03-05 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for defining attributes of attended delivery/pickup locations
US20160058181A1 (en) * 2014-09-03 2016-03-03 Qing Han Systems and Methods for Securing and Temperature Regulating a Delivery Container
US10055953B2 (en) * 2013-09-16 2018-08-21 S-Winnus Co., Ltd. Device for electronically sealing container using proximity wireless communication, and system and method for operating same
CN108597096A (en) * 2018-05-08 2018-09-28 上海东布包装设计有限公司 A kind of packing articles circulation and stress uses system and method
US10210474B2 (en) 2013-10-14 2019-02-19 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for confirming an identity of an individual, for example, at a locker bank
US10410165B2 (en) 2014-11-14 2019-09-10 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for facilitating shipping of parcels for returning items
US10410164B2 (en) 2014-11-14 2019-09-10 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc Systems and methods for facilitating shipping of parcels
US10445682B2 (en) 2013-02-01 2019-10-15 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for parcel delivery to alternate delivery locations
US10600022B2 (en) 2016-08-31 2020-03-24 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for synchronizing delivery of related parcels via a computerized locker bank
US10817824B2 (en) 2016-04-01 2020-10-27 Otter Products, Llc Parcel box
WO2022081207A1 (en) * 2020-10-13 2022-04-21 Igloo Products Corp. Smart box
US11346150B1 (en) 2019-01-03 2022-05-31 Christopher Andrew Johnston Smart door with controllable access panel
GB2605217A (en) * 2021-09-13 2022-09-28 Rtrvit Ltd A tracking system for facilitating secure delivery of an undelivered item
FR3139151A1 (en) * 2022-08-24 2024-03-01 Renault S.A.S autonomous and connected secure storage box

Families Citing this family (97)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998038953A1 (en) 1997-03-03 1998-09-11 Medical Solutions, Inc. Method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids
US6467953B1 (en) 1999-03-30 2002-10-22 Medical Solutions, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring temperature of intravenously delivered fluids and other medical items
CA2386484A1 (en) 1999-09-30 2001-04-05 United States Postal Service Systems and methods for authenticating an electronic message
US7797543B1 (en) 1999-09-30 2010-09-14 United States Postal Service Systems and methods for authenticating an electronic message
WO2001071541A2 (en) 2000-03-17 2001-09-27 United States Postal Service Methods and systems for providing an electronic account to a customer
US6967575B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2005-11-22 Intel Corporation Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries
DE10103756C1 (en) * 2001-01-27 2002-08-14 Aldo Hermann Fobbe Device and method for receiving ordered goods and / or providing goods for collection, in particular when the user is absent
US7238171B2 (en) 2001-03-12 2007-07-03 Medical Solutions, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling pressurized infusion and temperature of infused liquids
US7779481B2 (en) 2001-04-12 2010-08-17 United States Postal Service Systems and methods for electronic postmarking of data including location data
US8255235B2 (en) 2001-09-07 2012-08-28 United States Postal Service Item tracking and anticipated delivery confirmation system method
GB2382421A (en) * 2001-11-26 2003-05-28 Bybox Holdings Ltd Collection and delivery system
US8226605B2 (en) 2001-12-17 2012-07-24 Medical Solutions, Inc. Method and apparatus for heating solutions within intravenous lines to desired temperatures during infusion
US20080067227A1 (en) * 2003-06-09 2008-03-20 Poss James A Eletrically-powered programmable package deposit enclosure
US7267266B2 (en) * 2003-07-10 2007-09-11 Rouille David W Security system
US20050122210A1 (en) * 2003-12-05 2005-06-09 Honeywell International Inc. Dual technology door entry person authentication
US7611504B1 (en) 2004-03-09 2009-11-03 Patented Medical Solutions Llc Method and apparatus for facilitating injection of medication into an intravenous fluid line while maintaining sterility of infused fluids
US8661862B2 (en) * 2004-06-29 2014-03-04 The United States Postal Service Cluster box mail delivery unit having security features
US7183919B2 (en) * 2004-11-05 2007-02-27 Shih-Ho Wang RFID delivery and pickup determination system
US11748698B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2023-09-05 Christopher Moudy System and method for secure delivery system
US20060122852A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Christopher Moudy System and method for delivery of goods ordered via the internet
USD745765S1 (en) 2005-06-29 2015-12-15 United States Postal Service Cluster box mail delivery unit
US7740611B2 (en) 2005-10-27 2010-06-22 Patented Medical Solutions, Llc Method and apparatus to indicate prior use of a medical item
US20070118488A1 (en) * 2005-11-07 2007-05-24 Bozzomo Robert E Mail Delivery Notification Process
US8108321B2 (en) 2006-01-12 2012-01-31 Urbissimo, Inc. System and method for shipping and delivering parcels to a virtual address
WO2007098217A2 (en) * 2006-02-21 2007-08-30 Adt Security Services, Inc. System and method for remotely attended delivery
CA2580149A1 (en) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-02 David Hallman Waste bin assembly
US8487738B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2013-07-16 Medical Solutions, Inc. Method and apparatus for securely storing medical items within a thermal treatment system
US7528722B2 (en) * 2006-09-05 2009-05-05 Nelson David G System and method for notifying a package recipient of package arrival
US20080121682A1 (en) * 2006-11-29 2008-05-29 International Business Machines Corporation System and method to enhance security surrounding package delivery
US8226293B2 (en) * 2007-02-22 2012-07-24 Medical Solutions, Inc. Method and apparatus for measurement and control of temperature for infused liquids
US20090005901A1 (en) * 2007-06-28 2009-01-01 Pitney Bowes Incorporated Payment system for delivery services
US20100097222A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-04-22 International Business Machines Corporation Insuring personal mail delivery with automatic acknowledgement
US8198982B2 (en) * 2008-10-21 2012-06-12 International Business Machines Corporation Providing parcel procurement with acknowledgement of receipt in an intelligent mailbox
IT1394050B1 (en) * 2009-04-21 2012-05-25 Stefano Di SYSTEM FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PURCHASE ORDERS OF CONSUMER GOODS AND FOR THE CAPILLARY DISTRIBUTION OF THESE ASSETS, AS WELL AS THE METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THAT SYSTEM.
US8650805B1 (en) * 2010-05-17 2014-02-18 Equinix, Inc. Systems and methods for DMARC in a cage mesh design
US10032239B2 (en) 2010-06-10 2018-07-24 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Enhanced payments for shipping
KR20120019291A (en) * 2010-08-25 2012-03-06 한국전자통신연구원 Real time system and method of intergrated home safety management
CN102324115A (en) * 2011-05-16 2012-01-18 黄能耿 Computer remotely-controlled postal-parcel posting and delivering method and system
US9554646B1 (en) 2011-08-03 2017-01-31 Keith Charette System and methods of preserving integrity and securely transporting biological specimens to a depository and devices for securely storing biological specimens
US10325297B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2019-06-18 Dell Products, Lp Method for comparing sales performance of web sites and a system therefor
US9211381B2 (en) 2012-01-20 2015-12-15 Medical Solutions, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling temperature of medical liquids
US20140008246A1 (en) * 2012-07-09 2014-01-09 Charlene Pfeiffer Lock box for package delivery
US10332059B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-06-25 Google Llc Security scoring in a smart-sensored home
US9652912B2 (en) * 2012-09-21 2017-05-16 Google Inc. Secure handling of unsupervised package drop off at a smart-home
US9600645B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2017-03-21 Google Inc. Smart invitation handling at a smart-home
US9978238B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2018-05-22 Google Llc Visitor options at an entryway to a smart-home
US9960929B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2018-05-01 Google Llc Environmental sensing with a doorbell at a smart-home
US9953514B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2018-04-24 Google Llc Visitor feedback to visitor interaction with a doorbell at a smart-home
US9881474B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2018-01-30 Google Llc Initially detecting a visitor at a smart-home
US9959727B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2018-05-01 Google Llc Handling visitor interaction at a smart-home in a do not disturb mode
US9640055B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2017-05-02 Google Inc. Interacting with a detected visitor at an entryway to a smart-home
US9711036B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2017-07-18 Google Inc. Leveraging neighborhood to handle potential visitor at a smart-home
US10735216B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2020-08-04 Google Llc Handling security services visitor at a smart-home
US9626841B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2017-04-18 Google Inc. Occupant notification of visitor interaction with a doorbell at a smart-home
US11144872B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2021-10-12 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Delivery to an unattended location
US10387824B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2019-08-20 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for delivery of an item
US9682819B2 (en) 2013-01-25 2017-06-20 Serio-Us Industries, Inc. Container with automatic latch assembly
US9879873B2 (en) 2013-02-07 2018-01-30 Honeywell International Inc. Building control system with distributed control
US10094584B2 (en) 2013-02-07 2018-10-09 Honeywell International Inc. Building management system with programmable IR codes
US10330335B2 (en) 2013-02-07 2019-06-25 Honeywell International Inc. Method and system for detecting an operational mode of a building control component
US10359791B2 (en) 2013-02-07 2019-07-23 Honeywell International Inc. Controller for controlling a building component of a building management system
US10088186B2 (en) 2013-02-07 2018-10-02 Honeywell International Inc. Building management system with power efficient discrete controllers
US9656029B2 (en) 2013-02-15 2017-05-23 Medical Solutions, Inc. Plural medical item warming system and method for warming a plurality of medical items to desired temperatures
US20150102903A1 (en) * 2013-10-11 2015-04-16 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Secure Delivery Receptacle
US10083561B2 (en) * 2014-04-17 2018-09-25 Kumar SUNDARESAN Methods, apparatus and systems for accepting, returning or exchanging parcels and deliveries
US11206939B2 (en) * 2014-04-17 2021-12-28 Kumar SUNDARESAN Methods, apparatus and systems for accepting, returning or exchanging parcels and deliveries
US10412342B2 (en) 2014-12-18 2019-09-10 Vivint, Inc. Digital zoom conferencing
US10417883B2 (en) 2014-12-18 2019-09-17 Vivint, Inc. Doorbell camera package detection
US9619955B2 (en) 2015-02-13 2017-04-11 David L. Eichenblatt Systems and methods for facilitating package delivery or pickup
US9858738B2 (en) 2015-07-17 2018-01-02 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Apparatus and method to determine whether to unlock a delivered-package vault
US20170164773A1 (en) * 2015-12-10 2017-06-15 Mark Wirtz Electronic Mailbox System
JP6644420B2 (en) * 2016-03-01 2020-02-12 俊二 土屋 Delivery system and delivery set for delivery system
US20170251856A1 (en) * 2016-03-02 2017-09-07 Richard Schaible Package Security System
KR102566995B1 (en) * 2016-06-02 2023-08-14 삼성전자주식회사 Memory card adaptor
USD854279S1 (en) 2016-12-12 2019-07-16 Mark Wirtz Electronic mailbox
US10558722B2 (en) * 2017-03-31 2020-02-11 Intel Corporation Provision of on premise ambient service method and apparatus
WO2019028039A1 (en) 2017-08-01 2019-02-07 The Chamberlain Group, Inc. System for facilitating access to a secured area
US11055942B2 (en) 2017-08-01 2021-07-06 The Chamberlain Group, Inc. System and method for facilitating access to a secured area
US10238210B1 (en) 2017-09-18 2019-03-26 S&S X-Ray Products, Inc. Pass-through convenience cabinet for hotel or similar public accommodation
JP7028413B2 (en) * 2017-09-26 2022-03-02 三甲株式会社 Delivery box
US11064832B1 (en) * 2017-11-09 2021-07-20 Avraham Goldstein Parcel locker systems
GB201720362D0 (en) * 2017-12-06 2018-01-17 Lowe Rental Ltd Refrigerator
US10696453B2 (en) 2018-01-20 2020-06-30 Ah Ha! Enterprises, Llc Collapsible folding container
US11812878B1 (en) * 2018-02-10 2023-11-14 Martin Andrew Nevison Package receiving system and method of use
US10383471B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2019-08-20 Pristtine, Inc. Package protecting delivery receptacle with expandable attachment bracket
US10292519B1 (en) * 2018-09-11 2019-05-21 Sutton & Williams Holdings, LLC Secured delivered mail repository
US10653262B1 (en) * 2018-11-01 2020-05-19 Lillian Isreal Parcel securing assembly
US20200138225A1 (en) * 2018-11-07 2020-05-07 Paul Martin Front Opening Package Delivery Box
US11026533B2 (en) * 2018-11-13 2021-06-08 Robert Orton Package receptacle assembly integrated into an exterior feature of a home
US10638848B1 (en) 2018-11-14 2020-05-05 Des Moines Wesley Parcel storage bench assembly
USD939180S1 (en) 2019-06-24 2021-12-21 Bryce D. Barber Parcel post lock box bench
US11302126B2 (en) 2019-12-05 2022-04-12 Milotte Lotte lockbox and parcel management system
US11576513B2 (en) * 2019-12-23 2023-02-14 Lauren Nicole Luckey Receptacle for secure acceptance of parcels and of hanging clothing
US20210251409A1 (en) * 2020-02-14 2021-08-19 Kevin Kennett Receptacle gateway apparatus and method for enabling secure package delivery
US11463662B2 (en) 2020-07-23 2022-10-04 Robert Licamara School security assembly
US11672371B1 (en) 2021-03-09 2023-06-13 Fernando Paulo Secure package delivery receptacle with bar code
US11324350B1 (en) * 2021-04-19 2022-05-10 Charlie Boggs Securable delivery container device and method of use

Citations (45)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4689610A (en) * 1984-10-17 1987-08-25 Kastle Systems, Inc. Access control and security alarm apparatus and method
US4727368A (en) * 1985-12-30 1988-02-23 Supra Products, Inc. Electronic real estate lockbox system
US4980913A (en) * 1988-04-19 1990-12-25 Vindicator Corporation Security system network
US4979750A (en) * 1990-01-16 1990-12-25 Eugene Endrody Trading property card game with grouping valued score cards and markers
US5001755A (en) * 1988-04-19 1991-03-19 Vindicator Corporation Security system network
US5291399A (en) * 1990-07-27 1994-03-01 Executone Information Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for accessing a portable personal database as for a hospital environment
US5337588A (en) * 1990-10-11 1994-08-16 Intellikey Corporation Electronic lock and key system
US5349345A (en) * 1992-06-30 1994-09-20 Vindicator Corporation Electronic lock
US5397884A (en) * 1993-10-12 1995-03-14 Saliga; Thomas V. Electronic kay storing time-varying code segments generated by a central computer and operating with synchronized off-line locks
US5531482A (en) * 1993-09-10 1996-07-02 Blank; Eric Card with removable reusable element
US5544086A (en) * 1994-09-30 1996-08-06 Electronic Payment Services, Inc. Information consolidation within a transaction network
US5623357A (en) * 1993-08-18 1997-04-22 Grc International, Inc. Method and apparatus for the monitoring and demarcation of synchronous digital hierarchy networks
US5720158A (en) * 1995-06-30 1998-02-24 Ssi Photo I.D. Information card package
US5774059A (en) * 1995-07-20 1998-06-30 Vindicator Corporation Programmable electronic lock
US5774053A (en) * 1996-05-02 1998-06-30 Porter; David Storage device for the delivery and pickup of goods
US5774058A (en) * 1995-07-20 1998-06-30 Vindicator Corporation Remote access system for a programmable electronic lock
US5809282A (en) * 1995-06-07 1998-09-15 Grc International, Inc. Automated network simulation and optimization system
US5813510A (en) * 1996-12-05 1998-09-29 Xcp, Inc. Currency and coin-activated drop safe
US5918909A (en) * 1996-04-19 1999-07-06 Barry Fiala, Inc. Package for card with data-encoded strip and method of using same
US5921584A (en) * 1995-06-30 1999-07-13 Ssi Photo I.D. Card display package
US5979750A (en) * 1996-09-12 1999-11-09 Kindell; Gary J. Computerized delivery acceptance system
US6050493A (en) * 1997-12-01 2000-04-18 American Floral Company, Llc Pre-paid flower or gift card
US20010013010A1 (en) * 1998-07-08 2001-08-09 Ward Ii Seth Electronic parking meter locking system
US6289324B1 (en) * 1998-02-04 2001-09-11 Citicorp Development Center, Inc. System for performing financial transactions using a smart card
US6310550B1 (en) * 1996-07-03 2001-10-30 Fred N. Gratzon Security system
US6323782B1 (en) * 1999-06-21 2001-11-27 Freight Locker, Inc. Unattended item delivery system
US6328341B2 (en) * 2000-03-07 2001-12-11 Western Graphics And Data, Inc. Multiple-component data package
US6328340B1 (en) * 1996-09-25 2001-12-11 Fofitec Ag Form with detachable card, substrate and multilayer material, and process for producing such a form
US6344796B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2002-02-05 Brivo Systems, Inc. Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus and method
US6404337B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2002-06-11 Brivo Systems, Inc. System and method for providing access to an unattended storage
US6415552B1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-07-09 Maytag Corporation Appliance system with exterior access
US6450538B2 (en) * 1998-08-10 2002-09-17 Emmanuel Errard Two-part token and method of using same for business purposes
US20020133361A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Kindell Gary J. Secure item sending/receiving business method
US6467684B2 (en) * 1999-03-02 2002-10-22 Netvisions, Inc. Pre-paid card system for purchasing products or services
US6473500B1 (en) * 1998-10-28 2002-10-29 Mastercard International Incorporated System and method for using a prepaid card
US6588658B1 (en) * 2000-06-23 2003-07-08 Eric Blank Transaction card with attached auxiliary member
US20030136438A1 (en) * 2002-01-24 2003-07-24 Kindell Gary R. Stake assembly having a controller
US6615189B1 (en) * 1998-06-22 2003-09-02 Bank One, Delaware, National Association Debit purchasing of stored value card for use by and/or delivery to others
US6705518B2 (en) * 2001-03-28 2004-03-16 Kookmin Credit Card Co., Ltd. System and method for providing tourism service using RF IC card, and storage medium for storing tourism service algorithm thereof
US6749229B2 (en) * 2002-08-22 2004-06-15 Rock Ridge Technologies, Co. Machine insertable promotional card
US6967575B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2005-11-22 Intel Corporation Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries
US7082416B2 (en) * 2001-04-06 2006-07-25 Karyn Elaine Anderson Method of using prepaid cash card for making purchases on the world wide web
US20060176167A1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2006-08-10 Laser Shield Systems, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for alarm systems
US20070023521A1 (en) * 2005-07-29 2007-02-01 Chester Wildey Apparatus and method for security tag detection
US7233907B2 (en) * 2002-08-07 2007-06-19 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Parcel or service delivery with partially scheduled time windows

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01204618A (en) * 1988-02-10 1989-08-17 Satoru Araki Receiving container of delivery package
JPH0487985A (en) * 1990-07-23 1992-03-19 Sanwa Shutter Corp Container for small baggage
JP2740571B2 (en) * 1990-08-23 1998-04-15 株式会社テック Baggage transfer device
JPH0684193B2 (en) * 1990-08-27 1994-10-26 株式会社サンポウロック Home delivery box equipment
JPH10117917A (en) * 1996-10-16 1998-05-12 Kazunari Oura Unattendant receiving system of delivered article
GB2340479A (en) * 1998-08-11 2000-02-23 Butler Boxes Limited Container lockable to an anchorage point

Patent Citations (45)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4689610A (en) * 1984-10-17 1987-08-25 Kastle Systems, Inc. Access control and security alarm apparatus and method
US4727368A (en) * 1985-12-30 1988-02-23 Supra Products, Inc. Electronic real estate lockbox system
US4980913A (en) * 1988-04-19 1990-12-25 Vindicator Corporation Security system network
US5001755A (en) * 1988-04-19 1991-03-19 Vindicator Corporation Security system network
US4979750A (en) * 1990-01-16 1990-12-25 Eugene Endrody Trading property card game with grouping valued score cards and markers
US5291399A (en) * 1990-07-27 1994-03-01 Executone Information Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for accessing a portable personal database as for a hospital environment
US5337588A (en) * 1990-10-11 1994-08-16 Intellikey Corporation Electronic lock and key system
US5349345A (en) * 1992-06-30 1994-09-20 Vindicator Corporation Electronic lock
US5623357A (en) * 1993-08-18 1997-04-22 Grc International, Inc. Method and apparatus for the monitoring and demarcation of synchronous digital hierarchy networks
US5531482A (en) * 1993-09-10 1996-07-02 Blank; Eric Card with removable reusable element
US5397884A (en) * 1993-10-12 1995-03-14 Saliga; Thomas V. Electronic kay storing time-varying code segments generated by a central computer and operating with synchronized off-line locks
US5544086A (en) * 1994-09-30 1996-08-06 Electronic Payment Services, Inc. Information consolidation within a transaction network
US5809282A (en) * 1995-06-07 1998-09-15 Grc International, Inc. Automated network simulation and optimization system
US5720158A (en) * 1995-06-30 1998-02-24 Ssi Photo I.D. Information card package
US5921584A (en) * 1995-06-30 1999-07-13 Ssi Photo I.D. Card display package
US5774058A (en) * 1995-07-20 1998-06-30 Vindicator Corporation Remote access system for a programmable electronic lock
US5774059A (en) * 1995-07-20 1998-06-30 Vindicator Corporation Programmable electronic lock
US5918909A (en) * 1996-04-19 1999-07-06 Barry Fiala, Inc. Package for card with data-encoded strip and method of using same
US5774053A (en) * 1996-05-02 1998-06-30 Porter; David Storage device for the delivery and pickup of goods
US6310550B1 (en) * 1996-07-03 2001-10-30 Fred N. Gratzon Security system
US5979750A (en) * 1996-09-12 1999-11-09 Kindell; Gary J. Computerized delivery acceptance system
US6328340B1 (en) * 1996-09-25 2001-12-11 Fofitec Ag Form with detachable card, substrate and multilayer material, and process for producing such a form
US5813510A (en) * 1996-12-05 1998-09-29 Xcp, Inc. Currency and coin-activated drop safe
US6050493A (en) * 1997-12-01 2000-04-18 American Floral Company, Llc Pre-paid flower or gift card
US6289324B1 (en) * 1998-02-04 2001-09-11 Citicorp Development Center, Inc. System for performing financial transactions using a smart card
US6615189B1 (en) * 1998-06-22 2003-09-02 Bank One, Delaware, National Association Debit purchasing of stored value card for use by and/or delivery to others
US20010013010A1 (en) * 1998-07-08 2001-08-09 Ward Ii Seth Electronic parking meter locking system
US6450538B2 (en) * 1998-08-10 2002-09-17 Emmanuel Errard Two-part token and method of using same for business purposes
US6473500B1 (en) * 1998-10-28 2002-10-29 Mastercard International Incorporated System and method for using a prepaid card
US6467684B2 (en) * 1999-03-02 2002-10-22 Netvisions, Inc. Pre-paid card system for purchasing products or services
US6323782B1 (en) * 1999-06-21 2001-11-27 Freight Locker, Inc. Unattended item delivery system
US6344796B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2002-02-05 Brivo Systems, Inc. Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus and method
US6404337B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2002-06-11 Brivo Systems, Inc. System and method for providing access to an unattended storage
US6328341B2 (en) * 2000-03-07 2001-12-11 Western Graphics And Data, Inc. Multiple-component data package
US6967575B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2005-11-22 Intel Corporation Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries
US6588658B1 (en) * 2000-06-23 2003-07-08 Eric Blank Transaction card with attached auxiliary member
US6415552B1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-07-09 Maytag Corporation Appliance system with exterior access
US20020133361A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Kindell Gary J. Secure item sending/receiving business method
US6705518B2 (en) * 2001-03-28 2004-03-16 Kookmin Credit Card Co., Ltd. System and method for providing tourism service using RF IC card, and storage medium for storing tourism service algorithm thereof
US7082416B2 (en) * 2001-04-06 2006-07-25 Karyn Elaine Anderson Method of using prepaid cash card for making purchases on the world wide web
US20030136438A1 (en) * 2002-01-24 2003-07-24 Kindell Gary R. Stake assembly having a controller
US7233907B2 (en) * 2002-08-07 2007-06-19 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Parcel or service delivery with partially scheduled time windows
US6749229B2 (en) * 2002-08-22 2004-06-15 Rock Ridge Technologies, Co. Machine insertable promotional card
US20060176167A1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2006-08-10 Laser Shield Systems, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for alarm systems
US20070023521A1 (en) * 2005-07-29 2007-02-01 Chester Wildey Apparatus and method for security tag detection

Cited By (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090259593A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2009-10-15 Fujitsu Limited Electronic commerce method, electronic commerce system, certificate terminal, and principal certification method by agent
US7979357B2 (en) * 2003-04-03 2011-07-12 Fujitsu Limited Electronic commerce method, electronic commerce system, certificate terminal, and principal certification method by agent
US20050154602A1 (en) * 2004-01-10 2005-07-14 Allen David Hertz Parcel pick up notification apparatus and method
US20060224512A1 (en) * 2005-03-29 2006-10-05 Fujitsu Limited Delivery management system and delivery cabinet
WO2007123756A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-11-01 Intel Corporation Array comparison and swap operations
US8108627B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2012-01-31 Intel Corporation Array comparison and swap operations
US20110100405A1 (en) * 2008-01-16 2011-05-05 Gilbert Fournier Installation for defense or protection allowing the control of the entry of people
US10445682B2 (en) 2013-02-01 2019-10-15 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for parcel delivery to alternate delivery locations
US10002341B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2018-06-19 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for returning one or more items via an attended delivery/pickup location
US10521761B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2019-12-31 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods of delivering parcels using attended delivery/pickup locations
US9798999B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2017-10-24 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for ranking potential attended delivery/pickup locations
US9811798B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2017-11-07 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods of locating and selling items at attended delivery/pickup locations
US10909497B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2021-02-02 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods of reserving space attended delivery/pickup locations
US10783488B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2020-09-22 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods of locating and selling items at attended delivery/pickup locations
US11620611B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2023-04-04 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods of locating and selling items at attended delivery/pickup locations
US10929806B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2021-02-23 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods of managing item pickup at attended delivery/pickup locations
US10558942B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2020-02-11 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for returning one or more items via an attended delivery/pickup location
US10402775B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2019-09-03 United Parcel Services Of America, Inc. Systems and methods of re-routing parcels intended for delivery to attended delivery/pickup locations
CN105378779A (en) * 2013-03-12 2016-03-02 统一包裹服多美国有限公司 Systems and methods for defining attributes of attended delivery/pickup locations
WO2014164860A3 (en) * 2013-03-12 2015-03-05 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for defining attributes of attended delivery/pickup locations
US10055953B2 (en) * 2013-09-16 2018-08-21 S-Winnus Co., Ltd. Device for electronically sealing container using proximity wireless communication, and system and method for operating same
US11182733B2 (en) 2013-10-14 2021-11-23 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for confirming an identity of an individual, for example, at a locker bank
US11562318B2 (en) 2013-10-14 2023-01-24 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for conveying a parcel to a consignee, for example, after an unsuccessful delivery attempt
US10217079B2 (en) 2013-10-14 2019-02-26 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for confirming an identity of an individual, for example, at a locker bank
US10210474B2 (en) 2013-10-14 2019-02-19 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for confirming an identity of an individual, for example, at a locker bank
US20160058181A1 (en) * 2014-09-03 2016-03-03 Qing Han Systems and Methods for Securing and Temperature Regulating a Delivery Container
US10410165B2 (en) 2014-11-14 2019-09-10 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for facilitating shipping of parcels for returning items
US10410164B2 (en) 2014-11-14 2019-09-10 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc Systems and methods for facilitating shipping of parcels
US11759040B2 (en) 2016-04-01 2023-09-19 Otter Products, Llc Storage box locking system
US10817824B2 (en) 2016-04-01 2020-10-27 Otter Products, Llc Parcel box
US10600022B2 (en) 2016-08-31 2020-03-24 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for synchronizing delivery of related parcels via a computerized locker bank
US11587020B2 (en) 2016-08-31 2023-02-21 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for synchronizing delivery of related parcels via computerized locker bank
CN108597096A (en) * 2018-05-08 2018-09-28 上海东布包装设计有限公司 A kind of packing articles circulation and stress uses system and method
US11346150B1 (en) 2019-01-03 2022-05-31 Christopher Andrew Johnston Smart door with controllable access panel
US11767710B1 (en) 2019-01-03 2023-09-26 Christopher Andrew Johnston Smart door with controllable access panel
WO2022081207A1 (en) * 2020-10-13 2022-04-21 Igloo Products Corp. Smart box
GB2605217A (en) * 2021-09-13 2022-09-28 Rtrvit Ltd A tracking system for facilitating secure delivery of an undelivered item
WO2023037331A1 (en) 2021-09-13 2023-03-16 Rtrvit Limited A tracking system for facilitating secure delivery of an undelivered item
FR3139151A1 (en) * 2022-08-24 2024-03-01 Renault S.A.S autonomous and connected secure storage box

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6967575B1 (en) 2005-11-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6967575B1 (en) Methods and apparatus for unattended pickups and deliveries
US6769611B2 (en) Method and apparatus for the secure delivery of goods
EP1237445B1 (en) Secure delivery or collection system
US7337944B2 (en) Universal delivery and collection box unit (UDCBU)
AU2001259802B2 (en) Locking mechanism for use with one-time access code
US7942321B2 (en) Radio frequency identification method and system of disturbing products
US7242290B2 (en) Testing methods for use with boxes
US6696918B2 (en) Locking mechanism for use with non-permanent access code
US7158941B1 (en) Residential and business logistics system and method
US20090179735A1 (en) Security systems
WO2001000069A2 (en) Postal box
US20020046173A1 (en) Method, apparatus and system to facilitate delivery of goods and services to secure locations
WO2002101181A1 (en) Home delivery box and home delivery baggage collecting/ delivering system and method therefor
AU2001259802A1 (en) Locking mechanism for use with one-time access code
WO2000051750A9 (en) System and method for secure time-shared electronic access parcel distribution
GB2365606A (en) Selective (goods) storage access
US20040122780A1 (en) Universal delivery and collection box unit
GB2353068A (en) Postal box
JP4556545B2 (en) Logistics authentication system
WO2002079947A2 (en) Universal delivery and collection box unit

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION