U.S. patent application number 11/235638 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for system and method for automated package pick-up and delivery.
This patent application is currently assigned to M.A. Rivalto, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael A. Rivalto.
Application Number | 20060020489 11/235638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25492881 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060020489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rivalto; Michael A. |
January 26, 2006 |
System and method for automated package pick-up and delivery
Abstract
A system and method for automated package delivery and pick-up
include at least one package portal located in a delivery and
pick-up station to receive and dispense packages from the station.
A station controller is coupled to an information input system and
the package receiving and dispensing portal mechanism, and is
arranged to associate package and intended recipient identification
information with a received package. The controller is also
arranged to process identification information, which may include
biometric information, to authenticate the identity of an intended
recipient, and to permit dispensing of the package from the at
least one portal in response thereto. The station supports
unattended delivery and pick-up of packages to improve overall
efficiency of a package delivery system as well as user convenience
and safety.
Inventors: |
Rivalto; Michael A.;
(Memphis, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
1000 TOWN CENTER
TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
US
|
Assignee: |
M.A. Rivalto, Inc.
Memphis
TN
|
Family ID: |
25492881 |
Appl. No.: |
11/235638 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10755436 |
Jan 12, 2004 |
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11235638 |
Sep 26, 2005 |
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09952408 |
Sep 13, 2001 |
6690997 |
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10755436 |
Jan 12, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/237 ;
705/336 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/0835 20130101;
G07F 17/12 20130101; G06Q 10/08 20130101; G07C 9/00912 20130101;
G07F 17/0042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/001 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 99/00 20060101
G06Q099/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The method of claim 41 wherein the step of collecting biometric
information comprises collecting iris pattern information from the
potential package recipient.
19. The method of claim 41 wherein the step of collecting biometric
information comprises collecting fingerprint information from the
potential package recipient.
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. A method for automating package drop-off and delivery, the
method comprising: receiving at least one package from a user in at
least one package portal within a package drop-off and delivery
station; collecting package delivery information from the user with
at least one information input system; collecting information with
a camera to identify the user; processing the package delivery
information entered by the user; associating the package delivery
information with at least one storage location and the at least one
associated package; and storing the at least one package in the at
least one storage location within the package drop-off and delivery
station.
34. The method of claim 33 further comprising the step of
facilitating communication between the user and an off-site
attendant via a video conferencing system.
35. The method of claim 33 further comprising the step of
automating retrieval of the at least one package by a recipient,
the step comprising: providing a biometric input device with the at
least one information input system; collecting biometric
information from the recipient with the biometric input device;
comparing the biometric information with the package delivery
information to determine if the potential package recipient is
authorized to receive the at least one package, and automatically
allowing access to the at least one storage location if the
biometric information indicates the potential package recipient is
authorized to receive the at least one package.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein the step of collecting biometric
information comprises collecting iris pattern information from the
potential package recipient.
37. The method of claim 35 wherein the step of collecting biometric
information comprises collecting fingerprint information from the
potential package recipient.
38. The method of claim 35 wherein the step of collecting biometric
information comprises collecting information with an input pad to
authenticate identity of the potential package recipient.
39. The method of claim 35 wherein the step of collecting biometric
information comprises collecting information with a camera to
authenticate the identity of the potential package recipient.
40. The method of claim 33 wherein the step of collecting package
delivery information further comprises transmitting identification
and authentication information to a remote central data collection
system.
41. A method for automating package drop-off and delivery, the
method comprising: receiving at least one package from a user in at
least one package portal within a package drop-off and delivery
station; collecting package delivery information from the user with
at least one information input system; processing package delivery
information entered by the user; associating package delivery
information with at least one storage location and the at least one
associated package; storing the at least one package in the at
least one storage location within the package drop-off and delivery
station; collecting biometric information from a potential package
recipient with a biometric input device; comparing the biometric
information with the package delivery information to determine if
the potential package recipient is authorized to receive the at
least one package; and automatically allowing access to the at
least one storage location if the biometric information indicates
the potential package recipient is authorized to receive the at
least one package.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the step of collecting package
delivery information further comprises transmitting identification
and authentication information to a remote central data collection
system.
43. The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of
facilitating communication between the user and an off-site
attendant via a video conference system.
44. The method of claim 41 wherein the step of collecting biometric
information comprises collecting information with an input pad to
authenticate the identity of the potential package recipient.
45. The method of claim 41 wherein the step of collecting biometric
information comprises collecting information with a camera to
authenticate the identity of the potential package recipient.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to package or parcel delivery
arrangements suitable for receiving and delivering shipped
packages.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Generally, known package pick-up and delivery arrangements
used to distribute goods or packages fundamentally operate on human
interaction. For example, goods are typically collected by a
courier at a drop box or scheduled on-site pick-up. Information
identifying the packages and their destination is typically entered
into a centralized tracking database by the courier or other
personnel. The packages are then transported to a distribution node
for sorting, routing, and hand delivery to the intended
destination. Delivery of the packages again requires a courier to
physically carry the package to the intended destination. If a
package can not be delivered to the destination, for example a home
residence where none of the occupants are home at the time of
delivery, the package must be couriered to a retention facility for
later pick-up by the intended party or another delivery attempt
must be scheduled.
[0005] Because of the need for couriers to physically travel to the
point of pick-up and delivery, such arrangements are inherently
inefficient in management of time and resources. This is
particularly true because of the high rate of missed deliveries
where the intended recipient was not present at the destination.
For residential delivery, missed deliveries have become
particularly problematic due to the ever increasing amount of
shipping resulting from increased on-line purchasing of goods. In
addition, hand delivery of packages can pose significant risks to
the safety of couriers who must sometimes travel to high crime
areas in order to pick-up or deliver packages.
[0006] Because of the high level of inefficiency, inconvenience,
and potential danger to couriers in traditional package delivery
systems, shipping companies have made some attempts to provide
consolidated drop-off services that allow shipped packages to be
sent to a neutral drop-off site for subsequent pick-up by the
intended party. As a consequence, such arrangements eliminate the
need for a courier to travel to the intended destination. However,
known arrangements require recipients to be pre-registered and to
specifically designate such delivery as part of the shipping
instructions. In addition, unique PIN-type authentication
arrangements are typically employed in order to authenticate the
intended party at the time of package pick-up. Such PIN-type
arrangements tend to be inconvenient, as well as add to the overall
complexity of maintaining the system as a result of the need to
assign and manage the unique PIN numbers. Still further, such
arrangements may present certain risks and additional costs
relating to liability for the shipped packages while being held for
pick-up.
[0007] Thus, a need exists for a practical way of delivering
packages or parcels that satisfactorily addresses these issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an
automated package delivery and pick-up arrangement is provided that
allows unattended delivery and pick-up of packages in a
user-friendly manner.
[0009] In accordance with this and other aspects, the present
invention provides an automated package delivery and pick-up
station having a housing, at least one information input system
coupled to the housing to receive shipping and identification
information, and at least one package portal located in the housing
and arranged to receive and dispense packages, the portal including
an access control arrangement to secure a received package within
the housing. A controller is coupled to the at least one
information input system and the access control arrangement of the
at least one package receiving and dispensing portal, and is
arranged to associate package and intended recipient identification
information with a received package, and control operation of the
access control arrangement to permit depositing of the package into
the at least one package portal. The controller is also arranged to
process identification information to authenticate the presence of
an intended recipient, and to control operation of the access
control arrangement to permit dispensing of the package from the at
least one portal.
[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the at least one package portal can comprise a plurality of locker
compartments. In accordance with another embodiment, the at least
one package portal comprises a plurality of package receiving and
dispensing bays. In addition, an automated package transport
mechanism can be provided and operated by the controller to
automatically transport a package deposited in the portal to a
designated bin holder located within the housing and back again for
subsequent dispensing of the package. The access control
arrangement can include a door and an electronically controllable
latch mechanism connected to each locker compartment or receiving
and dispensing bay. The at least one package portal can include a
plurality of portals having different size dimensions, and the at
least one information input system can include a data reader device
arranged to read information from a credit/debit card, a touch
screen display device, a portable wireless data transmitter, and/or
biometric data acquisition device. Biometric information may be
used to uniquely identify the recipient and may include scanners,
cameras, microphones, or other input devices to acquire a finger
print, signature, voice pattern, iris pattern or face pattern, for
example.
[0011] The present invention will be more fully understood upon
reading the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a package delivery system
including an automated package delivery and pick-up station in
accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an automated package
delivery and pick-up station in accordance with a first exemplary
embodiment; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an automated package
delivery and pick-up station in accordance with a second exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, an automated package pick-up and
delivery station or kiosk 10 is provided having at least one
interface unit 12 located on the exterior of a storage housing 14.
The interface unit 12 includes a customer input and display
arrangement, such as a touch screen 16, a card reader 18 for
reading information from a credit/debit or other type of
identification card, a biometric input device or devices 19, and a
speaker and microphone 20. Biometric input device 19 may include a
finger print or iris scanner, input pad for signature verification,
camera for face recognition, and/or microphone for voice
recognition. The interface unit could also include a cash receiving
system (not shown) for allowing station 10 to conduct cash-type
transactions.
[0016] Station 10 can also include various cameras located thereon
to improve customer service or station security. For example, a
video conferencing camera 22 can be provided to allow for
interactive conferencing with an off-site attendant. A still
capture camera 24 and/or time-lapsed camera 26 can be included to
provide suitable security surveillance for the station. Operation
of the camera(s) can be event or transaction triggered.
[0017] Each component or subsystem is connected to a station
controller 28, such as a suitably equipped computer system, having
a local database and programming arrangement 30 for controlling
overall operation of the station. Controller 28 also provides a
control and data interface for one or more off-site host package
delivery data centers 32 as well as a centralized station control
and monitoring center 34. Station 10 also includes a wireless
receiver and hub 36 arranged to communicate with a portable
wireless input device and scanner 38 typically used by delivery
couriers.
[0018] In accordance with the present invention, receipt and
delivery of packages does not require the presence of delivery
company personnel. The unattended package receipt and delivery
capability of station 10 is provided by arranging controller 28 to
control and manage operation of a mechanical delivery module 40
housed within housing 14. Delivery module 40 can be any suitable
automated package handling system having at least one portal
arranged to receive, store, and dispense packages of various sizes
within the station, and will generally include an access control
arrangement, such as a door and electronic latch mechanism, that
operates to secure the package portal(s) and storage area.
[0019] In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a delivery
module 40a includes a plurality of various size portals in the form
of locker compartments 42 arranged to be electronically unlatched
and associated with one or more packages deposited therein. The
packages can be deposited by a courier or a walk-up customer.
Association of the package with a particular locker or lockers is
done upon input of suitable identifying information via interface
12 or input device 38. Controller 28 provides suitable
communication with a host data center 32 so that package receipt,
delivery, and billing information is collected and maintained.
Likewise controller 28 operates in conjunction with the host data
center 32 to verify and authenticate anyone attempting to retrieve
a deposited package. Upon authentication, the associated locker
door is unlatched allowing retrieval of the package or packages
stored therein.
[0020] In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a delivery
module 40b includes a plurality of package receiving and dispensing
bays 44 arranged to be selectively accessible by a person under
control of controller 28. Inside housing 14, delivery module 40b
includes a package moving mechanism coupled to each bay 44 for
transporting a deposited package to and from a bay under control by
controller 28. For example, the package moving mechanism can be
implemented as one or more internal vertically rotating bin holders
(not shown). A motorized conveyor (not shown) can be used to
transport packages between each bay to the rotating mechanism.
Controller 28 is arranged to associate a deposited package with a
particular bin holder, and rotate the bin holder as needed to
store, retrieve, and dispense the package from station 10. The bins
are preferably of different sizes in accommodate handling of
packages of various dimensions. A courier or other authorized
person can select a desired bin at the time of deposit. Likewise, a
customer can be prompted via interface 12 to select an appropriate
bin or bin size.
[0021] Referring again to FIG. 1, an Ethernet hub 46 can be used to
connect controller 28 to delivery module 40 as well as wireless hub
36. Likewise, Ethernet hub 46 can be used to couple station 10 to
control center 34 via a suitable router 48. Control center 34
includes a suitable router 50 to facilitate communication with
appropriate control center monitoring systems 52. Control center 34
would also include a suitable central database 54 and one or more
control terminals shown as a call center 56, supervisor station 58,
and maintenance terminal 60.
[0022] Host data center 32 includes a host central database 62 and
various host systems 64 arranged to control overall receipt and
delivery of packages throughout a designated geographic area. Host
data center 32 is arranged to communicate with control center 34 or
station controller 28.
[0023] In operation, when a courier is unable to effect delivery of
a package to an intended destination, the courier can leave a
notice at the destination advising the intended consignee that the
package has been transferred to an automated pick-up station 10.
The courier can wait until the end of the route to take all
undelivered packages at one time to a designated station 10 and
deposit the packages therein for later retrieval by the intended
consignees. To pick-up a deposited package, a consignee
authenticates their identity via interface 12, and controller 28
controls delivery module 40 to allow the consignee to retrieve the
respective package or packages.
[0024] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, positive
authentication can be provided using identifying information from
the consignee or recipient. For example, a credit card, or other
type of card having suitable identifying information thereon, can
be used to match the identifying information with consignee
information entered into the host database. Similarly, biometric
information may be provided by the consignee such as a fingerprint
or iris scan which is compared to previously obtained information
stored in the host database. Alternatively, a third-party
authentication service may be used with any of the above
authentication information relayed to the third-party service for
identification or verification. The third-party service may provide
an accept, reject, or unable to verify signal or may provide other
identifying information (such as a name and address) based on the
identifying information (iris pattern, fingerprint, etc.).
Authentication can be also be provided by using selected digits
from an assigned package tracking number as a unique pin number.
Still further, authentication can be provided by presenting a
receipt, which may include a conventional, two-dimensional,
three-dimensional, or holographic bar code, for example, to a
reader or camera. Finally, authentication can also be provided via
real-time interactive video conferencing with an off-site
attendant.
[0025] As noted above, in addition to couriers, packages can be
directly deposited into station 10 by a walk-up customer. Using
interface 12, the customer can input information relating to
destination and shipping payment, which can then be forwarded to a
host 32 for processing. A courier can be notified to pick-up the
deposited package, or if the intended consignee is within the
coverage area of the station 10, a notice can be sent to the
consignee regarding pick-up of the package. Still further, with the
present invention, purchasers of a product to be shipped can avoid
home delivery altogether simply by electing to have the package(s)
delivered to an automated delivery and pick-up station. Upon
receiving appropriate notice, the recipient can then pick-up the
shipped package(s) from the automated station at their
convenience.
[0026] Thus, the present invention provides an automated station
and method for unattended delivery and pick-up of packages which
allows both deposit and retrieval of packages by customers and
couriers without the need for prior customer sign-up. As a result,
overall efficiency, convenience, and safety of the package delivery
is improved. The present invention can be particularly advantageous
for delivery of packages to: high crime areas; apartment dwellings
without doorman or concierges; businesses that want a
"hold-at-location" package pick-up option; individuals that want a
remote, addressable pick-up box location that can be conveniently
accessed when desired to retrieve a package; and individuals who
want a safe, secure, and flexible pick-up location for
delivery/receipt of packages.
[0027] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and
describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words
used in the specification are words of description rather than
limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *