U.S. patent application number 11/487319 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for automated receiving and delivery system and method.
Invention is credited to John Simms, Noel Simms.
Application Number | 20060255912 11/487319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34576205 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060255912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simms; Noel ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
Automated receiving and delivery system and method
Abstract
A system and method uses an appliance for delivery at a home or
business when no one is home or without the need to disturb persons
at the delivery site. The appliance is a locked storage container
connected to remote computers such that access for particular
delivery persons or companies is authorized when the owner of the
appliance has placed an order. The appliance communicates, such as
via the internet, with a remote delivery system computer having a
scheduler that schedules deliveries during particular time
intervals. Prior to scheduling the delivery, the delivery system
computer compares the dimensions of the order with the available
space within the appliance of the customer. After a delivery is
made, the appliance communicates via the internet that the delivery
has been made and the delivery system computer then charges or
debits the customer's account for the cost associated with the
delivery.
Inventors: |
Simms; Noel; (Arlington,
VA) ; Simms; John; (McLean, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MILES & STOCKBRIDGE PC
1751 PINNACLE DRIVE
SUITE 500
MCLEAN
VA
22102-3833
US
|
Family ID: |
34576205 |
Appl. No.: |
11/487319 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11009139 |
Dec 13, 2004 |
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11487319 |
Jul 17, 2006 |
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09708571 |
Nov 9, 2000 |
6933832 |
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11009139 |
Dec 13, 2004 |
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60164267 |
Nov 9, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/5.73 ;
340/5.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 9/27 20200101; G06Q
30/0601 20130101; G07F 17/12 20130101; A47G 29/141 20130101; G07C
9/00896 20130101; A47G 2029/147 20130101; G06Q 10/08 20130101; G07C
9/00571 20130101; E05G 7/001 20130101; E05G 1/04 20130101; G07C
2209/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/005.73 ;
340/005.9 |
International
Class: |
B60R 25/00 20060101
B60R025/00 |
Claims
1-22. (canceled)
23. An appliance for securely receiving deliveries without
requiring a person in attendance to accept delivery comprising: a
storage container; a lock controlling access to the storage
container; and a communication link connected to the lock and
operable to receive an access signal from a remote location to
allow access to the storage container; and wherein the lock is
responsive to the communication link receiving the access signal by
unlocking upon presentation of an identifier selected from the
group consisting of: a physical device granting access, and one or
more biometric properties.
24. A method for delivery of ordered items to a plurality of locked
storage containers using a delivery system, the steps includes:
ordering a delivery of one or more goods to a customer; delivering
the delivery to within one of the locked storage containers
corresponding to the customer; and automatically sending a DELIVERY
MADE signal from the one of the locked storage containers signaling
the delivery system of the insertion of the delivery into the one
of the locked storage containers.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein, upon the delivery system
receiving the DELIVERY MADE signal, the delivery system performs
one or more steps selected from the group consisting of: charging
an account of the customer for the delivery; and automatically
initiating a communication to the customer.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the delivery system includes a
scheduler and further includes the steps of: following the
ordering, determining the availability of the one of the locked
storage containers to receive the delivery at one or more times by
use of the scheduler; identifying, using the scheduler, a first
time interval during which the delivery can be made; and the
delivery system sending to the one of the locked storage containers
an access signal allowing a first delivery person who is delivering
the delivery to access the one of the locked storage containers
only during the first time interval.
27. The method of claim 26 further including the steps of:
following the ordering, determining the size of the delivery using
the delivery system; and checking available room with the one of
the locked storage containers by use of the delivery system.
28. The method of claim 27 further including the step of: upon
availability as indicated by the checking step, reserving, by
operation of the delivery system, sufficient room within the one of
the locked storage containers to receive the delivery.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein the one of the locked storage
containers signals the delivery system of the insertion of the
delivery into the one of the locked storage containers based on
access by a delivery person.
30. The method of claim 24 wherein the one of the locked storage
containers signals the delivery system of the insertion of the
delivery into the one of the locked storage containers based on
access by a delivery person.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a system, device and method for
receiving goods or other items, purchasing goods, scheduling and
tracking deliveries, receiving deliveries or ordered items
utilizing a specialized device, making and processing payment,
inventorying items scheduled for delivery and items delivered and
making information about deliveries available through a variety of
means.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] The recent upsurge in e-commerce whereby a consumer accesses
a website over the Internet to purchase goods for delivery to the
home, office or other site has created an increased need for
scheduling and tracking the deliveries, as well as for providing a
safe and secure site for receipt of the goods when they are
delivered to an unoccupied site. The convenience of being able to
avoid making a trip to a retail store or outlet to purchase goods,
and being able to order such goods for deliveries to home, office
or other site "on-line" is off-set by the problems surrounding the
delivery of the goods to the purchaser. If the purchaser is not
available on-site to receive the goods, he must either re-schedule
for another delivery or the goods must be left unsecured at the
site, thereby being subject to theft or damage.
[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a device which
enables the safe and secure receipt of purchased or other goods,
delivered to a site without a person in attendance.
[0006] It is a further object of the invention to provide a system
for the remote purchasing of goods, making and processing payment
therefor, inventorying the purchased goods, scheduling and tracking
the delivery of the goods, as well as making information available
about the delivery through a variety of means.
[0007] It is still a further object of the invention to provide a
method for the remote purchasing of goods and for providing the
safe and secure delivery of the purchased goods to a desired
site.
[0008] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a delivery
technique where the size (overall volume and length, height, and
width) of an order is compared to available space (volume and
length, height, and width) within a locked storage container or
appliance in which the delivery is to be made, delivery is
scheduled for a time when sufficient space is available, and access
to the locked storage container is granted to a delivery person
only during a scheduled time interval.
[0009] A still further object of the invention to provide delivery
to a locked storage container corresponding to a customer and where
an account of the customer is charged for the delivery (i.e., the
costs of the goods and/or the delivery service) upon insertion of
the order with the container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The above and other objects are realized by the present
invention, one embodiment of which comprises a storage appliance or
device at a fixed site/location/address which is accessible by
means of an identifier unlocking a locked entry door. (As used
herein, an "identifier" includes a physical device, such as a key,
electronic key, smart card, magnetic card, or similar device
carried or transported by an individual to give access or a
biometric property such as fingerprint, voice pattern as recognized
by a machine, or retinal scan of a delivery person. The identifier
is associated with a particular person, such as a delivery person,
or a particular company.) The typical location is near or affixed
to the exterior of a home or office. The appliance is capable of
receiving and storing goods for delivery or pickup with a level of
security preventing unauthorized entry or theft and with protection
against pests and unfavorable weather conditions. The appliance may
be equipped with multiple storage areas, some of which may be
cooled or heated. The appliance may be free-standing, secured to a
fixed location or affixed to a structure.
[0011] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a system
comprising the appliance in electronic communication with a
computer or computer network. This communication may be affected by
a variety of means, including any form of telephonic signal,
television cable, computer network cable, radio signal or the
like.
[0012] The appliance receives and transmits data to the computer or
computer network (hereinafter referred to as the "scheduler") which
is capable of organizing and recording a schedule of deliveries and
pickups utilizing the appliance and transmitting instructions to
the appliance allowing it to identify an identifier authorized to
access the appliance in accordance with a schedule. As mentioned
previously, the identifier may be a physical access device such as
key, an electronic key, smart card, magnetic card, or a biometric
property of a delivery person as sensed by sensors. However, and
for ease of discussion below, reference below will often be to a
key and it will be understood that other devices or biometric
properties could be used in lieu thereof. The appliance may be
identified by the computer or computer network with which it is
communicating by identification number, name or location. Each
appliance may be associated with a user account record or
records.
[0013] Still another embodiment of the invention comprises a method
of scheduling and tracking deliveries, of receiving deliveries
utilizing a specialized device, of making and processing payment,
of inventorying items scheduled for delivery and items delivered
and of making information about deliveries available through a
variety of means. Users of the method may be entities desiring to
make deliveries and/or to receive deliveries. Users of the method
may schedule delivery, track shipment and delivery, make secure
delivery by means of a specialized appliance, make and confirm
payment, inventory items scheduled for delivery and delivered.
Users of the method may access data regarding the appliance and/or
delivery location stored on computer or computer network and
accessed by a variety of means including telephone, radio, computer
network or the Internet. The type of data which may be accessed
includes data concerning the location of the appliance and
alternative delivery locations, the capacity and type of storage of
the appliance, the type and availability of storage capacity at the
time and date of intended delivery and special instructions or
other information pertaining to the delivery appliance and location
and method of payment.
[0014] The method of the present invention may alternately be
described as a method of: delivery of ordered items to a plurality
of locked storage containers, each associated with a corresponding
customer, using a delivery system including a scheduler, the steps
including: ordering a first delivery of one or more goods for a
first customer associated with a first locked storage container of
the plurality of locked storage containers; following the ordering
of the first delivery, determining the availability of the first
locked storage container to receive the first delivery at one or
more times by use of the scheduler; identifying, using the
scheduler, a first time interval during which the first delivery
can be made; and the delivery system sending to the first locked
storage container an access signal allowing a first delivery person
who is delivering the delivery to access the first locked storage
container only during the first time interval. The steps include:
ordering a second delivery of one or more goods for the first
customer; following the ordering of the second delivery,
determining the availability of the first locked storage container
to receive the second delivery at one or more times by use of the
scheduler; identifying, using the scheduler, a second time interval
during which the second delivery can be made; and the delivery
system sending to the first locked storage container an access
signal allowing a second delivery person who is delivering the
second delivery to access the first locked storage container only
during the second time interval.
[0015] A delivery is ordered for one or more goods for a second
customer associated with a second locked storage container of the
plurality of locked storage containers. Following the ordering of
the last-mentioned delivery, the availability of the second locked
storage container to receive the last-mentioned delivery at one or
more times by use of the schedule is determined. The method
identifies, using the scheduler, a second customer time interval
during which the last-mentioned delivery can be made; and the
delivery system sends to the second locked storage container an
access signal allowing a delivery person who is delivering the
last-mentioned delivery to access the second locked storage
container only during the second customer time interval. The first
delivery person opens the first locked storage container using an
identifier corresponding to the first delivery person and the
second delivery person opens the first locked storage container
using an identifier corresponding to the second delivery
person.
[0016] Following the ordering, the size of the delivery is
determined using the delivery system. Available room with the first
locked storage container is checked by use of the delivery system.
Upon availability as indicated by the checking step, the delivery
system reserves sufficient room within the first locked storage
container to receive the delivery.
[0017] Following the first delivery, an account of the first
customer is charged for the first delivery upon the first locked
storage container signaling the delivery system of the insertion of
the first delivery into the first locked storage container. The
first locked storage container signals the delivery system of the
insertion of the first delivery into the first locked storage
container based on access by the first delivery person.
[0018] The invention may alternately be described as a method of
delivery of ordered items to a plurality of locked storage
containers using a delivery system, the steps including: ordering a
delivery of one or more goods to a first customer; following the
ordering, determining the size of the delivery using the delivery
system; checking available room within a first locked storage
container of the plurality of locked storage containers, the first
locked storage container corresponding to the first customer, by
use of the delivery system; upon availability, reserving, by
operation of the delivery system, sufficient room within the first
locked storage container to receive the delivery; and delivering
the delivery to within the first locked storage container. Upon
finding that the available room within the first locked storage
container is insufficient for the size of the delivery, the ordered
delivery is divided into at least first and second partial
deliveries for separate delivery upon there being available room.
The delivery system includes a scheduler and the method further
includes the steps of: following the ordering of the delivery,
determining the availability of the first locked storage container
to receive the first and parts at one or more times by use of the
scheduler; identifying, using the scheduler, a first time interval
during which the first partial delivery can be made and a second
time interval during which the second partial delivery can be made;
and the delivery system sending to the first locked storage
container an access signal allowing access to the first locked
storage container only during the first time interval for delivery
of the first partial delivery and during the second time interval
for delivery of the second partial delivery. Prior to dividing the
ordered delivery, input is received from the customer indicating
the customer's preference for a complete delivery or delivery in
multiple portions; and the scheduler schedules delivery according
to the customer's preference. The method of further includes the
step of: charging an account of the first customer for a delivery
upon the locked storage container signaling the delivery system of
the insertion of a delivery into the locked storage container.
[0019] The invention may alternately be described as a method for
delivery of ordered items to a plurality of locked storage
containers using a delivery system, the steps including: ordering a
delivery of one or more goods to a customer; delivering the
delivery to within one of the locked storage containers
corresponding to the customer; and automatically sending a DELIVERY
MADE signal from the one of the locked storage containers signaling
the delivery system of the insertion of the delivery into the one
of the locked storage containers. Upon the delivery system
receiving the DELIVERY MADE signal, the delivery system performs
one or more steps selected from the group consisting of: charging
an account of the customer for the delivery; and automatically
initiating a communication to the customer. The delivery system
includes a scheduler and further includes the steps of: following
the ordering, determining the availability of the one of the locked
storage containers to receive the delivery at one or more times by
use of the scheduler; identifying, using the scheduler, a first
time interval during which the delivery can be made; and the
delivery system sending to the one of the locked storage containers
an access signal allowing a first delivery person who is delivering
the delivery to access the one of the locked storage containers
only during the first time interval. The method further includes
the steps of: following the ordering, determining the size of the
delivery using the delivery system; and checking available room
with the one of the locked storage containers by use of the
delivery system.
[0020] The delivery system of the present invention may be
described as for delivery of items includes: a plurality of locked
storage containers at different locations, each locked storage
container corresponding to a customer: order receiver within the
delivery system for receiving orders for delivery of one or more
goods for customer; availability determiner for determining the
availability of the locked storage containers to receive deliveries
at one or more times; a scheduler receiving availability
information from the availability determiner and operable to
identify a time interval during which the delivery can be made and
operable to send to a locked storage container an access signal
allowing a delivery person who is delivering a delivery to access
the locked storage container only during the time interval
identified by the scheduler.
[0021] The appliance of the present invention is an appliance for
securely receiving deliveries without requiring a person in
attendance to accept delivery includes: a storage container; a lock
controlling access to the storage container; and a communication
link connected to the lock and operable to receive an access signal
from a remote location to allow access to the storage container;
and wherein the lock is responsive to the communication link
receiving the access signal by unlocking upon presentation of an
identifier selected from the group consisting of: a physical device
granting access, and one or more biometric properties.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a storage appliance
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a flow sheet depicting the steps of the method of
the invention overlaid on the main components or participants in
the method.
[0024] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the front of the storage
appliance embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the rear of the storage
appliance embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of the interior of the storage
appliance embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the part of the system
embodiment of the invention utilizing a computer as the controller
between the electronic key to the storage appliance and the
communications network.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a simplified flow chart of a process of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an appliance 10 according to the present
invention. The appliance 10 is a locked storage container with a
door handle 12 and an electronic lock 14. The lock 14 may be
accessed by a universal key, other physical device or other
identifier (including biometric properties as discussed above). The
lock 14 is capable of identifying electronically or by other means
the key (more generally the identifier) being used for unlocking or
opening the appliance. However, in the preferred design the
appliance 10 is capable of identifying specific keys authorized for
entry and/or permitting access by unlocking the door based on
instructions communicated to it by a scheduler, remotely located.
The scheduler is connected to lock 14 via communications link 16
such as a modem or other interface to the telephone system, the
internet or other communications, and discussed in more detail
below. The appliance is also capable of denying entry to keys not
authorized for delivery or not authorized for delivery at that
time. The appliance is preferably capable of recording and/or
transmitting a log or other itemized listing of authorized and
unauthorized attempt(s) at opening the appliance and may include
among other information the electronic identity of each key, the
date and time of the attempt.
[0030] The access to appliance 10 may be explained by an example. A
first delivery person working for a first company may have an
electronic key, such as a smart card or magnetic card, unique to
that individual or the first company. Alternately, and in lieu of
the key or other physical access device, a biometric property (such
as fingerprint, voice pattern, retinal pattern) of the delivery
person may be read by an optional biometric sensor 15. A second
delivery person working for a second company may have an electronic
key, such as a smart card or magnetic card, unique to that
individual or the second company. The first delivery person may be
scheduled for accessing the appliance 10 during a first time
interval such as between 9 AM and 12 noon on a given day, whereas
the second delivery person may be scheduled for accessing the
appliance 10 during a second time interval such as between 1 PM and
4 PM on the same day. Under such circumstances, the lock 14 could
only be opened by the first delivery person's electronic key (not
shown) during the first time interval, whereas the lock 14 could
only be opened by the second delivery person's electronic key (not
shown) during the second time interval. This assumes that the
scheduler switches the lock 14 into an access state in which it is
unlockable by an electronic key. Alternately, the scheduler could
simply unlock the lock 14 so that a person could insert items in
the appliance without needing a lock.
[0031] The time intervals might be much longer then the several
hour time intervals above. For example, a time interval of 24 or
more hours for a delivery might be used. Further, the first and
second time intervals might overlap or even be identical (i.e., two
deliveries scheduled for the same time interval).
[0032] In a typical use of the device, system and method of the
invention, and with particular reference to FIG. 2, a flow chart is
shown overlaid on the main components or participants linked as
shown. Discussing first, the main components or participants, the
customer 18 is linked to website/retail partner 20 which in turn is
linked to a scheduler website software 22 and delivery partner 24.
The delivery partner 24 in turn is linked to website/retail partner
20 and also to the customer's home delivery attendant 26. The
various illustrated links between 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 would
preferably be internet links, but telephone or other links could
also be used for some or all of the links. It should be understood
that the components 18 through 26 are shown for a particular
customer, but in practice there would be a plurality of customers
18 each having an associated home delivery attendant 26.
Additionally, the scheduler website/software may interact with a
plurality of retail outlets 20 and a plurality of delivery partners
24. For example, there may be a retailer 20 for books, a different
retailer 20 for clothing, and numerous other retailers, some
competitive with others, all linked to the scheduler 22. The
various delivery partners may be specialized on a geographic basis,
a delivery basis (i.e., one delivers within one day, another
delivers within three days, etc.), and possibly by the type of
delivery being made. As will be discussed below, some orders may
involve products requiring special handling such as refrigeration
in transit and the delivery partner delivering such products may
need a refrigerator section in a delivery truck.
[0033] Turning now to the flow chart part of FIG. 2, the steps are
numbered 28 to 50, steps 40 and 44 being within a common box. At
box 28, a consumer accesses an e-commerce website over the Internet
to purchase goods for home delivery. The consumer identifies
himself/herself as an account holder. The retailer/vendor 20
electronically looks up and verifies the account of the consumer
against a register or database of accounts made available on-line
by the scheduler 22. An account holder is an authorized user of an
appliance(s) 10 (FIG. 1 only) capable of unattended
receipt/delivery and of electronically communicating with a
specialized computer program (scheduler) which schedules deliveries
to the appliance and reports deliveries to the account holder. The
consumer selects items for purchase and delivery and fills an
electronic shopping cart.
[0034] It will be understood that the invention also contemplates
delivery of items ordered by telephone, mail, or in person at a
retail store. The invention also may be used for receiving items
that do not involve a commercial transaction. For example, a
neighbor could return a borrowed item to the person owning the
storage container.
[0035] As the shopping cart is loaded with goods selected, the
estimated total size of the bundle of items as measured by the
dimensions of height, width and depth is calculated (with software
provided by the scheduler) based on information provided by the
seller. Accessing information (provided by the scheduler over a
computer network of the Internet) regarding the type and capacity
of the appliance and the estimated remaining capacity of the
appliance at the projected time/date of delivery, the estimated
size of the bundle of items is compared against the total volume
(including the various dimensions) of space remaining available in
the consumer's designated appliance(s) on the time/date of the
proposed date of delivery. Thus, an order that has a length of 5
feet will require 5 feet available within the appliance 10. If the
volume or any dimension of the order exceeds available capacity,
the consumer is given the option of splitting the delivery into two
or more deliveries, of rescheduling the delivery for another time
when capacity is available, or of removing items from the shopping
cart.
[0036] The retailer or seller notifies the consumer of the final
purchase price including shipping and handling. At step 30, the
consumer authorizes the purchase and indicates method of payment.
The consumer may arrange for payment to seller directly or by debit
or credit accounts linked to the consumer's account. The seller
finalizes the sale. At block 32, the seller notifies the scheduler
22 (a specialized computer program running on a delivery system
computer) of the time/date of the intended delivery and the
estimated size of the bundle of items. The scheduler reserves the
capacity in the designated appliance for the scheduled time/date of
the delivery. The seller also electronically provides to the
scheduler (in format specified by the scheduler) an inventory of
items purchased, itemized prices of each item purchased, itemized
shipping and handling costs, and any other information permitted by
the scheduler including coupon or "cents off" offers and other
advertising and promotional information. This information provided
by the seller may be made accessible by the scheduler to the
consumer by a variety of means and formats, including computer
networks, the Internet, electronic mail, telephone or printed
matter.
[0037] The seller prepares the order for shipment. If any of the
items are unavailable at the time that the order is being filled or
if other items are added to the shipment for any reason, the
estimated size of the bundle of items is adjusted. At step 34, the
seller accesses information provided by the scheduler regarding the
then available capacity at the time/date of delivery. If space is
available, the shipment is scheduled at step 36. If space is
unavailable, the shipment is adjusted interactively until available
space capacity can be confirmed and reserved. At step 38, the
seller electronically provides to the scheduler information to
update the order, including any shipping information, routing or
tracking numbers, etc., and any additional advertising or
promotional information.
[0038] Preceding the time/date of each scheduled delivery, the
scheduler communicates at step 40 electronic instructions to the
appliance to permit entry to delivery personnel using a key which
is identified by the appliance and matches a key authorized for
entry for the scheduled delivery at that date/time (a time interval
within an assigned date, or optionally, more than one date). If a
key does not match a key authorized for entry at that time/date,
entry will be denied. Once entry is gained for an authorized key,
that key will be locked out until re-authorized.
[0039] When a delivery is made to the appliance 10 at step 42, the
appliance communicates to the scheduler (by sending a "delivery
made" signal) that the delivery was completed at step 44. Debit or
credit sales at the point of delivery are processed for payment
(costs of the goods and/or delivery applied to an account of the
customer) at step 46. The scheduler updates the consumer's account
with the time/date of receipt. The vendor selling the goods or
service making the delivery may also provide information to the
customer's account regarding the time/date of delivery, promotional
material and other information specified above, including a "thank
you" for the purchase at step 48.
[0040] The scheduler updates the consumer's account with various
information regarding each purchase and scheduled delivery at step
50. The consumer may access this information through a variety of
means including a computer network, an email, the Internet (i.e.,
checking a web page), a text message to the consumer's pager, or
telephone. The consumer may review his/her account through a
variety of views including available capacity by time period,
committed capacity by time period, chronological list of scheduled
deliveries, chronological list of scheduled deliveries by vendor,
chronological list of scheduled deliveries by vendor classification
(i.e., groceries, dry cleaning, etc.), deliveries made, deliveries
missed, inventory of items ordered or delivered (by vendor, vendor
classification, time period, etc.), inventory of items ordered but
not shipped, calculation of costs (by vendor, vendor type, time
period, method of payment, shipping and handling, etc.).
[0041] The consumer account holder may request to be notified at
various stages of the shipping and delivery process. In addition to
information, which is updated to the consumer's account and
available by means previously specified, the notification may be
made via electronic mail, voice or text pager, or telephone.
[0042] Although the discussion refers to consumers placing the
orders, it will be understood that the person ordering may also be
a business customer ordering supplies for a business.
[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, the appliance 10 details will be
discussed. Door handle 12 and electronic lock 14 are on the front
of the appliance 10 and would be used by delivery persons to access
the appliance via a front door 15. Door handle 52 and key lock 54
would be used by the customer (i.e., appliance owner) to access the
rear door 55 of the appliance 10. In practice, the appliance 10 may
have its front door 15 on the outside of a house (not shown) with
the rear door 55 on the inside of the house. In that case, the
appliance would fit in an opening in the wall of the house in
similar fashion to some room air conditioners. The inside of the
appliance 10 includes an insulated compartment 56 where items such
as hot food (pizza, etc.) may maintain their heat. Dry goods or
bulk items may be placed within compartment 58 which is subdivided
by a shelf 60. A refrigerated compartment 62 and dry cleaning
section 64 with a bar 66 for hanging clothes are also included.
Although not separately shown, a heated compartment and a freezer
compartment may also be included.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 6, the electronic lock 14 is connected
to a computer/controller 68 that is in the appliance 10. The
computer/controller 68, which may operate solenoids or other
actuators (not shown) in order to unlock lock 14 or render it
accessible (i.e., ready to be unlocked) via electronic key 70,
communicates via communication link 16 with the scheduler 22. The
link 16 may connect to scheduler 22 via the internet, telephone
system, cable, wireless or other technique.
[0045] A digital signature 71 may be stored within computer 68 and
may be used for acknowledging special deliveries. For example, the
delivery of certain pharmaceutical products may require a signature
to acknowledge receipt. Upon the insertion of a pharmaceutical
delivery (or any other delivery where signature is desired or
required), the computer 68 may send, as part of a DELIVERY MADE
signal, an appended digital signature to authenticate the delivery.
Alternately, the electronic key 70 may be part of or connected to a
small computer carried by the delivery person and operable to
receive the digital signature acknowledging receipt of the
delivery. Recent changes in the law in the United States, among
other countries, may allow such digital signatures to be used in
situations where written signatures were previously used.
[0046] Turning now to FIG. 7, but also considering FIG. 2, a flow
chart of some key aspects of the method of the present invention
will be discussed. Except as otherwise noted the steps in FIG. 7
are performed by scheduler 22. The order is placed at step 72 by a
customer on his/her computer which communicates it to the scheduler
22. At block 74, the scheduler 22 determines the dimensions of the
order. These dimensions may have been supplied to scheduler 22 by
the retailer 20. At block 76, the scheduler 22 compares the
dimensions of the order with the available space within the
appliance 10 for a given time period. The scheduler may keep a
running total of space available within the appliance. Alternately,
the computer 68 of FIG. 6 may keep a running total of space
available that is supplied, upon automated request, to the
scheduler.
[0047] If block 76 determines that not enough space is available,
control goes to block 78 where the order is divided into two or
more portions for separate delivery before returning to block
74.
[0048] Once block 76 determines that sufficient space is available,
control goes to block 80 where space for the delivery is reserved.
Next, block 82 sends an access signal from the scheduler 22 to the
appliance 10 such that a delivery person may unlock it during a
prescribed time interval. Block 84 indicates that the delivery is
made, after which block 86 corresponds to the computer 68 of the
appliance 10 sending a delivery made signal to the scheduler. Upon
receipt of the signal indicating delivery, the scheduler 22 or
another part of the delivery system computer on which the
scheduling software runs, sends a charge account signal. The charge
account signal debits or charges the customer's account for the
delivery which had just been made.
[0049] Although various specific constructions and steps have been
shown and discussed, these are for illustrative purposes only.
Various modifications will be apparent to those of skill in the
art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be
determined with reference to the claims appended hereto.
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