U.S. patent application number 14/200301 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for systems and methods of managing the capacity of attended delivery/pickup locations.
The applicant listed for this patent is United Parcel Service of America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Vincent Dethier, Daniel Lievens, Luc Pirenne.
Application Number | 20140279665 14/200301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51531625 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140279665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lievens; Daniel ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANAGING THE CAPACITY OF ATTENDED
DELIVERY/PICKUP LOCATIONS
Abstract
A computer system for routing parcels to attended
delivery/pickup locations (e.g., other than an individual's home
and/or office) based on estimating the attended delivery/pickup
location's capacity is disclosed. The computer system receives
capacity information associated with the attended delivery/pickup
location and characteristics of one or more parcels an individual
wishes to be delivered to the attended deliver location. The
system, based at least in part on the received information,
determines whether the attended delivery/pickup location will have
the capacity to store the one or more parcels associated with the
individual. The system then routes the one or more parcels either
to the attended delivery/pickup location (if there is capacity) or
to an alternative delivery/pickup location (if there is not
capacity).
Inventors: |
Lievens; Daniel; (Ressegem,
BE) ; Dethier; Vincent; (Brussels, BE) ;
Pirenne; Luc; (Brussels, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
United Parcel Service of America, Inc. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51531625 |
Appl. No.: |
14/200301 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61791008 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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|
61777968 |
Mar 12, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/339 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G06Q 10/0836 20130101; G06Q 50/28 20130101;
G06Q 10/0832 20130101; G06Q 10/0837 20130101; G06Q 10/06312
20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101; G06Q 10/08355 20130101; G06Q 10/02
20130101; G06Q 10/0835 20130101; G06Q 10/0833 20130101; G06Q 20/407
20130101; G06Q 10/08345 20130101; G06Q 10/083 20130101; G06Q
30/0233 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/339 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08 |
Claims
1. A computer system comprising: at least one processor, wherein
the computer system is configured for: (A) receiving capacity
information associated with a first attended delivery/pickup
location, wherein: i) the first attended delivery/pickup location
comprises: 1) a location, other than a residence or employer
associated with a first parcel recipient; and 2) a storage area
comprising a volume for storing at least one accepted parcel; and
ii) the capacity information comprises a total volume of the
storage area for storing one or more accepted parcels; (B)
determining an estimated average storage time for an average parcel
stored at the first attended delivery/pickup location; (C)
receiving first delivery information associated with one or more
parcels associated with the first parcel recipient, wherein the
first delivery information comprises: i) a first estimated time of
delivery associated with the one or more parcels associated with
the first parcel recipient; and ii) a first indication of the first
parcel recipient to pick up the one or more parcels at the first
attended delivery/pickup location; (D) estimating the capacity of
the first attended delivery/pickup location at the estimated time
of delivery of the one or more parcels based at least in part on:
i) the capacity information associated with the first attended
delivery/pickup location; and ii) the estimated storage time for
the average parcel stored at the first attended delivery/pickup
location; (E) determining whether the first attended
delivery/pickup location will have sufficient capacity to receive
the one or more parcels associated with the first parcel recipient
at the estimated time of delivery based at least in part the
estimated capacity of the first attended delivery/pickup location;
and (F) at least partially in response to determining that the
first attended delivery/pickup location will not have sufficient
capacity to receive the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient at the estimated time of delivery,
facilitating routing the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient to a first alternate attended
delivery/pickup location, wherein: i) the first alternate attended
delivery/pickup location comprises an alternate attended
delivery/pickup location that is different than the first attended
delivery/pickup location; and ii) the first alternate attended
delivery/pickup location and the first attended delivery/pickup
location are within a network of attended delivery/pickup
locations.
2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein: (A) the first delivery
information further comprises one or more characteristics of the
one or more parcels associated with the first parcel recipient; and
(B) determining whether the first attended delivery/pickup location
will have sufficient capacity to receive the one or more parcels
associated with the first parcel recipient at the estimated time of
delivery is further at least partially based on the one or more
characteristics of the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient.
3. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the one or more
characteristics of the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient are characteristics selected from the group
consisting of: (A) an estimated volume of the one or more parcels;
(B) an estimated density of the one or more parcels; (C) an
estimated weight of the one or more parcels; and (D) estimated
dimensions of the one or more parcels.
4. The computer system of claim 2, wherein the computer system is
further configured for, at least partially in response to
determining that the particular delivery/pickup location will have
sufficient capacity to receive the one or more parcels associated
with the first parcel recipient at the estimated time of delivery,
facilitating routing the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient to the first attended delivery/pickup
location.
5. The computer system of claim 4, wherein the computer system is
further configured for: (A) receiving second delivery information
associated with one or more parcels associated with a second parcel
recipient, wherein the delivery information comprises: i) a second
estimated time of delivery associated with the one or more parcels
associated with the second parcel recipient; ii) one or more
characteristics of the one or more parcels associated with the
second parcel recipient; and iii) an indication of the second
parcel recipient to pick up the one or more parcels at the first
attended delivery/pickup location; (B) estimating the capacity of
the first attended delivery/pickup location at the second estimated
time of delivery associated with the one or more parcels associated
with the second parcel recipient based at least in part on: i) the
capacity information associated with the first attended
delivery/pickup location; ii) the estimated storage time for the
average parcel stored at the first attended delivery/pickup
location; and iii) the one or more characteristics of the one or
more parcels associated with the first parcel recipient; (C)
determining whether the first attended delivery/pickup location
will have sufficient capacity to receive the one or more parcels
associated with the second parcel recipient at the second estimated
time of delivery based at least in part on estimating the capacity
of the first delivery/pickup location; and (D) at least partially
in response to determining that the particular delivery/pickup
location will not have sufficient capacity to receive the one or
more parcels associated with the second parcel recipient at the
second estimated time of delivery, facilitating routing the one or
more parcels associated with the second parcel recipient to a
second alternative attended delivery/pickup location.
6. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the first alternative
attended delivery/pickup location and the second attended
delivery/pickup location are a particular attended delivery/pickup
location.
7. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the capacity information
associated with the first attended delivery/pickup location further
comprises an indication of a volume of one or more accepted parcels
expected to be delivered to the first attended delivery/pickup
location approximately before the first estimated time of delivery
of the one or more parcels associated with the first parcel
recipient.
8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein determining whether the
first attended delivery/pickup location will have sufficient
capacity to receive the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient at the estimated time of delivery comprises
determining whether the estimated capacity will be at or about a
percentage of the volume of the storage area at the first estimated
time of delivery of the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient.
9. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the percentage of the
volume is about ninety-five percent.
10. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the estimated average
storage time for the average parcel stored at the first attended
delivery/pickup location is at least partially based on: (A) a
number of parcels previously delivered to the first attended
delivery/pickup location associated with the first parcel
recipient; and (B) an average storage time for the number of
parcels previously delivered to the first attended delivery/pickup
location associated with the first parcel recipient.
11. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the estimated average
storage time for the average parcel stored at the first attended
delivery/pickup location is at least partially based on: (A) a
number of parcels previously delivered to the first attended
delivery/pickup location for a predetermined period of time; and
(B) an average storage time for the number of parcels previously
delivered to the first attended delivery/pickup location for the
predetermined period of time.
12. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the attended
delivery/pickup location is a location selected from the group
consisting of: (A) a gas station; (B) a convenience store; (C) a
retail location; and (D) a kiosk at a mall.
13. The computer system of claim 1, wherein facilitating routing
the one or more parcels associated with the first parcel recipient
to a first alternative attended delivery/pickup location comprises
transmitting a message to the first parcel recipient suggesting
requesting delivery to the first alternate attended delivery/pickup
location.
14. The computer system of claim 1, wherein facilitating routing
the one or more parcels associated with the first parcel recipient
to a first alternative attended delivery/pickup location comprises
transmitting a notification to a logistics company indicating that
the first attended delivery/pickup location will not receive the
one or more parcels associated with the first parcel recipient.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer
executable instructions for: (A) receiving a request to have one or
more parcels associated with a particular parcel recipient of a
plurality of parcel recipients delivered to a particular attended
delivery/pickup location, wherein: i) the particular attended
delivery/pickup location comprises an area for storing one or more
parcels for pickup by the plurality of parcel recipients; ii) the
particular attended delivery/pickup location is not a residence or
employer associated with the particular parcel recipient; and iii)
the request to have the one or more parcels delivered to the
particular attended delivery/pickup location comprises: a) an
estimated delivery time of the one or more parcels; and b) an
estimated volume of the one or more parcels; (B) receiving capacity
information associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup
location, wherein the capacity information comprises: i) a maximum
capacity of the area for accepting one or more parcels for pickup;
ii) a number of one or more parcels currently stored at the
particular attended delivery/pickup location; and iii) an average
time one or more parcels are stored at the storage area; (C) at
least partially in response to receiving the request for having the
one or more parcels associated the particular parcel recipient
delivered to the particular attended delivery/pickup location,
determining whether the particular attended delivery/pickup
location will accept the one or more parcels associated with the
particular parcel recipient based at least in part on: i) the
estimated volume of the one or more parcels; ii) the estimated
delivery time of the one or more parcels; iii) the maximum capacity
of the area for accepting one or more parcels for pickup; iv) the
number of one or more parcels currently stored at the particular
attended delivery/pickup location; and v) the average time one or
more parcels are stored at the storage area; and (D) at least
partially in response to determining that the particular attended
delivery/pickup location will not accept the one or more parcels
associated with the particular parcel recipient, facilitating
directing the one or more parcels to a predetermined alternative
attended delivery/pickup location.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15,
wherein determining whether the particular attended delivery/pickup
location will accept the one or more parcels associated with the
particular parcel recipient is further at least partially based on
an estimated number of parcels the particular attended
delivery/pickup location has committed to accepting, but has not
yet received.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16,
wherein the maximum capacity of the area for accepting one or more
parcel for pickup is at least partially based on the volume of the
area for storing the one or more parcels for pickup from the
plurality of parcel recipients.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17,
wherein determining whether the particular attended delivery/pickup
location will accept the one or more parcels associated with the
particular parcel recipient comprises estimating the volume
available at the particular attended delivery/pickup location to
store the one or more parcels associated with the particular parcel
recipient at the estimated delivery time of the one or more parcels
associated with the parcel recipient.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18,
wherein determining whether the particular attended delivery/pickup
location will accept the one or more parcels associated with the
particular parcel recipient comprises determining whether the
volume available to store one or more parcels of the particular
attended delivery/pickup location will be about ninety-five percent
of the total volume of the area at the estimated delivery time of
the one or more parcels associated with the parcel recipient.
20. A computer-implemented method, comprising: (A) receiving, by at
least one processor, capacity information associated with each of a
plurality of attended delivery/pickup locations, wherein the
attended delivery/pickup locations comprise businesses not
primarily for receiving parcels; (B) receiving, by at least one
processor, an estimated storage time for an average parcel for each
of the plurality of attended delivery/pickup locations, wherein the
estimated storage time for the average parcel for each of the
plurality of attended delivery/pickup locations is based at least
in part on: i) a number of parcels delivered to the plurality of
attended delivery/pickup locations for a predetermined period of
time; and ii) an average storage time for the number of parcels
delivered to the plurality of delivery/pickup locations for the
predetermined period of time; (C) receiving, by at least one
processor, delivery information associated with one or more parcels
associated with a particular parcel recipient, wherein the delivery
information comprises: i) an estimated time of delivery; ii) an
estimated volume of the one or more parcels; and iii) an indication
of a particular attended delivery/pickup location of the plurality
of attended delivery/pickup locations in which the particular
parcel recipient desires to pick up the one or more parcels; (D)
calculating, by at least one processor, an approximate capacity of
the particular delivery/pickup location at the estimated time of
delivery of the one or more parcels based at least in part on: i)
the capacity information associated with the particular attended
delivery/pickup location; ii) the estimated storage time for the
average parcel for the particular attended delivery/pickup
location; and (E) determining, by at least one processor, whether
the particular delivery/pickup location will have sufficient
capacity to receive the one or more parcels associated with the
particular parcel recipient at the estimated time of delivery based
at least in part on estimating the capacity of the particular
delivery/pickup location; and (F) at least partially in response to
determining that the particular delivery/pickup location will not
have sufficient capacity of receive the one or more parcels
associated with the particular parcel recipient at the estimated
time of delivery, facilitating routing the one or more parcels
associated with the particular parcel recipient to an alternative
attended delivery/pickup location of the plurality of attended
delivery/pickup locations.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/791,008, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled,
"Systems and Methods of Delivering Parcels Using Attended Delivery
Locations," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/777,968,
filed Mar. 12, 2013, entitled "Systems and Methods of Delivering
Parcels Using Attended Delivery Locations," both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An increase in Internet commerce has led to an increase in
the number of parcels delivered to individual homes. However, this
rise in "home delivery" is not always convenient for individuals or
logistics companies. It may be desirable to deliver parcels to
alternative delivery locations (e.g., locations other than an
individual's home or business). However, it can be difficult to
determine whether particular alternative delivery locations are
available to receive and distribute parcels. Various embodiments of
the present systems and methods recognize and address the foregoing
considerations, and others, of prior art systems and methods.
SUMMARY
[0003] In various embodiments, a computer system including at least
one processor is configured for: 1) receiving capacity information
associated with a first attended delivery/pickup location, where:
a) the first attended delivery/pickup location is a location, other
than a residence or employer associated with a first parcel
recipient and includes a storage area including a volume for
storing at least one accepted parcel; and b) the capacity
information includes a total volume of the storage area for storing
one or more accepted parcels; 2) determining an estimated average
storage time for an average parcel stored at the first attended
delivery/pickup location; 3) receiving first delivery information
associated with one or more parcels associated with the first
parcel recipient, wherein the first delivery information includes:
a) a first estimated time of delivery associated with the one or
more parcels associated with the first parcel recipient; and b) a
first indication of the first parcel recipient to pick up the one
or more parcels at the first attended delivery/pickup location; 4)
estimating the capacity of the first attended delivery/pickup
location at the estimated time of delivery of the one or more
parcels based at least in part on: a) the capacity information
associated with the first attended delivery/pickup location; and b)
the estimated storage time for the average parcel stored at the
first attended delivery/pickup location; 5) determining whether the
first attended delivery/pickup location will have sufficient
capacity to receive the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient at the estimated time of delivery based at
least in part the estimated capacity of the first attended
delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the computer
system is further configured for: 1) at least partially in response
to determining that the first attended delivery/pickup location
will not have sufficient capacity to receive the one or more
parcels associated with the first parcel recipient at the estimated
time of delivery, facilitating routing the one or more parcels
associated with the first parcel recipient to a first alternative
attended delivery/pickup location, wherein the first alternate
attended delivery/pickup location comprises an alternate attended
delivery/pickup location within a network of attended
delivery/pickup locations; and 2) at least partially in response to
determining that the particular delivery/pickup location will have
sufficient capacity to receive the one or more parcels associated
with the first parcel recipient at the estimated time of delivery,
facilitating routing the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient to the first attended delivery/pickup
location.
[0004] It should be understood, in light of this disclosure, that
the above steps may also be completed by, in various embodiments, a
computer-implemented method, by at least one processor, and/or a
non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer readable
instructions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Various embodiments of a system and method for delivering
parcels to attended delivery/pickup locations are described below.
In the course of this description, reference will be made to the
accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
and wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a logistics system in
accordance with an embodiment of the present system;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a computer, such as the
logistics server of FIG. 1, that is suitable for use in various
embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart that generally illustrates
various steps executed by a parcel delivery module that, for
example, may be executed by the logistics server of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart that generally illustrates
various steps executed by a capacity determination module that, for
example, may be executed by the logistics server of FIG. 1; and
[0010] FIG. 5 is a transportation diagram depicting exemplary
transportation paths that may be taken by parcels that are
delivered to attended delivery/pickup locations according to
various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Various embodiments now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should
be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Overview
[0012] Logistics networks, according to various embodiments, use
attended pickup and delivery locations to facilitate: (1) the
convenient delivery of parcels and other items to individuals;
and/or (2) the convenient pickup of parcels and other items from
individuals who wish to send those items to others via a common
carrier. In various embodiments, existing retail businesses may be
used as suitable delivery/pickup locations. For example, a gas
station, a convenience store, a flower shop, a magazine stand, a
retail location associated with a common carrier, a kiosk at a
mall, or a retail department store may enter into an agreement with
a common carrier to accept deliveries of parcels (and/or other
items) that are to be picked up later, at a convenient time, by the
intended recipient of the parcels or other items. The retail
location may also agree to serve as a drop-off point for parcels
and/or other items that are to be delivered to another location by
the carrier.
[0013] In certain embodiments, each attended delivery/pickup
location is manned for at least some time during the week and is
equipped with a computer system that is adapted to communicate both
with: (1) one or more computer systems associated with the common
carrier; (2) one or more computing devices associated with the
sender of the parcel; and (3) one or more computing devices
associated with the recipient of the parcel. An example of a
suitable computer system is shown in FIG. 1 and is described in
greater technical detail at the end of this document.
[0014] In particular embodiments, a computer at the attended
delivery/pickup location (e.g., an "attended delivery/pickup
location computer") is adapted to send suitable messages regarding
the status of parcels handled by the attended delivery/pickup
location. For example, when the attended delivery/pickup location
receives a parcel, the attended delivery/pickup location computer
may automatically transmit an e-mail, text, or other message to:
(1) the common carrier's computer system; (2) the recipient's
computing device; and/or (3) the sender's computing device
indicating that the parcel has been received by the attended
delivery/pickup location and is ready to be picked up by the
recipient. The message may also include other suitable information,
such as the name and location of the attended delivery/pickup
location, the days and hours of operation of the attended
delivery/pickup location, and the deadline by which the individual
must retrieve the parcel before, for example: (1) the item is
returned to the sender; or (2) the recipient is charged for late
pickup of the item.
[0015] The attended delivery/pickup location may also automatically
transmit an e-mail, text, or other message to: (1) the common
carrier's computer system; (2) the recipient's computing device;
(3) the sender's computing device; and/or (4) any other suitable
computer in response to any suitable event including, for example:
(1) the parcel being picked up by the individual; (2) the parcel
being returned to the carrier after a time period for retrieving
the parcel has passed; (3) the parcel being transferred to another
attended delivery/pickup location; or (4) any other suitable
event.
[0016] In various embodiments, the system may be configured to
facilitate the delivery of parcels directly to attended
delivery/pickup locations from, for example, e-commerce retailers
from which users may order items for delivery. For example, the
system may be configured to allow a user making purchases of items
via the Internet to have those items delivered directly to attended
delivery/pickup locations. In such embodiments, as well as in other
embodiments, the system may be configured to present users with a
selection of attended delivery/pickup locations for items that the
user orders.
[0017] In particular embodiments, the system may be configured to
present users with attended delivery/pickup location options based
at least in part on any of the following: (1) a location of the
user's home; (2) a location of the user's place of work; (3) any
location specified by the user (e.g., such as a location that the
user frequently visits); and/or (4) any other suitable metric for
determining an appropriate selection of attended delivery/pickup
locations to present to the user. In various embodiments, the
system may be configured to provide a selection of attended
delivery/pickup locations that are: (1) within a particular
distance of any of the locations described above; (2) open (e.g.,
are available for picking up parcels) at a time convenient to the
user; (3) have certain hours of operation; and/or (4) any other
factor that may be beneficial to the user or common carrier in
dropping off or picking up parcels from attended delivery/pickup
locations.
[0018] In various embodiments, the system is configured to confirm
whether an attended delivery/pickup location has capacity to accept
a parcel before directing (e.g., or redirecting) a parcel to the
attended delivery/pickup location or before presenting the
alternate location as a potential delivery/pickup location to a
customer. This may include, for example, ensuring that there is
enough physical space at the attended delivery/pickup location to
accept the parcel or suitable systems in place at the attended
delivery/pickup location to accommodate any special handling
instructions that the parcel containing the item may have (e.g., a
requirement to store the parcel at a particular temperature). In
such embodiments, the system may be further configured to
substantially automatically (e.g., automatically) reserve space at
the attended delivery/pickup location for the parcel to ensure that
the attended delivery/pickup location will not lose capacity to
accept the parcel before the parcel arrives.
[0019] In a particular example, the system is configured to compare
the estimated capacity of an attended delivery/pickup location with
an estimated volume of one or more parcels associated with the
parcel recipient (e.g., a user) that are to be delivered to the
attended delivery/pickup location. Continuing with this example, if
the estimated volume of the one or more parcels (e.g., 1000 cubic
inches) exceeds the estimated capacity of the attended
delivery/pickup location (e.g., 500 cubic inches) at the estimated
time the one or more parcels are expected to be delivered, the
system will determine, in this example, that the attended
delivery/pickup location will not have sufficient capacity to
accept the one or more parcels associated with the parcel
recipient.
[0020] The use of such attended delivery/pickup locations may have
a variety of different advantages. First, in certain situations,
the recipient of a parcel may not typically be home when parcels
are commonly delivered. In such situations, it may be useful to
have the parcels delivered to an attended location where an
individual is available to accept and/or sign for a particular
parcel and maintain the parcel in a safe location until the
recipient is available to pick up the parcel. As another example,
an individual may prefer to have personal deliveries made close to,
but not to, their workplace so that they can retrieve the parcels
when they are at work. Shipping items directly to attended
delivery/pickup locations may also provide a cost savings to common
carriers and other shipping and/or logistics companies by avoiding
the need to deliver parcels and other items to the home addresses
of individual parcel recipients. Rather, the common carriers can
deliver parcels to several attended delivery/pickup locations that
service a particular area where parcel recipients can go to collect
their parcels.
[0021] Various additional implementations of attended
delivery/pickup locations are described below, after a brief
discussion of exemplary technical platforms and computer system
architecture that may be used, for example, in implementing various
aspects of this concept.
Exemplary Technical Platforms
[0022] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant field,
the present invention may be, for example, embodied as a computer
system, a method, or a computer program product. Accordingly,
various embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment
combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, particular
embodiments may take the form of a computer program product stored
on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable
instructions (e.g., software) embodied in the storage medium.
Various embodiments may take the form of web-implemented computer
software. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be
utilized including, for example, hard disks, compact disks, DVDs,
optical storage devices, and/or magnetic storage devices.
[0023] Various embodiments are described below with reference to
block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatuses
(e.g., systems), and computer program products. It should be
understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and
flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by a
computer executing computer program instructions. These computer
program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing
apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions that
execute on the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in
the flowchart block or blocks.
[0024] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory produce an article of manufacture that is configured for
implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or
blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a
series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or
other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented
process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or
other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the
functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0025] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations support combinations of mechanisms for performing the
specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the
specified functions, and program instructions for performing the
specified functions. It should also be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be
implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that
perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of
special purpose hardware and other hardware executing appropriate
computer instructions.
Example System Architecture
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a System 110 according to a
particular embodiment. As may be understood from this figure, the
System 110 includes one or more Computer Networks 115, a Logistics
Server 100, a Database 140, and one or more computing devices such
as a Remote Computing Device 152 (e.g., such as a smart phone, a
tablet computer, a wearable computing device, a laptop computer,
etc.) and/or a Desktop Computer 154. In particular embodiments, the
one or more Computer Networks 115 facilitate communication between
the Logistics Server 100, Database 140, and one or more Computing
Devices 152, 154.
[0027] The one or more Computer Networks 115 may include any of a
variety of types of wired or wireless computer networks such as the
Internet, a private intranet, a mesh network, a public switch
telephone network (PSTN), or any other type of network (e.g., a
network that uses Bluetooth or near field communications to
facilitate communication between computers). The communication link
between the Logistics Server 100 and the Database 140 may be, for
example, implemented via a Local Area Network (LAN) or via the
Internet.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic representation, in various
embodiments, of the architecture of the Computer 120 that can be
used within the System 110, for example, as a client computer
(e.g., one of Client Computers 152, 154 shown in FIG. 1), or as a
server computer (e.g., Logistics Server 100 shown in FIG. 1). In
particular embodiments, the architecture of the Computer 120 may be
suitable for use as a computer within the context of the System 110
that is configured to facilitate the delivery of parcels to
attended delivery/pickup locations or facilitate the receipt and/or
processing of parcels once they are delivered to the attended
delivery/pickup locations.
[0029] In particular embodiments, the Computer 120 may be connected
(e.g., networked) to other computers in a LAN, an intranet, an
extranet, and/or the Internet. As noted above, the Computer 120 may
operate in the capacity of a server, a client computer in a
client-server network environment, and/or as a peer computer in a
peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The Computer 120
may be a desktop personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box
(STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
web appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or bridge, or
any other computer capable of executing a set of instructions
(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that
computer. Further, while only a single computer is illustrated, the
term "computer" shall also be taken to include any collection of
computers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple
sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the
methodologies discussed herein.
[0030] An exemplary Computer 120 includes a Processor 202, a Main
Memory 204 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic
random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or
Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), a Static Memory 206 (e.g., flash
memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a Data
Storage Device 218, which communicate with each other via a Bus
232.
[0031] The Processor 202 represents one or more general-purpose
processors such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or
the like. More particularly, the Processor 202 may be a complex
instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced
instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long
instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing
other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of
instruction sets. The Processor 202 may also be one or more
special-purpose processors such as an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA),
a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, or the like.
The Processor 202 may be configured to execute Processing Logic 226
for performing various operations and steps discussed herein.
[0032] The Computer 120 may further include a Network Interface
Device 208. The Computer 120 also may include a Video Display Unit
210 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube
(CRT)), an Alphanumeric Input Device 212 (e.g., a keyboard), a
Cursor Control Device 214 (e.g., a mouse), and a Signal Generation
Device 216 (e.g., a speaker).
[0033] The Data Storage Device 218 may include a Machine-Accessible
Storage Medium 230 (also known as a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory
computer-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of
instructions (e.g., Software 222) embodying any one or more of the
methodologies or functions described herein. The Software 222 may
also reside, completely or at least partially, within the Main
Memory 204 and/or within the Processor 202 during execution thereof
by the Computer 120--the Main Memory 204 and the Processor 202 also
constituting computer-accessible storage media. The Software 222
may further be transmitted or received over a Network 115 via a
Network Interface Device 208.
[0034] The Software 222 may represent any number of program
modules, including, but not limited to an operating system (not
shown), a Parcel Delivery Module 300, and an Capacity Determination
Module 400. For simplicity and brevity, these modules are merely
exemplary and may represent a number of program modules that
control certain aspects of the operation of the Computer 120. The
Parcel Delivery Module 300 and the Capacity Determination Module
400 are described in more detail below.
[0035] While the Machine-Accessible Storage Medium 230 is shown in
an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term
"computer-accessible storage medium" should be understood to
include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or
distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that
store the one or more sets of instructions. The term
"computer-accessible storage medium" should also be understood to
include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying
a set of instructions for execution by the computer and that cause
the computer to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the
present invention. The term "computer-accessible storage medium"
should accordingly be understood to include, but not be limited to,
solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, etc.
Exemplary System Platform
[0036] Various embodiments of a system for delivering parcels to
attended delivery/pickup locations may be implemented within the
context of any suitable logistics service. For example, particular
embodiments may be implemented within the context of any suitable
logistics service offered by United Parcel Service, Inc. of
Atlanta, Ga. Various aspects of the system's functionality may be
executed by certain system modules, including a Parcel Delivery
Module 300. This module is discussed in greater detail below.
Parcel Delivery Module
[0037] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of operations performed by an
exemplary Parcel Delivery Module 300. In particular embodiments,
the Parcel Delivery Module 300 may facilitate the delivery of
parcels to an attended delivery/pickup location.
[0038] When executing the Parcel Delivery Module 300, the system
begins, at Step 310, by displaying one or more attended
delivery/pickup locations to a user. In various embodiments, these
attended delivery/pickup locations include retail stores (e.g.,
including gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies),
stand-alone kiosks, or any other suitable locations for receiving
and holding parcels for pick up by recipients. In particular
embodiments, attended delivery/pickup locations include attended
delivery/pickup locations, but they may also include unattended
delivery/pickup locations. In some embodiments, attended
delivery/pickup locations may include locations (e.g., retail
locations) other than the intended parcel recipient's home or
business.
[0039] In various embodiments, the system may configured to
determine and display available attended delivery/pickup locations
based on any suitable criteria. For example, the system may be
adapted to: (1) allow a user to request that the system display all
attended delivery/pickup locations within a predetermined radius of
the user; and (2) in response to the request, displaying all
attended delivery/pickup locations within the predetermined radius
of the user. In another embodiment, the system may be adapted to:
(1) determine a location that a user is frequently located (e.g.,
the user's home or workplace); and (2) displaying all attended
delivery/pickup locations within the predetermined radius of the
location.
[0040] In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to
allow a vendor or other entity to open one or more attended
delivery/pickup locations for a particular customer or event. In
other embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow a vendor
(e.g., a particular retailer) to select a subgroup of a group of
available attended delivery/pickup locations that the vendor's
products may be delivered to, and/or to exclude a subgroup of
available delivery/pickup locations for delivery of the vendor's
products. This feature may be particularly desirable for vendors
who have a certain brand image that is inconsistent with the image
of certain attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., a high-end
jewelry retailer may not wish to have their products picked up at a
gas station, but may be happy to have their products picked up at a
high-end department store).
[0041] The system continues, at Step 320, by receiving a request
from the user to deliver a parcel to a particular one of the one or
more attended delivery/pickup locations (which may, for example,
have no formal relationship to the user). In particular
embodiments, the request may come from the user after the user
reviews a plurality of available attended delivery/pickup locations
(see Step 310, above) as part of a checkout process when the user
purchases an item from an online retail store.
[0042] The system continues, at Step 330, by facilitating the
delivery of the parcel from an origin location to the attended
delivery/pickup location. The origin location may include a home of
the parcel sender, a warehouse associated with an online retailer,
a retail store, or any other suitable location. In various
embodiments, the system may facilitate the delivery of the parcel
via any suitable common carrier or other logistics provider,
etc.
[0043] In various embodiments, a system for delivering parcels to
attended delivery/pickup locations may comprise features in
addition to the system described above. These additional features
are described more fully below.
A. Use of Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations within
Brick-and-Mortar Stores
[0044] In various embodiments, an attended delivery/pickup location
may be provided within a brick-and-mortar store, such as a
department store, and used to facilitate the provision of adequate
inventory to the store. The attended delivery/pickup location may
be staffed by a third party (e.g., by an entity other than the
brick-and-mortar store), or by the brick-and-mortar store
itself.
[0045] In a particular embodiment, a separate attended
delivery/pickup location is provided in each individual store
within a network of department stores (or within a network of
otherwise unaffiliated department stores or other stores). In
various embodiments, the attended delivery/pickup locations are
used to facilitate the transfer of items between the stores (or the
purchase of one or more items from the inventory of another,
unrelated store). In a particular example, a customer may visit a
first department store location within a network of department
stores (e.g., a brick and mortar "ABC Shoes" location in Marietta,
Ga.), try on a particular pair of shoes in size 10.5, and determine
that they actually need a size 11 in the shoes. If the Marietta
location of ABC Shoes does not have the shoes in size 11, employees
of the store may search nearby ABC Shoes locations (and/or the
inventory of other shoe stores) to determine whether a nearby store
has the shoes in size 11. Upon determining that another store has
the shoes in the desired size, an employee of the Marietta store
may use their computer to issue a request to the identified store
(e.g. an ABC Shoes store in Alpharetta, Ga., or an XYZ store in
Macon, Ga.) to send a pair of appropriate size 11 shoes to the
Marietta ABC Shoes location.
[0046] In response to receiving the request, an employee at the
Alpharetta ABC Shoes location may bring a box containing a size 11
pair of the shoes to an attended delivery/pickup location within
the Alpharetta ABC Shoes. Representatives of the attended
delivery/pickup location then facilitate the delivery of the shoes
from the Alpharetta ABC Shoes store to the Marietta ABC Shoes
store. In particular embodiments, this may reduce the overall cost
of transporting the shoes from the first retail location to the
second retail location because the carrier that services the
attended delivery/pickup locations within the first and second
retail locations may deliver items in bulk from the first location
to the second location on a regular basis. The items may be, for
example, transported together in a single container and/or
transported directly from the first retail location to the second
location, which may serve to reduce the per-item costs associated
with transporting the items.
[0047] In various embodiments, when a particular item sought by a
customer shopping at a particular retail store is unavailable
(e.g., such as the shoes in size 11 in the example described
above), the customer may request to have the item sent to an
attended delivery/pickup location other than the attended
delivery/pickup location at the particular retail store. In the
size 11 shoe example above, the customer would be able to request
to have the shoes sent to an attended delivery/pickup location
other than the attended delivery/pickup location at the ABC Shoes
in Marietta. The user may, for example, request to have the shoes
delivered to an attended delivery/pickup location that is
convenient to the user (e.g., such as an attended delivery/pickup
location located near the customer's home or office).
[0048] In-store attended delivery/pickup locations may also be used
in restocking the store's inventory from one or more warehouses (or
other stores in the store's network of stores, which may include
stores that are otherwise unrelated to the store). In particular
embodiments, a carrier associated with the attended delivery/pickup
locations coordinates regular shipments (e.g., bulk shipments) from
each particular warehouse to each particular department store
location. In various embodiments, new inventory is received at the
store by workers who are associated with the attended
delivery/pickup locations. The workers then coordinate the transfer
of the items to store employees for stocking.
[0049] In various embodiments, in-store attended delivery/pickup
locations may also be used to facilitate the return of items
purchased from a retail web site that is: (1) associated with the
department store in which the attended delivery/pickup location is
located; and/or (2) not associated with the department store in
which the attended/delivery/pickup location is located. For
example, in a particular embodiment, an in-store attended
delivery/pickup location within a particular BIG DEALS department
store may be set up to accept returns of items purchased from
www.Big Deals.com. In such cases, if a user purchases an item from
www.Big Deals.com and wishes to return it, they may simply bring
the item to the in-store attended delivery/pickup location within
their local Big Deals department store and receive a refund for the
item. In particular embodiments, there is no shipping charge (or
other charge) associated with returning the item.
[0050] As another example, an in-store attended delivery/pickup
location within a particular "Big Deals" department store may be
set up to accept returns of items purchased from a retail web site
that is unrelated to Big Deals. For example, the in-store attended
delivery/pickup location may be set up to accept returns of items
purchased from a retail web site called www.bestbargain.com. In a
particular embodiment, if the user purchases an item from
www.bestbargain.com and wishes to return it, they may bring the
item to the in-store attended delivery/pickup location within their
local Big Deals department store and receive a refund for the item.
In particular embodiments, there is no shipping charge (or other
charge) associated with returning the item.
[0051] In various other embodiments, the attended delivery/pickup
location, the logistics company shipping the returned item, and/or
the retail web site to which an item is being returned may charge
the customer for returning the item. In particular embodiments, the
return charge may be shared among one or more of: (1) the attended
delivery/pickup location; (2) the logistics company shipping the
returned item; (3) and/or the retail web site to which the item is
being returned. In other embodiments, the return charge less the
cost of shipping the item back to the retail website is shared
rather than the full return charge. In other embodiments, the
return charge may be shared among one or more of the attended
delivery/pickup location, the logistics company shipping the
returned item, and/or the retail web site to which an item the
being returned in disproportionate quantities (e.g., 50% to the
logistics company, 25% to the retail website, and 25% to the
attended delivery/pickup location).
[0052] In particular embodiments, an in-store, attended
delivery/pickup location within a particular brick-and-mortar store
may be set up to: (1) receive items purchased at the store from
users; and (2) ship the items to a location designated by the user
(e.g., to the user's residential or business address, or to the
address of another individual). In particular embodiments, the
individual may: (1) not be charged for shipping the item; (2) be
charged a discounted fee for shipping the item; or (3) may be
charged the full fee for shipping the item. In various embodiments,
the charge associated with shipping the item may depend upon the
cost of the items (e.g., the customer may receive free or
discounted shipping of purchases above a pre-determined threshold
cost). In other embodiments, individuals who are members of a
particular shipping subscription service may receive free or
discounted shipping of items purchased at the retail location.
B. Customization of Networks of Attended Delivery/Pickup
Locations
[0053] In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow
users to define their own network of attended delivery/pickup
locations. For example, a central logistics computer system (which
a user may, for example, access via the Internet) may be configured
to display respective graphical representations of a plurality of
attended delivery/pickup locations on a map of an area associated
with a particular user (e.g., a map of an area in which the user's
home or business is located). The system may allow the user to
select one or more attended delivery/pickup locations displayed by
the graphical user interface as the default delivery/pickup
locations to which any parcels to be delivered to the user by a
particular logistics provider are to be delivered. For example, the
user may select: (1) a first of the attended delivery/pickup
locations as a primary attended delivery/pickup location that the
logistics provider should deliver any of the user's parcels to, if
the attended delivery/pickup location is available; and (2) one or
more alternative attended delivery/pickup locations that the
logistics provider should deliver any of the user's parcels to, if
the primary attended delivery/pickup location is unavailable.
[0054] In various embodiments, if a particular delivery/pickup
location becomes unavailable to accept deliveries during a
particular period of time (e.g., the delivery/pickup location
becomes full, or temporarily or permanently closes), the system may
modify the graphical representation of the particular
delivery/pickup location to indicate its unavailability. For
example, the system may display one or more portions of the
graphical representation of the particular delivery/pickup location
in gray rather than black to indicate its current unavailability to
accept packages.
C. Economic Models Associated with Holding Items for Pickup
[0055] In particular embodiments, the system may be configured for,
in response to a parcel being delivered to a particular
delivery/pickup location, generating an e-mail to the recipient of
the parcel indicating a deadline by which the recipient must
retrieve the parcel from the delivery/pickup location. In
particular embodiments, the system saves this deadline to memory
and, in response to the deadline passing without the system
receiving an indication that the parcel has been picked up from the
delivery/pickup location by the deadline, the system facilitates
the return of the parcel from the delivery/pickup location to the
parcel's sender. In various embodiments, the system facilitates the
parcel's return by transmitting a message to an appropriate
logistics server instructing a logistics provider to pick the
parcel up from the delivery/pickup location and return the parcel
to the parcel's sender.
[0056] In order to encourage customers to retrieve parcels before
the stated deadline, the system may be adapted to provide one or
more financial incentives for the parcel recipient retrieving the
parcel by an early pickup deadline that is before the stated normal
parcel pickup deadline. For example, the system may be adapted to
provide the customer with a free or discounted future logistics
service (or other financial incentive) in response to the user
retrieving their parcel more than a day before the stated normal
parcel pickup deadline. Similarly, the system may be adapted to
allow users to extend the deadline by, for example, paying a fee to
extend the deadline.
D. Method of Allowing Individuals to Coordinate Delivery of an Item
to an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location via a Non-Participating
Website
[0057] In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to
allow a user to facilitate the delivery of an item ordered on a
retail website to a particular attended delivery/pickup location.
In a particular embodiment, the system first provides the user with
an address associated with a particular logistics provider, as well
as a code (e.g., a unique code) associated with the user. When the
user completes an order of an item on a retail website, the user
enters the logistics-provider-designated address in the delivery
address field on the retail website, along with the code associated
with the user.
[0058] As a result, when the retailer sends the item to the user in
a parcel, the retailer attaches a shipping label to the parcel that
includes the logistics-provider-designated address and user code.
The parcel is then shipped to the logistics-provider-designated
address by any suitable logistics provider (which may or may not be
the particular logistics provider referenced above). Once the
particular logistics provider receives the parcel at the
logistics-provider-designated address, the particular logistics
provider reads the user code and uses the user code to retrieve
delivery information associated with the user from a data store,
such as a database. The delivery information may include, for
example, the user's name, contact information (e.g., e-mail
address, cell phone number, etc. . . . ), and the address of the
user's preferred attended delivery/pickup location.
[0059] The logistics provider may then: (1) facilitate the delivery
of the parcel to the user's preferred attended delivery/pickup
location (or other suitable attended delivery/pickup location); and
(2) use the user's contact information to contact the user and
inform them that the parcel will be delivered to the attended
delivery/pickup location and provide them with instructions for
retrieving the parcel. In a particular embodiment, the logistics
provider may facilitate the delivery of the parcel to the user's
preferred attended delivery/pickup location by relabeling the
parcel with the user's name and address of the attended
delivery/pickup location.
[0060] In alternative embodiments, the system may be adapted so
that when the user completes an order of an item on the retail
website, the user simply enters a code associated with the user and
selects a particular logistics provider to handle delivery of the
item to the user. In various embodiments, the logistics provider
uses the code to retrieve user and delivery information in the
manner described above. The logistics provider then uses the user
and delivery information to facilitate delivery of the item to the
user.
E. Systems for Facilitating Proper Handling of Parcels at an
Attended Delivery/Pickup Location
[0061] In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to remind
individuals at each attended delivery/pickup location to enter
information associated with parcels into the system as the parcels
arrive at the attended delivery/pickup location. For example, the
system may be adapted to display a reminder message at
predetermined times during each work day that reminds users to use
a bar code scanner associated with the system to scan the labels of
any parcels that arrive at the attended delivery/pickup location.
In other embodiments, the system may be adapted to display such
reminders around times that parcels are scheduled to arrive at the
attended delivery/pickup location. This may help to assure that
information regarding each parcel is promptly entered into the
system.
[0062] In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted for
receiving information regarding the scheduled closure of each
attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., holiday closures or
permanent closures). The system may further be configured for: (1)
communicating this information to users; (2) facilitating the
rerouting of any parcels that are scheduled to be delivered to the
attended delivery/pickup location while the attended
delivery/pickup location is scheduled to be closed; and/or (3)
removing the attended delivery/pickup location as an option for
receiving deliveries while the attended delivery/pickup location is
scheduled to be closed.
[0063] The system may also be adapted to employ various techniques
for determining that a particular parcel has been delivered to a
particular attended delivery/pickup location. For example, the
system may be adapted to: (1) receive an indication that a
particular parcel has been scanned at drop off; (2) receive data
regarding the location at which the parcel was scanned at drop off
(e.g., using GPS functionality associated with a handheld device or
other electronic device); (3) compare the location with the
geolocations of one or more attended delivery/pickup locations; and
(4) in response to determining that the location at which the
parcel was scanned at least generally corresponds to the
geolocation of a particular attended delivery/pickup location,
verify that the parcel has been delivered to the particular
attended delivery/pickup location; and (5) save an indication to
the system's memory indicating that the parcel has been delivered
to the particular attended delivery/pickup location. In various
embodiments, the system is further adapted to send confirmation
(e.g., via e-mail, text message, etc.) to a recipient of the
delivery of the particular parcel at least partially in response to
verifying that the parcel has been delivered to the particular
attended delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the
system is further adapted to send a request for confirmation of
delivery to the attended delivery/pickup location and to receive
such confirmation.
F. Systems for Facilitating Signature of Documents at Attended
Delivery/Pickup Locations
[0064] In various embodiments, attended delivery/pickup locations
may be configured to manage the signature of documents, such as
contracts and other legal documents. In a particular embodiment, to
facilitate the signature of a contract, a first individual may send
the document to a particular attended delivery/pickup location to
be signed by a second individual. The delivery of the document to
the attended delivery/pickup location may be facilitated as
outlined above, and--when the document arrives at the particular
attended delivery/pickup location, the system may notify the second
individual that the document has arrived and provide instructions
for the second individual to come to the particular attended
delivery/pickup location and sign the document.
[0065] The second individual may then travel to the particular
attended delivery/pickup location and, after providing
identification (e.g., in the form of an ID card or a code displayed
on the individual's mobile computing device) to a representative of
the attended delivery/pickup location, sign the contract. The
representative may then verify, in any suitable manner that the
contract has been signed by the correct individual. For example,
the representative may notarize the document and/or enter
information into a data store associated with the system confirming
that the contract has been signed by the correct individual. The
representative may also create an electronic copy of the document
and save the signed document into the system's memory for later
retrieval and/or electronic transmission to the first and second
individuals. Finally, the system and/or representative may
coordinate the return of the original signed document to the first
or second individual for their files.
[0066] In various embodiments, the document to be signed may
include a unique bar code that is used to identify the document,
track the document, and/or store the document in memory. In various
embodiments, the unique barcode may be used to identify the
document as well as the one or more signors of the document.
G. Provision of Value-Added Services at Attended Delivery/Pickup
Locations
[0067] In particular embodiments, representatives at attended
delivery/pickup locations may provide one or more value-added
services on parcels and/or items at the attended delivery/pickup
locations. This may occur, for example, as items and/or parcels are
being returned for a refund, or simply shipped to another location.
For example, the representatives may: (1) pack the items for
shipping; (2) gift wrap the items; (3) facilitate the return of
items to a retailer for a refund or exchange (see below); and/or
(4) complete any other value-added service.
H. Use of Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations within Shopping
Centers
[0068] A further use of attended delivery/pickup locations involves
providing one or more attended delivery/pickup locations within a
shopping center (e.g., a mall). In a particular embodiment the
attended delivery/pickup locations are configured to: (1) receive
items purchased at the shopping center from users; and (2) ship the
items to a location designated by the user (e.g., to the user's
residential or business address, to an attended delivery/pickup
location close to the user's residential or business address,
and/or to another address designated by the user). This may allow a
user to purchase items at the shopping center and then facilitate
transporting the purchased items to the user's home or another
location without the hassle of leaving the shopping center with the
items, transporting the items, etc. . . .
I. Capacity Management Techniques
[0069] In particular embodiments, a computer system may be used to
estimate the current and/or future capacity of the attended
delivery/pickup locations to receive and store parcels. This may be
done, for example, using a particular algorithm that assumes, for
example, that any parcels will be of a certain average size and
will be stored by the attended delivery/pickup locations for a
certain period of time before being picked up by a parcel
recipient.
[0070] In other embodiments, the system may use more precise
methods for monitoring the current and/or future capacity of
attended delivery/pickup locations to receive and store parcels.
For example, the volume of storage space within each attended
delivery/pickup location may be stored within the system, and the
actual dimensions of each parcel may also be entered into the
system when the parcel is received by a logistics company and/or
the attended delivery/pickup location. The system may then use this
information to: (1) calculate the total volume of parcels that are
being stored, or that will be stored, at a particular attended
delivery/pickup location at a particular time; and (2) estimate the
available capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location to
store additional parcels by comparing the calculated parcel volume
with the volume of storage space at the attended delivery/pickup
location.
[0071] In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to
determine that an attended delivery/pickup location is unavailable
to accept additional deliveries if the estimated volume or number
of parcels stored at the attended delivery/pickup location (or to
be stored at the attended delivery/pickup location) is within a
particular predetermined percentage of the attended delivery/pickup
location's capacity. For example, if the attended delivery/pickup
location is determined to be at 95% maximum capacity, the system
may determine that the attended delivery/pickup location is
unavailable to accept additional deliveries. In such a case, the
system may reroute parcels scheduled to be delivered to the
attended delivery/pickup location to an alternative attended
delivery/pickup location and/or show the attended delivery/pickup
location as being currently unavailable.
[0072] In other embodiments, the system may use one or more of the
following different factors to determine whether a particular
attended delivery/pickup location has the capacity to accept a
particular parcel. Such factors include, for example: (1) the
weight of a parcel; (2) the dimensions of the parcel; (3) average
latency of parcels at the attended delivery/pickup location; (4)
one or more characteristics of the parcel's intended recipient
(e.g., how quickly the intended recipient usually retrieves parcels
from attended delivery/pickup locations); (5) typical
characteristics of the clientele of the delivery/pickup location
(e.g., how quickly the average customer of the attended
delivery/pickup location retrieves parcels from the attended
delivery/pickup location); (6) the cubic parcel storage capacity of
the attended delivery/pickup location; (7) the density of the
parcel and/or (7) the ability of the attended delivery/pickup
location to extend its capacity to accept parcels. The system may
also take into account the amount of labor required to physically
add the parcel to the current inventory of the attended
delivery/pickup location.
[0073] Certain embodiments of the system and method described
herein are described in further detail below. As shown in FIG. 4,
certain embodiments of the Capacity Determination Module 400 are
configured to determine and the capacity of various delivery/pickup
locations. The Capacity Determination Module 400 may operate alone
or in combination with the one or more other modules to perform the
functions shown in FIG. 4. It should be understood by one skilled
in the art in light of this disclosure that certain embodiments of
a Capacity Determination Module 400 may perform the functions shown
in FIG. 4 in an order other than the order shown in FIG. 4. It
should also be understood that various systems, when executing a
Capacity Determination Module 400 may omit particular functions or
perform additional functions in performing the functions of the
Capacity Determination Module 400.
Exemplary Functionality of the Capacity Determination Module
[0074] When executing the Capacity Determination Module 400, the
system begins, at Step 402, by receiving capacity information
associated with an attended delivery/pickup location. In a
particular embodiment, the attended delivery/pickup location is a
business that primarily conducts business other than receiving
parcels for parcel recipients and is a location other than the
parcel recipient's home or office (e.g., is not a location
associated with the parcel recipient's home or business address).
In various embodiments, the delivery/pickup location may be, but is
not limited to: 1) a retail store; 2) a gas station; 3) a grocery
store; 4) a pharmacy; 5) a stand-alone kiosk; and/or 6) a retail
store within a mall or shopping center. It should be understood, in
light of this disclosure, that a delivery/pickup location, in one
or more embodiments, may be one or more delivery/pickup
locations.
[0075] In various embodiments, a particular delivery/pickup
location may have special or unique storage suitable for storing
one or more parcels that require a specific type of storage.
According to particular embodiments, the special or unique storage
of a delivery/pickup location may be, for example, temperature
controlled storage.
[0076] In a particular example, a gas station has an area for
storing cold beverages. The gas station has extra storage space
within the area that is cooled. In order to generate additional
revenue and traffic to their store, they have agreed to be part of
a network of alternate delivery locations, and--as part of this
arrangement--to accept parcels that require special handling (e.g.,
parcels that are required to be cooled).
[0077] The received capacity information associated with the
attended delivery/pickup location may include any appropriate
information. According to particular embodiments, the capacity
information associated with the attended delivery/pickup location
includes information associated with types of parcels the attended
delivery/pickup location may not accept, such as parcels that are
larger than certain dimensions, parcels that are over a certain
weight, and/or parcels that are greater than a specific
density.
[0078] In various embodiments, the capacity information includes a
total volume (e.g., maximum capacity) of the storage area for
storing one or more accepted parcels. The total volume of the
storage area may be an estimation of the storage capacity or an
exact number (e.g., about twelve average sized parcels, exactly
twelve parcels of a volume of 432 cubic inches each, and/or 2000
cubic inches total).
[0079] In various embodiments the capacity information includes
current usage information, where the current usage information
includes an indication of a volume of one or more accepted parcels
that are stored (or that are estimated to be stored) at the
attended delivery/pickup location at a particular time. This
information may be used, in conjunction with known capacity
information for that delivery/pickup location, to determine the
actual capacity of the delivery/pickup location at the particular
time. The indication of the volume of the one or more accepted
parcels at the attended delivery/pickup location may be the volume
of the one or more accepted parcels at any point in time. In
various embodiments, the indication of the volume of one or more
accepted parcels may be an indication of the number of parcels
currently stored at the particular delivery/pickup location.
According to particular embodiments, the indication of the volume
the one or more accepted parcels may the estimated volume of
parcels that are estimated to be stored at the delivery/pickup
location at the estimated time of delivery of a particular parcel
(or immediately before that time).
[0080] According to a particular embodiment, the indication of the
volume of one or more accepted parcels to be delivered to the
attended delivery/pickup location may be a number of one or more
parcels (e.g., twelve parcels). According to particular
embodiments, the indication of the volume of one or more accepted
parcels may be expressed as a volume (e.g., 1000 cubic inches). In
further embodiments, the indication of a volume of one or more
accepted parcels may be expressed as how much capacity the attended
delivery/pickup location has for the one or more parcels associated
with the parcel recipient (e.g., the attended delivery/pickup
location can accept one or more parcels with a total volume up to
500 cubic inches).
[0081] At Step 404, the system receives delivery information
associated with one or more parcels associated with a parcel
recipient. The delivery information may include any suitable
information. According to particular embodiments, the delivery
information includes an indication that the parcel recipient wishes
to pick up the one or more parcels at the attended delivery/pickup
location (e.g., the parcel recipient specifies the attended
delivery/pickup location of a network of attended delivery/pickup
locations to receive the one or more parcels).
[0082] In one or more embodiments, the indication that the parcel
recipient wishes to pick up the one or more parcels at the attended
delivery/pickup location is an indication that the parcel recipient
wishes to pick up the one or more parcels in a specific area and
the delivery/pickup location is located in the specific area. In
further embodiments, the indication of the parcel recipient to pick
up the one or more parcels is an indication that the parcel
recipient has specified this specific attended delivery/pickup
location.
[0083] In various embodiments the delivery information includes an
estimated time of delivery associated with the one or more parcels
associated with the parcel recipient. According to particular
embodiments, the estimated time of delivery is a specific date the
one or more parcels are expected to arrive at the attended
delivery/pickup location (e.g., July 9th). In one or more
embodiments, the estimated time of delivery may include a specific
time or range of times the one or more parcels may be expected to
arrive at the attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., between
12:00 pm and 5:00 pm on July 9th).
[0084] In various embodiments, the delivery information includes an
estimated volume of the one or more parcels associated with the
parcel recipient. The estimated volume may be expressed in any
suitable way. In various embodiments, the estimated volume is
expressed as a number of parcels to be delivered (e.g., how many
parcels are included with the one or more parcels of the parcel
recipient). In one or more embodiments, the estimated volume is
expressed as a volume or estimated volume of the one or more
parcels of the parcel recipient. In further embodiments, the
estimated volume is expressed as a number of parcels and an
approximate volume of each parcel. In still further embodiments,
the estimated volume is expressed by dimensions of the one or more
parcels and/or density of the one or more parcels. According to
particular embodiments, the estimated volume is expressed by
category of the parcels (e.g., one large parcel, one small parcel,
three letters, etc.).
[0085] In various embodiments, the delivery information may include
any other suitable information associated with the one or more
parcels. In a particular example, the delivery information may
include information such as the one or more parcel's dimensions,
weight, and/or density.
[0086] The system may be configured to receive the delivery
information from any suitable source. In various embodiments, the
system is configured to receive the delivery information from a
client device associated with the parcel recipient. In a particular
embodiment, the system is configured to receive the delivery
information from one or more third party servers (e.g., one or more
servers associated with a retailer). In further embodiments, the
system is configured to receive the delivery information from one
or more servers associated with one or more logistics companies. In
still further embodiments, the system is configured to receive the
delivery information from one or more servers (or client computers)
associated with the attended delivery/pickup location.
[0087] At Step 406, the system determines an estimated average
storage time for a parcel stored at the attended delivery/pickup
location. The estimated average storage time for a parcel may be
estimated (or calculated) in any suitable way. According to
particular embodiments, the average storage time for a parcel may
be estimated based on the number of parcels delivered to the
attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., regardless of which parcel
recipient ordered the parcel) and the amount of time it takes a
parcel recipient (e.g., any parcel recipient) to pick up their
respective parcels. For example, in this particular embodiment, the
average storage time is estimated by taking the total amount of
time for any parcel recipient to pick up their parcel divided by
the total number of pickups for a particular attended
delivery/pickup location.
[0088] In one or more embodiments, the estimated average storage
time is calculated based on the average storage time for at least
one parcel associated with the parcel recipient, the at least one
parcel delivered to any attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., an
average storage time for all parcels associated with the parcel
recipient delivered to any/all attended delivery/pickup locations).
In various embodiments, the estimated average storage time is
calculated based on the average storage time for one or more
parcels delivered to the attended delivery/pickup location that are
associated with the parcel recipient (e.g., only parcels associated
with the parcel recipient delivered to a specific attended
delivery/pickup location). In a particular example, the system
receives information associated with the number of parcels a
particular parcel recipient has picked up from a particular
attended delivery/pickup location. In this example, the system also
receives information associated with amount of time the parcel
recipient took to pick up each parcel from the particular attended
delivery/pickup location. Finally, in this example, the estimated
average storage time is calculated based on the average time the
attended delivery/pickup location stores a parcel for the parcel
recipient (e.g., the estimated average storage time is a total
amount of time for the parcel recipient to pick up a parcel or
parcels divided by a total of the number of parcels (or
deliveries--if a delivery includes more than one parcel)).
[0089] In one or more embodiments, the system may be configured to
receive (e.g., opposed to determining) the estimated average
storage time for a parcel stored at the attended delivery/pickup
location. In various embodiments, the system receives the estimated
average storage time from a computer system (e.g., one or more
servers) associated with the attended delivery/pickup location. In
particular embodiments, the system receives the estimated average
storage time from a computer system associated with a network of
attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., one or more servers
associated with a central logistics system).
[0090] At Step 408, the system estimates the capacity of the
attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., the capacity to receive
the one or more parcels of Step 404). The system may be configured
to estimate the capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location
at any suitable time. In various embodiments, the system is
configured to estimate the capacity of the attended delivery/pickup
location at the present time (e.g., the capacity of the attended
delivery/pickup location in the present). In particular
embodiments, the system is configured to estimate the capacity of
the attended delivery/pickup location in the future (e.g., when the
one or more parcels associated with the parcel recipient are
estimated to arrive). In one or more embodiments the system may be
configured to estimate the capacity of the attended delivery/pickup
location on an on-going basis (e.g., each time a parcel is
scheduled for delivery to the attended delivery/pickup
location).
[0091] The system may be configured to estimate the capacity of the
attended delivery/pickup location in any suitable way. It should be
understood, in light of this disclosure, that the system may use
any properties of the storage area and/or of the one or more
parcels to estimate capacity, including, but not limited to:
volume, dimensions, weight, density, etc.
[0092] In various embodiments, the system is configured to estimate
the capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location based at
least in part on the capacity information associated with the
attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., at Step 402). In a
particular example, the system is configured to use the total
volume (e.g., the maximum capacity) of the delivery/pickup location
(e.g., at Step 402) and the volume of one or more accepted parcels
currently stored at the attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., at
Step 402). Continuing with this example, the system estimates how
much capacity the attended delivery/pickup location has for
accepting new parcels by subtracting the volume of the one or more
parcels currently stored at the attended delivery/pickup location
from the total capacity of the attended delivery/pickup
location.
[0093] According to a particular embodiment, the system is
configured to estimate the capacity of the attended delivery/pickup
location based at least in part on the estimated storage time for
the average parcel stored at the first attended delivery/pickup
location (e.g., at Step 406). In this embodiment, the system may be
configured to use the total capacity of the attended
delivery/pickup location (See Step 402), the volume of the one or
more parcels currently stored at the attended delivery/pickup
location (See Step 402), and the average time a parcel is stored at
the attended delivery/pickup location (See Step 406) to estimate
how much capacity the attended delivery/pickup location will have
in the future.
[0094] In a particular example, the system is configured to
estimate the current capacity of the attended delivery/pickup
location using the total capacity of the attended delivery/pickup
location (e.g., at Step 402) and the volume of the one or more
parcels currently stored at the attended delivery/pickup location
(e.g., the system subtracts the volume of the one or more parcels
currently stored at the attended delivery/pickup location from
total capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location (e.g, at
Step 402)). Then, continuing with this example, the system is
configured to use the average time a parcel is stored at the
attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., at Step 406) to estimate
how many of the parcels that are currently stored at the attended
delivery/pickup location are likely to be picked up before the
arrival of the one or more parcels associated with the parcel
recipient (e.g., to estimate a future capacity of the attended
delivery/pickup location).
[0095] In various embodiments, the system is configured to estimate
the capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location based at
least in part on the number of parcels the attended delivery/pickup
location is scheduled to receive (but has not received). In a
particular example, the system estimates the capacity of the
attended delivery/pickup location by estimating the current
capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location based at least in
part on the total capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location
(e.g., at Step 402), the volume of the one or more parcels
currently stored at the attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., at
Step 402). Then, continuing with this example, the system is
configured to estimate the future capacity of the attended storage
location at a future point in time using the average time a parcel
is stored at the attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., at Step
406) and the estimated number of parcels the attended
delivery/pickup location is scheduled to receive in the future
(e.g., the system estimates how many parcels will be received and
how many parcels will be picked up in a given time frame to
estimate the capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location in
the future).
[0096] In various embodiments, the system may be configured to take
into account holidays, vacation days, or any other day the attended
delivery/pickup location may be closed in estimating the capacity
of the attended delivery/pickup location. For example, the system
may be configured to calculate the capacity of a particular
attended delivery/pickup location to receive any packages on a
holiday to be zero.
[0097] At Step 410, the system determines whether the attended
delivery/pickup location will have sufficient capacity to receive
the one or more parcels associated with the parcel recipient. In a
particular example, the system is configured to compare the
estimated capacity (e.g., at Step 408) of the attended
delivery/pickup location with the estimated volume of the one or
more parcels associated with the parcel recipient (e.g., at Step
404). Continuing with this example, if the estimated volume of the
one or more parcels (e.g., 1000 cubic inches) exceeds the estimated
capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., 500 cubic
inches) at the estimated time the one or more parcels are expected
to be delivered, the system will determine, in this example, that
the attended delivery/pickup location will not have sufficient
capacity to accept the one or more parcels associated with the
parcel recipient.
[0098] In various embodiments, the system is configured to
determine whether the attended delivery/pickup location will have
sufficient capacity to receive the one or more parcels associated
with the parcel recipient based at least in part on a limitation on
the estimated capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location
(e.g., at Step 408). According to a particular embodiment, the
system is configured to determine that the attended delivery/pickup
location will not have sufficient capacity to receive the one or
more parcels if the estimated capacity of the attended
delivery/pickup location will be at or above a certain percent of
the total capacity (as estimated at Step 408, for example). The
percentage may be any suitable percentage of the total capacity,
such as: ninety percent, ninety-five percent, ninety-nine percent,
etc.
[0099] In many embodiments, the system is configured to determine
that the attended delivery/pickup location will not have sufficient
capacity to receive the one or more parcels if the estimated unused
capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., as
expressed in volume or number of parcels) is less than the
estimated volume of the one or more parcels associated with the
first parcel recipient (e.g., received at Step 404).
[0100] The system may be configured to determine whether the
attended delivery/pickup location will have sufficient capacity to
receive the one or more parcels associated with the parcel
recipient at any suitable time. In a particular embodiment, the
system is configured to determine whether the attended
delivery/pickup location will have sufficient capacity to receive
the one or more parcels associated with the parcel recipient at a
time the parcel recipient orders one or more items to be shipped in
the one or more parcels. In one or more embodiments, the system is
configured to determine whether the attended delivery/pickup
location will have sufficient capacity to receive the one or more
parcels associated with the parcel recipient at a time after the
one or more parcels have been scheduled to be shipped (e.g., one
day before the one or more parcels are scheduled to be delivered to
the attended delivery/pickup location, one or more hours before the
one or more parcels are scheduled to arrive at the attended
delivery/pickup location).
[0101] At Step 412, the system, at least partially in response to
determining that the attended delivery/pickup location will not
have sufficient capacity to receive the one or more parcels
associated with the parcel recipient, facilitates routing the one
or more parcels associated with the parcel recipient to an
alternative delivery/pickup location.
[0102] The system may be configured to facilitate routing (e.g.,
directing) the one or more parcels in any suitable way. In various
embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate routing the one
or more parcels by transmitting one or more messages to the parcel
recipient notifying the parcel recipient that the attended
delivery/pickup location is not available. In one or more
embodiments, the system may be configured facilitate routing the
one or more parcels by suggesting to the parcel recipient another
delivery/pickup location, such as the alternate delivery/pickup
location. In further embodiments, the system is configured to
substantially automatically (e.g., automatically) route the one or
more parcels associated with the parcel recipient to a pre-selected
(e.g., by the parcel recipient) alternative delivery/pickup
location.
[0103] In various embodiments, the system is configured to
facilitate routing the one or more parcels by communicating to a
logistics company that is transporting the one or more parcels. In
this embodiment, the system may be configured to send a message to
the logistics company (e.g., to one or more servers associated with
the logistics company) indicating that the attended delivery/pickup
location will not accept the one or more parcels due to the
capacity of the attended delivery/pickup location.
[0104] At Step 414, the system, at least partially in response to
determining that the attended delivery/pickup location will have
sufficient capacity to receive the one or more parcels associated
with the parcel recipient, facilitates routing (e.g., directing)
the one or more parcels associated with the parcel recipient to the
attended delivery/pickup location. In a particular embodiment, the
system may facilitate routing the one or more parcels by reserving
space at the attended delivery/pickup location. In this way, the
attended delivery/pickup location will have space for the one or
more parcels associated with the parcel recipient when the one or
more parcels are delivered to the attended delivery/pickup
location.
J. Methods for Recommending Attended Delivery/Pickup Locations to
Users
[0105] In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to
recommend particular attended delivery/pickup locations for the
delivery of a particular parcel. In particular embodiments, the
system may be adapted to automatically generate suitable
recommendations based, at least in part, on: (1) the distance of
the attended delivery/pickup location from a location specified by
the user; (2) the estimated current or future capacity of the
attended delivery/pickup location to accept deliveries; (3) trends
in activity associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup
location (e.g., if an attended delivery/pickup location experiences
an day-to-day increase in volume above a certain threshold, the
system won't recommend the attended delivery/pickup location for a
predetermined number of days); or (4) any other suitable factors.
After the system recommends one or more particular delivery/pickup
locations, the user may either select one of the recommended
attended delivery/pickup locations to receive the delivery, or
specify a non-recommended attended delivery/pickup location to
receive the delivery.
K. Methods for Handling a Parcel that is Destined for an Attended
Delivery/Pickup Location that has No Additional Capacity
[0106] In some cases, a logistics system or other system may
determine that a particular parcel is en route to a particular
attended delivery/pickup location that has inadequate capacity to
accept the parcel. In such cases, the system may, for example: (1)
block the delivery of the parcel to the particular attended
delivery/pickup location, re-route the parcel to an alternative
attended delivery/pickup location, and inform the intended parcel
recipient of the change; (2) hold the parcel for a predetermined
period of time, deliver the parcel to the particular attended
delivery/pickup location at a later time, and inform the intended
recipient of the scheduling change; (3) deliver the parcel to the
recipient's home or place of business; or (4) handle the situation
in any other suitable manner. The system may determine which of the
above approaches to take based at least in part, for example, on
one or more user-specified preferences.
L. Methods for Determining Alternative Attended Delivery/Pickup
Location
[0107] In various situations, such as the situation described
immediately above, the system may re-route a parcel to an
alternative attended delivery/pickup location. In such situations,
the alternative attended delivery/pickup location may be identified
based on, for example: (1) the distance of the alternative attended
delivery/pickup location from the original, target attended
delivery/pickup location; (2) the distance of the alternative
attended delivery/pickup location from the customer's residence or
place of business; (3) the last attended delivery/pickup location
used by the customer; or (4) a previous preference expressed by the
intended recipient of the parcel.
M. Methods for Allowing Customer to Reserve Space in an Attended
Delivery/Pickup Location
[0108] In certain embodiments, the system may be adapted to allow
users to reserve space for a particular parcel at a particular
attended delivery/pickup location so that delivery to the
particular attended delivery/pickup location (rather than an
alternative location) is guaranteed. The system may or may not
charge the parcel recipient for making such a reservation. In
certain embodiments, the system provides such reservations free of
charge to those subscribing to a paid premium logistics
service.
[0109] In various embodiments, the system is adapted to allow users
to reserve one or more spaces (e.g., a block of spaces) at an
attended delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the
system is adapted to allow users to reserves the one or more spaces
at a time before any parcels are scheduled for delivery for the
user at the attended delivery/pickup location where the user
reserved the one or more spaces. The user may, for example, reserve
the one or more spaces on a particular day (e.g., or days) in the
future. In various embodiments, the ability to reserve attended
delivery/pickup spaces in advance may allow users to ensure that
there will be space at the attended delivery/pickup location for a
future order that the user is planning, or for a future shipment
that he user anticipates receiving.
[0110] In particular embodiments, the users reserving the space may
include individuals, customers, manufacturers, corporations, etc.
For example, a company releasing a new product (e.g, Apple.RTM.
releasing a new smartphone) may reserve one or more spaces at
various attended delivery/pickup locations for the release date of
the product. The company may then schedule shipment of the new
product to each of the attended delivery/pickup locations in order
to allow users to pick up the product ordered by the customer or
purchase the product directly from the attended delivery/pickup
location on the release date. In this way, attended delivery/pickup
locations may serve as temporary storefronts for companies who may,
for example, wish to increase the availability of their product, or
facilitate a more convenient purchase or pickup of the product by
their customers.
N. Methods for Facilitating the Return of Items Using an Attended
Delivery/Pickup Location
[0111] Attended delivery/pickup locations may be configured, in
some embodiments, to facilitate the return of previously purchased
items to a retailer for a refund or exchange. For example, in
particular embodiments, a representative at an attended
delivery/pickup location (and/or a computer system associated with
the attended delivery/pickup location) determines whether a
particular item may be returned/exchanged and: (1) if the item may
not be returned/exchanged, inform the individual attempting to
return the item that the item may not be returned/exchanged; or (2)
if the item may be returned/exchanged, facilitate the
return/exchange of the item in accordance with terms specified by
the retailer to which the item is to be returned. In a particular
embodiment, the system may be adapted to: (1) read a
machine-readable indicia (e.g., a UPC code, a transaction code
associated with the sale of the item to the individual attempting
to exchange the item, or other suitable item identifier) associated
with an item to be returned; and (2) use information derived from
the machine-readable indicia to determine whether the item may be
returned/exchanged. In particular embodiments, the derived
information may include a deadline for returning/exchanging the
item. If an item is currently eligible to be returned or exchanged,
the system may optionally determine when the user should receive
either a refund for the item or a substitute item and provide this
information to the user.
[0112] In a particular embodiment in which the user is returning an
item to a retail website by dropping the item at an attended
delivery/pickup location, the system may be configured to provide a
return label for placing on a parcel containing the item that the
user is returning. In various embodiments, the return label may
expire at the end of a particular return period (e.g., a period
provided by the retail website in which the user (e.g., customer)
may return items to the retail website in exchange for a full or
partial refund). In particular embodiments, if the return label has
not expired, the system may facilitate the shipment of the returned
item from the attended delivery/pickup location to the retail
website (e.g., a warehouse, storage facility, or processing
facility associated with the retail website) at no cost to the
user. In various embodiments, the system, in response to
determining that the return label has expired, may facilitate the
shipment of the returned item from the attended delivery/pickup
location to the retail website (e.g., a warehouse, storage
facility, or processing facility associated with the retail
website) after charging the user a return fee. In other
embodiments, if the return label has expired, the system may
facilitate the shipment of the returned item from the attended
delivery/pickup location to the retail website (e.g., a warehouse,
storage facility, or processing facility associated with the retail
website) at no cost to the user; the system may then be configured
to notify the retail website that the return period for the
returned item has expired, and the retail website may charge the
user for the return (e.g., deduct the cost of shipping the returned
item from any refund to which the user may be entitled).
[0113] In various embodiments, a computer system at each attended
delivery/pickup location may be adapted to provide users with
access to one or more checklists and/or questionnaires that may be
used to make sure that all parts of a particular item are present
before the item is returned to a retailer for a refund or exchange.
This may save the retailer time and money associated with replacing
sub-parts of returned items.
O. Methods for Facilitating the Pickup of Parcels or Other Items
from an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location
[0114] Various techniques may be used to facilitate the pickup of
parcels or other items from an attended delivery/pickup location.
For example, a user may be provided with an electronic ID card or
other device that may be used to quickly identify the individual
and any parcels that are to be picked up by the individual at a
particular attended delivery/pickup location. Similarly, the user
may be provided with an application on the user's mobile computing
device that facilitates identification of the user via near field
communications, or one or more bar codes displayed on the screen of
the mobile device. Such a bar code may alternatively be printed
(e.g., as a voucher) and presented to a representative of an
attended delivery/pickup location to facilitate quick
identification and pickup of one or more parcels stored at the
attended delivery/pickup location.
[0115] In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to
facilitate the pickup of a parcel by an individual other than the
intended recipient of the parcel by, for example, having the
intended recipient transfer the electronic ID card (or a printed
voucher generated by the system) to another individual. The other
individual may then present the electronic or physical ID card or
voucher to a representative at the attended delivery/pickup
location to verify that the individual is authorized to pick up the
parcel on the intended recipient's behalf. After the representative
uses the system to verify the authenticity of the electronic or
physical ID card or voucher, the representative may transfer the
parcel to the individual.
[0116] In various embodiments, the electronic ID card discussed
above may be adapted so that it is only valid when the electronic
ID card (or a device displaying the card) is located at a
particular geographic location (e.g., at or near a particular GPS
coordinate, or within a particular Bluetooth network, or close
enough to a particular computing device to communicate with the
device using near field communications).
[0117] In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to create
an electronic token to verify that the user's computing device
(and, therefore, presumably the user) was present at a location
when a parcel was picked up. This may serve as evidence that the
parcel was picked up by the intended recipient rather than another
individual.
P. Methods for Facilitating the Immediate Sale and Delivery of
Popular Items from an e-Commerce Site
[0118] In particular embodiments, an attended delivery/pickup
location may stock one or more items that sell frequently on an
e-commerce web site (e.g., bestselling books, DVD's, or CD's). In
particular embodiments, when a user of the e-commerce web site
indicates that they wish to purchase such an item, the system may
search the inventory of one or more attended delivery/pickup
locations that are geographically close to the user (as determined
by the user's mobile device, from information provided by the user,
etc. . . . ) to determine whether the attended delivery/pickup
locations have the item in stock. If so, the system may inform the
user that a nearby attended delivery/pickup location has the item
in stock, and provide the user with the option of paying for the
item online and then picking the item up (e.g., substantially
immediately on the same day) from the nearby attended
delivery/pickup location.
[0119] In such cases, after the user purchases the item on the
e-commerce site, the system may generate a physical or electronic
receipt that the user may use to retrieve the item from the
identified attended delivery/pickup location. The system may also
electronically notify the attended delivery/pickup location that
the user has purchased the item and request that the item be set
aside for the user.
Q. Methods and Systems for Training Employees of an Attended
Delivery/Pickup Location
[0120] In particular embodiments, each attended delivery/pickup
location may be provided with a client computer that may be
switched between an active mode (in which the client computer is
adapted to facilitate the pickup, delivery, and/or tracking of
parcels), and a training mode (in which the client computer is
adapted to train individuals how to use the system). In particular
embodiments, when the client computer is in the training mode, the
computer simulates the operation of the computer when the computer
is in active mode and provides instructions on how to properly
operate the computer.
R. Methods and Systems for Conducting a Survey at an Attended
Delivery/Pickup Location
[0121] In particular embodiments, when a user picks up a parcel at
a particular attended delivery/pickup location, the user is
presented with an electronic survey of their experience at the
attended delivery/pickup location. If the user rates the experience
highly (e.g., 9-10 out of a possible 10), the system invites the
user to go onto a social media website, such as Facebook, to
provide comments and/or other feedback. This may help to expand the
number of positive comments on the social media website.
S. Provision of Customized Web Site for Each Attended
Delivery/Pickup Location
[0122] In various embodiments, the system is adapted to provide a
customized website for each attended delivery/pickup location. The
website may include a private portion that may only be accessed by
individuals associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup
location. This private portion may display, for example,
information regarding how much the attended delivery/pickup
location has earned through delivery/pickup activities and other
relevant information.
[0123] The website may also include a public portion that allows
the particular attended delivery/pickup location to advertise
special offers, such as offers for discounted merchandise. In
particular embodiments, particular offers may only if the user
retrieves their one or more parcels from the attended
delivery/pickup location before a particular location.
T. Methods for Enabling Users to Define Attended Delivery/Pickup
Location Attributes
[0124] In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to allow
users of the system to define and change various attributes
associated with a particular attended delivery/pickup location.
Particular attributes which a user may define include, for example,
the hours of operation of the attended delivery/pickup location.
For example, a user may define hours of operation based at least in
part on the hours of operation of the retail store at which the
attended delivery/pickup location is located. In various
embodiments, users may define hours of operation based on any other
suitable factor and may change hours of operation for any suitable
reason (e.g., based at least in part on or due to staff
availability to man the attended delivery/pickup location, based at
least in part on holidays or holiday schedules, etc.).
[0125] In other embodiments, users may define which particular
items may be delivered to and/or temporarily stored at the attended
delivery/pickup location. For example, a user may define an
attended delivery/pickup location such that the attended
delivery/pickup location may only accept a particular model of a
new mobile computing device. In particular embodiments, the system
may be configured to limit accepted items to allowed items by using
one or more stock-keeping units (e.g., SKUs) associated with the
allowed items. In other embodiments, the system may ensure that
only allowed items are accepted by the attended delivery/pickup
location using any other suitable technique (e.g., by scanning a
barcode associated with an item when it is presented to the
attended delivery/pickup location, etc.)
[0126] In particular embodiments the system may be configured to
allow a user to define any other attribute associated with the
attended delivery/pickup location. In various embodiments, the
system may be configured to receive a listing of one or more users
who are authorized to define and/or change the various attributes
associated with the attended delivery/pickup location. Authorized
users may include, for example, the owner of the attended
delivery/pickup location, the owner of the retail store in which
the attended delivery/pickup location is located, an authorized
manager or employee of the attended delivery/pickup location or the
retail store with which the attended delivery/pickup location is
associated, an authorized representative of a logistics company
associated with facilitating delivery and/or pickup of items to or
from the attended delivery/pickup location, etc.
U. Methods for Facilitating Substantially Anonymous Delivery to and
Pickup from an Attended Delivery/Pickup Location
[0127] In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to enable a
user to request delivery of one or more items to an attended
delivery/pickup location substantially anonymously. As a particular
example, a user may order one or more items from an online retailer
for delivery to a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In
various embodiments, the system may enable the user to complete a
transaction with the online retailer for the item as a guest (e.g.,
without logging into an account associated with the user or the
online retailer). The user may then request, as part of the
transaction, that the one or more items be delivered to an attended
delivery/pickup location. In particular embodiments, the system may
be configured to facilitate delivery of the one or more items to
the attended delivery/pickup location without associating a name or
other identifying characteristic of the user with the one or more
items.
[0128] The system may, in various embodiments, assign an alias to
the user (e.g., such as a unique identifying string of characters,
etc.) In other embodiments, the system may be configured to
associate a confirmation number with the shipment of the one or
more items. In various embodiments, the system may be adapted to
require the user to present something other than a proof of
identification of the user when the user goes to the attended
delivery/pickup location to pick up the one or more items. For
example, the system may require the user to present the
confirmation number or alias in order to retrieve the one or more
items, the system may require the user to show an e-mail, text
message, or other suitable confirmation message confirming that the
user placed the order for the one or more items, etc. In other
embodiments, the system may be configured to require confirmation
by a user picking up the one or more items from the attended
delivery/pickup location that the user placed the order for the one
or more items in any other suitable manner (e.g., a manner in which
the user's anonymity is substantially maintained).
V. Systems for Determining Suitability of Locations as Attended
Delivery/Pickup Locations
[0129] In various embodiments, the system is configured to
determine a suitability of a particular location to serve as a
location for an attended delivery/pickup location. In particular
embodiments, the determination is based on, for example: (1) a
number of returns that occur at the particular location (e.g.,
where the particular location is a retail location); (2) a number
of complaints about the location (e.g., complaints from customers
of a business at the location); (3) geographic and demographic data
associated with the particular location; (4) third party
commercially available data (e.g., a volume of sales at a business
associated with the particular location, an average number of
customers that patronize a business associated with the particular
location, etc.); and (5) any other suitable factor.
[0130] In particular embodiments, determination of suitability for
a location as an attended delivery/pickup location is determined
using any suitable technique used by retailers or other businesses
when selecting a suitable location to open a particular business.
In other embodiments, the determination is based at least in part
on logistics data (e.g., based at least in part on particular
shipping routes utilized by logistics companies, etc.). In other
embodiments, the determination may be based on any suitable
combination of the factors discussed above, or any other
factors.
W. Flexible Activation of Alternative Delivery/Pickup Locations
[0131] In various embodiments, the system is adapted to allow a
user to quickly activate and/or deactivate one or more attended
delivery/pickup locations, and/or to create one or more
time-limited attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., alternative
delivery/pickup locations that are set to exist for only a
pre-determined amount of time). In a particular embodiment, the
system is adapted to allow a user to set up a particular attended
delivery/pickup location by: (1) specifying the attended
delivery/pickup location; (2) specifying a start time for the
attended delivery/pickup location to be in existence; and (3)
specifying an end time for the attended delivery/pickup location to
be in existence. In various embodiments, the start time is selected
to occur at about the beginning of a particular event (e.g., a
particular concert, party, sporting event, or other event), and the
end time is selected to occur at about the end of the particular
event. In particular embodiments, the event may be staffed by one
or more individuals associated with the particular event.
X. Regularly Scheduled Pickups
[0132] In various embodiments, the system is adapted to coordinate
pickups, on a regular basis (e.g., daily, weekly, etc. . . . ) from
a particular location. Such pickups may be made by one or more
logistics providers that service attended delivery/pickup
locations. This service may be implemented for a fee, or for no
charge.
[0133] In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to
allow individuals to issue a real-time pickup request to have a
parcel picked up at a particular location. In particular
embodiments, the system may be adapted to automatically select a
common carrier from a plurality of common carriers to handle the
requested parcel pickup. The system may do this, for example, by:
(1) informing a plurality of common carriers of the request; (2)
accepting one or more respective bid prices from each of the
plurality of common carriers for which the respective common
carriers would be willing to handle the requested parcel pickup;
(3) based, at least in part, on the respective bid prices,
selecting a particular one of the plurality of common carriers to
handle the request; and (4) in response to selecting the particular
common carrier, facilitating the pickup of the parcel by the
particular common carrier.
Y. Automatic Tariff Changes
[0134] In various embodiments, the system is adapted to calculate
the amount that a particular individual will pay in parcel shipping
charges in a way that is customized for the situation at hand. For
example, the shipping charge associated with shipping a parcel from
a particular on-line retailer to an individual may be based, at
least in part, on: (1) the current availability and/or capacity of
an attended delivery/pickup location to which the parcel is to be
delivered; (2) the frequency of the individual's purchasing and/or
shipment activity (e.g., frequent purchasers and/or shippers may
receive a discount); (3) the carrier handling the delivery; (4)
loyalty to a particular attended delivery/pickup location; (5)
loyalty to the carrier handling the delivery; and/or (6) total
frequency of shipments to the attended delivery/pickup location on
the individual's behalf In particular embodiments, the system may
be customizable by any suitable party (e.g., the owner of an
attended delivery/pickup location) or any combination of suitable
parties to calculate customized shipping rates based on any
combination of any suitable factors, such as the factors listed
above.
Z. Exemplary Delivery Configurations
[0135] In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to
facilitate the delivery of one or more parcels between various
different types of locations. For example, the system may be
adapted to facilitate the delivery of one or more parcels from: (1)
an attended delivery/pickup location to an individual's home; (2)
an attended delivery/pickup location to another attended
delivery/pickup location; (3) an individual's home to an attended
delivery/pickup location; and (4) a first individual's home to a
second individual's home.
Illustrative Example of Delivery to a Suggested Delivery/Pickup
Location
[0136] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary transportation diagram that
generally illustrates the delivery of a parcel 500 directly to an
attended delivery/pickup location 512, 514, 516. As may be
understood from this figure, parcel recipients may elect to have
parcels delivered directly to attended delivery/pickup locations
512, 514, 516 rather than to other locations that are more closely
associated with the parcel recipient (e.g., the parcel recipient's
home or workplace). In various embodiments, a system for
coordinating the delivery of parcels to attended delivery/pickup
locations may provide each potential parcel recipient with a
selection of attended delivery/pickup locations from which the
parcel recipient may select one or more attended delivery/pickup
locations to have their inbound parcels delivered to. For example,
the system may present the user with a plurality of attended
delivery/pickup locations (e.g., such as delivery/pickup locations
512, 514, 516). These attended delivery/pickup locations may
include attended delivery/pickup locations that are located near
(e.g., within a particular distance of) one or more locations such
as the parcel recipient's home, the parcel recipient's place of
work, or any other location that is closely associated with the
parcel recipient.
[0137] For example, a particular attended delivery/pickup location
512 may be a gas station located half a mile from the user's
workplace 513. Another attended delivery/pickup location 514 may be
a grocery store three blocks from the user's apartment 515. Yet
another attended delivery/pickup location 516 may include a flower
shop next door to a gymnasium 517 of which the user is a member. As
may be understood from FIG. 5, a common carrier (e.g., or other
logistics company) may deliver parcels directly to such attended
delivery/pickup locations rather than to the locations that are
more closely associated with the parcel recipient 513, 515,
517.
[0138] As noted above, delivering to attended delivery/pickup
locations rather than particular addresses (e.g., such as home
addresses) more closely associated with particular parcel recipient
may be beneficial for common carriers in that it may reduce the
total number of addresses that the common carrier may need to
deliver parcels to in a particular day. This process may also be
advantageous to parcel recipients because it may assure that their
parcel is delivered to a convenient, attended location. This may,
for example, eliminate the risk associated with having the common
carrier leave the parcel outside the parcel recipient's home, or
with having the parcel misplaced or improperly routed within the
parcel recipient's workplace. In particular embodiments, the system
is configured to deliver a parcel to whichever attended
delivery/pickup location (e.g., attended delivery/pickup location
512, 514, or 516) the user selects.
Illustrative Example of Determination of the Capacity of an
Attended Delivery/Pickup Location
[0139] In a particular example, a parcel recipient (e.g., a user)
purchases an item from an online retailer. As part of the check-out
process, in this example, the parcel recipient is prompted to enter
(or select) a location for the delivery of a parcel that will
contain the item. Continuing with this example, the parcel
recipient selects a particular attended delivery/pickup location
for the delivery of the parcel. The system, in this example,
retrieves the volume of the parcel to be delivered (e.g., 100 cubic
inches) and stored information about the particular attended
delivery/pickup location. The information about the particular
attended delivery/pickup location may include, in this example, the
total capacity the particular attended delivery/pickup location has
to store parcels (e.g., 1,000 cubic inches) and the current volume
of stored parcels (e.g., 950 cubic inches).
[0140] The system, continuing with this example, determines whether
the particular attended delivery/pickup location has the capacity
to accept and store the parcel for the user by taking the total
capacity of the particular attended delivery/pickup location minus
the current volume of stored parcels minus the volume of the parcel
to be delivered for the parcel recipient (e.g., 1,000 cubic inches
minus 950 cubic inches minus 100 cubic inches equals negative 50
cubic inches). The system then, in this example, upon determining
that the particular attended delivery/pickup location does not have
capacity to store the parcel (negative 50 indicates not enough
capacity to store the parcel), notifies the user to choose another
attended delivery/pickup location.
CONCLUSION
[0141] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present
systems and methods will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which this present systems and methods pertains having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. While examples discussed above cover the use
of the present systems and methods in the context of attended
delivery/pickup locations (e.g., attended retail delivery/pickup
locations), the present systems and methods may be used in any
other suitable context, such as within the context of: 1)
unattended delivery/pickup locations; 2) attended delivery-only
locations; 3) attended pickup-only location; 4) unattended
delivery-only locations; and 5) unattended pickup-only locations.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the present systems and
methods is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed
and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be
included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific
terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.
* * * * *
References