U.S. patent application number 15/160096 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-24 for method and apparatus for stipulating a delivery and/or pickup position.
This patent application is currently assigned to Deutsche Post AG. The applicant listed for this patent is Matthias Busecke, Ralph Wiechers. Invention is credited to Matthias Busecke, Ralph Wiechers.
Application Number | 20160342944 15/160096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55953002 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160342944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wiechers; Ralph ; et
al. |
November 24, 2016 |
Method and apparatus for stipulating a delivery and/or pickup
position
Abstract
The disclosure relates, inter alia, to a method comprising the
steps of providing, by a user apparatus, an activable user
interface for stipulating a delivery and/or pickup position,
capturing of a position of the user apparatus when the user
interface is activated, and communication of delivery and/or pickup
position information associated with the captured position from the
user apparatus to a delivery service apparatus.
Inventors: |
Wiechers; Ralph; (Mayschoss,
DE) ; Busecke; Matthias; (Bonn, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wiechers; Ralph
Busecke; Matthias |
Mayschoss
Bonn |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Deutsche Post AG
Bonn
DE
|
Family ID: |
55953002 |
Appl. No.: |
15/160096 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/083 20130101;
G06Q 10/0836 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 20, 2015 |
DE |
10 2015 108 003.6 |
Claims
1. A method comprising providing, by a user apparatus, an activable
user interface for stipulating a delivery and/or pickup position,
capturing a position of the user apparatus when the user interface
is activated, and communicating delivery and/or pickup position
information associated with the captured position from the user
apparatus to a delivery service apparatus.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the delivery and/or
pickup position information indicates a delivery and/or pickup
position for delivery of a shipment into a vehicle.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the activable user
interface is an activable element of a user interface of the user
apparatus.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the activable user
interface comprises a button, particularly a key button.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the activable user
interface is activable by a user input.
6. The method according to claim 1, additionally comprising:
providing, by the user apparatus, a further user interface for
stipulating a delivery and/or pickup period, obtaining delivery
and/or pickup period information by the further user interface at
the user apparatus, and communicating the obtained delivery and/or
pickup period information from the user apparatus to the delivery
service apparatus.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the delivery and/or
pickup period information indicates a delivery and/or pickup period
for delivery of a shipment into a vehicle.
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the further user
interface is an element of a user interface of the user
apparatus.
9. A user apparatus comprising: means configured to perform the
method according to claim 1 or comprising respective means for
performing the steps of the method according to claim 1.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
a computer program that, when the computer program runs on a
processor, causes the processor to perform and/or to control the
method of claim 1.
11. A method comprising: obtaining delivery and/or pickup position
information from a user apparatus at a delivery service apparatus,
associating, by the delivery service apparatus, the obtained
delivery and/or pickup position information with a delivery agent
apparatus, communicating the obtained delivery and/or pickup
position information from the delivery service apparatus to the
delivery agent apparatus.
12. The method according to claim 11, additionally comprising:
obtaining delivery and/or pickup period information from the user
apparatus at the delivery service apparatus, and communicating the
delivery and/or pickup period information to the delivery agent
apparatus.
13. The method according to claim 11, additionally comprising:
generating and/or selecting access authorisation information at
least in part on the basis of the obtained delivery and/or pickup
position information and/or the obtained delivery and/or pickup
period information, communicating the generated and/or selected
access authorisation information to the delivery agent
apparatus.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the access
authorisation information authorises access for the delivery into a
vehicle.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the access
authorisation information has a limited temporal and/or spatial
validity and/or is valid for a limited number of accesses.
16. The method according to claim 11, additionally comprising:
providing a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored
thereon a computer program that, when the computer program runs on
a processor, causes the processor to perform and/or to control the
steps of: providing, by a user apparatus, an activable user
interface for stipulating a delivery and/or pickup position,
capturing a position of the user apparatus when the user interface
is activated, and communicating delivery and/or pickup position
information associated with the captured position from the user
apparatus to a delivery service, for obtainment at the user
apparatus.
17. A delivery service apparatus comprising: means configured to
perform the method according to claim 11 or comprising respective
means for performing the steps of the method according to claim
11.
18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
a computer program that, when the computer program runs on a
processor, causes the processor to perform and/or to control the
method of claim 11.
19. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: obtaining
delivery and/or pickup position information from a user apparatus
at a delivery service apparatus, associating, by the delivery
service apparatus, the obtained delivery and/or pickup position
information with a delivery agent apparatus, communicating the
obtained delivery and/or pickup position information from the
delivery service apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus.
20. A system comprising: a user apparatus comprising means
configured to perform the steps of: providing, by a user apparatus,
an activable user interface for stipulating a delivery and/or
pickup position, capturing a position of the user apparatus when
the user interface is activated, and communicating delivery and/or
pickup position information associated with the captured position
from the user apparatus to a delivery service apparatus; and a
delivery service apparatus comprising means configured to perform
the steps of: obtaining delivery and/or pickup position information
from a user apparatus at a delivery service apparatus, associating,
by the delivery service apparatus, the obtained delivery and/or
pickup position information with a delivery agent apparatus,
communicating the obtained delivery and/or pickup position
information from the delivery service apparatus to the delivery
agent apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to German
Application No. 10 2015 108 003.6, filed May 20, 2015, the entire
teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
FIELD
[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a method
for stipulating a delivery and/or pickup position, methods for
communicating a delivery and/or pickup position, a computer
program, a user apparatus, a delivery service apparatus and a
system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The delivery of a shipment to a mobile shipment holding
apparatus by depositing the shipment in the shipment holding
apparatus is a form of delivery that is very convenient for the
shipment recipient, since the shipment recipient does not have to
receive the shipment in person. An example of a mobile shipment
holding apparatus is a vehicle of the shipment recipient. By way of
example, the shipment can be delivered into the vehicle of the
shipment recipient while it is parked in a company car park during
the working hours of the shipment recipient. However, the delivery
agent needs to be notified of the delivery position of the vehicle
in advance. This significantly restricts the flexibility and
convenience of this form of delivery, since the shipment recipient
is tied to the delivery position for which advance notification has
been provided and cannot park the vehicle in a different
position.
SUMMARY OF A FEW EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention has therefore taken on the task, inter
alia, of overcoming these problems.
[0005] According to the invention, a first method is disclosed,
said first method comprising: [0006] providing, by a user
apparatus, an activable user interface for stipulating a delivery
and/or pickup position, [0007] capturing a position of the user
apparatus when the user interface is activated, and [0008]
communicating delivery and/or pickup position information
associated with the captured position from the user apparatus to a
delivery service apparatus.
[0009] For example, the first method is a method for stipulating a
delivery and/or pickup position, for example a method for
stipulating a delivery position for delivery of a shipment (e.g. to
a mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle) and/or for
stipulating a pickup position for pickup of a shipment (e.g. from a
mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle). For example,
the first method is performed at least in part by the user
apparatus and/or by respective means of the user apparatus.
[0010] According to the invention, a user apparatus is disclosed
that comprises the following: [0011] means configured to perform
and/or control the first method or respective means for performing
and/or controlling the steps of the first method (e.g. all steps
that are not performed by a user).
[0012] For example, the means of the user apparatus according to
the invention are configured to perform and/or to control the first
method or the steps thereof (e.g. apart from the steps that are
performed by a user). One or more of the steps of the first method
can also be performed and/or controlled by the same means. By way
of example, one or more of the means of the user apparatus may be
formed at least in part by one or more processors.
[0013] For example, the user apparatus according to the invention
comprises at least one processor and at least one memory that
contains program code, wherein the memory and the program code are
configured to cause the user apparatus having the at least one
processor to perform and/or to control at least the first method.
In this case, either all steps of the first method can be
controlled or all steps of the first method can be performed, or
one or more steps are controlled and one or more steps are
performed.
[0014] By way of example, a processor is intended to be understood
to mean a control unit, a microprocessor, a microcontrol unit such
as a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a
field-programmable gate array (FPGA).
[0015] For example, the user apparatus according to the invention
is a portable user apparatus. For example, the user apparatus
according to the invention is a user appliance such as a mobile
telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a media player (e.g.
an iPod), a navigation appliance (e.g. a navigation appliance for a
vehicle, e.g. a permanently installed navigation appliance of a
vehicle or a portable navigation appliance), a notebook computer
and/or a tablet computer.
[0016] According to the invention, a second method is additionally
disclosed, said second method comprising: [0017] obtaining delivery
and/or pickup position information from a user apparatus at a
delivery service apparatus, [0018] associating, by the delivery
service apparatus, the obtained delivery and/or pickup position
information with a delivery agent apparatus, [0019] communicating
the obtained delivery and/or pickup position information from the
delivery service apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus.
[0020] For example, the second method is a method for communicating
a delivery and/or pickup position, for example a method for
communicating a delivery position for delivery of a shipment (e.g.
to a mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle) and/or
for stipulating a pickup position for pickup of a shipment (e.g.
from a mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle), to a
delivery agent apparatus. For example, the second method is
performed at least in part by the delivery service apparatus and/or
by respective means of the delivery service apparatus.
[0021] According to the invention, a delivery service apparatus is
disclosed that comprises the following: [0022] means configured to
perform and/or control the second method or respective means for
performing and/or controlling the steps of the second method (e.g.
all steps that are not performed by a user).
[0023] For example, the means of the delivery service apparatus
according to the invention are configured to perform and/or to
control the second method or the steps thereof (e.g. apart from the
steps that are performed by a user). One or more of the steps of
the second method can also be performed and/or controlled by the
same means. By way of example, one or more of the means of the user
apparatus may be formed at least in part by one or more
processors.
[0024] For example, the delivery service apparatus according to the
invention comprises at least one processor and at least one memory
that contains program code, wherein the memory and the program code
are configured to cause the delivery service apparatus having the
at least one processor to perform and/or to control at least the
second method. In this case, either all steps of the second method
can be controlled or all steps of the second method can be
performed, or one or more steps are controlled and one or more
steps are performed.
[0025] As disclosed above, a processor is intended to be understood
to mean, by way of example, a control unit, a microprocessor, a
microcontrol unit such as a microcontroller, a DSP, an ASIC or an
FPGA.
[0026] For example, the delivery service apparatus according to the
invention is a server of a delivery service, for example a backend
server of the delivery service.
[0027] According to the invention, a third method is additionally
disclosed, said third method comprising: [0028] the first method
and/or the steps of the first method, and [0029] the second method
and/or the steps of the second method.
[0030] For example, the third method is performed and/or controlled
at least in part by the user apparatus and/or by respective means
of the user apparatus and also by the delivery service apparatus
and/or by respective means of the delivery service apparatus.
[0031] According to the invention, a system is disclosed that
comprises the following: [0032] one or more user apparatuses
according to the invention, and [0033] one or more delivery service
apparatuses according to the invention.
[0034] According to the invention, a computer program is disclosed
that comprises the following: program instructions that cause a
processor to perform and/or control the first, the second and/or
the third method when the computer program runs on the
processor.
[0035] By way of example, the computer program according to the
invention is an application program for a user apparatus, for
example an application program for a mobile telephone such as an
app.
[0036] By way of example, the computer program according to the
invention may be distributable over a network, such as the
Internet, a telephone or mobile radio network and/or a local area
network. The computer program according to the invention may be at
least in part software and/or firmware of a processor. It may
equally be implemented at least in part as hardware. By way of
example, the computer program according to the invention may be
stored on a computer-readable storage medium, e.g. a touchable,
magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, optical and/or other kind of
storage medium. By way of example, the storage medium may be part
of the processor, for example a (nonvolatile or volatile) program
memory and/or main memory of the processor or a portion
thereof.
[0037] The properties of the method according to the invention, of
the user apparatus according to the invention, of the delivery
service apparatus according to the invention, of the system
according to the invention and of the computer program according to
the invention are described--in part by way of example--below.
[0038] By way of example, an activable user interface is intended
to be understood to mean an element of a user interface of the user
apparatus that is activable by a user input that is able to be
captured by input means of the user apparatus. By way of example,
the activable user interface is provided according to the first
method by the activable user interface being rendered activable
such that the activable user interface is activable by a user input
that is able to be captured by input means of the user apparatus.
For example, the user apparatus comprises one or more appropriate
provision means and/or one or more input means. By way of example,
the provision means of the user apparatus are configured to provide
the activable user interface, and the input means of the user
apparatus are configured to capture a user input for activating the
provided activable user interface.
[0039] For example, the activable user interface is an activable
element of a graphical user interface, for example a button such as
a key button. Such an element of a graphical user interface is
provided by display on a display means of the user apparatus, for
example. An element of a graphical user interface, which element is
displayed on a display means, can be provided, by way of example,
by an input on a suitable input means such as a mouse, a trackball,
a joystick, a touchpad and/or a keypad. An element of a graphical
user interface, which element is displayed on a touch-sensitive
display means such as a touch-sensitive screen (e.g. a
touchscreen), can also be activated, by way of example, by a touch
on the display means. For example, the user apparatus comprises one
or more appropriately set-up display means.
[0040] By way of example, the capturing of a position of the user
apparatus according to the first method when the activable user
interface is activated is intended to be understood to mean that
the present position of the user apparatus is captured as closely
as possible to before, during and/or after the activation of the
activable user interface. For example, the position of the user
apparatus can be captured immediately after the activation of the
activable user interface, so that the result of the capturing is
the present position of the user apparatus. If the present position
of the user apparatus is not able to be captured, it is instead
possible for, by way of example, the result of the capturing to be
the most recently captured position (i.e. the last position
captured before the activation of the activable user interface).
The intention of this is to capture as far as possible the position
of the user apparatus at which the user apparatus is situated for
the activation of the activable user interface, so that the user
can use the position at which the activable user interface is
activated by the user to stipulate a delivery and/or pick up
position.
[0041] The position of the user apparatus that is captured
according to the first method is a spatial and/or geographical
position of the user apparatus, for example. The position of the
user apparatus is captured by one or more positioning means of the
user apparatus, for example, such as a positioning sensor. An
example of such a positioning sensor is a sensor of a
satellite-assisted positioning system such as a Global Positioning
System sensor (GPS sensor), a GLONASS sensor and/or a Galileo
sensor.
[0042] By way of example, a delivery and/or pickup position is
intended to be understood to mean a position at which or in
proximity to which delivery of a shipment (e.g. to a mobile
shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle) and/or pickup of a
shipment (e.g. from a mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a
vehicle) is intended to take place. By way of example, delivery
and/or pickup position information comprises a position statement
and/or coordinate statement for a delivery and/or pickup position.
In addition, delivery and/or pickup position information comprises,
by way of example, an identifier that is associable with the
delivery and/or pickup of the shipment, for example an identifier
for the shipment, for the recipient/sender of the shipment, for a
user of the user apparatus and/or for a mobile shipment holding
apparatus (e.g. a vehicle) to which the delivery and/or from which
the pickup is intended to be made.
[0043] By way of example, the delivery and/or pickup position
information is intended to be understood as being associated with
the position captured according to the first method if it comprises
a position statement and/or coordinate statement for the captured
position. By way of example, the delivery and/or pickup position
information comprises a position statement and/or coordinate
statement for the position of the user apparatus that is captured
according to the first method, for example a position of the user
apparatus that is captured as closely as possible to before, during
and/or after the activation of the activable user interface. A user
can therefore use the activation of the activable user interface in
order to stipulate a delivery and/or pickup position, i.e. a
position at which or in proximity to which delivery of a shipment
(e.g. to a mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle) or
pickup of a shipment (e.g. from a mobile shipment holding apparatus
such as a vehicle) is intended to take place. The invention is
therefore advantageous particularly in connection with the delivery
of a shipment to a mobile shipment holding apparatus and the pickup
of a shipment from a mobile shipment holding apparatus.
[0044] A mobile shipment holding apparatus is preferably intended
to be understood to mean any non-stationary apparatus that can hold
a shipment in a sealable interior. An example of a mobile shipment
holding apparatus is a vehicle (e.g. a motor vehicle such as a
heavy goods vehicle or a car, particularly preferably a car, e.g.
an automobile) and/or a mobile letterbox and/or package box (e.g.
what is known as a package butler). The user apparatus may be part
of the shipment holding apparatus (e.g. as a navigation appliance
of a vehicle). Alternatively, the user apparatus is separate from
the shipment holding apparatus (e.g. as a mobile telephone), so
that a particularly high degree of flexibility is possible (e.g. a
user can use the user apparatus for stipulating the delivery and/or
pickup position in connection with various shipment holding
apparatuses).
[0045] According to the first method, the delivery and/or pickup
position information is communicated from the user apparatus to the
delivery service apparatus, for example via a communication link,
for example is sent from the user apparatus to the delivery service
apparatus via a communication link. For example, the user apparatus
comprises one or more appropriate communication means. By way of
example, the communication means of the user apparatus are
configured to use a communication link to communicate with a
delivery service apparatus and to send and/or to receive
information. An example of such a communication means is a
communication interface. For example, the communication means of
the user apparatus comprise a communication interface for a
wireless and/or wired communication technology.
[0046] By way of example, the obtainment of the delivery and/or
pickup position information from the user apparatus at the delivery
service apparatus according to the second method is intended to be
understood to mean that the delivery and/or pickup position is
received from the user apparatus at the delivery service apparatus
via a communication link. For example, the delivery service
apparatus comprises one or more appropriate communication means. By
way of example, the communication means of the delivery service
apparatus are configured to use a communication link to communicate
with a user apparatus and to send and/or to receive information. An
example of such a communication means is a communication interface.
For example, the communication means of the delivery service
apparatus comprise a communication interface for a wireless and/or
wired communication technology.
[0047] According to the second method, the obtained delivery and/or
pickup position information is associated with the delivery agent
apparatus, for example at least in part on the basis of an
identifier that the delivery and/or pickup position information
comprises. For example, the delivery and/or pickup position
information is associated with the delivery agent apparatus of the
delivery agent who is intended to deliver the shipment (e.g. to a
mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle).
[0048] According to the second method, the delivery and/or pickup
position information is additionally communicated from the delivery
service apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus, for example via
a communication link, for example is sent from the delivery service
apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus via a communication link.
By way of example, the communication means of the delivery service
apparatus are configured to use a communication link to communicate
with a delivery agent apparatus and to send and/or to receive
information. As disclosed above, an example of such a communication
means is a communication interface. For example, the communication
means of the delivery service apparatus comprise a communication
interface for a wireless and/or wired communication technology.
[0049] By way of example, the delivery agent apparatus is a
portable electronic appliance and/or a portable electronic unit. By
way of example, the delivery agent apparatus is configured to
communicate with the delivery service apparatus according to the
invention. For example, the delivery agent apparatus can comprise
appropriate communication means. An example of a delivery agent
apparatus is a user appliance, for example, such as a mobile
telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a media player (e.g.
an iPod) and/or a navigation appliance. A further example of a
delivery agent apparatus is, for example, a delivery agent
appliance of a delivery service, such as a hand-held scanner, for
example the Dolphin 99EX mobile computer from the company
Honeywell. A further example of a delivery agent apparatus is, for
example, a "tag" such as an RFID or NFC tag, for example a MiFARE
DESFire from NXP.
[0050] For example, a communication link between the user apparatus
and the delivery service apparatus comprises a communication link
according to a wireless communication technology. By way of
example, a communication link between the delivery service
apparatus and the delivery agent apparatus comprises a further
communication link according to a wireless communication
technology. An example of a wireless communication technology is a
local radio network technology such as radio frequency
identification (RFID) and/or near field communication (NFC) and/or
Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth version 2.1 and/or 4.0) and/or wireless
local area network (WLAN). By way of example, RFID and NFC are
specified according to ISO standards 18000, 11784/11785 and ISO/IEC
standard 14443-A and 15693. The Bluetooth specifications are
currently available on the Internet at www.bluetooth.org. For
example, WLAN is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.11
family. A further example of a wireless communication technology is
a regional radio network technology, such as a mobile radio
technology, for example Global System for Mobile Communications
(GSM) and/or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)
and/or Long Term Evolution (LTE), for example. The GSM, UMTS and
LTE specifications are maintained and developed by the 3rd
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and are currently available
on the Internet at www.3gpp.com, inter alia.
[0051] As disclosed above, the invention is advantageous
particularly in connection with the delivery of a shipment to a
mobile shipment holding apparatus and the pickup of a shipment from
a mobile shipment holding apparatus and significantly increases the
flexibility and convenience of this form of delivery for the user.
The reason is that the invention provides the user with the
opportunity to stipulate a delivery and/or pickup position in a
simple and uncomplicated manner as soon as he is situated, with the
user apparatus, at or in proximity to the desired delivery and/or
pickup position. At the same time, the invention ensures that the
delivery agent is provided with all necessary information via the
delivery agent apparatus in automated fashion.
[0052] Further advantages of the disclosed invention are described
below on the basis of exemplary embodiments of the methods
according to the invention, the user apparatus according to the
invention, the delivery service apparatus according to the
invention, the system according to the invention and the computer
program according to the invention, the disclosure of which is
intended to apply to the respective categories (method, apparatus,
system, computer program) in equal measure.
[0053] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
activable user interface is an activable element of a user
interface of the user apparatus. As disclosed above, the activable
user interface is an activable element of a graphical user
interface, for example. Such an element of a graphical user
interface is provided by display on a display means of the user
apparatus, for example. An activable element of a graphical user
interface, which element is displayed on a display means, is
activable, by way of example, by an input by a user on a suitable
input means such as a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a touchpad
and/or a keypad. An element of a graphical user interface, which
element is displayed on a touch-sensitive display means such as a
touch-sensitive screen (e.g. a touchscreen), is also activable, by
way of example, by a touch on the display means.
[0054] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
activable user interface comprises a button, particularly a key
button. A button is an activable element of a graphical user
interface, for example. Such an element of a graphical user
interface is provided by display on a display means of the user
apparatus, for example. By way of example, a key button is
activable by "clicking" on the key button using a suitable input
means.
[0055] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
activable user interface is activable by a user input. As disclosed
above, the activable user interface is activable by an input by a
user on a suitable input means, for example. Preferably, the
activable user interface is activable by as few user inputs as
possible, particularly preferably by a single user input (e.g. by a
single "click" on a button), so that a user of the user apparatus
can cause the capturing of the position and the communication of
the delivery and/or pickup position information associated with the
captured position, according to the first method, in a particularly
uncomplicated and simple manner. By way of example, this is
advantageous in order to make the stipulation of a delivery and/or
pickup position as uncomplicated and simple for the user as
possible.
[0056] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
first method additionally comprises the following: [0057]
providing, by the user apparatus, a further user interface for
stipulating a delivery and/or pickup period, [0058] obtaining
delivery and/or pickup period information by the further user
interface at the user apparatus, and [0059] communicating the
obtained delivery and/or pickup period information from the user
apparatus to the delivery service apparatus.
[0060] For example, the first method is a method for stipulating a
delivery position and a delivery period for delivery of a shipment
(e.g. to a mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle)
and/or for stipulating a pickup position and a pickup period for
pickup of a shipment (e.g. from a mobile shipment holding apparatus
such as a vehicle).
[0061] In addition, the second method according to this exemplary
embodiment of the invention comprises the following: [0062]
obtaining delivery and/or pickup period information from the user
apparatus at the delivery service apparatus, and [0063]
communicating the delivery and/or pickup position information to
the delivery agent apparatus.
[0064] By way of example, the further user interface is a user
input element. For example, the further user interface is a user
input element of a user interface of the user apparatus. For
example, the further user interface is a user input element of a
graphical user interface. Such a user input element of a graphical
user interface is provided by display on a display means of the
user apparatus, for example.
[0065] By way of example, a user input element is intended to be
understood to mean an element of a graphical user interface that is
used for the recording of information by the user, such as an input
panel and/or a selection element. Such an element of a graphical
user interface is provided by display on a display means of the
user apparatus, for example. By way of example, the further user
interface comprises an input panel and/or a selection element, for
example an input panel and/or a selection element of a graphical
user interface.
[0066] An input panel allows a user to use a suitable input means,
for example, such as a keypad, to input text information (e.g.
letters and/or numbers such as start and end times and/or period
information). The selection of one or more selection options for a
selection element using a suitable input means (e.g. a mouse, a
trackball, a joystick, a touchpad, a keypad and/or a
touch-sensitive screen) allows a user to input (e.g. to select by
"clicking on" and/or "manipulating" the respective selection
options) selection information (e.g. start and end times and/or
period information), for example.
[0067] The obtainment of delivery and/or pickup period information
by the further user interface at the user apparatus according to
the first method is effected by the capturing of an appropriate
user input by a suitable input means of the user apparatus, for
example. For example, by the capturing of an input of text into an
input panel using a keypad and/or the capturing of the selection of
one or more selection options for a selection element by a mouse, a
trackball, a joystick, a touchpad, a keypad and/or a
touch-sensitive screen.
[0068] According to the first method, the delivery and/or pickup
period information is communicated from the user apparatus to the
delivery service apparatus, for example via a communication link,
for example is sent from the user apparatus to the delivery service
apparatus via a communication link. For example, the delivery
and/or pickup period information is communicated from the user
apparatus to the delivery service apparatus together with the
delivery and/or pickup position information and/or via the same
communication link as the delivery and/or pickup position
information. As disclosed above, the user apparatus comprises one
or more appropriate communication means, for example.
[0069] By way of example, the obtainment of the delivery and/or
pickup period information from the user apparatus at the delivery
service apparatus according to the second method is intended to be
understood to mean that the delivery and/or pickup period
information is received from the user apparatus at the delivery
service apparatus via a communication link. For example, the
delivery and/or pickup period information is obtained from the user
apparatus at the delivery service apparatus together with the
delivery and/or pickup position information and/or via the same
communication link as the delivery and/or pickup position
information. As disclosed above, the delivery service apparatus
comprises one or more appropriate communication means, for
example.
[0070] According to the second method, the delivery and/or pickup
period information is additionally communicated from the delivery
service apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus, for example via
a communication link, for example is sent from the delivery service
apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus via a communication link.
For example, the delivery and/or pickup period information is
communicated from the delivery service apparatus to the delivery
agent apparatus together with the delivery and/or pickup position
information and/or via the same communication link as the delivery
and/or pickup position information.
[0071] For example, the delivery and/or pickup period information
is associated with a delivery and/or pickup period (e.g. a start
time and an end time) for delivery and/or pickup of a shipment
(e.g. to and/or from a mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a
vehicle), for example the delivery and/or pickup period information
indicates a delivery and/or pickup period (e.g. a start time and an
end time) for delivery and/or pickup of the shipment (e.g. to
and/or from a mobile shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle).
A user can therefore also stipulate a delivery period, i.e. a
period in which delivery of a shipment (e.g. into a vehicle) is
intended to take place, besides a delivery and/or pickup position,
i.e. a position at which or in proximity to which delivery and/or
pickup of a shipment is intended to take place, by an input using
the further user interface.
[0072] This exemplary embodiment of the invention is therefore
advantageous, by way of example, in order to increase the
convenience and flexibility of the delivery of a shipment to a
mobile shipment holding apparatus and of the pickup of a shipment
from a mobile shipment holding apparatus for the user.
[0073] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
second method additionally comprises the following: [0074]
generating and/or selecting access authorisation information at
least in part on the basis of the obtained delivery and/or pickup
position information and/or the obtained delivery and/or pickup
period information, [0075] communicating the produced and/or
selected access authorisation information to the delivery agent
apparatus.
[0076] For example, the access authorisation information has a
limited temporal and/or spatial validity. For example, the access
authorisation information is valid for a limited number of
accesses, for example just for a single access (e.g. to a
particular shipment holding apparatus such as a particular
vehicle).
[0077] The access authorisation information includes one or more
access authorisation parameters, for example. This or these may be,
by way of example, an (in particular explicit) identifier for an
access authorisation checking apparatus (e.g. an access
authorisation checking apparatus of a shipment holding apparatus
such as a vehicle), an (in particular explicit) identifier for the
access authorisation information itself, temporal validity
information (e.g. in the form of a "Not Before date", a "Not After
date", a "start time for the day" and an "end time for the day",
which indicate on what days and at what time of day access can be
granted for the delivery, for example from 27.3.2014 00:00:00 hours
to 28.3.2014 23:59:59 hours), a spatial validity information (e.g.
in the form of a radius around a delivery coordinate and/or
delivery and/or pickup position within which access can be
granted), an upper limit for the permitted uses of the access
authorisation information in order to gain access, and an
information concerning the extent to which access can be granted
(that is to say, by way of example, whether all doors of a shipment
holding apparatus such as a vehicle can be opened, or just one or a
particular group).
[0078] By way of example, the temporal validity information defines
a delivery and/or pickup period in which the access authorisation
information is valid and authorises access (e.g. to a shipment
holding apparatus such as a vehicle). By way of example, the
physical validity information defines a delivery and/or pickup
position and/or a delivery and/or pickup area (e.g. a radius around
a delivery and/or pickup position) in which the access
authorisation information is valid and authorises access (e.g. to a
shipment holding apparatus such as a vehicle). This is
advantageous, by way of example, in order to increase security and,
by way of example, to provide the user with the opportunity to
limit access to the shipment holding apparatus (e.g. to a vehicle)
for the delivery agent in terms of time and/or space.
[0079] By way of example, generation and/or selection of access
authorisation information at least in part on the basis of the
obtained delivery and/or pickup position information and/or the
obtained delivery and/or pickup period information is intended to
be understood to mean that the access authorisation information is
produced and/or selected such that the access authorisation
information is valid at the delivery and/or pickup position
associated with the delivery and/or pickup position information
and/or within the period associated with the delivery and/or pickup
period information. For example, the delivery and/or pickup
position associated with the delivery and/or pickup position
information is situated within a delivery and/or pickup area
defined by the spatial validity information of the access
authorisation information. For example, the delivery and/or pickup
period associated with the delivery and/or pickup period
information corresponds to the delivery and/or pickup period
defined by the temporal validity information of the access
authorisation information.
[0080] According to the second method, the access authorisation
information is additionally communicated from the delivery service
apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus, for example via a
communication link, for example is sent from the delivery service
apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus via a communication link.
For example, the access authorisation information is communicated
from the delivery service apparatus to the delivery agent apparatus
together with the delivery and/or pickup position information
and/or via the same communication link as the delivery and/or
pickup position information.
[0081] By way of example, the access authorisation information
authorises access for delivery of a shipment to a shipment holding
apparatus such as a vehicle. For example, the access authorisation
information authorises exclusively access for delivery of a
shipment to a shipment holding apparatus. For example, access
authorisation checking means of a shipment holding apparatus check
whether the access authorisation information authorises access
before access to the vehicle is granted. For example, at least one
predefined set (e.g. all, or just some) of the access authorisation
parameters disclosed above have respective reference information
(e.g. present time of day and/or present position of the shipment
holding apparatus) checked to determine whether they each authorise
access.
[0082] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
second method additionally comprises the following: [0083]
providing the computer program comprising program instructions that
cause a processor to perform and/or control the first method when
the computer program runs on the processor, for the purpose of
obtainment at the user apparatus.
[0084] By way of example, providing the computer program for the
purpose of obtainment at the user apparatus is intended to be
understood to mean that the computer program is provided such that
the user apparatus can obtain the computer program via a
communication link, for example can download it via a communication
link. For example, the computer program can be provided by the
computer program being rendered available for download via the
Internet for the purpose of obtainment by the user apparatus. For
example, the computer program is rendered available for download
via the Internet by the storage and/or upload of the computer
program on/to a file-hosting and/or file-sharing platform on the
Internet (e.g. Dropbox) and/or on/to an app shop platform on the
Internet (e.g. App Store (i0S), Windows Phone Store or Google
Play).
[0085] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
delivery and/or pickup position information and/or the delivery
and/or pickup period information is based at least in part on a
user input by a user at the user apparatus (e.g. a user input
captured by input means of the user apparatus).
[0086] Further advantageous exemplary refinements of the invention
can be found in the detailed description that follows for a few
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, particularly in
conjunction with the figures. The figures accompanying the
application are intended to be used only for the purpose of
clarification, however, rather than for determining the scope of
protection of the invention. The accompanying drawings are not
necessarily to scale and are intended merely to reflect the general
concept of the present invention by way of example. In particular,
features included in the figures are in no way intended to be
regarded as a necessary part of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0087] In the drawings:
[0088] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the electronic components of
an exemplary embodiment of a user apparatus according to the
invention;
[0089] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the electronic components of
an exemplary embodiment of a delivery service apparatus according
to the invention;
[0090] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system according to the invention;
[0091] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of a provided user interface of a graphical user
interface of a user apparatus according to the invention;
[0092] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for an example of the first method
according to the invention; and
[0093] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for an example of the second method
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0094] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the
user apparatus 100 according to the invention.
[0095] Processor 101 of the user apparatus 100 is particularly in
the form of a microcontroller or microprocessor. Processor 101
executes program instructions that are stored in program memory
102, and stores interim results or the like in main memory 103, for
example. For example, program memory 102 is a nonvolatile memory
such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory, a
persistent memory such as a ROM memory and/or an optical memory.
Main memory 103 is a volatile or nonvolatile memory, for example,
particularly a random access memory (RAM) such as a static RAM
memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM
memory (FeRAM) and/or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).
[0096] Preferably, program memory 102 and main memory 103 are
arranged together with processor 101 in one module.
[0097] By way of example, program memory 102 stores program
instructions that cause the processor 101, when it executes the
program instructions, to perform and/or to control the method shown
in FIG. 5 at least in part.
[0098] For example, the wireless communication interface 104 is
configured to communicate according to one or more wireless
communication technologies. It is assumed by way of example below
that the wireless communication interface 104 supports
communication via a mobile radio network. For example, the wireless
communication interface 104 is formed at least in part by a
transceiver for the mobile radio technology and one or more
antennas. As disclosed above, an example of a mobile radio
technology is GSM, UMTS and/or LTE.
[0099] By way of example, the processor 101 can communicate with
other apparatuses such as a delivery service apparatus (e.g. the
delivery service apparatus 200 in FIG. 3) via the wireless
communication interface 104. By way of example, processor 101 is
operatively connected to the wireless communication interface 104.
By way of example, the wireless communication interface 104 can
receive or request information from other apparatuses and forward
said information to processor 101 and/or can receive information
from processor 101 and send said information to other apparatuses.
For example, processor 101 controls the communication interface 104
at least in part.
[0100] By way of example, the input means 105 is configured to
capture user inputs from a user and to forward them to the
processor 101. By way of example, processor 101 is operatively
connected to the input means 105. For example, processor 101
controls the input means 105 at least in part. It is assumed by way
of example below that the input means 105 is a keypad, for example
a numeric keypad or an alphanumeric keypad. Additionally or
alternatively, the user apparatus 100 may also have other input
means such as a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a touchpad and/or a
touch-sensitive screen.
[0101] By way of example, the display means 106 is configured to
receive and display information from the processor 101. By way of
example, processor 101 is operatively connected to the display
means 106. For example, processor 101 controls the display means
106 at least in part. For example, the display means 106 is
configured to display a graphical user interface of the user
apparatus 100 (e.g. when the display means 106 is actuated as
appropriate by the processor 101). It is assumed by way of example
below that the display means 106 is a touch-sensitive screen.
Additionally or alternatively, the user apparatus 100 may also have
further display means.
[0102] By way of example, the positioning sensor 107 is used to
capture the spatial and/or geographical position of the user
apparatus 100. An example of such a positioning sensor is a sensor
of a satellite-assisted positioning system such as a Global
Positioning System sensor (GPS sensor), a GLONASS sensor and/or a
Galileo sensor. By way of example, the positioning sensor 107 is
configured to capture the position of the user apparatus 100 and to
forward corresponding position information (e.g. a position
statement and/or a coordinate statement for the captured position)
to the processor 101.
[0103] It is assumed by way of example below that the user
apparatus 100 is a mobile telephone. The invention is not limited
thereto, however. Alternatively, the user apparatus may also be a
PDA, a media player (e.g. an iPod), a navigation appliance (e.g. a
navigation appliance for a vehicle, e.g. a permanently installed
navigation appliance of a vehicle or a portable navigation
appliance), a notebook computer and/or a tablet computer for
example.
[0104] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the
delivery service apparatus 200 according to the invention.
[0105] Processor 201 of the delivery service apparatus 200 is
particularly in the form of a microcontroller or microprocessor.
Processor 201 executes program instructions that are stored in
program memory 202, and stores interim results or the like in main
memory 203, for example. For example, program memory 202 is a
nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an
EEPROM memory, a persistent memory such as a ROM memory and/or an
optical memory. Main memory 203 is a volatile or nonvolatile
memory, for example, particularly a random access memory (RAM) such
as a static RAM memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a
ferroelectric RAM memory (FeRAM) and/or a magnetic RAM memory
(MRAM).
[0106] Preferably, program memory 202 and main memory 203 are
arranged together with processor 201 in one module.
[0107] By way of example, program memory 202 stores program
instructions that cause the processor 201, when it executes the
program instructions, to perform and/or to control the method shown
in FIG. 6 at least in part.
[0108] For example, the communication interface 204 is configured
to communicate according to one or more wireless communication
technologies. Alternatively or additionally, the communication
interface 204 is configured, for example, to communicate according
to one or more wired communication technologies. It is assumed by
way of example below that the communication interface 204 supports
communication via a mobile radio network. For example, the wireless
communication interface 204 is formed at least in part by a
transceiver for the mobile radio technology and one or more
antennas. As disclosed above, an example of a mobile radio
technology is GSM, UMTS and/or LTE.
[0109] By way of example, the processor 201 can communicate with
other apparatuses such as a user apparatus (e.g. the user apparatus
100 in FIG. 3) via the communication interface 204. By way of
example, processor 201 is operatively connected to the
communication interface 204. By way of example, the communication
interface 204 can receive or request information from other
apparatuses and forward said information to processor 201 and/or
can receive information from processor 201 and send said
information to other apparatuses. For example, processor 201
controls the communication interface 204 at least in part.
[0110] Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface
204 may also be separate from the delivery service apparatus 200,
for example.
[0111] It is assumed by way of example below that the delivery
service apparatus 200 is a server of a delivery service.
[0112] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system 300
according to the invention. The system 300 comprises the user
apparatus 100, the delivery service apparatus 200 and a portable
delivery agent apparatus 301.
[0113] By way of example, the delivery agent apparatus 301 is an
electronic appliance of the delivery agent from a delivery service
who is charged with the delivery of the shipment into the vehicle.
An example of the delivery agent apparatus 301 is, for example, a
delivery agent appliance of a delivery service, such as a hand-held
scanner, for example the Dolphin 99EX mobile computer from the
company Honeywell.
[0114] The user apparatus 100 and the delivery service apparatus
200 are connected via the communication link 302 in system 300. For
example, the communication interface 104 of the user apparatus 100
is configured to use communication link 302 to communicate with
delivery service apparatus 200, for example to send information
(e.g. delivery and pickup position information and/or delivery and
pickup period information) to the delivery service apparatus 200
and/or to receive said information from the delivery service
apparatus 200. In addition, the communication interface 204 of the
delivery service apparatus 200 is configured to use communication
link 302 to communicate with user apparatus 100, for example to
send information to the user apparatus 100 and/or to receive said
information from the user apparatus 100. It is assumed by way of
example below that the communication link 302 comprises a wireless
communication link via a mobile radio network.
[0115] The delivery service apparatus 200 and the delivery agent
apparatus 301 are connected via the communication link 303 in
system 300. For example, the communication interface 204 of the
delivery service apparatus 200 is configured to use communication
link 303 to communicate with delivery agent apparatus 301, for
example to send information (e.g. delivery and pickup position
information, delivery and pickup period information and/or access
authorisation information) to the delivery agent apparatus 301
and/or to receive said information from the delivery agent
apparatus 301. It is assumed by way of example below that the
communication link 303 comprises a wireless communication link via
a mobile radio network.
[0116] In addition, the system 300 optionally comprises the vehicle
304. The vehicle 304 in system 300 is an example of a mobile
shipment holding apparatus. The invention is not limited thereto,
however.
[0117] The vehicle 304 and the delivery agent apparatus 301 are
optionally connected via the communication link 305 in system 300.
For example, the delivery agent apparatus 301 can use the
communication link 305 to send information (e.g. access
authorisation information) to the vehicle 304 and/or to receive
information from the vehicle 304. It is assumed by way of example
below that the communication link 305 comprises a wireless
communication link via a local radio network.
[0118] The communication links 302, 303 and 305 are shown in FIG. 3
as wireless communication links by way of example. However, it is
also conceivable, by way of example, for the communication links
302, 303 and/or 305 not to be exclusively wireless communication
links, for example at least one of the communication links 302, 303
and/or 305 comprises at least one wired communication link and at
least one wireless communication link.
[0119] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of a provided user interface of a graphical user
interface 400 of the user apparatus 100.
[0120] In the illustration of FIG. 4, the graphical user interface
400 is displayed on the display means 106 of the user apparatus
100. As disclosed above, it is assumed by way of example below that
the display means 106 is a touch-sensitive screen.
[0121] The graphical user interface 400 comprises a key button 401
labelled "Yes" and a key button 402 labelled "No". The key buttons
401 and 402 are activable user interfaces that are activable by a
user input such as a touch on the point of display on the display
means 106 at which the respective key button 401 and 402 is
displayed. The key button 401 is used to confirm that a delivery
and/or pickup position has been reached, for example. For example,
the display means 106 are configured to capture a touch on a point
of display for the key button 401 or 402 and to forward appropriate
information to the processor 101. For example, the processor 101 is
configured to interpret the capturing of such a touch by the
display means 106 as activation of the respective key button.
[0122] In addition, the user interface 400 comprises the optional
selection element 403. The optional selection element 403 is used
to select a start time and an end time for a delivery period by
appropriate user input such as one or more touches on the display
means 106 and/or one or more inputs on the input means 105. For
example, the display means 106 and/or the input means 105 are
configured to capture such user inputs and to forward appropriate
information to the processor 101. For example, the processor 101 is
configured to interpret the capturing of such user inputs by the
display means 106 and/or the input means 105 as selection of a
start time and an end time for a delivery period.
[0123] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart 500 for an example of the first
method according to the invention. The steps shown in the flowchart
500 are performed and/or controlled by means in the user apparatus
100. By way of example, the steps are performed and/or controlled,
at least in part, by the processor 101 of the user apparatus 100.
For the explanation of the flowchart 500 below, reference is made
by way of example to the system 300 and the graphical user
interface 400.
[0124] In a step 501, an activable user interface for stipulating a
delivery and/or pickup position is provided. Optionally, step 501
involves, by way of example, a further user interface for
stipulating a delivery and/or pickup period being provided.
[0125] For example, step 501 involves the graphical user interface
400 with the key buttons 401 and 402 and the optional selection
element 406 being displayed on the display means 106 of the user
apparatus 100. For example, processor 101 of the user apparatus 100
actuates the display means 106 in order to accomplish the display
of the graphical user interface 400 on the display means 106.
[0126] As disclosed above in relation to FIG. 4, the key buttons
401 and 402 are activable user interfaces that are activable by a
user input such as a touch on the point of display on the display
means 106 at which the respective key button 401 and 402 is
displayed. For example, the display means 106 is configured to
capture such a touch on a point of display and to forward
appropriate information to the processor 101. For example, the
processor 101 is configured to interpret the capturing of such a
touch by the display means 106 as activation of the respective key
area.
[0127] The optional selection element 403 is a further user
interface that is used to select a start time and an end time for a
delivery period by appropriate user input such as one or more
touches on the display means 106 and/or one or more inputs on the
input means 105. For example, the display means 106 and/or the
input means 105 are configured to capture such user inputs and to
forward appropriate information to the processor 101. For example,
the processor 101 is configured to interpret the capturing of such
user inputs by the display means 106 and/or the input means 105 as
selection of a start time and an end time for a period.
[0128] In a step 502, a position of the user apparatus (e.g. the
user apparatus 100) is captured when the user interface for
stipulating a delivery and/or pickup position (e.g. the key button
401) is activated.
[0129] Step 502 is performed, by way of example, only when the user
interface for stipulating a delivery and/or pickup position (e.g.
the key button 401) is activated. In the example of the graphical
user interface 400, step 502 is performed and the position of the
user apparatus 100 is captured, by way of example, only when the
key button 401 labelled "Yes" on the graphical user interface is
activated, but not when the key button 402 labelled No is
activated. The reason is that the user uses activation of the key
button 401 to confirm that the delivery and/or pickup position has
been reached.
[0130] For example, the position of the user apparatus 100 is
captured in step 502 by the positioning sensor 107. For example,
the processor 101 is configured to actuate the positioning sensor
107 in order to accomplish the capturing of the position of the
user apparatus 100 by the positioning sensor 107 as soon as the
user interface for stipulating a delivery and/or pickup position
(e.g. the key button 401) has been activated.
[0131] For example, the user of the user apparatus 100 wants a
shipment to be delivered into his vehicle 304 or picked up from his
vehicle 304. For example, the shipment is meant to be delivered
into the vehicle 304 or picked up therefrom so long as the vehicle
304 is situated at a particular position, for example is parked in
a car park. In order to stipulate this position as a delivery
and/or pickup position, the user can activate the key button 401,
for example, as soon as he is situated at (or in proximity to) this
position. For example, the user activates the key button 401 when
he is situated in the parked vehicle 304 or immediately after he
has alighted from the parked vehicle 304. Next, this position is
captured in step 502.
[0132] In an optional step 503, delivery and/or pickup period
information is obtained at the user apparatus (e.g. the user
apparatus 100).
[0133] For example, the delivery and/or pickup period information
is obtained in step 502 by the capturing of an input by a user on
input means 105 and/or display means 106 of the user apparatus 100
(e.g. user inputs for selecting a start time and an end time for a
period in the optional selection element 403).
[0134] In the example disclosed above, in which the user of the
user apparatus 100 wants a shipment to be delivered into his
vehicle 304 and/or picked up from his vehicle 304, the user can use
selection element 403 to stipulate a delivery and/or pickup period
in which the shipment can be delivered into the vehicle 304 or
picked up therefrom at the position captured in step 502 (e.g. the
delivery and/or pickup position). By way of example, the delivery
and/or pickup period corresponds to the expected parking time of
the vehicle 304 at the delivery and/or pickup position.
[0135] In a step 504, delivery and/or pickup position information
associated with the position captured in step 502 is communicated
to a delivery service apparatus (e.g. the delivery service
apparatus 200). As an option for the delivery and/or pickup
position information, step 504 can also involve delivery and/or
pickup period information obtained in step 503 being communicated
from the user apparatus (e.g. the user apparatus 100) to the
delivery service apparatus (e.g. the delivery service apparatus
200), for example.
[0136] For example, the delivery and/or pickup position information
comprises a position statement and/or coordinate statement for the
position captured in step 502 (e.g. a parking position of the
vehicle 304). In addition, the delivery and/or pickup position
information comprises, by way of example, an identifier that can be
associated with the delivery and/or pickup of the shipment, for
example an identifier for a user of the user apparatus. For
example, the user apparatus 100 lodges an identifier for the user
of the user apparatus 100, for example stores it in program memory
102. For example, the user of the user apparatus 100 is registered
with this identifier with the delivery service of the delivery
service apparatus 200.
[0137] By way of example, the delivery and/or pickup period
information corresponds to the delivery and/or pickup period
information obtained in step 503. For example, the delivery and/or
pickup period information indicates a start time and an end time
for a period, at which delivery and/or pickup of a shipment at the
position captured in step 502 (e.g. an expected parking period for
the vehicle 304) is to be made.
[0138] The delivery and/or pickup position information (and
optionally the delivery and/or pickup period information) is
communicated, for example is sent by the communication interface
104, from the user apparatus 100 to the delivery service apparatus
200 in step 504, for example via the communication link 302.
[0139] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart 600 for an example of the second
method according to the invention. The steps shown in the flowchart
600 are performed and/or controlled by means in the delivery
service apparatus 200. By way of example, the steps are performed
and/or controlled, at least in part, by the processor 201 of the
delivery service apparatus 200. For the explanation of the
flowchart 600 below, reference is made by way of example to the
system 300 and the graphical user interface 400.
[0140] In a step 601, delivery and/or pickup position information
is obtained at a delivery service apparatus (e.g. the delivery
service apparatus 200) from a user apparatus (e.g. the user
apparatus 100). Optionally, step 601 also involves delivery and/or
pickup period information being obtained at the delivery service
apparatus (e.g. the delivery service apparatus 200) from the user
apparatus (e.g. the user apparatus 100).
[0141] For example, step 601 involves the delivery and/or pickup
position information (and optionally the delivery and/or pickup
period information) that was communicated from the user apparatus
(e.g. the user apparatus 100) to the delivery service apparatus
(e.g. the delivery service apparatus 200) in step 504 being
obtained at the delivery service apparatus (e.g. the delivery
service apparatus 200).
[0142] For example, the delivery and/or pickup position information
(and optionally the delivery and/or pickup period information) is
obtained, for example is received by the communication interface
204, from the user apparatus 100 at the delivery service apparatus
200 in step 601 via the communication link 302.
[0143] For example, the delivery and/or pickup position information
comprises a position statement and/or coordinate statement for the
position captured in step 502.
[0144] In addition, the delivery and/or pickup position information
comprises, by way of example, an identifier that can be associated
with the delivery and/or pickup of the shipment, for example an
identifier for a user of the user apparatus 100. For example, the
user of the user apparatus 100 is registered with this identifier
with the delivery service of the delivery service apparatus 200
and/or with the delivery service apparatus 200. By way of example,
the delivery and/or pickup period information corresponds to the
delivery and/or pickup period information optionally obtained in
step 502. For example, the delivery and/or pickup period
information provides a start time and an end time for a period, at
which delivery and/or pickup of a shipment at the position captured
in step 502 (e.g. an expected parking period for the vehicle 304)
is to be made.
[0145] In a step 602, the delivery and/or pickup position
information obtained in step 601 is associated with a delivery
agent apparatus (e.g. the delivery agent apparatus 301).
Optionally, step 602 involves the delivery and/or pickup period
information optionally obtained in step 601 likewise being
associated with the delivery agent apparatus (e.g. the delivery
agent apparatus 301).
[0146] The association is made on the basis of an identifier for
the user of the user apparatus 100, for example, which identifier
is contained in the delivery and/or pickup position information.
For example, the user is registered with this identifier with the
delivery service of the delivery service apparatus 200 and/or with
the delivery service apparatus 200. For example, appropriate
registration information is lodged in the delivery service
apparatus 200, for example stored in program memory 202. In
addition, delivery service apparatus 200 lodges information about
which delivery agent of the delivery service is charged with
delivery and/or pickup of a shipment (e.g. to or from the vehicle
304) of the user, for example. By way of example, the delivery
and/or pickup position information obtained in step 601 (and
optionally delivery and/or pickup period information obtained in
step 601) is associated with the delivery agent apparatus (e.g. the
delivery agent apparatus 301) of this delivery agent.
[0147] In an optional step 603, access authorisation information is
selected and/or produced at least in part on the basis of the
delivery and/or pickup position information obtained in step 601
and/or delivery and/or pickup period information obtained in step
601.
[0148] As disclosed above, the access authorisation information
includes one or more access authorisation parameters, for example.
This or these may be, by way of example, an (in particular
explicit) identifier for an access authorisation checking apparatus
(e.g. an access authorisation checking apparatus of a vehicle), an
(in particular explicit) identifier for the access authorisation
information itself, a temporal validity information, a spatial
validity information, an upper limit for the permitted uses of the
access authorisation information in order to gain access, and an
information concerning the extent to which access can be granted
(that is to say, by way of example, whether all doors of a vehicle
can be opened, or just one or a particular group).
[0149] By way of example, the temporal validity information defines
a delivery and/or pickup period in which the access authorisation
information is valid and authorises access (e.g. to a vehicle). By
way of example, the physical validity information defines a
delivery and/or pickup position and/or a delivery and/or pickup
area (e.g. a radius around a delivery and/or pickup position) in
which the access authorisation information is valid and authorises
access (e.g. to a vehicle).
[0150] The access authorisation information is produced and/or
selected in step 602 for example such that the access authorisation
information is valid at the delivery and/or pickup position
associated with the delivery and/or pickup position information
and/or within the delivery and/or pickup period associated with the
delivery and/or pickup period information. For example, the access
authorisation information can be selected from multiple access
authorisation information lodged in the delivery service apparatus
200 (e.g. stored in program memory 202). Alternatively or
additionally, the access authorisation information can be produced
by a computation according to a computation rule lodged in the
delivery service apparatus 200 (e.g. stored in program memory 202),
for example.
[0151] For example, the access authorisation information authorises
access to the vehicle 304 for delivery and/or pickup of a shipment
at the delivery and/or pickup position associated with the delivery
and/or pickup position information and within the delivery and/or
pickup period associated with the delivery and/or pickup period
information. For example, the access authorisation information can
be used by delivery agent apparatus 301 and sent to vehicle 304,
for example via communication link 305, in order to allow a
delivery agent access to the vehicle 304.
[0152] In a step 604, the delivery and/or pickup position
information obtained in step 601 is communicated from the delivery
service apparatus (e.g. the delivery service apparatus 200) to the
delivery agent apparatus (e.g. the delivery agent apparatus 301)
with which the delivery and/or pickup position information was
associated in step 602. Optionally, step 604 also involves the
delivery and/or pickup period information optionally obtained in
step 601 and/or the access authorisation information produced
and/or selected in step 603 being communicated from the delivery
service apparatus (e.g. the delivery service apparatus 200) to this
delivery agent apparatus (e.g. the delivery agent apparatus
301).
[0153] The delivery and/or pickup position information (and
optionally the delivery and/or pickup period information and/or the
access authorisation information) is communicated, for example is
sent by the communication interface 204, from the delivery service
apparatus 200 to the delivery agent apparatus 301 in step 604, for
example via the communication link 303.
[0154] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are
described in this specification are also intended to be understood
as disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular,
the description of a feature that an embodiment comprises
is--unless explicitly explained to the contrary--also not intended
to be understood, in the present case, to mean that the feature is
indispensable or essential for the function of the exemplary
embodiment. The sequence of the method steps outlined in this
specification in the individual flowcharts is not imperative, and
alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The
method steps can be implemented in different ways, and
implementation in software (by virtue of program instructions),
hardware or a combination of the two is conceivable for
implementing the method steps.
[0155] Terms used in the patent claims such as "comprise", "have",
"contain", "include" and the like do not exclude further elements
or steps. The wording "at least in part" covers both the "in part"
case and the "completely" case. The wording "and/or" is intended to
be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination
are intended to be disclosed, that is to say that "A and/or B"
means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)". Within the context of this
specification, a plurality of units, persons or the like means
multiple units, persons or the like. The use of the indefinite
article does not exclude a plurality. A single device can carry out
the functions of multiple units or devices cited in the patent
claims. Reference symbols specified in the patent claims are not
intended to be regarded as limitations for the means and steps
employed.
* * * * *
References