U.S. patent application number 15/421892 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-10 for methods, apparatus, and computer programs for providing a lock control signal for a mobile logistics destination.
This patent application is currently assigned to VOLKSWAGEN AG. The applicant listed for this patent is VOLKSWAGEN AG. Invention is credited to Daniel CANIS, Simon KARRENBERG.
Application Number | 20170230831 15/421892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57860654 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170230831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CANIS; Daniel ; et
al. |
August 10, 2017 |
METHODS, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR PROVIDING A LOCK
CONTROL SIGNAL FOR A MOBILE LOGISTICS DESTINATION
Abstract
Methods, apparatuses and computer programs for providing a lock
control signal for a mobile logistic destination including
obtaining information about a delivery request, providing an
authorization request for opening the mobile logistic destination,
obtaining information about an authorization for opening the mobile
logistic destination during the probable delivery period from the
mobile device, obtaining information about a lock enquiry and
delivery agent location information from a mobile device of a
delivery agent for the delivery, obtaining logistic destination
location information from the logistic destination, determining a
delivery agent authorization for opening the mobile logistic
destination, computing a delivery agent location difference between
the logistic destination location information and the delivery
agent location information, comparing a timestamp of the lock
enquiry with the probable delivery period, determining the lock
control signal for the mobile logistic destination, and providing
the lock control signal for the mobile logistic destination.
Inventors: |
CANIS; Daniel; (Berlin,
DE) ; KARRENBERG; Simon; (Braunschweig, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VOLKSWAGEN AG |
Wolfsburg |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
VOLKSWAGEN AG
|
Family ID: |
57860654 |
Appl. No.: |
15/421892 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/083 20130101;
H04W 64/006 20130101; G06Q 50/28 20130101; H04W 12/0804 20190101;
H04W 12/0802 20190101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 12/08 20060101
H04W012/08; H04W 64/00 20060101 H04W064/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 9, 2016 |
DE |
10 2016 201 941.4 |
Claims
1. A method for providing a lock control signal for a mobile
logistic destination for a central station, the method comprising:
obtaining information about a delivery request, wherein the
delivery request information comprises information about a probable
delivery period for a delivery; providing an authorization request
for opening the mobile logistic destination during a delivery
period for a mobile device of a recipient of the delivery based on
the information about the delivery request and the information
about the probable delivery period; obtaining information about an
authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination during
the probable delivery period from the mobile device; obtaining
information about a lock enquiry and delivery agent location
information from a mobile device of a delivery agent for the
delivery; obtaining logistic destination location information from
the logistic destination; determining a delivery agent
authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination based on
the information about the lock enquiry and based on the information
about the authorization; computing a delivery agent location
difference between the logistic destination location information
and the delivery agent location information; comparing a timestamp
of the lock enquiry with the probable delivery period; determining
the lock control signal for the mobile logistic destination based
on the delivery agent authorization, based on the delivery agent
location difference and based on the comparison of the timestamp
with the probable delivery period; and providing the lock control
signal for the mobile logistic destination in response to the
delivery agent being authorized to open the mobile logistic
destination, in response to the delivery agent location difference
satisfies a distance condition and in response to the timestamp is
within the probable delivery period.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the
authorization is obtained before the information about the lock
enquiry is obtained.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the delivery agent location
information corresponds to coordinates from a satellite-based
positioning system, and wherein computing the delivery agent
location difference is based on a comparison of the coordinates of
the delivery agent location information with coordinates of the
delivery destination location information.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: obtaining information
about a revocation of the authorization from the mobile device of
the recipient, wherein the information about the revocation
indicates that the user revokes the authorization for opening the
mobile logistic destination during the probable delivery period,
and wherein the determining of the lock signal is further based on
the information about the revocation and/or wherein the providing
is not performed if the authorization is revoked by the information
about the revocation.
5. A mobile logistic delivery method for a mobile device, the
method comprising: obtaining a delivery agent authorization request
for opening a mobile logistic destination at a delivery time,
wherein the delivery agent authorization request is based on
information about a delivery request and on information about a
probable delivery period for the delivery; providing a notification
about the delivery agent authorization request for a user of the
mobile device via an output module, wherein the delivery agent
authorization request includes a lock enquiry and delivery agent
location information provided by a delivery agent's mobile device;
obtaining information about an authorization request response sent
from the user of the mobile device in response to the notification
about the delivery agent authorization request from an input
module, wherein the authorization request response indicates
whether or not the user consents to the delivery agent
authorization request; determining information about a delivery
agent authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination
during the probable delivery period based on the delivery agent
authorization request and based on the information about the
authorization request response wherein the delivery agent
authorization is based on the information about the lock enquiry,
based on the information about the authorization, and based on a
delivery agent location difference between location information for
the mobile logistic destination and the delivery agent location
information; and providing the information about the delivery agent
authorization.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the output module corresponds to
a screen and the input module corresponds to a touch sensitive
sensor, and: wherein the authorization response corresponds to a
position of a slide control in a visual depiction of the slide
control, and/or wherein the input module comprises a microphone and
wherein the information about the authorization response comprises
a recording of a voice command, and/or wherein the input module
comprises a motion sensor, and wherein the information about the
authorization response corresponds to a prescribed movement of the
motion sensor.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the notification about the
delivery agent authorization request further comprises a
notification about an authentication request of the user, wherein
the information about the authorization response further comprises
information about an authentication of the user, and wherein
determining the information about the authorization is further
based on the authentication of the user.
8. The method of claim 5, further comprising: obtaining information
about a revocation of the authorization from the input module,
wherein the information about the revocation indicates that the
user revokes the authorization for opening the mobile logistic
destination during the probable delivery period.
9. A program having a program code for performing a method for
providing a lock control signal for a mobile logistic destination
for a central station when the program code is executed on a
computer, a processor, a control module or a programmable hardware
component, the method comprising: obtaining information about a
delivery request, wherein the delivery request information
comprises information about a probable delivery period for a
delivery; providing an authorization request for opening the mobile
logistic destination during a delivery period for a mobile device
of a recipient of the delivery based on the information about the
delivery request and the information about the probable delivery
period; obtaining information about an authorization for opening
the mobile logistic destination during the probable delivery period
from the mobile device; obtaining information about a lock enquiry
and delivery agent location information from a mobile device of a
delivery agent for the delivery; obtaining logistic destination
location information from the logistic destination; determining a
delivery agent authorization for opening the mobile logistic
destination based on the information about the lock enquiry and
based on the information about the authorization; computing a
delivery agent location difference between the logistic destination
location information and the delivery agent location information;
comparing a timestamp of the lock enquiry with the probable
delivery period; determining the lock control signal for the mobile
logistic destination based on the delivery agent authorization,
based on the delivery agent location difference and based on the
comparison of the timestamp with the probable delivery period; and
providing the lock control signal for the mobile logistic
destination in response to the delivery agent being authorized to
open the mobile logistic destination, in response to the delivery
agent location difference satisfies a distance condition and in
response to the timestamp is within the probable delivery
period.
10. An apparatus for a central station for providing a lock control
signal for a mobile logistic destination, the apparatus comprising:
at least one interface for communication with a mobile device of a
recipient of a delivery, for communication with the mobile logistic
destination, and for communication with a mobile device of a
delivery agent for the delivery; and a control module for:
obtaining information about a delivery request via the at least one
interface, wherein the information about the delivery request
comprises information about a probable delivery period for the
delivery, providing an authorization request for opening the mobile
logistic destination during a delivery period for the mobile device
of the recipient of the delivery via the at least one interface
based on the information about the delivery request and the
information about the probable delivery period, obtaining
information about an authorization for opening the mobile logistic
destination during the probable delivery period from the mobile
device via the at least one interface, obtaining information about
a lock enquiry and delivery agent location information from the
mobile device of the delivery agent for the delivery via the at
least one interface, obtaining logistic destination location
information from the logistic destination via the at least one
interface, determining a delivery agent authorization for opening
the mobile logistic destination based on the information about the
lock enquiry and based on the information about the authorization,
computing a delivery agent location difference between the logistic
destination location information and the delivery agent location
information, comparing a timestamp of the lock enquiry with the
probable delivery period, determining the lock control signal for
the mobile logistic destination based on the authorization of the
delivery agent, based on the delivery agent location difference and
based on the comparison of the timestamp with the probable delivery
period, and providing the lock control signal for the mobile
logistic destination via the at least one interface if the delivery
agent is authorized to open the mobile logistic destination, if the
delivery agent location difference satisfies a distance condition
and if the timestamp is within the probable delivery period.
11. An apparatus for a mobile device, the apparatus comprising: at
least one interface for communication with a central station; and a
control module for: obtaining a delivery agent authorization
request for opening a mobile logistic destination during a delivery
period via the at least one interface, wherein the delivery agent
authorization request is based on information about a delivery
request and on information about a probable delivery period for the
delivery, providing a notification about the delivery agent
authorization request for a user of the mobile device via an output
module, wherein the delivery agent authorization request includes a
lock enquiry and delivery agent location information provided by a
delivery agent's mobile device, obtaining information about an
authorization request response sent from the user of the mobile
device in response to the notification about the delivery agent
authorization request from an input module, wherein the
authorization request response indicates whether or not the user
consents to the delivery agent authorization request, determining
information about a delivery agent authorization for opening the
mobile logistic destination during the probable delivery period
based on the delivery agent authorization request and based on the
information about the authorization request response, wherein the
delivery agent authorization is based on the information about the
lock enquiry, based on the information about the authorization, and
based on a delivery agent location difference between location
information for the mobile logistic destination and the delivery
agent location information, and providing the information about the
authorization via the at least one interface.
12. The program of claim 9, wherein the information about the
authorization is obtained before the information about the lock
enquiry is obtained.
13. The program of claim 9, wherein the delivery agent location
information corresponds to coordinates from a satellite-based
positioning system, and wherein computing the delivery agent
location difference is based on a comparison of the coordinates of
the delivery agent location information with coordinates of the
delivery destination location information.
14. The program of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises:
obtaining information about a revocation of the authorization from
the mobile device of the recipient, wherein the information about
the revocation indicates that the user revokes the authorization
for opening the mobile logistic destination during the probable
delivery period, and wherein the determining of the lock signal is
further based on the information about the revocation and/or
wherein the providing is not performed if the authorization is
revoked by the information about the revocation.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the information about the
authorization is obtained before the information about the lock
enquiry is obtained.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the delivery agent location
information corresponds to coordinates from a satellite-based
positioning system, and wherein computing the delivery agent
location difference is based on a comparison of the coordinates of
the delivery agent location information with coordinates of the
delivery destination location information.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the output module
corresponds to a screen and the input module corresponds to a touch
sensitive sensor, and: wherein the authorization response
corresponds to a position of a slide control in a visual depiction
of the slide control, and/or wherein the input module comprises a
microphone and wherein the information about the authorization
response comprises a recording of a voice command, and/or wherein
the input module comprises a motion sensor, and wherein the
information about the authorization response corresponds to a
prescribed movement of the motion sensor.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the notification about the
delivery agent authorization request further comprises a
notification about an authentication request of the user, wherein
the information about the authorization response further comprises
information about an authentication of the user, and wherein
determining the information about the authorization is further
based on the authentication of the user.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein information about a
revocation of the authorization is obtained from the input module,
wherein the information about the revocation indicates that the
user revokes the authorization for opening the mobile logistic
destination during the probable delivery period.
20. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein information about a
revocation of the authorization is obtained from the mobile device
of the recipient, wherein the information about the revocation
indicates that the user revokes the authorization for opening the
mobile logistic destination during the probable delivery period,
and wherein the determination of the lock signal is further based
on the information about the revocation and/or wherein the
providing is not performed if the authorization is revoked by the
information about the revocation.
21. A program having a program code for performing a mobile
logistic delivery method for a mobile device, the method
comprising: obtaining a delivery agent authorization request for
opening a mobile logistic destination at a delivery time, wherein
the delivery agent authorization request is based on information
about a delivery request and on information about a probable
delivery period for the delivery; providing a notification about
the delivery agent authorization request for a user of the mobile
device via an output module, wherein the delivery agent
authorization request includes a lock enquiry and delivery agent
location information provided by a delivery agent's mobile device;
obtaining information about an authorization request response sent
from the user of the mobile device in response to the notification
about the delivery agent authorization request from an input
module, wherein the authorization request response indicates
whether or not the user consents to the delivery agent
authorization request; determining information about a delivery
agent authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination
during the probable delivery period based on the delivery agent
authorization request and based on the information about the
authorization request response, wherein the delivery agent
authorization is based on the information about the lock enquiry,
based on the information about the authorization, and based on a
delivery agent location difference between location information for
the mobile logistic destination and the delivery agent location
information; and providing the information about the delivery agent
authorization.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This patent application claims priority to German Patent
Application No. 10 2016 201 941.4, filed 9 Feb. 2016, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
SUMMARY
[0002] Illustrative embodiments relate to methods, apparatuses and
computer programs for providing a lock control signal for a mobile
logistic destination, more precisely, but not exclusively, based on
an authorization request for a mobile device of a recipient of a
delivery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Further configurations are described in more detail below on
the basis of the exemplary embodiments depicted in the drawings,
which exemplary embodiments generally do not represent an overall
restriction for exemplary embodiments, however. In the
drawings:
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart for an exemplary embodiment
of a method for providing a lock control signal for a mobile
logistic destination;
[0005] FIG. 1a illustrates a block diagram for an exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus for providing a lock control signal for
a mobile logistic destination;
[0006] FIG. 2 shows an example of a vehicle being linked to an
application on a mobile telephone;
[0007] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment by way of example;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for an exemplary embodiment
of a method of a mobile device; and
[0009] FIG. 4a illustrates a block diagram for an exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus for the mobile device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Mobile devices are increasingly used to perform legally
binding transactions: mobile devices are used for online banking or
shopping, for example, and even communication by authorities can be
performed using certified mail providers, for example. An
increasing proliferation of encryption increases the security of
the transactions, and apparatuses for secure authentication of the
users, for example, based on fingerprint scanners or iris cameras,
allow frequently sufficiently secure authentication of their
users.
[0011] Shopping with mail order traders, e.g., online traders, is
unabatedly popular. The volume of orders with mail order traders is
constantly rising. Customers value the non-time-dependent
availability of the supply, inter alia, to be able to still make
purchases after the shops have closed, for example, or to have
bulky shopping delivered by a delivery service. At the same time,
demands on receipt of the goods are rising in this case. Many
customers cannot receive parcels during the day, and parcel offices
for receiving parcels likewise have limited opening times in many
cases and therefore negate the gain in convenience. One way of
getting around this limitation is delivery to a mobile depot, for
example, to the trunk of a vehicle. At the same time, access to and
location of the vehicle is an infringement of the privacy and the
property of the recipient.
[0012] There is therefore a need to provide secure access to the
mobile logistic destination, wherein the privacy of the user and
the security of the property are maintained with respect to the
logistic service provider. This need is reflected by the methods,
apparatuses and computer programs according to the independent
claims.
[0013] Exemplary embodiments provide a method for providing a lock
control signal for a mobile logistic destination, for example, a
vehicle. If a logistic service provider wishes to make a delivery
to the mobile logistic destination, then a customer or the logistic
service provider provides information about a delivery request for
a central station, for example, a computer center or a server.
Based on the delivery request, a mobile device of a recipient of
the delivery is provided with an authorization request that the
recipient can enable for the scheduled delivery period. The user
therefore provides the central station with the authorization to
unlock the mobile logistic destination on a valid request from the
delivery agent for unlocking the mobile logistic destination,
provided that a check on the current time against the time of the
authorization reveals a match and a check on the position of the
delivery agent against the mobile delivery destination reveals an
approximate match. If the prerequisites are in place, then the
method can prompt the mobile logistic destination to be
unlocked.
[0014] Exemplary embodiments provide a method for a central station
for providing a lock control signal for a mobile logistic
destination. The method comprises obtaining information about a
delivery request. The information about the delivery request
comprises information about a probable delivery period for a
delivery. The method further comprises providing an authorization
request for opening the mobile logistic destination during a
delivery period for a mobile device of a recipient of the delivery,
based on the information about the delivery request and the
information about the probable delivery period. The method further
comprises obtaining information about an authorization for opening
the mobile logistic destination during the probable delivery period
from the mobile device. The method further comprises obtaining
information about a lock enquiry and delivery agent location
information from a mobile device of a delivery agent for the
delivery. The method further comprises obtaining logistic
destination location information from the logistic destination. The
method further comprises determining a delivery agent authorization
for opening the mobile logistic destination based on the
information about the lock enquiry and based on the information
about the authorization. The method further comprises computing a
delivery agent location difference between the logistic destination
location information and the delivery agent location information.
The method further comprises comparing a timestamp of the lock
enquiry with the probable delivery period. The method further
comprises determining the lock control signal for the mobile
logistic destination based on the authorization of the delivery
agent, based on the delivery agent location difference and based on
the comparison of the timestamp with the probable delivery period.
The method further comprises providing the lock control signal for
the mobile logistic destination if the delivery agent is authorized
to open the mobile logistic destination, if the delivery agent
location difference satisfies a distance condition and if the
timestamp is within the probable delivery period. Providing the
authorization request for the mobile device of the recipient allows
an authorization for accessing the mobile logistic destination to
be issued explicitly, which allows the responsibility to be
transferred to the recipient. The use of further criteria such as,
e.g., the position of the delivery agent and the time of day can
further increase security.
[0015] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the information
about the authorization is obtained before the information about
the lock enquiry is obtained. Issuing the authorization before a
delivery attempt allows grant of authorization and delivery attempt
to be decoupled in time, which means that a prompt reaction from
the recipient is not necessary during delivery.
[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the delivery agent location
information can correspond to coordinates from a satellite-based
positioning system. Computing the delivery agent location
difference can be based on a comparison of the coordinates of the
delivery agent location information with coordinates of the
delivery destination location information. The use of coordinates
from the satellite-based positioning system, for example, the
global positioning system (GPS), allows a programmatic check on a
presence of the delivery agent at the delivery location without any
user interaction.
[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the method can further
comprise obtaining information about a revocation of the
authorization from the mobile device of the recipient. The
information about the revocation can indicate that the user revokes
the authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination
during the probable delivery period. Determining the lock control
signal can further be based on the information about the
revocation. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for
providing not to be carried out if the authorization is revoked by
the information about the revocation. The possibility of revocation
allows the delivery attempt to be aborted by the recipient, for
example, if the mobile logistic destination is not at the scheduled
location or because the recipient no longer wants the delivery at
the mobile logistic destination.
[0018] Exemplary embodiments further provide a method for a mobile
device. The method comprises obtaining an authorization request for
opening a mobile logistic destination at the delivery time. The
authorization request is based on information about a delivery
request and on information about a probable delivery period for the
delivery. The method further comprises providing a notification
about the authorization request for a user of the mobile device via
an output module. The method further comprises obtaining a piece of
information about a response from the user of the mobile device to
the notification about the authorization request from an input
module. The response indicates whether or not the user consents to
the authorization request. The method further comprises determining
information about an authorization for opening the mobile logistic
destination during the probable delivery period based on the
authorization request and based on the information about the
response. The method further comprises providing the information
about the authorization. The response to the authorization request
by the mobile device of the recipient allows an authorization for
accessing the mobile logistic destination to be issued explicitly,
which allows the responsibility to be transferred to the
recipient.
[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the output module can
correspond to a screen and the input module can correspond to a
touch sensitive sensor. The response can correspond to a position
of a slide control in a visual depiction of the slide control. The
use of the screen allows convenient presentation of a multiplicity
of pieces of information. The use of the touch sensitive sensor
allows accurate and intuitive operator control. Alternatively or
additionally, the input module can comprise a microphone. The
information about the response can comprise a recording of a voice
command. Alternatively or additionally, the input module can
comprise a motion sensor. The information about the response can
correspond to a prescribed movement of the motion sensor. Use of
different input modules can allow the input to be matched to a
situation of the recipient.
[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the notification about the
authorization request further comprises a notification about an
authentication request for the user. The information about the
response further comprises information about an authentication of
the user, for example. Determining the information about the
authorization can further be based on the authentication of the
user. An authentication of the user, for example, by means of a
password, a fingerprint scan or a retinal scan, can further
increase security of the transaction.
[0021] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the method further
comprises obtaining information about a revocation of the
authorization from the input module. The information about the
revocation can indicate that the user revokes the authorization for
opening the mobile logistic destination during the probable
delivery period. The method can further comprise providing the
information about the revocation of the authorization. The
possibility of revocation allows the delivery attempt to be aborted
by the recipient, for example, if the mobile logistic destination
is not at the scheduled location or because the recipient no longer
wants the delivery at the mobile logistic destination.
[0022] Exemplary embodiments further provide a program having a
program code for performing at least one of the methods when the
program code is executed on a computer, a processor, a control
module or a programmable hardware component.
[0023] Exemplary embodiments furthermore provide an apparatus for a
central station for providing a lock control signal for a mobile
logistic destination. The apparatus comprises at least one
interface, designed for communication with a mobile device of a
recipient of a delivery, for communication with the mobile logistic
destination and for communication with a mobile device of a
delivery agent for the delivery. The apparatus further comprises a
control module, designed for obtaining information about a delivery
request via the at least one interface. The information about the
delivery request comprises information about a probable delivery
period for the delivery. The control module is further designed for
providing an authorization request for opening the mobile logistic
destination during a delivery period for the mobile device of the
recipient of the delivery via the at least one interface based on
the information about the delivery request and the information
about the probable delivery period. The control module is further
designed for obtaining information about an authorization for
opening the mobile logistic destination during the probable
delivery period from the mobile device via the at least one
interface. The control module is further designed for obtaining
information about a lock enquiry and delivery agent location
information from the mobile device of the delivery agent for the
delivery via the at least one interface. The control module is
further designed for obtaining logistic destination location
information from the logistic destination via the at least one
interface. The control module is further designed for determining a
delivery agent authorization for opening the mobile logistic
destination based on the information about the lock enquiry and
based on the information about the authorization. The control
module is further designed for computing a delivery agent location
difference between the logistic destination location information
and the delivery agent location information. The control module is
further designed for comparing a timestamp of the lock enquiry with
the probable delivery period. The control module is further
designed for determining the lock control signal for the mobile
logistic destination based on the authorization of the delivery
agent, based on the delivery agent location difference and based on
the comparison of the timestamp with the probable delivery period.
The control module is further designed for providing the lock
control signal for the mobile logistic destination via the at least
one interface if the delivery agent is authorized to open the
mobile logistic destination, if the delivery agent location
difference satisfies a distance condition and if the timestamp is
within the probable delivery period.
[0024] Exemplary embodiments further provide an apparatus for a
mobile device. The apparatus comprises at least one interface,
designed for communication with a central station. The apparatus
further comprises a control module, designed for obtaining an
authorization request for opening a mobile logistic destination
during a delivery period via the at least one interface. The
authorization request is based on information about a delivery
request and on information about a probable delivery period for the
delivery. The control module is further designed for providing a
notification about the authorization request for a user of the
mobile device via an output module. The control module is further
designed for obtaining a piece of information about a response from
the user of the mobile device to the notification about the
authorization request from an input module. The response indicates
whether or not the user consents to the authorization request. The
control module is further designed for determining information
about an authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination
during the probable delivery period based on the authorization
request and based on the information about the response. The
control module is further designed for providing the information
about the authorization via the at least one interface.
[0025] Exemplary embodiments further provide a mobile device
comprising the apparatus for the mobile device. Exemplary
embodiments further provide the central station comprising the
apparatus for the central station. Exemplary embodiments further
provide a system, comprising the central station with the apparatus
for the central station and a mobile device comprising the
apparatus for the mobile device. The system can further comprise
the mobile logistic destination and/or the mobile device of the
delivery agent.
[0026] Various exemplary embodiments will now be described in more
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a few
exemplary embodiments are depicted. In the figures, the thickness
dimensions of lines, layers and/or regions may be depicted in an
exaggerated manner for the sake of clarity.
[0027] In the below description of the appended figures, which show
only some exemplary embodiments by way of example, like reference
symbols can denote like or comparable components. Further,
combinatory reference symbols can be used for components and
objects that occur repeatedly in an exemplary embodiment or in a
drawing, but are described jointly with regard to one or more
features. Components or objects that are described using like or
combinatory reference symbols can be embodied identically, but
possibly also differently, in respect of single, multiple or all
features, for example, their dimensions, unless the description
explicitly or implicitly reveals otherwise.
[0028] Although exemplary embodiments can be modified and altered
in various ways, exemplary embodiments are depicted as examples in
the figures and are described comprehensively herein. However, it
should be clarified that there is no intention to restrict
exemplary embodiments to the form respectively disclosed, but
rather that exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all
functional and/or structural modifications, equivalents and
alternatives that lie within the scope of the disclosed
embodiments. Like reference symbols denote like or similar elements
throughout the description of the figures.
[0029] It is noted that one element denoted as "connected" or
"coupled" to another element can be directly connected or coupled
to the other element or that intervening elements can be present.
By contrast, if one element is denoted as "directly connected" or
"directly coupled" to another element, then no intervening elements
are present. Other terms used to describe the relationship between
elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between"
vis a vis "directly therebetween", "adjacent" vis a vis "directly
adjacent", etc.).
[0030] The terminology used herein serves only to describe specific
exemplary embodiments and is not intended to restrict the exemplary
embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" are
also intended to include the plural forms, unless clearly indicated
otherwise by the context. Further, it should be clarified that the
expressions such as, e.g., "comprises", "comprising", "has" and/or
"having", as used herein, indicate the presence of stated features,
whole numbers, operations, work sequences, elements and/or
components, but do not rule out the presence or the addition of one
or more features, whole numbers, operations, work sequences,
elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0031] Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein (including
technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning that is
ascribed to them by a person of average skill in the art in the
field to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Further, it should
be clarified that expressions, e.g., those defined in generally
used dictionaries, should be interpreted as if they had the meaning
that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the
relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or
excessively formal sense, unless this is expressly defined
herein.
[0032] The linking of automobiles to the mobile radio network and
the Internet allows vehicle functions to be triggered or controlled
remotely via mobile applications. These remote accesses to vehicle
functions allow numerous new services to be provided. Such a
function, in exemplary embodiments, is remote unlocking and locking
of doors, hatches and tops of a networked vehicle, for example, for
the purpose of deliveries/collections to the trunk. FIG. 2 shows
examples by way of illustration. 2002 shows, by way of example, an
application for a mobile telephone that can be used to indicate
whether doors of a vehicle are open. The application can, by way of
example, further allow the doors to be opened, a flashing warning
functionality to be triggered or a horn to be operated, as shown in
2004. To this end, by way of example, a third party can be allowed
one-off, temporally and spatially restricted access to the interior
of the vehicle.
[0033] Remote unlocking of a vehicle can be effected on the basis
of a mobile online service function "Unlock Door", for example, and
locking can accordingly be effected using the "Lock Door" function.
These functions are available at least to some extent to customers
from vehicles having mobile online services. An appropriate mobile
application can be used by a customer registered as the main user
of the vehicle to perform this function regardless of distance. The
request for unlocking the vehicle is in this case sent by the
customer, using a mobile application, to a central unit that,
directly after a legitimation check, delivers an encrypted control
command to a reception module of the associated vehicle. The
vehicle electronics convert this encrypted command into the
respective control signal. Opening and locking are each effected
under the responsibility of the customer.
[0034] If the vehicle needs to be opened to a third party (e.g.,
the parcel delivery agent) for the purpose of delivering goods or a
parcel, then the vehicle owner would have to trigger unlocking of
the vehicle using the mobile application himself when the delivery
agent arrives at the vehicle. Since this would probably result in
waiting times for the delivery agent, this process is not very
suitable for everyday use and provides little improvement over a
delivery attempt to the home address of a customer.
[0035] Further, there are frequently no contractual relationships
between operators of online services for vehicles (e.g.,
manufacturers) and logistics companies. As such, vehicle
manufacturers are frequently not authorized to perform automated
and shipment-independent remote unlocking of the vehicle. The
forwarding of location data for a vehicle for the purpose of a
delivery may likewise not be possible without appropriate
authorization by the vehicle keeper.
[0036] Against the background of the problems described, a method
is described in which, in at least some exemplary embodiments, an
associated vehicle (main) user issues the central unit with an
unlock instruction that is valid for a delivery process in the
future and results in the vehicle actually being unlocked only if
particular conditions are satisfied. At the center of the method is
an authorization request for the user and grantable authorization
by the user, and in some exemplary embodiments the method also
comprises a temporary restricted indication of the position of the
vehicle to a third party and also optional activation of the hazard
warning lights.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment by way of example, it is first of
all assumed that the ordering customer and vehicle user are the
same person. The customer orders goods from a trader and specifies
his vehicle as the desired delivery address. The delivery address
cited may be the probable location of the vehicle on the day of the
delivery, for example. The probable day of the delivery is provided
by the trader, for example, after querying an interface of a
logistic service provider.
[0038] By way of example, this first data record of the customer
contains: [0039] a. The name of the ordering customer [0040] b. The
vehicle identifier of the vehicle to which the delivery is to be
made (license plate and/or vehicle ID) [0041] c. Location of the
vehicle as a postal address (street and/or zip code) [0042] d. Time
window (e.g., 7.13.2015, 12:00 to 15:00 hours) during which the
vehicle will be at the specified location (see c.).
[0043] By way of example, a delivery order from the trader is sent
to a logistic service provider. In this case, the trader generates
a second data record that may be comprised in a piece of
information about a delivery request and that can comprise the
following details: [0044] a. Order number [0045] b. Details from
the first data record
[0046] In this case, the logistic service provider has no
contractual relationship with the manufacturer of the vehicle, for
example. Contractual relationships are possible between the
logistic service provider and the recipient customer, e.g., a
storage order for the logistic service provider.
[0047] On the basis of this delivery order, the logistic service
provider can provide an access prerequest (or information about a
lock enquiry) via an interface of the central unit. By way of
example, the central unit can correspond to a central unit 100 from
FIG. 1. This is accomplished by generating a third data record, for
example, consisting of: [0048] a. Shipment number [0049] b. Details
from the second data record
[0050] The central unit can take this lock enquiry as a basis for
providing an authorization request that is sent to the associated
vehicle main user. In this case, the shipment number included
(comprised in the information about the delivery request) can
assist the user in identifying the shipment. The user can be asked
to unlock his vehicle after a delay for the purpose of delivering
the specified shipment and, by way of example, to permit further
accesses (vehicle locating, flashing, locking) to the vehicle.
[0051] The recipient can obtain the authorization request, by way
of example, on a mobile device, for example, a mobile application
(also called an app) on a smartphone, for example, together with
information about the delivery he desires to his vehicle. The data
of the request can match his data specified on ordering (first data
record), and, by way of example, comprise the vehicle identifier,
the day of the delivery, the time window, the zip code, the street
and/or possibly the house number. Optionally, a shipment number may
be comprised, which has been allocated by the dealer or the
logistic service provider and can identify the delivery.
[0052] Within this mobile application, the vehicle main user can
now trigger "delayed remote unlocking", for example, by moving a
graphical slide element to the "Unlock vehicle" state. This
conversion of the slide element from "Do not unlock vehicle" to
"Unlock vehicle (on MM.DD.YY)" may be accompanied by a further
security mechanism, such as, e.g., the requesting of a PIN,
requesting of a fingerprint scan or retinal scan.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment by way of example. 3002
shows a display of the authorization request, which comprises
information about the delivery request 3004 and a slide control
3006 for granting the authorization. In this case, the information
about the delivery request 3004 comprises, by way of example, the
shipment number, the date, the time of the delivery for which the
authorization is intended to be granted, the delivery location, the
zip code and the address. FIG. 3, 3012 shows an overview of
deliveries/scheduled accesses 3014 to the vehicle with the
information about the delivery request, with a visual indication of
whether authorization has been granted 3016 or not 3018.
[0054] This active movement of the slide element allows the vehicle
main user, by way of example, to grant the authorization for
delivery and to explicitly place the order for performance of the
unlocking function or forwarding vehicle-related data with the
manufacturer, for example, if the following constraints are
satisfied. These constraints may be based on the third data record,
for example.
[0055] The consent of the customer can be stored as information
about the authorization in the central station. A corresponding
fourth data record can comprise, by way of example, the [0056] a.
Consent of the customer [0057] b. Details from the third data
record, or can refer thereto. The delivery agent can be informed
about the consent of the customer and, in some exemplary
embodiments, obtain the fourth data record at least in part.
[0058] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the authorization
can be revoked or adapted by the customer. The revocation or
adaptations can be effected by the mobile application or, by way of
example, a web portal. Adaptation can involve the time window and
the vehicle address being changed, for example.
[0059] On the day of the delivery, the delivery agent can use his
mobile terminal and the central unit of the logistics company to
communicate with the central unit and request the relevant
information and functions of the associated vehicle. In this case,
in at least some exemplary embodiments, the prerequisites cited in
the fourth data record that have been arranged with the deliverer
and confirmed by the customer must be satisfied. These are, by way
of example [0060] a. unlocking takes place on the arranged date
[0061] b. unlocking takes place within the arranged time window
[0062] c. the vehicle is within the arranged zip code area or
within a permissible radius (e.g., 1 km) [0063] d. the delivery
agent is demonstrably in proximity to the vehicle.
[0064] After a successfully concluded delivery, the authorization
granted can expire, for example, and no further information can be
requested.
[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart for an exemplary embodiment
of a method for a central station 100 for providing a lock control
signal for a mobile logistic destination 300. FIG. 1a illustrates a
block diagram for an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for
the central station 100 that is designed to perform the method. In
at least some exemplary embodiments, the central station and/or the
apparatus 10 are located outside the logistic destination 300 and
are designed to communicate with the mobile logistic destination
via a radio network. The apparatus 10 comprises at least one
interface 12, designed for communication with a mobile device 200
of a recipient of a delivery, for communication with the mobile
logistic destination 300 and for communication with a mobile device
400 of a delivery agent for the delivery. The apparatus further
comprises a control module 14 that is coupled to the at least one
interface and that is designed to perform the method operations,
for example, method operations at 110-150. The control module 14 is
designed to perform the communication with the mobile logistic
destination 300, with the mobile device 400 and the mobile device
200 via the at least one interface, for example, in method
operations at 110, 112, 114, 120, 122 and 150.
[0066] The at least one interface 12, and/or at least one interface
22 from FIG. 4a, can correspond, by way of example, to one or more
inputs and/or one or more outputs for receiving and/or transmitting
information, for example, in digital bit values, based on a code,
within a module, between modules or between modules of different
entities. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the central
station 100 may be designed to use the interface 12 to communicate
with the mobile device 200, the logistic destination 300 and/or the
mobile device 400 via the radio network, which can correspond to a
cellular mobile radio system, for example. The mobile radio system
can correspond, by way of example, to one of the mobile radio
systems that are standardized by relevant standardization
committees, such as, e.g., the 3rd Generation Partnership Project
(3GPP) group. By way of example, these include the Global System
for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM
Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), the
Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) or the Evolved
UTRAN (E-UTRAN), such as, e.g., the Universal Mobile
Telecommunication System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) or
LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), or mobile radio systems of other standards,
such as, e.g., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
(WIMAX), IEEE802.16 or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN),
IEEE802.11, and also generally a system that is based on a Time
Division Multiple Access (TDMA) method, Frequency Division Multiple
Access (FDMA) method, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) method,
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) method or
another technology or multiple access method. In the text below,
the terms mobile radio system, mobile radio network, mobile
communication system and mobile radio network are used
synonymously.
[0067] In exemplary embodiments, the control device or the control
module 14, and/or a control module 24 from FIG. 4a, can correspond
to any controller or processor or to a programmable hardware
component. By way of example, the control module 14; 24 may also be
realized as software that is programmed for an appropriate hardware
component. In this respect, the control module 14; 24 may be
implemented as programmable hardware with appropriately adapted
software. In this case, any processors, such as Digital Signal
Processors (DSPs), can be used. Exemplary embodiments are not
restricted to one particular type of processor in this case. Any
processors or multiple processors are conceivable for implementing
the control module 14; 24.
[0068] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the central station
100 can correspond to a central control device, a central
computation station, a server, a group of servers or a distributed
server service.
[0069] The lock control signal can correspond, by way of example,
to a digital signal, based on data packets and/or based on a
circuit switching method, and can comprise control information
about unlocking, locking and/or requesting of a locking status. In
some exemplary embodiments, the lock control signal can be based on
an encryption and/or a digital signature for authentication to the
mobile logistic destination 300. The lock control signal can
comprise at least one element from the group of information about
the unlocking of a lock of the mobile logistic destination 300,
information about the locking of the lock of the mobile logistic
destination 300 and/or information about the control of the lock of
the mobile logistic destination 300.
[0070] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the mobile logistic
destination 300 can correspond to a vehicle, a trunk of a vehicle
or a mobile logistic depot. In at least some exemplary embodiments,
the vehicle can correspond, by way of example, to a land vehicle, a
watercraft, an aircraft, a rail vehicle, a road vehicle, an
automobile, an all-terrain vehicle, a motor vehicle or a truck.
[0071] The method comprises obtaining 110 information about a
delivery request. The information about the delivery request
comprises information about a probable delivery period for a
delivery.
[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, the information about the
delivery request can be provided by a vending system or a logistic
service provider. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the
information about the delivery request can further comprise at
least one element from the group of information about the delivery
content, information about a recipient, information about a
delivery identifier, information about a delivery area, information
about a delivery address and information about a sender.
[0073] The method further comprises providing 112 an authorization
request for opening the mobile logistic destination during a
delivery period for the mobile device 200 of the recipient of the
delivery, based on the information about the delivery request and
the information about the probable delivery period. In at least
some exemplary embodiments, the authorization request can comprise
the information about the delivery request and the information
about the probable delivery period. The authorization request can
further comprise information about the delivery, for example,
information about a sender, a delivery content, a delivery
identifier, a destination address or a destination area. In at
least some exemplary embodiments, the authorization request can
correspond to one or more data packets, which may be encrypted
and/or digitally signed.
[0074] The method further comprises obtaining 114 information about
an authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination during
the probable delivery period from the mobile device 200. The
obtaining 114 may be a reaction to providing 112 the authorization
request, for example. The information about the authorization can
further comprise, by way of example, information about the delivery
identifier, information about the recipient and/or information
about the probable delivery period for which the authorization has
been granted. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the
information about the authorization can correspond to one or more
data packets, which may be encrypted and/or digitally signed.
[0075] The method further comprises obtaining 120 information about
a lock enquiry and delivery agent location information from the
mobile device 400 of the delivery agent for the delivery. The
delivery agent location information can comprise the location of
the mobile logistic destination. In at least some exemplary
embodiments, the information about the lock enquiry can be based on
the information about the delivery request and can comprise an
authentication code that can be associated with an order, for
example, the delivery request. In some exemplary embodiments, the
information about the lock enquiry can comprise a digital
signature. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the information
about the lock enquiry can comprise an unlock request or a lock
request.
[0076] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the information
about the authorization can be obtained 114 before the information
about the lock enquiry is obtained 120. By way of example, the
information about the authorization can relate to a probable
delivery period that is in the future. The obtaining 120 may be
restricted to the probable delivery period, for example. By way of
example, the obtaining 120 can take place during the probable
delivery period; if the mobile device 400 provides the information
about the lock enquiry at another time, then the control module 14
may be designed to reject the information about the lock enquiry or
to accept it with negative feedback.
[0077] The method further comprises obtaining 122 logistic
destination location information from the mobile logistic
destination 300. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the
logistic destination location information can comprise the location
of the mobile logistic destination. The logistic destination
location information and the delivery agent location information
can comprise, by way of example, GPS coordinates or geographical
coordinates and be based on a Global Positioning System (GPS)
and/or on locating using mobile radio data.
[0078] The method further comprises determining 130 a delivery
agent authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination 300
based on the information about the lock enquiry and based on the
information about the authorization. The determining 130 can
comprise, by way of example, checking whether there is an
authorization from the recipient for the delivery to which the lock
enquiry relates, or whether there is a delivery request for the
mobile logistic destination 300. In at least some exemplary
embodiments, the delivery request can further comprise a piece of
information about a delivery location, for example, a zip code area
or an address, and the determining 130 can further comprise
computing whether the logistic destination location information is
within the delivery location or within a radius around the delivery
location.
[0079] The method further comprises computing 132 a delivery agent
location difference between the logistic destination location
information and the delivery agent location information. The
delivery agent location difference can correspond, by way of
example, to a spatial difference between the delivery agent
location information and the logistic destination location
information, for example, a physical distance between the pieces of
location information. The computing 132 can be based, by way of
example, on a trigonometric function, or can be based on a digital
roadmap, for example, the delivery agent location difference being
able to correspond to a distance between the mobile logistic
destination 200 and the mobile device of the delivery agent
400.
[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the delivery agent location
information can correspond to coordinates from a satellite-based
positioning system. Computing 132 the delivery agent location
difference can be based, by way of example, on a comparison of the
coordinates of the delivery agent location information with
coordinates of the delivery destination location information.
[0081] The method further comprises comparing 134 a timestamp of
the lock enquiry with the probable delivery period. Comparing 134
the timestamp can comprise, by way of example, checking whether the
timestamp of the lock enquiry is within the probable delivery
period, or within a courtesy period around the probable delivery
period. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the timestamp may
be comprised in the information about the lock enquiry.
Alternatively or additionally, the timestamp can be based on or
correspond to a time of the obtaining 120.
[0082] The method further comprises determining 140 the lock
control signal for the mobile logistic destination 300 based on the
delivery agent authorization, based on the delivery agent location
difference and based on the comparison 124 of the timestamp with
the probable delivery period. In at least some exemplary
embodiments, the determining 140 can comprise checking whether the
determining 130 results in the delivery agent authorization being
present, whether the computing 132 results in the delivery agent
location difference being below a threshold value (for example, 2
m, 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m or 25 m) and/or the timestamp being within
the probable delivery time. The determining 140 can further
comprise computing and/or encrypting a data packet that contains
instructions to unlock or lock a lock of the mobile logistic
destination 300 once.
[0083] The method further comprises providing 150 the lock control
signal for the mobile logistic destination 300 if the delivery
agent is authorized to open the mobile logistic destination, if the
delivery agent location difference satisfies a distance condition
and if the timestamp is within the probable delivery period. The
distance condition can correspond, by way of example, to a distance
threshold value, for example, 2 m, 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m or 25 m,
based on a geometric distance or a course distance, or that the
mobile device 400 of the delivery agent is in the same street as
the mobile logistic destination 300 and/or that the mobile device
400 is in visual range of the mobile logistic destination 300.
[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, the method can further
comprise obtaining information about the activation of a vehicle
function from the mobile device 400. The vehicle function can
comprise, by way of example, the activation of hazard warning
lights. The method can further comprise determining a control
signal for the mobile logistic destination, for the purpose of
controlling the vehicle function. A prerequisite may be, by way of
example, that a timestamp of the information about the activation
of the vehicle function is within the probable delivery period or
within a lead time, for example, 3 h, 1h, 30 min or 15 min before
the probable delivery period. A further prerequisite may be that
the mobile device 400 of the delivery agent is within a radius
around the mobile logistic destination 300.
[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, the method can further
comprise providing the logistic destination location information
for the mobile device 400 of the delivery agent, for example, when
the mobile logistic destination and the mobile device are within a
radius or within a specified geographical area, for example, a zip
code area, a district or a street, and/or when a current time is
within the probable delivery time or within a lead time before the
delivery time.
[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, the method can further
comprise obtaining information about a revocation of the
authorization from the mobile device 200 of the recipient. The
information about the revocation can indicate that the user revokes
the authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination
during the probable delivery period. The determining 140 can
further be based on the information about the revocation.
Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the providing 150
not to be performed if the authorization is revoked by the
information about the revocation. In at least some exemplary
embodiments, the information about the revocation of the
authorization can further comprise information about an adapted
authorization that replaces the previous information about the
authorization. The method can further comprise replacing the
information about the authorization based on the information about
the adapted authorization. By way of example, the information about
the adapted authorization can comprise an adapted delivery location
or an adapted probable delivery period.
[0087] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for an exemplary embodiment
of a method for a mobile device 200. FIG. 4a illustrates a block
diagram for an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 20 for the
mobile device 200, designed for performing the method. The
apparatus 20 comprises the at least one interface 22, designed for
communication with the central station 100, and the control module
24, which is coupled to the at least one interface 22. The control
module 24 is designed for performing the method operations, for
example, method operations at 210-260. The mobile device 200,
and/or the mobile device 400, can correspond, by way of example, to
a portable computer system, for example, to a mobile telephone, a
smartphone, a programmable watch (also called a smartwatch), a
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a mobile
computer, a notebook computer, a laptop computer or a mobile
computer system.
[0088] The method comprises obtaining 210 an authorization request
for opening a mobile logistic destination 300 at the delivery time.
The authorization request is based on information about a delivery
request and on information about a probable delivery period for the
delivery. The control module 24 is designed for obtaining 210 via
the at least one interface 22. The obtaining 210 can correspond to
obtaining the authorization request from the central station
100.
[0089] The method further comprises providing 220 a notification
about the authorization request for a user of the mobile device 200
via an output module. The output module, for example, an output
module 26 of the apparatus 20, which output module is coupled to
the control module 24, can correspond, by way of example, to a
screen, a touch sensitive screen (also called a touch screen), a
loudspeaker or a tactile output module, for example, on a vibration
or Braille basis. The notification about the authorization request
can correspond, by way of example, to a display of an overview
(such as 3002 and 3004 in FIG. 3), a linguistic output of a text or
a tactile representation of the authorization request, and can
comprise, by way of example, information about a delivery
identification, information about the delivery location,
information about the delivery content and/or information about the
probable delivery period.
[0090] The method further comprises obtaining 222 a piece of
information about a response from the user of the mobile device to
the notification about the authorization request from an input
module. The response indicates whether or not the user consents to
the authorization request. The input module, for example, an input
module 28 of the apparatus 20, can correspond to or comprise, by
way of example, a touch sensitive sensor, a microphone or a motion
sensor. By way of example, the information about the response can
comprise one or more positions of touches and/or touch sequences
that correspond to graphical elements of the display of the output
module 26. Alternatively or additionally, the information about the
response can comprise a recording of spoken text or information
about a movement gesture. By way of example, the output module, for
example, the output module 26, and/or the input module, for
example, the input module 28, may be comprised in a separate
device, for example, in a smartwatch, and determining 230 can be
performed in a smartphone.
[0091] By way of example, the output module 26 can correspond to a
screen and the input module 28 can correspond to a touch sensitive
sensor. The response can correspond, by way of example, to a
position of a slide control in a visual depiction of the slide
control, which can be implemented in a manner similar to 3002
and/or 3004 in FIG. 3.
[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the input module can comprise
a microphone. The information about the response can comprise a
recording of a voice command. Alternatively or additionally, the
input module can comprise a motion sensor. The information about
the response can correspond to a prescribed movement of the motion
sensor, for example, a movement gesture.
[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, it may be possible for the
vehicle (which can correspond to the mobile logistic destination
300) to be opened and started even without a key. One option in
this case may be a slide control on a mobile phone. Other options
are also conceivable in this case that detect the will of the user.
Some exemplary embodiments can allow the command for unlocking the
vehicle to be spoken into the smartwatch. It is also conceivable
for unlocking to be able to be accomplished by moving the mobile
device 200 (or the wrist) in a certain manner. The operator control
action can connect the detection of the command to the
identification of the user in this case--the spoken command could
be coupled to the biometric identification of the user in the
information about the response.
[0094] In some exemplary embodiments, the mobile device 200 may be
designed to open the mobile logistic destination 300 based on an
operator control action by the user (the recipient). An operator
control action that is comprised in the information about the
response can correspond, by way of example, to the operator control
action that the recipient performs to open the mobile logistic
destination 300. This means that, in exemplary embodiments, it is
possible to make clear to the recipient that the transmission of
the authorization is of similar seriousness to direct execution of
the relevant command.
[0095] The method further comprises determining 230 the information
about the authorization for opening the mobile logistic destination
during the probable delivery period based on the authorization
request and based on the information about the response. The
determining 230 can comprise, by way of example, associating the
touches with the corresponding graphical elements, or
identification of voice commands in the spoken text. The
determining 230 can further comprise providing, encrypting and/or
signing a data packet that comprises the information about the
authorization.
[0096] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the determining 230
can further comprise processing the information about the response,
for example, based on a voice analysis or based on an association
of points of the touch sensitive sensor or capacitive measurements
of the touch sensitive sensor with operator control elements of a
graphical user interface, which can be presented on the output
module 26, for example. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the
determining 230 can further comprise a signal analysis, for
example, for transforming capacitive fluxes into operator control
inputs, sound recordings into identified commands and/or movement
gestures or tactile feedback into instructions of the user.
[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, the notification about the
authorization request can further comprise a notification about an
authentication request for the user. By way of example, the
notification can comprise a piece of action information for the
recipient, for example, a prompt to input a password or a PIN, or
to place a finger onto a fingerprint scanner or to scan the eye
using a retinal scanner. The information about the response can
further comprise information about an authentication of the user.
The authentication can correspond, by way of example, to a
password, a PIN, a voice command, a fingerprint scan or a retinal
scan. By way of example, the apparatus can comprise an
authentication module 29, for example, a fingerprint scanner or
retinal scanner, for authentication. Determining 230 the
information about the authorization can further be based on the
authentication of the user. By way of example, the determining 230
can comprise checking a password, a PIN, a fingerprint scan or a
retinal scan, or user identification based on biometric recognition
of speech for the voice command. By way of example, the
authorization can be granted only if the authentication is
successful.
[0098] The method further comprises providing 240 the information
about the authorization. By way of example, the control module 24
is designed to provide the information about the authorization via
the at least one interface 22. The providing 240 can correspond to
providing the information about the authorization 240 for the
central station 100.
[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, the method can further
comprise obtaining 250 information about a revocation of the
authorization from the input module. By way of example, the control
module 24 may be designed to capture the information about the
revocation via the input module, for example, in similar state to
the information about the response as a position on a touch
sensitive screen, as a spoken text or as a movement gesture. By way
of example, the method can further comprise providing a user
interface having an option for revocation of the authorization, the
obtaining 250 being based on the option for revocation of the user
interface. The information about the revocation can indicate that
the user revokes the authorization for opening the mobile logistic
destination during the probable delivery period. The method can
further comprise providing 260 the information about the revocation
of the authorization, for example, for the central station 100, for
example, via the at least one interface 22. The providing 260 can
further comprise, by way of example, processing the information
about the revocation, for example, a transformation of raw data,
similarly to method operation at 230. By way of example, the
providing 260 can further comprise generating, signing and/or
encrypting a data packet comprising the information about the
revocation. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the information
about the revocation of the authorization can further comprise
information about an adapted authorization that replaces the
previous information about the authorization. In some exemplary
embodiments, the obtaining 250 can further comprise operations at
210-240 to determine the adapted authorization.
[0100] A further exemplary embodiment is a computer program for
performing at least one of the methods described above when the
computer program runs on a computer, a processor or a programmable
hardware component. A further exemplary embodiment is also a
digital storage medium that is machine-readable or
computer-readable, and that has electronically readable control
signals that can interact with a programmable hardware component
such that one of the methods described above is performed.
[0101] The features disclosed in the description above, the claims
below and the appended figures may be of importance, and can be
implemented, both individually and in any combination for
implementing an exemplary embodiment in their different
configurations.
[0102] Although some embodiments have been described in connection
with an apparatus, it goes without saying that these embodiments
also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a
block or a component of an apparatus should also be considered as a
corresponding method operation or as a feature of a method
operation. Analogously to this, embodiments described in connection
with or as a method operation also represent a description of a
corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding
apparatus.
[0103] Depending on particular implementation requirements,
exemplary embodiments may be implemented in hardware or in
software. The implementation can be performed using a digital
storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-Ray disk,
a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, a hard
disk or another magnetic or optical memory that stores
electronically readable control signals that can interact or do
interact with a programmable hardware component such that the
respective method is performed.
[0104] A programmable hardware component may be formed by a
processor, a computer processor (CPU=Central Processing Unit), a
graphics processor (GPU=Graphics Processing Unit), a computer, a
computer system, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC),
an Integrated Circuit (IC), a System on Chip (SOC), a programmable
logic element or a Field Programmable Gate Array having a
microprocessor (FPGA).
[0105] The digital storage medium may therefore be machine-readable
or computer-readable. Some exemplary embodiments thus comprise a
data storage medium that has electronically readable control
signals that are capable of interacting with a programmable
computer system or a programmable hardware component such that one
of the methods described herein is performed. At least one
exemplary embodiment is a data storage medium (or a digital storage
medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the program for
performing one of the methods described herein is recorded.
[0106] Generally, exemplary embodiments may be implemented as a
program, firmware, computer program or computer program product
having a program code or as data, wherein the program code or the
data is or are operative to the effect of performing one of the
methods when the program runs on a processor or a programmable
hardware component. The program code or the data may, by way of
example, also be stored on a machine-readable storage medium or
data storage medium. The program code or the data can be present
inter alia as source code, machine code or byte code and as other
intermediate code.
[0107] A further exemplary embodiment is further a data stream, a
signal train or a sequence of signals that represents or represent
the program for performing one of the methods described herein. The
data stream, the signal train or the sequence of signals may be
configured, by way of example, to the effect of being transferred
via a data communication link, for example, via the Internet or
another network. Exemplary embodiments are thus also
data-representing signal trains that are suitable for sending via a
network or a data communication link, wherein the data represent
the program.
[0108] A program according to at least one exemplary embodiment can
implement one of the methods while it is performed, for example, by
reading memory locations or writing a datum or multiple data
thereto, as a result of which, if need be, switching processes or
other processes are brought about in transistor structures, in
amplifier structures or in other electrical components, optical
components, magnetic components or components operating on another
functional principle. Accordingly, reading a memory location allows
data, values, sensor values or other information to be captured,
determined or measured by a program. Therefore, by reading one or
more memory locations, a program can capture, determine or measure
variables, values, measured variables and other information, and by
writing to one or more memory locations, it can bring about, prompt
or perform an action and actuate other devices, machines and
components.
[0109] The exemplary embodiments described above are merely an
illustration of the principles of the disclosed embodiments. It
goes without saying that modifications and variations of the
arrangements and details described herein will become apparent to
other persons skilled in the art. Therefore, the intention is to be
restricted only by the scope of protection of the patent claims
below, and not by the specific details that have been presented
herein based on the description and the explanation of the
exemplary embodiments.
LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0110] 10 Apparatus for a central station [0111] 12 At least one
interface [0112] 14 Control module [0113] 20 Apparatus for a mobile
device [0114] 22 At least one interface [0115] 24 Control module
[0116] 26 Output module [0117] 28 Input module [0118] 100 Central
station [0119] 110 Obtain [0120] 112 Provide [0121] 114 Obtain
[0122] 120 Obtain [0123] 122 Obtain [0124] 130 Determine [0125] 132
Compute [0126] 134 Compare [0127] 140 Determine [0128] 150 Provide
[0129] 200 Mobile device of the recipient [0130] 210 Obtain [0131]
220 Provide [0132] 222 Obtain [0133] 230 Determine [0134] 240
Provide [0135] 250 Obtain [0136] 260 Provide [0137] 300 Mobile
delivery destination [0138] 400 Mobile device of the delivery agent
[0139] 2002 Mobile application [0140] 2004 Mobile application
[0141] 3002 Display of the notification about the authorization
request [0142] 3004 Information about the delivery request [0143]
3006 Slide control [0144] 3012 Display of overview of
deliveries/scheduled accesses [0145] 3014 Overview of
deliveries/scheduled accesses [0146] 3016 Authorizations granted
[0147] 3018 Authorizations not granted
* * * * *