U.S. patent application number 16/381265 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-08 for systems and methods to distribute and authenticate product delivery lockers.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, Brian G. McHale, Bruce W. Wilkinson.
Application Number | 20190244168 16/381265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61686394 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-08 |
![](/patent/app/20190244168/US20190244168A1-20190808-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190244168/US20190244168A1-20190808-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190244168/US20190244168A1-20190808-D00002.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190244168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
High; Donald R. ; et
al. |
August 8, 2019 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DISTRIBUTE AND AUTHENTICATE PRODUCT DELIVERY
LOCKERS
Abstract
In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are
provided to support the delivery of products. Some embodiments
provide a retail delivery locker system comprising: multiple
delivery lockers comprising: a housing enclosing an interior
product cavity; a door enabling access to the product cavity; first
and second docking couplers each configured to securely dock with a
docking station and a docking coupler of another locker; and a
communication link between the first and second docking couplers;
and multiple docking stations each comprising: a locker coupler
configured to secure a locker with the docking station; a station
control circuit that obtains a first locker identifier from a first
locker, confirms the first locker is scheduled to dock with a
docking station, and authorize the locking of the docking station
with the first docking coupler; and a transceiver enabling the
station control circuit to communicate with a remote central
control system.
Inventors: |
High; Donald R.; (Noel,
MO) ; Wilkinson; Bruce W.; (Rogers, AR) ;
Mattingly; Todd D.; (Bentonville, AR) ; McHale; Brian
G.; (Chadderton Oldham, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61686394 |
Appl. No.: |
16/381265 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16058862 |
Aug 8, 2018 |
10296866 |
|
|
16381265 |
|
|
|
|
15711109 |
Sep 21, 2017 |
10062048 |
|
|
16058862 |
|
|
|
|
62401757 |
Sep 29, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 9/00571 20130101;
G07C 2009/0092 20130101; G06Q 10/0832 20130101; G07C 9/00944
20130101; G07C 2009/00634 20130101; G07C 9/00896 20130101; B65D
88/12 20130101; B65D 90/0006 20130101; G06Q 10/0836 20130101; B65D
90/48 20130101; B65D 90/008 20130101; B65D 88/74 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; B65D 88/12 20060101 B65D088/12; B65D 90/48 20060101
B65D090/48; B65D 90/00 20060101 B65D090/00; B65D 88/74 20060101
B65D088/74; G07C 9/00 20060101 G07C009/00 |
Claims
1. A retail delivery locker system, comprising: multiple delivery
lockers each comprising: a product cavity; a first docking coupler
and a second docking coupler, wherein each of the first docking
coupler and the second docking coupler are configured to securely
dock at a given time with any one of a docking station of any of
the multiple docking stations and a docking coupler of another of
the multiple delivery lockers; and a communication link between the
first docking coupler and the second docking coupler; and multiple
docking stations each positioned at different delivery locations,
wherein each of the multiple docking stations comprises: a locker
coupler configured to dock with one of the first docking coupler
and the second docking coupler of any of the multiple delivery
lockers; a station control circuit and memory accessible by the
station control circuit and storing instructions executed by the
station control circuit, wherein a first station control circuit of
a first docking station, when executing the instructions, causes a
locking of the locking coupler of the first docking station with
the first docking coupler of a first locker.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first station control circuit
is further configured to causing the locking of the second docking
coupler of the first locker with one of the first docking coupler
and the second docking coupler of a second locker.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first docking station further
comprises an electrical power coupler, and the first locker
comprises an electrical power conductor extending between the first
coupler and the second coupler, wherein the electrical power
coupler is configured to electrically couple with the first docking
coupler of the first locker to supply electrical power to the first
locker and the second locker.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first station control circuit
is further configured to monitor electrical power usage by the
first locker and monitor electrical power usage by the second
locker independent of the electrical power usage of the first
locker.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the first docking station further
comprises a network coupler configured to communicatively couple
with an external distributed communication network, and a
communication coupler; and wherein the first locker comprises a
communication connection between the first coupler and the second
coupler, wherein the communication coupler is configured to
communicatively couple with the first docking coupler of the first
locker to establish a communication path between the external
distributed communication network and both of the first locker and
the second locker.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the first locker comprises a
first locker control circuit configured to control an interior
temperature of the product cavity of the first locker; and wherein
the second locker comprises a second locker control circuit
configured to control an interior temperature of the product cavity
of the second locker independent of the temperature of the product
cavity of the first locker.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first docking station further
comprises a station communication coupler; wherein the first
docking coupler of the first locker comprises a first locker
communication interface configured to communicatively couple with
any one of the station communication coupler and a locker
communication interface of another one of the multiple delivery
lockers; the second docking coupler of the first locker comprises a
second communication interface configured to communicatively couple
with any one of the station communication coupler and a locker
communication interface of another one of the multiple delivery
lockers; and the first locker further comprises a communication
connection between the first locker communication interface and the
second locker communication interface of the first locker
establishing: a communication path between the first locker and a
second locker when the second locker is communicatively coupled
with one of the first and second communication interfaces of the
first locker, and a communication path between the first docking
station and the second locker when the second locker is
communicatively coupled with one of the first communication
interface and the second communication interface of the first
locker.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first locker comprises a
first locker control circuit configured to obtain a second locker
identifier from the second locker of the multiple delivery lockers
and communicate the identifier of the second locker to the station
control circuit that is further configured to confirm the second
locker is scheduled to dock with the first docking station, and
authorize the locking of the second docking coupler of the first
locker with the first docking coupler of the second locker when the
second locker is confirmed to dock with the first docking
station.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first station control circuit
is further configured to identify that an unmanned delivery vehicle
transporting the first locker is within a threshold distance of the
first docking station, and authenticates the unmanned delivery
vehicle prior to authorizing the first locker to dock with the
first docking station.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first docking
coupler and the second docking coupler of each of the multiple
delivery lockers is configured to couple with any one of the first
docking coupler or the second docking coupler of any of the other
of the multiple delivery lockers providing a daisy chain coupling
of a set of two or more of the multiple delivery lockers coopered
with the first docking station of the multiple docking stations
through the daisy chain coupling.
11. A method of docking retail delivery lockers, comprising:
detecting, by a first station control circuit of a first docking
station of multiple docking stations at different delivery
locations, a first locker of multiple delivery lockers, wherein
each delivery locker of the multiple delivery lockers comprises a
product cavity, a first docking coupler and a second docking
coupler each configured to securely dock and lock at a given time
with any one of a locker coupler of any of the multiple docking
stations and a docking coupler of another of the multiple lockers,
and a communication link between the first docking coupler and the
second docking coupler; and causing a locking of a locker coupler
of the first docking station with one of the first docking coupler
and the second docking coupler of the first locker.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: causing the locking
of the second docking coupler of the first locker with one of the
first docking coupler and the second docking coupler of a second
locker.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: supplying
electrical power from the first docking station to the first locker
through an electrical power coupler of the first docking station
electrically coupled with the first docking coupler of the first
locker, and to the second locker through an electrical power
conductor extending between the first coupler and the second
coupler of the first locker.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: monitoring power
usage by the first locker; and monitoring power usage by the second
locker independent of the power usage of the first locker.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: establishing a
communication path between an external distributed communication
network with which the first docking station is communicatively
coupled and both the first locker and the second locker.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: controlling,
through a first locker control circuit of the first locker, an
interior temperature of the product cavity of the first locker; and
controlling, through a second locker control circuit of the second
locker, an interior temperature of the product cavity of the second
locker independent of the temperature of the product cavity of the
first locker.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: establishing a
communication coupling through a communication coupler of the first
docking station with a first locker communication interface of the
first docking coupler of the first locker; establishing a
communication coupling through a second locker communication
interface of the second docking coupler of the first locker with a
first locker communication interface of the first docking coupler
of the second locker; and causing communications from the first
station control circuit to the second locker over a communication
connection between the first locker communication interface of the
first docking coupler of the first locker and the second locker
communication interface of the second docking coupler of the first
locker.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: by a first locker
control circuit of the first locker: obtaining a second locker
identifier from a second locker of the multiple delivery lockers;
communicate the identifier of the second locker to the station
control circuit; and by the first station control circuit:
confirming the second locker is scheduled to dock with the first
docking station; and authorizing the locking of the second docking
coupler of the first locker with the first docking coupler of the
second locker when the second locker is confirmed to dock with the
first docking station.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying that an
unmanned delivery vehicle transporting the first locker is within a
threshold distance of the first docking station, and authenticating
the unmanned delivery vehicle prior to authorizing the first locker
to dock with the first docking station.
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: daisy chain
coupling a set of two or more of the multiple delivery lockers,
including the first delivery locker, with each other to lock the
daisy chain coupled set of two or more of the multiple delivery
lockers with the first docking station.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/058,862, filed Aug. 8, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/711,109, filed Sep. 21, 2017, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/401,757, filed
Sep. 29, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to product deliveries.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In a modern retail environment, there is a need to improve
the customer service and/or convenience for the customer. One
aspect of customer service is the ability of a customer to obtain
products. There are numerous ways for customers to obtain products.
However, there is a need to improve a customer's ability to obtain
products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses and
methods pertaining product deliveries. This description includes
drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
exemplary product delivery system, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system for use in
implementing methods, techniques, devices, apparatuses, systems,
servers, sources and enabling the distribution and use of delivery
lockers, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
exemplary locker, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
exemplary docking station cooperated with a first locker and a
second locker, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
exemplary process of docking one or more retail delivery lockers,
in accordance with some embodiments.
[0010] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general
principles of exemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this
specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some
embodiments", "an implementation", "some implementations", "some
applications", or similar language means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment,"
"in an embodiment," "in some embodiments", "in some
implementations", and similar language throughout this
specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment.
[0012] Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments,
systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to
enhance product delivery in part through the authentication of
product delivery lockers. In some embodiments, a retail delivery
locker system comprises multiple delivery lockers. At least some of
the delivery lockers can comprise a housing enclosing one or more
interior product cavities into which one or more products are
placed, and a door positioned within the housing and configured to
open to enable access to at least the product cavity. The delivery
lockers typically further include at least one and typically two or
more docking couplers. At one of the docking couplers, and
typically each of the docking couplers are configured to securely
dock and lock with a docking station at a customer delivery
location, and further configured to also securely dock and lock
with a docking coupler of another of the multiple lockers. In some
embodiments, the lockers include a communication link between a
first docking coupler of a locker and a second docking coupler of
the same locker. The lockers are configured to cooperate with one
of multiple docking stations each positioned at different customer
delivery locations. The multiple docking stations include at least
one locker coupler configured to secure a locker with the docking
station. In some embodiments, at least some of the docking stations
include a station control circuit and memory accessible by the
station control circuit and storing instructions that are executed
by the station control circuit to cause the station control circuit
to obtain a first locker identifier from a first locker of the
multiple delivery lockers, confirm the first locker is scheduled to
dock with a docking station of the multiple docking stations, and
authorize the locking of the docking station with the first docking
coupler. In some embodiments, the docking station further includes
a transceiver enabling the station control circuit to communicate
with a remote central control system.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
exemplary product delivery system 100, in accordance with some
embodiments. The product delivery system 100 includes one or more
central control systems 102, multiple product delivery lockers 104,
and multiple docking stations 106. In some embodiments, the docking
stations 106 and/or lockers 104 are configured to communicate over
one or more, and in some application a collection of distributed
computer and/or communication networks 110. Some embodiments
include multiple delivery vehicles 108 that in part transport one
more lockers to docking stations. The delivery vehicles can be in
communication over the network 110 with at least the central
control system 102.
[0014] Further, some embodiments include one or more inventory
systems 112 and/or the central control system includes or is in
communication with an inventory system. The inventory system can
track product inventory of one or more product source locations
from which products and/or lockers can be distributed for delivery
to multiple different customers distributed about one or more
geographic areas. In some embodiments, the inventory system further
receives customer orders for products. The central control system
and/or the inventory system can allocate products from one or more
inventories of products to satisfy the orders, with at least some
being scheduled for delivery to customers.
[0015] The central control system may further include and/or couple
with one or more databases 114 that store relevant information,
such as but not limited to inventory information, product
information, customer information (e.g., customer profile
information, customer delivery address(es), payment methods, etc.),
locker information (e.g., locker identifier information, locker
capabilities information, locker location information, locker
scheduling information, operational status information, and the
like), delivery vehicle information, and other such
information.
[0016] The docking stations 106 are geographically distributed over
one or more geographic areas (e.g., neighborhoods, cities,
counties, states, etc.), and in some instances may be associated
with a particular building or one or more customers. For example, a
particular docking station may be secured at a customer's
residence, one or more docking stations may be secured at an
apartment and/or condominium complex, one or more docking stations
may be secured at a transportation hub (e.g., a subway station, a
bus stop, etc.), one or more docking stations may be secured at
shopping facilities (e.g., retail stores, malls, etc.), and/or
placed in other relevant locations.
[0017] In some embodiments, the central control system and/or a
delivery coordination system schedules delivery of products to
relevant delivery locations. Often products are to be placed into
delivery lockers 104 and the lockers transported to respective
delivery locations to provide secure delivery to customer delivery
locations. The lockers can be transported by delivery vehicles 108
and/or in some instances, the lockers themselves may be a delivery
vehicle, such as an unmanned delivery vehicle with one or more
motors, wheels, directional control system, navigation system, and
the like. Further, other delivery vehicles may transport lockers to
launch locations to launch one or more motorized lockers allowing
the lockers to autonomously transport themselves from the launch
location to a corresponding intended delivery location. In other
instances, a worker may drive the delivery vehicle to a delivery
location and deliver a respective locker to the delivery location.
Some embodiments may employ other methods of transporting the
lockers 104 to intended delivery locations.
[0018] Customers using user interface units 116 (e.g., smartphones,
tablets, computers, laptops, etc.) can access one or more retailers
and/or product fulfillment center systems over the one or more
distributed networks 110 to order and purchase one or more
products. Further, the product orders may designate and/or request
that the one or more products of the order be delivered in a locker
104 to a docking station associated with the customer. In other
instances, the central control system identifies, for example
through the customer database and/or profile information, that a
docking station 106 is associated with the customer. Based on the
received orders, the central control system (or a scheduling
system) can schedule deliveries and provide relevant delivery
routing information (e.g., street map routing, turns, distances,
flight path information, etc.) to be followed by the delivery
vehicle 108 in delivering the one or more lockers and/or products.
In some instances, the delivery routing is based in part on the
type of delivery vehicle.
[0019] The docking stations 106 are configured to couple with and
secure one or more delivered lockers. Once delivered, customers can
open the lockers to gain access to the one or more products placed
into the locker. In some embodiments, prior to a locking of a
docking station with a locker, the docking station can authenticate
the locker and/or the locker can authenticate the docking station.
For example, the docking station 106 may be in communication with
the central control system to receive notification of a scheduled
delivery and/or may receive information (e.g., identifier
information, passcodes, encryption key information, etc.) about one
or more lockers intended to be cooperated with the docking station.
Similarly, the central control system may communicate with one or
more lockers and provide relevant docking station information
(e.g., identifier information, passcodes, encryption key
information, etc.) of a docking station. Further, the docking
stations and lockers can further be configured to communicate with
each other to allow the docking station to authenticate the locker
and/or the locker to authenticate the docking station.
[0020] The circuits, circuitry, systems, devices, processes,
methods, techniques, functionality, services, servers, sources and
the like described herein may be utilized, implemented and/or run
on many different types of devices and/or systems. FIG. 2
illustrates an exemplary system 200 that may be used for
implementing any of the components, circuits, circuitry, systems,
functionality, apparatuses, processes, or devices of the product
delivery system 100, and/or other above or below mentioned systems
or devices, or parts of such circuits, circuitry, functionality,
systems, apparatuses, processes, or devices. For example, the
system 200 may be used to implement some or all of the central
control system 102, the lockers 104, the docking stations 106, the
delivery vehicles 108, the inventory system 112, the user interface
units 116, and/or other such components, circuitry, functionality
and/or devices. However, the use of the system 200 or any portion
thereof is certainly not required.
[0021] By way of example, the system 200 may comprise a control
circuit or processor module 212, memory 214, and one or more
communication links, paths, buses or the like 218. Some embodiments
may include one or more user interfaces 216, and/or one or more
internal and/or external power sources or supplies 240. The control
circuit 212 can be implemented through one or more processors,
microprocessors, central processing units, logic, local digital
storage, firmware, software, and/or other control hardware and/or
software, and may be used to execute or assist in executing the
steps of the processes, methods, functionality and techniques
described herein, and control various communications, decisions,
programs, content, listings, services, interfaces, logging,
reporting, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the control circuit
212 can be part of control circuitry and/or a control system 210,
which may be implemented through one or more processors with access
to one or more memory 214 that can store instructions, code and the
like that is implemented by the control circuit and/or processors
to implement intended functionality. In some applications, the
control circuit and/or memory may be distributed over the
communications network 110 (e.g., LAN, WAN, Internet, etc.)
providing distributed and/or redundant processing and
functionality. Again, the system 200 may be used to implement one
or more of the above or below, or parts of, components, circuits,
systems, processes and the like. For example, the system may
implement the central control system 102 with the control circuit
being a central control circuit, a locker 104 with a locker control
circuit, a docking station 106 with a docking station control
circuit, a user interface unit 116 with a user interface control
circuit, or other components.
[0022] The user interface 216 can allow a user to interact with the
system 200 and receive information through the system. In some
instances, the user interface 216 includes a display 222 and/or one
or more user inputs 224, such as buttons, touch screen, track ball,
keyboard, mouse, etc., which can be part of or wired or wirelessly
coupled with the system 200. Typically, the system 200 further
includes one or more communication interfaces, ports, transceivers
220 and the like allowing the system 200 to communicate over a
communication bus, a distributed computer and/or communication
network 110 (e.g., a local area network (LAN), wide area network
(WAN), the Internet, etc.), communication link 218, other networks
or communication channels with other devices and/or other such
communications or combination of two or more of such communication
methods. Further the transceiver 220 can be configured for wired,
wireless, optical, fiber optical cable, satellite, or other such
communication configurations or combinations of two or more of such
communications. Some embodiments include one or more input/output
(I/O) ports 234 that allow one or more devices to couple with the
system 200. The I/O ports can be substantially any relevant port or
combinations of ports, such as but not limited to USB, Ethernet, or
other such ports. The I/O interface 234 can be configured to allow
wired and/or wireless communication coupling to external
components. For example, the I/O interface can provide wired
communication and/or wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, cellular, RF, and/or other such wireless communication),
and in some instances may include any known wired and/or wireless
interfacing device, circuit and/or connecting device, such as but
not limited to one or more transmitters, receivers, transceivers,
or combination of two or more of such devices.
[0023] In some embodiments, the system may include one or more
sensors 226 to provide information to the system and/or sensor
information that is communicated to another component, such as the
central control system, a docking station, a locker, a delivery
vehicle, etc. The sensors can include substantially any relevant
sensor, such as distance measurement sensors (e.g., optical units,
sound/ultrasound units, etc.), optical based scanning sensors to
sense and read optical patterns (e.g., bar codes), radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag reader sensors capable of reading RFID
tags in proximity to the sensor, cameras, and other such sensors.
The foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative and are not
intended to convey an exhaustive listing of all possible sensors.
Instead, it will be understood that these teachings will
accommodate sensing any of a wide variety of circumstances in a
given application setting.
[0024] The system 200 comprises an example of a control and/or
processor-based system with the control circuit 212. Again, the
control circuit 212 can be implemented through one or more
processors, controllers, central processing units, logic, software
and the like. Further, in some implementations the control circuit
212 may provide multiprocessor functionality.
[0025] The memory 214, which can be accessed by the control circuit
212, typically includes one or more processor readable and/or
computer readable media accessed by at least the control circuit
212, and can include volatile and/or nonvolatile media, such as
RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory and/or other memory technology.
Further, the memory 214 is shown as internal to the control system
210; however, the memory 214 can be internal, external or a
combination of internal and external memory. Similarly, some or all
of the memory 214 can be internal, external or a combination of
internal and external memory of the control circuit 212. The
external memory can be substantially any relevant memory such as,
but not limited to, solid-state storage devices or drives, hard
drive, one or more of universal serial bus (USB) stick or drive,
flash memory secure digital (SD) card, other memory cards, and
other such memory or combinations of two or more of such memory,
and some or all of the memory may be distributed at multiple
locations over the computer network 110. The memory 214 can store
code, software, executables, scripts, data, content, lists,
programming, programs, log or history data, user information,
customer information, product information, and the like. While FIG.
2 illustrates the various components being coupled together via a
bus, it is understood that the various components may actually be
coupled to the control circuit and/or one or more other components
directly.
[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, the docking stations 106 are
configured to be distributed at different geographic locations.
Typically, the docking stations are secured at a location (e.g.
bolted to the concrete, locked to a building, locked to a lamp
post, other such methods or combination of two or more of such
methods). In some instances, the docking stations may be
temporarily located at a delivery location, while in other
instances, may be substantially permanently fixed to a location.
The lockers 104 are transported to a delivery location and
configured to cooperate with a docking station at the delivery
location. Delivery vehicles 108 are directed to a delivery
location, a docking station 106, launch location, or other relevant
location associated with a predefined customer to enable a locker
to be cooperated with a corresponding docking station 106.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
exemplary locker 104, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 4
illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary docking
station 106 cooperated with a first locker 104a, a second locker
104b, and a third locker 104c, in accordance with some embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in some embodiments, the lockers 104
include a housing 302 that encloses at least one interior product
cavity into which one or more products can be placed. One or more
doors 304 are positioned within and/or formed in the housing 302
and configured to open to enable access to one or more product
cavities. In some embodiments, a locker includes a locker control
circuit 310. A door locking system 312 may be included to lock and
unlock the door 304 of the locker. In some instances, the locker
control circuit cooperates with one or more door locking systems
312 control the locking and unlocking of the door 304 of the
locker. The locker typically further included one or more wired
and/or wireless transceivers 320 enabling the locker control
circuit 310 to communicate with at least the docking station 106,
and in some instances, one or more other lockers, delivery vehicles
108, central control system 102, and/or other components of the
system 100.
[0028] In some applications, the locker further includes a user
interface 316 to allow workers and/or a customer to interact with
the locker. For example, the user interface may include buttons to
allow a customer to enter an access code to cause the locking
system 312 to unlock and/or open the door 304. In other instances,
a customer and/or worker may use a user interface unit 116 to
communicate with the locker control circuit 310.
[0029] At least some of the lockers 104 further comprise multiple
docking couplers 324, 325. Each of the docking couplers 324, 325 is
configured to securely dock and lock with a locker coupler 402 of a
docking station 106. Further, one or more of the docking couplers
324, 325 and/or each of the docking couplers is configured to
securely dock and lock with a dock coupler of another of the
multiple lockers 104. The multiple docking couplers 324, 325 allows
multiple lockers to be coupled together, and in some instances,
coupled in a daisy chain or train configuration. As illustrated in
FIG. 4, a first docking coupler 324 of a first locker 104a docks
with a locker coupler 402 of the docking station 106, while a
second docking coupler 325 of the first locker can dock and lock
with a first docking coupler 324 of a second locker 104b.
Similarly, some embodiments enable substantially any number of
lockers 104 to be cooperated together through the docking
couplers.
[0030] The docking couplers can be substantially any relevant
coupling system that allows the lockers to lock with the docking
station 106 and/or one or more other lockers. In some embodiments,
the docking couplers comprise an electronic locking system that
allows the locker control circuit 310 to activate and deactivate
the docking coupler to lock and unlock allowing the lockers to be
secured with the docking station (or other locker) and subsequently
be removed from the docking station (e.g., after products have been
removed by the customer, a delivery worker, delivery vehicle and/or
the locker itself can remove the locker from the docking station).
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the locker control circuit is
coupled with the docking couplers and/or a coupler control circuit,
and can communicate commands and/or instructions to control the
locking and unlocking of the docking couplers.
[0031] In some embodiments, at least some lockers further include
one or more communication links 326 between a first docking coupler
324 and a second docking coupler 325 of the locker. The
communication link enables communications between and across
lockers. In some embodiments, for example the docking station 106
can communicate with a second locker 104b, third locker 104c, or
substantially any locker along a series or chain of lockers through
the series of communication links 326 extending between docking
couplers of the chain of lockers. Typically, the locker control
circuits 310 are further communicatively coupled with the docking
couplers and/or the communication link allowing the locker control
circuits to communicate at least with the docking station 106, when
coupled with the docking station.
[0032] The docking stations can be positioned at different customer
delivery locations, and thus distributed about one or more
geographic areas. The docking stations are typically temporarily or
permanently secured at a location (e.g., through bolting 404 of the
docking station with a concrete foundation, sidewalk, road,
building, etc., cable locked to a pole, building, bike rack, etc.,
or otherwise secured at a delivery location). The docking stations
include one or more locker couplers 402 that are configured to
secure a locker with the docking station. In some embodiments, one
or more of the docking stations includes a station control circuit
410 and memory accessible by the station control circuit. The
station control circuit can be configured to obtain a locker
identifier from a locker of the multiple delivery lockers that is
scheduled to couple with the docking station and/or attempting to
couple with the docking station. For example, the locker 104 may
communicate a request to the docking station when the locker is
within a threshold distance of the docking station requesting
authorization to dock with the docking station. The request and/or
a subsequent communication may include the locker identifier. The
docking station control circuit may use the identifier information
to confirm that the locker is scheduled to dock with the docking
station of the multiple docking stations. In some instances, the
control circuit may communicate with the central control system to
receive a notification and/or scheduling of a locker scheduled to
dock with the docking station.
[0033] In some embodiments, the docking station control circuit is
configured to authorize and/or deny a locker to dock with the
docking station based on the locker identifier. When authorized,
the docking station control circuit can authorize a locking of the
docking station with a first docking coupler 324 of an identified
locker. The locking may be implemented by the docking coupler 324
of the locker, the locker coupler 402 of the docking station, or a
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the docking station
control circuit is communicatively coupled with a locking system of
the locker coupler and can issue commands to the locking system to
activate and deactivate the locking or unlocking of the locker
coupler. Similarly, the docking station control circuit may
communicate instructions through a communication coupling between
the docking station and the locker, to a locker control circuit 310
to trigger the unlocking (or locking when relevant) of a docking
coupler locking system.
[0034] Typically, the docking station further includes one or more
communication transceivers 412 enabling the station control circuit
to communicate with the remote central control system 102, one or
more lockers 104, a delivery vehicle 108, delivery workers' user
interface units 116, remote databases and/or other components.
Further, the locker coupler 402 may include one or more
communication interface that mates with a corresponding
communication interface of a docking coupler of a locker. This
allows wired communication between the docking station control
circuit 410 and the locker control circuit 310, and/or allows
communication over the communication link 326 with one or more
other lockers daisy chain coupled. Further, the communication port
can be configured to allow a coupling through the docking station
between the locker control circuit and the distributed network 110.
Additionally or alternatively, communication through the locker
coupler may be established through the docking station control
circuit 410 and/or one or more transceivers of the docking
station.
[0035] Although FIG. 4 illustrates the docking station 106 directly
coupled with a single locker, in other instances, the docking
station may include multiple locker couplers 402 allowing multiple
different lockers to directly couple with the docking station.
Further, through the second docking couplers 325, one or more of
the lockers directly coupled with the docking station may further
enable the daisy chain coupling with one or more additional
lockers.
[0036] In some embodiments, the station control circuit 410 is
further configured to obtain a second locker identifier from a
second locker 104b of the multiple delivery lockers. Based on the
second locker identifier, the station control circuit can confirm
the second locker is scheduled to dock with the docking station.
Further, the docking station control circuit can authorize the
locking of the second docking coupler 325 of a first locker 104a
with the first docking coupler 324 of the second locker 104b when
the second locker is confirmed to dock with the docking
station.
[0037] In some embodiments, the locker coupler 402 may include an
electrical power coupler that is configured to electrically couple
with an electrical power coupler of a locker. In some embodiments,
the power couplers are part of the locker coupler and docking
station coupler. The power couplers enable electrical power to be
supplied to from the docking station to the locker. The power may
be used to charge a rechargeable power source of the locker, to
power the locker control circuit when coupled, power a temperature
control system 330, and/or other components and/or systems of the
locker. In some implementations, one or more lockers may further
include an electrical power conductor 328 extending between a first
docking coupler 324 and a second docking coupler 325. The
electrical power couplers enable electrical coupling between the
docking station and a locker, as well as between lockers such that
electrical power can be supplied to multiple lockers through a
daisy chain coupling. Further, in some applications, the station
control circuit is further configured to monitor electrical power
usage by the first locker. The station control circuit may be
configured to further monitor electrical power usage by the second
locker independent of the electrical power usage of a first
locker.
[0038] The docking station is typically communicatively couples
with the distributed network 110 through a network coupler and one
or more transceivers 412. The locker coupler 402 and docking
couplers 324-325 may, in some embodiments, further include one or
more communication couplers. For example, the communication
couplers may be part of the locker coupler 402 and the docking
couplers 324-325 establishing wired communication between the
docking station and the lockers. Additionally or alternatively, the
docking station may wirelessly communicate with one or more of the
lockers. Through the coupling with the network, the docking station
can provide a communication path between a locker and the network.
Further, some lockers include the communication link or connection
326 between the first and second docking couplers 324-325 which can
establish a communication path between the communication network
110 and one or more successively coupled lockers.
[0039] In some embodiments, the lockers can include a temperature
control system 330 that can adjust and/or control temperature
within one or more product cavities of a locker. The locker control
circuits may couple with the temperature control systems to provide
desired temperature information, one or more temperature thresholds
and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit
can communicate activation and deactivation instructions to the
temperature control system. One or more temperature sensors can be
cooperated with each product cavity of a locker to provide sensed
temperature data relative to the interior of the product cavity to
the locker control circuit and/or the temperature control system,
which can use the sensor data to cause adjustments in temperature
within the corresponding product cavity based on one or more
temperature thresholds and/or desired product temperatures. The
locker control circuit can control an interior temperature of the
product cavity of the locker. In some embodiments, the different
lockers can independently control temperature within their
respective product cavities. For example, a second locker control
circuit can control an interior temperature of the product cavity
of the second locker independent of the temperature of the product
cavity of a first locker.
[0040] In some embodiments, one or more lockers that are cooperated
with a docking station may additionally or alternatively
authenticate a subsequent locker attempting to dock to a locker
already cooperated with the docking station. For example, a locker
control circuit of a first locker 104b, which has been docked to a
docking station or another locker of one or more lockers docked to
the docking station, can be configured to obtain a second locker
identifier from a second locker 104c, of the multiple delivery
lockers, intending to be cooperated with the first locker. The
first locker control circuit can confirm the second locker is
scheduled to dock with the docking station. In some instances, the
first locker control circuit may communicate with the docking
station control circuit to receive information regarding a docking
schedule, the first locker control circuit may communicate with the
central control system to obtain information regarding the docking
schedule, or obtain the docking schedule information from one or
more other such sources. The first locker control circuit can
authorize or decline the locking of the second docking coupler 325
of the first locker 104b with the first docking coupler 324 of the
second locker 104c when the second locker is confirmed to dock with
the docking station.
[0041] As described above, the lockers may be transported to the
docking station by a delivery vehicle. The delivery vehicle may be
driven by a delivery worker, while in other instances, a delivery
vehicle may be an unmanned delivery vehicle that autonomously
transports at least one locker to the docking station based on
delivery route information, which may be communicated to the
delivery vehicle and/or updated over time based on one or more
factors, including for example changes in location of the delivery
vehicle over time. The docking station and/or one or more lockers
may communicate with a delivery vehicle when a locker is to be
docked with the docking station and/or another locker cooperated
with the docking station, and/or when a delivery vehicle is picking
up one or more lockers. The docking station control circuit 410 can
be configured to identify that an unmanned delivery vehicle 108
transporting a locker is within a threshold distance of the docking
station. For example, the unmanned delivery vehicle may
communication a notification to the docking station, the central
control system may receive status information regarding at least a
location of the delivery vehicle and can relay information to the
docking station, the docking station may use one or more sensors to
detect the delivery vehicle (e.g., RFID, distance measurement
sensors, bar code sensors, etc.), other notifications, or
combination of two or more of such notifications. In some
instances, the docking station control circuit authenticates the
unmanned delivery vehicle prior to and/or during the docking of the
locker. Further, in some embodiments, the docking station control
circuit 410 and/or one or more of the locker control circuits 310
may cause the communication of a docking station identifier and/or
one or more locker identifiers to the delivery vehicle 108 and/or
the one or more lockers being transported by the delivery vehicle.
The delivery vehicle and/or the one or more transported lockers may
authenticate the docking station and/or one or more of the docked
lockers prior to the transported lockers attempting to dock with
the docking station and/or a docked locker.
[0042] Authorization to dock the transported locker may be
wirelessly communicated to the delivery vehicle and/or the
transported locker, which can communicate instructions to the
delivery vehicle to initiate docking. Additionally, the docking
station control circuit 410 and/or a locker control circuit 310 may
activate the locker coupler 402 or docking coupler to lock the
delivered locker with the docking station or locker already
cooperated with the docking station or another locker or lockers
cooperated with the docking station. In some instances, the docking
is not allowed without proper authentication. For example, the
docking station control circuit may prevent the locker coupler 402
from opening when authentication is not confirmed, which prevents a
docking coupler 324 for coupling with the locking coupler.
Similarly, authentication may prevent an opening of a locking
coupler, and/or the delivery vehicle will not attempt to couple a
locker with a docking station or other locker when authentication
is not confirmed. Providing the lockers with multiple docking
couplers 324-325 enables multiple lockers to be daisy chain docked
with the docking stations. Further, in some embodiments the docking
couplers enable power transfer from the docking station and between
lockers, and/or a communication connection between the docking
station and the series of coupled lockers.
[0043] The lockers can further be configured to limit access to
products within the one or more product cavities. In some
instances, the locker control circuit prevents the unlocking of the
door 304 unless a customer can provide authentication information.
The customer authentication information may be entered through a
user interface 316 on the locker (e.g., entering a customer defined
code, a retail facility specified code, finger print analysis,
other such authentication, or combination of two or more methods of
authentication). Additionally or alternatively, the customer may
use a customer user interface unit 116 to communicate an
authentication to the locker control circuit, docking station
control circuit, and/or central control circuit. Upon
authenticating a customer, the locker may open the door and/or may
be undocked from the docking station and/or another locker to allow
the customer to transport the locker (e.g., into their
residence).
[0044] As described above, in some embodiments a delivery vehicle
and/or delivery worker may retrieve one or more lockers 104 docked
with the docking station 106. Further, in some embodiments,
customers may return one or more products by placing the returned
product into a locker that is to be picked up. In some embodiments,
the customer communicates with the central control system 102, the
docking station control circuit 410 and/or a locker control circuit
310, notifying the system of the intent to return a product. For
example, the customer may communicate through a user interface unit
116 to request return instructions. The return instructions may be
communicated from the central control circuit, the docking station
control circuit or a locker control circuit with instructions for
returning the product. For example, the return instructions may
identify a locker in which the product is to be placed. In other
instances, the customer may simply select a locker and place the
product within the locker. In some embodiments, lockers may include
one or more sensors that can be used to identify the product (e.g.,
RFID tag reader, bar code reader, image processing, text capture,
weight sensor, etc.). Based on the identified product, the locker
and/or the docking station can notify the central control system
102 requesting scheduling of a product return.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
exemplary process 500 of docking one or more retail delivery
lockers 104, in accordance with some embodiments. In step 502, a
first locker identifier, from a locker of multiple different
delivery lockers, is obtained by a station control circuit 410 of a
docking station 106 of multiple different docking stations at
different customer delivery locations. The delivery lockers
comprise a housing enclosing at least an interior product cavity. A
door is formed and/or cooperated with the housing and can be closed
to secure one or more products within the product cavity, and
opened to enable access to at least the product cavity. The lockers
further include multiple docking couplers 324, 325 each configured
to securely dock and lock with a docking station at a customer
delivery location, and further configured to dock and lock with a
docking coupler 324, 325 of another of the multiple lockers. At
least some of the lockers include a communication link between a
first docking coupler and the second docking coupler of the
locker.
[0046] In step 504, it is confirmed that the locker is scheduled to
dock with the docking station. This confirmation can be based on a
docking station control circuit receiving an identifier of the
locker to be docked, an identifier of the delivery vehicle
transporting the locker, an identifier of a delivery worker, and/or
other such identifiers. The identifier information can be confirmed
based on a delivery schedule, which is typically defined by the
central control circuit, one or more delivery scheduling systems,
or the like. In some embodiments, one or more additional lockers
can be docked with the docking station and/or docked with the
docking station through another locker that is docked with the
docking station allowing a chain of lockers to be docked with the
docking station. A locker identifier can be obtained from one or
more additional lockers of the multiple delivery lockers. The
docking station control circuit and/or a locker control circuit can
confirm that the one or more additional lockers are scheduled to
dock with the docking station. An authorization can be issued
authorizing the locking of the second docking coupler of a first
locker with a first docking coupler of a second locker when the
second locker is confirmed to dock with the docking station. In
step 506, a locking between a locker coupler of the docking station
and the first docking coupler of the first locker is authorized,
based in part on the confirmation that the locker is schedule to
dock with the docking station.
[0047] Some embodiments supply electrical power from the docking
station to a first locker through an electrical power coupler of
the docking station electrically coupled with the docking coupler
of the first locker. Further, some embodiments supply electrical
power to a second locker through an electrical power conductor
extending between the first coupler and the second coupler of the
first locker. In some embodiments, power usage by at least the
first locker is monitored. Further, some embodiments monitor power
usage by a second locker independent of the power usage of the
first locker. For example, a separate electrical coupling from the
locker coupler may be provided to couple to subsequently lockers.
As another example, power may be scheduled so that power is
supplied to different lockers depending on the schedule, which may
be used to charge power sources on the lockers so that the lockers
can use the charged power sources to operate components of the
locker when not receiving power from the docking station based on
the schedule. In yet other instances, power draws may be modulated
based on a number of lockers coupled. Other power distributions
and/or tracking can be employed.
[0048] In some embodiments, a communication path is established
between an external distributed communication network 110 with
which the docking station is communicatively coupled and one or
more lockers (e.g., both first and second lockers) communicatively
coupled with the docking station. Further, some embodiments
control, through a first locker control circuit 310 of a first
locker, an interior temperature of the product cavity of the first
locker. In some embodiments, an interior temperature of a product
cavity of a second locker can be controlled, through a second
locker control circuit of the second locker, independent of the
temperature of the product cavity of the first locker.
[0049] A first locker control circuit of a first locker can, in
some implementations, obtain a second locker identifier from a
second locker of multiple different potential delivery lockers. It
can be confirmed that the second locker is scheduled to dock with
the docking station. When confirmed, the locking of the second
docking coupler of the first locker with the first docking coupler
of the second locker can be authorized when the second locker is
confirmed to dock with the docking station. Some embodiments
identify that a delivery vehicle (e.g., an unmanned delivery
vehicle) transporting the first locker is within a threshold
distance of the docking station, and the delivery vehicle can be
authenticated. In some instances, the delivery vehicle can dock at
locker being transported by the delivery vehicle after the delivery
vehicle and/or the locker has been authenticated.
[0050] In some embodiments, systems and a corresponding methods
performed by the system, provide a retail delivery locker system
comprising: multiple delivery lockers each comprising: a housing
enclosing at least an interior product cavity; a door positioned
within the housing and configured to open to enable access to at
least the product cavity; a first docking coupler and a second
docking coupler, wherein each of the first docking coupler and the
second docking coupler are configured to securely dock and lock
with a docking station at a customer delivery location and a
docking coupler of another of the multiple lockers; and a
communication link between the first docking coupler and the second
docking coupler; and multiple docking stations each positioned at
different customer delivery locations, wherein each of the multiple
docking stations comprises: a locker coupler configured to secure a
locker with the docking station; a station control circuit and
memory accessible by the station control circuit and storing
instructions that when executed by the station control circuit
cause the station control circuit to obtain a first locker
identifier from a first locker of the multiple delivery lockers,
confirm the first locker is scheduled to dock with a docking
station of the multiple docking stations, and authorize the locking
of the docking station with the first docking coupler; and a
transceiver enabling the station control circuit to communicate
with a remote central control system.
[0051] Some embodiments provide methods of docking retail delivery
lockers, comprising: obtaining, by a station control circuit of a
docking station of multiple docking stations at different customer
delivery locations, a first locker identifier from a first locker
of multiple delivery lockers, wherein each delivery locker
comprises a housing enclosing at least an interior product cavity,
a door configured to open to enable access to at least the product
cavity, a first docking coupler and a second docking coupler each
configured to securely dock and lock with a docking station at a
customer delivery location and a docking coupler of another of the
multiple lockers, and a communication link between the first
docking coupler and the second docking coupler; confirming the
first locker is scheduled to dock with the docking station;
authorizing a locking between a locker coupler of the docking
station and the first docking coupler of the first locker.
[0052] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be
made with respect to the above described embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention, and that such
modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as
being within the ambit of the inventive concept.
* * * * *