U.S. patent application number 16/874534 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-24 for package receiving station.
The applicant listed for this patent is Switch, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Rob Roy.
Application Number | 20200401999 16/874534 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004841857 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200401999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roy; Rob |
December 24, 2020 |
Package Receiving Station
Abstract
Package delivery to homes or after-hours business delivery
exposes a package to theft, weather damage, and extreme
temperatures. To receive and protect delivered packages, a package
receiving station is configured to receive package from delivery
vehicles. The station includes walls that extend upward to create
an interior space of the station and a roof or other movable
portion that is moveable between a first position covering the
interior space and a second position allowing access to the
interior space. A motor causes movement of the moveable roof or
movable portion and an access portal in the wall allows access into
the interior space to retrieve the package. A receiver receives a
signal from or detects the arrival of the delivery vehicle and
generates a control signal. A controller, responsive to the control
signal, sends an activation signal to the motor to move the
moveable roof or movable portion.
Inventors: |
Roy; Rob; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Switch, Ltd. |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
1000004841857 |
Appl. No.: |
16/874534 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15888522 |
Feb 5, 2018 |
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16874534 |
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62454599 |
Feb 3, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/08355 20130101;
B64C 2201/128 20130101; B64C 39/024 20130101; G06Q 10/0836
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; B64C 39/02 20060101 B64C039/02 |
Claims
1. A package receiving station configured to receive packages from
autonomous delivery vehicles comprising: a support structure,
extending vertically upward, that defines an interior space of the
station; a moveable roof positioned at an angle nonparallel to the
ground, supported by the support structure, the moveable roof
movable between a first position covering the interior space and a
second position allowing access to the interior space; an access
control element associated with the station that allows access to
the package after delivery by the autonomous delivery vehicle; and
a controller configured to selectively open and close the moveable
roof in response to delivery of a package by the autonomous
delivery vehicle.
2. The station of claim 1 wherein the support structure is three or
more walls and the access control element is a door through one of
the three or more walls.
3. The station of claim 1 wherein the support structure is posts
and the station further comprises fencing between the posts to
thereby limit access to the interior space.
4. The station of claim 1 wherein the access control device is a
door or gate with locking capability.
5. The station of claim 1 wherein the station includes a receiver
configured to receive a signal from an autonomous delivery vehicle,
and responsive to the signal, provide a signal to the controller to
activate one or more motors or actuators that are configured to
move the movable roof to the second position to allow the package
to be deposited in the interior space by an autonomous delivery
vehicle.
6. The station of claim 5 wherein the movable roof is configured to
return to the first position after a package is received in the
interior space from an autonomous delivery vehicle.
7. The station of claim 1 further comprising one or more cameras
configured to capture images of the interior space of the
station.
8. A package receiving station configured to receive a package from
a delivery vehicle, the station comprising: walls that extend
upward to create and surround an interior space of the station; a
moveable portion of the station positioned at an angle nonparallel
to the ground, the moveable portion movable between an open
position for receiving the package and a closed position for
securing the package in the interior space; a motor configured to
cause movement, of the moveable portion, between the open position
and the closed position; and a receiver configured to receive a
signal from or detect the delivery vehicle when the delivery
vehicle is delivering a package to the station and in response
thereto generate a control signal; and controller configured to
receive the control signal from the receiver and, responsive to the
control signal, send an activation signal to the motor to move the
moveable portion from the closed position to the open position for
delivery of the package.
9. The station of claim 8 wherein the movable portion is a movable
roof which is mounted on rails or hinges, the rails or hinges
connected to the roof and configured to facilitate movement of the
roof along the rails.
10. The station of claim 8 further comprising a detector configured
to detect a package in the interior space or provide a visual image
of the interior space of the station.
11. The station of claim 8 further comprising a net or padding on
the interior of the station to provide cushion for the package.
12. The station of claim 8 further comprising a door associated
with the station that allows access into the interior space of the
station to retrieve the package after delivery.
13. The station of claim 8 wherein the controller is further
configured to send a second control signal to the motor to move the
movable portion from the open position to the closed position after
delivery of the package to secure the package in the interior of
the station.
14. A method for receiving a package at a package receiving
station, delivered by an unmanned delivery vehicle, comprising:
providing a package receiving station, the station defining a
padded interior area of the station; receiving a signal from the
delivery vehicle or detecting approach of the delivery vehicle;
responsive to the signal from the delivery vehicle or detecting
approach of the delivery vehicle, generating a control signal to
open a portion of the station to receive the package; presenting
the control signal to a motor or other actuator to open a portion
of the station; receiving the package from the delivery vehicle in
the interior of the station; and presenting the control signal to a
motor or other actuator to close the portion of the station.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising detecting delivery of
the package in the interior of the station and sending a message to
a package recipient, the package sender, or both, of the
delivery.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein the station includes a camera
and the camera sends a picture of the delivery to the package
recipient, the package sender, or both.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the portion of the station that
opens is a drawer, shelf, or bin.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein the signal from the delivery
vehicle includes a code that is specific to the station.
19. The method of claim 14 wherein the portion of the station that
opens is a roof or a portion of a roof of the station.
20. The method of claim 14 further comprising monitoring a
temperature of the interior of the station and activating a heating
or cooling device in response the temperature being beyond a
threshold.
21. The method of claim 14 wherein the delivery vehicle is an
aerial drone configured to deliver the package.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/888,522 entitled "Package Receiving
Station" filed Feb. 5, 2018, which application claims priority to
and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/454,599 entitled "Package Receiving Station" filed on Feb. 3,
2017, which applications are expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This innovation relates to package delivery and in
particular, to a method and apparatus for receiving, storing and
protecting packages and items delivered via drone or other
autonomous or remotely controlled vehicle.
2. Related Art
[0003] It is generally understood that online commerce is a popular
method for individuals and businesses to sell and purchase goods.
In a typical transaction, a purchaser orders goods from an online
web site or by phone and the seller ships the goods, in exchange
for payment, to the purchaser. To send the goods to the purchaser,
the seller typically delivers the goods themselves or employs a
third-party delivery service, such as United Postal Service (UPS),
United States Postal Service (USPS), or Federal Express. In either
event, the delivery typically requires that the goods be packaged,
placed in a vehicle, and driven to the address indicated by the
purchaser and placed on the front porch if the residence or
business or left with a receptionist or any other employee or
person in the building.
[0004] This process has numerous drawbacks beyond those associated
with the cost, expense, and pollution of a delivery vehicle. One
proposed solution is to utilize flying autonomous or remotely
piloted vehicles (such as drones) (individually, a "drone" and
collectively, "drones") to avoid use of vehicles driven by humans.
However, this does not solve many of the problems associated with
package delivery. For example, once delivery of the package occurs,
it is often left on a front porch or outside area near a building.
In hot environments, the package can overheat causing damage or
spoilage to items such as food, medicine, cosmetics, and other
products. In cold environments, the goods can freeze, which can
cause damage to these same types of products and also to batteries
and electronics. In addition, weather, such as rain and snow, can
damage the delivered goods, even when the temperature is
moderate.
[0005] A further drawback to prior art delivery methods is risk of
theft of the package or the drone, particularly in neighborhoods
that suffer from high crime rates. This aspect is particularly
troubling because it can prevent residents in these neighborhoods
from gaining the benefits, such as the time and cost savings, that
can be realized by online shopping and efficient delivery.
[0006] Yet another drawback is a lack of accountability concerning
package delivery. If a package is missing when the purchaser
arrives at the building where the package was delivered, there is
no reliable way to determine if the package was simply not
delivered, was delivered but stolen, or if the purchaser did in
fact receive the package, and is dishonestly asserting that they
did not receive the package.
[0007] All of the foregoing aspects are drawbacks to prior art
package delivery methods. The innovation disclosed below overcomes
the drawbacks associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0008] To overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and provide
additional benefits, a package receiving station is disclosed. In
one example embodiment, the package receiving station is configured
to receive packages from autonomous delivery vehicles. The station
includes a support structure extending vertically upward, that
defines an interior space of the station. A moveable roof is
supported by the support structure. The moveable roof is movable
between a first position covering the interior space and a second
position allowing access to the interior space. An access control
element is associated with the station that allows access to the
package after delivery by the autonomous delivery vehicle.
[0009] In one configuration the support structure is three or more
walls and the access control element is a door. In another
embodiment the support structure is posts and the station further
comprises fencing between the posts. The access control device may
be a door or gate with locking capability. The station may include
a receiver configured to receive a signal from an autonomous
delivery vehicle, and responsive to the signal, activate one or
more motors or actuators configured to move the movable roof to the
second position to allow the package to be deposited in the
interior space by the autonomous delivery vehicle. The movable roof
is configured to return to the first position after a package is
received in the interior space from an autonomous delivery vehicle.
In one configuration, the station further comprises one or more
cameras configured to capture images of the interior space of the
station.
[0010] Also disclosed herein is a package receiving station
configured to receive a package from delivery vehicles. The station
comprises walls that extend upward to create an interior space of
the station and a moveable portion. The moveable portion is movable
between an open position for receiving the package and a closed
position securing the package in the interior space. A motor is
configured to cause movement, of the moveable portion, between the
open position and the closed position. A receiver is provided and
is configured to receive a signal from or detect the delivery
vehicle when the delivery vehicle is delivering a package to the
station and in response thereto generate a control signal. A
controller is configured to receive the control signal from the
receiver and, responsive to the control signal, send an activation
signal to the motor to move the moveable portion from the closed
position to the open position for delivery of the package.
[0011] In one configuration the movable portion is a movable roof
which is mounted on rails that facilitate movement of the moveable
portion along the rails. The station may also include a detector
configured to detect a package or provide a visual image of the
interior space of the station. The station may further comprise a
net or padding on the interior of the station to provide cushion
for the package. The station may also include a door associated
with the station that allows access into the interior space of the
station to retrieve the package after delivery. In one embodiment,
the controller is further configured to send a second control
signal to the motor to move the movable portion from the open
position to the closed position after delivery of the package to
secure the package in the station's interior.
[0012] Also disclosed herein is a method for receiving a package at
a package receiving station when the package is delivered by an
unmanned delivery vehicle. In one example embodiment, this method
comprises providing a package receiving station such that the
station has or defines an interior area. Receiving a signal from
the delivery vehicle or detecting approach of the delivery vehicle
and then, responsive to the signal from the delivery vehicle or
upon detecting approach of the delivery vehicle, generating a
control signal to open a portion of the station to receive the
package. Presenting the control signal to a motor or other actuator
to open a portion of the station and then receiving the package
from the delivery vehicle at the open portion of the station. This
method also presents another control signal to a motor or other
actuator to close the portion of the station.
[0013] This method may further comprise detecting delivery of the
package in the interior of the station and sending a message to a
package recipient of the delivery. The message may include a photo.
A message and/or photo may also be sent to the package sender. In
one configuration, the station includes a camera and the camera
sends a picture of the delivery to the package recipient. It is
contemplated that the portion of the station that opens is a
drawer, shelf, or bin. In one configuration the signal from the
delivery vehicle includes a code that is specific to the station.
As discussed herein the portion of the station that opens is a roof
or a portion of a roof of the station. In one embodiment this
method further comprises monitoring a temperature of the interior
of the station and activating a heating or cooling device in
response to the temperature being beyond a threshold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a package receiving and
storage station.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment
of a package receiving and storage station.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing example or representative
computing devices and associated elements that may be used to
implement the systems method and apparatus described herein.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an example arrangement of a roof or shelf
portion moving system.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary fence panel system for use
in construction of the station.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a movable
portion of the station.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Disclosed herein is a drone delivery package receiving and
storage station (a "station") that overcomes the drawbacks of the
prior art. In one or more various embodiments, the station provides
a space to receive package(s) from a drone (aerial or land based)
or delivery person by providing an enclosed or semi-enclosed space
that may be environmentally controlled and secure. One or more
electrical facilities 130 are associated with the station to
provide additional services.
[0022] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrates several different package
receiving and storage stations. FIG. 1A shows a structure with one
or more access points. In FIG. 1A, the access points include a side
door 108 and a movable roof portion 126, that is movable between a
first position and a second position. In this embodiment, the roof
126 is generally flat or sloped to address accumulation of
undesired items such as water, snow and foliage and to facilitate
drainage. The roof 126 may ride on rails, hinges, magnets, or other
supports as it moves generally horizontally or vertically from a
first position to a second position.
[0023] Supporting the roof 126 and the door 108 are one or more
walls or other side support structures, such as fences, panels,
barriers, glass, or any other material. For example, the supports
may comprise walls, or support structures, such as posts or
columns, with fencing or other barrier spanning between the support
structures. In this embodiment the walls are generally ridged and
can include insulation and an outer protective and access resistant
barrier made of typical building materials, such as siding, stucco,
brick or sheet metal. In other embodiments, the walls may be formed
from a variety of other materials including fencing, tent material,
fabric, plastic, or any other material. It is also contemplated
that the station may be pre-fabricated or partially pre-fabricated
and shipped to the installation site for placement or assembly and
placement.
[0024] The side door 112 may be any type door, such as is
traditional in the building art, that includes a hinge, door
handle, and locking mechanism. The door can also be a roll up type
which can facilitate access for non-flight based delivery such
wheeled drones and delivery persons. The door lock may be keys,
combination, and/or electronic. It is contemplated that the side
doors may be opened by delivery persons or wheel drones to place
packages inside the station, such as with a code, or electronic
opening key fob, RFID, Bluetooth or wireless code. Such activities
can track, in a database, the door activity and the party or entity
opening the door or activating the door opening in an autonomate
access embodiment.
[0025] Similarly, the roof 126 may be opened to accept packages and
then closed to maintain a weather tight and secure environment. The
roof may be opened manually or automatically, such as upon arrival
of a drone to expose the internal netting for safe receipt of the
package. In one example embodiment, the roof or door is activated
by a control system (discussed below in greater detail) that sends
a signal upon arrival of a flying or wheeled drone to open the roof
or door to accept the drone, the package or both. Upon the drone
depositing the package and leaving the area, the roof or door will
automatically close in response to a control signal from the
control system. On additional advantage of having a moveable roof
which provides access to a package deposit area is that it
maintains the drone, and its spinning rotors, above ground based
life forms such as humans and pets, and enclosed behind a wall away
from such life forms. This increases safety for the ground based
life forms, and the drone.
[0026] It is contemplated that the package receiving station may be
any size. The size of most packages is less than 3 feet by 3 feet
and even less than 2 feet by 2 feet in size. It is thus
contemplated that the package receiving station may likewise be
small in size and configured to accept small packages, such as
would be delivered by aerial drone. Large package receiving
stations are also contemplated that are more the size of a shed or
small building. It is also contemplated that the package receiving
station may be built from traditional building materials or modular
in design and thus packable in one or more boxes thus allowing a
user to assemble the package receiving station themselves either at
the front of their house, in their backyard, or on a deck or
patio.
[0027] It is also contemplated that the package receiving station
may be incorporated with other structure in a dual use format. For
example, an upper portion of a structure may be the package
receiving station while the lower portion is a tool shed or dog
house. A mail box may also be combined with the package receiving
station thereby serving a dual purpose.
[0028] It is further contemplated that instead of having the roof
be movable, a shelf, drawer, or bin may be exposed by sliding,
rotation or other movement to expose a location for the package to
be deposited by the delivery vehicle, such as for example an
autonomous aerial drone or wheeled vehicle. Thus, instead of the
roof moving, a drawer, shelf or bin may extend outward to provide a
location for the package. After delivery the drawer, shelf or bin
may retract or rotate back into the interior space. This avoids the
need for a moveable roof and would maintain the structural and
weather resistance of a fixed roof structure. Motor and rails,
hinges, or swivels may be used to facilitate movement of the
drawer, shelf or bin.
[0029] Thus, the station provides a location for safe and protected
package receipt. The interior of the station can contain either
netting, cushions, or other shock absorbing, water-proof materials
(the "netting") in the receiving bay, which netting provides for a
more gentle receipt of the drone delivered packages. This netting
allows for delivery from variable heights above the station and
ensures that even fragile packages are delivered without damaging
or threatening the integrity of the materials being delivered. The
roof of the station opens to expose the cushioning when the drone
is within sufficient proximity to ensure reduced exposure to
adverse elements or security threats, and resumes the closed and
secured position once the materials or package has been
delivered.
[0030] Both or either of the side door and the roof may be manually
operated or motorized and automated. In one embodiment, hydraulics
are used to move the roof. Thus, it may be opened without human
intervention such that a delivery device may be able to
automatically unlock and open a station door to deposit a package.
The side door may likewise be equipped with a platform or shelf
(not shown) that can be controlled to extend from the side doors of
the building. For example, the side doors to the building may open
outward, such that if the side doors are unlocked, an internal
shelf could put the door open, thereby establishing a shelf or
platform external to the structure for an aerial or wheeled drone
to set the package. After delivery, the aerial or wheeled drone,
through an electronic interface, or due to action by a human
delivery driver, to close the shelf and the side doors. In such an
embodiment it is contemplated that the roof may be fixed and not
movable.
[0031] The interior 136 of the station may have a padded floor or
walls, or a net to maintain the package off the floor and to
provide a padded or soft area for the package to enter and come to
rest within the station. In one embodiment, the package is lowered
into the interior 136 of the station by the drone while in other
embodiments the drone may enter the station interior and release
the package on the floor or a net. In other embodiments, the
package may be dropped into the station while the drone is above
and outside the station onto the netting in the interior of the
station.
[0032] The station may be equipped with power and communication
facilities 130, which may be provided via underground cables 130.
The station may also have wireless communication capability,
wireless or solar powered capabilities, or a small generator, and
in all configurations battery power storage is contemplated as an
option. Power may be provided to run lighting and environmental
control devices, such as heat and cooling and to power other
elements at the station. The station may include a heating,
ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") system to maintain a
minimum and maximum temperature in the station. The HVAC system may
include a heater and/or air cooling system and/or humidity or other
environmental controls. The station may thus have a climate
controlled interior. One or more lights may also be provided to
illuminate the interior and/or exterior of the station. Among other
things, these lights could be utilized to signal that a package has
been delivered, or to warn people proximate to the station that a
drone is approaching. The station may also provide signals via a
communication network, such as wired connection, cellular service
or the internet, of delivery of a package or arrival of a
drone.
[0033] The communication systems may include wired or wireless
communication capability such as through the facilities 130 or
through an antenna built into the building or contained in the
station. Numerous contemplated different types of communication
systems or standards are discussed below.
[0034] The station is also equipped with numerous electronic
devices. One such device is a drone detection system that detects
an incoming drone, and in response thereto, open the roof 126 or
other area of the station to receive the package. The drone
detection system may comprise a receiver to receive a wireless
notification or alert signal from the drone, or a microphone that
detects a sound signature, radar, or a camera based system that
uses optical device recognition to detect the drone. The drone may
be configured to transmit a signal to the station that controls the
station to open the roof to accept the arriving drone. Thus, the
drone may have a transmitter that transmits a signal that is
received by the station.
[0035] Also part of the station may be one or more cameras 140 that
capture the interior of the building or the drone
arrival/departure. A wireless or wired internet or network
connection may also be part of the station to transmit and receive
data as is understood in the networking art. The camera may be used
to verify that the package is in the station for the sender and the
recipient. The image captured by the camera may be transmitted to a
remote location such as over the Internet as proof of delivery.
Other sensors may be provided that may detect the package, such as
radar or RFID activators and sensors.
[0036] The station may also be equipped with one or more locks,
alarms and alerts. The alarms may be triggered if the temperature
exceeds or falls below preset thresholds. The Alarms may be
triggered if the station is broken into, vandalized or a lock is
disturbed. This can send alarms to the shipper and the receiver of
the goods or station owner.
[0037] It is contemplated that the station may be individually
possessed or shared by two or more residences, individuals, or
businesses. Each user may have a code and a camera may monitor
ingress and egress to the station and track who picks up which
package and when. Such monitoring is intended to prevent theft.
This arrangement saves on the cost and space allocation required
for a station. In this arrangement, the station could be configured
with multiple rooms and doors which are under a common roof,
thereby allowing multiple rooms each with a separate door. Each
business or residence might share the station, but each residence
or business would have controlled access to only their locked
compartment.
[0038] In one embodiment, the station may be divided into multiple
parts such as one portion being maintained at a room temperature of
above while the other compartment is maintained as a cold storage
area to store food, medicine or other temperature sensitive items.
It is contemplated that the HVAC system could be selectively or
automatically controlled to adjust the temperature to the nature of
the goods within the station. For example, if a person is expecting
a food delivery, they can manually adjust the temperature to a
refrigerator temperature, about 38 degrees. If a restaurant or home
is receiving a midnight delivery of frozen or fresh seafood, then
they can adjust the temperature downward. Alternatively, if the
drone is programmed with the content of package being delivered, it
can automatically communicate the computer that controls the
station to adjust the temperature within the station accordingly,
namely downward for food, medicine, or other particular items. It
is further contemplated that the station could also be part of, or
integral with an unrelated function such as a dog house or other
pet house, a back yard shed, or garage, or child's play house.
[0039] It is also contemplated that the roof may provide a location
for the drone to land, such as a landing pad, and the package may
be left there, or dropped or moved into the station after the drone
departs.
[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates an alternative embodiment with a roof
that opens in a different manner. In this embodiment, the roof
opens upwardly in an arc due to the roof being hinged at the back
side. This arrangement requires less space behind the station due
to the angle of the roof. This arrangement, with an angled roof, is
well suited to environments with snow because it allows the snow to
be shed from the roof, due to the angle, and allows the roof to be
opened without significant snow that is on the roof from falling
into the station interior. There is also benefit to this embodiment
in vegetated areas where plant debry could interfere with station
operation.
[0041] In other embodiments, the shape of the station may be other
than a generally box shape such as but not limited to A-frame
shaped with a two angle opposing roof panels that open outward to
expose the interior of the A-Frame. Other shapes may be round,
oval, pyramid, or any other shape or nature.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing example or representative
computing devices and associated elements that may be used to
implement the systems method and apparatus described herein. The
system of FIG. 2, or only a portion thereof, may be located in or
near the receiving station to perform communication and control
functions. FIG. 2 shows an example of a generic computing device
200 and a generic mobile computing device 2250, which may be used
with the techniques described here. Computing device 200 is
intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as
laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants,
servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate
computers. Computing device 250 is intended to represent various
forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants,
cellular telephones, smart phones, and other similar computing
devices. The components shown here, their connections and
relationships, and their functions, are meant to be exemplary only,
and are not meant to limit implementations of the inventions
described and/or claimed in this document.
[0043] Computing device 200 includes a processor 202, memory 204, a
storage device 206, a high-speed interface or controller 208
connecting to memory 204 and high-speed expansion ports 210, and a
low-speed interface or controller 212 connecting to low-speed bus
214 and storage device 206. Each of the components 202, 204, 206,
208, 210, and 212, are interconnected using various busses, and may
be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as
appropriate. The processor 202 can process instructions for
execution within the computing device 200, including instructions
stored in the memory 204 or on the storage device 206 to display
graphical information for a GUI on an external input/output device,
such as display 216 coupled to high-speed controller 208. In other
implementations, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be
used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of
memory. Also, multiple computing devices 200 may be connected, with
each device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g.,
as a server bank, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor
system).
[0044] The memory 204 stores information within the computing
device 200. In one implementation, the memory 204 is a volatile
memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory 204 is
a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory 204 may also be
another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or
optical disk.
[0045] The storage device 206 is capable of providing mass storage
for the computing device 200. In one implementation, the storage
device 206 may be or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a
floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or
a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid state memory
device, or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area
network or other configurations. A computer program product can be
tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program
product may also contain instructions that, when executed, perform
one or more methods, such as those described above. The information
carrier is a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the
memory 204, the storage device 206, or memory on processor 202.
[0046] The high-speed controller 208 manages bandwidth-intensive
operations for the computing device 200, while the low-speed
controller 212 manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such
allocation of functions is exemplary only. In one implementation,
the high-speed controller 208 is coupled to memory 204, display 216
(e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to
high-speed expansion ports 210, which may accept various expansion
cards (not shown). In the implementation, low-speed controller 214
is coupled to storage device 206 and low-speed bus 214. The
low-speed bus 214, which may include various communication ports
(e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) may be coupled
to one or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing
device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or
router, e.g., through a network adapter.
[0047] The computing device 200 may be implemented in a number of
different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be
implemented as a standard server 220, or multiple times in a group
of such servers. It may also be implemented as part of a rack
server system 224. In addition, it may be implemented in a personal
computer such as a laptop computer 222. Alternatively, components
from computing device 200 may be combined with other components in
a mobile device (not shown), such as device 250. Each of such
devices may contain one or more of computing device 200, 250, and
an entire system may be made up of multiple computing devices 200,
250 communicating with each other.
[0048] Computing device 250 includes a processor 252, memory 264,
an input/output device, such as a display 254, a communication
interface 266, and a transceiver 268, among other components. The
device 250 may also be provided with a storage device, such as a
microdrive or other device, to provide additional storage. Each of
the components 250, 252, 264, 254, 266, and 268, are interconnected
using various busses, and several of the components may be mounted
on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.
[0049] The processor 252 can execute instructions within the
computing device 250, including instructions stored in the memory
264. The processor may be implemented as a chipset of chips that
include separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The
processor may provide, for example, for coordination of the other
components of the device 250, such as control of user interfaces,
applications run by device 250, and wireless communication by
device 250. The wireless communication devices 250 may send and/or
receive signals from a delivery vehicle to indicate an incoming
delivery or that a delivery is finished. A detector may also or
alternatively used in addition to or instead of the receiver and
the detector may be part of and communicate with the elements shown
in FIG. 2.
[0050] Processor 252 may communicate with a user through control
interface 258 and display interface 256 coupled to a display 254.
The display 254 may be, for example, a TFT LCD
(Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic
Light Emitting Diode) display, or other appropriate display
technology. The display interface 256 may comprise appropriate
circuitry for driving the display 254 to present graphical and
other information to a user. The control interface 258 may receive
commands from a user and convert them for submission to the
processor 252. In addition, an external interface 262 may be
provided in communication with processor 252, so as to enable near
area communication of device 250 with other devices. External
interface 262 may provide, for example, for wired communication in
some implementations, or for wireless communication in other
implementations, and multiple interfaces may also be used.
[0051] The memory 264 stores information within the computing
device 250. The memory 264 can be implemented as one or more of a
computer-readable medium or media, a volatile memory unit or units,
or a non-volatile memory unit or units. Expansion memory 274 may
also be provided and connected to device 250 through expansion
interface 272, which may include, for example, a SIMM (Single In
Line Memory Module) card interface. Such expansion memory 274 may
provide extra storage space for device 250, or may also store
applications or other information for device 250. Specifically,
expansion memory 274 may include instructions to carry out or
supplement the processes described above, and may include secure
information also. Thus, for example, expansion memory 274 may be
provide as a security module for device 250, and may be programmed
with instructions that permit secure use of device 250. In
addition, secure applications may be provided via the SIMM cards,
along with additional information, such as placing identifying
information on the SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.
[0052] The memory may include, for example, flash memory and/or
NVRAM memory, as discussed below. In one implementation, a computer
program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The
computer program product contains instructions that, when executed,
perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The
information carrier is a computer- or machine-readable medium, such
as the memory 264, expansion memory 274, or memory on processor
252, that may be received, for example, over transceiver 268 or
external interface 262.
[0053] Device 250 may communicate wirelessly through communication
interface 266, which may include digital signal processing
circuitry where necessary. Communication interface 266 may provide
for communications under various modes or protocols, such as GSM
voice calls, SMS, EMS, or MMS messaging, CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA,
CDMA2000, or GPRS, among others. Such communication may occur, for
example, through radio-frequency transceiver 268. In addition,
short-range communication may occur, such as using a Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, or other such transceiver (not shown). In addition, GPS
(Global Positioning system) receiver module 270 may provide
additional navigation- and location-related wireless data to device
250, which may be used as appropriate by applications running on
device 250.
[0054] Device 250 may also communicate audibly using audio codec
260, which may receive spoken information from a user and convert
it to usable digital information. Audio codec 260 may likewise
generate audible sound for a user, such as through a speaker, e.g.,
in a handset of device 250. Such sound may include sound from voice
telephone calls, may include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages,
music files, etc.) and may also include sound generated by
applications operating on device 250.
[0055] The computing device 250 may be implemented in a number of
different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be
implemented as a cellular telephone 280. It may also be implemented
as part of a smart phone 282, personal digital assistant, a
computer tablet, or other similar mobile device.
[0056] Thus, various implementations of the systems and techniques
described here can be realized in digital electronic circuitry,
integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application
specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware,
software, and/or combinations thereof. These various
implementations can include implementation in one or more computer
programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable
system including at least one programmable processor, which may be
special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and
instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a
storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output
device.
[0057] These computer programs (also known as programs, software,
software applications or code) include machine instructions for a
programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level
procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in
assembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms
"machine-readable medium" "computer-readable medium" refers to any
computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic
discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs))
used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable
processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives
machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term
"machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide
machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.
[0058] To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and
techniques described here can be implemented on a computer having a
display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid
crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user
and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball)
by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of
devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well;
for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of
sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or
tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any
form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.
[0059] The systems and techniques described here can be implemented
in a computing system (e.g., computing device 200 and/or 250) that
includes a back end component (e.g., as a data server), or that
includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or
that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computer having
a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user
can interact with an implementation of the systems and techniques
described here), or any combination of such back end, middleware,
or front end components. The components of the system can be
interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication
(e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks
include a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"),
and the Internet.
[0060] The computing system can include clients and servers. A
client and server are generally remote from each other and
typically interact through a communication network. The
relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer
programs running on the respective computers and having a
client-server relationship to each other.
[0061] In the example embodiment, computing devices 200 and 250 are
configured to receive and/or retrieve electronic signal and
commands from various other computing devices connected to
computing devices 200 and 250 through a communication network, and
store these electronic signals within at least one of memory 204,
storage device 206, and memory 264. Computing devices 200 and 250
are further configured to manage and organize these electronic
signals within at least one of memory 204, storage device 206, and
memory 264 using the techniques described herein.
[0062] In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not
require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve
desirable results. In addition, other steps may be provided, or
steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other
components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems.
Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
[0063] It will be appreciated that the above embodiments that have
been described in particular detail are merely example or possible
embodiments, and that there are many other combinations, additions,
or alternatives that may be included.
[0064] Also, the particular naming of the components,
capitalization of terms, the attributes, data structures, or any
other programming or structural aspect is not mandatory or
significant, and the mechanisms that implement the invention or its
features may have different names, formats, or protocols. Further,
the system may be implemented via a combination of hardware and
software, as described, or entirely in hardware elements. Also, the
particular division of functionality between the various system
components described herein is merely exemplary, and not mandatory;
functions performed by a single system component may instead be
performed by multiple components, and functions performed by
multiple components may instead be performed by a single
component.
[0065] Some portions of above description present features in terms
of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on
information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations may
be used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most
effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in
the art. These operations, while described functionally or
logically, are understood to be implemented by computer programs.
Furthermore, it has also proven convenient at times, to refer to
these arrangements of operations as modules or by functional names,
without loss of generality.
[0066] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the
above discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the
description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or
"computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "identifying" or
"displaying" or "providing" or the like, refer to the action and
processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing
device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as
physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system
memories or registers or other such information storage,
transmission or display devices.
[0067] Based on the foregoing specification, the above-discussed
embodiments of the invention may be implemented using computer
programming or engineering techniques including computer software,
firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof. Any such
resulting program, having computer-readable and/or
computer-executable instructions, may be embodied or provided
within one or more computer-readable media, thereby making a
computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture,
according to the discussed embodiments of the invention. The
computer readable media may be, for instance, a fixed (hard) drive,
diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor memory such as
read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory, etc., or any
transmitting/receiving medium such as the Internet or other
communication network or link. The article of manufacture
containing the computer code may be made and/or used by executing
the instructions directly from one medium, by copying the code from
one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a
network.
[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates an example arrangement of a roof or shelf
portion moving system. This is but one possible arrangement of
elements and one of ordinary skill in the art may create different
configurations without departing from the scope of the claims. As
shown, the roof or other movable portion may be mounted on one or
more supporting rails 304 that support the movable portion. To
effect movement of the movable portion of the station, one or more
motors 308 are arranged to move the rails or the movable portion.
The motors 308 received activation signals from a controller 312 to
open or close the movable portion to provide access to the station
interior so that the station may receive a package. The control
312, as well as other components of the station, receive power 316
from a power grid or batteries. The station may include solar power
generating capacity.
[0069] The controller 312 receives control signals from a detector
320 and/or a receiver 324. The detector 320 and/or receiver 324
generates the control signals in response to the approach of a
delivery vehicle, such as an aerial drone. In the case of the
detector 320, it is configured to detect the approach of the
delivery vehicle, such as by image recognition, audio analysis,
proximity sensor or any other means. In the case of the receiver
324, it is configured to receive a wireless signal from the
delivery vehicle of the arrival of a delivery. The receiver 324 may
be configured with an antenna 330. In both instances, a control
signal is sent to the controller 312 to cause the movable portion
to move.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary fence panel system for use
in construction of the station. To reduce the cost, weight,
complexity and buildability of the station, the walls may be made
of any type of material including fencing or lightweight prefabbed
panels. In this embodiment the walls are made from fence posts 404
or other support structures such as poles, and spanning between the
posts 404 is fencing 408 that may be of any type from flexible poly
fence, chain link, bars, wood slats, covered panels or any other
type of material. An optional top post 412 may be provided for
structural integrity. An additional post or rod may be placed along
the bottom of the fence 408 for additional support and security.
Using posts and fencing makes the station lighter, less expensive,
and capable of being built by homeowners without extensive
construction experience. The stations can be shipped in one or more
boxes. Likewise, preformed plastic panels may be used to form the
station.
[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a movable
portion of the station. In contrast to the roof 504 moving, a
shelf, bin or drawer 520 may extend outward from the station wall
500 to expose a location 508 for the package 524 to be deposited by
the delivery vehicle, whether wheeled or aerial. A motor or other
movement causing device may move the shelf, bin or drawer 520
outward. An optional sloping ramp 530 may be part of the shelf, bin
or drawer 520 which in turn causes the package 524 to slid downward
into the station interior thus freeing up space in the shelf, bin
or drawer for an additional package delivery. Although shown as a
drawer that moves horizontally, the movable portion could rotate
outward.
[0072] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the accompanying claims.
[0073] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the
various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be
claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.
* * * * *