U.S. patent application number 17/206988 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-22 for method of operating a temperature-controlled delivery box.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Elaine Marie Arens, Ronald Fernandez.
Application Number | 20220296023 17/206988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005493638 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220296023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fernandez; Ronald ; et
al. |
September 22, 2022 |
METHOD OF OPERATING A TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED DELIVERY BOX
Abstract
A temperature-controlled delivery appliance and a method of
operating the same are provided. The temperature-controlled
delivery appliance includes a storage container, an object
detection assembly for detecting the items within the storage
container, and a controller for implementing a method including
receiving a delivery notification of an item to be delivered and
using the object detection assembly to determine the available
storage capacity within the storage container. If there is
insufficient available storage capacity, the method includes
providing a notification to a user or delivery agent to deliver to
an alternate location or reschedule delivery.
Inventors: |
Fernandez; Ronald;
(Louisville, KY) ; Arens; Elaine Marie;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005493638 |
Appl. No.: |
17/206988 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2029/147 20130101;
A47G 2029/145 20130101; A47G 29/141 20130101; A47G 2029/149
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/14 20060101
A47G029/14 |
Claims
1. A temperature-controlled delivery appliance comprising: a
storage container positioned within a cabinet for receiving items
for storage; an object detection assembly positioned within the
cabinet for detecting the items within the storage container; a
communication module in operative communication with a mobile
device of the user through a remote network; and a controller
operably coupled to the object detection assembly, the controller
being configured to: receive a delivery notification of an item to
be delivered; obtain a required storage capacity of the item being
delivered; determine an available storage capacity within the
storage container using the object detection assembly; determine
that the required storage capacity is greater than the available
storage capacity; determine that a user is nearby the
temperature-controlled delivery appliance by detecting the mobile
device using the communication module; provide a reminder to the
user to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room
for the item to be delivered; and provide a capacity notification
in response to determining that the required storage capacity is
greater than the available storage capacity.
2. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
wherein the object detection assembly comprises: one or more
proximity sensors or optical sensors.
3. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 2,
wherein the one or more proximity sensors or optical sensors form a
detection grid within the storage container.
4. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 3,
wherein the detection grid is configured for detecting a vertical
position, a lateral position, and a transverse position of the
items within the storage container.
5. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
wherein the delivery notification is received from a delivery
agent.
6. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
wherein the delivery notification is accompanied by the required
storage capacity of the item to be delivered.
7. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
wherein providing the capacity notification in response to
determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the
available storage capacity comprises: providing an alternate
delivery location to a delivery agent.
8. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
wherein providing the capacity notification in response to
determining that the required storage capacity is greater than the
available storage capacity comprises: rescheduling delivery with a
delivery agent.
9. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
further comprising: a user proximity detection device.
10. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 9,
wherein the controller is operably coupled to the user proximity
detection device and is further configured to: determine that a
user is nearby the temperature-controlled delivery appliance using
the user proximity detection device; and provide a reminder to the
user to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room
for the item to be delivered.
11. (canceled)
12. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
wherein the controller is further configured to: determine that a
delivery has occurred; and provide a user notification that the
delivery has occurred.
13. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
further comprising: a climate control system in thermal
communication with the storage container for regulating a
temperature of the storage container; and a temperature sensing
device for obtaining the temperature of the storage container,
wherein the controller is further configured to provide a
notification when the temperature of the storage container has
reached a target temperature.
14. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance of claim 1,
wherein the capacity notification is transmitted through the remote
network.
15. A method of operating a temperature-controlled delivery
appliance, the temperature-controlled delivery appliance comprising
a storage container for receiving items for storage, an object
detection assembly for detecting the items within the storage
container, and a communication module in operative communication
with a mobile device of the user through a remote network, the
method comprising: receiving a delivery notification of an item to
be delivered; obtaining a required storage capacity of the item to
be delivered; determining an available storage capacity within the
storage container using the object detection assembly; determining
that the required storage capacity is greater than the available
storage capacity; determining that a user is nearby the
temperature-controlled delivery appliance by detecting the mobile
device using the communication module; providing a reminder to the
user to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room
for the item to be delivered; and providing a capacity notification
in response to determining that the required storage capacity is
greater than the available storage capacity.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the delivery notification is
received from a delivery agent.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the delivery notification is
accompanied by the required storage capacity.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the capacity
notification in response to determining that the required storage
capacity is greater than the available storage capacity comprises:
providing an alternate delivery location to a delivery agent or
rescheduling delivery with the delivery agent.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the temperature-controlled
delivery appliance further comprises a user proximity detection
device, the method further comprising: determining that a user is
nearby the temperature-controlled delivery appliance using the user
proximity detection device; and providing a reminder to the user to
retrieve the items in the storage container to make room for the
item to be delivered.
20. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to delivery
boxes, and more particularly, to methods for operating
temperature-controlled delivery boxes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Given the rise in food and grocery delivery services,
temperature-controlled and access secure delivery appliances are
desirable to permit deliveries when the consumer is not home. For
example, delivery appliances are typically positioned outdoors of a
residence and have a climate control system for regulating the
temperature within a storage container positioned within a cabinet
of the delivery appliance. In this manner, the consumer may receive
delivery of food orders and maintain that food at the desired
storage temperature, even while not at home. For example, the user
or the delivery service may set a temperature of the delivery
appliance at a desired temperature to avoid spoiling perishable
food items or to otherwise prevent degradation of the quality of
the food which might otherwise occur if the food were stored in an
uncontrolled environment.
[0003] Notably, users may often receive multiple packages in a
single day, deliveries from different delivery agents, etc.
Moreover, each of these delivered packages may have a different
size and shape. If the delivery appliance is not emptied at a
suitable frequency, the storage container may be quickly filled and
delivered items may not fit within the remaining space in the
storage container, resulting in wasted delivery effort, incomplete
deliveries, delivery rescheduling, or damaged items. Moreover, a
user of the appliance may not be home when items are delivered and
may forget to check the delivery appliance and retrieve items when
they return. As a result, items that may require tending, removal,
or cold storage may be spoiled.
[0004] Accordingly, a temperature-controlled delivery box and
methods of controlling the same for improved operation would be
desirable. More specifically, a method for minimizing the
occurrence of space limitations of the delivery appliance while
providing improved appliance operation and user interaction would
be particularly beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be apparent from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a temperature-controlled
delivery appliance is provided including a storage container
positioned within a cabinet for receiving items for storage, an
object detection assembly positioned within the cabinet for
detecting the items within the storage container, and a controller
operably coupled to the object detection assembly. The controller
is configured to receive a delivery notification of an item to be
delivered, obtain a required storage capacity of the item being
delivered, determine an available storage capacity within the
storage container using the object detection assembly, determine
that the required storage capacity is greater than the available
storage capacity, and provide a capacity notification in response
to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than
the available storage capacity.
[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a
temperature-controlled delivery appliance is provided. The
temperature-controlled delivery appliance includes a storage
container for receiving items for storage and an object detection
assembly for detecting the items within the storage container. The
method includes receiving a delivery notification of an item to be
delivered, obtaining a required storage capacity of the item to be
delivered, determining an available storage capacity within the
storage container using the object detection assembly, determining
that the required storage capacity is greater than the available
storage capacity, and providing a capacity notification in response
to determining that the required storage capacity is greater than
the available storage capacity.
[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a
temperature-controlled delivery box according to an example
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary
temperature-controlled delivery box of FIG. 1, with a back cover
removed to reveal a controls compartment and a mechanical
compartment.
[0012] FIG. 3 provides a top view of storage containers positioned
within the exemplary temperature-controlled delivery box of FIG. 1
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0013] FIG. 4 provides a top view of storage containers positioned
within the exemplary temperature-controlled delivery box of FIG. 1,
with a top panel removed to reveal a drainage system according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0014] FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of a sealed cooling system
configured for cooling the exemplary temperature-controlled
delivery box of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present subject matter.
[0015] FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of an object detection
assembly that may be used with the exemplary temperature-controlled
delivery box of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present subject matter.
[0016] FIG. 7 provides a method of operating the
temperature-controlled delivery box prior to a delivery according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0017] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0019] FIGS. 1 through 4 depict a temperature-controlled delivery
appliance 10 that is generally configured for receiving delivery of
food items or other articles that are preferably stored in a
temperature-controlled and/or secure environment. According to
exemplary embodiments, temperature-controlled delivery appliance 10
is positioned outside a consumer's residence and is configured for
receiving grocery/food deliveries or the delivery of any other
suitable items. It should be appreciated that the term
"temperature-controlled delivery appliance," or simply "delivery
appliance," is used in a generic sense herein to encompass any
device intended for storing items in a refrigerated, heated,
climate-controlled, or secure environment. In addition, it should
be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to use
in delivery appliances. Thus, the present subject matter may be
used for any other suitable purpose, such as for receiving any
other product or item that is desirably maintained in a
temperature-controlled environment or more generally stored.
[0020] In the illustrated example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
temperature-controlled delivery appliance 10 includes a casing or
cabinet 12 that extends between a top and a bottom along a vertical
direction V, between a first side and a second side along a lateral
direction L, and between a front side and a rear side along a
transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral
direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular
to one another, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is
generally defined.
[0021] As illustrated, delivery appliance 10 includes one or more
storage containers 14 mounted within cabinet 12. Specifically,
according to the illustrated embodiment, delivery appliance 10
includes three storage containers 14 mounted in or suspended from a
top panel 16 of cabinet 12, e.g., using any suitable support
brackets, mechanical fasteners, welding, snap-fit mechanisms, etc.
In addition, it should be appreciated that an insulating material
(not shown), such as foam panels, fiberglass, or spray-in foam
insulation, may be positioned within cabinet 12 around storage
containers 14 to provide thermal and/or sound insulation to
delivery appliance 10.
[0022] As illustrated, each of the three storage containers 14
define an opening 18 at top panel 16 of cabinet 12. In this regard,
food items 20 (FIG. 3) or other products or items may be positioned
within storage containers 14 for storage, e.g., until they may be
moved to a refrigerator appliance, pantry, or other permanent
storage when the consumer returns home. As explained in detail
below, each storage container 14 may be maintained at a different
temperature for receiving foods that have different desired storage
temperatures. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, storage
containers 14 may have target temperatures suitable for storing
room temperature food items 20 (such as bread, cereal, etc.),
refrigerator food items (e.g., fruits, vegetables, milk, etc.), and
frozen food items 20 (e.g., frozen pizza, ice cream, etc.).
[0023] Although the figures illustrate delivery appliance 10 as
including three storage containers 14 having substantially
rectangular cross sections and being spaced apart along the lateral
direction L, it should be appreciated that the illustrated
embodiment is used only as an example. According to alternative
embodiments, delivery appliance 10 may include any suitable number
of storage containers 14 having any suitable shape, size, and
configuration. In addition, aspects of the present subject matter
may apply to conventional refrigerator appliance with doors
pivotally mounted to a front of the appliance. Such embodiments are
contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0024] Delivery appliance 10 further includes a door 30 rotatably
attached to cabinet 12 in order to permit selective access to
storage containers 14. Specifically, as illustrated, door 30 is
pivotally mounted to a back of cabinet 12 and is positioned over
openings 18 in the closed position. A handle 32 is mounted to or
defined in door 30 to assist a user with opening and closing door
30 and a latch assembly 34 is mounted to cabinet 12 and/or door 30
for selectively locking door 30 in the closed position. Latch
assembly 34 may be desirable, for example, to ensure only secured
access (e.g., via the consumer or delivery person) and to prevent
tampering or theft after food items 20 are delivered.
[0025] Referring now generally to FIGS. 2 through 4, delivery
appliance 10 further includes a drainage system 40 for collecting
and discharging liquids from within storage containers 14, e.g.,
such as melted items, condensation, melted frost, etc.
Specifically, a drain 42 is defined in a bottom of each storage
container 14. Drain 42 may be in fluid communication with one or
more drainage pipes 44 for routing liquid out of storage containers
14 under the force of gravity. The drainage pipes 44 may merge and
pass all collected liquid through a mechanical compartment 46 (FIG.
2) where it may be discharged from delivery appliance 10 (e.g., to
an external drain) or used for other purposes within delivery
appliance 10. Although drainage system 40 is illustrated as a
gravity operated system, it should be appreciated that a suitable
drainage pump may be used according to alternative embodiments.
[0026] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 2 and 5, mechanical
compartment 46 may be defined in a rear wall of cabinet 12 and may
be configured for receiving various operating components of
delivery appliance 10. For example, delivery appliance 10 may
include a climate control system 50 that includes various
components for regulating one or more container temperatures, e.g.,
the temperature measured within respective storage containers 14.
Thus, climate control system 50 may generally be in thermal
communication with storage containers 14 and some or all components
of climate control system 50 may be mounted within mechanical
compartment 46.
[0027] Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, a schematic view of
certain components of temperature-controlled delivery appliance 10
and climate control system 50 will be illustrated and described
according to an exemplary embodiment. As described below, climate
control system 50 may generally include a system or devices for
heating storage containers 14 and/or a system or devices for
cooling storage containers 14. Although an exemplary climate
control system 50 is described below, it should be appreciated that
climate control system 50 may include different component,
configuration, and subsystems for heating, cooling, humidifying,
dehumidifying, or otherwise controlling the climate with each of
the respective storage containers 14.
[0028] According to exemplary embodiments, it may sometimes be
desirable to raise the container temperature within one or more
storage containers 14, e.g., when it is very cold outside or if hot
food items 20 are being stored. In such cases, delivery appliance
10 may include a heating device 52 in thermal communication with
one or more storage containers 14 for regulating the temperature of
the storage containers 14. Thus, heating device 52 may be
selectively activated and deactivated to control the container
temperature. In general, heating device 52 may be any suitable type
of heating element, such as an electric resistance heating element.
In addition, heating device 52 may be used periodically to melt any
frost build-up within storage containers 14.
[0029] In addition, it may frequently be desirable to lower the
container temperature of one or more storage containers 14, e.g.,
when is it relatively warm outside or when chilled or perishable
food items 20 are stored. In this regard, delivery appliance 10 may
include features to operate delivery appliance as a refrigerator
and/or freezer appliance. For example, delivery appliance 10 may
include a sealed refrigeration system or sealed system 60, which is
generally configured for executing a vapor compression cycle for
cooling storage containers 14, as explained below.
[0030] In this regard, for example, sealed system 60 may include a
compressor 64, a condenser 66, an expansion device 68, and one or
more evaporators 70 connected in series by fluid conduit 72 that is
charged with a refrigerant. As will be understood by those skilled
in the art, sealed system 60 may include additional components,
e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion
device, and/or condenser. As an example, sealed system 60 may
include three evaporators wrapped directly around storage
containers 14.
[0031] Within sealed system 60, refrigerant flows into compressor
64, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant.
This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which
is lowered by passing the refrigerant through condenser 66. Within
condenser 66, heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to
cool the refrigerant. A fan 74 may be used to pull air across
condenser 66, as illustrated by arrows in FIG. 5, so as to provide
forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange
between the refrigerant within condenser 66 and the ambient air.
Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, increasing
air flow across condenser 66 can, e.g., increase the efficiency of
condenser 66 by improving cooling of the refrigerant contained
therein.
[0032] An expansion device 68 (e.g., an electronic expansion valve,
capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives refrigerant
from condenser 66. From expansion device 68, the refrigerant enters
evaporator 70. Upon exiting expansion device 68 and entering
evaporator 70, the refrigerant drops in pressure. Due to the
pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator 70
is cool relative to storage containers 14 of delivery appliance 10.
As such, by wrapping evaporators 70 around storage containers 14 or
positioning evaporator 70 coils within the walls of the storage
containers 14, the temperature within storage containers 14 may be
lowered.
[0033] Notably, as illustrated in FIG. 5, delivery appliance 10 may
include three storage containers 14, each of which may have a
dedicated evaporator 70. According to an exemplary embodiment, a
single compressor 64, condenser 66, and expansion device 68 may
support the operation of such evaporators 70. In this regard,
sealed system 60 may include a refrigerant control valve 76 for
regulating the flow of refrigerant to evaporators 70 to provide
selective and independent cooling of each storage container 14. In
this manner, using climate control system 50, each storage
container 14 may have a different pre-conditioning temperature or
target temperature, as described in more detail below. It should be
appreciated that more or fewer storage containers 14 may be used
and the configuration of one or more evaporators 70 may vary while
remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0034] The sealed system 60 depicted in FIG. 5 is provided by way
of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present
subject matter for other configurations of the refrigeration system
to be used as well. For example, according to alternative
embodiments, cooled air may be passed over evaporator 70 and into
storage containers 14 instead of relying on contact cooling. In
addition, although sealed system 60 is described above as
performing a vapor compression cycle to refrigerate storage
containers 14, it should be appreciated that a sealed system may be
alternately operated as a heat pump, e.g., and thus perform a heat
pump cycle for heating storage containers 14. In this regard, for
example, sealed system 60 may include a four-way reversing valve
which could also be used to reverse the flow of refrigerant within
fluid conduit 72 such that condenser 66 operates as an evaporator,
and evaporator 70 operates as a condenser.
[0035] In some embodiments, delivery appliance 10 also includes one
or more sensors that may be used to facilitate improved operation
of delivery appliance 10, such as described below. For example, in
order to obtain temperature or humidity data, delivery appliance 10
may include a plurality of temperature sensors and/or humidity
sensors. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a container temperature
sensor 80 may be positioned within or placed in thermal
communication with each storage container 14 for measuring a
container temperature therein. For example, according to the
illustrated embodiment, container temperature sensors 80 are
mounted to a rear wall of each storage container 14. Alternatively,
container temperature sensors 80 may be positioned at any other
suitable location proximate to storage containers 14 for providing
data indicative of the container temperature. In addition, an
ambient temperature sensor 82 may be positioned outside cabinet 12
for measuring a temperature of the environment in which delivery
device 10 is located.
[0036] As used herein, "temperature sensor" or the equivalent is
intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring
system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring
the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensors 80,
82 may each be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a
thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, etc.
In addition, temperature sensors 80, 82 may be positioned at any
suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a
controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the
temperature within storage container 14 or the ambient environment,
respectively. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors
is described herein, it should be appreciated that delivery
appliance 10 may include any other suitable number, type, and
position of temperature, humidity, and/or other sensors according
to alternative embodiments.
[0037] Referring again to FIG. 1, delivery appliance 10 may include
a control panel 90 including one or more selector inputs 92, such
as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc. Additionally, a
display 94, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided
on control panel 90. Control panel 90, selector inputs 92, and
display 94 may be in communication with a processing device or
controller 96. In this manner, controller 96 may receive control
inputs from selector inputs 92, may display information using
display 94, and may otherwise regulate operation of the appliance.
For example, signals generated in controller 96 may operate
delivery appliance 10, including climate control system 50 and
other system components, in response to the position of selector
inputs 92 and other control commands. Control panel 90 and other
components of delivery appliance 10 may be in communication with
controller 96 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses.
[0038] As used herein, the terms "processing device," "computing
device," "controller," or the like may generally refer to any
suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose
microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal
processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic
device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics
processing units (GPUs) (e.g., dedicated to efficiently rendering
images), processing units performing other specialized
calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these
"controllers" are not necessarily restricted to a single element
but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of
processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate
appliance operation. Alternatively, controller 96 may be
constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a
combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such
as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND
gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of
relying upon software.
[0039] Controller 96 may be operable to execute programming
instructions or micro-control code associated with an appliance
operating cycle. In this regard, the controller may include, or be
associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium(s), such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and/or
combinations thereof. The memory may be a separate component from
the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. For
example, the instructions may be software or any set of
instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the
processing device to perform operations. It should be noted that
controller 96 as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable
to perform any methods or associated method steps as disclosed
herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein
may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory
and executed by the controller 96.
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an
external communication system 100 will be described according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general,
external communication system 100 is configured for permitting a
consumer, a grocery delivery service, or another entity to
communicate with and/or control delivery appliance 10, e.g.,
through controller 96. For example, this communication may be used
to provide and receive delivery notifications or instructions, as
described below. Alternatively, such notifications and information
may be input directly through control panel 90.
[0041] As illustrated, external communication system 100 permits
controller 96 of delivery appliance 10 to communicate with external
devices either directly or through a network 102. For example, a
consumer may use a consumer device 104 to communicate directly with
delivery appliance 10. For example, consumer devices 104 may be in
direct or indirect communication with delivery appliance 10, e.g.,
directly through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network 102. In general,
consumer device 104 may be any suitable device for providing and/or
receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard,
consumer device 104 may include, for example, a personal phone, a
tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device.
[0042] In addition, a remote server 106 may be in communication
with delivery appliance 10 and/or consumer device 104 through
network 102. In this regard, for example, remote server 106 may
facilitate or operate a grocery delivery service or another package
delivery service. In this regard, remote server 106 may be a
cloud-based server 106, and is thus located at a distant location,
such as in a separate state, country, etc. In general,
communication between the remote server 106 and the client devices
may be carried via a network interface using any type of wireless
connection, using a variety of communication protocols (e.g.
TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML),
and/or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).
[0043] In general, network 102 can be any type of communication
network. For example, network 102 can include one or more of a
wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local
area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular
network, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, consumer device
104 may communicate with a remote server 106 over network 102, such
as the internet, to place food orders, order items, process
payments, etc. In addition, consumer device 104 and remote server
106 may communicate with delivery appliance 10 to coordinate the
delivery and receipt of items 20, as described in detail below.
[0044] External communication system 100 is described herein
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and
configurations of external communication system 100 provided herein
are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of
the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other
communication devices may be used to communicate directly or
indirectly with one or more delivery appliances, other
communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These
variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope
of the present subject matter.
[0045] Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, an object detection
system 110 that may be used with delivery appliance 10 will be
described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject
matter. In this regard, FIG. 6 illustrates a single storage
container 14 of delivery appliance 10 with an exemplary object
detection system 110 operably coupled thereto. In general, the term
"object detection system" is generally intended to refer to any
suitable number, type, and configuration of sensors configured to
identify objects within storage container 14, to determine
available storage capacity within storage container 14, or to
otherwise detect the presence, absence, or other quantitative or
qualitative aspect of objects positioned within storage container
14.
[0046] According to the illustrated embodiment, object detection
assembly 110 includes one or more optical emitters 112 and one or
more corresponding optical receivers 114. In this regard, optical
emitter 112 may emit or direct an optical beam (e.g., as identified
generally by reference numeral 116) and optical receiver 114 may
detect optical beam 116. More specifically, as shown, object
detection assembly 110 includes multiple pairs of emitters 112 and
receivers 114 that are spaced apart on opposite sides of a storage
container 14 to generally form a detection grid. Notably, when an
object is present in storage container and is positioned between a
particular optical emitter 112 and optical receiver 114, that
object may block the transmission of optical beam 116 toward the
respective optical receiver 114. As such, the detection grid may be
used monitor the precise location, size, and orientation of objects
within storage container 14. In this regard, object detection
assembly 110 may detect a vertical position, a lateral position,
and a transverse position of each item within storage container 14,
along with its overall size and orientation, and may deduce the
remaining storage capacity within storage container 14.
[0047] Although FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment that
utilizes optical emitters and receivers in a grid pattern, it
should be appreciated that object detection assembly 110 may use
any other suitable number, type, and configuration of sensors for
detecting the presence, position, and size of objects within
storage container 14. For example, object detection assembly 110
may include any suitable number of sensors, such as optical
sensors, proximity sensors, line of sight sensors, inductive
sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical switches or triggers, or any
other suitable object detection sensor.
[0048] Moreover, object detection assembly 110 may include any
suitable imaging device, such as a camera intended to take one or
more images of a storage container 14. According to exemplary
embodiments, these images may be used along with an image
processing algorithm to identify and quantify objects within
storage container 14. In addition, or alternatively, controller 96
may analyze the images of storage container 14 using any suitable
artificial intelligence or machine learning image recognition
process. Other systems and methods for detecting objects within
storage container 14 are possible and within the scope of the
present subject matter.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 1, delivery appliance 10 may further
include a user proximity detection device 120 for detecting when a
user of delivery appliance 10 has arrived home or within close
proximity to delivery appliance 10. In this regard, for example,
user proximity detection device 120 may be integrated into control
panel 90 and/or controller 96 for detecting the presence or
proximity of a user using any suitable proximity detection
technology, sensors, systems, etc. According to an exemplary
embodiment, user proximity detection device may include a
communication module 122 of controller 96 that is in operative
communication with consumer device 104 (e.g., via a network 102).
Thus, when a user arrives at the residence or other location where
delivery appliance 10 is located, user proximity detection device
120 may trigger controller 96 to perform an additional notification
or to otherwise provide the user with instructions to retrieve
stored items if there is an anticipates delivery or if there are
otherwise items present within one or more storage containers
14.
[0050] Now that the construction and configuration of delivery
appliance 10 and external communication system 100 have been
presented according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter, an exemplary method 200 for operating a delivery
appliance using an external communication system is provided.
Method 200 can be used to operate delivery appliance 10 using
external communication system 100, or to operate any other suitable
delivery appliance using any other suitable communication system.
In this regard, for example, controller 96 may be configured for
implementing method 200. However, it should be appreciated that the
exemplary method 200 is discussed herein only to describe exemplary
aspects of the present subject matter, and is not intended to be
limiting.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, method 200 includes, at step 210,
receiving a delivery notification of an item to be delivered to a
temperature-controlled delivery appliance. For example, continuing
the example from above, delivery appliance 10 may receive delivery
notification of specific food items 20 from a grocery delivery
service through remote network 102. Notably, it may be desirable to
ensure that delivery appliance 10 has sufficient space to store the
item to be delivered and that a storage container is at a desired
storage temperature at the anticipated time of delivery.
Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to
features and control methods which improve interaction between
delivery appliance 10, users of delivery appliance 10, and delivery
agents who deliver packages or other items to the user via delivery
appliance 10.
[0052] Method 200 may further include, at step 220, obtaining a
required storage capacity of the item to be delivered. In this
regard, it may be desirable that the delivery notification from the
delivery agent includes certain information to facilitate improved
appliance operation and preparedness for the anticipated delivery.
Thus, according to exemplary embodiment, the delivery notification
may be received from a delivery agent and may include information
such as the anticipated delivery time, a desired storage
temperature, a required space or storage capacity needed to store
delivered items, etc. As used herein, the term "delivery agent" is
generally intended to refer to any party that intends to deliver
one or more items of any type for storage within delivery appliance
10. For example, the delivery agent may be a grocery store, a
parcel delivery service, an online retailer, a postal service, or
any other party wishing to deposit one or more items within
delivery appliance 10.
[0053] It should be appreciated that communications between
delivery appliance 10, a user of delivery appliance 10, and
delivery agents may be facilitated in any suitable manner. For
example, according to exemplary embodiments, these entities may
interact via network 102, through controller 96, via remote
consumer device 104, using remote server 106, or in any other
suitable manner. In addition, delivery appliance 10 and/or consumer
device 104 may be in communication with the Internet and the online
retailer through which the item to be delivered was ordered, and
may thereby receive useful information regarding delivery schedule,
storage requirements, potential rescheduling times, or to
communicate any other information related to the delivery of the
item.
[0054] Step 230 may include determining an available storage
capacity within a storage container of the temperature-controlled
delivery appliance using an object detection assembly. In this
regard, continuing the example from above, object detection
assembly 110 may be used to analyze the space within one or more
storage containers 14 to determine how much space is available to
receive new items and whether the scheduled item to be delivered
can be stored within storage containers 14.
[0055] For example, step 240 may include determining that the
required storage capacity is greater than the available storage
capacity. In other words, the item to be delivered may require more
space than available in delivery appliance 10. In such an event, it
may be desirable to adjust the delivery or otherwise address the
space limitations within storage container 14 prior to the
anticipated delivery time. As such, step 250 may include providing
a capacity notification in response to determining that the
required storage capacity is greater than the available storage
capacity.
[0056] The capacity notification may be provided from any suitable
source (e.g., such as controller 96) to any suitable entity in
order to encourage corrective action to avoid delivery of an item
that cannot be received within delivery appliance 10. In this
regard, for example, the capacity notification may be provided to
the delivery agent and may include instructions regarding an
alternative delivery location or alternative delivery instructions.
According to still other embodiments, the capacity notification may
pause or cancel the delivery, may attempt to reschedule the
delivery with the delivery agent, or may make any other suitable
modification to the item delivery in order to mitigate the negative
effects associated with the lack of capacity in delivery appliance
10.
[0057] In addition, or alternatively, the capacity notification may
be provided to the user of delivery appliance 10 (e.g., via
consumer device 104). In this regard, controller 96 may notify the
user that an upcoming delivery is scheduled and that there is not
sufficient capacity within delivery appliance 10 to accept the
item. The user may respond directly on their consumer device 104 as
to whether they intend to remove an item, reschedule delivery, or
otherwise modify the item delivery. This intended responsive action
from the user may be communicated to the delivery agent, e.g., to
prevent cancellation of item delivery in the event corrective
action has been taken, to propose another delivery time, etc.
[0058] Step 260 may include determining that a user is nearby the
temperature-controlled delivery appliance using a user proximity
detection device. As explained briefly above, user proximity
detection device 120 may detect when a user has arrived home or at
the location where delivery appliance 10 is located. At this time,
the user may have forgotten that an item was delivered during the
day or that the capacity within delivery appliance 10 is limited.
As a result, it may be desirable to remind the user to empty
storage containers 14 or otherwise retrieve one or more items. In
this regard, step 270 may include providing a reminder to the user
to retrieve the items in the storage container to make room for the
item to be delivered. In this manner, the user may be reminded to
remove the item to free up space to receive the item to be
delivered without requiring rescheduling or other delivery
manipulation.
[0059] According to exemplary embodiments, the delivery
notification may further include an approximated delivery time
delay (e.g., the time delay between receipt of the delivery
notification and the delivery of food items 20), a target
temperature for those food items 20, and any other suitable
information. Method 200 may further include operating the climate
control system to regulate the container temperature to the target
temperature prior to item delivery. In this regard, for example,
the container temperature may be measured using container
temperature sensor 80 and may be fed back continuously to
controller 96. Controller 96 may then operate climate control
system 50 to regulate the container temperature. In addition,
method 200 may include returning the storage container to an energy
conserving temperature after delivered food items 20 are removed
from the storage container, e.g., to conserve energy.
[0060] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary control method having steps
performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and
discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the
disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any
of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged,
expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating
from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although
aspects of the methods are explained using delivery appliance 10
and external communication system 100 as an example, it should be
appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of
any suitable appliance.
[0061] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
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