System and method for facilitating receipt and collection of goods ordered from online retailers
First Claim
1. A method of operating an enclosure by use of a remote computing system, wherein the enclosure is located at a customer residence and the enclosure is coupled to a local microcontroller, the local microcontroller in communication with the remote computing system via a network connection, the method comprising:
- receiving a tracking number at the remote computing system, the tracking number corresponding to a package to be delivered to the enclosure;
in response to receiving the tracking number, downloading the tracking number from the remote computing system to the microcontroller via the network connection;
saving the tracking number in a local memory in the microcontroller;
scanning a bar code on the package at a scanner coupled to the controller;
transforming the bar code to a checksum;
comparing the checksum to the tracking number in the local memory;
if the checksum matches the tracking number, opening a lock on the enclosure for delivery of the package, the lock operably coupled to the controller
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus to implement and operate a network of automated collection points is described. The automated collection points facilitate the delivery of goods to a customer. The invention allows customers, delivery agents, or retailers to arrange for the delivery of goods ordered from a retailer to an automated collection point which can be accessed by a customer. The automated collection point may include different type of interfaces, such as barcode readers, smart card readers, biometric scanners, or keypads. The automated collection point is connected via a network medium to a collection of one or more servers referred to as a Locker Management System. A Locker Management System may control two or more automated collection points. These automated collection points may be located at separate geographical locations. When a package is delivered to an ACP site, it is identified to an interface on the ACP by its package ID. In embodiments, the package ID may be embedded in the ACP site address on the ship-to label on the package. In embodiments, the package ID may be encoded as a bar code on a label on the package—this bar code may be scanned on a bar code scanning interface coupled to the automated collection point. In other embodiments, the package ID may be transmitted wirelessly to a detector coupled to the automated collection point. In yet another embodiment, the package ID may be typed into a keyboard in communication with the automated collection point. Upon validating the package ID, the automated collection point will open to permit access, so that the package may be placed into an appropriately-sized secure locker. In embodiments of the invention, upon receipt of the package by the automated collection point, the customer will automatically be sent a message containing notification of the delivery. The message may include a numeric code for opening the locker.
115 Citations
90 Claims
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1. A method of operating an enclosure by use of a remote computing system, wherein the enclosure is located at a customer residence and the enclosure is coupled to a local microcontroller, the local microcontroller in communication with the remote computing system via a network connection, the method comprising:
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receiving a tracking number at the remote computing system, the tracking number corresponding to a package to be delivered to the enclosure;
in response to receiving the tracking number, downloading the tracking number from the remote computing system to the microcontroller via the network connection;
saving the tracking number in a local memory in the microcontroller;
scanning a bar code on the package at a scanner coupled to the controller;
transforming the bar code to a checksum;
comparing the checksum to the tracking number in the local memory;
if the checksum matches the tracking number, opening a lock on the enclosure for delivery of the package, the lock operably coupled to the controller - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of operating an enclosure by use of a remote computing system, the remote computing system operably coupled to the enclosure via a network connection, wherein entry to the enclosure is controlled by an automated lock, the method comprising:
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receiving a first tracking number at a portable handheld device, the first tracking number corresponding to a package to be delivered to the enclosure;
receiving the first tracking number wirelessly from a transponder resident on the handheld device to a receiver coupled to the enclosure;
in response to receiving the first tracking number, sending the first tracking number to the remote computing system via the network;
comparing the first tracking number to a checksum stored at the remote computing site;
in response to comparing the first tracking number, sending an activation command to the enclosure from the remote computing site via the network connection;
in response to the activation command, opening the automated lock for deposit of the package. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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23. A method of operating an enclosure by use of a remote computing system, the enclosure secured by an automated lock operably coupled to a local microcontroller, the remote computing system in communication with the microcontroller via a network connection, wherein the enclosure includes a bar code scanner operably coupled to the microcontroller, the method comprising:
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scanning a bar code printed on a label affixed to a package to the bar code scanner;
communicating the bar code from the scanner to the microcontroller;
receiving the barcode at the remote computing system from the microcontroller via the network;
in response to receiving the barcode, comparing the barcode at the remote computing system to a tracking number for the package;
in response to comparing the barcode, sending an activation command from the computing system to the microcontroller via the network;
opening the lock in response to the command for delivery of the package.
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30. A method of operating a storage device for the delivery and pick-up of goods, the storage device including an automated lock operably coupled to a local microcontroller fixed to the storage device, the microcontroller in communication with a remote computing system via a wide area network, the method comprising:
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sending a request from the microcontroller to the remote computing system to receive a plurality of codes, each of the plurality of codes identifying a different company from a plurality of delivery companies;
in response to the request, downloading the plurality of codes from the remote computing system to a microcontroller from a remote computing system;
receiving a delivery company code at an input device locally coupled to the storage device;
searching for the delivery company code against the plurality of codes in the microcontroller;
if the searching for the delivery company code is successful, opening the automated lock by use of the microcontroller. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41)
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38. A storage device for the delivery and pick-up of goods, the storage device comprising:
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a plurality of enclosures for receiving and securing the goods, the plurality of enclosures being located at a centralized drop-off site, each of an enclosure including a locking mechanism and an input device for unlocking the enclosure coupled to a plurality of enclosures;
a host system including a server, a database and a memory in communication with the plurality of enclosures, the host system being located remotely from the plurality of enclosures, the host system providing an activation to lock each enclosure when a product code unique to a purchased product is matched with an identifier code located on the purchased product.
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42. A storage device for the delivery and pick-up of goods, the storage device comprising:
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a plurality of enclosures for receiving and securing the goods, at least a portion of the enclosures being located at different drop-off sites, each of an enclosure including a locking mechanism and input device for unlocking the enclosure;
a host system including a server, a database and a memory in communication with the plurality of enclosures, the host system being located remotely from the plurality of enclosures, the host system providing an activation to lock each enclosure when a product code unique to a purchased product is matched with an identifier code located on the purchased product wherein at least a first portion of the plurality of enclosures are located at home locations of customers. - View Dependent Claims (43)
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44. A storage device for the delivery and pick-up of goods, the storage device comprising:
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a plurality of enclosures for receiving and securing the goods, at least a portion of the enclosures being located at different drop-off sites, each of an enclosure including a locking mechanism and input device for unlocking the enclosure;
a host system including a server, a database and a memory in communication with the plurality of enclosures, the host system being located remotely from the plurality of enclosures, the host system providing an activation to unlock each enclosure when a product code unique to a purchased product is matched with an identifier code located on the purchased product. - View Dependent Claims (46, 48)
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45. A storage device for the delivery and pick-up of goods, the storage device comprising:
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a plurality of enclosures for receiving and securing the goods, at least a portion of the enclosures being located at different drop-off sites, each of an enclosure including a locking mechanism, an input device for locking or unlocking the enclosure and an enclosure memory;
a host system including a server, a database and a memory in communication with the plurality of enclosures, the host system being located remotely from the plurality of enclosures, the host system providing an activation to unlock or lock each enclosure when a product code associated with a purchased product is matched with an identifier code located on the purchased product, wherein the host system downloads a product code to the enclosure memory to unlock or lock the enclosure.
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47. A storage device for the delivery and pick-up of goods, the storage device comprising:
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a plurality of enclosures for receiving and securing the goods, at least a portion of the enclosures being located at different customer dwelling sites, each of an enclosure including a locking mechanism, an input device for unlocking or unlocking the enclosure and an enclosure memory;
a host system including a server, a database and a memory in communication with the plurality of enclosures, the host system being located remotely from the plurality of enclosures, the host system providing an activation to unlock or lock each enclosure when a delivery company identifier of a delivery company is matched with an identifier code of the delivery company at the customer dwelling site.
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49. A storage device for the delivery and pick-up of goods, the storage device comprising:
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a plurality of enclosures for receiving and securing the goods, at least a portion of the enclosures being located at different customer dwelling sites, each of an enclosure including a locking mechanism, an input device for unlocking or unlocking the enclosure and an enclosure memory;
a host system including a server, a database and a memory in communication with the plurality of enclosures, the host system being located remotely from the plurality of enclosures, the host system providing an activation to unlock or lock each enclosure when one of when a product code associated with a purchased product is matched with an identifier code located on the purchased product, wherein the host system downloads a product code or a delivery company identifier of a delivery company to the enclosure memory to unlock or lock the enclosure and is matched with an identifier code of the delivery company or a product code unique to a purchased product at the customer dwelling site.
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50. A product delivery system, comprising:
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a host system including at least one host system server with a host system memory;
a customer interface coupled to the host system;
wherein the host system provides a delivery company identifier to a customer that authenticates a delivery company as authorized to deliver products to a customer pick up site. - View Dependent Claims (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74)
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59. A method of determining a delivery address for a purchase product, comprising:
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providing a host system coupled to one or more retail site system, the host system including a database with a plurality of delivery addresses;
inputting a requested delivery address for a purchaser by the retail site;
determining at least one collection point for the requested delivery address by the host system;
calculating a delivery fee for each collection point by the host system.
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75. A method of determining a delivery address for a purchase product, comprising:
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providing a host system coupled to one or more retail site systems, the host system including a database with a plurality of delivery addresses;
inputting a requested delivery address for a purchaser by the retail site;
determining at least one collection point for the requested delivery address by the host system;
calculating a delivery fee for each collection point by the host system;
wherein the host system includes a list of couriers. - View Dependent Claims (76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90)
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Specification