Method for automated package pick-up and delivery
First Claim
1. An automated package pick-up and delivery station comprising:
- a housing;
at least one information input system coupled to the housing to receive shipping and identification information;
at least one package portal located in the housing and arranged to receive and dispense packages, the portal including an access control arrangement to secure a received package within the housing; and
a controller coupled to the at least one information input system and the access control arrangement of the at least one package receiving and dispensing portal, wherein the controller is arranged to associate package and intended recipient identification information with a received package, and control operation of the access control arrangement to permit depositing of the package into the at least one package portal, the controller also being arranged to process identification information to authenticate identity of an intended recipient, and to control operation of the access control arrangement to permit dispensing of the package from the at least one portal.
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Abstract
A system and method for automated package delivery and pick-up include at least one package portal located in a delivery and pick-up station to receive and dispense packages from the station. A station controller is coupled to an information input system and the package receiving and dispensing portal mechanism, and is arranged to associate package and intended recipient identification information with a received package. The controller is also arranged to process identification information, which may include biometric information, to authenticate the identity of an intended recipient, and to permit dispensing of the package from the at least one portal in response thereto. The station supports unattended delivery and pick-up of packages to improve overall efficiency of a package delivery system as well as user convenience and safety.
118 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An automated package pick-up and delivery station comprising:
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a housing;
at least one information input system coupled to the housing to receive shipping and identification information;
at least one package portal located in the housing and arranged to receive and dispense packages, the portal including an access control arrangement to secure a received package within the housing; and
a controller coupled to the at least one information input system and the access control arrangement of the at least one package receiving and dispensing portal, wherein the controller is arranged to associate package and intended recipient identification information with a received package, and control operation of the access control arrangement to permit depositing of the package into the at least one package portal, the controller also being arranged to process identification information to authenticate identity of an intended recipient, and to control operation of the access control arrangement to permit dispensing of the package from the at least one portal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for automating package pick-up and delivery, the method comprising:
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associating package recipient information with a storage location and associated package within a package pick-up and delivery station;
collecting biometric information from a potential package recipient;
comparing the biometric information with the package recipient information to determine if a recipient is authorized to receive a package; and
automatically allowing access to the storage location if the biometric information indicates the recipient is authorized to receive the package. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification