METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THE SECURE SALE OF TANGIBLE GOODS
First Claim
1. An automated storage system that communicates with a central server via a network, said automated storage system comprising:
- a communication device for communicating with the central server via the network; and
one or more storage compartments each equipped with a lock;
wherein the system is responsive to information received by the communication device from the central server and is configured to open at least one of the locks based on the information.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
These inventions relate generally to methods and systems for consummating asynchronous transactions between users. An “asynchronous transaction” is a transaction that involves an exchange of goods which does not require the seller, on the one hand, and the purchaser or renter, on the other hand, to schedule a time to meet to physically transfer the item to be delivered. The disclosed systems include an automated storage device in communication with a central server, the automated storage device comprising a plurality of locked storage compartments. A seller may deposit an item in a locked storage compartment for a purchaser or renter to pick up at a later time. The disclosure also includes methods to authenticate the seller and the purchaser or renter prior to granting access to the locked storage compartment, as well as methods to resolve disputes that may arise between the seller and the purchaser or renter.
26 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An automated storage system that communicates with a central server via a network, said automated storage system comprising:
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a communication device for communicating with the central server via the network; and one or more storage compartments each equipped with a lock; wherein the system is responsive to information received by the communication device from the central server and is configured to open at least one of the locks based on the information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for consummating an asynchronous transaction between users of an online marketplace, comprising the steps of:
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receiving, at a central server, information from a selling user regarding an item that the selling user wishes to sell; publishing the received information on an online marketplace; receiving, at the central server, an offer from a purchasing user to purchase the item; selecting an automated storage device from among a plurality of automated storage devices; providing information regarding the selected automated storage device to the selling user and the purchasing user; sending instructions from the central server to cause the selected automated storage device to provide access to at least one selected storage compartment to the selling user; and sending instructions from the central server to cause the selected automated storage device to provide access to the selected storage compartment to the purchasing user. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification