Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SYSTEM OPERATED RESPONSIVE TO DATA BEARING RECORDS
DAN-020 R
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a depository apparatus and system that operates to
control and
record the receipt and removal of deposit items in response to data bearing
records.
BACKGROUND
Depositories that operate to accept deposit items from users have been
implemented in a
number of different business environments. Commonly depositories are
implemented for
receiving items that are to be provided to an owner of the depository. For
example, depositories
have been implemented to receive financial deposits, utility bill payments or
other items of value
which are to be provided only to the bank, utility company or other entity
that operates the
.. depository. Generally the depositories are implemented so that once an item
has been deposited
therein by the user, only an authorized representative of the depository
operator is enabled to
access the deposited items and remove them from the depository for further
processing.
Various endeavors have been made to improve depositories and the processes
associated
with the receipt and removal of deposit items. However, depositories and
depository systems
may benefit from improvements.
SUMMARY
The exemplary arrangements described herein relate to a depository and
associated
system that operate to accept and make available deposit items to authorized
users responsive at
least in part to data read from data bearing records. Each exemplary
depository includes a body
that bounds an interior area which is configured to hold deposit items. The
exemplary interior
1
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
area is accessible through an opening in the body. Access through the opening
to the interior
area is controlled by a door that is mounted in connection with the body and
is movable between
open and closed positions. An electronic lock is associated with the door. The
lock is
selectively changeable between locked and unlocked conditions. In the locked
condition the lock
is operative to hold the door in the closed position preventing access to the
interior area.
The exemplary depository includes at least one sensor comprising a reading
device. The
reading device is configured to read indicia on items that are positionable
within the interior area.
The exemplary embodiment further includes at least one input device. The at
least one input
device is usable to input data which enables authorized users to access the
interior area of the
depository.
In the exemplary arrangement the depository includes control circuitry. The
control
circuitry is in operative connection with the at least one reading device, the
at least one input
device, the lock and at least one wireless communication device. Responsive to
the receipt of
user identifying information from data bearing records through the at least
one input device, the
control circuitry is operative to cause an access determination to be made
that the received user
identifying information corresponds to stored data associated with an
authorized user that is
authorized to access the interior area of the depository. Responsive at least
in part to the
determination that the data bearing record data corresponds to an authorized
user, the lock is
changed from the locked condition to the unlocked condition such that the
authorized user can
open the door and access the interior area.
The exemplary control circuitry is further operative to cause the at least one
reading
device to read item indicia from a deposit item that is either being placed in
or removed from the
interior area. The control circuitry is further operative responsive to the at
least one reading
2
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
device to determine an action status indicative of whether the deposit item is
removed from or
placed into the interior area. An item determination is made through operation
of the control
circuitry concerning whether the item indicia that is read from the deposit
item corresponds to
stored data associated with a deposit item to be placed into or removed from
the interior area of
the depository by the authorized user.
Once the deposit item has been placed in or removed from the interior area of
the
depository, the door is closed and the control circuitry is operative to
return the lock to the
locked condition. A system in operative connection with the exemplary control
circuitry is
operative to track the status of the deposit item. This may include for
example, tracking
transport of the deposit item to another depository into which the item can be
deposited by the
authorized user who removed it from the first depository, so that the item may
then undergo
further processing activity. Alternatively, the system may enable a further
authorized user to
access and remove a deposit item that had been previously placed in the
depository, and track the
receipt of the deposit item by an authorized user that is the authorized
recipient of the item.
Alternative depositories may include a plurality of interior areas the access
to each of which is
selectively controlled by a respective door and a respective lock.
Exemplary embodiments of the control circuitry associated with the depository
enable
determining the available space in the interior area. This enables evaluating
whether the
depository has space available to accept a further deposit item prior to a
user who is seeking to
deposit an item being directed to the depository. Other exemplary arrangements
include one or
more indicators which operate responsive to the control circuitry and the at
least one reading
device, to provide indications to users that they have placed or removed
proper deposit items
from the interior area. Other exemplary arrangements include the ability for
the depository to
3
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
provide audit information that includes identifying indicia associated with
deposit items
currently positioned in the interior area, as well as data regarding items
previously placed in or
removed from the depository. Exemplary arrangements may also capture and store
images of
users and deposit items to further provide records of activities conducted at
the depository.
In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary system, there is provided a
parcel
transaction monitor, for a monitored-access parcel depository which may
alternatively or referred
to herein as a repository. The repository may include at least one controller
with a
sensor/actuator array operable to monitor parcel transactions for at least one
of parcel delivery or
parcel extraction transactions in relation the associated repository.
The exemplary monitor provides for at least one of: an incipient transaction
detection
module for prospectively detecting an incipient parcel transaction in relation
to the repository of
an at least one of a possible parcel for delivery transaction, or a possible
parcel carrier intent on a
repository parcel transaction; a parcel transaction characterization module
for differentially
characterizing a parcel transaction; or, a parcel-inventory and transaction-
recording module for
sensing a change in repository parcel inventory resulting from a repository
parcel transaction.
Aspects of the exemplary systems include an incipient transaction detection
module
comprised of a controller and sensor/actuator array for use with a controlled-
access parcel
repository and including an at least one sensor for detecting proximity of a
possible parcel for
delivery or a possible parcel carrier intent on a repository parcel
transaction.
Aspects of the exemplary systems further include a parcel transaction
characterization
module comprised of a controller and sensor/actuator array for use with a
controlled-access
parcel repository, and including at least one automated sensor operable to
facilitate at least one of
package or carrier identification sensing of a corresponding at least one of a
possible package or
4
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
possible carrier presenting at said repository, wherein said module
differentiates sensed
identification sensor input thereof to characterize the impending transaction
and variously
facilitate related operations by the controller/array.
Aspects of the exemplary systems also related to a parcel-inventory and
transaction-
recording module, for use with a controlled-access parcel repository, wherein
said
controller/array includes at least one sensor for sensing a change in package
inventory resulting
from a repository parcel transaction.
Aspects of the exemplary systems also extend to an accessibility control, for
a controlled-
access parcel repository, and including at least one controller with a
sensor/actuator array
operable to selectively control access to said parcel repository, and
comprised of at least one
controller with a sensor/actuator array operable to facilitate controlled-
access parcel transactions
for at least one of parcel delivery or parcel extraction transactions in
relation to said repository,
and providing a parcel transaction characterization module for facilitating
selective locking and
unlocking operations of a repository lock actuator, in association with
authorized parcel
transactions characterized by said parcel transaction characterization module.
Other aspects of the exemplary systems extend to combinations of the monitor
and/or its
various modules with parcel repositories, a controller/array for use in
relation to same, and the
various operations thereof attendant parcel delivery transactions.
Numerous other features and arrangements may be used in exemplary systems to
provide
.. reliable, cost-effective deposit and item tracking capabilities.
5
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a depository of an exemplary embodiment with
access
to the interior area thereof closed, and a portable wireless device which may
be used in
conjunction with operation of the depository.
Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but with the interior area of the
depository
accessible from outside the depository.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of exemplary control circuitry used in connection
with the
depository.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a network in which the exemplary depository
may be
operative.
Figure 5 is a plan view of a portable wireless device that is usable by an
authorized user
of the depository in connection with obtaining access thereto for placing
items into or removing
items from the interior area of the depository.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the circuitry associated with the device of
Figure 5 and an
associated system for producing data bearing records that can be associated
with deposit items.
Figure 7 is a plan view of the portable wireless device that may be used by an
authorized
user to access the interior area of a depository for purposes of taking
deposit items therein for
transport.
Figure 8 is a schematic view of circuitry associated with the device of Figure
7, including
the capabilities for tracking the device and deposit items associated with the
user thereof.
Figure 9 is a schematic view of types of data bearing records included in an
exemplary
system related to authorized users who transport deposit items between
depositories.
6
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Figure 10 is a schematic view listing types of data bearing records included
in an
exemplary system associated with depositories related to authorized users who
place deposit
items in depositories for subsequent transport and/or who remove items from
depositories for
purposes of receiving such items.
Figure 11 is a schematic view listing types of data bearing records included
in an
exemplary system which relate to entities that are the owners of the exemplary
depositories.
Figures 12 through 28 are a schematic representation of logic flow carried out
by the
control circuitry of the exemplary depository, associated central system
circuitry and devices
operated by authorized users who place deposit items into and/or remove
deposit items from the
depositories.
Figures 28 through 30 are a schematic representation logic flow carried out by
the control
circuitry of an exemplary depository, associated central system circuitry and
devices operated by
authorized users in connection with removing a deposit item from a depository.
Figures 31 through 34 are a schematic representation of logic flow carried out
by the
control circuitry of the exemplary depository, associated central system
circuitry and devices
operated by authorized users in connection with delivery and payment
associated with a deposit
item placed in the depository.
Figure 35 is a block schematic overview depicting the modules in association
with the
controller and sensor/actuator array.
Figure 36 is a perspective view of a repository embodiment according to
aspects of
exemplary systems.
Figure 37 is an exploded perspective view of the repository depicted in Figure
36.
7
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Figure 38 is perspective view of the repository shown in Figure 36, with a
parcel delivery
chute door in a partially opened position.
Figure 39 is a perspective view of the repository shown in Figure 36, with a
parcel
delivery chute door in a fully opened position.
Figure 40 is a block diagram representation of a controller board according to
an
exemplary arrangement.
Figure 41 is a diagrammatic representation of a controller board
processor/memory and
peripherals interface.
Figure 42 is a block diagram representation of control, data, and address
messaging
between a processor, a peripherals interface and peripheral I/0 devices.
Figure 43 is a block diagram of a controller board according to an exemplary
arrangement, showing various peripherals, interface bus examples, power supply
and a number
of examples of peripherals.
Figure 44 is a detailed layout of an exemplary embodiment showing a controller
board
with connections to various peripherals, a connection to a delivery lock box
and its associated
peripherals.
Figures 45-48 are views of an alternative item repository including a
plurality of
selectively accessible interior areas for housing delivery items.
Figure 49 is a schematic view of a system for the delivery of delivery items.
Figure 50 is a schematic view of system circuitry associated with a delivery
item system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown
therein an
exemplary depository generally indicated 10. A depository is alternatively
referred to herein as a
8
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
repository. The exemplary depository includes a body 12 which bounds an
interior area 14 (see
Figure 2). The interior area 14 is accessible from outside the body 12 through
an opening 16. A
door 18 is movably mounted in operative connection with the body through
hinged connections.
The door 18 is sized for closing the opening 16 when the door is in a closed
position as shown in
.. Figure 1. The door 18 is movable to an open position shown in Figure 2 in
which at least a
portion of the door is disposed from the opening 16 and the interior area 14
is accessible from
outside the body 12.
The exemplary depository 10 further includes at least one input device 20. In
the
exemplary embodiment the at least one input device includes a manually
accessible input device
that is operatively accessible when the door is in the closed position. In
some exemplary
embodiments the at least one input device 20 includes a keypad through which
codes can be
manually input. Further in exemplary arrangements the at least one input
device includes a radio
frequency (RF) input device that is operative to communicate wireless signals
with a portable
wireless device 22. In some exemplary arrangements the RF input device may
include a device
that is operative to communicate signals via a Bluetooth, NFC or other
wireless communication
method.
In other exemplary embodiments input devices may include other types of
readers or
devices that are operative to receive or read indicia. Exemplary input devices
include without
limitation, card readers, token readers, barcode readers, infrared readers or
other types of devices
that may receive inputs that are usable to determine whether access to the
depository should be
provided. Of course it should be understood that multiple different types of
input devices may
be used in operative connection with a single depository depending on the
access requirements
thereto.
9
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
The exemplary depository further includes an electrically actuated lock 24. In
the
exemplary embodiment the lock is changeable between a locked condition in
which the door 18
is held in a closed position, and an unlocked condition in which the door is
enabled to be moved
from the closed position to the open position. The exemplary depository
further includes at least
one sensor which comprises a reading device 26. In the exemplary embodiment
the at least one
reading device includes a plurality of image capture devices including at
least one camera. The
at least one reading device of the exemplary arrangement is usable to read
machine readable
indicia 28 that is included on deposit items 30. In exemplary arrangements the
reading devices
26 are operative to read indicia such as bar codes (including without
limitation two-dimensional
bar codes and QR codes) that are included on deposit items. Further in
exemplary arrangements
the at least one reading device is operative to capture information usable to
make a status
determination that a deposit item is removed from or placed into the interior
area of the
depository. It should be understood however that although in the exemplary
embodiment the
sensors comprising reading devices operate to read visible indicia and capture
images, in other
arrangements other types of reading devices that read different types of
signals or indicia may be
utilized. This may include for example, card readers, fingerprint readers or
other types of
biometric readers including cameras or microphones, L1DAR image capture
devices and readers
that are capable of communicating using wireless signals such as the wireless
input devices
previously discussed.
The exemplary depository 10 further includes at least one indicator 32. As
later
discussed, the at least one indicator is an output device operative to provide
an indication as to
whether a deposit item that is being placed in or removed from the interior
area of the depository
is a correct item to be removed by the particular user who has accessed the
depository. The
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
exemplary depository further includes at least one sensor that comprises a
weight sensor 43. The
at least one weight sensor is usable to determine the weight of one or more
items that are within
an interior area of the depository. The exemplary depository further includes
a wireless
communication device 34. The wireless communication device which is
alternatively referred to
herein as a wireless communication portal or a wireless communication
interface is operative to
enable the control circuitry associated with the depository to communicate
with one or more
remote systems or devices as later discussed. Exemplary depository 10 further
includes solar
panels 36. The exemplary solar panels 36 are in supported connection with the
door 18 and are
suitable for providing electrical power to the depository from exposure of the
solar panels to
sunlight. In the exemplary arrangement a manually engageable handle 38 is in
operative
connection with the door 18 to facilitate the manual opening and closing
thereof by authorized
users. Of course it should be understood that these depository devices and
configurations are
exemplary and in other embodiments other configurations may be used.
As shown schematically in Figure 3 the exemplary depository includes control
circuitry
40. The exemplary control circuitry includes one or more circuits which are
operative to
communicate electrical signals and control the operation of the devices of the
depository. In the
exemplary arrangement the control circuitry 40 includes at least one circuit
including a processor
schematically indicated 42 and at least one data store schematically indicated
44. In exemplary
arrangements the processor may include a processor suitable for carrying out
circuit executable
.. instructions that are stored in the one or more associated data stores. The
processor includes or is
in operative connection with a non-volatile storage medium including
instructions that include a
basic input/output system (BIOS). For example, the processor may correspond to
one or more of
a combination of a CPU, FPGA, ASIC or any other integrated circuit or other
type of circuit that
11
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
is capable of processing data and instructions. The one or more data stores
may correspond to
one or more of volatile or non-volatile memories such as random access memory,
flash memory,
magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or other devices that are
operative to
store computer executable instructions and data. Processor executable
instructions may include
instructions in any of a plurality of programming languages and formats
including, without
limitation, routines, subroutines, programs, scripts, threads of execution,
objects, methodologies
and functions which carry out the actions such as those described herein.
Examples of structures
for processors may be found in, include, correspond to, and utilize the
principles described in
the textbook entitled Microprocessor Architecture, Programming and
Applications with the 8085
by Ramesh S. Gaonker (Prentice Hall 2002). Exemplary arrangements may include
processors
made by Intel Corporation, Advanced Micro Devices or other suitable
processors. Of course it
should be understood that these processors are exemplary of many types of
processors that may be
used.
The exemplary data stores used in connection with exemplary embodiments may
include
one or more of several types of mediums suitable for holding computer
executable instructions
and data. Such instructions and data may be non-transitory. These may include
for example,
magnetic media, optical media, solid-state media or other types of media such
as RAM, ROM,
PROM, flash memory, computer hard drives or any other form of media suitable
for holding data
and circuit executable instructions. Exemplary control circuitry may include
other components
such as hardware and/or software interfaces for communication with devices
within the depository
or for communication with external devices and systems. The exemplary control
circuitry 40
further includes a clock 46. The clock is operative to provide time functions
in connection with
operation of the depository as later discussed.
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-11
As represented in Figure 3 the control circuitry 40 is in operative connection
with the at
least one input device 20, the lock 24 and the at least one sensor including
the at least one
reading device 26. The control circuitry 40 is further in operative connection
with the at least
one indicator 32, thet at least one weight sensor 43 and the at least one
wireless communication
device 34. In the exemplary arrangement the devices of the depository and the
control circuitry
are powered by a battery 48. The battery 48 is in operative connection with
the solar panels 36.
The control circuitry is operative to control the delivery of power to the
battery such that the
battery maintains a suitable power level for operating the depository during
both light and
darkness. However other embodiments may include other power sources, including
the ability to
connect to a suitable available supply of household current or other power for
purposes of
operating the depository.
While the exemplary depository includes a single interior area for holding
deposit items,
other depositories may have other configurations. Such other configurations
may include a
plurality of interior areas each of which are accessible via a respective
opening, each of which
opening has an associated closable door, drawer or other closure member, each
of which is
referred to herein as a door for brevity. Exemplary arrangements of
depositories including a
plurality of interior areas are discussed hereafter in this detailed
description.
Figure 4 shows schematically an exemplary network 50 in which depository 10
may be
operated. It should be understood that this exemplary network arrangement is
shown
schematically and in exemplary arrangements the network may include a
plurality of
interconnected networks.
In the exemplary arrangement a plurality of depositories 10, 52, 54, 56 and 58
are in
operative connection with the network. In exemplary arrangements all these
depositories may be
13
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
similar to depository 10 previously discussed. The control circuitry
associated with each of the
depositories is operative to communicate in the network through the respective
wireless
communication device of the depository. Of course it should be understood that
in other
arrangements the depositories may be in operative connection with one or more
networks via
other wired or wireless communication methods. Further it should be understood
that exemplary
embodiments may include a much larger number of depositories than is
represented in Figure 4.
The exemplary network 50 is in operative connection with central system
circuitry 60.
The exemplary central circuitry includes one or more processors and data
stores of the types
previously discussed. In some arrangements the central system circuitry 60
which is
alternatively referred to herein as central circuitry, may include one or more
servers with
associated data stores 62 that perform the functions hereinafter described.
Exemplary
arrangements may include central system circuitry located at a single
location, or central system
circuitry in a distributed arrangement of control circuitry which operates in
a cloud environment
or other suitable environment for performing the functions described herein.
Numerous different
types of central system circuitry arrangements may be utilized in connection
with exemplary
embodiments.
The exemplary network further includes a plurality of portable wireless
devices that are
operated by users who wish to send deposit items to others or to receive
deposit items from
others through the use of the depositories and associated system. Devices 64,
66 and 68 in
Figure 4 are representative of devices associated with individuals who send
and/or receive
deposit items.
In exemplary arrangements the devices may comprise portable wireless devices
associated with users who are registered users of the system. In some
exemplary arrangements
14
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
the registered users may have stored in at least one data store associated
with the central system
circuitry, user identifying data such as an ID token that uniquely identifies
the registered user,
contact data associated with a device of the registered user such as a phone
number or network
address associated with a user's portable wireless device, funds source data
that corresponds to a
source of funds such as a credit or debit card account or similar monetary
account which in
exemplary arrangements may be credited or debited through operation of the
system, as well as
other associated data. Of course it should be understood that this data that
is associated with
registered system users is exemplary and in other arrangements other types of
registered user
information may be utilized.
Figures 5 and 6 show an exemplary portable wireless device 64 that is used by
such users
in the exemplary network. Device 64 in some exemplary arrangements may include
a portable
smart phone or other portable wireless device which includes user input
devices and user output
devices such as an associated touchscreen 70. The exemplary device 64 may
include other input
devices such as a camera 72, as well as an audio input device such as a
microphone 74 and an
.. audio output device such as a speaker 76. A biometric reader such as the
camera, the
microphone or other reader such as a fingerprint reader may also be included.
The exemplary
device 64 further includes at least one wireless communication device 78. The
at least one
wireless communication device may include a device suitable for Wi-Fi or
cellular
communications. The at least one wireless communication device 78 may also
include a local
RF communication device for providing Bluetooth or NFC communication. Of
course these
devices are exemplary.
The exemplary device further includes control circuitry 80. The control
circuitry is
similar to that previously discussed and may include at least one processor 82
and at least one
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
data store like those previously described. The exemplary control circuitry is
in operative
connection with the component devices of the device 64 as shown. In addition
to
communicating in the network 50, the exemplary device 64 is also enabled to
communicate with
other devices in other networks such as network 86. Network 86 may include a
printer 88 or
other device that is operative to produce data bearing records 90. Such data
bearing records may
include labels bearing parcel identifying indicia or other data suitable for
use in connection with
the exemplary embodiments later discussed.
The exemplary network 50 is also in communication with the plurality of
portable
wireless devices associated with individuals who are item carriers that
transport deposit items
between depositories. These portable wireless devices schematically indicated
92, 94, 96, 98 and
100 they be used by authorized and/or registered system users to access
depositories for purposes
of placing deposit items therein or removing deposit items therefrom. Deposit
items are
alternatively referred to herein as delivery items.
As represented in Figures 7 and 8 the exemplary portable wireless devices such
as device
92, that is operated as a carrier contact device by an individual user who is
an item carrier that
transports deposit items, may include mobile phone devices including an input
output device
such as a touchscreen 102. Exemplary device 92 may further include a camera
104, as well as a
microphone 106 and a speaker 108. It may also include other types of biometric
readers and
other devices. The exemplary device 92 further includes at least one wireless
communication
device 110. The at least one wireless communication device 110 may include a
Wi-Fi interface,
cellular phone interface, Bluetooth, NFC or other wireless interface of the
types previously
discussed. Further in the exemplary arrangement device 92 includes a wireless
communication
interface suitable for providing tracking of the device via a global
positioning system (GPS). The
16
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
GPS capability enables tracking the device as well as the item carrier user
and deposit items
associated therewith in a manner that is later discussed. The exemplary device
further includes
control circuitry 112. The control circuitry 112 includes at least one
processor and at least one
data store of the types previously described. The control circuitry 112
enables operation of the
device 92 in the manner later discussed.
The exemplary network 50 is also in operative connection with portable
wireless devices
which are operated by entities that are owners of respective depositories.
Such owners are
registered system users in the exemplary arrangement. These portable wireless
devices
schematically represented 114, 116 may be similar in exemplary embodiments to
wireless device
.. 64 previously discussed. However such devices may further include circuit
executable
instructions that additionally provide capabilities for the owner of the
depository to receive
payments from the operator of the system for the use of their depositories in
connection with the
storage and transport of deposit items. In exemplary arrangements such
payments are made for
the receipt, storage or delivery of deposit items that are placed into the
depository by third parties
for purposes of having the deposit items transported to an entity other than
the entity associated
with the particular depository into which the item is deposited or received
into the repository for
purposes or pick up by another delivery item recipient.
It should be understood that the network configuration 50 and the devices in
operative
connection therewith are exemplary. Numerous other types of devices, network
configurations
and arrangements may be utilized in connection with exemplary embodiments.
Further while the
exemplary devices operated by users of the system have been generally
described as portable
wireless devices, it should be understood that other types of stationary or
portable computer
17
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
devices may be operated in connection with the system to carry out the
functions described
herein.
In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry 60 is operative to
include in at
least one or more associated data stores 62, data records related to devices
that are utilized in
connection with the exemplary system. For example in exemplary arrangements
the data stores
include identifying data regarding each depository and its respective
location. Data stores may
include data regarding registered system users of the types, previously
discussed. The stored
data regarding depositories in exemplary embodiments also includes data
regarding the entity
that is the owner of the depository, and restrictions that the entity who is
the owner of the
depository may have placed on the use thereof. For example in some
arrangements the owner of
the depository may restrict use solely to receiving therein or having removed
therefrom deposit
items that are received or sent by the owner of the depository. Other
depository owners may
establish rules which allow other entities to provide deposit items into the
depository for
transport elsewhere, or to receive items in the depository that can be taken
from the depository
by the authorized recipient entities.
Other exemplary rules that may be established in connection with depositories
may
include only having the depository available to be accessed by certain
transport users, such as
users who have achieved a certain security level or performance rating. This
may include for
example transport users for deposit items who have achieved above a certain
rating based on
background checks and/or measured metrics for performance, reliability and
dependability.
Other rules associated with depositories may include restrictions on days of
the week and/or
times during particular days when entities other than the depository owner, is
permitted to access
the depository. Numerous different restrictions may be set for depositories by
depository owners
18
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
or the central system circuitry operator for purposes of operating the
depository in connection
with the system.
In addition stored data regarding depositories may include information related
to security
features or other features associated with the depository. For example in
order to provide secure
communication between the central circuitry and each depository, the
depository and the central
circuitry may have respective public and private key pairs and digital
certificates that enable
secure communication between the central circuitry and the control circuitry
of the respective
depository. This enables the control circuitry of the depository and the
central circuitry to
identify the system originating messages and to be assured of the origin of
received messages. In
addition the central circuitry and the control circuitry of each depository
may include respective
programming that enables the sending of instructions or other messages which
enable the
operation or performance of certain functions. For example the control
circuitry of the
respective depository may include programming from the central system that is
operative to
cause the locking or unlocking of the respective lock of the depository in
response to the receipt
of certain messages and/or data by the depository from the central system.
Further in exemplary
arrangements the central system may be operative to cause the control
circuitry of a respective
depository to operate the plurality of reading devices therein for purposes of
determining the
amount of space that is currently available in the interior area of the
depository. Such
functionality may enable the central circuitry to determine the ability of the
particular depository
to accept therein a deposit item having a particular size that may be
available for deposit into the
depository.
Further in exemplary embodiments the central circuitry may operate in
accordance with
its programming to maintain data corresponding to the indicia associated with
deposit items that
19
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
are currently positioned in the interior area of each depository. Further, in
exemplary
arrangements the central system may communicate with a respective depository
so as to cause
the control circuitry thereof to deliver to the central circuitry, data
corresponding to activities that
have been conducted at the depository. This may include not only the indicia
usable to identify
.. deposit items currently therein, but also historical record data related to
deposit items placed into
the depository and/or deposit items removed therefrom, and data associated
with the users and
times associated with each respective activity that has occurred. In exemplary
arrangements
each depository may also operate to have its control circuitry store images
associated with
activities that occur at the depository. This may include images of each user
who places a
deposit item into or removes a deposit item from the interior area of the
depository. Such image
data may also include item identifying indicia included on each item that is
placed in or removed
from the depository by the authorized user as well as other data associated
with each event or
activity that has occurred. Instructions communicated from the central
circuitry may be
operative to cause the control circuitry of a respective depository to send
image data
.. corresponding to the captured images associated with the activities that
have occurred at the
depository. This may further enable documenting the deposit or removal of
deposit items as well
as facilitate resolving any discrepancies which may occur. Of course these
functions and
capabilities, and stored record data of the central circuitry and each
depository is exemplary, and
in other embodiments other approaches may be used.
Further in exemplary embodiments the central system circuitry 60 is operative
to include
in the at least one data store 62 information regarding the devices and
authorized and/or
registered users who utilize the depositories included in the system. For
example in an
exemplary embodiment the central circuitry is operative to include the
information shown in
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Figure 9 for the devices such as devices 92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 that are
operated by the
authorized users who access the depositories and transport deposit items. In
the exemplary
arrangements each of the authorized and/or registered users has included in
the data store
associated with their portable wireless device, identifying data that is
usable in conjunction with
the depositories to indicate that the user of the device is an authorized
and/or registered user.
Such data may include for example, ID token information which can be utilized
to identify the
= user as an authorized and/or registered user. Such token information may
include digital
information that can be correlated through operation of the central circuitry
with the identity of
the particular individual that is associated with operation of the particular
device. In addition
such token information may include other types of data which can be used for
identification
purposes. Such other types of data may include for example, user biometric
data such as
fingerprint data, iris scan data or other data that comprises record data that
is uniquely associated
with the user.
Further in other exemplary arrangements stored data regarding users may
include other
record data which may be utilized in connection with operation of the system.
For example in
systems that utilize card data for purposes of accessing depositories, the
record data maintained
by the central circuitry may include the data corresponding to the respective
user's card data and
other associated data for the respective user. This enables the system to
compare the data
received through the at least one input device of a depository, to stored data
so as to identify the
person seeking access to the depository as an authorized user who is
appropriately authorized to
have access thereto. Of course the approaches described in connection with the
authorized users
are exemplary, and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.
21
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Further as described in connection with Figure 9, the record data associated
with devices
operated by users who transport items may include information regarding
payments to such
users. In the exemplary system the users who transport items between the
depositories are paid
for the transport services. The payment for services may be based on certain
information
regarding the particular depository item that is transported such as, the size
of the item, the
weight of the item, the distance and timing associated with such transport and
other factors. The
exemplary data that is stored by the central circuitry further includes data
regarding payments
that are made to the individuals who perform the transport services. Such
payment data may also
include data such as account data associated with a funds source of the user
which enables the
making of the payments to the user for the services provided. Alternatively
such funds source
data may be associated with an account that can be credited for amounts
payable or refundable.
This may include for example, information regarding a PayPal account, a Venmo
account, a
bank account, an electronic stored value account or other accounts into which
appropriate
payments to such users may be made.
Further in the exemplary arrangement the central circuitry is operative to
include data
regarding the activities that are performed by each respective user who is an
item carrier that
transports deposit items in connection with the system. Such data may include
contact data for
the mobile wireless carrier contact device of the item carrier. Such data may
include metrics
which include information on the timeliness and reliability of the particular
individual. For
example as later discussed, transport activities associated with particular
deposit items are
assigned by the system to the particular authorized user, and the activity is
reserved to the user
for a particular time. In cases where the particular user that is initially
assigned to the activity
does not perform the activity within the allotted time, the system is
operative to reassign the
22
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
activity to another item carrier user. Such events where an activity is not
performed by a user is
considered significant to the user's performance. Likewise in situations where
an authorized
user has taken longer than would normally be expected to accomplish the
transport of the deposit
item to a depository destination, such factors would also be significant in
terms of the user's
associated metrics. Losses of items and cases of misdirected deposit items are
also significant
metrics. These and other metrics are recorded through operation of the central
system circuitry
with regard to each authorized item carrier transport user.
Further the exemplary central system circuitry is operative to apply ratings
to each
authorized user based on the metrics that are associated with the user's
performance. Such user
ratings may be utilized in connection with screening authorized users for
purposes of accessing
certain depositories and/or handling certain types or values of deposit items.
Such ratings may
also be utilized in connection with determining the rate that is paid to the
user for the transport
activities that are performed. Of course these categories that are represented
in Figure 9 are
exemplary and in other embodiments other or additional information regarding
such users may
be stored and evaluated through operation of the central circuitry.
Figure 10 shows exemplary records and data items that may be associated with
shipper
and recipient users and their associated devices that place items into
depositories for purposes of
requesting deliveries to other depositories and/or that receive items from
depositories. In the
exemplary network arrangement this data would be associated with devices 64,
66 and 68 of
registered users. As is the case in connection with individuals and devices
that provide transport
services, the data associated with these devices include ID tokens or other
identifying record
information that can be utilized to reliably identify the user or device is
one that is authorized to
access the depository. As the individuals that provide the functions of
providing deposit items to
23
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
be transported to the depositories will generally be required to pay for the
transport services, the
central circuitry includes data for such users that include a fund source such
as account data for
assessing charges associated with payments for shipments. This may include
credit card
accounts, bank accounts, PayPal accounts or other suitable accounts from which
payments may
be made.
Further in the exemplary system individuals in this category may choose to
travel an
extended distance to a depository in order to receive a deposit item that
would otherwise be
handled by an item carrier user that is paid to transport the item to a
destination depository
substantially closer to the recipient. In the exemplary system if the
recipient chooses to conduct
a substantial portion of the transport by taking the item from a depository
that is remotely located
from the destination that the person arranging for shipment has paid to have
the item delivered
to, then the central circuitry is operative to compensate the recipient for
the transport activity
associated with picking up the item from the remote destination. As such the
exemplary central
circuitry includes data regarding account information which can be credited
for pickup amounts
to which the authorized user receiving an item may be entitled. This account
information may
include account information for accounts which can be credited with value to
the recipient for
transport and pick up of deposit items. Of course it should be understood that
the data types
shown for this category of authorized user and their associated devices in
Figure 10 is merely
exemplary of some items of information which may be included in records of the
central
circuitry.
Figure 11 shows exemplary record data that is associated with owners of
depositories and
their associated devices. The data shown in Figure 11 would generally be
associated with the
devices 114, 116 that were previously discussed in connection with the
exemplary network 50.
24
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Similar to other devices, the devices associated with depository owners would
include the
identifying information which identifies the user as an authorized or
registered shipper or
recipient user. In addition in the exemplary arrangement the records
associated with the
depository owner includes data regarding the restrictions on the depositories
such as those
previously discussed. The exemplary central circuitry is operative to
associate the depository
owner with the respective depository that is owned by the depository owner and
to cause the
restrictions set by the owner for the depository to be applicable to the
records associated with the
depository in the one or more data stores of the central circuitry.
Further in the exemplary arrangements the depository owners are generally
entities that
engage in sending deposit items for transport and receiving deposit items. As
such the data
associated with the depository owners includes a funds source such as account
information
corresponding to accounts which can be assessed for charges associated with
transport of deposit
items to remote depository destinations. Further in exemplary arrangements the
central circuitry
is operative to compensate depository owners for deposit items that are placed
in the depository
of the depository owner by other authorized user individuals for purposes of
transport to other
depositories. In the exemplary arrangement the depository owner is compensated
for the use of
their depository by such third parties. The exemplary system is operative to
include in the data
associated with the depository owners, account information concerning accounts
that are credited
through operation the central circuitry for the use of the depository by other
authorized entities.
Of course the types of record data shown as maintained by the central
circuitry for the
different types of devices and users associated with the system, is exemplary.
Additional types
of information will generally be stored in association with the various types
of devices and users
to facilitate operation of the system and to provide record-keeping and
tracking for the activities
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
that are carried out in connection therewith. Further as can be appreciated,
the central circuitry is
operative to store data associated with the whereabouts of deposit items that
are moving through
the system at all times, and to track the status of depositories, and
individuals who provide
transport for the items, such that the whereabouts of each deposit item
throughout the term of its
inclusion in the system can be determined at all times. In exemplary
arrangements the central
circuitry is operative to estimate arrival times for depository items at
destination depositories and
makes such data available to users responsible for sending the items and
recipients. Further
historical information on each deposit item is also maintained for a
programmed time. To assure
that any errors or lost situations can be tracked, investigated and remedied,
tracking and image
data can be accessed through the central system circuitry as well as from each
of the respective
depositories.
A schematic representation of the logic flow that is carried out through
operation of the
central system circuitry, the depositories and the portable wireless devices
of entities that
provide, transport and receive deposit items, is shown in Figures 12 through
27. This exemplary
logic flow of each of the devices involved is exemplary and is described in
connection with an
example that is intended to be representative of the operation of the various
devices. Deposit
items are alternatively referred to herein as delivery items. Of course
numerous other features
and operations may be utilized in connection with exemplary embodiments.
The example of the logic flow commences with an authorized user of the system
who
wishes to have a deposit item transported to a remote destination operating
their respective
portable wireless device such as wireless device 64. In the exemplary logic
flow the entity
wishing to have the deposit item transported may be referred to as a shipper
for purposes of
simplicity in connection with this particular example.
26
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
As represented in a step 118 the individual wishing to have a deposit item
transported
operates their associated device such as device 64 to provide inputs which
indicate that they wish
to have an item transported. In a next step 120 the user operates the device
to provide inputs
which are usable to identify the user as an authorized and/or registered user
of the system. In a
next step 122 the user is operative to provide inputs to their device which
indicates the payment
method that will be utilized to make payment for the transport of the deposit
item. In exemplary
arrangements this may include selection from a menu to indicate the type of
payment or account
that the user wishes to utilize in connection with the deposit item. The user
may also be required
to provide information or respond to certain questions regarding the item.
These questions may
include providing information regarding whether the item is flammable or
otherwise hazardous.
The individual may also be required to indicate whether the item contains
perishable or fragile
material. The user may also be required to provide information regarding the
weight of the item
and/or the value of the item. Of course these queries are merely exemplary.
In a step 124 the user operates the device to indicate a delivery item
originating address
which corresponds to the origin for the transport of the deposit item. This
may include the user's
business address or other address. In some arrangements it may include a
business address
associated with the particular depository into which the deposit item will
eventually be placed for
purposes of initiating the transport activity. In a step 126 the user inputs
to the device address
information for the delivery item destination location which corresponds to a
point or area of
delivery of the particular deposit item. This may include an address
associated with a remote
depository that is associated with the entity that will receive the deposit
item. Alternatively in
other arrangements the delivery address may include an address or area
associated with an entity
that does not have a dedicated depository. In such cases the delivery address
may include
27
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
information regarding an authorized user of the system that is enabled to
access a depository is
located in proximity to them for purposes of receiving the deposit item to be
transported.
In the exemplary arrangement the user wishing to arrange for transport of an
item may
wish to pay an incentive fee in order to have the item delivered more promptly
or under certain
circumstances. In the exemplary arrangement the programming associated with
the user device
enables the user arranging for transport to apply an incentive for particular
delivery parameters
or timing that is associated with the particular deposit item. This is
represented in a step 128.
This may be a payment for delivery within a set time such as within one day,
for example. Of
course if the user does not wish to apply an incentive, the programming
associated with the
device will cause the standard rates set through operation of the central
circuitry to apply.
The exemplary programming associated with the user's device includes the
capability to
capture images of the deposit item such that the size of the deposit item can
be assessed. In some
exemplary arrangements the user device may require the user to input
dimensions of the deposit
item and/or the weight thereof via a touch screen or other input device. This
is represented in a
step 130. Assessing the size of the deposit item is useful for purposes of
enabling the central
system circuitry to determine depositories where sufficient space is available
in the interior area
for purposes of receiving the deposit item therein at the present time. This
may be done in the
manner previously discussed using the reading devices that are included in the
respective
depositories. The size as well as weight can also be factors in determining
the charges for
transport of the deposit item.
Once the information has been input by the user to the device, the information
regarding
the request to transport the deposit item is submitted to the central system
circuitry as at least one
transport request message represented in a step 132. The central circuitry is
then operative to
28
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
verify the identifying information associated with the user that has submitted
the request. This is
represented in a step 134. This may include comparing user identifying data
stored in the user
device such as a ID token that is included in the at least one transport
request message, with
stored data associated with authorized users by the central circuitry. The
central circuitry is also
operative to verify that the user who has submitted the request has indicated
a suitable funds
source which provides a payment method associated with the central system in
order to make
payment for the transport of the deposit item. The central system circuitry
may also analyze the
delivery item size data and/or weight data included in the at least one
transport request message
to determine if the delivery item is suitable or transport through the system.
This is represented
in a step 136.
The central circuitry then operates to assign a parcel ID to the particular
deposit item as
represented in step 138. The parcel ID is alternatively referred to herein as
a delivery item
identifier. The data provided by the user regarding the originating location
and destination
location for the transport of the deposit item is also stored in at least one
data store associated
with the central circuitry as represented in step 140. The central circuitry
is then operative
responsive to the originating location information to resolve an originating
depository that is
considered the most suitable for receipt of the deposit item. This is
represented in a step 142.
Generally the originating depository will be the depository located in closest
geographical
proximity to the user wishing to have the deposit item transported. However,
in order to assure
that space for the deposit item is available in the nearest depository, the
central circuitry operates
as represented at a step 144 to determine if the delivery item is of a
suitable side and/or weight to
be transported and communicate with the initially selected depository to
verify that sufficient
space is available to accept a deposit item of the size that was determined at
step 130. If such
29
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
space is not available, the central circuitry operates to determine an
alternative available
originating depository that has the space available to receive the deposit
item therein. The
central system circuitry is operative to evaluate at least one of the size
and/or the weight of the
deposit item to determine if it is within at least one size or weight limit.
If the deposit item is not
suitable for transit due to size, weight or space factors the request is
flagged to be declined.
As represented in a step 146, once the originating depository for receiving
the deposit
item is resolved, the central circuitry operates to generate a one-time code
to be input by the
authorized user for purposes of accessing the depository. The one-time code is
alternatively
referred to herein as an item depositor access code. In a step 148 the central
circuitry is then
operative to send the originating depository location information and the code
data to the user's
device. In exemplary arrangements the depository identifying data for the
originating depository
may include GPS coordinates, address data or other information that can be
used to locate the
depository.
As represented at step 150 the user's device is operative to receive the data
from the
.. central circuitry. In situations where the transaction is not accepted due
to an invalid funds
source or a parcel size or weight outside a set limit, the user is notified
the transaction is denied.
If the transaction may proceed the user may then operate their device in the
manner represented
in Figure 6 to produce a data bearing record which includes data
representative of the origin and
destination address as well as indicia corresponding to the delivery item
identifier which
uniquely identifies the deposit item. This is represented by a step 152. In
the exemplary
arrangements the delivery item identifier may be encoded in identifying
indicia that may include
a machine readable bar code, a QR code or other suitable machine readable
indicia which
comprises record data which can be read for purposes of identifying the
deposit item. As
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
represented in a step 154 in the exemplary arrangement the user may operate
their device in
association with a label printer to produce a label which is then applied to
the deposit item. In
the exemplary arrangement the label that is applied to the deposit item is
externally visible such
that the machine readable indicia thereon that corresponds to the delivery
item identifier can be
read through operation of the reading devices included in the depository. The
label may also
include human readable indicia so that the particular deposit item can be
visually identified by
item carrier users or other users who access the depository. Of course it
should be understood
that in other exemplary arrangements other types of indicia may be utilized
for purposes of
providing identifying indicia. Such indicia may include for example,
programmable RFID tags,
QR codes, a signature or other manually made indicia, an image of the deposit
item, or other
indicia that may be placed in operative connection with a deposit item for
purposes of enabling
the identification of the item through operation of the system.
As represented in a step 156 the user seeking to have the deposit item
transported may
utilize their device to guide their travel to the GPS location or other
location as identified to the
device, so that the user may place the item into the originating depository.
In the exemplary
arrangement the user operates their device to cause data corresponding to a
data bearing record
which identifies the user, to the at least one input device on the depository.
This is represented
by a step 158. In the exemplary arrangement the user device is operative to
send user identifying
data such as the user token data to the RF input device included in the
depository. The
depository receives the user identifying data as represented in step 160. The
control circuitry of
the depository is operative to enable the keypad of the exemplary embodiment
to receive a
manually input code therethrough from the user as represented at step 162. The
input code may
correspond to the one-time depositor access code. As represented at step 164
the control
31
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
circuitry of the depository is operative to wirelessly transmit at least one
message including data
corresponding to the received user identifying data and the one-time code as
well as depository
identifying data to the central circuitry. This may be done in a suitably
encrypted manner or
using other suitable security techniques to assure that the data is not
compromised.
The central system circuitry is operative to receive the data from the
depository as
represented at a step 166. The central circuitry then operates as represented
at step 168 to verify
that the received user identifying information corresponds to the authorized
user, and that the
one-time code corresponds to the code provided to the user in connection with
the request to
transport the deposit item. In the exemplary arrangement the central circuitry
is operative to
assign to the user an item depositor access code that can be utilized only on
one occasion for
purposes of opening the central system assigned interior area of the
depository. This prevents
the authorized user from opening other depositories or other interior areas of
the same
depository, or opening the depository on multiple occasions using the provided
code.
Responsive to the central circuitry making a determination that the data
received by the
depository from the user is the appropriate data for the user accessing the
depository in
connection with receiving the deposit item, the central circuitry is operative
to send one or more
messages to the depository as represented in step 170. The messages include
instructions and/or
data which are operative to cause the repository control circuitry of the
depository to unlock the
lock which holds the depository door in the closed position. At a step 172 the
control circuitry of
the depository operates to verify that the received message data corresponds
to an authorized
message from the central circuitry to unlock the lock. This may be done by an
analysis of the
received message data including decryption of the instructions and other data
included in the
message which verifies the instructions as appropriately authorized by the
central circuitry.
32
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
If the control circuitry of the depository determines that the message data
from the central
circuitry is genuine, the circuitry operates to cause the lock to be changed
from the locked
condition to the unlocked condition. This is represented at a step 174. The
exemplary control
circuitry then operates to detect the opening of the depository door and
causes the plurality of
.. reading devices to operate to capture images including the indicia
corresponding to the delivery
item identifier included on the depository item as represented at step 176.
The control circuitry
also operates to capture images showing the user as well as the deposit item
as it is being placed
into the interior area of the depository. These images are stored in the data
store associated with
the control circuitry of the depository along with time data to indicate when
the activity occurred.
This is represented by a step 178. Further in exemplary arrangements data from
the at least one
weight sensor may be captured to indicate the weight of the item. The
additional weight added
to the depository may be used to verify that the weight indicated for the item
is accurate. If the
item is heavier than specified in the at least one transport request message,
the person requesting
the shipment may be assessed an additional charge. Sensors such as image
capture devices such
.. as cameras or LIDAR sensors may be used to capture data that is used to
determine the size of
the item. This may be done so that the central system circuitry can verify
that the parcel size is
consistent with the parcel size data included in the at least one transport
request message. Image
sensors, sonic sensors or other sensors may operate to capture other
properties such as color,
sound absorption, reflectivity of light or sound waves, or other types of
signals as well as
.. combinations thereof. Further the weight, size and/or other property (or a
combination of
properties) associated with the item may be used by the central system
circuitry as an additional
identifying feature and tracking identifier for the item. Of course these
approaches are
exemplary.
33
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
In the exemplary arrangement the control circuitry of the depository is
operative to send
at least one message including data corresponding to the indicia read,
detected and/or sensed
from the deposit item to the central circuitry as represented at step 180. The
central circuitry
receives the data as represented at step 182 and verifies that the received
data and read indicia
corresponds to the identifying information associated with the deposit item
and the authorized
user who is authorized to place the deposit item in the depository. This is
represented by step
184. The central circuitry is then operative to send one or more messages to
the depository
indicating that the deposit item is acceptable into the depository. This is
represented by a step
186. It should be understood however that if the central circuitry determines
that received data
or the indicia associated with the deposit item is incorrect and/or does not
correspond with the
authorized user who has accessed the depository, the central circuitry will
send at least one
message including data which is indicative of this discrepancy to the
depository.
In the exemplary logic flow as represented at step 188 the wireless
communication portal
of the depository receives the data indicative of whether the deposit item and
its receipt into the
depository is acceptable. The control circuitry of the exemplary depository
then operates to
provide an indication if the acceptance of the deposit item is authorized.
This is represented by a
step 190. In the exemplary arrangement, the control circuitry of the
depository is operative to
cause operation of the at least one indicator 32 to provide an indication as
to whether the
acceptance of the deposit item is authorized. For example in an exemplary
arrangement the
indicator may be operated to provide a green color light output when the
deposit item is
acceptable and a red color light output when the deposit item is not
acceptable. In addition an
audio annunciator output or other indicator output may be output by the
depository to indicate
the acceptability or unacceptability of the deposit.
34
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Further in exemplary arrangements at least one message indicative of a
determination as
to the acceptability or unacceptability of the deposit item or the associated
circumstances may
also be sent by the central system circuitry to the portable device of the
authorized user. Such
information may be sent in the form of a text message or other suitable output
to indicate to the
user the acceptability or unacceptability of the deposit item or activity.
Such approaches may be
useful in some exemplary systems for purposes of preventing users from making
mistakes in
placing incorrect deposit items into depositories. Such features may be
particularly helpful in
situations where an authorized user may be handling multiple deposit items,
some of which may
be intended for placement in a particular depository while others are not. Of
course these
approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be
used.
In the exemplary arrangement the control circuitry associated with the
depository is
operative in a step 192 to evaluate the image data captured by the reading
devices and/or the
weight sensors to make an action status determination. The action status
determination includes
evaluating the image data and/or weight data for purposes of determining
whether the deposit
item has been placed in or removed from the interior area of the depository.
In this exemplary
logic flow the determination of action status by the control circuitry is
indicative that the deposit
item has been placed in the depository. After the action status determination
that the deposit
item has been received, the control circuitry of the depository senses for the
door of the
depository being closed. This is done through appropriate switches, detectors
or the reading
devices in operative connection with the control circuitry and is represented
in a step 194. In
some exemplary arrangements the repository control circuitry will cause at
least one output
device of the depository to provide outputs which instruct the user to close
the depository door in
the event that such action is not taken within a calculated time of the
deposit item being received.
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
In other exemplary arrangements the user's portable wireless device may
receive messages from
the central circuitry that are caused to be sent responsive to messages from
the depository in the
event that the user is detected as not taking appropriate steps towards
closure of the door after the
deposit item has been deposited in the interior area.
Once the depository door is in the closed position, the control circuitry
operates to cause
the lock to be changed to the locked condition as represented in a step 196.
The control circuitry
of the depository then operates to send one or more item received messages to
the central
circuitry indicating that the interior area of the depository has been made
accessible responsive at
least in part to the item depositor access code, token data and/or other input
data and the deposit
item has been received in the depository as indicated at step 198. Responsive
to receiving the at
least one item received message from the depository, the central circuitry is
operative to update
the record data stored in its associated data store to reflect the status of
the deposit item as being
within the particular depository as represented at step 200.
The central circuitry then operates to take the actions necessary to arrange
for the deposit
item to be transported from the originating depository into which it has been
received, to a
depository associated with the destination location for the item. In some
circumstances the
central circuitry is enabled to arrange for single authorized user of the
system to transport the
deposit item from the originating depository into which it is received to
another depository which
is a destination depository that corresponds to the delivery item destination,
such as a final
destination address for the deposit item. However, in many situations the
central circuitry must
arrange for the transport of the deposit item to an intermediate location
which corresponds to a
destination depository which is only part way to the delivery item
destination. This occurs
because the individuals available to transport the deposit item are available
only to transport the
36
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
item to the intermediate destination. The central circuitry will then later
arrange for a different
authorized user to transport the item from the intermediate destination to the
depository at the
final destination depository for the deposit item. Of course it should be
understood while this
example indicates that the deposit item is transported through a destination
depository at one
intermediate destination, other exemplary deposit item transport situations
will involve transport
through multiple intermediate destinations. This is particularly true when the
transport of the
deposit item is over a long distance. In some exemplary arrangements the
incentive payments
which the system user arranging for the transport can make, will help to
reduce the number of
intermediate depository destinations and result in delivery of the deposit
item to the final
.. destination more quickly.
As represented at step 202 an authorized system user that is willing to
transport deposit
items may operate their portable wireless device, such as carrier contact
device 92, to indicate
their availability to transport deposit items by initiating operation of an
application on the device.
Such system users are alternatively referred to herein as item carriers. In
the exemplary
arrangement the device application requires that the user sign onto the
carrier contact device and
provide appropriate carrier contact device data such as a telephone number or
email address and
user identifying information which identifies the particular user to the
central circuitry, as
represented at step 204. In exemplary arrangements the item carrier contact
device data and other
user identifying information as well as credentials such as token data for the
item carrier that
may be stored in the user device and in the central circuitry, will have been
previously
established through a registration process applicable to authorized users. In
the exemplary
arrangement the circuit executable instructions associated with the user's
device 92 also require
that the user provide location information such as through GPS data associated
with the current
37
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
carrier contact device location to the central system circuitry through at
least one driver data
message. This is represented at step 206.
In the exemplary system a user may choose to transport deposit items based on
planned
travel for other purposes. This may include for example, the user having a
daily commute to a
job that is substantially remote from where they reside. Alternatively user
may have planned
travel for personal or other purposes to a destination, and is willing to
transport deposit items in
the course of their personal travel. Alternatively a user may be willing to
perform transport
services of deposit items to any local location to receive compensation for
the transport services.
As represented in step 208 the user inputs to the carrier contact device their
available delivery
location such as, for example destination information related to their current
travel plans, or if
the user is willing to travel to any location within a set distance range for
purposes of making
deliveries of deposit items. In some arrangements the user may also indicate
that they have
specialized capabilities such as handling fragile or perishable items,
handling large and/or heavy
items, and/or may be bonded or insured for handling high value or legally
controlled items. As
represented at step 210 the control circuitry associated with the user's
portable wireless carrier
contact device is operative to send the data regarding the available item
carrier transport user in
at least one driver data message to the central circuitry for purposes of
determining if the item
carrier user will receive transport job assignments which will result in
compensation being paid
to the user.
As represented at step 212 the central circuitry receives the data from the
item carrier
contract device and conducts an analysis of the received data as represented
at step 214. The
central circuitry is also operative to recover the stored data regarding the
rating information
associated with the user as represented in step 216. The central circuitry is
then operative to
38
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
compare the data associated with the available transport user received in
driver data messages to
the data associated with available transport jobs that need to be conducted
this is represented at
step 218. Of course as can be appreciated, this activity is carried out by the
central circuitry for
each authorized item carrier transport user that indicates availability to
participate in providing
.. transport services for deposit items at the current time. The central
circuitry is enabled to match
available authorized item carriers with transport jobs in a manner that causes
the deposit items to
be moved to either a respective final delivery depository destination of the
deposit item, or an
intermediate delivery depository location at a depository that causes the
deposit item to move
closer to its final delivery destination.
As represented in step 220 the central circuitry operates to match the
authorized transport
item carrier current location and the associated item carrier available
delivery location data to
originating depository, destination depository and deposit item delivery
requirements. The
central circuitry is then operative to determine the destination depository
which is the endpoint
destination for the available item carrier as represented in step 222. In this
particular example
the endpoint destination for the initial item carrier is an intermediate
destination depository that
is not the final destination for the particular deposit item. The central
circuitry is then operative
to calculate the rate information for the transport user as represented in
step 224. In an
exemplary arrangement this calculation reflects an amount that the item
carrier will receive for
taking the deposit item from the current depository in which it is located,
transporting it to the
designated intermediate destination depository, and placing the deposit item
in the intermediate
destination depository for subsequent transport towards its final destination.
As represented in step 226 the central circuitry operates to send one or more
opportunity
messages to the carrier contact device which is the portable wireless device
of the item carrier.
39
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
The messages include the originating depository for pickup, parcel, route for
transport of the
deposit item, end point destination depository and monetary rate to be paid to
the item carrier for
transport of the deposit item. The exemplary messages may also include data to
indicate to the
item carrier how far the transport job will require the item carrier to go off
their currently
indicated planned travel route to the input destination at the originating
depository and/or at the
destination depository. In operation of the exemplary system the carrier
contact device receives
the data regarding the transport assignment in at least one opportunity
message as represented at
a step 226. The control circuitry of the carrier contact device is then
operative responsive to the
received data in the at least one opportunity message to provide one or more
outputs to the item
carrier user indicative of the available transport assignment. The output data
is then available for
review by the item carrier user as represented at step 228. If the item
carrier user finds the
transport assignment details to be acceptable, the user operates the carrier
contact device to
provide one or more inputs as represented at step 230 which indicates that the
user accepts the
transport assignment. The carrier contact device then operates in accordance
with its
programming to send one or more item transport acceptance messages to the
central circuitry as
represented at step 232, indicative of the user acceptance and willingness to
transport the
delivery item from the delivery depository to the destination depository in
accordance with any
other conditions specified in the at least one opportunity message.
The central circuitry receives the at least one item transport acceptance
message data
.. from the user's carrier contact device indicating acceptance of the
transport assignment as
represented at step 234. The central circuitry then operates to reserve the
transport assignment
for the item carrier as represented at a step 236. In the exemplary embodiment
the central
circuitry operates in accordance with its programming to reserve the transport
assignment for the
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
particular item carrier user only for a limited period of time. This helps to
assure that the deposit
item is transported in a commercially prompt manner. In the event that the
item carrier to which
the transport assignment has been reserved does not act to obtain the deposit
item from the
depository within the time period for which the transport assignment has been
reserved, the
.. central circuitry operates in accordance with its programming to reassign
the transport
assignment to a different designated authorized item carrier. As can be
appreciated such a
reassignment would generally require analysis of available transport carrier
information and may
change the route or other information to which the deposit item is next
transported. Of course
these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches to be
used.
Also in an exemplary embodiment a transport item carrier may send transport
acceptance
messages to accept a plurality of opportunity messages corresponding to
transport assignments
associated with the item carrier's planned or available delivery location
travel. This may include
a plurality of different deposit items, each of which may have a respective
different pickup
originating depository and delivery destination depository. The communication
between the user
device and the central circuitry enables storing the data related to each
deposit item and transport
job on the user carrier contact device to facilitate the activities that the
item carrier is to perform
in a proper manner and sequence.
In the exemplary arrangement once the transport assignment has been reserved
for the
authorized transport user, by the central circuitry responsive to the at least
one item transport
acceptance message, the central circuitry operates in a step 238 to generate
the one-time
designated carrier access code that will enable the authorized user to access
the originating
depository in which the deposit item is currently located. At step 240 the
central circuitry then
operates to send the at least one transport assignment message to the carrier
contact device. The
41
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
at least one transport assignment message includes data corresponding to one-
time designated
carrier access code and location data for the originating depository to the
item carrier. The user's
carrier contact device operates to receive the data as in the at least one
transport assignment
message represented at step 242. The contact device then operates in
accordance with its
programming to guide the item carrier such as through the use of GPS data, to
the originating
depository location at which the deposit item is to be picked up.
Once the item carrier has arrived at the originating depository, the carrier
contact device
is operated by the item carrier to wirelessly send their user identifying
information from the
carrier contract device to the at least one input device of the depository. In
the exemplary
.. arrangement as represented at step 244, the user's wireless token data is
sent from the carrier
contact device of the user item carrier to the RF input device such as the
wireless portal of the
depository. The control circuitry of the depository is operative to receive
user identifying data as
represented at step 246, and is also operative to enable the keypad of the
depository to receive an
input access code which may correspond to the one-time design carrier access
code as
represented at step 248. In other arrangements the designated carrier access
code may be
received through other input devices of the depository, such as for example,
the wireless portal.
The control circuitry is then operative responsive at least in part to receipt
of the input access
code to send at least one repository access request message as represented at
step 250. The at
least one repository access request message includes data corresponding to the
user identification
data, the input access code value and depository identifying data to the
central circuitry. The
central circuitry operates to receive the data in the at least one repository
access request message
from the depository as represented at step 252 and makes an authorized access
determination
responsive to verifying that the user identifying data corresponds to the
authorized user who is to
42
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
receive the deposit item, and that the input access code value corresponds to
the designated
access code appropriate for accessing the depository. In some arrangements the
central circuitry
is also operative to carry out the authorized access determination responsive
to the identifying
data for the depository receiving the input access, code value and/or the user
identification data
corresponding to the origination depository for the transport of the deposit
item. The authorized
access determination is represented by step 254.
Responsive to the authorized access determination that the user identifying
data and the
one-time designated access code received at the originating depository is
appropriate for
accessing the deposit item, the central circuitry then is operative to send at
least one repository
access approval message to the originating depository as represented at step
256 to enable the
interior area holding the deposit item in the depository to be accessed. As
represented step 258
the control circuitry of the originating depository is operative to receive
and verify the
genuineness of the message data from the central circuitry. Responsive at
least in part to receipt
and verification of the at least one depository access approval message, the
control circuitry is
operative to cause the lock to be changed to the unlocked condition as
represented at step 260.
The deposit item in the interior area of the depository thereby becomes
accessible to the item
carrier. The exemplary control circuitry associated with the originating
depository is then
operative to detect the opening of the door and to operate the sensors
comprising reading devices
to capture the indicia such as machine readable bar code for example, included
on the deposit
item that is removed from the interior area of the depository as represented
by step 262. The
exemplary control circuitry is also operative to capture a plurality of images
including the user
and the deposit item, and to store the image data along with time data in the
data store associated
43
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
with the depository control circuitry. The weight sensor is also operative to
indicate the weight
associated with the removed item. This is represented by step 264.
The exemplary control circuitry is then operative to send at least one parcel
removal
message to the central system circuitry, at step 266. The at least one parcel
removal message
includes parcel removal data corresponding to the identifying indicia read by
the at least one
sensor from the deposit item and the weight data. In other exemplary
arrangements the parcel
removal data may include other data that can be detected or read by one or
more sensors of the
originating depository. The central circuitry receives the parcel removal data
in the at least one
parcel removal message at step 268 and is operative at step 270 to verify that
the parcel removal
data corresponding to the read indicia corresponds to the deposit item
identifying data for the
delivery item that is to be taken by the identified item carrier that has
accessed the depository.
The central circuitry may also verify that the weight removed and/or the size
and/or other
property of the item removed corresponds to removal of the proper delivery
item. The central
circuitry then operates at step 272 to send one or more messages correct
parcel removal
messages to the originating depository, that indicate that the deposit item
identification indicia
and user indicia is appropriate. Alternatively or in addition the at least one
correct parcel
removal messages may be sent to the carrier contact device. The control
circuitry of the
depository receives the message data from the central circuitry as represented
at step 274 and is
operative to provide an indication to the user that the removal activity is
appropriate as
represented at step 276. As previously discussed this indication may be given
through visual
and/or audible indication output by one or more output devices such as
indicators on the
depository. Of course if the deposit item removal activity or user data is not
appropriate, then
negative indication outputs are provided either through the depository
indicators and/or through
44
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
messages that are sent by the central circuitry to the user's portable
wireless carrier contact
device.
The control circuitry of the originating depository is then operative
responsive to the
captured image data from the sensors such as reading devices, and/or the
detected change in
weight, to make a determination of the action status that has been carried out
by the item carrier
with regard to the identified deposit item. This determination which is
represented by step 278,
is an action determination that the deposit item has been removed from the
interior area of the
depository. The control circuitry associated with the originating depository
then senses for
detection that the depository door has been closed as represented in step 280.
As previously
discussed the control circuitry of the depository either alone or through
communication with the
central circuitry, may operate to prompt the user to close the depository door
in the event that
closure is not detected within a programmed time. The control circuitry then
operates to cause
the lock to be changed to the locked condition once the door is closed as
represented by step 282.
The control circuitry then operates to send one or more delivery item parcel
removal messages to
the central circuitry indicating that the deposit item has been removed and
taken from the
depository by the item carrier as represented by step 284.
Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the one or more delivery item
parcel
removal messages from the depository that the deposit item has been taken by
the item carrier,
the exemplary central circuitry operates as indicated at step 286 to update
the status data for the
deposit item in the associated data store to indicate that the deposit item is
with the authorized
item carrier. In the exemplary arrangement the central circuitry then operates
to cause at least
one pick up request confirmation message to be sent to the portable wireless
carrier contact
device of the item carrier who has taken the deposit item to confirm that they
have the item. This
,
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
is represented by step 288. The portable wireless carrier contact device of
the item carrier
operates in accordance with its programming to cause one or more outputs that
prompt the item
carrier to confirm that they have received possession of the deposit item.
This is represented at
step 290. As represented at step 292, the user's portable wireless carrier
contact device operates
responsive to at least one confirmation input from the item carrier to send
one or more wireless
delivery item possession confirmation messages to the central circuitry to
confirm that the user
received possession the deposit item. Of course it should be understood that
in other exemplary
arrangements the central system circuitry may omit the confirmation steps 286
through 292.
Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the delivery item possession
confirmation
messages from the user's portable wireless carrier contact device at step 294,
or in some
arrangements more directly responsive to one or more parcel removal messages,
the central
circuitry operates to recover from memory or otherwise resolve the destination
depository for the
item carrier to deliver the deposit item. This is represented at step 296. The
exemplary central
circuitry further operates to generate a one-time access delivery code to be
input by the item
carrier to the destination depository into which the item carrier is to place
the deposit item. This
is represented by step 298. The exemplary central circuitry is next operative
to send at least one
item transport delivery message including data corresponding to the one-time
item carrier access
code and the location information for the destination depository to the user's
portable wireless
carrier contact device. This is represented by step 300. The exemplary central
circuitry
continues to monitor the location of the portable wireless carrier contact
device of the item
carrier through GPS as the deposit item is transported toward the destination
depository. This is
represented by step 302.
46
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
As represented by step 304, in the exemplary system the portable wireless
device of the
transport user is operative to receive in the at least one item transport
delivery message the data
regarding the depository location and the one-time item carrier access
delivery code. The
portable wireless carrier contact device operates in accordance with its
programming to direct the
item carrier through use of the GPS data or other location data to the
destination depository at
which the deposit item is to be deposited. This is represented by step 306.
Upon arrival at the
destination depository the item carrier operates their portable wireless
device to cause the user
identifying data including the user ID token to be sent from the user's device
to the RF input
device of the depository. This is represented by step 308.
The control circuitry associated with the destination depository is operative
to receive the
wireless user identifying information as represented by step 310. The control
circuitry is also
operative to enable receipt through the keypad of the destination depository
of the input access
code value corresponding to the one-time item carrier access delivery code
from the item carrier.
This is represented by step 312. The control circuitry associated with the
destination depository
is operative to send the received user identifying data, the input access code
value, and
depository identifying data to the central circuitry in at least one
repository access message as
represented by step 314. The exemplary central circuitry is operative to
receive the data in the at
least one repository access message as represented by step 316, and operates
to verify that the
received user data corresponds to the item carrier and that the input access
code value
corresponds to the one-time item carrier access delivery code as represented
in step 318. The
exemplary central circuitry is then operative to send at least one repository
access approval
message to the depository which includes data indicative that the received
user data and the code
data are appropriate, and that the central system circuitry determined
interior area of the
47
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
destination depository should be unlocked so as to make the designated
interior area of the
destination repository accessible. This is represented by step 320.
The control circuitry of the exemplary destination depository is operative to
receive the
repository access approval message data from the central circuitry as
represented by step 322.
Responsive to the at least one repository message from the central circuitry
being received and
verified, the control circuitry associated with the destination depository is
operative to cause the
lock thereof to be changed to the unlocked condition as represented in step
324. As a result the
designated interior area of the destination repository is externally
accessible so that the delivery
item may be placed therein by the item carrier. Responsive to detecting that
the depository door
has been opened, the exemplary control circuitry is operative to cause the
reading devices to
capture the machine readable indicia including the identifying indicia on the
deposit item being
placed in the designated interior area of the destination depository as
represented by step 326.
The control circuitry is also operative to cause images from the reading
devices and the change
in weight detected by the at least one weight sensor to be captured and stored
in the at least one
data store along with the data corresponding to the captured identifying
indicia on the deposit
item, to document the accessing of the depository and the placement of the
deposit item therein.
This is represented by step 328.
The exemplary control circuitry associated with the destination depository is
next
operative to send at least one parcel insertion message to the central system
circuitry as
represented in step 330. The exemplary at least one parcel insertion message
includes data
corresponding to the indicia read and/or sensed from the deposit item
including the machine
readable indicia. The central circuitry receives the data included in the at
least one parcel
insertion message at step 332 and verifies that the indicia read and/or sensed
from the deposit
48
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
item (size, weight or other information or properties) corresponds to the
deposit item to be
deposited in the destination depository. This includes verifying that the read
machine readable
indicia read from the deposit item placed in the destination depository
corresponds to the
delivery item identifier. The central circuitry also verifies that the
identifying data associated
with the user corresponds to the user that is authorized to place the delivery
item into the
depository. This is represented by step 334. The central circuitry is then
operative to send one
or more correct parcel placement verification messages to the control
circuitry of the destination
depository to indicate that the received identifying indicia on the deposit
item is correct.
Alternatively or in addition the at least one correct parcel verification
message may be sent to the
carrier contact device. This is represented by step 336. The exemplary control
circuitry of the
depository receives the at least one correct parcel placement verification
messages from the
central circuitry as represented in step 338 and provides one or more outputs
to the user to
indicate that the indicia read and/or sensed from the deposit item is
appropriate as represented in
step 340. The at least one output may be provided by at least one output
device of the
destination depository. The exemplary control circuitry associated with the
depository is then
operative to analyze the captured image data and/or weight data to determine
the action status
associated with the deposit item. As represented in step 342 the control
circuitry is operative to
determine an action status that the deposit item has been received into the
interior area of the
depository.
The control circuitry then operates in accordance with its programming to
sense for
closure of the depository door. This is represented by step 344. As previously
discussed the
exemplary control circuitry may provide different forms of prompts to the user
in the event that
the depository door is not sensed as closed within a programmed time.
Responsive to detecting
49
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
the closure of the depository door the control circuitry of the destination
repository operates to
change the condition of the lock to the locked condition as represented by
step 346. The
exemplary control circuitry is then operative to send one or more delivery
completion messages
from the depository to the central system circuitry to indicate that the
deposit item is within the
designated interior area of the depository as represented by step 348. The
exemplary central
circuitry responsive to receiving the delivery completion messages, operates
to update the status
related to the deposit item in its associated data store to indicate that the
deposit item is located
within the particular destination depository. This is represented by step 350.
The exemplary central circuitry is next operative to send one or more delivery
confirmation request messages to the portable wireless carrier contact device
of the item carrier
requesting confirmation that the deposit item has been placed in the
destination depository. This
is represented by step 352. The portable wireless carrier contact device of
the item carrier
operates responsive to the received messages to provide outputs which prompt
the user to
confirm the placement of the deposit item in the destination depository. This
is represented by
step 354. Responsive to receipt of at least one input from the item carrier
the portable wireless
carrier contact device is operative at step 356 to provide one or more
delivery confirmation
response messages to the central circuitry confirming that the user has placed
the deposit item in
the interior area of the destination depository. In other exemplary
arrangements the confirmation
steps 352 through 356 are not carried out.
The central circuitry of the exemplary embodiment is operative responsive to
at least in
part receipt of the delivery confirmation response messages from the transport
user at step 358 or
more directly responsive at least in part to the at least one delivery
completion message, to
determine that the item carrier has completed the transport assignment and to
calculate a
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
payment that is due to the item carrier as represented at step 360. The
exemplary central
circuitry is then operative to credit the item carrier for a payment amount
corresponding to the
payment that is due as represented at step 362. This may include crediting an
account associated
with the item carrier for the amount payable. Alternatively it may include a
financial transfer to
an account associated with the item carrier. Various payment forms may be
accomplished
depending on the arrangement that has been set up by the central system
circuitry for making
payment to the particular item carrier. The exemplary central circuitry then
operates to send one
or more messages to the carrier contact device of the item carrier indicating
the payment as
represented at step 364. The item carrier receives the notice of the payment
through the portable
wireless carrier contact device which outputs appropriate messages to the item
carrier user as
represented at step 366. Of course it should be understood that these steps
are representative of
only some exemplary payment transactions that may be carried out responsive to
operation of the
central circuitry.
In this example the initial item carrier was available only to transport the
deposit item to a
destination depository at an intermediate destination, and not to the final
destination depository
for the deposit item. Therefore responsive to the determination that the
deposit item has arrived
at the intermediate destination depository, the exemplary central circuitry is
operative to
determine a next destination depository for the deposit item. This is
represented by step 368. As
previously discussed the central circuitry will try to have the deposit item
reach its final
destination depository with a minimum number of intermediate destinations.
However if it is not
possible with the available item carriers to move the deposit item to its
final destination with the
next transport assignment, the exemplary control circuitry will cause the
deposit item to be
moved to another intermediate destination depository that is closer to its
final destination.
51
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
However for purposes of this example the next transport assignment will result
in the deposit
item reaching its final destination depository.
The exemplary central circuitry conducts a similar analysis to that previously
discussed
with regard to available item carriers for purposes of determining the next
transport assignment
which can be made for the deposit item. The central circuitry conducts an
analysis of the
available item carrier information at step 370. The central circuitry also
reviews the rating data
and other information for the available item carriers as represented at step
372. As represented at
step 374 a comparative analysis is done of the available item carrier data to
pending transport
jobs to produce a match as represented at step 376. The exemplary central
circuitry will then
operate to determine the destination depository endpoint for the deposit item
delivery to be made
by the available item carrier as represented at step 378. In this example the
next destination will
be the destination depository which is the final delivery destination for the
deposit item.
The exemplary central circuitry is further operative to calculate the rate
information to be
paid for the transport by the available item carrier. This is represented at
step 380. In some
exemplary arrangements the central circuitry may operate to provide item
carriers with
incentives to transport particular deposit items. For example, if an item is
not moving toward the
final destination at an acceptable rate, the central circuitry may offer a
premium to an available
item carrier to transport the item. Of course this approach is exemplary.
The exemplary central circuitry is then operative at step 382 to send one or
more
opportunity messages to the portable wireless carrier contact device of the
selected item carrier
which describes the transport job that is available. In the exemplary
arrangement the data
included in the at least one opportunity message includes information
regarding the pickup
originating depository, deposit item parcel, transport route, endpoint
destination depository and
52
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
monetary amount or rate to be paid to the available item carrier. Of course in
some cases
additional or different information may be provided. The portable wireless
carrier contact device
of the item carrier receives the at least one opportunity message as
represented by step 384. The
portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrier operates
responsive at least in part to
the received data included in the at least one opportunity message to provide
at least one an
output which indicates the details of the available transport job which the
item carrier can then
review as represented at step 386. If the item carrier wishes to accept the
transport job, the item
carrier provides one or more inputs to their portable wireless carrier contact
device as
represented at step 388, and the carrier contact device operates to send one
or more item
transport acceptance messages indicating a willingness to accept the transport
job as represented
at step 390.
As represented by step 392 the central circuitry operates to receive the item
transport
acceptance messages including data indicating that the item carrier is willing
to perform the
transport job, and reserves the transport assignment for the item carrier as
represented at step
.. 394. The central circuitry operates to generate one-time designated carrier
access code for the
item carrier as represented at step 396. The central circuitry operates to
send at least one
transport assignment message including data corresponding to the one-time
designated carrier
access code and the location data for the originating depository to the user's
portable wireless
carrier contact device as represented by step 398.
The portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrier receives the
access code
and location information in the at least one transport assignment message as
represented by step
400. The portable wireless carrier contact device operates in accordance with
its programming
and the originating depository location information to guide the user to the
depository as
53
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
represented by step 402. As in the previous example the carrier contact device
may be tracked
via GPS, cell phone data or other methodology. Once arriving at the depository
the item carrier
operates the portable wireless carrier contact device to send the wireless
identifying information
such as the ID token data that identifies the item carrier, to the RF input
device of the originating
depository as represented by step 404. The control circuitry of the depository
receives the item
carrier user identifying information as represented at step 406. The
originating depository also
receives an input access code that may correspond to the one-time designated
carrier access code
from the item carrier as represented by step 408. The depository control
circuitry is then
operative to send at least one depository access request message including
data corresponding to
the user identifying information, the one-time designated carrier code and the
depository
identifying information, to the central circuitry as represented by step 410.
The central circuitry receives the data included in the at least one
depository access
request message from the depository at step 412 and operates to verify the
user identifying
information corresponding to the authorized item carrier and that the input
access code
corresponds to the one-time designated carrier access code as represented at
step 414. The
central circuitry is operative to send one or more depository access approval
messages to the
depository indicating that the received item carrier identifying information
and designated carrier
access code is appropriate for accessing the interior area of the originating
depository. This is
represented by step 416. The control circuitry of the depository receives the
at least one
depository access approval message from the central circuitry indicating that
the depository is to
be opened and verifies the authenticity of the message as represented at step
418. The control
circuitry associated with the depository is operative responsive at least in
part to the at least one
depository access approval message to cause the lock controlling access to the
interior area
54
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
where the deposit item is housed to be changed to the unlocked condition as
represented at step
420. The control circuitry is further operative to operate at least one sensor
to sense and/or
capture the machine readable deposit item identifying indicia on the deposit
item, image and/or
size or other property data and the change in detected weight as the item is
removed from the
interior area of the originating depository as represented by step 422. The
control circuitry also
captures and stores images associated with accessing the depository including
the item carrier
user and the removal of the deposit item as represented by step 424. The
control circuity also
associates time data with the captured images. The control circuitry is then
operative to send at
least one parcel removal message including data corresponding to the deposit
identifying indicia,
.. size, other property data and/or weight information to the central
circuitry as represented by step
426.
The central circuitry is operative to receive the data included in the at
least one parcel
removal message as represented by step 428 and verify that the indicia read
from the deposit
item, size property data and/or weight data corresponds to the deposit item to
be taken by the
user whose identifying data has been received as represented at step 430. This
may include
verifying that machine readable indicia read from the deposit item corresponds
to the deposit
item identifier. The central circuitry is then operative to send one or more
correct parcel
verification messages to the depository indicating that the information
received related to the
deposit item and the user is correct. Alternatively or in addition the one or
more correct parcel
verification messages may be sent to the carrier contact device. This is
represented by step 432.
The depository is operative to receive the data included in the at least one
correct parcel
verification messages from the central circuitry as represented by step 434
and to provide an
indication to the user from an output device that the identifying indicia for
the deposit item being
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
removed is correct as represented at step 436. Of course as previously
discussed, if the indicia,
size, property and/or weight associated with the deposit item and/or the user
data is incorrect, a
warning indication is output from an output device of the depository and/or
the user's portable
wireless carrier contact device to indicate the error. The control circuitry
associated with the
exemplary depository is then operative to determine from the sensors of the
originating
repository which comprise reading devices, the action status associated with
the deposit item. In
this case the action status corresponds to the deposit item being removed as
indicated at step 438.
The exemplary control circuitry of the depository then operates to sense the
closure of the
depository door as represented by step 440 and to change the condition of the
lock to the locked
condition as represented at step 442. The depository control circuitry is then
operative to send
one or more delivery item parcel removal messages to the central circuitry
which are indicative
of and give a notification that the deposit item has been taken as represented
by step 444.
The exemplary central circuitry is then operative to update data in at least
one data store
to update the status of the deposit item to indicate that the deposit is with
the item carrier as
represented by step 446. The central circuitry also causes one or more
confirmation request
messages to be sent to the transport user's portable wireless carrier contact
device requesting
confirmation that the item carrier has possession of the deposit item. This is
represented by step
448. The portable wireless device of the transport user operates to receive
these confirmation
request messages and to provide outputs to the item carrier indicating the
request for
confirmation. This is represented by step 450. Responsive to the item carrier
providing inputs
which confirm the item carrier has possession of the deposit item, the
portable wireless carrier
contact device sends one or more confirmation response messages to the central
circuitry
confirming possession of the deposit item by the user. This is represented by
step 452.
56
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the at least one confirmation
response
message from the item carrier's portable wireless carrier contract device at
step 454, the central
circuitry is operative to recover data corresponding to the destination
depository for the deposit
item at step 456 and to generate the one-time item carrier access delivery
code usable by the item
carrier to access the depository at the destination as represented at step
458. The central circuitry
is then operative to send at least one item transport delivery message
including data
corresponding to the one-time code and the location of the destination
depository to the carrier
contact device at step 460.
The portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrier receives the
data including
the one-time code and the depository location in the at least item transport
delivery message at
step 462. The user operates the portable wireless carrier contact device to be
guided to the
destination depository through GPS or other location finding methods as
represented by step 464.
The central circuitry of the exemplary arrangement tracks the item carrier
through GPS tracking
as represented by step 466. Upon arrival at the destination depository the
item carrier operates
their portable wireless carrier contact device to provide their user
identification data such as the
ID token to the RF input device of the depository as represented at step 468.
The control
circuitry is operative to receive the user identifying data as represented at
step 470. The keypad
of the depository is also operative to receive an input access code
corresponding to the one-time
item carrier access delivery code from the item carrier as represented at step
472. The control
circuitry of the depository is operative to send data corresponding to the
user identifying data, the
input access code corresponding to the one-time item carrier access delivery
code and depository
identifying data to the central circuitry in at least one depository access
request message as
represented at step 474.
57
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
The central circuitry receives the data included in the at least one deposit
access request
message from the destination depository as represented at step 476 and
operates to verify the
user identifying data and the input access code as corresponding to the one-
time item carrier
access delivery code as authorized at step 478. The central circuitry is
operative to send one or
more access approval messages to the depository indicating that the received
data is appropriate
as represented by step 480, and the control circuitry of the depository is
operative to verify the
received message data at step 482. Responsive to the received at least one
access approval
message indicating that the user data and the code data is authorized, the
control circuitry of the
depository is operative to cause the lock controlling access to the interior
area where the central
system circuitry has determined the deposit item should be placed to be
changed to the unlocked
condition as represented by step 484. The control circuitry operates the
sensors comprising
reading devices to capture the indicia on the deposit item, size, property
and/or weight data for
the deposit item that is being placed in the interior area of the destination
depository as
represented by step 486. The control circuitry also operates the sensors
comprising reading
devices to capture images including the item carrier access to the depository
and the placement
of the deposit item therein, and to store the image data along with associated
time data in the data
store of the control circuitry. This is represented by step 488.
The control circuitry of the depository is operative to send at least one
parcel placement
message including data corresponding to the indicia read and/or sensed from
the deposit item to
the central circuitry as represented by step 490. The central circuitry
receives the identifying
indicia at step 492 and is operative in a step 494 to verify that the
identifying indicia, size,
property and/or weight information corresponds to the appropriate deposit item
and that the user
identifying data corresponds to the appropriate user. The exemplary central
circuitry is also
58
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
operative to verify that the read machine readable indicia from the deposit
item corresponds to
the delivery item identifier. The central circuitry is operative to send one
or more messages
verifying the correctness of the input data and deposit item as represented at
step 496. The at
least one correct parcel verification messages may alternatively or in
addition be sent to the
carrier contact device. The control circuitry of the depository receives the
one or more messages
as represented by step 498 and provides one or more outputs through the
indicators or other
output devices of the depository that the deposit information is correct as
represented by step
500.
The control circuitry associated with the depository is operative to determine
the action
status of the deposit item from the data captured by the reading devices. As
represented in step
502 the action status determination indicates that the deposit item has been
received into the
depository. The control circuitry operates to sense the closing of the
depository door in a step
504, and responsive to sensing the door closure changes the lock to the locked
condition as
represented by step 506. The control circuitry of the depository then operates
to send one or
more deposit item received messages to the central circuitry to indicate that
the deposit item is
located within the depository. This is represented by step 508. Responsive to
receiving the
messages indicating that the deposit item is within the depository the central
circuitry is
operative to update the stored record data regarding the deposit item in the
data store to indicate
that the deposit item is within the particular destination depository as
represented by step 510.
The exemplary central circuitry then operates to cause one or more
confirmation request
messages to be sent to the portable wireless carrier contact device of the
item carrier requesting
confirmation that the deposit item has been placed in the depository. This is
represented by step
512. The portable wireless carrier contact device of the item carrier receives
the messages and
59
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
provides outputs to the user indicating the request for confirmation. This is
represented by step
514. Responsive to inputs by the user to their portable wireless carrier
contact device confirming
the placement of the deposit item in the depository, the portable wireless
carrier contact device is
operative to send one or more delivery confirmation response messages as
represented at step
516.
Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the at least one delivery
confirmation
message that the deposit item has been placed in the depository at step 518,
the central circuitry
is operative to calculate the payment that is due the item carrier for
transport of the depository
item. This is represented by step 520. The central circuitry is then operative
to credit the
transport user a payment amount for the transport services provided as
represented at step 522.
One or more messages are sent to the carrier contact device at step 524 which
are received by the
user's portable wireless carrier contact device and which provide outputs to
the item carrier
indicating the payment made for the transport of the deposit item as
represented at step 526.
Responsive to the determination by the central circuitry that the deposit item
has been
delivered to the indicated final destination depository, the central circuitry
is then operative to
determine the deposit item recipient to be notified of the delivery. The
recipient data including
recipient contact data may be included in the at least one transport request
message associated
with the receipt of the deposit item. Alternatively in some arrangements the
delivery item
delivery location data may correspond to recipient data. The recipient data
for registered users
including contact data for the user's device may be stored in a data store in
operative connection
with the central system circuitry. The determination of the recipient data is
represented by step
528. In exemplary arrangements the recipient of the deposit item may be the
owner of the
depository into which the deposit item has been placed as the final
destination. Alternatively the
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
recipient to be notified may be a registered user of the system that is not
the owner of the
depository in which the item has been placed, which necessitates notification
and providing
access for the intended recipient.
An example where the recipient of the deposit item is the owner of the
depository is
represented by the logic flow included in Figures 28 through 30. Responsive to
the central
circuitry determining that the depository owner is the recipient of the
deposit item to be notified
in step 528, the central circuitry operates to produce and at least one
notification message to the
depository owner at step 530.The central circuitry is also operative to
generate a one-time
recipient access code for accessing the depository to retrieve the deposit
item at step 532. The
central circuitry then operates to send at least one recipient notification
message including data
corresponding to the one-time recipient access code to the portable wireless
device or other
contact device of the depository owner as represented at step 534. The
depository owner then
travels to the depository and inputs their identifying data wirelessly to the
RF input device of the
depository as represented by step 536. This identifying data may include an ID
token assigned
through a registration process of the central system circuitry. The control
circuitry of the
depository receives the wireless messages including the identifying data at
step 538 and also
operates to receive the one-time recipient access code through the keypad or
other input device at
step 540. The control circuitry of the depository is then operative to send at
least one depository
access request message including data corresponding to the identification
data, the input
recipient access code and the depository identifier to the central circuitry
at step 542.
The central circuitry operates to receive the data in the at least one
depository access
request message at step 544 and to verify at step 546 that the received user
identifying data and
recipient access code data correspond to the data for authorized access to the
interior area of the
61
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
destination depository housing the deposit item. The central circuitry then
operates to send one
or more depository access approval messages to the depository as indicated at
step 548. The
control circuitry of the depository receives and verifies the message data at
step 550 and changes
the condition of the lock on the depository to the unlocked condition as
represented by step 552.
The exemplary control circuitry of the depository operates to capture through
sensors and/or
input devices the deposit identifying indicia on the deposit item, size,
property and/or weight
data associated with the deposit item being removed from the depository as
represented by step
554 and also captures images of the recipient depository user and the deposit
item which are
stored in the data store of the depository control circuitry along with time
data as represented at
step 556.
The control circuitry associated with the depository is operative to send at
least one
parcel removal message including data corresponding to the deposit item
identifying indicia,
size, property and/or weight data to the central circuitry as represented at
step 558. The central
circuitry receives the data at step 560 and at step 562 verifies that the
indicia, size, property
and/or weight data sent regarding the deposit item and the user identifying
data, corresponds to
the authorized removal of the deposit item from the depository. In the
exemplary arrangement
the central circuitry is operative to determine that machine readable indicia
read from the
removed deposit item corresponds to the deposit item identifier. The central
circuitry is
operative at step 564 to send one or more correct parcel removal messages to
the depository
indicating that the received information is appropriate. The control circuitry
of the depository
receives the one or more correct parcel removal messages at step 566 and
provides an indication
through the one or more indicators or other output devices of the depository
that the deposit item
62
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
removal data is appropriate at step 568. Alternatively or in addition the at
least one correct
parcel removal message may be sent to the recipient device.
The exemplary control circuitry associated with the depository is then
operative to
determine from the captured image data, size, property and/or weight data the
action status of the
deposit item. This is done in a step 570 in which the action status that the
deposit item has been
removed from the depository is determined. The control circuitry then operates
to sense the
closing of the depository door in step 572 and causes the condition of the
lock to be changed to
the locked condition in a step 574. The control circuitry of the depository
then operates to send
one or more parcel removed messages to the central circuitry to indicate that
the deposit item has
been removed from the depository at step 576.
The exemplary central circuitry then operates to update the status data
included in one or
more data stores of the central circuitry to indicate the deposit item has
been removed from the
depository as represented in step 578. The central circuitry operates to send
one or more
recipient confirmation request messages to the portable wireless device or
other device of the
recipient depository owner to confirm that they have taken the deposit item as
represented by
step 580. The portable wireless device or other device of the recipient
depository owner receives
the receipt confirmation request messages and provides outputs indicating that
the confirmation
is requested. This is represented by a step 582. Responsive to the depository
owner providing
one or more inputs to their portable wireless or other recipient device
confirming receipt of the
deposit item, the recipient device operates to send one or more recipient
confirmation response
messages to the central circuitry as represented by step 584.
The central circuitry receives the at least one recipient confirmation
response message
from the depository owner at step 586. Responsive to receiving the
confirmation that the deposit
63
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
item has been received by the intended recipient, the central circuitry
operates to send one or
more messages to the user device of the shipper user who is responsible for
causing transport of
the deposit item to the recipient. This is represented by step 588. Receipt of
the information by
the shipper who is the originator of the deposit item is represented by step
590. The exemplary
central circuitry is also operative at step 592 to calculate the charge
associated with the transport
of the deposit item and to assess the charge to the shipper entity that
requested the transport. The
entity requesting the transport is notified of the charge through one or more
messages which are
sent at step 594 and which are received by the user who is the shipper through
their portable
wireless device at step 596. In the exemplary arrangement the charges are
assessed to the funds
source in the manner as designated by the user requesting transport at the
time that the request
was input to the system. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in other
embodiments
other approaches may be used. For example in other arrangements the charges
may be assessed
to a recipient.
The exemplary logic flow when the recipient of the deposit item is not the
owner of the
destination depository is represented in Figures 31 to 34. In this exemplary
arrangement from
step 528 the central circuitry is operative to determine the deposit item
recipient to be notified as
represented in step 598. The recipient and/or recipient contact data may be
included in the
transport request message. The recipient and/or recipient contact data may
alternatively be
resolved by the central circuitry from the delivery item destination location
or other data
included in the request for transport based on stored registered user data in
the at least one data
store for the recipient. If the recipient is not a registered system user the
central control circuitry
my require additional information from the shipper user as part of the
transport request such as
an invoice number or other data that can be used to confirm the identity of
the recipient. The
64
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
central circuitry is further operative to determine the one-time recipient
access code to be used to
access the interior area depository in which the deposit item is held at step
600. The central
circuitry is also operative to determine data stored in the associated data
store the applicable
requirements associated with the depository which houses the deposit item as
represented at step
602. This may include restrictions placed on operation of the depository by
the depository
owner, such as limited times for access or other requirements which restrict
use of the depository
by entities other than the depository owner.
The exemplary central circuitry is operative to send data corresponding to the
notification
and recipient access code and other applicable requirements to the portable
wireless device (or
other device) of the recipient in at least one notification message as
represented by step 604. The
notification message may include user identifying data for the recipient that
is usable in
connection with obtaining the deposit item if the recipient is not a
registered system user who has
an ID token. In most situations the identifying data may include an ID token
or other identifying
data that was provided to the recipient during a registration process that is
required to participate
in the system. The portable wireless device is operative to provide outputs to
the recipient of the
information needed to access the depository to retrieve the deposit item. As
can be appreciated,
in some arrangements the information sent to the recipient may include GPS or
other location
data that facilitates the recipient traveling to the depository to obtain the
deposit item.
In an exemplary arrangement the recipient upon being in proximity with the
depository
operates their portable wireless device to provide the user identifying data
wirelessly to the RF
input device of the depository as represented by step 606. The depository
receives the
identifying data as represented by step 608 and also receives the one-time
recipient access code
through the keypad or other input device as represented by step 610. In some
cases the recipient
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
user may also be required to input other identifying data. The control
circuitry is operative to
cause data corresponding to the received user identifying data, the code data
and depository
identifying data to be sent to the central circuitry in at least one
deposition access request
message as represented by step 612. The central circuitry receives the data in
the at least one
depository access request message as represented at step 614 and operates to
verify the received
user identifying data and the recipient access code data as represented at
step 616. The central
circuitry is then operative in a manner like that previously discussed to send
one or more
depository access approval messages to the depository indicating that the
activity is authorized
and that the depository interior area housing the deposit item should be
unlocked. This is
.. represented by step 618.
The control circuitry associated with the depository is operative to receive
and verify the
at least one depository access approval message from the central circuitry as
represented by step
620. Responsive at least in part to the receipt of the messages the control
circuitry is operative to
unlock the lock to the interior area housing the deposit item as represented
by step 622 and to
cause the sensors comprising reading devices to capture the size, properties
and/or weight
associated with the item and the machine readable indicia on the deposit item
removed from the
interior area of the depository as represented by step 624. The control
circuitry is also operative
to capture images of the recipient user and the deposit item, and store the
images and size,
property and/or weight data in the data store associated with the control
circuitry along with time
.. data as represented by step 626.
The control circuitry associated with the depository is operative to send data
corresponding to the indicia read and/or sensed from the deposit item such as
size, property
and/or weight data to the central circuitry in at least one parcel removal
message as represented
66
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
by step 628. The central circuitry receives the data as represented by step
630 and operates to
verify that the received indicia and weight data corresponds to the
appropriate depository item
and the user identifying data received corresponds to the authorized recipient
as represented by
step 632. In an exemplary arrangement the central circuitry is operative to
verify that the
machine readable indicia read from the removed deposit item corresponds to the
delivery item
identifier. The central circuitry is operative to send one or more correct
parcel verification
messages to the depository indicating that the information related to removal
of the deposit item
is correct. Such messages may additionally or alternatively be sent to the
recipient device. This
is represented by step 634. The control circuitry of the depository is
operative to receive the
.. correct parcel verification messages from the central circuitry as
represented by step 636 and to
provide one or more outputs through the indicators or other output devices on
the depository that
the deposit item information is correct as represented by step 638.
The control circuitry of the depository is then operative to analyze the
captured image
data, size property and/or weight data to determine the action status
associated with the deposit
item as represented by step 640. In this situation the control circuitry is
operative to determine
that the deposit item has been removed from the depository. The control
circuitry is also
operative to sense for closure of the depository door as represented by step
642, and responsive
to sensing the closure thereof, to cause the lock to be returned to the locked
condition as
represented by step 644. The control circuitry of the depository is operative
to send one or more
delivery completion messages to the central circuitry indicating that the
deposit item has been
removed from the depository as represented by step 646. The central circuitry
is operative to
receive the delivery completion messages from the depository and update the
status data in the
67
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
data store related to the deposit item to indicate that the deposit item has
been removed from the
depository as represented in step 648.
In a manner like that previously discussed, the central circuitry is further
operative to
cause one or more receipt confirmation request messages to be sent to the
portable wireless
device of the recipient. This is represented by step 650. The messages request
confirmation that
the deposit item has been received by the recipient. The portable wireless
device of the recipient
is operative responsive to the messages to provide outputs requesting such
confirmation as
represented by step 652. The recipient then provides one or more inputs to
their portable
wireless device confirming receipt of the deposit item as represented by step
654. The recipient
wireless device operates responsive to the recipient inputs to send at least
one receipt
confirmation response message to the central circuitry. The central circuitry
is operative to
receive the at least one receipt confirmation from the recipient at step 656,
and to send a
notification message to the user device of the shipper user that requested the
transport of the
deposit item to indicate that the item has been received at step 658. The
portable wireless device
of the shipper user that requested the transport receives one or more delivery
indication messages
as represented by step 660.
The central circuitry is also operative to calculate the charge to be assessed
to the shipper
user requesting transport of the deposit item for the transport thereof. This
is represented by step
662. The charge for transport is assessed to the shipper user in the manner
designated at the time
.. of requesting shipment, and the user is notified of the charge as
represented at step 664. The user
receives the charge notifications through their portable wireless device as
represented by step
667.
68
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Further in this exemplary arrangement because the deposit item was delivered
to the
recipient through the depository that is owned by a depository owner other
than the recipient, the
depository owner receives a payment for the associated use of their depository
in connection
with the delivery of the deposit item. In the exemplary arrangement the
central circuitry is
operative to calculate a payment due the depository owner as represented in a
step 668. In some
exemplary arrangements the central circuitry is operative to send one or more
messages to the
portable wireless device or other system device operated by.the depository
owner to indicate the
receipt of the payments for the use of the depository. Alternatively in other
exemplary
arrangements, the central circuitry may operate to credit an account of the
depository owner for
such use of the depository by offsetting the amount of credits against charges
to the depository
owner for acceptance, transport and/or delivery of deposit items. Of course it
should be
understood that these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other
approaches may
be used.
It should be understood that while the examples provided discuss users dealing
with a
single depository item, in exemplary systems numerous different deposit items
will be handled
by each authorized user. This may be particularly true of item carrier users
that simultaneously
handle a plurality of deposit items that are being transported between
different depositories. The
exemplary embodiments help to assure that the proper depository items are
removed and
deposited in the proper depository for purposes of transporting the item to
the proper destination.
The ability of the exemplary arrangements to provide an indication of any
incorrect actions and
to track the whereabouts of deposit items within the system at all times
facilitates the prompt and
reliable transport and delivery of such depository items.
69
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Further the exemplary arrangements provide advantages for transport of items
between
depositories by enabling the transport to be made by individuals who often are
otherwise
commuting or otherwise traveling to locations where item transport can be
conducted as an
ancillary activity that generates revenue for the users. Such transport can
also be made in
incremental steps as previously discussed based on the available transport
users. The ability to
utilize such user resources can also provide more options for transport of
items, while reducing
costs compared to scheduled transport systems.
In exemplary arrangements the central system or other connected systems may be
further
operative to assure that the depositories operate properly and that
malfunctions or anomalies are
detected and corrected promptly. For example in exemplary arrangements the
central system
may operate to receive information from the control circuitry of each
depository that is indicative
of conditions or statuses associated with the devices that are included as
part of the depository or
that are in operative connection therewith. In some exemplary arrangements the
control circuitry
of each depository may be operative to automatically report condition and/or
status information
on a periodic basis to the central circuitry. Alternatively or in addition the
central circuitry may
be operative to periodically poll the control circuitry of each depository,
which polling messages
are operative to cause sending of information by the depository, and the
receipt of the condition
or status information by the central circuitry. Various combinations of such
techniques and
alternative arrangements for obtaining condition and status information
associated with
depositories may be provided in exemplary arrangements.
The control circuitry of depositories in some exemplary arrangements may be
operative
in accordance with circuit executable instructions to monitor signals
associated with the devices
included in or connected to the depository. This may include sensors which are
operative to
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
detect errors or malfunctions. For example, the control circuitry may operate
to detect situations
where sensors such as cameras or other image capture devices associated with
the depository are
no longer operative to send image signals or have degraded clarity so as to
indicate a loss of
image capture capability. Other signals may be operative to detect a
malfunction of other
sensors, such as switches that are operative to determine the status of the
depository door or
other component monitored by the switch. In other exemplary arrangements
conditions
associated with the lock or locks associated with the depository door may be
monitored for
purposes of detecting a malfunction or possible efforts at tampering. In some
exemplary
arrangements the circuitry may operate to monitor the operation of the one or
more sensors, such
as property sensors of the types previously discussed. Property sensors such
as weight sensors,
size sensors, image sensors, and other sensor types are monitored to determine
if a sensor has
malfunctioned or has decreased sensitivity. Other sensors may operate to
detect abnormal
conditions sent as high or low temperatures which may indicate a problem or a
malfunction.
Other sensors may operate to detect smoke or other particulate matter which
may indicate
combustion or other possible problems. Additional sensors may be operative to
detect the
temperature of the control circuitry, a power supply and/or a battery or other
element in
connection therewith, for purposes of determining a possible malfunction.
In other exemplary arrangements conditions associated with sensors or devices
may be
monitored to determine malfunctions or other conditions indicative of problems
or a probable
future problem. For example, if the depository is located in an environment
that needs to be
illuminated such as during evening hours, sensors may be operative to monitor
for the presence
of a level of ambient lighting that operates to illuminate the area of the
depository for security
reasons. The absence of a sufficient level of ambient illumination may be
detected as an
71
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
unacceptable condition which needs to be remedied by the replacement of bulbs
or other
illumination devices in the area of the depository. Further in exemplary
arrangements the
circuitry may be in operative connection with sensors that are operative to
detect the power draw
associated with the operation of depository devices. For example the control
circuitry may be
operative to detect the power draw associated with the electrical actuation
needed for locking or
unlocking the lock of the depository. The values associated with the power
required for such
activity may be stored and monitored over time. Alternatively or in addition,
conditions
associated with the available power capabilities provided by a battery and/or
solar cells may be
monitored to identify circumstances or trends which indicate that the battery
and/or solar power
source has failed or is exhibiting conditions which correspond to probable
upcoming failure. In
some exemplary arrangements such data may be stored and monitored over time.
Such data may
be analyzed to determine trends which are indicative of the particular
component nearing an end-
of-life condition or a probable future malfunction.
In other exemplary arrangements the control circuitry may operate to monitor
connectivity associated with wireless communications or other communication
channels for
purposes of verifying that the depository is maintaining the required
communications capability
with the central system. The inability to maintain such communications
capability over a period
of time may indicate problems associated with the control circuitry and/or the
network in which
the depository is connected. Further in exemplary arrangements the depository
may include
sensors which may sense conditions that are indicative of a criminal attack on
the depository.
These may include for example conductivity integrity sensors which are
positioned in the walls,
a bottom and/or one or more doors of the depository and which are operative to
detect holes,
cutting action or other attempts to access the depository interior. In other
exemplary
72
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
arrangements seismic sensors may be included in depositories for purposes of
detecting
circumstances under which a depository may be moved or may be subject to
impacts for
purposes of attempting to steal or breach the depository. Still in other
exemplary arrangements
sensors may be provided in or adjacent to the depository for purposes of
determining external
conditions such as fire, smoke, heat, flood or other conditions which are
problematic to the
operation of the depository unit. Of course these conditions which may be
monitored and
analyzed are exemplary, and in other embodiments other conditions may be
detected and
approaches may be used.
In exemplary arrangements the control circuitry associated with the depository
may
operate to analyze signals or conditions, and send messages to notify the
central system circuitry
of the particular condition. In some exemplary arrangements the depository
control circuitry
may be configured to operate so that detection of the condition may be
automatically notified to
the central system circuitry as soon as it is detected. This may include
categories of urgent
conditions such as circumstances which correspond to criminal attacks that
attempt to access the
interior of the depository. In other circumstances data corresponding to other
less urgent
conditions may be stored as status data in one or more data stores associated
with the depository
control circuitry. Such status condition information may be sent individually
or in combination
with other status information to the central system circuitry when the
depository is polled or
otherwise requested to submit status data. Of course these approaches are
exemplary and in
other embodiments other approaches may be used.
In some exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry may be operative
to include
data corresponding to acceptable operating parameters and ranges for the
operation of
components included in depositories. Such stored data may correspond to a
model, template or
73
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
other arrangement of information that provides suitable ranges for detected
readings, parameters
or conditions when a depository is operating properly. In exemplary
arrangements
communications between the central system circuitry and the control circuitry
of each depository
may be operative to determine the information from the depository necessary to
compare the
.. status information associated with the depository to the stored data. The
central circuitry may
operate in accordance with its programmed instructions to identify anomalies
or irregularities in
the data from the depository and to determine the condition or conditions
indicated by this data.
Further in exemplary arrangements the central circuitry may be operative to
identify the remedial
actions that are necessary in response to the data that is received from a
depository.
In exemplary arrangements in response to determining abnormal conditions,
problems,
malfunctions or developing conditions at a depository, the central system
circuitry may operate
in accordance with its programmed circuit instructions to take programmed
actions in response
to such determinations. Such programmed actions may include for example,
sending one or
more messages to other systems to indicate the need for repair, servicing or
other actions
associated with the particular depository. In other circumstances such actions
may include
notifying appropriate authorities of the condition at a depository. For
example if the detected
condition includes an attempted theft, breach of the depository or fire
condition, the central
system circuitry may operate to notify appropriate police or fire authorities
in the area where the
depository is located. In other circumstances the central system circuitry may
operate in
accordance with its programming to communicate with other systems to schedule
a service call
or other remedial or preventive maintenance at the particular depository to
correct conditions
and/or to replace parts that may be reaching the predicted end of useful life.
Of course these
approaches are exemplary and other embodiments other approaches may be used.
74
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
In still other exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry may be
operative to
communicate with the depository to attempt remote correction of problematic
conditions which
are detected. For example, in circumstances where the depository or device
included therein
may not be operating in a proper manner, the exemplary system may operate to
download to the
control circuitry of the depository, circuit executable instructions that may
correct or reduce the
effect of the problem. This may include for example, downloading to the
control circuitry of the
depository a substitute script to be executed by the control circuitry for
purposes of controlling a
particular device. The central system may cause the download of instructions
that cause the
control circuitry of the depository to execute the substitute script and
report the results to the
central system. The results reported may indicate further steps that can be
taken by the central
system through detecting signals from the control circuitry and downloading
further scripts or
other instructions for purposes of remotely determining the problem and/or
making corrections.
In other arrangements the central system may operate to cause the control
circuitry of a
depository or devices connected thereto to reboot or otherwise initialize in
an attempt to address
problems or correct anomalies. Of course it should be understood that these
approaches are
exemplary and other embodiments numerous other approaches may be used.
As illustrated in Figure 35 there is provided an exemplary parcel transaction
monitor
3501, for a monitored-access parcel depository, which is alternatively
referred to herein as a
repository or a lock box. Deposit items and delivery items are alternatively
referred to herein as
parcels or packages. The exemplary repository (not shown), includes control
circuitry including
at least one controller 3502 with sensor/actuator arrays 3503 and 3504
respectively. The control
circuitry is operable to monitor parcel transactions for at least one of
parcel delivery or parcel
extraction transactions in relation to said repository, and providing for at
least one of:
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
= An incipient transaction detection module 3505 for prospectively
detecting an
incipient parcel transaction in relation to the repository of an at least one
of a possible parcel for
delivery transaction, or a possible parcel carrier intent on a repository
parcel transaction;
= A parcel transaction characterization module 3506 for differentially
characterizing
a parcel transaction; or,
= A parcel-inventory and transaction-recording module 3507 for sensing a
change
in repository parcel inventory resulting from a repository parcel transaction.
These exemplary modules are adapted to variously employ elements and functions
of said
controller and array for the respective operations thereof, and the elements
and functions of the
controller and array may be variously shared between the modules in the
execution of their
respective operations.
An incipient transaction detection module 3505 is comprised of a controller
3502 and
sensor/actuator arrays 3504/3503 for use with a controlled-access parcel
repository which
includes an at least one sensor for detecting proximity (which may involve
physical contact with
the repository or something more distant) of a possible parcel for delivery or
a possible parcel
carrier intent on a repository parcel transaction.
By way of example, this module may employ for this purpose, the controller
with ones or
combinations of sensors/actuators of said array, including:
= Accelerometers, or similar repository movement or contact detectors,
(e.g. even
something as simple as a contact switch ¨ such as a button or a keyboard, or
the operation of a
parcel repository access door or chute);
= Ultrasonic, photoelectric, infra-red, exogenous motion or presence
detectors; or,
76
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
= Proximity or estimated time of arrival by radio-frequency ¨ e.g. by
tracking a
parcel or its carrier location using a GPS signal through a smart phone or
other communications
device (geo fencing, geo location etc.), or more locally by detecting an RFID
or NFC device
signal, a Bluetooth device or the like.
The proximity detection module may, on detection of such proximity, and
presupposing
thereby a possible parcel for delivery or a possible parcel carrier intent on
a repository parcel
transaction, may be operable to further actuate one or both of the other
modules. Accordingly
therefore in aspects of exemplary arrangements the incipient transaction
detection module may
further operate an at least one actuator for:
= actuating a parcel transaction characterization module of said
controlled-access
parcel repository for differentially characterizing a parcel transaction.
= actuating a parcel-inventory and transaction-recording module for sensing
a
change in repository parcel inventory resulting from a repository parcel
transaction.
In this way the transaction detection module may power-up other repository
modules
which may have been turned off or in a hibernating mode in the absence of a
prospective parcel
transaction (as a power conservation measure, or to prepare such modules for
use, in order to
expedite the impending parcel transaction).
In an aspect of an exemplary arrangement a parcel transaction characterization
module is
comprised of a controller and sensor/actuator array for use with a controlled-
access parcel
repository, and including at least one automated sensor operable to facilitate
at least one of
package or item carrier identification sensing of a corresponding at least one
of a possible
package or possible carrier presenting at said repository, wherein said module
differentiates
sensed identification sensor input thereof to correspondingly:
77
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
= facilitate an impending pre-authorized transaction corresponding to said
identification; or,
= call for a real-time ad hoc user-mediated authorization for an impending
transaction, and facilitate a call-responsive ad hoc user-mediated
authorization for said
impending transaction; or,
= decline (by default, in the absence of at least one of the two above
mentioned
"authorizations" to actively facilitate an otherwise unauthorized impending
transaction.
Sensed identification sensor may be a controller and array associated camera
(which may
include a facial recognition facility) or scanner (e.g. bar code, or QR code
or the like), a voice or
.. other acoustic input recognition sensor, an RFID, Bluetooth or other parcel
transaction identifier
for input into said module to differentiate between and selectively facilitate
the above operations.
In the instance of an impending pre-authorized transaction corresponding to
said sensed
identification input, this module may employ a controller/array associated
communications
module 3508 to signal specifics of the impending transaction to, for example,
the repositories
owner/user and/or the parcel carrier or carrier service.
In calling for a real-time ad hoc user-mediated authorization for an impending
transaction
the parcel transaction characterization module may actuate a communications
module (which the
controller includes or provides access to), to contact a user with a request
for authorization of the
impending parcel transaction ¨ and subject to a user's authorizing response
thereto, to facilitate
the impending transaction as an authorized one.
In an instance of an identified pre-authorized transaction, or an instance
wherein a real-
time ad hoc user-mediated authorization is received in response to a call
therefore, the parcel
78
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
transaction characterization module may signal a latching actuator, as
elaborated below in
relation to an accessibility control according to an aspect of an exemplary
arrangement.
Where the module operates otherwise than in facilitating an authorized
transaction, it
may be operable to notify a user (e.g. through said communications module as
aforesaid) of an
unauthorized characterization status of the presumed parcel transaction.
In another aspect of an exemplary arrangement there is provided a parcel-
inventory and
transaction-recording module, for use with a controlled-access parcel
repository including an at
least one sensor for sensing a change in package inventory resulting from a
repository parcel
transaction.
Parcel sizes may be employed (scanned or otherwise sensed as for example by
photo-
detectors adapted to detect the presence of parcels through interruption of a
light beam), or
recorded images of the parcels may be stored for these purposes, but an
exemplary operation
senses parcel weights, by way of a weight (e.g. load) sensor that measures the
accumulated
parcel weight secured within the interior of the repository. The load or other
inventory sensor
communicates with a controller-associated memory to log changes in the sensed
weight in
association with changes in the parcel inventory. In an exemplary arrangement,
such a memory
correlates parcel transaction identifications with the particular weight
change (and time for
embodiments where the controller includes a clock facility for such a purpose)
associated with
the sensed change in the repository's parcel inventory.
In an exemplary arrangement, there is provided an accessibility control, for a
controlled-
access parcel repository, and comprised of at least one controller with a
sensor/actuator array
operable to selectively control access to said parcel repository, and
comprised of at least one
controller with a sensor/actuator array operable to facilitate controlled-
access parcel transactions
79
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
for at least one of parcel delivery or parcel extraction transactions in
relation to said repository,
and providing a parcel transaction characterization module for facilitating
selective locking and
unlocking operations of a repository lock actuator, in association with
authorized parcel
transactions characterized by said parcel transaction characterization module.
A latching
mechanism may be operated by an actuator through the controller operation by
the parcel
transaction characterization module.
The accessibility control may be used in association with any controlled
access
repository, including by way of example only, a building's vestibule, a parcel
through-wall
passage portal, a garage door, a storage shed, a chest or lock box or other
such providing
restricted access to an interior space serving to secure parcels reposing
therein. Repositories of
exemplary arrangements may, in addition to a secured access thereto, may also
provide an
unsecured access for facilitating parcel deliveries ¨ see for example the
provision of a one-way
chute in the repository embodiment depicted in Figures 36 through 39, which
may provide for
delivery of parcels notwithstanding the authorization status associated with
any given delivery.
In such cases, the accessibility control may be used to selectively facilitate
authorized access to
restricted areas of the repository in question.
The accessibility control herein may further provide for at least one of the
incipient
transaction detection module or the parcel-inventory and transaction-recording
modules
mentioned elsewhere herein.
In general, including in conjunction with modules 3505 ¨ 3507, communications
module
3508 may be operated through controller 3505 to communicate sensor-related
signals to parties
variously involved in a parcel transaction; and to receive authorization and
to control signals
from such parties, to operate actuators associated with actuator array 3504.
Cellular, Wi-Fi, land
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
line, internet, or other communications channels may be employed in this
connection. Other
exemplary aspects of the controller and array features relating to an
exemplary arrangement are
disclosed in relation to the embodiments of Figures 40 through 44 described
elsewhere herein.
Referring now also to Figures 36 through 39 there is illustrated various views
of an
.. example of a parcel repository related to aspects of exemplary
arrangements.
In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary arrangement, there is provided a
parcel
repository comprising a free-standing parcel repository 3601, defining an
enclosure comprised,
in part, by a top panel 3602a adapted to cooperate with the enclosure's sides,
back and bottom
panel assembly 3602b, and a molded cabinet face frame 3602c.
This repository includes a one-way delivery chute 3603, providing an access
portal for
introduction and passage of a parcel delivery into said repository, but
further including a gate for
interfering with removal through that chute, of parcels secured within a
secured storage bay
portion of the repository. External portions of the chute which will be
considered a door for
purposes of this disclosure, include a delivery chute front panel 3603a, and a
hinge 3603b for
facilitating opening and closing of the panel as well as operation of the
chute 3603 more
generally.
This repository further includes a selectively securable (e.g.
locked/unlocked) parcel
storage bay 3604 having a hinged storage bay door hinge 3604a and a
corresponding hinge
3604b to facilitate the opening and closing thereof. Storage bay 3604
corresponds to an interior
area of the repository.
Hinges 3603b and 3604b and mounted on respective portions of frame portion of
the
cabinet face 3602c.
81
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
This repository arrangement (by way of example) provides for two delivery
modalities:
one facilitated through one-way delivery chute 3603; and the other directly
into storage bay 3604
through selectively secured hinged door 3604a. However, of these two distinct
delivery
modalities, only the hinged door 3604a is adapted to facilitate withdrawal of
parcels from the
storage bay 3604. This arrangement flexibly facilitates parcel deliveries to
be made without
necessarily requiring any particular pre-authorization or real-time
authorization, but necessitates
authorized access to storage bay 3604 in order to remove delivered parcels
from the secured
storage bay 3604.
Repository 3601 also provides for an inner-delivery chute front interior panel
3603c for
supporting parcels for delivery during parcel introduction through delivery
chute 3603 on its way
into storage bay 3604. Chute 3603 is opened for a delivery transaction, by
drawing a recessed
handle 3603i forward and downwardly, rotating front panel 3603a and attached
front interior
panel 3603c outwardly together, around hinge 3603b. Pivot anchors 3603f
(secured to front
interior panel 3603c), in turn draw outwardly and downwardly through pivot
pins 3603k, pulling
tray 3603h to rotate by the pivot pins 3603k which are connected to connecting
arms 3603e to
anchor 3603j on the tray. Tray 3603h rotates in response to this action,
around tray pivots 3603g
that connect tray 3603h to enclosure side and back and bottom panel assembly
3602b ¨ and into
a position that provides a generally coplanar delivery chute surface alignment
with front interior
panel 3603c. That co-planar alignment facilitates the transfer of a parcel
from the panel 3603c
onto the receiving surface 3603d of tray 3603h.
With a parcel positioned on the receiving surface 3603d of tray 3603h, the
return of front
panel 3603a towards its upright and ultimately re-closed position, rotates
tray 3603h from the
coplanar alignment mentioned above, into an inclined orientation, which
induces the parcel to
82
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
slide along and ultimately off of supporting tray 3603h, to release the parcel
into the repository's
interior area, where delivered parcels accumulate in storage bay 3604, in
supported relation on
parcel repository bay floor 3608.
In the illustrated embodiment, parcel delivery transactions made through the
chute are not
restricted by the operation of the accessibility control.
Parcel bay floor 3608 is connected with a load sensor 3607, which is operable
to sense
increases/decreases in the accumulated weight of delivered parcels stored
within storage bay
3604 on bay floor 3608, as parcels are added by delivery transactions, or
removed during pickup
transactions to and from repository 3601.
Controller 3609 is connected to an array of sensors and actuators, including
latch actuator
3604c an acoustic transducer 3610, an on-board camera/scanner (not shown), and
load sensor
3607. Controller 3609 also includes a power management connection for
selectively powering
the repository operations using a utility line voltage source (not shown) or
battery power from
battery 3606, or other power sources (not shown, but including by way of
example, solar panels)
.. The exemplary controller 3609 is also in operative connection with a
wireless antenna 3605 to
provide wireless communications.
The on-board camera provides for video and/or still pictures, as well as for
bar-code/QR-
code scan sensing. The acoustic transducer 3610 provides for audio signaling,
and optionally for
audio pick-up (sound sensing). Load sensor 3607 senses weight changes
reflecting changes in
parcel inventory secured within repository 3601 interior area ¨ and may
further associate weight
changes with particular parcel transactions. Latch actuator 3604c facilitates
locking and
unlocking operations of door 3604a to provide selective access to storage bay
3604.
83
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Referring now to Figures 40 through 44, there are illustrated examples of
aspects of
exemplary arrangements relating to a delivery lock box (i.e. repository)
controller (or controller
module) for operating a delivery lock box, and comprises a controller operable
for controlling
lock box peripherals of arrays thereof to provide discrete modular
functionalities variously
related to unattended-delivery lock box convenience as well as operational and
forensic security,
but more particularly to providing combinations of modular functions variously
cooperating for
providing augmented, and in some embodiments, real-time remote user interface
access for such
operational/forensic security. In accordance with an exemplary arrangement
there is provided
discrete modular functionalities variously related to unattended-delivery lock
box convenience as
well as operational and forensic security, as well as providing combinations
of modular functions
cooperating variously for providing augmented, and in some embodiments, real-
time remote user
interface access for such operational/forensic security. More particularly,
exemplary
arrangements include a (e.g. package) delivery lock box controller module for
operating a
delivery lock box having a controller operable for controlling lock box
peripherals including one
or more of: a lock box communications module; a camera and image recording
module; a
proximity detection sensor module; a lock box motion/shock detection sensor
module; and/or a
remote lock actuator module.
The lock box communications module is adapted to facilitate RF (radio
frequency)
communication of lock box peripherals data to a lock box user, and may
additionally variously
facilitate lock box peripheral control by the user.
The camera and image recording module is adapted to be selectively operable
for pre-
determinedly capturing and recording at least one image of at least a portion
of the lock boxes
84
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
surroundings. In an aspect of the present arrangement, the camera may also
serve a
scanner/reader function.
The proximity detection sensor module may serve in the detection of a
triggering
presence within a range proximal to the lock box and signaling (buzzer or
other acoustical
device, or RF e.g. through the lock box communications module) a proximity
notification of
such presence.
The lock box motion/shock detection sensor module, operable for detecting a
triggering
lock box motion or shock and signaling (buzzer or other acoustic or
illumination device, or RF
signaling e.g. through the lock box communications module) a motion/shock
detection
notification.
The remote lock actuator module operable by an authorized remote user to
operate the
lock actuator module's lock actuator.
A controller module in the context of exemplary arrangements can be, for
example, a
chip, an expansion card, or a stand-alone device that interfaces with one or
more peripheral
devices. Preferably, the controller module comprises a single board
implementation comprising
a central processing unit (processor) that processes data, memory that holds
the programs and
data to be processed (although memory may alternatively be located off-board),
and 1/0
(input/output) devices as interfaces that communicate with diverse peripheral
devices.
Figure 40 schematically depicts an embodiment of a control module 4001
according to an
exemplary arrangement, comprising a printed circuit board 4002, a processor
4003, a memory
4004, an I/O processor interface 4005, and on-board 1/0 devices 4006 and 1/0
pin socket 4007
for connection to off-board 1/0 devices (not shown).
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
In accordance with the exemplary arrangement, computer buses of one form or
another
facilitate data transactions between the processor, memory and these
peripherals.
Referring now to Figure 41, a block schematic representation is provided to
illustrate a
generalized relationship between processor 4003, memory 4004, and a plurality
of interface
devices 4005a, 4005b and 4005c associated with respective peripherals 4007a,
4007b and 4007c.
Memory bus 4008, address bus 4009 and control bus 4010 are also illustrated in
an intermediary
relationship with the processor 4003, the interface devices 4005a-c.
The control bus is used by the processor for communicating with other devices,
while the
address bus carries the information about the device with which the processor
is communicating
and the data bus carries the actual data being processed, and the control bus
carries commands
from the processor and returns status signals from the devices. Where an
address bus is used to
specify a physical address ¨ such that when a processor or direct memory
access (DMA) enabled
device needs to read or write to a memory location, the address bus specifies
that memory
location on the address bus, but the data value to be read or written to or
from that address, is
sent on the data bus. The memory bus typically connects the main memory to the
memory
controller and are often designed to connect directly to DRAM chips.
Referring now to Figure 42 there is depicted a function block diagram
depicting
processor 4003 interactions with interface 4005, through the data bus 4008,
the address bus
4009, and in the case of the control bus 4010 as I/0 read and I/0 write
transactions 4010a and
4010b. Interface 4005 in turn, transacts with I/O devices such as devices 4006
or peripherals
4007a-c, through an I/O bus 4011 including data validation and acceptance
transactions 4012 and
4013.
86
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Referring now to Figure 43, an exemplary embodiment of the controller module
is
illustrated.
A main controller board 4002a, includes a general purpose I/0 pin socket 4007,
servicing: door lock/position sensors 4007d, for lock and door position
sensors associated with a
deliver lock box locker door(s); internal lighting control 7e; external
proximity sensor(s) 4007f;
and, a motion detector (accelerometer) 4007g.
Controller board 4002a further includes a PWM (pulse width modulation) output
4014
for controlling analog circuits with a microprocessor's digital outputs ¨ in
this instance, a
transaction interaction buzzer 4007h and a theft alarm 4007i.
Also provided on controller board 4002a, is a DSPI serial interface connection
4015
which is a fully configurable SPI master/slave device, facilitating the
microcontroller's
communication with serial peripheral devices ¨ in this case an SD memory card
4019.
Controller board 4002a also provides for a universal asynchronous
receiver/transmitter
(UART) to serial peripheral interface (SPI) interface connection 4016, which
is used for
communication between SPI slave devices (from a processor) and a UART port ¨
in this instance
providing for a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth radio peripheral 4020.
MIPUUSB interface connector 4017 enables USB connectivity to any image sensor
which is compliant with Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) Camera
Serial Interface
standard ¨ connected in this case to camera/jpeg encoder 4021.
Controller board 4002a also supports an i.MX6 processor 4018. Processor 4018
facilitates high-performance scalable multimedia processing, and includes
integrated power
management based on an ARM Cortex-A9 processor supporting HD 1080p encode and
decode
operation and having integrated I/0 for MIPI CSI-2 camera, Gigabit Ethernet,
multiple USB and
87
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
PCI I/0. Power management is facilitated in conjunction with processor 4018,
by way of power
controller 4022, to control a hybrid power system based on solar cells 4023
and lithium batteries
4024.
Referring now to Figure 44, an alternative embodiment depicting a controller
board
housing 4051, housing a controller board 4051a. Controller board 4051a can be
designed to
support a generic application processor, however, processor 4052 in this
depicted embodiment is
a PICO-IMX6 including an ARM Cortex-A9 NXP i.MX6, Small Footprint, System-on-
Module
(SoM) having WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth v. 4.1 communication interfaces
providing a
compact form factor optimized for free-standing applications with IoT
connectedness.
.. Alternative embodiments may employ other processors, such as ARM core
processors, or ARM
Cortex processors, such as for example, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410e which is an
ARM Cortex
A53 processor.
Processor 4052 provides I2C bus connections 4053, 4054 and 4055. The PC bus is
a
serial, half-duplex - PC (Inter-Integrated Circuit), synchronous, multi-
master, multi-slave, packet
switched, single-ended, serial computer bus for attaching lower-speed
peripheral ICs to
processors and microcontrollers in short-distance, intra-board communications.
Connection 4053 is connected to GPIO expanders 4053a which are TCA5416A I/0
expanders for the two-line bidirectional (I2C) bus and are designed to provide
general-purpose
remote I/O expansion through the I2C interface. Expanders 4053a are in turn
connected to a
.. blue tooth wifi pairing button 4043b; an FET switch 4053c which is adapted
to be connected
through enclosure 4051to a connector 4051b and corresponding delivery lock box
connector
4051c, to delivery lock box external LED lights 4053e; an FET switch 4053d
which is adapted
to be connected through connectors 4051b and 4051c, to delivery lock box door
locks actuators
88
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
4053f; and through connectors 405 lb and 40451c to delivery lock box open door
sensors (door
"open" contact) 4053g. Connector 4053h connects to delivery lock box internal
LED lighting,
and is co-operable with sensors 4053g.
Connection 4054 supports both an accelerometer 4054a and a motion detection
module
4054b.
Accelerometer 4054a is provided by an LSM303 breakout board which combines a
magnetometer/compass module with a triple-axis accelerometer in a compact
navigation
subsystem, and its two pin I2C interface can be shared by other I2C devices,
in this case
including module 4054b.
Motion detection module 4054b provides a motion sensor connection using an
LTC2451
16-bit, analog-to-digital converter which also communicates through the I2C
interface 4054. It
includes an integrated oscillator that does not require any external
components and employs a
delta-sigma modulator as a converter core and provides single-cycle settling
time for multiplexed
applications. The LTC2451 includes input sampling scheme that reduces the
average input
sampling current several orders of magnitude lower than conventional Al
converters. The
LTC2451 is capable of up to 60 conversions per second and, due to the very
large oversampling
ratio, has extremely relaxed antialiasing requirements. It connects through
pin connector 4054c
to motion sensor 4054d.
Connection 4055 connects processor 4052 to a separate, delivery lock box fuel
gauge
circuit board 4055a carrying an LTC2943 module which measures battery charge
state, battery
voltage, battery current for battery bank 4055b, as well as its own
temperature in standalone
applications. A precision coulomb counter integrates current through a sensing
resistor between
the battery's positive terminal and the load or charger. Voltage, current and
temperature are
89
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
measured with an internal 14-bit No Latency ATM ADC and the measurements are
stored in
internal registers accessible via the onboard I2C/SMBus Interface. The LTC2943
is
programmable for setting high and low thresholds for all four measured
quantities. If a
programmed threshold is exceeded, the device communicates an alert by setting
a flag in the
internal status register. The LTC2943 requires only a single low value sensing
resistor to set the
measured current range.
Processor 4052 further includes a PWM (pulse width modulation) output 4056 for
controlling analog circuits with a microprocessor's digital outputs ¨ in this
instance, a buzzer
speaker or other audio transducer 4056a. An SD card connector 4057 and a Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
connector 4058 are also provided. Bluetooth connector 4058 is connected to an
active antenna
power module 4058a. Connector 4058b provides for the connection of a Wi-
Fi/Bluetooth
antenna.
The SD card connector 4057 is interconnected with an SD card slot 4057a,
mounted on
controller board 4051a. An SD card (Secure Digital Card), not shown, is
inserted into slot 4057a
to provide reliable data storage in a small form factor for, inter alia,
digital camera images, etc.
SD cards contain an internal controller interface that handles all internal
flash memory
operations and data transfer between the processor 4052 and the card is done
in 512 byte block,
clock serial mode ¨ using a selected one of two bus protocols defined for SD
cards, (the default
native SD mode or a slower SPI mode).
Processor 4052 also provides for a UART connection 4059, communicating with a
Debug TTL UART 4059a.
GPIO connection 4060 on processor 4052, supports an LT3651 automatic lithium
ion
battery charger circuit 4060a which functions as a solar charge controller (in
conjunction with
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
power supply module 4060b), charge regulator and battery regulator to limit
the rate at which
electric current is added to or drawn from battery bank 4055b electric
batteries. Circuit 4060a
prevents overcharging and may protect against overvoltage, which can reduce
battery
performance or lifespan, and may pose a safety risk. It may also prevent
completely draining
("deep discharging") a battery, or perform controlled discharges, depending on
the battery
technology, to protect battery life. Connector 4060c provides for the
connection of solar panels
or external DC power supplies.
Processor 4052 provides a camera Serial Interface (CSI) 4061 conforming to
MIPI
Alliance specifications that provide for an interface between a camera and
host processor 4052.
Interface 4061 connects to a MIPI connection 4061a which in turn is connected
to an 0V5645
high performance, 5-megapixel system-on-chip (SOC) 4061b. This sensor's single
MIPI port
replaces both a bandwidth-limited DVP interface and a costly embedded JPEG
compressor, with
attendant savings on silicon footprint and cost.
USB host connector 4062 connects to a USB to SATA bridge 4062a. Bridge 4062a
is a
TUSB9261 ARM Cortex M3 microcontroller based USB 3.0 to serial ATA bridge.
It
provides the necessary hardware and firmware to implement a USB attached SCSI
protocol
(UASP)-compliant mass storage device suitable for bridging hard disk drives
(HDD), solid state
disk drives (SSD), optical drives, and other compatible SATA 1.5-Gbps or SATA
3.0-Gbps
devices to a USB 3.0 bus. Bridge 4062a connects in turn to SATA/PWR connector
4062b.
Serial Peripheral Interface bus (SPI) is a synchronous serial communication
interface
4063a for connecting to an analog to digital converter 4063a. Converter 4063a
is an ADS1148
device providing 16-bit analog-to-digital converter that includes many
integrated features to
reduce system cost and component count for sensor measurement applications ¨
including a low-
91
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
noise, programmable gain amplifier (PGA), a precision delta-sigma (AE) ADC
with a single-
cycle settling digital filter, and an internal oscillator and a built-in, low-
drift voltage reference,
and two matched programmable excitation current sources (IDACs).
GPIO interface 4064 connects though FET switches 4064a to control LED lights
connected through connectors 4053e and 4053h.
Referring now to the drawings in general: One aspect of an exemplary
arrangement
provides for a delivery lock box controller module, housed for example in a
housing 4051, and
adapted for operating a delivery lock box (not shown). This aspect of the
exemplary
arrangement comprises a controller (such as controller board 4051a and
processor 4052), that is
operable for controlling lock box peripherals. In particular, the module
according to this aspect
of the exemplary arrangement provides for a remote lock actuator module that
is operable by an
authorized remote user. The remote lock actuator module comprises processor
4052 and I2C bus
connection 4053, GPIO expanders 4053a, FET switch 4053d and enclosure
connector 4051b.
With enclosure connector 405 lb engaged with delivery lock box connector
4051c, processor
4052 may be instructed by an authorized user, to operate lock box door lock
actuators 4053f to in
turn permit access to the lock box interior and thereby facilitate
introduction or removal of lock
box contents. Preferably, the operation of the lock box door lock actuators
4053f is attended by
the operation of lock box external LED lights 4053e by processor 4052 acting
across the
connection of connectors 4051 b and 4051c, and by way of FET switch 4053c,
GPIO expanders
4053a and I2C bus connection 4053 of processor 4052. This arrangement can draw
a delivery
agent's attention to the lock box and aid in the delivery agent's completion
of the user-authorized
lock box transaction. This can be important since it is often desirable for
the lock box
installation to be discretely placed, and/or to have it fit unobtrusively into
the local decor. Note
92
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
too, however, that external LED lights 4053e can be operated by processor 4052
independently
of the operation of door lock actuators 4053f. This facility for independent
operation of external
LED lights 4053e permits them to be used simply as a local source of augmented
lighting; or as a
flashing light source in the case of an emergency or security threat without
occasioning the
concurrent release of the locks. Moreover lock box internal LED operation
through connector
4053h is also independent of the operation of external LED lights 4053e, and
operate instead in
cooperation with open door sensor 4053g with its connections through
connectors 4051 b and
4051c, GPIO expanders 4053a, I2C bus connections 4053 to processor 4052. This
represents a
power saving in circumstances where illumination of the lock box interior is
not required and is
an important consideration for lock box installations that function without
recourse to the
electrical grid.
The lock box controller module comprising controller board 4051a and processor
4052
may make provision for a camera and image recording module ¨ as for example by
way of
camera 40461b, MIPI interface 4061a, and camera serial interface 4061. This
arrangement is
preferably selectively operable to (optionally pre-determinedly) capture and
record at least one
image of at least a portion of said lock boxes surroundings. The recording may
be captured
using an off-board storage drive, using USB host connector 4062, USB to SATA
bridge 4062a,
and USB host connector 4062b, under the direction of processor 4052.
Alternatively, the
recording may be captured on an SD card (not shown) using SD card connector
4057 and SSD
card slot 4057a. An authorized user may trigger processor 4052 to activate the
camera or the
camera and the recorder to selectively capture images. In one embodiment
processor 4052
operates camera 4061b more or less continuously, and records captured images
on a memory
device as mentioned above, but in a short term first-in-first out over-writing
buffer file. Subject
93
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
then to the occurrence of a pre-determined triggering event, the buffer file
is transferred to an
archive file, preserving images recorded in advance of the triggering event
and appending
recordings of images subsequently captured and recorded to the archive file,
for a predetermined
time or condition. Thereafter, the camera 4061 b reverts to said more or less
continuous
operation and recording later images into the over-write buffer as aforesaid.
The lock box controller module comprising controller board 4051a and processor
4052
may also make provision for a proximity detection sensor module comprising
motion sensor
4054d, pin connector 4054c, motion detection module 4054b and I2C bus
connection 4054 for
detecting a triggering presence within a range proximal to the lock box, and
signaling (e.g. by
but not limited to a buzzer or other acoustical device, or flashing external
LEDs as mentioned
above), a proximity notification of such presence. This signaling may aid in
directing legitimate
approaches to the lock box, or deter illegitimate interest in same, and in
either case, place the
authorized user on alert to the motion in proximity to the lock box.
Similarly, the lock box controller module comprising controller board 4051a
and
processor 4052 may also make provision, through accelerometer 4054a and I2C
bus connection
4054, for a lock box motion/shock detection sensor module, operable for
detecting a triggering
lock box motion or shock and signaling (again, for example, via buzzer or
other acoustic or
illumination device) a motion/shock detection notification to the user.
Preferably, this
notification is of a loud and insistent character that will assertively deter
any attendant theft
attempt or vandalism.
In an exemplary embodiment, the controller board 4051a and processor 4052
provide for
a lock box communications module, in this case by way of a System-on-Module
(SoM) having
built in Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth v. 4.1 radios and communication
interfaces providing a
94
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
compact form factor optimized for free-standing applications with local RF
networks as well as
providing for IoT (intemet of things) connectedness. Processor 4052 is thereby
adapted to
facilitate RF communication of lock box peripherals data to a lock box user ¨
using in this
particular case, SPI connector 4063, A/D converter 4063a as well as Bluetooth
connector 4058
and active antenna power module 4058a with its connections through connectors
4051 b and
4051c to antenna 4058b. In operation, control module 4001 with a
communications module (e.g.
associated with processor 4052 as per the above) comprises a lock box
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
communications module which provides for Bluetooth-mediated configuration of
Wi-Fi network
connections between the lock box communications module and an available (e.g.
local) user-
selected Wi-Fi network. More particularly, the Bluetooth facility may be
operable to link with a
user phone and in turn enable a user phone to connect/configure the lockbox to
a user selected
local Wi-Fi network.
Controller module 4001 may also be operable such that a "proximity
notification"
includes remotely communicating a "detected presence" to a user's
communication device (or
some other user proxy), through the communications module. (Note that in
general,
communications to the user device are typically mediated via Wi-Fi or other
local RF networks
as well as through cellular, internet, landlines, microwave and all the
various modems/gateways
or the like that may be variously associated with those networks). In an
exemplary embodiment,
for example, the control module 4001 further comprises a cellular data modem
(not shown)
operable to provide an alternative user notification to a user in the event
that WIFI functionality
is not used or not available for this purpose.
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Similarly, controller module 4001 may be operable to convey motion/shock
detection
notifications by remotely communicating a detected motion/shock notification
to a user's
communication device, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph.
The operation of the exemplary camera and image recording module is
selectively
predetermined to provide continuous operation and recording and this is
facilitated by one or
both of an on-board recording storage or to Wi-Fi connected storage. (Either
or both such
storage facilities can be FIFO (first-in-first out) over write in order to
facilitate currency of
recordings in the absence of unlimited storage capacity). Controller module
4001 may also be
employed such that the camera and image recording module is additionally or
alternatively
selectively predetermined to be intermittently operated ¨ subject, for
example, to a detected-
event-triggered operation. In one exemplary arrangement for example,
controller module 4001
may be operable such that a proximity notification comprises triggering the
camera and image
recording module to record and/or communicate to a user's communication device
(or user
proxy), that at least one image associated with the proximity notification.
Similarly, the control
module 4001 may be operated such that the motion/shock detection notification
comprises
triggering said camera and image recording module to record and/or communicate
to a user's
communication device (or user proxy), of an at least one image associated with
the motion/shock
detection. In an exemplary arrangement, the intermittent operation of the
camera and image
recording module is coextensive with ongoing detection of a detected trigger
event.
In exemplary embodiments where the control module 4001 operates image storage
as a
first-in-first out overwrite storage buffer, the camera and image recording
module is further
operable in response to a detected trigger event, to save the associated at
least one image from
the first-in-first out overwrite storage buffer to a long term storage
archival location, and
96
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
preferably so that when a detected trigger event so operates the camera and
image recording
module, that module saves associated images from the buffer, beginning from a
predetermined
time preceding detection of the detected event. Moreover, in an exemplary
arrangement when a
detected trigger event so operates the camera and image recording module, it
is operated so as to
save associated images for a predetermined time following termination of
detection of the
detected event.
In the depicted exemplary embodiment control module 4001 is further operable
to
manage a hybrid power source power supply module 4060b provided from a primary
power
source selected from at least one of a solar power source and a line power
source; and, a
secondary battery power reserve source (battery bank supply 4055b), with the
hybrid power
source being operable to variously power the delivery lock box operations, and
employs delivery
box fuel gauge circuit board 4055a in that connection. The control module 4001
also operates
power supply module 4060b, using battery charger circuit 4060a to charge the
secondary (battery
bank 4055b) source from the primary source(s).
The control module 4001 may further comprise a cellular data modem to provide
an
alternative user notification to a user, (collateral with Wi-Fi functions, or
as an alternative if Wi-
Fi is not available).
In an aspect of an exemplary arrangement, there is also provided a weigh scale
peripheral
connection 4066. The connection to processor 4052 can be variously facilitated
¨ e.g. through a
.. general input output interface. The weigh scale peripheral may be used to
signal the
arrival/presence of a package within a repository enclosure ¨ and also in
conjunction with the
parcel inventory module, to track arrival and withdrawal of one or more
parcels from the parcel
inventory secured within the repository.
97
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
Figures 45 ¨ 48 show an alternative arrangement of a delivery item repository
670.
Repository 670 is configured to be utilized in a system which includes a
plurality of repositories
of the same or similar configuration, such as one of the repository
configurations previously
discussed herein. The exemplary system is usable to transport delivery items
which are also
referred to as parcels, from a respective originating repository to a
respective destination
repository so as to achieve transport of the parcel from one geographic
location to another.
Exemplary arrangements may facilitate small-scale parcel delivery operations
in which item
carriers exchange parcels through controlled transfers which occur through
intermediate
destination repositories under the control of one or more servers or other
central system circuitry
in a manner like that previously discussed.
The exemplary systems facilitate the use of crowd sourced item carrier
participation.
Such item carriers may operate to transport parcels between originating
repositories and
destination repositories. In other exemplary arrangements item carriers may
further operate to
carry out pickup and delivery activities at points of parcel shipment
origination or endpoints of
parcel transport that do not include repositories. Exemplary arrangements may
provide for a
parcel delivery system which is configured to transport parcels that are
provided from and
delivered to diverse locations and at different times by a plurality of
different shipper and
recipient system user types.
In exemplary arrangements the system may include a plurality of geographically
dispersed repositories such as repository 670. Repository 670 includes a body
having a plurality
of separated interior areas each of which is suitable for holding one or more
parcels. Each of the
interior areas is selectively accessible by authorized users who are enabled
to unlock and open
closure members such as respective doors that are movable to provide access to
respective
98
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
interior areas. Each respective repository may be operated as an originating
repository as well as
an intermediate or final destination repository. Thus the exemplary system
provides for a fully
connected physical topography of repositories.
In exemplary arrangements each of the plurality of repositories is in
operative connection
with central system circuitry like that previously discussed. The exemplary
central system
circuitry operates as a control grid to manage item carrier authorizations and
assignments. The
central system circuitry also performs monitoring of the pickups of parcels
from originating
repositories and the delivery of parcels into the destination repositories.
Further in exemplary
arrangements the monitoring functions of the central system circuitry may
operate to assure that
parcel items are delivered in accordance with required schedules and/or other
handling
requirements that may be associated with particular parcels.
Further in exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry which controls
the
acceptance, transport and delivery of parcels, provides useful aspects
compared to other parcel
distribution methods. This is achieved in some arrangements due to the
handling, transport and
sorting of a relatively small number of parcels by each authorized shipping
user and item carrier
user of the system. For example in exemplary arrangements, each item carrier
will generally be
involved in handling less than 10 parcels simultaneously at any given time.
The use of crowd sourced item carriers receiving parcels from originating
depositories
and transporting parcels through intermediate destination repositories,
facilitates the transport
and delivery of parcels. As item carriers act to provide parcel transport
generally in coordination
with their other activities such as commuting or other travel, the ability to
move parcels to a final
destination repository is facilitated even though item carriers may only be
willing to carry parcels
99
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
a portion of the overall parcel transport path. Further the exemplary
arrangements provide for
item carrier compensation for transport of parcels, which compensation may be
readily obtained
by the item carrier in connection with their normal commuting or travel
activities
The exemplary parcel repository 670 shown in Figures 45 ¨48 is configured to
operate as
a free standing device and perform the functions associated with an
originating depository and a
destination repository concurrently for a plurality of parcels. The exemplary
repository 670
includes a body which is alternatively referred to herein as a housing 672.
The housing is
supported on a base 674. The base 74 includes a forward extending portion 676.
The forward
extending portion of the exemplary arrangement includes a front to rearward
upwardly sloped
face 678.
The exemplary repository housing 672 further includes a top or cap 680. The
exemplary
top includes a roof panel 682. Roof panel 682 is sloped downward from front to
rear of the
housing 672. The top 680 further includes a forward extending cornice 684.
Cornice 684
extends forward beyond the front of the central position of the housing 672.
Cornice 684 has a
sloped face 686 that is sloped toward the rear of the housing further downward
along the face
686.
The exemplary face 686 includes a recess 688. Recess 688 includes a lens 690.
The
exemplary lens 690 is translucent to enable illumination of the front of the
housing by one or
more lamps that are positioned within the housing. The cornice 684 further
includes a port or
opening 692 therein. An electronics housing 694 extends in the opening 692.
The electronics
housing 694 is configured to hold control circuitry 696 which may be of the
type previously
100
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
discussed, as well as at least one sensor or input device 698 such as a camera
or scanner and a
wireless portal.
The exemplary housing 672 includes a pair of side panels 700, 702 and a back
panel 704.
Panels 700, 702 and 704 bound a partitioned housing interior that includes a
plurality of
separated interior areas. Locker doors 706, 708, 710, 712 714, 716, 718, 720,
722 and 724 are
each movably mounted in operative supported connection with the housing 762
through
respective hinges 726. Each of the locker doors selectively controls access to
a respective
interior area within the housing 672. In the exemplary arrangement each of the
doors is
changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition responsive to
a respective
electrically actuated lock in a manner similar to that used in the previously
described repository
arrangements.
The exemplary repository 670 includes control circuitry which may function in
a manner
similar to that described in connection with repository 10. In addition
repository 670 may
include suitable power sources, sensors, input and output devices cameras,
microphones and
wireless portals that operate in ways like those discussed in connection with
the previously
described repositories. In some exemplary arrangements the repository 670 may
operate
responsive entirely to wireless communication with remote central system
circuitry and local
portable wireless devices. For example user identifying information, access
codes and other data
that is required to be communicated to the control circuitry of repository 670
may be received via
a wireless portal, rather than keypads, touchscreens or other types of
manually actuatable input
devices. Further in exemplary arrangements may provide outputs wirelessly that
can be
perceived by system users adjacent to the repository through their portable
wireless devices. In
this manner the exemplary repository avoids having externally accessible
components that may
101
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
be subject to vandalism or tampering. Of course it should be understood that
these approaches
are exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.
It should be understood that the number of separate interior areas within
repository 760 is
exemplary, and other repositories may have different numbers of separately
accessible interior
areas. The exemplary repository 670 also includes a pair of smaller sized
interior areas
corresponding to doors 720, 722 compared to the other interior areas, and a
single large interior
area corresponding to door 714. Other parcel repositories used in connection
with exemplary
systems may have different numbers and sizes of interior areas so as to
accommodate the sizes of
parcels being handled through operation of the repository. Other exemplary
repositories may be
comprised of separate housings that are positioned in adjacent relation so as
to provide larger
numbers of interior areas for the acceptance and release of parcels. Such
multiple repositories
may be controlled responsive to common control circuitry and a single user
interface, or may be
separately controlled and operable independent of an adjacent repository.
Further, the exemplary
repository is configured to be positioned in a location that is readily
accessible to ground
transportation routes. Such configuration facilitates access to the repository
by shipper users,
item carriers and parcel recipients.
Figure 5 shows a system 728 of an exemplary arrangement and the flow of
parcels which
may occur between repositories in such a system. The exemplary system includes
repository 670
as well as a plurality of other repositories schematically indicated 730, 732,
734, 736, and 738.
In the exemplary arrangement the repositories included in the system may be
similar to
repository 760 or the other repositories described herein. In alternative
arrangements other
repository configurations may be used. It should be understood that the
exemplary system
102
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
further includes central system circuitry which may be similar to the central
system circuitry
previously discussed.
As represented by arrows T, parcels may be moved between repositories in the
system by
item carriers. As represented in Figure 49 parcels that are input to the
exemplary system at
repository 670 that are required to be delivered at remote final destination
repository 734 may be
transported in numerous different ways depending on the available item
carriers. For example,
in some situations a parcel may be transported by an item carrier directly
from the originating
repository 670 to the final destination repository 734, as represented by
Arrow 740. Such a
direct transport from the originating repository to the final destination
repository may be the
result of the fortuitous availability of an item carrier who is available to
make such direct
transport. Alternatively such a direct route for the parcel may be the result
of the shipping user
paying an incentive fee for prompt delivery or other circumstances.
In alternative circumstances a parcel that is received in originating
repository 670 that is
determined by the central system circuitry as required to move to repository
734 as the final
destination repository, may be moved by item carriers to one or more
intermediate destination
repositories before reaching the final destination repository. For example a
parcel may be moved
from the originating repository 670 to intermediate destination repository 730
by an initial item
carrier as represented by Arrow 742. The parcel may then be moved from
repository 730 to
interim destination repository 732 by another item carrier as represented by
Arrow 744. Finally
the parcel may be moved from repository 732 to the final destination
repository 734 by another
item carrier as represented by Arrow 746. Of course as can be appreciated from
the other arrows
shown in Figure 49, the parcel may take a more direct path to the final
destination repository 734
103
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
as a result of the availability of other item carriers that can transport the
parcel along the more
direct path.
As can be appreciated, the exemplary system 728 may also be operated
responsive to the
central system circuitry to achieve parcel deliveries to a final destination
repository in a more
rapid manner than might otherwise occur based on the availability of item
carriers. For example
the programming associated with the central system circuitry may provide for
the consolidation
of multiple parcel transport jobs that can be offered to a single item carrier
as an incentive to
complete the parcel transports more quickly. For example the exemplary central
system circuitry
may operate to accommodate transport of parcels to an intermediate destination
repository that
may not be on the most direct path to a final system repository for some of
the parcels.
However, by moving the parcels to an interim destination repository that is
closer to the final
destination repository more quickly via transport consolidation, the system
may achieve delivery
at the final destination repository more quickly than might otherwise occur.
Further the central
system circuitry may take advantage of item carriers who have extended time or
delivery
location availability compared to other item carriers to achieve movement of
more parcels to
interim destination repository locations, from which delivery at the final
destination repositories
may be more rapidly achieved. As can be appreciated these results may be based
on the central
system circuitry evaluating factors such as available item carriers and
carrier locations during
different dates and times, as well as other factors that are usable to predict
and optimize parcel
transport.
Of course as can be appreciated, from a shipper user perspective, the
operation of the
exemplary system 728 achieves the delivery of delivery items such as parcels
from a initial
originating repository to a final destination repository. As a result,
conceptually the shipment
104
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
may be considered to have a universal origin as represented schematically as
748, and a universal
destination as represented schematically as 750. Although a given parcel may
be transported
under the control of the central system circuitry through numerous different
intermediate parcel
repositories by different item carriers, such system activity does not involve
the shipper user or
the delivery item parcel recipient.
Of course it should be understood that exemplary systems may be implemented in
various network topographies such as a peer to peer network communications
environment
between devices included in the system. Alternatively, the network topography
may include a
centralized dedicated network adapted to cooperatively link the various system
components. Of
course other arrangements may include combinations of different system and
network
topographies to achieve communications between the different system
components.
As can be appreciated from the prior discussion in connection with repository
10, the
exemplary system 728 may provide for communication through central system
circuitry with
numerous different types of authorized and/or registered system users who
carry out different
roles in connection with the system. For example in exemplary arrangements
network
communication may be provided with the wireless carrier contact devices of
item carriers to
determine transport availability and to provide transport assignments. Further
in exemplary
arrangements such carrier contact devices may be utilized for purposes of
tracking parcels in
transport via GPS or other location monitoring systems. In addition camera or
other reader
equipped carrier contact devices may be utilized for purposes of scanning
machine-readable
indicia on parcels, determining size information of parcels or carrying out
other actions.
Similarly such wireless devices may include wireless portals which enable
communication
105
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
wirelessly with repositories so as to communicate information necessary to
access selected
interior areas for purposes of receiving or depositing parcels.
Further as can be appreciated, in exemplary arrangements the network
communications
between the repositories and the central system circuitry may be operative to
communicate status
and operational information of the types previously discussed. Such
information may facilitate
the quick repair of any repository malfunctions and the avoidance of future
malfunctions for
which symptoms can be detected in advance. Similarly such communications may
achieve
capturing and retaining documentation regarding parcel receipt, transport and
delivery such as by
the capture of sensor data and other data associated therewith. This may
include for example the
capture and retention of image data and other data that is usable to document
and verify activities
related to various parcels. Of course these functions and capabilities are
exemplary and in other
arrangements different or alternative approaches may be used.
Figure 50 schematically represents components utilized in connection with an
exemplary
system such as system 728. In the exemplary arrangement the central system
circuitry 752
comprises at least one processor 754 in operative connection with at least one
data store 756. As
previously discussed, although in this exemplary arrangement the central
system circuitry may
be represented as a central server or other computer device, in other
exemplary arrangements
distributed processing and control of the system may be provided in a cloud
environment or in a
virtual environment within one or more shared platforms.
The exemplary central system circuitry 752 is in operative connection with one
or more
interfaces schematically indicated 758. The interfaces 758 provide
communications connectivity
to other system components which communicate in the system. One or more
communication
106
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
interfaces 760 are provided to enable communication of the central system
circuitry 752 in the
different wired and/or wireless networks to which the components included in
the system are
connected. Of course it should be understood that in various embodiments
numerous different
types of communications interfaces may be used.
The plurality of parcel repositories are in operative connection with the
system through
the network send communications interface 760. Such repositories are
represented schematically
by a repository 762. Repository 762 may include components similar to
repository 760 or the
other repositories that have been previously discussed. As schematically
shown, each repository
includes a plurality of connected components as represented schematically by
sensors 764 and
.. actuators 766.
The exemplary system further includes carrier contact devices which are
utilized by item
carriers in a manner like that previously discussed. Such wireless carrier
contact devices such as
smart phones are represented by device 768. Such carrier contact devices
include control
circuitry therein. The control circuitry may include for example a scanner
and/or code reader
circuitry 770. The exemplary carrier contact device may also include a
tracking application such
as a GPS circuitry 772. Interface circuitry suitable for communicating with
the central system
circuitry 774 may also be included in the exemplary item carrier contact
device. Of course it
should be understood that these device components are exemplary and other
arrangements other
or additional components may be used.
As schematically indicated, in the exemplary system devices operated by
shipper users as
schematically represented 776, may also be in operative connection with the
central system
circuitry through interfaces 760. Shipper user devices 776 may operate in a
manner like that
107
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
previously discussed to provide communications which enable parcel delivery
items to the
transported through the system and delivered into the interior area of an
originating repository.
As can be appreciated numerous different types of shipper user devices and
systems may be
operative to communicate in the system. The exemplary system further includes
one or more
administrator devices schematically indicated 778. Such administrator devices
may be utilized
for purposes of monitoring operation of other devices in the system, providing
the mechanism
for adding and removing authorized/registered users of the system, receiving
alerts or problems
identified through operation of system components, generating reports and
other information,
and providing other oversight and monitoring functions. Of course it should be
understood that
this schematic representation of system components is merely a high level
representation of
those system components that are included in an exemplary arrangement.
As has been previously described in detailed examples, the exemplary system
enables a
shipper user to utilize the system to ship a parcel from an originating
location to a destination
location through operation of the shipper user device 776. The shipper user
device may be
operative to provide to the system information regarding the shipment such as
for example the
ID token associated with the shipper that is recognized by being registered or
otherwise
authorized to participate in the system. With regard to the particular
shipment, the shipping user
device may provide information regarding the delivery item and its transport
including the
originating and destination locations, scheduling requirements (if
applicable), item dimensions,
weight characteristics and markings, and other information such as a funds
source for payment
for the shipment.
The exemplary central system circuitry 752 may operate in accordance with the
information received from the shipper device to determine an originating
repository and a final
108
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
destination repository for the particular parcel. The exemplary central system
circuitry may also
carry out other functions such as checking for space availability in the
originating repository.
The central system circuitry may also provide other information like that
previously discussed,
that enables the shipper user to apply a label including machine-readable
indicia to the parcel
that includes a delivery item identifier or other information which is usable
to identify the
particular parcel in the system. The central system circuitry may also provide
to the shipper user
device, location information regarding the designated originating depository,
an item depositor
access code and other information that enables the shipper user to place the
parcel in a
designated interior area of the originating repository.
The exemplary system circuitry also operates to evaluate available item
carriers, current
item carrier locations and available location destinations for item transport.
The central system
circuitry may operate in a manner like that discussed to optimize parcel
transport or to
consolidate movement of multiple parcels to facilitate the receipt of such
parcels at each final
destination repository. Central system circuitry may also present opportunity
messages to item
.. carriers and assigned transport jobs to such item carriers. The central
system circuitry may also
monitor such item carriers to assure that performance of transport jobs is
timely commenced, and
if not, may reassign transport jobs to other item carriers.
The exemplary arrangements further enable the central system circuitry to
monitor
repositories for purposes of determining the placement and removal of parcels
into selected
interior areas by providing access to authorized users such as shipper users,
item carriers, and
final parcel recipients. The central system circuitry operates in coordination
with the control
circuitry of the repositories to monitor the placement, and taking of each
parcel between each
originating repository and destination repository. Further the exemplary
system tracks the parcel
109
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
and assures the desired movement of the parcel to its final destination
repository. The exemplary
arrangement further operates to provide the recipient of each parcel with
notification of the
receipt of the parcel at the final destination repository. The system provides
selective controlled
access to enable the recipient to remove the parcel from the interior area of
the final destination
repository, and documents the taking thereof so as to assure that the parcel
has been properly
delivered. Further in exemplary arrangements the charges and credits
associated with the
transport of items are provided through the central system circuitry to assure
that parcel
transports are paid for and that participants in the system are credited as
appropriate for their
activities. Of course it should be understood that the functions, activities
and approaches
described herein are exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may
be used.
Thus the exemplary embodiments described herein achieve improved operation,
eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems,
and attain the useful
results described herein.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,
clarity and
understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom
because such
terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly
construed. Moreover the
descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the inventive
features are not
limited to the features shown and described.
Further in the following claims any feature described as a means for
performing a
function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to those skilled
in the art as being
capable of carrying out the recited function and shall not be deemed limited
to the particular
means shown or described for performing the recited function in the foregoing
description or
mere equivalents thereof.
110
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
It should be understood that features and/or relationships associated with one
embodiment can be combined with features and/or relationships from another
embodiment. That
is, various features and/or relationships from various embodiments can be
combined in further
embodiments. The inventive scope of the disclosure is not limited to only the
embodiments
shown or described herein.
The term "non-transitory" with regard to a computer readable medium is
intended to
exclude only the subject matter of a transitory signal, per se, where the
medium itself is
transitory. The term "non-transitory" is not intended to exclude any other
form of computer
readable media, including but not limited to media comprising data that is
only temporarily
stored or stored in a transitory fashion. Should the law change to allow
computer readable
medium itself to be transitory signals, then this exclusion is no longer valid
or binding.
Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the exemplary
embodiments,
the manner in which they are constructed and operated, and the advantages and
useful results
attained, the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements,
parts, combinations,
systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set
forth in the
appended claims.
111
CA 3065993 2019-12-23
