Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ITEM DEPOSITORY OPERATED RESPONSIVE TO DATA BEARING RECORDS
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.
The need for a controlled mail box has a long and unsatisfied history. At
least as
early as 1947, US2465935 disclosed a remote repository access system that
contemplates
keyless access to a mail box, but even so, the problem persists.
According to US6957767 which was issued to IBM in 2005: "Every year, identity
theft becomes an increasing problem. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) has rated
identity theft as the top consumer fraud complaint for several years in a row.
Specifically,
every year several hundred thousand identity theft complaints are made, with
the financial
losses estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars. These figures do not
include identify
theft cases that go unreported. In general, identity theft leads to financial
loss when private or
personal information such as a social security number is obtained. For
example, using
someone's social security number, a violator can obtain credit cards, loans or
even access
financial accounts in the victim's name. In many instances, personal
information is stolen
from a victim's repository. This is especially the case in rural or suburban
settings where
repositories often do not require a physical key to gain access. In such
settings, the violator
can simply wander down a street and take mail out of one or more repositories.
Heretofore,
many attempts have been made at providing more secure repositories. For
example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 2465935; 3593914; 4114801; 5632441; and 5,954,264 all attempt to disclose
a more
secure repository. Unfortunately many of these attempts involve significant
mechanical
and/or electrical adaptation of a repository. Such adaptation is not only
extremely costly, but
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it could render the repository unsightly. In addition, each of these attempts
requires a
deliberate, manual action on the part of the resident or postal worker to
access the repository.
Such a requirement could pose an undue burden on a postal worker who must
access many
repositories (e.g., hundreds) per day." In view of the foregoing, there exists
a growing and
long unresolved need for an improved way to secure a repository for both
incoming and
outgoing mail.
U56957767 therefore suggested a repository equipped with a Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) reader. The RFID reader receives a continuously
transmitted signal
from an RFID tag that contains a radio frequency (RF) identifier. Upon
receipt, the RFID
reader compares the RF identifier in the signal to an RF identifier assigned
to the repository.
If a match is established, the repository is unlocked and access is permitted.
However, in
practical terms, RFID requires the tag to accompany the delivery agent in the
general sense or
in a more specific sense, to be affixed to the package itself.
The problem of securing package deliveries over the so called "last mile" is
not
.. merely endemic, but trending towards epidemic and largely in lock step with
the growth in
domestic online commerce. For example, according to an internet article by
Laura Schmitz
dated November 16, 2017: 71 million Americans had a package stolen in 2016 and
74
percent of packages were stolen from the front porch during the day while the
homeowner
was at work.
With personal property and privacy needs unresolved, there remains a clear
need in
the art. 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 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.
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The exemplary depository includes at least one 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 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.
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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 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 possible carrier presenting at said repository, wherein said module
differentiates
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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/O 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown
therein an
exemplary depository generally indicated 10. The 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
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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.
The exemplary depository further includes an electronic 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 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
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, LIDAR 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 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
exemplary depository further includes at least one 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
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of the depository. The exemplary depository further includes a wireless
communication
device 34. The wireless communication device 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 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. Structures for
processors may
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), which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
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.
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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. 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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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 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 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 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.
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 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
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
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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 transport deposit items
between
depositories. These portable wireless devices schematically indicated 92, 94,
96, 98 and 100
they be used by authorized users to access depositories for purposes of
placing deposit items
therein or removing deposit items therefrom.
As represented in Figures 7 and 8 the exemplary portable wireless devices such
as
device 92, that is operated by an individual user who 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 GPS
capability enables tracking the device as well as the 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. 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 storage 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.
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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 devices may be operated in connection with the system to
carry out the
functions described herein.
In exemplary arrangements the central 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. 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 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
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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 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
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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
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 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 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 user. Such data may include for example,
token
information which can be utilized to identify the user as an authorized 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.
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 services are based on
the information
regarding the particular depository item that is transported, the size of the
item, the weight of
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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 the user which enables
the making of
the payments to the user for the services provided. 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
transports deposit
items in connection with the system. 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 activity to
another 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 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
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
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network arrangement this data would be associated with devices 64, 66 and 68.
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 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 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 a 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. Similar to other devices, the devices associated with depository
owners would
include the identifying information which identifies the user as an authorized
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
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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 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 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 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
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various devices. 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.
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 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 an 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 point 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 associated with an entity that does not have a dedicated depository.
In such cases the
delivery address may include 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.
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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. 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.
This is represented in a step 130. Assessing the size of the deposit item is
useful for purposes
of enabling the central 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 circuitry as
represented in a step 132. The central circuitry is then operative to 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 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
payment method associated with the central system in order to make payment for
the
transport of the deposit item. 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 data provided by the user regarding the origin
and delivery
addresses 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 origin address information to resolve the
depository that is
considered the most suitable for receipt of the deposit item. This is
represented in a step 142.
Generally the 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
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represented at a step 144 to 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 space is not available, the central circuitry operates to
determine an alternative
available depository that has the space available to receive the deposit item
therein.
As represented in a step 146, once the 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. In a step 148 the
central circuitry is
then operative to send the depository location information and the code data
to the user's
device. In exemplary arrangements the depository identifying data 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. 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 which uniquely identifies the deposit
item. This is
represented by a step 152. In the exemplary arrangements the identifying
indicia may include
a machine readable bar code or other suitable record data which can be read
for purposes of
identifying the deposit item. As 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 it 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 transport 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, 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 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
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user identifying 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. As
represented at
step 164 the control circuitry of the depository is operative to wirelessly
transmit 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 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 a code that can be utilized only on one
occasion for purposes of
opening the depository. This prevents the authorized user from opening other
depositories or
the same 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 or data which are operative to cause the 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.
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 to the
unlocked condition. This is represented at a step 174. The 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 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 depository item as it is being placed into the interior area of the
depository. These images
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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,
the person requesting
the shipment may be assessed an additional charge. 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.
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 as an additional identifying
feature and
tracking identifier for the item. Of course these approaches are exemplary.
In the exemplary arrangement the control circuitry of the depository is
operative to
send 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 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 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 depository receives
the data
indicative of whether the deposit item and its receipt into the depository is
acceptable. The
control circuitry of the 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
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other indicator output may be output by the depository to indicate the
acceptability or
unacceptability of the deposit.
Further in exemplary arrangements a determination as to the acceptability or
unacceptability of the deposit item or the associated circumstances may also
be sent 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 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. 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 messages to the
central circuitry
indicating that the deposit item has been received in the depository as
indicated at step 198.
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Responsive to receiving the messages 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 depository into which it has been
received, to a
depository associated with the destination address 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 depository into which it is received to another
depository which
corresponds to the 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 depository which is only part way to the final
destination.
This occurs because the individuals available to transport the deposit item
are available only
to transport the 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 for the deposit item. Of course it
should be
understood while this example indicates that the deposit item is transported
through a
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 device 92,
to indicate their
willingness to transport deposit items by initiating operation of an
application on the device.
In the exemplary arrangement the device application requires that the user
sign onto the
device and provide appropriate identifying information which identifies the
particular user to
the central circuitry, as represented at step 204. The user identifying
information in the user
device and 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 device
location. This is
represented at step 206.
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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
device their
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 device
is operative to
send the data regarding the available transport user to the central circuitry
for purposes of
determining if the 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
user 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 compare the data
associated with the available transport user 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
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
transport users
with transport jobs in a manner that causes the deposit items to be moved to
either a
respective final delivery destination of the deposit item, or an intermediate
delivery 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 user and the associated user destination data to depository and
deposit item delivery
requirements. The central circuitry is then operative to determine the
endpoint destination for
the authorized transport user as represented in step 222. In this particular
example the
endpoint for the initial transport user is an intermediate depository that is
not the final
destination for the particular deposit item. The central circuitry is then
operative to calculate
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the rate information for the transport user as represented in step 224. In an
exemplary
arrangement this calculation reflects an amount that the transport user will
receive for taking
the deposit item from the current depository in which it is located,
transporting it to the
designated intermediate depository, and placing the deposit item in the
intermediate
depository for subsequent transport towards its final destination.
As represented in step 226 the central circuitry operates to send one or more
messages
to the portable wireless device of the transport user. The messages include
the pickup, parcel,
route, end point and rate to be paid to the user for transport of the deposit
item. The
exemplary messages may also indicate to the user how far the transport job
will require the
user to go off their planned route to the input destination. In operation of
the exemplary
system the user's device receives the data regarding the transport assignment
as represented
at a step 226. The control circuitry of the user device is then operative
responsive to the
received data to provide one or more outputs to the user indicative of the
available transport
assignment. The output data is then available for review by the user as
represented at step
228. If the user finds the transport assignment details to be acceptable, the
user operates the
device to provide one or more inputs as represented at step 230 which
indicates that the user
accepts the transport assignment. The user device then operates in accordance
with its
programming to send one or more messages indicative of the user acceptance to
the central
circuitry as represented at step 232.
The central circuitry receives the message data from the user's device
indicating
acceptance of the transport assignment as represented at step 234. The central
circuitry then
operates to reserve the transport assignment for the authorized user 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 particular 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 authorized user 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 user. As can be appreciated such a reassignment would
generally
require analysis of available transport user 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.
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Also in an exemplary embodiment a transport user may accept a plurality of
transport
assignments associated with their planned or available travel. This may
include a plurality of
different deposit items, each of which has a respective different pickup
depository and
delivery 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 device to
facilitate the activities that the user 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, the central circuitry operates in a step 238 to
generate the one-time
access code that will enable the authorized user to access the depository in
which the deposit
item is currently located. At step 240 the central circuitry then operates to
send the one-time
access code and location data for the depository to the authorized user. The
user's device
operates to receive the data as represented at step 242. The user device then
operates in
accordance with its programming to guide the user such as through the use of
GPS data, to
the depository location at which the deposit item is to be picked up.
Once the authorized transport user has arrived at the depository, the user
device is
operated by the user to wirelessly send their user identifying information 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 device of the user to the RF input
device 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 the one-time code as represented at step 248. The control circuitry is
then operative
as represented at step 250 to send the data corresponding to the user
identification data, the
one-time code and depository identifying data to the central circuitry. The
central circuitry
operates to receive the data from the depository as represented at step 252
and to verify that
the user identifying data corresponds to the authorized user who is to receive
the deposit item,
and that the one-time code is appropriate for accessing the depository. This
is represented by
step 254.
Responsive to the determination that the user identifying data and the one-
time code
received at the depository is appropriate for accessing the deposit item, the
central circuitry
then sends a message to the depository as represented at step 256 to enable
the depository to
be accessed. As represented step 258 the control circuitry of the depository
is operative to
receive and verify the genuineness of the message data from the central
circuitry. Responsive
to verification of the message, the control circuitry is operative to cause
the lock to be
changed to the unlocked condition as represented at step 260. The control
circuitry
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associated with the depository is then operative to detect the opening of the
door and to
operate the reading devices to capture the indicia 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 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 control circuitry is then operative at step 266 to cause the identifying
indicia read
from the deposit item and the weight data to be sent to the central circuitry.
The central
circuitry receives the data at step 268 and is operative at step 270 to verify
that the read
indicia corresponds to the deposit item identifying data that is to be taken
by the identified
user 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 item. The central circuitry then operates at step 272 to send one
or more messages
to the depository, that indicate that the deposit item identification indicia
and user indicia is
appropriate. 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
indications output by
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 messages that are sent by the central circuitry to
the user's portable
wireless device.
The control circuitry of the depository is then operative responsive to the
captured
image data from the reading devices, and/or the detected change in weight to
make a
determination of the action status that has been carried out by the user 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 depository then senses for detection
that the
depository door has been closed as represented in step 280. As previously
discussed 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
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then operates to send one or more messages to the central circuitry indicating
that the deposit
item has been removed from the depository as represented by step 284.
Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the one or more messages from
the
depository that the deposit item has been taken, 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 user. In the
exemplary arrangement
the central circuitry then operates to cause a message to be sent to the
portable wireless
device of the user who has taken the deposit item to confirm that they have
the item. This is
represented by step 288. The portable wireless device of the user operates in
accordance with
its programming to cause one or more outputs that prompt the user to confirm
that they have
received the deposit item. This is represented at step 290. As represented at
step 292, the
user's portable wireless device operates responsive to at least one
confirmation input from the
user to send one or more wireless messages to the central circuitry to confirm
that the user
received the deposit item.
Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the confirmation data from the
user's
portable wireless device at step 294, the central circuitry operates to
recover from memory
the destination for the transport user to deliver the deposit item. This is
represented at step
296. The exemplary central circuitry further operates to generate a one-time
access code to
be input by the user to the depository into which the user is to place the
deposit item. This is
represented by step 298. The exemplary central circuitry is next operative to
send the one-
time code and the location information for the destination depository to the
user's portable
wireless device. This is represented by step 300. The exemplary central
circuitry continues
to monitor the location of the portable wireless device of the transport user
through GPS as
the deposit item is transported toward the destination depository. This is
represented by step
302.
As represented by step 304, in the exemplary system the portable wireless
device of
the transport user is operative to receive the data regarding the depository
location and the
one-time code. The portable wireless device operates in accordance with its
programming to
direct the user 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 transport user operates their portable wireless
device to cause
the user identifying data to be sent from the user's device to the RF input
device of the
depository. This is represented by step 308.
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The control circuitry associated with the 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 depository of the one-
time code from
the transport user. This is represented by step 312. The control circuitry
associated with the
depository is operative to send the received user identifying data, the one-
time code, and
depository identifying data to the central circuitry as represented by step
314. The exemplary
central circuitry is operative to receive the data as represented by step 316
and to verify that
the received user data and the one-time code are appropriate as represented in
step 318. The
exemplary central circuitry is then operative to send at least one message to
the depository
which includes data indicative that the received user data and the code data
are appropriate,
and that the depository should be opened. This is represented by step 320.
The control circuitry of the exemplary depository is operative to receive the
message
data from the central circuitry as represented by step 322. Responsive to the
message from
the central circuitry being verified, the control circuitry associated with
the depository is
operative to cause the lock to be changed to the unlocked condition as
represented in step
324. Responsive to detecting that the depository door has been opened, the
exemplary
control circuitry is operative to cause the reading devices to capture the
indicia including the
identifying indicia on the deposit item being placed in the 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, 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 depository is next
operative to
send the indicia read and/or sensed from the deposit item to the central
circuitry as
represented in step 330. The central circuitry receives the data at step 332
and verifies that
the indicia read and/or sensed from the deposit item (size, weight or other
information or
properties) corresponds to the deposit item to be deposited in the depository.
The central
circuitry also verifies that the identifying data associated with the user
corresponds to the user
that is authorized to place the item into the depository. This is represented
by step 334. The
central circuitry is then operative to send one or more messages to the
control circuitry of the
depository to indicate that the received identifying indicia on the deposit
item is correct. This
is represented by step 336. The exemplary control circuitry of the depository
receives the
data 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
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represented in step 340. 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 the closure of the depository door the control circuitry 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 messages from the
depository to the
central circuitry to indicate that the deposit item is within the depository
as represented by
step 348. The exemplary central circuitry responsive to receiving the
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 depository. This is represented
by step 350.
The exemplary central circuitry is next operative to send one or more messages
to the
portable wireless device of the transport user requesting confirmation that
the deposit item
has been placed in the depository. This is represented by step 352. The
portable wireless
device of the user operates responsive to the received messages to provide
outputs which
prompt the user to confirm the placement of the deposit item in the
depository. This is
represented by step 354. Responsive to receipt of at least one input from the
user the portable
wireless device is operative at step 356 to provide one or more messages to
the central
circuitry confirming that the user has placed the deposit item in the interior
area of the
depository.
The central circuitry of the exemplary embodiment is operative responsive to
receipt
of the data from the transport user at step 358 to determine that the
transport user has
completed the transport assignment and to calculate a payment that is due to
the user as
represented at step 360. The exemplary central circuitry is then operative to
credit the user
for the payment that is due as represented at step 362. This may include
crediting an account
associated with the transport user for the amount payable. Alternatively it
may include a
financial transfer to an account associated with the user. Various payment
forms may be
accomplished depending on the arrangement that has been set up by the central
circuitry for
making payment to the particular transport user. The exemplary central
circuitry then
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operates to send one or more messages to the device of the transport user
indicating the
payment as represented at step 364. The transport user receives the notice of
the payment
through the portable wireless device which outputs appropriate messages to the
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 transport user was available only to transport the
deposit
item to a depository at an intermediate destination, and not to the final
destination for the
deposit item. Therefore responsive to the determination that the deposit item
has arrived at
the intermediate destination, the exemplary central circuitry is operative to
determine a next
destination 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 with a minimum
number of intermediate destinations. However if it is not possible with the
available
transport users 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 that is closer to its final destination.
However for purposes
of this example the next transport assignment will result in the deposit item
reaching its final
destination.
The exemplary central circuitry conducts a similar analysis to that previously
discussed with regard to available transport users 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 transport user information at step 370. The
central circuitry also
reviews the rating data and other information for the available transport
users as represented
at step 372. As represented at step 374 a comparative analysis is done of the
available
transport user 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
endpoint for
the deposit item delivery to be made by the available transport user as
represented at step
378. In this example the next destination will be the 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 transport user. This is represented
at step 380. In
some exemplary arrangements the central circuitry may operate to provide
transport users
with incentives to transport particular items. For example, if an item is not
moving toward
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the final destination at an acceptable rate, the central circuitry may offer a
premium to an
available transport user to handle the item. Of course this approach is
exemplary.
The exemplary central circuitry is then operative at step 382 to send one or
more
messages to the portable wireless device of the selected transport user which
describes the
transport job that is available. In the exemplary arrangement the data sent
includes
information regarding the pickup, parcel, transport route, endpoint and rate
to be paid to the
available transport user. Of course in some cases additional or different
information may be
provided. The portable wireless device of the transport user receives the data
as represented
by step 384. The portable wireless device of the transport user operates
responsive to the
received data to provide an output which indicates the details of the
available transport job
which the user can then review as represented at step 386. If the transport
user wishes to
accept the transport job, the user provides one or more inputs to their
portable wireless device
as represented at step 388, and the portable wireless device operates to send
one or more
messages indicating acceptance of the transport job as represented at step
390.
As represented by step 392 the central circuitry operates to receive the data
indicating
that the transport user has agreed to perform the transport job, and reserves
the transport
assignment for the user as represented at step 394. The central circuitry
operates to generate
one-time access code for the user as represented at step 396. The central
circuitry operates to
send the one-time access code and the vault location data to the user's
portable wireless
device as represented by step 398.
The portable wireless device of the user receives the access code and location
information as represented by step 400. The portable wireless device operates
in accordance
with its programming and the vault location information to guide the user to
the depository as
represented by step 402. Once arriving at the depository the user operates the
portable
wireless device to send the wireless identifying information that identifies
the user to the RF
input device of the depository as represented by step 404. The depository
receives the user
identifying information as represented at step 406. The depository also
receives the one-time
code from the user as represented by step 408. The depository control
circuitry is then
operative to send at least one message including the user identifying
information, the one-
time code and the depository identifying information to the central circuitry
as represented by
step 410.
The central circuitry receives the data from the depository at step 412 and
operates to
verify the user identifying information and the one-time code as represented
at step 414. The
central circuitry is operative to send one or more messages to the depository
indicating that
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the received user identifying information and code is appropriate for
accessing the interior of
the depository. This is represented by step 416. The control circuitry of the
depository
receives the 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 to cause the lock to be changed to
the unlocked
condition as represented at step 420. The control circuitry is further
operative to capture the
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
depository as represented by step 422. The control circuitry also captures and
stores images
associated with accessing the depository including the 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 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 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. The central circuitry is then operative
to send one or
more messages to the depository indicating that the information received
related to the
.. deposit item and the user is correct. This is represented by step 432.
The depository is operative to receive the data from the central circuitry as
represented by step 434 and to provide an indication to the user that the
identifying indicia for
the deposit item being 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 the depository
and/or the user's
portable wireless device to indicate the error. The control circuitry
associated with the
exemplary depository is then operative to determine from the 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
messages to the central
circuitry to give a notification that the deposit item has been taken as
represented by step 444.
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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 transport
user as represented by step 446. The central circuitry also causes one or more
messages to be
sent to the transport user's portable wireless device requesting confirmation
that the user has
possession of the deposit item. This is represented by step 448. The portable
wireless device
of the transport user operates to receive these messages and to provide
outputs to the user
indicating the request for confirmation. This is represented by step 450.
Responsive to the
transport user providing inputs which confirm the user has the deposit item,
the portable
wireless device sends one or more messages to the central circuitry confirming
possession of
the deposit item by the user. This is represented by step 452.
Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the confirmation message from
the user's
portable wireless device at step 454, the central circuitry is operative to
recover data
corresponding to the destination for the deposit item at step 456 and to
generate the one-time
access code usable by the transport user to access the depository at the
destination as
represented at step 458. The central circuitry is then operative to send the
one-time code and
the location of the destination depository to the user at step 460.
The portable wireless device of the user receives the data including the one-
time code
and the depository location at step 462. The user operates the portable
wireless device to be
guided to the depository through GPS or other location finding methods as
represented by
step 464. The central circuitry of the exemplary arrangement tracks the
transport user
through GPS tracking as represented by step 466. Upon arrival at the
destination depository
the transport user operates their portable wireless device to provide their
user identification
data 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 the one-time code from the user as
represented at step
472. The control circuitry of the depository is operative to send the user
identifying data, the
one-time code and depository identifying data to the central circuitry as
represented at step
474.
The central circuitry receives the data from the depository as represented at
step 476
and operates to verify the user identifying data and the one-time code as
authorized at step
478. The central circuitry is operative to send one or more 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 message data indicating that the user data and the
code data is
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authorized, the control circuitry of the depository is operative to cause the
lock to be changed
to the unlocked condition as represented by step 484. The control circuitry
operates the
reading devices to capture the indicia on the deposit item, size, property
and/or weight data
for the item that is being placed in the interior area of the depository as
represented by step
.. 486. The control circuitry also operates the reading devices to capture
images including the
user 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 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 central circuitry is operative to send one or more messages
verifying the
correctness of the input data as represented at step 496. The control
circuitry of the
depository receives the data as represented by step 498 and provides one or
more outputs
through the indicators 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 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 depository as
represented by step 510.
The exemplary central circuitry then operates to cause one or more messages to
be
sent to the portable wireless device of the transport user requesting
confirmation that the
deposit item has been placed in the depository. This is represented by step
512. The portable
wireless device of the user receives the messages and provides outputs to the
user indicating
the request for confirmation. This is represented by step 514. Responsive to
inputs by the
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user to their portable wireless device confirming the placement of the deposit
item in the
depository, the portable wireless device is operative to send one or more
confirmatory
messages as represented at step 516.
Responsive to the central circuitry receiving the confirmatory 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 user for transport of the depository
item. This is
represented by step 520. The central circuitry is then operative to credit the
transport user for
the transport services provided as represented at step 522. One or more
messages are sent to
the transport user at step 524 which are received by the user's portable
wireless device and
which provide outputs to the user 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, the central circuitry is then
operative to determine
the deposit item recipient to be notified of the delivery. This 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
recipient to be notified may be a 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 a notification
to the depository
owner at step 530 and calculate a one-time access code for accessing the
depository to
retrieve the deposit item at step 532. The central circuitry then operates to
send the
notification and the one-time code to the portable wireless device of the
depository owner as
represented at step 534. The depository owner then travels to the depository
and inputs their
wireless identifying data to the RF input device of the depository as
represented by step 536.
The control circuitry of the depository receives the wireless identifying data
at step 538 and
also operates to receive the one-time code through the keypad at step 540. The
control
circuitry of the depository is then operative to send data corresponding to
the identification
data, the code and the depository to the central circuitry at step 542.
The central circuitry operates to receive the data at step 544 and to verify
at step 546
that the received user identifying data and code data correspond to the data
for authorized
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access to the deposit item. The central circuitry then operates to send one or
more 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 control circuitry of
the depository
operates to capture the deposit identifying indicia on the deposit item, size,
property and/or
weight data associated with the item being removed from the depository as
represented by
step 554 and also captures images of the 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 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 a, size, property and/or weight data sent from the
deposit item and the
user identifying data, corresponds to the authorized removal of the deposit
item from the
depository. The central circuitry is operative at step 564 to send one or more
messages to the
depository indicating that the received information is appropriate. The
control circuitry of the
depository receives one or more messages at step 566 and provides an
indication through the
one or more indicators of the depository that the deposit item removal data is
appropriate at
step 568.
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 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
messages to the portable wireless device of the depository owner to confirm
that they have
taken the deposit item as represented by step 580. The portable wireless
device of the
depository owner receives the messages and provide outputs indicating that the
confirmation
is requested. This is represented by a step 582. Responsive to the depository
owner
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providing one or more inputs to their portable wireless device confirming
receipt of the
deposit item, the portable wireless device operates to send one or more
messages to the
central circuitry as represented by step 584.
The central circuitry receives the confirmation from the depository owner at
step 586.
Responsive to receiving the confirmation that the deposit item has been
received by the
intended recipient, the central circuitry operates to send one or more
messages to 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 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 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 through their portable wireless device at step 596. In the exemplary
arrangement the
charges are assessed 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.
The exemplary logic flow when the recipient of the deposit item is not the
owner of
the 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 central circuitry is further operative to
determine the one-time
access code to be used to access the depository at step 600. The central
circuitry is also
operative to determine the applicable requirements associated with the
depository as
represented at step 602. This may include restrictions placed on operation of
the depository
by the depository owner, such as 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 the notification and code
and
other applicable requirements to the portable wireless device of the recipient
as represented
by step 604. 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, 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.
The recipient upon being in proximity with the depository operates their
portable
wireless device to provide the wireless user identifying data to the RF input
device of the
depository as represented by step 606. The depository receives the identifying
data as
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represented by step 608 and also receives the one-time code through the keypad
as
represented by step 610. The control circuitry is operative to cause the
received user
identifying data, the code data and depository identifying data to be sent to
the central
circuitry as represented by step 612. The central circuitry receives the data
as represented at
step 614 and operates to verify the received user identifying data and the
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 messages to the depository indicating
that the
activity is authorized and that the depository should be unlocked. This is
represented by step
618.
The control circuitry associated with the depository is operative to receive
and verify
the messages from the central circuitry as represented by step 620. Responsive
to the
messages the control circuitry is operative to unlock the lock as represented
by step 622 and
to cause the reading devices to capture the size, properties and/or weight
associated with the
item and the indicia on the deposit item removed from the depository as
represented by step
624. The control circuitry is also operative to capture images of the 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 the
indicia
read and/or sensed from the deposit item such as size, property and/or weight
data to the
central circuitry as represented 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
for the recipient
as represented by step 632. The central circuitry is operative to send one or
more messages to
the depository indicating that the information related to removal of the
deposit item is correct.
This is represented by step 634. The control circuitry of the depository is
operative to receive
the messages from the central circuitry as represented by step 636 and to
provide one or more
outputs through the indicators 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
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condition as represented by step 644. The control circuitry of the depository
is operative to
send one or more 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 messages from the depository and update the status data in the
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 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 central
circuitry is
operative to receive the confirmation from the recipient at step 656, and to
send a notification
message to the shipping 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
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 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 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.
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 use of their depository. In
the exemplary
arrangement the central circuitry is operative to calculate the 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
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 the account of the depository owner for such use of the depository
by offsetting the
amount of credits against charges to the depository owner for transport of
depository items.
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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 depository
items will be
handled by each authorized user. This may be particularly true of transport
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.
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.
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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 detect errors or malfunctions. For example, the control
circuitry may operate
to detect situations where 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 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 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
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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 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, bottom
and/or door of the depository and which are operative to detect holes, cutting
action or other
attempts to access the depository interior. In other exemplary 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
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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 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.
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
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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. The exemplary repository (not shown), includes at
least one
controller 3502 with sensor/actuator arrays 3503 and 3504 respectively,
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:
= An incipient transaction detection module 3505 for prospectively
detecting an
incipient parcel transaction in relation to said 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
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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,
= 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 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 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:
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= 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 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.
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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 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 providing for at least one of the
incipient
transaction detection module or the parcel-inventory and transaction-recording
modules
mentioned elsewhere herein.
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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 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, 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.
Hinges 3603b and 3604b and mounted on respective portions of face frame 3602c.
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 a parcels introduction through
delivery chute 3603
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on its way into storage bay 3604. Chute 3603 is opened for a delivery
transaction, by
drawing recessed handle 3603i forward and downwardly, rotating front panel
3603a and
attached inner front panel 3603c outwardly together, around hinge 3603b. Pivot
anchors
3603f (secured to inner delivery panel 3603c), in turn draw outwardly and
downwardly
through pivot pins 3603i, pulling tray 3603h into rotation by its pivot
connections 3603k to
connecting arms 3603e. Tray 3603h rotates in response to this action, around
pivots 3603g
that connect tray 3603h to enclosure side and bottom panel molding 3602b ¨ and
into a
position that provides a generally coplanar delivery chute surface alignment
with inner
delivery chute panel 3603c. That co-planar alignment facilitates the transfer
of a parcel from
the panel 3603c onto the receiving surface of tray 3603h.
With a parcel positioned on the receiving surface 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
slide along and ultimately off of supporting tray 3603h, to release the parcel
into the
repository's interior, where delivered parcels accumulate in storage bay 4, 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 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. Load sensor 3607 senses weight changes
reflecting changes in
parcel inventory secured within repository 3601 ¨ 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.
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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
surroundings. In an aspect of the present invention, 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.
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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 I/O (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 I/O devices 4006
and I/O pin
socket 4007 for connection to off-board I/O devices (not shown).
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/O read and I/O write
transactions 4010a and
4010b. Interface 4005 in turn, transacts with I/O devices such as devices 4006
or peripherals
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4007a-c, through an I/O bus 4011 including data validation and acceptance
transactions 4012
and 4013.
Referring now to Figure 43, an exemplary embodiment of the controller module
is
illustrated.
A main controller board 4002a, includes a general purpose I/O 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.
MIPI/USB 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/O for MIPI CSI-2 camera, Gigabit
Ethernet,
multiple USB and PCI I/O. 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
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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 I2C bus
is a
serial, half-duplex - I2C (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/O
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 40453b; an FET switch 4053c
which is adapted
to be connected through enclosure 4051a 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 4053f; and through connectors 4051b 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 L5M303 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 AI 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,
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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 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
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.
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Processor 4052 provides a camera Serial Interface (CSI) 4060 conforming to
MIPI
Alliance specifications that provide for an interface between a camera and
host processor
4052. Interface 4060 connects to a MIPI connection 4060a 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 TU5B9261 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
4063 for connecting to an analog to digital converter 4063. Converter 4063 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-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 4051 b. With enclosure connector 4051b 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
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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 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 61a, 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 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
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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
signalling (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 signalling (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 compact form factor optimized for free-standing applications with
local RF
networks as well as providing for IoT (internet 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 4051b 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.
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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 a 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.
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 am 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 preferably so that when a detected trigger event so operates the camera
and image
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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 1 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 controller 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.
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
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particular means shown or described for performing the recited function in the
foregoing
description or mere equivalents thereof.
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.
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