Automated receiving and delivery system and method

Abstract

A system and method uses an appliance for delivery at a home or business when no one is home or without the need to disturb persons at the delivery site. The appliance is a locked storage container connected to remote computers such that access for particular delivery persons or companies is authorized when the owner of the appliance has placed an order. The appliance communicates, such as via the internet, with a remote delivery system computer having a scheduler that schedules deliveries during particular time intervals. Prior to scheduling the delivery, the delivery system computer compares the dimensions of the order with the available space within the appliance of the customer. After a delivery is made, the appliance communicates via the internet that the delivery has been made and the delivery system computer then charges or debits the customer's account for the cost associated with the delivery.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates to a system, device and method for receiving goods or other items, purchasing goods, scheduling and tracking deliveries, receiving deliveries or ordered items utilizing a specialized device, making and processing payment, inventorying items scheduled for delivery and items delivered and making information about deliveries available through a variety of means. [0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art [0004] The recent upsurge in e-commerce whereby a consumer accesses a website over the Internet to purchase goods for delivery to the home, office or other site has created an increased need for scheduling and tracking the deliveries, as well as for providing a safe and secure site for receipt of the goods when they are delivered to an unoccupied site. The convenience of being able to avoid making a trip to a retail store or outlet to purchase goods, and being able to order such goods for deliveries to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The above and other objects are realized by the present invention, one embodiment of which comprises a storage appliance or device at a fixed site / location / address which is accessible by means of an identifier unlocking a locked entry door. (As used herein, an “identifier” includes a physical device, such as a key, electronic key, smart card, magnetic card, or similar device carried or transported by an individual to give access or a biometric property such as fingerprint, voice pattern as recognized by a machine, or retinal scan of a delivery person. The identifier is associated with a particular person, such as a delivery person, or a particular company.) The typical location is near or affixed to the exterior of a home or office. The appliance is capable of receiving and storing goods for delivery or pickup with a level of security preventing unauthorized entry or theft and with protection against pests and unfavorable weather conditions. The appliance may be equipped with multiple storage areas, some of which may be cooled or heated. The appliance may be free-standing, secured to a fixed location or affixed to a structure.

Problems solved by technology

If the purchaser is not available on-site to receive the goods, he must either re-schedule for another delivery or the goods must be left unsecured at the site, thereby being subject to theft or damage.

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