System and method for automated package pick-up and delivery

Abstract

A system and method for automated package delivery and pick-up include at least one package portal located in a delivery and pick-up station to receive and dispense packages from the station. A station controller is coupled to an information input system and the package receiving and dispensing portal mechanism, and is arranged to associate package and intended recipient identification information with a received package. The controller is also arranged to process identification information, which may include biometric information, to authenticate the identity of an intended recipient, and to permit dispensing of the package from the at least one portal in response thereto. The station supports unattended delivery and pick-up of packages to improve overall efficiency of a package delivery system as well as user convenience and safety.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to package or parcel delivery arrangements suitable for receiving and delivering shipped packages. [0003] 2. Background Art [0004] Generally, known package pick-up and delivery arrangements used to distribute goods or packages fundamentally operate on human interaction. For example, goods are typically collected by a courier at a drop box or scheduled on-site pick-up. Information identifying the packages and their destination is typically entered into a centralized tracking database by the courier or other personnel. The packages are then transported to a distribution node for sorting, routing, and hand delivery to the intended destination. Delivery of the packages again requires a courier to physically carry the package to the intended destination. If a package can not be delivered to the destination, for example a home residence where none of the occupants are home at the time of deli...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an automated package delivery and pick-up

Problems solved by technology

Because of the need for couriers to physically travel to the point of pick-up and delivery, such arrangements are inherently inefficient in management of time and resources.

This is particularly true because of the high rate of missed deliveries where the intended recipient was not present at the destination.

For residential delivery, missed deliveries have become particularly problematic due to the ever increasing amount of shipping resulting from increased on-line purchasing of goods.

In addition, hand delivery of packages can pose significant risks to the safety of couriers who must sometimes travel to high crime areas in order to pick-up or deliver packages.

Because of the high level of inefficiency, inconvenience, and potential danger to couriers in traditional package delivery systems, shipping companies have made some attempts to provide consolidated drop-off services that allow shipped packages to be sent to a neutral drop-off site for subsequent pick-up by the intended party.

Such PIN-type arrangements tend to be inconvenient, as well as add to the overall complexity of maintaining the system as a result of the need to assign and manage the unique PIN numbers.

Still further, such arrangements may present certain risks and additional costs relating to liability for the shipped packages while being held for pick-up.

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