Method and system for managing traffic at an entrance

Abstract

System for managing traffic at an entrance, comprising: - a series of beacons; - a computer system; - at least one first mobile communication device, associated with the computer system; and - a series of second mobile communication devices, each second communication device associated with a beacon of the series of beacons; wherein each beacon is designed for sending out a signal comprising a recognition code unique to the beacon, and wherein the at least one first mobile communication device comprises software for recognizing the unique recognition codes, and wherein at least one visitor, especially a delivery person is associated with the at least one first communication device and wherein with each beacon at least one recipient and / or at least one second mobile communication device are associated, wherein at least one beacon of said series of beacons is associated with a series of recipients and a series of second mobile communication devices

Description

[0001] Title: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING TRAFFIC AT AN

[0002] ENTRANCE

[0003] The invention relates to a method and system for managing traffic at an entrance, such as a door or gate.

[0004] WO20 15 / 182093 discloses a system and method for managing traffic at an entrance, such as a door of a house. In this known system of a series of houses each house is provided with a beacon, sending out an electronic signal comprising a recognition code unique to the beacon. A person approaching the entrance with a mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone, comprising relevant software, such as an app, will pick up the recognition code of the beacon provided at the entrance. The first communication device is connected to a computer system, through which computer system after receipt of the recognition code of a beacon a communication mode can be made available between the first communication device and a communication device held by a person associated to said beacon, such as a resident of the house at which the relevant beacon is provided.

[0005] An advantage of this known system is that visitors, such as for example delivery persons, will be able to communicate with a resident of a house, even if the resident is not available at the house or not available to come to the entrance, without the necessity for the resident to previously share for example a telephone number or email address with the visitor.

[0006] A disadvantage of this known system can be that for every house a beacon has to be provided. This is costly, energetically undesirable and requires sufficient space. This is especially a problem when an entrance is for example a central entrance providing access to a series of houses, such as for example an apartment building comprising many apartments, a compound comprising a series of houses behind a central entrance or the like. Furthermore beacons close to each other will all be recognized by the mobile communication device of the visitor, which may confuse the visitor. A disadvantage of this known system can be that it requires special software provided on the visitors mobile phone in order to be able to establish the desired connection.

[0007] An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a method for managing traffic at an entrance, at least partly resolving at least one of the problems of the known systems. An aim is to provide a method for managing traffic at an entrance as an alternative for the known existing methods. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a system with which at least one of the problems of known systems can at least partly be avoided or overcome. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a system which is an alternative to the known systems. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a system and method for managing traffic at an entrance, which are easy to install and use, and can be implemented at relatively low cost and time, and require relatively little space.

[0008] At least one of these and other goals is at least in part achieved by a method or system according to the present disclosure.

[0009] In an aspect a system or method according to the disclosure for managing traffic at an entrance, such as for example but not limited to a door or gate, comprises a series of beacons, a computer system, at least one first mobile communication device, associated with the computer system and a series of second mobile communication devices, each second communication device associated with a beacon of the series of beacons. Each beacon is designed for sending out a signal comprising a recognition code unique to the beacon, and wherein the at least one first mobile communication device comprises software for recognizing the unique recognition codes. At least one visitor, such as a delivery person is associated with the at least one first communication device, whereas with each beacon at least one recipient and / or at least one second mobile communication device are associated. According to the disclosure at least one beacon of said series of beacons is associated with a series of recipients and a series of second mobile communication devices.

[0010] In an aspect each of said series of recipients and / or each of said series of second mobile communication devices is associated with a unique personal code available to the computer system and / or to the first mobile communication device, as well as to the one beacon. This enables individual communications between the first mobile communication device and any one of said residents associated with said one beacon. It can also enable communication with some or all of second mobile phones associated with the said beacon.

[0011] Preferably a list is available to the first mobile device, which list comprises at least addresses of recipients of said series of recipients and / or unique personal codes associated with said recipients and / or with said second mobile communication devices, wherein the first mobile communication device is provided with a screen for presenting a representation of at least one of the said recipients and / or second mobile communication devices, and wherein the first mobile communication device and / or the computer system are designed for establishing a mode of communication between the first mobile communication device and the second mobile communication device of a recipient associated with the representation presented on the screen, chosen by a user of the first mobile communication device.

[0012] In embodiments in a system or method of the disclosure at least one of the computer system and the first mobile communication device is designed for sending a message to a second mobile communication device associated with a recipient of the series of recipients associated with the at least one beacon when the unique recognition code of the relevant beacon has been recognized by the first mobile communication device and the delivery person has a delivery to be made to said recipient. In embodiments of a system or method of the disclosure each of the said recipients and / or second communication devices associated with said at least one beacon of the series of beacons is individually known to the computer system, such that when the recognition code of said beacon has been recognized by the first communication device a communication mode can be made available by the computer system between the first communication device and one of said recipients and / or second communication device.

[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure a carrier is provided, which carrier is provide with at least one of an optically readable code and an electronically readable code provided by an NFC chip (Near Field Communication chip). If an optically readable code is provided it is preferably a OR code. A carrier according to the disclosure can in embodiments form a beacon or be part of a beacon as disclosed.

[0014] In a system or method according to the disclosure in embodiments the computer system is designed for providing at least one webpage for each said recipient associated with said at least one beacon.

[0015] In such embodiments preferably the webpage is designed for allowing the recipient to indicate whether communication between the recipient and the first communication device is or can be authorized, and preferably for allowing the said recipient to enter a choice of one or more communication modes to be made available to the delivery person when the delivery person receives the unique recognition code of the beacon associated with said recipient, for communication between the delivery person and the relevant recipient associated with said beacon. For example the resident can make different modes available at different times during a day, week, month or other period of time, or depending on a visitor.

[0016] In such embodiments alternatively or additionally the system is preferably further designed such that when the first communication device receives a unique recognition code from the said at least one beacon, the system presents at least one link as a representation of a recipient and / or second communication device on a screen of the first communication device, based on said received unique recognition code, wherein the first communication device comprises software for establishing and relaying a communication request to the second communication device by activating said link.

[0017] At least one beacon of a series of beacons comprises a housing, wherein the beacon is locked in or on a support, wherein the support is mounted to a surface, such as a wall or post. In such embodiments preferably the support is mounted to the surface using at least one of adhesive, screws, bolts, nails and staples, wherein the beacon is locked in or on the support by a releasable lock. In such embodiments alternatively or additionally the support is mounted to the surface using at least one mounting element comprising a shaft extending through an opening in the support into the surface, provided with a head at an inside of the support and locking the support against the surface, wherein the at least one head during use is covered by the beacon. Hence the support and thus the beacon cannot be removed easily. Preferably beacons for use in a method or system of the disclosure are provided with such support.

[0018] In a system according to the disclosure comprising a support and housing as discussed here before additionally or alternatively preferably one of the support and the housing comprises at least one resilient lip, provided such that the beacon can be inserted into and / or on the support in a first direction to an end position, but is prevented from removal from the support in a second direction opposite to the first direction by said at least one resilient lip. A key is provided for sliding between the housing and the beacon in the end position for pushing the at least one resilient lip in order to allow the beacon to be removed from the support in said second direction.

[0019] In an aspect the disclosure is directed to a method for managing traffic at an entrance such as a door or gate. In such method in an aspect when a visitor nears an entrance a first mobile communication device, of the visitor, receives a wireless signal sent by a beacon provided near said entrance, wherein said wireless signal comprises at least a recognition code unique to the beacon, whereas in a computer system a list of residents is provided, associated with said beacon and / or the said recognition code, wherein to each resident on said list a unique personal code has been assigned, wherein when the first mobile communication device receives the said wireless signal with the recognition code, at least one link to a resident on said list is presented on said first communication device, based on the relevant personal code, for establishing a communication mode between the first communication device and a second communication device held by the relevant resident.

[0020] In such method preferably at least two links are presented on the first communication device after receipt of the said recognition code, said links associated with different residents through their unique personal codes, such that the visitor can chose one of said links for establishing a communication mode with a specific resident.

[0021] In embodiments of a method of the disclosure the visitor is a delivery person, wherein a list of deliveries to be made by the delivery person is entered into the computer system and / or the first communication device, which list comprises at least one of the residents. The link or links for the one or more residents associated with the said at least one beacon is or are presented on the first communication device after the recognition code of the said beacon has been received by the first communication device. Preferably only finks are shown of residents for whom the delivery person has to make a delivery.

[0022] In embodiments of a method of the disclosure a proximity signal is relayed to the computer system, indicating proximity of the visitor to the beacon, where after a timer is set in said computer system, timing a predefined time interval, whereas a mobile phone of the visitor can be coupled to the computer system, wherein: if the mobile phone of the visitor is coupled to the computer system within said predetermined time interval after receipt of the proximity signal by the computer system, a message is presented to at least one resident; and if the mobile phone of the visitor is not coupled to the computer system within said predetermined time interval after receipt of the proximity signal by the computer system, no such message is presented to said at least one resident.

[0023] In embodiments the said proximity signal is a doorbell signal or a signal sent by the first mobile communication device after receipt of the recognition code.

[0024] In embodiments the message is or comprises a contact request from the visitor to the relevant resident, wherein preferably after the message has been presented to the relevant resident, such as a person designated to the doorbell, said resident can deny said request or accept said request or send a response message to the visitor or have such response message sent to the visitor by the computer system, wherein if the request is accepted by said resident a two way communication is set up between the mobile phone of the visitor and a mobile phone of the person designated to said doorbell.

[0025] In embodiments of a method or system of the disclosure in order to be coupled to the computer system the visitor scans a code at or near said entrance, preferably within said predetermined time interval, which code is a unique code linked to the resident and is transmitted to the computer system through the mobile telephone of the visitor, wherein the code preferably is or includes an optically readable code presented at or near said entrance.

[0026] In embodiments of a method or system according to the disclosure a location of the telephone of the visitor is established within said predetermined time interval after receipt of said proximity signal or communication request. Said location is then compared to a known position of the beacon, wherein a comparison is made between the location of the telephone of the visitor and the position of the beacon. If the telephone of the visitor is in a predetermined distance from the position of the beacon the computer system is allowed to send said message to the at least one person designated to the beacon, but if the telephone of the visitor is not in said predetermined distance from the location of the beacon the computer system is not allowed to send said message to the at least one person designated to the beacon.

[0027] The disclosure further is directed to a method and system for authentication of a delivery, wherein the delivery has been assigned a unique delivery code. In such method, for example using a system of method according to the disclosure for the delivery to a recipient, the delivery code is presented on the delivery and / or on a mobile communication device of the recipient. In such method and system the delivery can be either presented to the intended recipient, or to an alternative recipient, who received the delivery on behalf of the intended recipient.

[0028] In embodiments wherein the delivery is presented to the recipient there are at least two possibilities, which can be used individually or in combination.

[0029] When the code is presented on the delivery, the recipient scans said delivery code with his or her mobile communication device and sends this delivery code to the computer system and / or when the code is presented on the mobile communication device of the recipient, the recipient sends the code to the computer system and / or the delivery person scans the delivery code from the mobile communication device of the recipient and relays the delivery code to the computer system. In the alternative, when the delivery is presented to an alternative recipient again there are at least two possibilities, which can be used individually or in combination.

[0030] When the code is presented on the delivery, the alternative recipient scans said delivery code with his or her mobile communication device and sends this delivery code to the computer system; and / or when the code is presented on the mobile communication device of the alternative recipient, the alternative recipient sends the code to the computer system and / or the delivery person scans the delivery code from the mobile communication device of the alternative recipient and relays the delivery code to the computer system.

[0031] In such method and system preferably receipt of the delivery code is registered in a log in the computer system, wherein a recipient is enabled to retrieve data from said log relevant to a delivery for said recipient.

[0032] In methods and systems according to the disclosure preferably at least the residents and the visitor have a software program such as an app installed on their mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, wherein the software program of the or each resident cq recipient has been uploaded with at least the unique recognition code of the relevant beacon with which the mobile communication device is associated and preferably the unique personal code assigned to the resident cq recipient, whereas the software program on the mobile communication device of the visitor or delivery person is designed for receiving and recognizing at least unique recognition codes of a series of beacons. Said software program installed on the mobile communication devices of the residents cq recipients and the visitors and / or delivery persons enable communication with the computer system, for example for sending and / or receiving communication requests, proximity signals, messages and the like, as discussed, and / or for allowing communication between the mobile communication devices of the residents cq recipients and the visitors cq delivery persons. Preferably such software program also allows use of a method for authentication of a delivery as disclosed and discussed herein.

[0033] In a system or method according to the disclosure the proximity signal, such as a signal from the first communication device or from a doorbell, is also relayed to the mobile phone or such communication means of the resident or multiple residents associated with the relevant entrance, such that the resident or residents is or are informed of the fact that the visitor is at the entrance, for example ringing the doorbell or scanning the code.

[0034] In a method according to the disclosure a visitor’s or delivery person’s mobile phone can be used for initiating sending a message to a person designated to the entrance or beacon, but only after the location of the visitor or delivery person at that moment has been established, for example by the visitor or delivery person ringing a doorbell at the entrance or by geo fencing, establishing the momentary location of the mobile communication device of the visitor or delivery person. In order to allow such message to be sent the relevant mobile communication device has to be connected to the computer network within said predetermined time interval. Thus if a visitor or delivery person does not allow his or her telephone to connect to the computer network within said time interval, no such message will or even can be sent to the resident or recipient by the computer network, initiated by the visitor’s or delivery person ‘s mobile communication device, such as a telephone. Whereas if the visitor or delivery person is not at the entrance at that moment, no such message can or will be sent either. This can prevent or at least significantly reduce the risk of spamming of residents or recipients.

[0035] The message preferably is or comprises a contact request from the visitor to the person designated to the entrance or beacon. In embodiments the computer system can directly sent a predefined message to the at least one person associated to the entrance. In embodiments the visitor can use his or her mobile phone to actively compose at least part of the message to be sent to the at least one person associated with the entrance or beacon, for example by sending identification information of the visitor to the said person, informing the said person of the identity of the visitor at the entrance. Alternatively or additionally a visitor, delivery person, resident and / or recipient can predefine information in said computer system, to be sent after connecting the visitor mobile phone to the computer network within said time interval after ringing the doorbell.

[0036] In an aspect a method according to the disclosure can comprise the step of after the message has been presented to the person designated to the beacon or entrance, said person can deny said request or accept said request or send a response message to the visitor or have such response message sent to the visitor by the computer system, wherein if the request is accepted by said person designated to the beacon and / or entrance a two way communication is set up between the mobile phone of the visitor and a mobile phone of the person designated to said beacon and / or entrance. In this manner the mobile phone of the visitor can function as camera and / or microphone / speaker for the visitor or delivery person.

[0037] In an aspect a method according to the disclosure can comprise the step of, in order to be coupled to the computer system, scanning a code at or near said entrance, as discussed. The code can for example be an optically readable code or an electronically readable or transferable code presented at or near the entrance. The code can for example be presented as a bar code or QR code. The code can alternatively or additionally be a code transmitted by a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip or by an active beacon, such as a Bluetooth beacon or by a WiFi signal.

[0038] In an aspect of the disclosure a method for managing traffic at an entrance can be characterized by scanning, with a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, an optically or electronically readable code provided by a carrier near the entrance, which code is a recognition code unique to the carrier. Preferably an electronically readable code is provided by an NFC chip of the carrier, which can be scanned by a mobile phone. The recognition code then connects the mobile communication device to a web page, as described throughout this disclosure, for example for establishing a communication between a visitor scanning said code and a resident associated with said unique code or for relaying information to the visitor scanning said code. Such information can for example be provided by of for the said resident. As described the carrier can form a beacon or can be part of a beacon as described.

[0039] In embodiments the visitor and the at least one person designated to said beacon and / or entrance are both provided with a mobile phone. At least the mobile phone of the at least one person designated to the beacon and / or entrance is provided with an app for receiving said message. The mobile phone of the visitor is provided with an app for coupling to the computer system and / or is coupled to the computer system after scanning a code presented at or near the entrance.

[0040] A doorbell assembly used with a method of the disclosure or in a doorbell system according to the disclosure can for example be a system as described in Dutch patent application NL2016620. A doorbell for use in a method according to the disclosure or in a doorbell system according to the disclosure can be wired to or in wireless connection with a computer network, such as the Internet, at least for connecting to the computer system and relaying the doorbell signal to the computer system according to the present disclosure, for example for initiating or setting the timer.

[0041] A doorbell system or beacon for use in a system or method according to the disclosure in embodiments can further comprise a carrier, such as a housing or support, which can comprise at least a readable code, which readable code comprises at least one of an optically readable code, especially a bar code or QR code, and an electronically readable code, especially provided by a NFC chip, or by a Bluetooth beacon or WiFi signal. The readable code preferably is uniquely coupled to the relevant beacon.

[0042] The disclosure is further directed to a computer readable computer product comprising computer readable instructions for performing a method according to the present disclosure, and to a computer system, comprising at least a computer program designed for performing a method of the disclosure.

[0043] The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of the exemplary embodiments that are represented in the drawing. In the drawing shows:

[0044] Fig. 1 schematically a door with two mobile communication devices, shown by way of example as mobile phones, a beacon and a computer system according to the disclosure, for performing a method of the disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 2 schematically an alternative embodiment of a door with a doorbell, two mobile phones and a computer system according to the disclosure, for performing a method of the disclosure;

[0046] Fig. 3 schematically an embodiment of a system for performing a method according to the disclosure, comprising at least one beacon at an entrance, such as an entrance of a building comprising a series of residences, such as private residences and / or commercial residences, wherein each of said residences has a door to said residence, wherein at least one resident is associated with each door;

[0047] Fig. 4 schematically steps in performing a method according to the disclosure, showing schematic screen images used;

[0048] Fig. 5 schematically in frontal and top view a receiving housing of or for a beacon;

[0049] Fig. 5A schematically a cross sectional side view along the line VA - VA of the receiving housing of fig. 5;

[0050] Fig. 6 schematically in frontal and top view an embodiment of a beacon; Fig. 6A schematically a cross sectional side view along the hne VIA - VIA of the beacon of fig. 6, received in a housing according to fig. 5;

[0051] Fig. 7 in frontal and side view a key for releasing a beacon from a housing as shown in fig. 6A;

[0052] Fig. 8 schematically in frontal view an alternative embodiment of a beacon;

[0053] Fig. 9 schematically in frontal view an alternative housing, for receiving a beacon as shown in fig. 8;

[0054] Fig. 9A in cross sectional view of a housing, taken along the line IXA - IXA in fig. 9;

[0055] Fig. 10 schematically in frontal view a beacon of fig. 8 mounted in a housing of fig. 9;

[0056] Fig. 10A schematically a frontal view of a key for releasing the beacon from the housing of fig. 10;

[0057] Fig. 11 schematically an embodiment of a doorbell with a beacon or carrier of the disclosure; and

[0058] Fig. 12 schematically steps in authentication of deliveries.

[0059] The figures are only schematic representations of preferred embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are only shown as example for a better understanding of the claimed invention and should not be considered as limiting the disclosure to these embodiments. In the figures, like or corresponding parts are indicated with the same reference numerals.

[0060] A method according to the disclosure, for managing traffic at an entrance, is designed generally to allow contact to be established between a visitor at an entrance and a person associated or designated to said door, or at least to the premises provided with said door, further also to be referred to as a resident. Such person associated with the door or resident can for example be a home owner or tenant, lodger, family member of a home owner, tenant or lodger, or an employee or the like of a business in said premises or the like, all for the sake of brevity referred to as resident. A visitor can be a person known or unknown to the resident, and can for example be but not limited to a delivery person, a client, friend or family, or any other person at the door, who may be ringing the doorbell or otherwise making known that the visitor it at or near the door, as will be discussed. By relaying a signal to a resident’s mobile phone informing the resident is or residents of the fact that a visitor is at or near the door, even if the resident is not near the door or for example not competent to hear a chime of a doorbell increases the chances of the resident recognizing the visitor’s arrival.

[0061] Managing traffic at the door should be understood as including at least providing for a possibility to establish the above described contact, for example in order to provide for the possibility of a dialogue between resident and visitor, providing guidance for the visitor by the resident, even if the resident is not able to open the door to the visitor, or for example allowing a message to be relayed to the visitor at the door.

[0062] In a method according to the disclosure a doorbell signal can be provided, for example by activating a doorbell by the visitor or generating a doorbell signal by proximation of an electronic device at or near the door, which doorbell signal is relayed to a computer system and preferably also to the or a resident associated to the said doorbell. A mobile phone of the visitor can be coupled to the computer system after having induced the doorbell signal. Such coupling of the visitor mobile phone to the computer system can be provided for through a connection to the Internet. If in a method of the disclosure the mobile phone of the visitor is coupled to the computer system a message is presented to at least one person designated to the door, a resident as described. In embodiments a timer may be set in the computer system, timing a predetermined time interval, triggered by said doorbell signal, such that said message is only presented to the resident if the telephone of the visitor is coupled to the computer system within said time interval.

[0063] In embodiments of a method according to the disclosure a visitor can couple his or her mobile phone, the visitor phone, to the computer system by reading a code presented at or near the door. Such code can for example be an optically readable code, such as a bar code or QR code, or an electronically readable code, such as a code transmitted through or using a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip which can be scanned in a known manner by a visitor mobile phone, or can be relayed by an electronic signal such as for example but not limited to a blue-tooth signal or a WiFi signal relayed by a beacon or the like transmitter.

[0064] The code is preferably unique for the door cq doorbell cq premises at which the code is presented. The code is for example representative for an URI or URL, such that by reading the code into the visitor mobile phone for example an Internet address is entered into the computer system through a wireless connection of the visitor mobile phone. This couples the wireless connection of the visitor mobile phone to a web page or address of the resident on the computer system, which will send a message to the resident or at least one resident if multiple residents have been registered, associated or designated to the relevant doorbell or door or premises.

[0065] By checking whether the visitor mobile phone has been coupled to the computer system within said predetermined time interval after ringing the doorbell by the visitor, it can be established that the visitor is actually at the door when trying to establish contact with the at least one person designated to the doorbell, i.e. the or at least a resident. This prevents persons to try to establish such contact when not actually at the door. Even if the codes of one or more premises are read and stored in for example a data base, in such embodiments comprises said timer they cannot be used for establishing a contact between a person using such database and the or a resident, unless the said person does actually induce the doorbell signal, for which he or she will have to be present at or near the door.

[0066] The present disclosure also relates to a system for performing a method of the present disclosure. In this disclosure door should be understood as including but not limited to front or rear doors, gates, windows such as but not limited to shop windows and the like points of entry or contact between a resident and a visitor, which may also for example be an entrance of a building such as a central hall, reception area or the like. The system further comprises at least a visitor mobile phone or such mobile communication device, further also referred to as first mobile phone or visitor phone, and a resident mobile phone or computer or such device connected to or connectable to a computer network such as the Internet, further to be referred to as second mobile phone or resident mobile phone. The mobile phones can be connected to the said computer network, especially to or through the Internet by wireless connection and / or by wired connection. The system further comprises a computer system for communicating with said mobile phones, and comprising at least a computer program for sending a message to the resident mobile phone. Such message can for example inform the resident of the fact that someone is at the door, who said someone is, if this information is made available by the visitor, and can comprise a contact request from the visitor. The resident can then either accept or deny said contact request. If the contact request is accepted, in embodiments the resident can chose one of different options for such contact, such as for example contact via VOIP, via a chat medium, by sending a message to the visitor or via a video connection, or any other means available, an embodiment of which is schematically depicted in fig. 4.

[0067] A system according to the present disclosure furthermore can comprise a carrier presenting a code, preferably a code uniquely coupled, i.e. associated to the resident or residents of the relevant premises. The carrier can for example be a button or shield or sticker or wireless transmitter which can be presented at an appropriate location near the door, and can comprise the code for example as an optically readable code, an electronically readable code, an electronically transmitted code or a combination thereof.

[0068] In an aspect of the disclosure a carrier is provided for mounting near an entrance or mounted near an entrance, said carrier comprising a NFC chip providing a recognition code unique to the carrier. Said recognition code is readable by a mobile communication device, for example of a visitor, wherein said recognition code is electronically related to a URL associated with a resident associated with said entrance. Such carrier can for example be a beacon as disclosed, or can be part thereof. A system for managing traffic at an entrance is also disclosed, comprising at least one such carrier, wherein the system comprises a computer system comprising at least one web page associated with said URL. Said web page comprises information provided by and / or for a resident associated with said URL and web page and / or comprises at least a link for connecting a mobile phone of a visitor reading said recognition code and a mobile phone of said resident.

[0069] In this disclosure coupling of a visitor mobile phone to the computer system should be understood as at least establishing contact between the visitor mobile phone and the computer system, for example via a data network, Internet, GSM network or such wireless communication network, enabling at least the computer system to present or have presented information on the visitor mobile phone, such as but not limited to a web page, landing page, contact form or the like, and / or enabling the visitor mobile phone to relay information to the computer network and / or a resident mobile phone or such communication device, connected to the computer network and / or relevant data communication network.

[0070] In embodiments of this disclosure the resident phone and / or the visitor phone may be provided with an app for performing steps of a method according to the disclosure, and / or may use web based computer program(s) for performing steps of a method according to the disclosure.

[0071] In embodiments of a method for managing traffic at an entrance, a visitor reads a recognition code near said entrance, using the visitors mobile phone, said recognition code provided by at least an NFC chip provided by a carrier positioned near said entrance. Based on said recognition code an URL is activated presenting a web page on the visitors mobile phone, said web page associated with and preferably presenting information regarding a resident associated with said entrance and / or said carrier.

[0072] A doorbell according to the disclosure or for use in a system according to the disclosure can be any type of doorbell, such as for example a regular doorbell with a push button or the like for sounding a chime, but it can also be a more sophisticated doorbell, such as a video doorbell, intercom doorbell or the like, as long as it can provide a doorbell signal as described. A doorbell can also be a virtual doorbell, for example presented on a mobile phone, especially a visitors or second mobile phone.

[0073] Fig. 1 schematically shows a system 1 of the disclosure. Fig. 1 shows a door 2 of a premises 3, here represented as a front door of a house or an apartment in an apartment building. Near the door 2 a doorbell 4 is shown, connected to a chime 5 by wire or wireless. The chime 5 can be mounted inside the premises 3 and can be connected to the doorbell 4 by wire or wireless. Multiple chimes 5 could be connected to the doorbell 4. A doorbell is optional in systems of the disclosure.

[0074] A computer system 6 is further provided, here represented by a computer, but it will be clear to the skilled person that the computer system can also be a different system, such as for example cloud based, Internet based or the like. The doorbell 4 in this embodiment is provided with a wireless communication device 8, such as a Bluetooth or WiFi transmitter, as known in the art, for communication with and especially relaying a doorbell signal 7 to the computer system 6. It will be clear that such communication device 8 could also be provided in the doorbell 4, or outside the doorbell 4 and chime 5. For example a device 8 could be used which receives the auditive signal of the chime 5 ringing, and relay this as a Bluetooth or Wireless signal to the computer system. Such system is for example known from International application WO2017 / 018880 and available under the brand BellAlert™ in The Netherlands. In stead of or additional to the wireless connection the device 8 could also be wired to the computer system 6.

[0075] The system 1 as shown in fig. 1 further comprises a second mobile phone 9 and a first mobile phone 10. The second mobile phone 9 is a mobile phone of a permanent or temporary resident of the premises 3. If there are multiple such residents multiple second mobile phones 9 could be provided in the system 1. The first mobile phone 10 is a mobile phone of a visitor to the premises 3, or at least to the door 2. Any mobile phone or such mobile communication device can in principle be a visitor mobile phone 10. The visitor mobile phone 10 preferably is or can be connected to the Internet and is enabled to transmit and receive information through at least a wireless connection, such as a data connection.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 furthermore a carrier 11 is provided, in the vicinity of the door 2. The carrier 11 can be mounted for example by means of screws, adhesive, magnetism or the like, or can be designed differently, as for example shown by way of examples in fig. 5 - 10. The carrier is provided with a code 14. In the embodiment shown on a front side of the carrier Il a visual, optically readable representation 12 of the code 14 is provided, in the embodiment shown by a QR (“quick response”) code. The code 12 however could also be provided as a different type of optically readable code, such as but not limited to a bar code, an alfa- numerical code, an URL or URI, a pictogram or the like. Additionally or alternatively the carrier 11 can be provided with the same code as an electronically readable code 13. In the embodiment shown the electronically readable code is provided by an Near Field Communication (NFC) chip, which can communicate with devices such as mobile phones 9, 10 provided with an NFC reader. In the embodiment shown the carrier 11 comprises the code 14 in both optical form 12 and electronic form 13.

[0077] According to embodiments of the disclosure the carrier 11 can and preferably does comprise alternatively or additionally a chip 100 for transmitting the code 14 electronically, for example by WiFi or BlueTooth, such that the code 14 can be received by the visitors or second mobile phone 10. The code 14 transmitted by the chip 100 electronically is preferably the same code 14 as optically presented as image 12 or readable by the NFC reader, but may be an alternative code in order to show how the code was received.

[0078] In the embodiments disclosed the code 14 is or comprises or can be electronically related to a URL (uniform resource locator).

[0079] A resident will register or will be registered with the computer system 6, for example by opening a personal web page in the computer system 6. A unique URL is established for said web page. The code 14 as discussed is uniquely related to said URL for said resident. Hence in the computer system a series of web pages is configured, each related to a specific resident or at least door. Multiple residents at the same address, i.e. the same door 2 and / or using the same doorbell 4 can be associated to the same web page and hence to the same URL.

[0080] Fig. 2 shows schematically the doorbell 4 and the carrier 11 comprising the visually, optically readable QR code 12 and the electronically readable code 13 by means of an NFC chip. In this embodiment no physical doorbell or chime is shown, although they can be provided too. In this embodiment the carrier 11 is provided with a chip 100 for periodically or constantly sending out an electronic signal 101 comprising the unique code 14. The chip 100 can form or be part of an electronic circuit, which can also comprise an NFC chip or circuit 13 as discussed. The code 14 can additionally be presented in optical readable form, for example as image 12 shown in fig. 1. The visitors phone 10 in this embodiment comprises a computer program, such as an app, for recognizing the code 14, as will be discussed hereafter. The carrier 11 can in principle be position anywhere at or near the door, as long as the code 14 can be read and / or received by a visitor using his or her mobile phone 10.

[0081] A carrier 11 is in this disclosure also referred to as a beacon 11, especially if such carrier or beacon comprises at least a chip 100 for electronically transmitting said code 14.

[0082] Fig. 1 and 2 show embodiments of a system according to the disclosure, with reference to a single door 2. Many residences with a door can be equipped similarly and be part of the system 1.

[0083] Fig. 3 shows a system 1 according to the disclosure, comprising a series of individual premises 3, such as houses, each having a door 2 directly accessible for a visitor, for example from a public road. For each such door 2 a system 1 or at least part thereof may be provided as described with reference to e.g. fig. 1 and 2. Furthermore in fig. 3 a building 200 is shown, comprising a series of premises, such as flats or studios or lofts or apartments 3 A or similar residences, or for example residences in gated communities, all of which hereafter will be referred to as apartments 3A. Fig. 3 shows, by way of example only, a building having 62 such apartments 3A, represented by a single door 2. Each of these apartments 3 A has its own door 2, but these are not or at least not all directly and / or freely accessible from a public road. A visitor in such building 200 for example needs to access a central doorway 201 first, into a central hall or reception area, at a front gate 201 or the like.

[0084] In such system, especially in such building or gated community 200 the system 1 according to the disclosure comprises a series of beacons 11, the computer system 6 and at least one first mobile communication device or mobile phone 10, associated with the computer system 6. Furthermore a series of second mobile communication devices or second mobile phones 9 is provided, also referred to as resident phones 9, each second communication device 9 associated with a beacon 11 of the series of beacons 11. Each of said beacons 11 is designed for sending out the signal 101 comprising the recognition code 14 unique to the beacon 11, and the at least one first mobile communication device 10 comprises software, such as said app, for recognizing the unique recognition codes 14. The first mobile phone 10 is in this embodiment associated with at least one delivery person, which can also be understood generally as a visitor. With each beacon 11 at least one recipient R and / or at least one second mobile communication device 9 are associated.

[0085] For the building 200 a central beacon 11A is provided at or near the central doorway 201. Similarly for a gated community a central beacon 11A can be provided at or near the or a gate of such gated community 200. In such embodiment said at least one beacon 11A of said series of beacons 11 is associated with a series of recipients R and a series of second mobile communication devices 9 (in fig. 3 some of these phones are shown as 91, 92, 93, 94, 95) or residents associated with the apartments 3A in said building or gated community 200. Thus only one such central beacon 11A or a limited number of such central beacons 11A has to be provided at or near the central entrance or gate 201. A central beacon 11A can also be referred to as a “one to many” beacon.

[0086] In such system 1 each of said series of recipients R and / or each of said series of second mobile communication devices 9 of residents of said building or community 200 is associated with a unique personal code available to the computer system and / or to the first mobile communication device 10. This can for example be a code similar to code 14 as discussed, or any code preferably unique to the resident. Preferably a list is available to the first mobile device 10, for example uploaded into the first mobile phone, such as in the app, or made available through the computer system 6. This list comprises at least addresses of recipients R of said series of recipients associated with the specific building or gated community 200 or the like and / or unique personal codes associated with said recipients R and / or with said second mobile communication devices 9. The first mobile communication device 10 is provided with a screen for presenting a representation of at least one of the said recipients R and / or second mobile communication devices 9. This can for example be but is not limited to a name, pictogram, URL, number, address or the like. The first mobile communication device 10 and / or the computer system 6 are designed for establishing a mode of communication between the first mobile communication device 10 and the second mobile communication device 9 of a recipient R associated with the representation presented on the screen, chosen by a user of the first mobile communication device 10.

[0087] In such system if the visitor V is at or nears the building or community 200 the visitors mobile phone 10 will receive the code 14 transmitted by the beacon 11A located at or near the central entrance or gate 201. Based on such recognition at least part of said list or at least one of said representations is presented on the screen of the first mobile phone 10. In a first, relatively simple embodiment each of the residents R associated with said building or community 200 will receive a message, via the computer system 6, when a visitor V is at or nears the entrance or gate 201.

[0088] In a further embodiment at least one of the computer system 6 and the first mobile communication device 10, is designed for sending a message to a second mobile communication 9 associated with a resident R of the series of residents R associated with the at least one beacon 11 A, when the unique recognition code 14 of the relevant beacon 11A has been recognized by the first mobile communication device 10 and the delivery person has a delivery to be made to said resident R. To such end for example prior to or during a delivery round of the delivery person V an overview is uploaded to the first communication device 10 of deliveries to be made by the delivery person during said delivery round, with the addresses and / or unique personal codes of any resident cq recipient for whom the delivery person has to make a delivery. Hence for example representations of some or all of the residents R for whom a delivery is to be made can be represented on the screen of the first communication device 10, such that said message can be send to the relevant resident R or residents and / or the mode or modes of communication can made available to the visitor, such as the delivery person and the relevant resident.

[0089] In advantageous further elaboration in a system of the disclosure each of the said recipients R and / or second communication devices 9 associated with said at least one beacon 11A of the series of beacons 11 is individually known to the computer system 6, such that when the recognition code 14 of said beacon 11A has been recognized by the first communication device 10 a communication mode can be made available through the computer system 6 between the first communication device 10 and one of said recipients R and / or second communication device 9. The computer system 6 is preferably designed for providing at least one webpage for each said resident R associated with said at least one beacon 11A, preferably through an URL as discussed. The webpage is preferably designed for allowing the recipient R to indicate whether communication between the recipient R and the first communication device 10 is or can be authorized. Preferably the webpage is designed for allowing the said recipient to enter a choice of one or more communication modes to be made available to the delivery person V when the delivery person receives the unique recognition code 14 of the beacon 11, 11A associated with said recipient, for communication between the delivery person V and the relevant resident R associated with said beacon 11A. When the recipient cq resident is associated with a building or gated community 200 comprising multiple apartments 3A preferably such webpage is made available of the relevant resident or recipient recognized by and / or associated by the personal code associated with the specific resident R. In such system 1 the system is preferably designed such that when the first communication device 10 receives the unique recognition code 14 from the said at least one beacon 11A, the system 1 presents at least one link as a representation of a recipient R and / or second communication device 9 on a screen of the first communication device 10, wherein the first communication device 10 comprises software, such as said app, for establishing a communication request to the second communication device 9 by activating said link.

[0090] Fig. 5 - 10 show embodiments of a carrier or beacon 11, 11A, comprises a housing 130. The beacon 11, 11A is locked in or on a support 102, wherein the support 102 is mounted to a surface 103, such as a wall or post of a residence 3 or entrance 201 or gate 201. The support 102 is mounted to the surface 103 using at least one of adhesive, screws, bolts, nails and staples, wherein the beacon 11, 11A is locked in or on the support 102 by a releasable lock 104. In the embodiments shown the support 102 is mounted to the surface 103 using at least one mounting element 105, such as a screw, comprising a shaft 106 extending through an opening 107 in the support 102 into the surface 104, provided with a head 108 at an inside of the support 102 and locking the support 102 against the surface 104. During use the at least one head 108 is covered by the beacon 11, 11A. Thus the support 102 cannot be removed before removing the beacon 11, 11A from the support 102.

[0091] One of the support 102 and the housing 101, in fig. 5 - 10 the support 102, comprises at least one resilient lip 109. In fig. 5 - 10 two such lips 109 are disclosed, provided such that the beacon 11, 11A can be inserted into and / or on the support 102 in a first direction Din, to an end position, as shown in fig. 6and 6A, but is prevented from removal from the support 102 in a second direction Dout opposite to the first direction Din by said at least one resilient lip 109. Furthermore a key 110 is provided, especially shown in fig. 7 in frontal and side view, for sliding between the housing 102 and the beacon 11, llAin the end position, for pushing the resilient lips 109 in order to allow the beacon 11, 11A to be removed from the support 102 in said second direction Dout.

[0092] In fig. 5 - 7 the support 102 comprises a bottom 111 and a wall 112 extending around at least a part of an edge of the bottom 111, for example along three sides thereof, a fourth side open for forming an insertion opening 115. The wall 112 has a groove 113 open inward of the support 102. Two parallel, resilient lips 109 are shown, bent inward into the support 102, with a free edge 114 at an end facing away from said insertion opening 115. The beacon 11, 11A has a body 116 in which circuitry is provided, including the chip 100 and a battery for energizing the circuitry. The body 116 has an outward reaching flange 117 which can be slid in the groove 113 when inserting the beacon 11, llA into the support 102. The body 116 further comprises two parallel grooves 119, at a side facing the bottom 111, which grooves 119 can receive the lips 109 and have a flat end 120 at the side of the free ends of the lips 109, such that when the body 116 has been inserted maximally into the support 102, the flange 117 is received in the groove 113, whereas the lips are received in the grooves 119, such that the free ends 114 thereof abut the flat ends 120, making retraction impossible.

[0093] The support 102 furthermore comprises a ridge 121 extending from the bottom 111 between the lips 109, whereas the body 116 comprises a recess 122 for receiving said ridge 121 slidingly, preferably such that the body 116 is kept a short distance from the bottom 111.

[0094] In fig. 7 in front and side view a key 110 is shown for releasing the body 116 from the support 102. The key 110 is basically a flat piece of material, such as plastic or metal, having a U-shape comprising two parallel legs 124 and a slit 125 in between. The key 110 can be inserted between the body 116 and the bottom 111, the legs 124 pushing the lips 109 down, out of the grooves 119 and out of engagement with the ends 120, allowing the body 116 to be retracted from the support 102, for example for exchanging batteries inside the body, accessible via a side of the body 116 facing the bottom when inserted into the support 102.

[0095] Fig. 5 and 5A show the support 102, fig. 6 and 6A show the body 116 inserted into the support 102, with the key 110 separate from the support and body.

[0096] Fig. 8 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of a beacon 11, 11A or at least a body 116 thereof, which is in this embodiment circular, having two diametrically opposing wings 126. Fig. 9 and 9A show a support 102, having a circumferential wall 112 defining a groove 113, and two insertion openings 127, for allowing the wings 126 to pass through, into and out of the groove 113. In a bottom portion 111 of the support 102 resilient lips 109 are provided, which are bent upward into the groove 113, such that the wings can be rotated over them, to be locked between the free ends 114 of the lips 109 and a wall portion 113A of the groove 113.

[0097] Fig. 10 shows schematically the body 116 locked in the support 102. Fig. 10 shows a key 110 for releasing the body 116 from the support. The key 110 is shown comprising a cross bar 128 and two sliders 129 provided at opposite ends of the bar 128. The sliders can be inserted through the insertion openings 127 and can the be slid through the groove 113 by rotation of the bar 128, such that the lips 109 are pushed down, allowing the body to be rotated back, such that the wings 126 pass over the lips 109 and can be retrieved through the insertion openings 127. Again the support 102 can be provided with means for attaching it to a wall or the like, like screws, bolts, nails, magnets, adhesive, tape or the like.

[0098] Fig. 11 shows a doorbell 4 with a beacon 11, showing the print 12, the NFC chip 13 and the chip 101. As discussed the chips 13 and 101 can be combined, or used separately.

[0099] In a method of the disclosure for managing traffic at an entrance, in embodiments when a visitor nears an entrance 2, 201 a first mobile communication device 10 of the visitor receives a wireless signal 101 sent by a beacon 11 provided near said entrance 2, 201, wherein said wireless signal 101 comprises at least a recognition code 14 unique to the beacon 11, 11A. In the computer system a list of residents is provided, associated with said beacon 11, 11A and / or the said recognition code 14. To each resident on said list a unique personal code has been assigned. When the first mobile communication device 10 receives the said wireless signal 101 with the recognition code 14, at least one link 300 to a resident on said list is presented on said first communication device 10, for example on the screen 10C, based on the relevant personal code, for establishing a communication mode between the first communication device 10 and a second communication device 9 held by the relevant resident.

[0100] In advantageous embodiments at least two links 300 are presented on the first communication device 10 after receipt of the said recognition code 14, said links 300 associated with different residents R associated with the one beacon 11, 11A, through their unique personal codes, such that the visitor V can chose one of said links 300 for establishing a communication mode with a specific resident R.

[0101] In an embodiment according to fig. 3, comprising at least one building 200 or gated community or the like with at least one common entrance 201 and a beacon 11A thus the one beacon 11A can be recognized and then the visitor is presented with at least two links 300 to different residents associated with said one beacon 11, 11A. Thus only one such beacon llA is necessary for many residents.

[0102] When the visitor is a delivery person, a list of deliveries for the delivery person can in embodiments be entered into the computer system 6 and / or the first communication device 10, which list comprises at least one of the residents R associated with the said one, common beacon 11A, wherein the link or links for the one or more residents associated with the said at least one beacon 11A is or are presented on the first communication device 10 after the recognition code 14 of the said beacon 11A has been received by the first communication device 10. Here a common beacon 11A should be understood as meaning at least a beacon 11 which has or transmits a recognition code 14 associated, especially through the computer system 6, with a series of residents R occupying a same building 200 or gated community 200 or the like and / or sharing a common entrance or gate 201. Preferably the residents are individually known to the computer system and / or first communication device 10 through a personal code associated to them and to the recognition code 14.

[0103] In embodiments when a visitor such as a delivery person or vehicle is nearing a premises, or at least a beacon a proximity signal is presented to or relayed to the computer system 6, indicating proximity of the visitor to the beacon 11, 11A. Then a timer is set in said computer system 6, timing a predefined time interval, whereas a mobile phone of the visitor can be coupled to the computer system. If the mobile phone 10 of the visitor is coupled to the computer system 6 within said predetermined time interval after receipt of the proximity signal by the computer system 6, the message is presented to at least one resident R associated with said beacon 11, 11A. If on the other hand the mobile phone 10 of the visitor is not coupled to the computer system 6 within said predetermined time interval after receipt of the proximity signal by the computer system 6, no such message is presented to said at least one resident R. Thus it can be ensured that such message is only sent when the visitor is actually at or near the beacon 11, 11A. The proximity signal can be a doorbell signal, for example from the doorbell 4, or a signal sent by the first mobile communication device 10 after receipt of the recognition code 14.

[0104] The message 223 referred to in this disclosure as sent by the visitor cq delivery person preferably is or comprises a contact request from the visitor V to the relevant resident R. To this end preferably an app 221 is used. In advantageous embodiments after the message 223 has been presented to the relevant resident R, said resident can deny said request or accept said request or send a response message 222 to the visitor or have such response message 222 sent to the visitor by the computer system 6. Wherein, if the request is accepted by said resident R, a two way communication can be set up between the mobile phone 10 of the visitor V and a mobile phone 9 of the resident R. An embodiment thereof is schematically shown in fig. 4, showing, by way of example only, icons for video 217, VOIP 214 or denying the request 225.

[0105] As discussed, in embodiments in order to be coupled to the computer system 6 the visitor can scan or receive a code 12, 13, 14 at or near said entrance 2, 200, preferably within said predetermined time interval as discussed here before, which code is a unique code linked to the resident R and is transmitted to the computer system 6 through the mobile telephone 10 of the visitor V. Preferably the code is or includes an optically readable code presented at or near said entrance and / or the code is presented by an NFC chip provided at or near said entrance.

[0106] In embodiments of a method of the disclosure, a location of the telephone 10 of the visitor is established within said predetermined time interval, and compared to a known position of the beacon 11, 11A. A comparison is made between the location of the telephone 10 of the visitor and the position of the beacon 11, 11A, and if the telephone of the visitor is in a predetermined distance from the position of the beacon 11, 11A the computer system 6 is allowed to send said message to the at least one person designated to the beacon 11, 11A. If on the other hand the telephone of the visitor V is not in said predetermined distance from the location of the beacon 11, 11A the computer system 6 is not allowed to send said message to the at least one person R, such as said resident, designated to the beacon 11, 11A.

[0107] The disclosure further is directed to a method for authentication of a delivery, wherein a delivery is made to a recipient. The delivery has been assigned a unique delivery code by a computer system 6, which delivery code is presented on the delivery and / or on a mobile communication device 9 of the recipient R.

[0108] The delivery code is presented to the recipient, either on delivery, represented on the delivery item, such as a package, or sent to the recipient, to be received on the recipients phone 9 as first communication device 9, or both.

[0109] When the code is presented on delivery, the recipient scans said delivery code with his or her mobile communication device, also referred to as second phone 9 and sends this delivery code to the computer system 6. When the delivery code is presented on the mobile communication device 9 of the recipient, the recipient sends the code to the computer system 6 and / or the delivery person scans the delivery code from the mobile communication device 9 of the recipient and relays the delivery code to the computer system 6. In the latter case preferably the delivery code is not represented to or available to the delivery person. Alternatively, when the delivery is presented to an alternative recipient, when the code is presented on the delivery, the alternative recipient scans said delivery code with his or her mobile communication device 9 and sends this delivery code to the computer system 6, and / or when the code is presented on the mobile communication device 9 of the alternative recipient, the alternative recipient sends the code to the computer system 6 and / or the delivery person scans the delivery code from the mobile communication device 9 of the alternative recipient and relays the delivery code to the computer system.

[0110] In the computer system 6 it is then possible to verify the received delivery code, such that the system 6 can assess whether the recipient has indeed received the delivery or whether an alternative recipient, for example designated by the recipient during or prior to delivery, has indeed received the delivery. In such method, which can conveniently be combined with a method as previously described and as claimed, receipt of the delivery code can be registered in a log in the computer system 6, wherein a recipient is enabled to retrieve data from said log relevant to a delivery for said recipient R. This will for example allow the recipient to ascertain whether the delivery was actually made, and when, and to whom.

[0111] Fig. 12 schematically shows steps in a method for delivery and authentication of a delivery. A delivery to be made, here shown as a package 400 is provided with a delivery code 401, such as for example but not limited to a bar code or QR code or the like. The code 401 is unique to the package 400 and is associated with a resident R, as intended recipient of the package 400, for example as discussed here before. The code 401 and the resident R are preferably registered in a computer system 6, with for example the name and address 404 of the resident R as delivery data 402. A delivery person V picks up the package 400 at a start of a delivery round, along with other packages to be delivered on a delivery round, and uploads a list of deliveries to be made on said delivery round by uploading the relevant data 402 from the computer system 6 into the delivery persons mobile communication device 10, such as the first mobile phone 10. Then the delivery person starts the delivery round.

[0112] When nearing a delivery address of a resident R for which the delivery person has the package 400 the delivery person may be informed, for example by receipt of a signal 101 from a beacon 11, 11A, if a method as previously discussed is used. Then if desired communication can be established between the delivery person V and the resident R, as described.

[0113] The delivery person will approach the door 2 or entrance 201 at the address of the resident R, where the resident R receives the package 400. The resident R reads the code 401 off the package 400 using the second phone 9 held by the resident R, and sends the code 401 read to the computer system 6, for confirmation of receipt of the package 400. The computer system preferably is programmed to assess the code 401 and the mobile phone 9 sending the code 301, such that the program can assess that the package has indeed been received by the resident R as intended recipient.

[0114] In such method preferably the code 401 is read by the resident R using an app on the mobile telephone 9 which is also used for communicating with the delivery person, as described here before.

[0115] Alternatively the computer system 6 and second mobile phone 9, especially said app, can be designed such that a delivery of a package 300 is announced to the resident R via the said resident’s mobile phone 9. When the package 400 has been delivered to the resident R the app allows the resident to confirm receipt of said package through the mobile phone 9, especially through said app, for example by pushing a virtual “received” button. In another alternative embodiment the resident R presents a code 401 associated with the package and previously sent to the resident, to the delivery person V when delivering the package 400, such that the delivery person can copy the code 401 and send the code 401 to the computer system 6, for assessment cq confirmation that the package 400 has been delivered to the resident R.

[0116] Obviously, if the resident R has presented an alternative delivery address for the package to the delivery person V, in a similar way delivery of the package 300 to the alternative delivery address cq resident can be confirmed to the computer system.

[0117] In methods according to the disclosure, if and when the code 14 is received by the computer system 6, the computer system 6 will inform the resident of receipt R associated to said code 14, which is generally referred to as sending the resident a message. This should be understood as any means used by the computer system 6 to inform the resident R of the fact that a visitor is at or near the door 2 or entrance or gate 200 and especially the beacon 11, 11A and / or has read the code 12, 13. A message 223, 224 sent to the resident mobile phone 9 is or can be or can contain a contact request, sent by or on behalf of the visitor V. In embodiments the message can be generated by the computer system 6 and can be a standard message, preprogrammed, or can be a message predefined by the resident cq recipient on his or her webpage in the computer system 6. In alternative embodiments the message can be configured by the visitor on the visitor mobile phone 10 after having relayed the code 14 to the computer system 6 or can be predefined in the computer system for the visitor. In embodiments the visitor V can feed information into the computer system 6 through the visitor mobile phone 10 after sending the code 14 to the computer system 6, to be sent on to the resident R, as the message or as part of the message. Such information can for example contain personal information of the visitor, such as the visitor’s name, occupation, reason for ringing the doorbell or the like. The message can also be or alternatively be a trigger signal for an app 221 to open on the relevant residents mobile phone 9, for displaying such information about the visitor automatically, for example when the visitor is a delivery person.

[0118] If the message sent to the resident is or contains a contact request, the resident can deny the contact request (225). If the resident denies the contact request a response can be sent to the visitor V by the computer system 6, for example informing the visitor V through the visitor mobile phone 10 that the resident R is unable to answer, or allow the computer system 6 to send a prerecorded message.

[0119] If the resident R accepts the contact request then a contact can be established between the visitor mobile phone 10 and the resident mobile phone 9, preferably through the computer system 6. The contact between the resident R and the visitor V can then be established for example through VOIP, Chat, Messaging (e.g. SMS) or via a video connection, such as for example through Teams® or Zoom® or such communication platform. Preferably in a method and system of the disclosure the resident R is provided a choice between at least two of these options, for example presented on the screen of the resident phone 9.

[0120] If the resident chooses the option of a video connection the camera 10A on the visitor phone 10 and the camera 9A on the resident phone 9 can be used for the video communication. The communication preferably is relayed through the computer system, such that no mobile phone numbers need to be exchanged between the visitor V and the resident R. This improves privacy of both the visitor and the resident. Moreover, by using the camera 10A of the visitor phone 10 for a video connection, the visitor can allow or deny such use, whereas the camera 10A will only be used in such video connection. No camera needs to be positioned at the door 2, preventing imaging of the environment of the door, improving privacy of third persons passing by the door 2.

[0121] Fig. 4 shows schematically different steps in a method according to the disclosure, and examples of screen shots which can be used in such system, by way of example only.

[0122] In embodiments multiple residents of or associated with a same residence can be connected to the same page. In such embodiments for example any one of these residents can respond to a communication request, wherein for example the first to respond will establish the said communication, blocking other residents. Alternatively the said residents can define an order in which the request will be presented to them, such that the request is first presented to the first resident, and only if this first resident does not respond within a predefined period of time the request will be presented to at least one of the other residents. The computer system may allow the residents to change such order at will.

[0123] A message as discussed can be a push notification. The push notification is received by the resident phone 9 and is presented as a push message on the resident mobile phone 9. Such message can for example read “there is someone at the door” or any suitable message, and can comprise or be formed by a sound, vibration or any other signal. Receiving the push notification can also trigger opening an app on the resident mobile phone. The server 6 can in embodiments also read a battery level of the communication device 8, for example for representation in the app.

[0124] A push message may be presented on the visitor phone 10, requesting the visitor V to indicate whether the resident’s R page on the server 6 should be opened and shown at least in part, for example a landing page, on the visitor’s mobile phone 10. The visitor V can confirm, for example by clicking the push message 300, which opens the landing page of the resident R. This will send a signal to the computer system 6, including the code 14 read by the visitor V.

[0125] In embodiments, if the computer system 6 establishes that the code 14 was received, a signal will be sent by the computer system 6 and the landing page will be undated and shown to the visitor V on the visitor mobile phone 10. This updated landing page can for example be as shown in fig. 4, app 221, and can for example contain a message 222 from the resident R to the visitor V, can comprise a field 223 in which the visitor can enter the visitor’s name, occupation of any other relevant information, and can comprise a button 224 for sending a contact request to the resident R, by clicking said button 224. Clicking should in the context of this disclosure be understood as at least including a common understanding in using touch screens, in which a signal can be sent by touching an indicated area on a touch screen of for example a mobile phone, a laptop or a computer or such apparatus or system.

[0126] After sending the contact request the visitor V will wait for a response on the request. The landing page may be presented to the visitor V containing an indication of waiting, such as for example a known spinner and an icon or text or the like, for example a text reading something like “waiting for the resident’s response”. A timeout can be set, for example of 1 minute or any other time period deemed appropriate. If within such time no response from the resident is received the visitor may be informed thereof, for example by showing a message like “resident rejected your request”.

[0127] The contact request will be received by the server 6 which will send a push notification to the resident phone 9, which will be received by the designated resident(s) and shown on the resident mobile phone as a push message, which can for example read something like “visitor [name visitor as entered in field 223] likes to contact you” or any other suitable message. The resident R can click the push notification / message which will trigger representation of a screen image on the resident mobile phone 9 showing one or more options from which the resident can choose. An example of such screen image is for example shown in fig. 4 (screen 9C), in which embodiment three options are shown: contact via speech only (VOIP) 214, contact via video 217 or deny request 225. The resident R can thus accept the request of deny the request.

[0128] If the resident R denies the request a signal to that effect will be received by the server 6, which will then update the landing page presenting the updated landing page to the visitor V, for example by showing a message informing the visitor of the denying of the request which could for example read something like “Resident rejected your contact request”.

[0129] If the resident R accepts the request then the relevant acceptance signal will be sent to the server 6. In the embodiment shown by way of example only in the flow chart the acceptance of the request was done by the resident by choosing the option of contact via video 217. This acceptance signal is received by the server 6, which sends an updated landing page to the visitor mobile phone 10. On the visitor mobile phone 10 then a screen is shown, for example on the landing page or in stead of such landing page, showing an audio / video connection screen, or at least an option to accept such connection. Similarly on the resident mobile phone 9 an audio / video screen is shown and an audio / video connection is established between the visitor phone 10 and the resident phone 9. This connection is established through a computer network, especially through the Internet, without the necessity for the visitor V and resident R to exchange mobile phone numbers, email addresses or such personal information.

[0130] In the server 6 information can be stored about any request sent and / or received, information entered by any visitor and / or resident and for example any connection established with the or any resident. Also the server can be set to limit the possible duration of such connections, for example in order to automatically end such connections after a predetermined time.

[0131] In embodiments in which the visitor has to physically ring the doorbell 4 in order to be able to have a communication link established between the visitor V and the or at least a resident R and reading the code 14 within a set time limit, it can be established that the visitor V is actually at the door 2 and not trying to contact the resident and for example spam the resident(s) after having read the code 14 or a series of such codes 14 at different premises, forming a data bank of such codes for later use.

[0132] In preferred embodiments the carrier 11 can comprise an electronic system 100 actively transmitting the code 14, constantly or intermittently, for example using a Bluetooth signal or such electronic carrier signal 101. Such signal 101 can then be received by a visitor phone 10, for example for a delivery person when within a communication range D of said signal 101, which may be a range between about zero centimeters and several meters, for example a maximal Bluetooth 5 range of for example tens to a few hundreds of meters. In embodiments said range is settable, for example by the resident R. The visitor phone 10 in this embodiment comprises an app or such software recognizing the code 14 carried by the signal 101. A virtual doorbell 4 may be presented on the visitor phone, and / or a button 124 for sending a contact request 109 as discussed before. In this embodiment the receipt of the signal 101 by the visitor phone 10 will preferably relay a signal to the computer system 6 to set a timer 15. In delivery system using a system or method of the disclosure preferably a virtual doorbell 4 and / or the button 224 will only be presented to the visitor V when the visitor has registered in the visitor phone 10 or in a computer network connected thereto that the visitor has a delivery for the relevant resident R. In further alternative embodiments the relative position of the visitor V to the door 2 can additionally or alternatively be determined by geo fencing, by for example comparing a geo location of the visitor phone 10, for example using GPS, relative to the known geo location of the door 2.

[0133] In embodiments according to the disclosure an electronic signal can be emitted by the doorbell system 8 or a device connected to said doorbell system 8, comprising or formed by said code 14, but only for said predetermined time interval T after operating the doorbell 4, generating the doorbell signal 7.

[0134] The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments as specifically disclosed and / or discussed here before. Many variants and combinations are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0135] For example, the resident or visitor can use a different type of communication device than a mobile phone, such as for example a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a dedicated wireless communication device or even a home computer system. The carrier 11 can be positioned in a different position and can be designed differently, for example integrated with a doorbell. Different steps as disclosed in the embodiments can be combined and / or can be performed in different order. A computer system 6 can provide for voice-mail options, for example when a resident is not able or willing to respond to a message sent.

[0136] Such variants will be clear to the skilled person and are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Claims1. System for managing traffic at an entrance, comprising: a series of beacons; a computer system; at least one first mobile communication device, associated with the computer system; and a series of second mobile communication devices, each second communication device associated with a beacon of the series of beacons; wherein each beacon is designed for sending out a signal comprising a recognition code unique to the beacon, and wherein the at least one first mobile communication device comprises software for recognizing the unique recognition codes, and wherein at least one visitor, especially a delivery person is associated with the at least one first communication device and wherein with each beacon at least one recipient and / or at least one second mobile communication device are associated, wherein at least one beacon of said series of beacons is associated with a series of recipients and a series of second mobile communication devices.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein each of said series of recipients and / or each of said series of second mobile communication devices is associated with a unique personal code available to the computer system and / or to the first mobile communication device.

3. System according to claim 2, wherein a list is available to the first mobile device, which list comprises at least addresses of recipients of said series of recipients and / or unique personal codes associated with said recipients and / or with said second mobile communication devices, wherein the first mobile communication device is provided with a screen forpresenting a representation of at least one of the said recipients and / or second mobile communication devices, and wherein the first mobile communication device and / or the computer system are designed for establishing a mode of communication between the first mobile communication device and the second mobile communication device of a recipient associated with the representation presented on the screen, chosen by a user of the first mobile communication device.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the computer system and the first mobile communication device is designed for sending a message to a second mobile communication associated with a recipient of the series of recipients associated with the at least one beacon when the unique recognition code of the relevant beacon has been recognized by the first mobile communication device and the delivery person has a delivery to be made to said recipient.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the said recipients and / or second communication devices associated with said at least one beacon of the series of beacons is individually known to the computer system, such that when the recognition code of said beacon has been recognized by the first communication device a communication mode can be made available by the computer system between the first communication device and one of said recipients and / or second communication device.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer system is designed for providing at least one webpage for each said recipient associated with said at least one beacon.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the webpage is designed for allowing the recipient to indicate whether communication between the recipient and the first communication device is or can be authorized, and preferably for allowing the said recipient to enter a choice of one or more communication modes to be made available to the delivery person when thedelivery person receives the unique recognition code of the beacon associated with said recipient, for communication between the delivery person and the relevant recipient associated with said beacon.

8. System according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the system is further designed such that when the first communication device receives a unique recognition code from the said at least one beacon, the system presents at least one link as a representation of a recipient and / or second communication device on a screen of the first communication device, wherein the first communication device comprises software for establishing a communication request to the second communication device by activating said link.

9. System according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one beacon of the series of beacons comprises a housing, wherein the beacon is locked in or on a support, wherein the support is mounted to a surface, such as a wall or post.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the support is mounted to the surface using at least one of adhesive, screws, bolts, nails and staples, wherein the beacon is locked in or on the support by a releasable lock.

11. System according to claim 9, wherein the support is mounted to the surface using at least one mounting element comprising a shaft extending through an opening in the support into the surface, provided with a head at an inside of the support and locking the support against the surface, wherein the at least one head during use is covered by the beacon.

12. System according to any one of claims 9 - 11, wherein one of the support and the housing comprises at least one resilient lip, provided such that the beacon can be inserted into and / or on the support in a first direction to an end position, but is prevented from removal from the support in a second direction opposite to the first direction by said at least one resilient lip, wherein a key is provided for sliding between the housing and thebeacon in the end position for pushing the at least one resilient lip in order to allow the beacon to be removed from the support in said second direction.

13. Carrier for mounting or mounted near an entrance, said carrier comprising a NFC chip providing a recognition code unique to the carrier, said recognition code readable by a mobile communication device, wherein said recognition code is electronically related to a URL associated with a resident associated with said entrance.

14. System according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein at least one of said series of beacons is formed by or comprises a carrier according to claim 13.

15. System for managing traffic at an entrance, comprising at least one carrier according to claim 13, wherein the system comprises a computer system comprising at least one web page associated with said URL, wherein said web page comprises information provided by and / or for a resident associated with said URL and web page and / or comprises at least a link for connecting a mobile phone of a visitor reading said recognition code and a mobile phone of said resident.

16. Method for managing traffic at an entrance, wherein when a visitor nears an entrance a first mobile communication device of the visitor receives a wireless signal sent by a beacon provided near said entrance, wherein said wireless signal comprises at least a recognition code unique to the beacon, whereas in a computer system a list of residents is provided, associated with said beacon and / or the said recognition code, wherein to each resident on said list a unique personal code has been assigned, wherein when the first mobile communication device receives the said wireless signal with the recognition code, at least one link to a resident on said list is presented on said first communication device, based on the relevant personal code, for establishing a communication mode between the first communication device and a second communication device held by the relevant resident.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein at least two links are presented on the first communication device after receipt of the said recognition code, said links associated with different residents through their unique personal codes, such that the visitor can chose one of said links for establishing a communication mode with a specific resident.

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the visitor is a delivery person, wherein a list of deliveries for the delivery person is entered into the computer system and / or the first communication device, which list comprises at least one of the residents, wherein the link or links for the one or more residents associated with the said at least one beacon is or are presented on the first communication device after the recognition code of the said beacon has been received by the first communication device.

19. Method according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein a proximity signal is presented to relayed to a computer system, indicating proximity of the visitor to the beacon, where after a timer is set in said computer system, timing a predefined time interval, whereas a mobile phone of the visitor can be coupled to the computer system, wherein: if the mobile phone of the visitor is coupled to the computer system within said predetermined time interval after receipt of the proximity signal by the computer system, a message is presented to at least one resident; and if the mobile phone of the visitor is not coupled to the computer system within said predetermined time interval after receipt of the proximity signal by the computer system, no such message is presented to said at least one resident.

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the proximity signal is a doorbell signal or a signal sent by the first mobile communication device after receipt of the recognition code.

21. Method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the message is or comprises a contact request from the visitor to the relevant resident.

22. Method according to claim any one of claims 16 - 21, wherein after the message has been presented to the relevant resident, said resident can deny said request or accept said request or send a response message to the visitor or have such response message sent to the visitor by the computer system, wherein if the request is accepted by said resident a two way communication is set up between the mobile phone of the visitor and a mobile phone of the resident.

23. Method according to any one of claims 19 - 22, wherein in order to be coupled to the computer system the visitor scans a code at or near said entrance, preferably within said predetermined time interval, which code is a unique code linked to the resident and is transmitted to the computer system through the mobile telephone of the visitor, wherein the code preferably is or includes an optically readable code presented at or near said entrance.

24. Method according to any one of claims 16 - 23, wherein a location of the telephone of the visitor is established within said predetermined time interval, and compared to a known position of the beacon, wherein a comparison is made between the location of the telephone of the visitor and the position of the beacon, and if the telephone of the visitor is in a predetermined distance from the position of the beacon the computer system is allowed to send said message to the at least one person designated to the beacon, but if the telephone of the visitor is not in said predetermined distance from the location of the beacon the computer system is not allowed to send said message to the at least one person designated to the beacon.

25. Method for managing traffic at an entrance, preferably according to any one of claims 16 - 24, wherein a visitor reads a recognition code near said entrance, using the visitors mobile phone, said recognition code provided by at least an NFC chip provided by a carrier positioned near said entrance, wherein based on said recognition code an URL is activated presenting a web page on the visitors mobile phone, said web pageassociated with and preferably presenting information regarding a resident associated with said entrance and / or said carrier.

26. Method for authentication of a delivery, wherein a delivery is made to a recipient, wherein the delivery has been assigned a unique delivery code by a computer system, which delivery code is presented on the delivery and / or on a mobile communication device of the recipient, whereby: when the delivery code is presented to the recipient: when the code is presented on the delivery, the recipient scans said delivery code with his or her mobile communication device and sends this delivery code to the computer system; and / or when the code is presented on the mobile communication device of the recipient, the recipient sends the code to the computer system and / or the delivery person scans the delivery code from the mobile communication device of the recipient and relays the delivery code to the computer system. and when the delivery is presented to an alternative recipient: when the code is presented on the delivery, the alternative recipient scans said delivery code with his or her mobile communication device and sends this delivery code to the computer system; and / or when the code is presented on the mobile communication device of the alternative recipient, the alternative recipient sends the code to the computer system and / or the delivery person scans the delivery code from the mobile communication device of the alternative recipient and relays the delivery code to the computer system.

27. Method according to claim 26, wherein receipt of the delivery code is registered in a log in the computer system, wherein a recipient is enabled to retrieve data from said log relevant to a delivery for said recipient.

Images