Locker Bank Package Delivery with Coded Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for package delivery in multiple household properties are often cumbersome and difficult for delivery personnel to use, especially when delivering multiple packages, leading to inefficiencies and increased time spent on the delivery process, and there is a risk of package theft when residents are not available to receive them.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a central control unit and a plurality of lockers, where each locker has a locking mechanism that can be remotely unlocked using a delivery code generated by the system, allowing service providers to efficiently deposit and secure packages, and enabling authorized recipients to retrieve them securely at a later time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a staffed front desk or reception area is used to receive packages on behalf of residents, then packages can be securely received, but staff are distracted from their other duties and workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package receiving system operates autonomously without requiring staff intervention. Delivery personnel use a keypad to enter delivery codes, and residents use their own codes to retrieve packages. The system automatically tracks and manages packages, eliminating the need for staff to manually receive and hold packages while maintaining security through coded access control.
2Ease of operation
If packages are placed in a designated location without security measures, then delivery is simple and quick, but packages are at risk of being stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary coded access control mechanism between the package and the resident. Instead of direct placement or staff-handled security, the package is placed in a designated area that requires a specific code for access. This intermediary layer maintains delivery simplicity while adding security, as only authorized residents with the correct code can retrieve their packages.
3Reliability
If employees manually place packages in lockers instead of using automated systems, then package security is improved, but delivery time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables delivery personnel to independently and quickly secure packages by simply entering a delivery code on a keypad. The associated locker or storage mechanism automatically engages, eliminating the need for manual locking or complex procedures. This self-service approach maintains high security while minimizing delivery time and operational complexity.
4Reliability
If a secure package receiving system is implemented, then package theft is reduced, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to use by delivery personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed for intuitive self-service operation. Delivery personnel simply enter a delivery code on a keypad, and the system automatically handles package association and security engagement. Residents similarly enter their codes to retrieve packages. This automated self-service approach maintains robust security while ensuring ease of use, eliminating cumbersome manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a system for delivering purchased items, with each item having an item identifier that includes the price, size and possibly a shape coefficient of the item, to customers by a service provider or store employee comprising, a plurality of lockers, each having a locking portion, a delivery code that associates one or more items with a transaction and a customer, a central control unit comprising an input device for reading a delivery code and open the number of lockers needed to accommodate the items designated in the delivery code. The central control unit communicates with a store management system to provide the customer an authentication code to subsequently retrieve the items. A method and system for picking and placing items in a locker bank for retrieval by a customer is also disclosed.