Methods and systems for ensuring secure delivery of parcels using internet-enabled storage receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for secure parcel delivery, such as residential lockers and manually operated receptacles, face challenges in ensuring secure delivery when recipients are unavailable and require signature confirmation, leading to inefficiencies and potential parcel theft.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a secure storage receptacle with an electronically controlled locking mechanism, wireless communication, and a remote service manager that generates a single-use access code for delivery carriers, along with sensors and cameras for parcel verification and recording, ensuring secure and validated delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual code-setting receptacles are used for secure delivery, then parcel security is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to manual code provisioning and re-setting
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated code generation and delivery. The remote service manager automatically generates access codes and delivers them to carriers via mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual code provisioning by recipients. The electronically controlled locking mechanism also provides automated lock/unlock operations based on validated codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical code-setting operations with an electronic system. The electronically controlled locking mechanism uses electronic codes transmitted wirelessly to mobile devices, substituting the manual mechanical process of writing, delivering, and re-setting physical codes on receptacles.
2Productivity
If unattended parcel delivery is allowed, then delivery efficiency is improved, but security risks increase due to potential theft by neighbors or strangers
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary electronically controlled locking mechanism between the parcel and the recipient. This intermediary controls access to the parcel, allowing unattended delivery while maintaining security. Only authorized carriers with valid codes can access the receptacle to deposit parcels, and only authorized recipients can retrieve them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical hand-to-hand parcel transfer with an electronic access control system. The electronically controlled locking mechanism uses electronic code validation and wireless communication to authorize parcel deposition and retrieval, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction between carrier and recipient while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If multiple delivery attempts are made for unavailable recipients, then delivery completion is improved, but time and fuel waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by providing recipients with notification capabilities before delivery attempts. Recipients can be notified of upcoming deliveries and can prepare access codes in advance, allowing carriers to complete deliveries on subsequent attempts without additional delays or fuel waste.
4Reliability
If signature confirmation is required, then delivery validation is improved, but operational complexity increases due to manual signature collection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual signature collection with electronic validation. The system uses electronic codes for access authorization and can implement digital signature processes through mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical signature cards and manual collection processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system for securing delivery of a parcel when an intended recipient is unavailable, comprising at least one storage receptacle having an electronically controlled locking mechanism, the storage receptacle comprising an interface for receiving an access code for facilitating unlocking of the storage receptacle, a wireless communication radio, and a processor. The system further comprises a remote service manager comprising an access code generator and a wireless communication radio for transmitting an access code to a mobile computing device operated by a delivery carrier. The mobile computing device includes a wireless communication radio, one or more processors, and a memory comprising instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive, via the wireless communication radio, from the remote service manager, a single use access code for facilitating unlocking of the storage receptacle, and transmit the access code to the storage receptacle interface. The storage receptacle processor confirms the validity of the access code and causes the storage receptacle to first unlock and then lock after detection of the parcel within the storage receptacle.