Mobile Robot Restricted Item Delivery Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated vending systems, including mobile robots, lack reliable mechanisms for verifying user identity and authorization for delivering restricted items such as age-restricted products and prescription medications, which can lead to unauthorized access and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a two-tiered authorization process, where a first authorization is performed using biometric and non-biometric parameters stored in a user profile, and a second authorization is conducted at the delivery location using identification sensors on a mobile robot or user terminal, ensuring only authorized individuals receive restricted items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated vending systems are used to deliver restricted items, then delivery efficiency and accessibility are improved, but reliability of authorization verification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authorization verification in advance by storing biometric templates and authorization data in user profiles before actual delivery occurs. This preliminary authorization enables the automated robot to reliably verify user identity without real-time human intervention, thus maintaining both high delivery efficiency and reliable authorization verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authorization system that mediates between the automated delivery robot and the user. The system uses stored biometric data and authorization tokens as intermediaries to verify user identity, enabling the robot to make autonomous authorization decisions without compromising reliability while maintaining efficient automated delivery.
2Reliability
If multiple authorization stages are implemented, then reliability of restricted item delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization process is segmented into distinct stages: first-stage authorization during item selection where user identity is verified and authorization is granted, and second-stage verification at delivery location where the robot confirms the user's identity using biometric sensors. This segmentation improves reliability by verifying authorization at multiple points while keeping each stage's complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authorization where users provide their own biometric data (fingerprint, facial recognition) to verify their identity. This self-service approach improves reliability of verification while reducing the need for complex manual intervention, effectively managing the complexity-reliability trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering restricted items to users includes detecting that a user has selected a restricted item for delivery. A user profile is accessed, and authorization for delivery of the restricted item associated with the user profile is verified. Upon detecting a first authorization associated with the user profile, authorizing the dispatch of the restricted item to the user at a delivery location. The restricted item is transported to the delivery location by the mobile robot. The mobile robot has an item space with a lid and an electronic lock, which is locked during transit. A second authorization to confirm a user's identity before the user receives the restricted item. If the second authorization fails, communication is established between the user and a remote operator terminal via the mobile robot, and the remote operator terminal performs the second authorization and/or repeats the first authorization.