Secured Locker System for Authorized Carrier Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to ensure secure access to secured buildings for delivery services and simplify package return processes, leading to issues like missing or stolen packages and unauthorized access to personal information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a code associated with a carrier and address to validate authorized access to a secured building or locker system, allowing secure delivery and return services without requiring physical access, using barcodes, tracking codes, and real-time status updates to ensure secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If delivery persons leave packages outside the secured building, then delivery service can be provided without accessing the building, but packages may be stolen or missing and personal information may be misappropriated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secured locker system as an intermediary between the delivery person and the recipient. The locker acts as a secure intermediate storage point where packages can be deposited and later retrieved, eliminating the need for delivery persons to access the secured building while preventing packages from being left exposed outside. The system includes lockers with secure access control, tracking capabilities, and integration with the building's security system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring secure lockers and access protocols before delivery occurs. The building management system can pre-assign lockers to specific units, pre-validate carrier credentials, and pre-establish access windows. This allows delivery persons to simply deposit packages in the appropriate locker without requiring real-time authentication or building access, while ensuring security protocols are already in place.
2Reliability
If tenant presence is required for service provider access, then building security is maintained, but service providers cannot provide services when tenants are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service access for authorized carriers through the secured locker system. Carriers can independently deposit packages into assigned lockers using validated credentials without requiring tenant presence or manual access authorization. The system automatically validates carrier credentials, assigns appropriate lockers, and provides access instructions, allowing service delivery to proceed autonomously when tenants are absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The secured locker system serves as an intermediary that decouples the security validation process from the actual service delivery action. Building security is maintained through validated carrier access to the locker system, while the physical package transfer occurs independently in the locker area. This intermediary structure allows security protocols to be enforced without requiring continuous tenant involvement in service transactions.
3Ease of operation
If packages are delivered without secure access systems, then delivery process is simple, but packages are vulnerable to theft and information leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The secured locker system introduces a secure intermediary structure that packages pass through during delivery. Rather than requiring complex authentication at multiple points, the system provides a dedicated secure deposit point where packages are automatically secured upon placement. The locker system manages security protocols internally while presenting a simple deposit interface to carriers, maintaining operational simplicity while eliminating package vulnerability.
4Reliability
If recipients must contact retailers and print return labels, then return process can be initiated, but the process is complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service package returns through the secured locker system. Recipients can initiate returns by placing packages directly into designated return lockers at the building, eliminating the need to contact retailers, print labels, or visit external facilities. The building's system automatically receives return packages and forwards them to appropriate destinations, allowing recipients to complete the entire return process through a single simple action at the locker system.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods and systems for accessing a secured building by delivery personnel for delivery of a package including return of a package. The method includes retrieving information from a code associated with a carrier and an address. The code may be a barcode with encoded information. The method further includes confirming that the address is associated with the secured building and further validating the carrier as an authorized carrier by an identification of the carrier. The method further includes validating a status associated with the information to be “in transit” or “out for delivery” for delivery of a package, or “waiting for pick-up” for return of a package. The method may further include checking that an update to the status is within 24 hours. Upon positive response of the status, the method further includes allowing access to the secured building or eventually allowing access to a locker system in the building. Other embodiments may provide for methods and systems for accessing a secured locker system in proximity to a building by delivery personnel for delivery of a package including return of a package. In a nutshell, the embodiments may provide a simpler way for recipients/consumers to return packages to the senders/retailers. Additionally, other embodiments may further provide for methods and systems for performing additional security and management functions by using one or more of a motion detector, a body heat sensor, a camera with a face recognition element and/or a voice recognition element, a display screen, and coordinating them with the building operating system (BOS).