Virtual Address Parcel Terminal System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel delivery systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to issues such as recipients not being available for delivery, multiple delivery attempts, and the need for synchronous interactions between carriers and recipients, particularly in residential settings, as well as limitations in managing multiple addresses and address changes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method and system that utilizes virtual addresses for parcels, allowing senders to reserve terminal boxes, notify carriers, and securely deliver parcels to designated terminals, with recipients accessing their parcels through authenticated drop-boxes, optimizing routing and reducing non-value-added activities through a central computer system and network of terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carriers attempt delivery at recipient's physical address, then delivery can be made directly to recipient, but recipient availability becomes a critical constraint causing multiple delivery attempts and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal location as an intermediary between the carrier and the recipient's physical address. Parcels are delivered to the terminal instead of directly to the recipient, eliminating the need for synchronous interaction. The terminal acts as a buffer that ensures delivery completion regardless of recipient availability, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable delivery and time loss from multiple attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is prepared in advance as a designated delivery location. By pre-establishing the terminal as the delivery point and providing recipients with access codes beforehand, the system eliminates the need for real-time coordination between carrier and recipient. This preliminary arrangement ensures that parcels can be delivered on the first attempt without requiring recipient presence, thus reducing time loss from multiple attempts.
2Ease of operation
If carriers travel to sender's address for parcel pickup, then sender convenience is improved, but service becomes manpower intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables senders to self-service by allowing them to deposit parcels into terminals at their convenience without requiring carrier presence. The terminal provides automated acceptance of parcels, eliminating the need for manpower-intensive door-to-door pickup services. This self-service approach maintains sender convenience while dramatically reducing operational complexity and costs for the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal serves as an intermediary that facilitates parcel intake without requiring carrier or sender simultaneous presence. Senders can deposit parcels into the terminal independently, and the system automatically processes the intake. This intermediary mechanism preserves ease of operation for senders while eliminating the operational complexity of scheduled pickups.
3Adaptability or versatility
If recipients provide multiple physical addresses for different locations, then delivery flexibility is improved, but address management becomes complex and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal provides a universal delivery location that can serve multiple functions and multiple addresses. Instead of managing separate physical addresses for different locations, recipients can use the same terminal for all deliveries regardless of their current location. The terminal's unique identifier serves as a universal address that maintains delivery flexibility while simplifying address management and enhancing security through controlled access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the address concept through the terminal identifier. Instead of using multiple physical addresses, recipients use the terminal's unique identifier as a virtual address that represents their delivery location. This copying approach maintains the ability to receive parcels at different physical locations while simplifying address management to a single terminal reference and enhancing security through coded access.
4Productivity
If parcels are left on exterior of recipient's premises, then delivery can be completed without recipient presence, but security and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal serves as a secure intermediary location between the carrier and the recipient's private premises. Parcels are delivered to the terminal's secured storage area rather than being left on exterior surfaces near the recipient's property. This intermediary approach maintains high delivery completion rates while protecting security and privacy by preventing unauthorized access to parcels and keeping them away from potential theft or privacy violations.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based system and method for shipping and delivering a parcel, including reserving a terminal for a parcel; placing the parcel in the terminal, the parcel having a virtual delivery address of a recipient; picking up the parcel by a carrier; converting, through a central computer system, the virtual address into a postal address; delivering the parcel to a destination terminal drop-box corresponding to the postal address; notifying the recipient of the delivery of the parcel; and unlocking the drop-box only upon verifying the recipient's identity.