Patent ID: 6690997
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: G06Q,G07C,G07F

Abstract:
An automated package pick-up and delivery station comprising:a housing; at least one information input system including a biometric input device coupled to the housing to receive shipping and identification information; at least one package portal located in the housing and arranged to receive and dispense packages, the portal including an access control arrangement to secure a received package within the housing; a controller coupled to the at least one information input system and the access control arrangement of the at least one package receiving and dispensing portal, wherein the controller is arranged to associate package and intended recipient identification information with a received package, and control operation of the access control arrangement to permit depositing of the package into the at least one package portal, the controller also being arranged to process identification information to authenticate identity of an intended recipient, send and receive identification and authentication information to a remote central data collection system and to control operation of the access control arrangement to permit dispensing of the package from the at least one portal; and a video conferencing system connected to the controller for allowing an individual present at the housing to communicate with an off-site attendant.