Patent ID: 6791450
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: G06Q,G07C,G07F

Abstract:
An electronic lock network for assigning and controlling use of lockers for a distribution system, comprising:a series of lockers capable of storing goods for users to pick up or as delivered by users, the lockers being at one or more locations known to users, each locker having an electronic lock accessible by a code presented by a user picking up or delivering items, and the lock being programmable to a selected code for access, a network connecting the locker locks, including signal carrying means for carrying signals to and from each electronic lock in the network, a microprocessor controlling the network, connected to the signal carrying means and capable of assigning to a selected locker lock an access code for self-service access by a user, and capable of sending signals uniquely to and receiving signals uniquely from each lock on the signal carrying means, including the assigned access code, effective to set the lock to that code, a locker database connected to the microprocessor, the locker database storing status information on locks in the system, such that the microprocessor can retrieve information from the locker database as to the status of each lock and can transmit information to the database to assign lockers and access codes as new orders are made, and the microprocessor and signal carrying means including means for determining occupied or available status of each locker lock and for receiving a signal indicating when a lock has been opened, and storing this information in the locker database.