Systems and methods for facilitating package delivery or pickup

A system for facilitating package delivery or pickup at premises of senders or recipients has a package door that is used for receipt and collection of packages. The package door includes an input device for entering package information and an image capture device for visually recording the arrival of a courier. Based on the package information entered via the input device, the system determines whether the package information matches a predetermined value, such as a package tracking number. The system may automatically unlock the package door if the package information matches such predetermined value. In other embodiments, a user may remotely monitor the package information and/or information from the image capture device to determine whether to provide inputs for unlocking the package door. The system logs the package information received from the input device and the image capture device.

BACKGROUND

The growth of electronic commerce has enabled consumers to conduct a large percentage of their shopping online, resulting in a large volume of packages being delivered to homes and businesses. In addition, online shopping is just one of many activities that are causing expansions within the delivery industry, and shipments are often associated with considerable amounts of data, including the identification of the sender, the recipient, the courier (which may be the same entity as the sender), the package contents, and the times of both collection and delivery of the package.

Often, however, packages are collected and delivered when the sender and recipient, respectively, are not present. This presents a particular challenge for packages that require special handling, which can be costly for all constituents in the supply chain. Food or other perishable items, for example, may spoil if left exposed to outside temperatures or if collection is delayed due to the inability of the courier to access the package. Risks are also added when the contents of the package are more expensive. In addition, packages left for delivery or pickup on a doorstep or other location outside of a residence are vulnerable to theft and other risks, such as damage from weather. Redelivery is also a significant problem for couriers and can provide convenience issues for the customer. Accordingly, high value packages may require special handling for security or require insurance against loss or theft. As an example, a sender of a package may require a signature of the recipient before delivery is permitted. The signature requirement may complicate shipment logistics and also may add a delay to the delivery process when the recipient is unavailable to receive the shipment from the courier, which can often result in multiple redelivery attempts and involving additional costs.

For these and other reasons, current package collection and delivery methods are inconvenient despite the amount of information available to predict collection and delivery times. Projected collection and delivery times provided by couriers are often mere estimates and do not alleviate the inability to be physically present for the collections and deliveries. As such, a solution is needed for the collection and delivery of packages to occur safely, securely and with certainty without anyone being present at the property.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for facilitating package delivery or pickup at premises of senders or recipients. In one exemplary embodiment, a system has a package door that is used for receipt and collection of packages. In the system, the package door may include an input device for entering package information and an image capture device for visually recording the arrival of a courier. At least one wireless transceiver is attached to the input device and to the image capture device, and the transceiver is operable to wirelessly transmit the information obtained from the input device and the image capture device to a remote device. Based on the package information entered via the input device, the system determines whether the package information matches a predetermined value, such as a package tracking number. The system may automatically unlock the package door if the package information matches the predetermined value. In other embodiments, a user may remotely monitor the package information and/or information from the image capture device to determine whether to provide the inputs for unlocking the package door. The system can log a variety of package information received from the input device and the image capture device.

FIG. 1depicts a block diagram of a package door system1for facilitating the collection and delivery of packages. As shown byFIG. 1, the system1includes a package door3, door locking mechanism5, data input device7, image capture device9, and doorbell system11. In one embodiment, the data input device7, image capture device9, and doorbell system11can be separate devices as shown inFIG. 1. However, in other embodiments, two or more of the data input device7, image capture device9, and doorbell system11may be incorporated into a single device. The doorbell system11includes a doorbell interface12, such as a button, that when activated (e.g., pressed by a user) causes the doorbell system11to provide an audio or visual output to the operator of the system1to indicate a presence of a user at the package door3(or door4). In certain embodiments, the package door3can be mounted in a larger-sized door4and be movable with respect to the door4so that the package door3may be opened while the door4remains closed. In other embodiments, it is unnecessary for the package door3to be mounted in the door4. As an example, the package door3may be mounted directly within a wall of a house or other building so that packages may be delivered through the wall by opening the package door3. The package door3may also be incorporated in a garage door or warehouse door. Other embodiments may also include a freestanding customized box, such as a drop box or mailbox, or customized furniture, e.g., a bench or chair, incorporating a box into the design of the furniture, where the package door3is mounted on the box and is controlled or used as described herein to provide access to the interior of the box. In yet other embodiments, the package door3may be positioned at other locations and mounted on other types of structures.

Referring toFIG. 1, the door locking mechanism5, data input device7, image capture device9, and the doorbell interface12can each be coupled to a separate transceiver13. However, in other embodiments, two or more of the door locking mechanism5, data input device7, image capture device9, and doorbell system11may share a transceiver13. In certain embodiments, the data input device7and image capture device9are mounted on and coupled to the door4, though is it is possible that the data input device7and the image capture device9can be mounted on or coupled to other structures, such as an adjacent wall, near the package door3. As an example, in certain embodiments, the data input device7and/or the image capture device9may be mounted on a wall of a house or other building in which the package door3(or door4) are mounted or alternatively the data input device7and/or the image capture device9may be mounted on the package door3(or door4). Further, the door locking mechanism5is used to selectively lock the package door3and can be incorporated in one or more of the package door3and the structure surrounding the package door3, e.g., door4or a wall of the house or other building. That is, when the package door3is in a closed position and locked by the door locking mechanism5, the package door3is prevented from moving with respect to the door4or other structure in which the package door3is mounted. The package door3should remain in a closed position thereby preventing a person or object from passing through the doorway of the package door3into the house or other building in which the package door3is positioned. As an example, to lock the package door3, the locking mechanism5may move a deadbolt18(seeFIG. 4) to engage both the package door3and the structure surrounding the package door3, and to unlock the package door3, the door locking mechanism5may move the deadbolt18such that it is contained in one of the package door3or the structure surrounding the package door3. In another embodiment, the door locking mechanism5may move the keeper of an electronic striker lock to lock or unlock the package door3. In still other embodiments, other techniques and devices for locking and unlocking the package door3are possible. In other embodiments, other types of devices may be incorporated into the system1and be used to communicate with or operate under the control of the computing device19or remote computing device31.

In addition to controlling the lock state of the package door3, the system1also tracks information associated with packages that are delivered through the doorway of the package door3. As an example, certain information may be electronically or optically captured and stored by the system1so that the information defines a history of package deliveries or pickups at the location of the package door3. For example, the system1may capture the time of delivery or pickup, a tracking number or other identifier of the package, contact information (e.g., name or address) of the sender or recipient, or an identifier of a courier service used to deliver the package. Exemplary techniques for capturing such information will be described in more detail below.

Further, as described above, the doorbell system11has an interface12, such as a button, that is located in close proximity to the package door3(e.g., on a door frame or wall of a house or other building in which the package door3is mounted). When the interface12is activated (e.g., pressed) by a user at the package door3, the doorbell system11generates a sound or other type of output within the building to signal the presence of a person at the package door3. In addition, as will be described in more detail below, when activated, the doorbell system11may transmit notices or commands to other devices of the system1, such as the image capture device9or a remote access device21. Such notices may be transmitted wirelessly or via physical media and may include email messages, text messages, audio/video messages or other types of messages.

In certain embodiments, the package door3is a conventional door, such as the exterior door of a house, and is not mounted on another door4. The package door3may be sized large enough to permit a person to pass through its doorway (e.g., over six feet in height), or the door may be smaller to permit packages to pass without necessarily allowing a full-grown person to pass. In other embodiments, the package door3may be a door that is a subsection of a larger-sized door4(see e.g.,FIG. 4); a security gate, such as wrought iron exterior gate; a garage door; a door for a drop box, mail box, large box or bench; a door through a building wall; and other types of doors.

The data input device7can accept the inputs associated with a particular package, such as the tracking number or other package identifier associated with the package or a password provided to the courier delivering the package. In an exemplary embodiment, the data input device7is a keypad where a user can select keys of the keypad to enter characters, such as letters or numbers, but other types of data input devices7are possible in other embodiments including, but not limited to, scanners (e.g., barcode or biometric scanners), touchpads, tablet computers, key fobs, and like devices.

The image capture device9is configured and positioned to capture visual information associated with a particular package, such as a digital photograph or a video of the courier and/or the package. In an exemplary embodiment, the image capture device9is a tablet computer, such as an I-Pad®, equipped with a camera and a display screen, but other types of image capture devices9are possible in other embodiments. The image capture device9ofFIG. 4has an embedded camera that has a lens14for receiving light of a scene to be captured by the camera. The camera is configured to convert the light to digital data defining an image of the scene exposed through the lens14.

In the embodiment shown byFIG. 4, the image capture device9is embedded in the door4or mounted such that only the lens14is visible from the perspective shown byFIG. 4. In such case, the lens14may appear as a peephole of the door4. As shown byFIG. 5, the other side of the image capture device9(without lens14) can have a display screen16for displaying digital images. The image captured by the camera of the image capture device9is displayed on the display screen16such that the image capture device9can function as an electronic peephole. For example, the camera of the image capture device9captures an image of the scene on the exterior side of the door4(or wall), and the captured image is displayed by the display screen16so that a person on the interior side of the door4(or wall) can see the captured image. Thus, if a person is standing in front of the door4outside of the house or other building, an image of such person should be displayed on the display screen16inside of the house or other building or on a remote device, such as mobile phone or desktop computer. Note that the device9may be embedded in the door4such that only the lens14is visible on one side of the door4and the only the display screen16is visible on the opposite side of the door4, although other configurations are possible. As an example, it is possible for the image capture device9to be mounted on an interior side of the door4and for the lens14to be aligned with a peephole in the door4that allows light to pass from the exterior side of the door to the lens14. Yet other configurations and locations of the image capture device9are possible in other embodiments. As an example, the image capture device9may be mounted on a wall of the house or other building in which the package door3(or door4) is mounted. It is also possible for the image capture device9to be incorporated within the door locking mechanism5, the doorbell system11or the data input device7.

In addition to displaying captured images via the display screen16, the captured images may be wirelessly transmitted for archiving or other purposes. For example, as will be described in more detail below, when a person at the package door3activates the doorbell interface12or otherwise indicates his presences at the package door3, the image capture device9may use the wireless transceiver13coupled to it in order to wirelessly transmit a message to a remote access device21, such as a cellular telephone, that includes a digital photograph or video of one or more images captured by the image capture device9. Thus, the user of the remote access device21, such as the owner or occupant of the house or building in which the package door3is mounted, may view the images and decide, based on the images, whether to unlock the package door3. If so, the user may transmit a command for unlocking the package door3from the remote access device21to the door locking mechanism5, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring toFIG. 1, each transceiver13is configured to communicate with a gateway15. In an exemplary embodiment, the transceivers13communicate with the gateway15via radio frequency (RF) signals, but other types of wireless signals (e.g., cellular) are possible. In addition, various wireless protocols may be used to communicate signals with the gateway15including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and Z-wave. Further, it possible for any of the transceivers13to be coupled to the gateway15or other communication devices via a physical medium, such as a conductive or optical connection, so that wireless communication is unnecessary. In an exemplary embodiment, the gateway15is a residential router that forms a local area network (LAN) over which the transceivers13and a computing device19may communicate, but other types of gateways are possible in other embodiments. The gateway15is configured to communicate with and provide access to a wide area network (WAN)17, such as the Internet.

Data collected by the data input device7, image capture device9, and doorbell system11, such as barcodes, tracking numbers, photographs, videos, instances of doorbell presses, sender identifier, recipient identifier, courier identifier, demographic information, transactional information, and timestamps associated with certain events (e.g., doorbell presses, package delivery or pickup, or data input events for any of the information collected by the data input device7), are stored in memory29(seeFIG. 2) of the computing device19as package data23(seeFIG. 2). In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2, the computing device19includes system logic25that is configured to control the operation of the system1as will be described in more detail below. As shown byFIG. 2, attribute data27is also stored in memory29. The attribute data27indicates at least one attribute of a package expected to be delivered to or picked up through the doorway of the package door3. The system logic25is configured to determine whether the package data23corresponds to at least one attribute defined by the attribute data27. For example, prior to arrival of a package, the package's tracking number may be stored in the attribute data27, which the system logic25may then compare with the package data23entered via the data input device7or otherwise obtained by the system logic25. If the tracking numbers match, the system logic25may provide a command to the door locking mechanism5to unlock so that the package door3can be opened in order to deliver a package to or retrieve a package from the house or other building in which the package door3is mounted.

Note that an unlocking event to unlock the package door3for a particular package (or group of packages) may be a one-time event. For example, once a tracking number match occurs or the door locking mechanism5otherwise receives an instruction to unlock, the package door3may remain unlocked for a predefined time period long enough (e.g., about 30 seconds or so) to permit a person to make a delivery or pickup of one or more packages through the doorway of the package door3. After such predefined period, the locking mechanism5may be configured to automatically lock the package door3. In an alternative embodiment, a motion sensor (not shown) or other type of sensor may sense the presence of a person at the package door3, and once an unlocking event occurs, the locking mechanism5may lock the package door3once the motion sensor other type of sensor detects that the person has left the proximity of the package door3. Once the package door3is unlocked in response to the match of a tracking number or other package identifier, then the tracking number or package identifier is no longer valid for causing an unlock event to occur. Thus, if the same package identifier is later presented to the system1, the package door3will not be unlocked based on the package identifier, thereby preventing a user from using the tracking number or other package identifier of a previously-delivered package to unlock the package door3.

Note that the functions described herein for the computing device19may be performed at various locations. As an example, the system1may include a remote computing device31(e.g., a server) that can perform any of the functions described herein for the computing device19. The computing device19may be local to (e.g., at the premises of) the structure in which the package door3is mounted, and the remote computing device31may be at a remote location communicating with any of the other components of the system through the WAN17or other type of network. In such embodiment, the computing device19may collect package data23from the data input device7, the image capture device9, and/or the doorbell system11and upload such data23to the remote computing device31, which then performs any of the functions described herein for the computing device19, such as controlling the locking state of the door locking mechanism5, tracking of package deliveries or pickups, or associating a customer identifier with the package data23. As an example, the system logic25or any portion of the system logic25may be implemented on the remote computing device31if desired. For illustrative purposes, it will be assumed hereafter that the system logic25is implemented on the computing device19unless otherwise indicated, but it should be emphasized that any of the functions of the system logic25can be performed by the remote computing device31.

In certain embodiments, the system logic25is configured to transmit a notification to a remote access device21upon the entry of information via the data input device7, image capture device9, and/or the doorbell system11. In certain embodiments, the notification is in the form of an e-mail, but other methods of delivery are contemplated including, but not limited to, text messages, picture messages, and video messages. In certain embodiments, the notification provides a real-time video feed to the user of the remote access device21showing images captured by the image capture device9so that a user of the remote access device21can see who is at the package door3.

A remote access device21is configured to communicate with the computing device19through the WAN17. The remote access device21is any device capable of communicating data and interfacing with a user. In certain embodiments, the remote access device21may be configured to render (e.g., display) information from the computing device19. As an example, the remote access device21may be a personal computer (e.g., a desktop or laptop) or a hand-held device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, or tablet computer. The remote access device21may be configured to initiate unlocking of the door locking mechanism5in response to a command by the user. For example, the user may receive a notification from the computing device19indicating the input of a package's tracking number into the data input device7whereby the user may use the remote access device21to signal the computing device19to unlock the door locking mechanism5.

In certain embodiments, the WAN17includes the Internet, and messages are communicated in accordance with transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), but other protocols and network types are possible in other embodiments. The remote access device and/or gateway15may be configured to communicate with the WAN17wirelessly (e.g., via cellular signals) or alternatively may be coupled to the WAN17via a physical medium, such as a conductive or optical connection, that can be used for communicating data.

FIG. 2depicts an exemplary embodiment of a computing device19. The computing device19may be any device capable of processing and communicating data, such as a personal computer (e.g., a desktop or laptop) or a hand-held device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, or tablet computer. In one embodiment, the computing device19is separate from the data input device7, image capture device9, and doorbell system11, but may be incorporated into one or more of the data input device7, image capture device9, and doorbell system11in other embodiments. As shown byFIG. 2, the computing device19has logic25, referred to herein as “system logic,” for generally controlling the operation of the system1, as will be described in more detail hereafter, including communicating with the WAN17. The system logic25can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. In the exemplary computing device19illustrated byFIG. 2, the system logic25is implemented in software and stored in memory29. Note that the system logic25, when implemented in software, can be stored and transported on any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution apparatus that can fetch and execute instructions.

The exemplary computing device19depicted byFIG. 2has at least one conventional processing element31, which has processing hardware for executing instructions stored in memory29. As an example, the processing element31may include a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP). The processing element31communicates to and drives the other elements within the computing device19via a local interface33, which can include at least one bus. Furthermore, an input interface35, for example, a keypad, keyboard or a mouse, can be used to input data from a user of the computing device19, and an output interface37, for example, a printer, monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD), or other display apparatus, can be used to output data to the user. Further, a communication interface39may be used to communicate with the gateway15(FIG. 1) and/or WAN17or other component of the system1.

As shown byFIG. 2, package data23is stored in memory29at the computing device19. The package data23includes information, such as tracking numbers and their associated timestamps received from the data input device7, photos and videos and their associated timestamps received from the image capture device9, and doorbell presses and their associated timestamps received from the doorbell system11. The package data23may also store any information captured by the system1, such as a sender identifier (e.g., name and/or address), a recipient identifier, a courier identifier, customer demographic information, or transaction information.

In one exemplary embodiment, the package data23defines a history of the packages received through the system1. Thus, the package data23may be analyzed to determine when and how often packages received over time. In certain embodiments, the attribute data27defines package tracking numbers that can be compared to the package data23to determine whether particular packages are collected or delivered as scheduled. The attribute data27may be entered manually, for example by a user of the computing device19, or provided from the remote access device21. In one exemplary embodiment, the attribute data27is downloaded from a server30that is in communication with the computing device19via the WAN17or otherwise.

As an example, the server30may be operated by a courier service that is delivering the package. The server30may store a tracking number for each package to be delivered by the courier service, and such tracking number for a given package is unique relative to the tracking numbers used for other packages. That is, the tracking number associated with a given package uniquely identifies the package relative to the other packages delivered by the courier service. Each tracking number is correlated with various attribute information pertaining to the associated package, including for example, the names and addresses of the package's sender and recipient, date of pickup and expected date of delivery. From time-to-time, the system logic25is configured to contact the server30and to retrieve attribute information pertaining to packages correlated with a particular sender or recipient, such as a person located at the house or other building in which the package door3is mounted. The attribute information to be retrieved may be found based on the name, address, or other identifier of such person. As an example, the system logic25may retrieve the tracking number of each package to be delivered to or picked up from the identified person within a certain time period (e.g., over the next day or two), as well as other attribute information associated with such tracking numbers. The retrieved information may be stored in memory29as part of the attribute data27, and the attribute data27may be used to determine whether to unlock the door locking mechanism5.

For example, upon a courier's arrival at the package door3, the courier may enter a particular tracking number using the data input device7, and the system logic25may compare such tracking number to the tracking numbers stored in the attribute data27previously retrieved from the server30or otherwise received by the computing device19. If the tracking number received from the courier by the data input device7matches one stored in the attribute data27, the system logic25may automatically transmit a signal to the door locking mechanism5to cause it to unlock, thereby allowing the package door3to be opened so that a package can be delivered to or picked up from the interior of the house or other building in which the package door3is mounted. Conversely, if the tracking number received from the courier by the data input device7does not match any of the tracking numbers stored in the attribute data27, the system logic25may refrain from unlocking the door locking mechanism5, thereby preventing the person at the package door3from gaining access to the interior of the house or other building in which the package door3is mounted. In such a case, the system logic25may also transmit a notification to a remote access device21, whereby the user is alerted to the unsuccessful attempt to unlock the door locking mechanism5, and the notification may include image data (e.g., one or more photos or videos) captured by the image capture device9close to the time of such attempt.

In certain embodiments, the package door3may open by swinging on hinges57(seeFIG. 4), although other mechanisms for opening the package door3are possible, including, but not limited to, tracks on which the package door3may slide. The package door3may be configured to open in any direction, e.g., swinging towards or away from the user. In other embodiments, the package door3may slide horizontally or vertically to open and close the doorway.

Note that it is possible for a representative of the courier service to deliver or pickup more than one package at a stop. The system1can be designed to collect various information about the packages, and the system1can accommodate the possibility of multiple packages being delivered or picked up at the same time. As an example, before the package door3is unlocked, the data input device7may be configured to prompt a user to enter the number of packages being delivered or picked up so that the total number of packages delivered or picked up can be accurately tracked. Alternatively, the system1may have a sensor (not shown) for sensing the number of packages delivered or picked up for each unlock event. As an example, the sensor may be an infrared sensor or other type of sensor for detecting movement of a package through the doorway of the package door3. Such sensor may be designed to count the number of packages that pass through such doorway for each unlocking event and to report such number to the data input device7. Alternatively, the data input device7may be configured to prompt the user at the package door3for each tracking number or other package identifier of the packages being delivered or picked up. In other embodiments, other techniques and devices may be configured to track the number of packages delivered or picked up through the doorway of the package door3.

FIG. 3depicts an exemplary method of operation where the system logic25automatically determines whether to permit access to the interior of the house, building, box or other structure through the doorway of the package door3based on the attribute data27. Referring toFIG. 3, assume that a courier at the package door3presses the doorbell interface12or a component (e.g., key) of the data input device7. When an input is received via the doorbell interface12or the data input device7, the input is transmitted to the computing device19to inform the system logic25of the courier's presence. In response, the system logic25transmits a control signal to the data input device7causing the data input device7to display a prompt requesting that the courier submit an input, such as a tracking number or other identifier of a package to be delivered or picked up by the courier. In response, the courier submits the requested information (e.g., tracking number) to the data input device7, which transmits the information to the computing device19(step41). Note that the courier may manually enter the information using a keypad or other input interface of the data input device7, or the information may be automatically input or downloaded to the data input device7. As an example, the data input device7may include a scanner (e.g., barcode scanner) that optically reads the tracking number or other information from a label of a package to be delivered. Alternatively, the tracking number or other information may be wirelessly transmitted from the package or a device carried by the courier to the data input device7using Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC), or other wireless technology.

The system logic25analyzes the data input received by the data input device7(step43) and then determines whether such data matches at least one predefined value in the attribute data27(step45). If not, a message is transmitted to a remote access device21via the WAN17(step47). The message may include the value of the data entered, a timestamp of the entry, one or more digital images captured by the image capture device9(e.g., digital photographs or real-time video captured by the image capture device9at or close to the time that the courier inputted data to the data input device7).

Alternatively, if the data entered into the data input device7matches a predefined value stored in the attribute data27, the system logic25may instruct the door locking mechanism5to unlock (step49), and a notification message is transmitted to a remote access device21via the WAN17(step47). The message may indicate that access to the interior of the home, building or box through the doorway of the package door3has been permitted, and the message may include the value of the data entered, a timestamp of the entry, one or more digital images captured by the image capture device9(e.g., digital photographs or real-time video captured by the image capture device9at or close to the time that the courier inputted data to the data input device7). In another embodiment, the door locking mechanism5is not automatically unlocked upon a match in step45, but the system logic25instead sends a notification to the remote access device21to permit the user of the device21to decide whether to permit access via the package door3. The notification may include the same notification information described above upon which the user may base his decision. If the user of the device21provides an input indicating that access is granted, the device21transmits a message the computing device19for causing the system logic25to unlock the door locking mechanism5. If the user of the device21provides an input indicating that access is not granted, the device21transmits a message to the computing device19that instructs the system logic25to refrain from unlocking the door locking mechanism5.

Note that the computing device19is shown inFIG. 1is in communication with other components of the system1through the gateway15. However, other configurations are possible, e.g., the computing device19communicates directly with the other components. For example, it is possible for the computing device19to be implemented as a web server connected to the WAN17. Further, it is possible for fees to be charged to a user, such as the owner or occupant of the house or other building to which the package door3is mounted. As an example, a monthly or other recurring fee may be charged for a service of managing the unlocking events and collection of data. It is also possible for the charging of fees to be event based. For example, a fee could be charged per package for each package delivered or picked up, or a fee could be charged each time an unlock event occurs. Various other types of fees may be charged as may be desired from this system1.

FIG. 4is an illustration that depicts an exemplary embodiment of a door4that has an integrated package door3through which packages may be delivered or picked up. In some embodiments, the door4may be a conventional door, such as a front door of a home or other building, retrofitted with a package door3. Alternatively, the door4may be equipped with a package door3at the time of manufacture. The door locking mechanism5, data input device7, image capture device9, and doorbell system11are each coupled to a separate transceiver13configured to communicate wirelessly with a gateway15(seeFIG. 1). The data input device7depicted inFIG. 4is a keypad, configured to allow the entry of package tracking numbers, passwords, and other information. In other embodiments, other types of data input devices7may be used. In addition, the data input device7may have a display screen to permit messages (e.g., prompts) to be displayed to a user. The image capture device9depicted inFIG. 4is a tablet computer equipped with a camera that can capture photographs and video. As described above, the image capture device9may be embedded in the door4such that its display screen (not shown inFIG. 4) is visible on the opposing face (seeFIG. 5) of the door4. In other embodiments, one or more of the camera and display screen of the image capture device9may be positioned on adjacent structures such as nearby walls. The image capture device9can display real-time video on the display screen such that it serves as a digital peephole.

As depicted inFIG. 4, the package door3is configured to swing open on hinges57when the door locking mechanism5is unlocked. The door4has a secondary locking mechanism55such that, when the secondary locking mechanism55is unlocked, the door4may swing open on hinges59to allow users to pass through its doorway or to allow for collection and delivery of packages too large to pass through the doorway of the package door3. In certain embodiments, the secondary locking mechanism55is unlocked by the user of the remote access device21and/or the system logic25according to techniques similar to those described above for unlocking the locking mechanism5. For example, if the user of the remote access device21observes photographs or real-time video showing a courier with a package too large to pass through the doorway of the package door3, the user may use the remote access device21to signal, through the WAN17, the system logic25to unlock secondary locking mechanism55.

In other embodiments, package size information is stored in the attribute data27such that the system logic25is configured to unlock the secondary locking mechanism55automatically for particular packages. For example, a user or courier may enter into the attribute data27, in advance of the courier's arrival, package information indicating that the package's size is too large to pass through the doorway of the package door3. Upon the courier's arrival, the courier may enter the package tracking number into the data input device7. The system logic25is configured to then analyze the attribute data27pertaining to such tracking number. If the tracking number entered using the data input device7matches the tracking number of a package stored in the attribute data27, the computing device19based on the package size information included in the attribute data27may signal for the secondary locking mechanism55to automatically unlock. The courier may then enter through the doorway of the door4to collect or deliver the large package.

For any of the embodiments described herein, the computing device19may be configured to capture certain information about a package delivery or pickup and store such information in the package data23. As an example, the package data23may include the tracking number or other identifier of each package delivered or picked up through the doorway of the package door3or otherwise. The package data23may correlate each tracking number with a timestamp indicating the approximate date and time of delivery or pickup. In one exemplary embodiment, the tracking number is also correlated with sender or recipient information or identifiers, e.g., a name and/or address of a sender or recipient. Note that such information may be captured by the data input device7. As an example, the information, such as a recipient or sender identifier, may be entered by the user delivering or picking up the package. Alternatively, such information may be scanned or wirelessly transmitted to the data input device7via the same techniques described above for capturing the tracking number or other identifier of the package. In one exemplary embodiment, the data input device7is used to capture the tracking number or other package identifier, and the tracking number or other package identifier is used to retrieve certain information, such as sender or recipient information, from the server30.

In this regard, as described above, the server30is configured to store certain information about the packages being delivered by a specific courier service, such as Fed Ex®. Such information may include, for each package or delivery, the tracking number generated by the courier, tracking number generated by the system1(if not generated by the courier), recipient identifier (e.g., name or address), sender identifier (e.g., name or address), courier identifier, date and time of drop off to the courier service, and other information (e.g., demographic, transactional, or other types of information). When the system logic25decides to permit access to the interior of the house, building or box (e.g., decides to unlock the door locking mechanism5) or at some other time, the system logic25transmits information about the package, such as its tracking number, to the server30, and the server30uses the tracking number to lookup attributes of the identified package. As an example, the server30may look up and retrieve the recipient and/or sender information associated with the package and transmit such information to the computing device19, which then stores the recipient and/or sender information in the package data23. Thus, the package data23defines not just a history of when packages are delivered or picked up, but also a history of package attributes, such as names of the senders and/or recipients of the packages that are delivered or picked up. Such information may be useful to learn the habits or tendencies of the occupant of the house or building.

As an example, the package data23may indicate when and how often the occupant purchases product from a particular merchant or ships product to a particular customer. The occupant or other user may mine the package data23to discover information indicative of his shopping or business activity, or the occupant or other user may sell such data to a third party, such as an advertising company or merchant who may mine the data for the purpose of more effectively soliciting the occupant in the future or the government for census information. The package data23may be analyzed or used for other purposes in other embodiments.

As an example, based on the name of the senders for a particular recipient, information about the types of products purchased by the recipient can be gleaned or inferred. For example, the frequency of delivery from companies involved in a certain industry (e.g., beauty or hair care products) may be determined based on the product data23. In addition, the system logic25may solicit certain demographic information from the user so that the product data23may be associated with such demographics. As an example, the system logic25may prompt the user to enter his or her race, age, sex, religious preference, or other types of demographics typically used for classifying consumers. In addition, the system logic25may determine the user's location, and this information may be included in the demographics that are included in the product data23. Such location information may be input by the user, automatically obtained by a location sensor (e.g., GPS sensor) within the system1(e.g., within the data input device7, doorbell system11, or image capture device9) or derived from the sender or recipient information.

In some embodiments, the system logic25is configured to compare location information to a map or other data indicating the likely wealth of the user based on his location. As an example, the user's location may be compared to a map of average home values to determine the average home value within the region in which the user is located. Such information may be useful for classifying the user by his likely wealth level since more wealthy individuals tend to live in areas with higher property or home values.

Accordingly, in addition to indicating the history of package deliveries, the package data23may include certain demographics about the user receiving shipments and transactional information about the frequency and types of shipments made to the user. By assimilating similar data from many users, trends in certain consumer behavior can be identified making the package data23valuable to persons wishing to sell services or products.

In some embodiments, the system logic25is configured to categorize deliveries based on product type and track the number of deliveries made within certain categories. As an example, one category may be beauty or hair-care products. The system logic25may be configured to search the name of the sender or other information about the sender for certain predefined keywords, such as “beauty” or “hair,” that likely indicate the delivery corresponds to the category. If a correspondence is determined, the system logic25may increment or otherwise update the count for that category. In some embodiments, the sender may provide data indicative of the category corresponding to the product being delivered. Such information may appear on the package label, which can be read by the data input device7or stored at the server30and downloaded to the computing device19. Further, the package data23may be updated to indicate the number of deliveries corresponding to a given category over a given time period.

Note that it is unnecessary for the system logic25to retrieve the package attributes, such as sender and/or recipient information, from the server30at the time of delivery or pickup. As an example, as described above, the system logic23may be configured to download certain package information from time-to-time. As an example, each day, the system logic23may contact the server30and download package information for each package to be delivered to the premises of the package door3that same day or over some other time period, such as the next 2 to 3 days. As an example, the occupant of the house or other building in which the package door3is mounted may be associated with an identifier (e.g., customer number), referred to herein as “customer identifier,” that is associated with each package to be delivered to or picked up from the premises. The system logic25may be configured to transmit such customer identifier to the server30, which uses the customer identifier as a key to look up various package information (e.g., tracking number, recipient or sender identifier, etc.) of each package associated with the customer identifier. The package information, such as tracking number and recipient or sender identifier, may be stored in the package data23before the package is delivered to or picked up from the premises by the courier service. Thus, once the package is actually delivered or picked up, it is unnecessary for the system logic25to contact the server30in order to account for the delivery or pickup in the package history maintained by the system logic25.

In other embodiments, the system logic25may determine package attributes without necessarily contacting the server30. As an example, the system logic25may receive package attributes from the data input device7. In this regard, the same techniques used to determine a package identifier may be used to determine other package attributes. As an example, package attributes may be manually input to the data input device7. Alternatively, the data input device7may scan or otherwise read a label of a package, such as a QR (quick response) code or a bar code, in order to determine package attributes. The data input device7could also capture an image of the label or other portions of the package and use OCR or some other suitable techniques for determining information printed on the label or other portions of the package. The package or a device carried by the person delivering the package may also be equipped with a wireless communication device, such as an RFID or NFC device, that wirelessly communicate package attributes, such as a package identifier, sender or recipient name, or other package information, to the data input device7. In other embodiments, yet other techniques may be used to determine package attributes.

In addition, the system logic25of the computing device19may retrieve from the server30various information indicative of the status of each pending shipment that is associated with the customer identifier. In this regard, many courier services maintain package tracking information that indicates in real time the approximate location of the package as it is being delivered. The computing device19may contact the server30in order to access such information. The system logic25may include such information in the package data23, which may be displayed to a user as may be desired. For example, the user of the remote access device21or the computing device19may view the package data23to determine which packages have been delivered and which packages are in route. In rendering the data23, the system logic25may be configured to display a geographic map and, for each package in route, indicate the approximate location of the package on the map.

In some embodiments, a customer identifier is stored at the remote computing device31and is used to facilitate a purchase of a product to be delivered to via the package door3. For example, the remote computing device31may store a predefined shipment address for a user (such as the owner or occupant of the house or building in which the package door3is mounted) and associate such shipment address with the user's customer identifier stored at the remote computing device31. The remote computing device31may also associate other information with the customer identifier, such as financial information (e.g., information used to make a financial payment, such as credit card or debit card information) for a financial account of the user.

When the user makes a purchase online, the user may be prompted for his customer identifier by the merchant's server or other server (not shown), referred to herein as a “payment server,” that is used to initiate a financial payment for the user or a shipment of a package to the user. As an example, the payment server may ask the user if he or she would like to utilize a service associated with the remote computing device19, referred to hereafter as “identification service,” in order to effectuate the purchase or shipment and, if so, to prompt the user to provide his or her customer identifier. Upon receiving the customer identifier from the user, the payment server may contact the remote computing device31via the WAN17or otherwise and submit the customer identifier as part of a request to retrieve the user's financial or shipment information. In response, the remote computing device31may reply with the shipment address and/or other information, such as financial information, associated with the customer identifier. The payment server may then use such information to automatically populate certain fields on one or more web pages for effectuating the purchase. As an example, the shipment address fields may be automatically filled in using the user's shipment address received from the remote computing device31. Financial account fields (e.g., credit card number or debit card number, card expiration date, etc.) may be automatically filled in using the financial account information received from the remote computing device31. Thus, the user is not burdened with having to manually complete such fields.

In some embodiments, the same customer identifier is used by multiple merchants or other entities needing the user's contact and/or financial information to effectuate a financial payment, shipment, or other type of transaction such that customer identifier is universally utilized by multiple merchants or other types of third parties. For example, the user may submit the customer identifier to multiple merchants for making multiple purchases. Each merchant may then use the customer identifier to retrieve from the remote computing device19shipping information (e.g., the address of the user) for shipping the purchased product or financial payment information (e.g., the address of the user, a credit card or debit card number, etc.) for effectuating a financial payment.

In the example described above, the identification service is provided by the remote computing device31. However, it is possible for the identification service to be provided by other components of the system1, such as the computing device19or the server30of the courier service responsible for delivering a package. When provided by the server30, it is unnecessary for a merchant shipping a product to the user to acquire any shipping information pertaining to the user. In this regard, rather than providing the address of the user, the merchant may provide the user's customer identifier, and courier service may automatically link the shipment with the user identified by the customer identifier and, specifically with the shipment address that is associated with such customer identifier.

The identification service has various benefits to merchants or other entities that interact with the user. As an example, the identification service allows the merchants or other entities to efficiently obtain information about the user using the universal customer identifier that is associated with the service. Further, the user is not burdened with having to manually enter shipping or financial payment information when interacting with the merchant or other entity, thereby making the user's experience with the merchant or other entity more pleasant to the user. Also, the identification service allows such benefits without requiring the merchant or other entity to store the user's shipping or financial payment information between transactions, thereby relieving the merchant or other entity from data security obligations associated with such information.

The identification service provided by the remote computing device31also provides a convenient way for a user to change the shipment address that is used to ship packages to him or her. As an example, the owner or occupant of the house or building to which the package door3is mounted may use the computing device19, the remote access device21, or other component to communicate with the remote computing device31in order to update the shipment address that is associated with his or her customer identifier. Thereafter, when the remote computing device31is contacted by a payment server or other device to retrieve the shipment address, the new shipment address will be provided.

In one embodiment, the remote computing device31stores a calendar and a user is permitted to update the shipment address by the date. As an example, if the owner or occupant of the house or building in which the package door3is mounted plans to temporarily move or go to another address (e.g., go on vacation), then the user may change his or her shipment address only for the dates (referred to herein as “alternative date range”) that he or she intends to be at the new address. Note that the request for the user's shipment address from the payment server or other device may include the expected arrival date of the shipment. If the arrival date is within the alternative date range, the remote computing device31is configured to return the new shipment address such that the package will be delivered to the new address by the merchant or other entity. Otherwise, the remote computing device31is configured to return the original shipment address (e.g., the address of the house or building in which the package door3is mounted). Thus, the shipment address provided by the identification service is based on the expected date of arrival of the package. Similar techniques may also be used to update and/or control which financial account (e.g., credit card number or debit card number) that is to be used to pay for a transaction. In another embodiment, the calendar functionality may be used to prevent the delivery of packages for a specified date ranges.

Note that the identification service described above may be performed independent of the package delivery aspects of the system1. As an example, the identification service may be a stand-alone service that is offered to merchants or other entities by a computing device31, such as a server, without the computing device31performing any of the delivery monitoring operations, including control of the door locking mechanism5, described herein.

In addition, note that it is also unnecessary for any of the package information collected by the computing device19to be retrieved from the server30. As an example, any information (e.g., sender identifier, recipient identifier, courier identifier, or other information described herein) may be determined by the data input device7. As an example, the data input device7may prompt the user at the package door3for any such information. Such information may be scanned from a bar code or other optical code on the package or other source. An image of the package label may be captured and optical character recognition (OCR) or other techniques may be used to read information from the label. Yet other techniques for acquiring information collected and tracked by the system1are possible in other embodiments.

The computing device19is shown inFIG. 1as communicating with the transceivers13through a gateway15. However, it should be emphasized that other configurations are possible. As an example, the computing device19may communicate with any of the data input device7, the image capture device9, the doorbell system11, or the WAN17directly without communicating through the gateway15.FIG. 6shows an exemplary embodiment of the computing device19that is adapted to plug into a power outlet, which may be mounted on a wall near the package door3. In this regard, the computing device19ofFIG. 6has a housing88in which electronic components of the computing device19are situated. Extending from a back of the housing88is a pair of male connectors89defining an electrical plug for plugging into the power outlet for receiving power from the power outlet, and such power is used to operate the electronic components of the computing device19.

The computing device19may be positioned close to the transceivers13so that short-range protocols, such as Bluetooth, can be used to communicate between the computing device19and the transceivers13. In such embodiment, the computing device may define a Wi-Fi hotspot and communicate with the WAN directly17(e.g., using a cellular connection) or through the gateway15. In other embodiments, other configurations of the computing device19are possible.

In various embodiments described above, access through the package door3is based on a comparison of a package identifier to the attribute data27. However, it should be emphasized that other types of comparisons may be performed in order to determine whether to unlock the door locking mechanism5. As an example, as described above, a password may be used instead of a package identifier. As used herein, an “authorization code” refers to any information, such as a package identifier or password, that is used to authenticate a user for the purpose of unlocking the door locking mechanism5. In one embodiment, the authorization code may be a temporary code that is valid for only a single use or for only a limited time, such as one day or one week. Such code may be provided to the person needing access through the package door3, and the code may be received by the data input device7and used for comparison to the attribute data27in order to determine whether to unlock the door locking mechanism5, as described above for the package identifier. In another embodiment, the authorization code may be provided to the system operator for approval. If the system operator approves the authorization code provided by the user, the system operator can select an option on the remote access device21that sends a command to unlock the door locking mechanism5.

FIGS. 7-10show an alternate embodiment of the door locking mechanism5used to close and lock the package door3. The door locking mechanism5has a strike plate assembly110mounted in the door4as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8and a latch assembly120mounted in the package door3as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. The latch assembly120engages with the strike plate assembly110to close and/or lock the package door3. WhileFIGS. 7-10show the strike plate assembly110and the latch assembly120used for closing and locking the package door3when the package door3is the door4, the use of the strike plate assembly110and the latch assembly120can be used to close and lock the package door3in other locations where the package door3may be mounted, e.g., a box, a bench or a wall.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the strike plate assembly110can use an electric strike to control the locking and unlocking of the package door3. The strike plate assembly110has a faceplate111fixedly attached to the door4and a movable latchbar112. The pivoting movement of the latchbar112is controlled by the controller113. The controller113can receive power from an external power source, e.g., batteries or a wall outlet, and can provide the current needed to pivot the latchbar112to an unlocked position (from a normally locked position) to permit a latch of the package door3to pass by the latchbar112and the package door3to be opened. The controller can be electrically connected to the latchbar112by wires (not shown) located in passageway117in door4. In another embodiment, the controller113can provide the current needed to move and hold the latchbar112in a locked position (from a normally unlocked position) to prevent the package door3from being opened.

The controller113can receive door position signals from a proximity sensor to determine whether the package door3is in an open position or a closed position. When the package door3is in the closed position, a first part115of the proximity sensor mounted in door4can be aligned with a second part125(seeFIG. 10) of the proximity sensor mounted in package door3. In one embodiment, the first part115of the proximity sensor can be a reed switch and the second part125of the proximity sensor can be a magnet used to open or close the reed switch when the second part125of the proximity sensor is aligned (or near) the first part115. In another embodiment, the first part115of the proximity sensor can be incorporated within the strike plate assembly110.

The first part115of the proximity sensor can send a signal to the controller113indicating that the package door3is in a closed position in response to the first part115of the proximity sensor being substantially aligned (or near) the second part125of the proximity sensor. Upon receiving the signal indicating the package door3is in the closed position, the controller113can remove any current being provided to the latchbar112to permit the latchbar112to return to the locked position to lock the package door3in the closed position. As the second part125of the proximity sensor moves away from the first part115of the proximity sensor (e.g., after the latchbar112has been moved to an unlocked position), the first part115can send the controller113a signal indicating that the package door3is in an open position, i.e., the package door3is not closed. In one embodiment, the signal indicating the package door3is in an open position can be the absence of the “closed position” signal from the first part115. If the controller113receives an open position signal, the controller113can continue to provide current to the latchbar112to prevent the package door3from being unable to reach the closed position as a result of the latchbar112being in the locked position before the package door3is in the closed position.

The controller113can include a transceiver to enable wireless communication with the computing device19, the remote access device19or a user interface130(seeFIG. 11). For example, the controller113can wirelessly receive a command from the computing device19, the remote access device19or user interface130to unlock the package door3as described above with respect to the door locking mechanism5. In addition, the controller113can wirelessly provide the computing device19, the remote access device19or user interface130with information on the position of the package door3, i.e., opened or closed, in response to an inquiry by a system operator on a remote access device21. In another embodiment, the controller113and the computing device19or user interface130may by connected by a wired connection. In one embodiment, the controller113can be connected to a light pipe through the door4with an opening in the exterior surface of the door4. The controller113can include an optical sensor connected to the light pipe to determine if something, e.g., a person, animal or object, is near the package door3. The controller113can use the information provided by the optical sensor in determining when to lock and unlock the package door3.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the latch assembly120can be mounted in the package door3. The latch assembly120can include a latch122that extends from the side of the package door3and is the part that engages with the strike plate assembly110to close the package door3. The latch122can be held in the strike plate assembly110by the latchbar112when the latchbar112is in the locked position. When the latchbar112is in the unlocked position, the latch122can move past the latchbar112to permit the package door3to open.

In another embodiment, the strike plate assembly110and the latch assembly120can be incorporated into door4or any other hinged structure that opens and closes similar to door4. The strike plate assembly110and the latch assembly120can operate as described above to control the opening and closing of door4instead of package door3.

FIG. 11shows an embodiment of a user interface130that can be positioned on or near the package door3. The user interface130can combine the data input device7, the image capture device9and the doorbell system11into a single shared interface. In one embodiment, the user interface130can be a tablet computer, but can include any type touchscreen interface or other type of interface coupled to a processing element in other embodiments. In another embodiment, the user interface130can also incorporate the computing device19in addition to the data input device7, the image capture device9and the doorbell system11. The user interface130can provide a user approaching the user interface130with several different options from which to select.

The user can select the doorbell interface12of the doorbell system11to ring a doorbell at the building or residence associated with the package door3. The doorbell system11can operate as described above and can provide a system operator with an electronic peephole via remote access device21to view the person at the user interface130. The electronic peephole provided by the doorbell system11can use a camera135of the image capture device9incorporated into the user interface130to capture an image of the user.

A deliver package option132can be used by delivery persons attempting to deliver a package or other deliverable to the building or residence. Once the user selects the deliver package option132, the user interface130can guide the user through a series of steps to complete the delivery of the package. In one embodiment, after the user selects the deliver package option132, the user can be prompted to enter the tracking code for the delivery into the user interface130similar to the entry of the code into the data input device7. A picture of the user can then be taken using the camera135of the image capture device9. The package door3can then be opened, as described above, either automatically based on the entry of the tracking code or based on an input from the system operator and the user can place the package inside the package door3in the corresponding storage area associated with the package door3, e.g., within the building or residence or within a storage box located at the building or residence. Once the package is placed within the storage area and the package door3is closed, a second picture of the user can be taken with the camera135to confirm delivery. The information and pictures captured by the user interface130can be sent to the system operator on the remote access device21in an email or other type of message.

The audio/video option134can be used to access audio and/or video messages that are provided for the user. The system operator can leave a message for the user delivering a package that includes additional instructions and/or an image of the system operator's signature. The user can be notified that there is a message for the user when accessing the deliver package option132. To access the message using the audio/video option134, the user may have to enter a password or provide some other form of identification (e.g., show an identification badge) to prevent unauthorized viewing of messages. In another embodiment, the message may automatically become accessible and/or displayed upon the entry of the tracking code during the deliver package option132. In still another embodiment, the audio/video option134may be used to provide messages to other users beside package delivery personnel. For example, a system operator may leave a message for an expected guest that the system operator will be arriving to the building or residence in a few minutes. In one embodiment, the selection of the audio/video option134can open a 2-way communication channel between the user at user interface130and the system operator at the remote access device21.

The leave message option136can be used by the user to leave a message for the system operator regarding the delivery of the package. For example, the user may leave a video message using camera135that the package could not be delivered because a signature is required and could inform the system operator when a redelivery may occur. In another embodiment, the leave message option136can be used by other users besides package delivery personnel to leave messages for the system operator. For example, a friend may leave a message for the system operator indicating that the friend had stopped for a visit, but that the system operator was not available.

The emergency option138can be used to activate a siren or other device to alert nearby people that the user at the user interface130may need assistance. In one embodiment, the selection of the emergency option138can send a message to the remote access device21of the system operator and/or contact emergency service personnel, e.g., police, fire or ambulance personnel, informing the system operator and/or the emergency service personnel of a possible situation at the user interface130. In another embodiment, the selection of the emergency option138may engage a 2-way communication link (using audio and/or video capabilities provided by camera135) between the user and the system operator and/or emergency service personnel. In still another embodiment, the selection of the emergency option138may automatically trigger the operation of the camera135of the image capture device9to record any events that may occur at the user interface130.

FIG. 12shows an embodiment of the package door3as part of a bench142. The package door3can be incorporated into the seat or a portion of the seat of the bench142. In addition, the bench142can include an enclosed storage area (not shown) accessible via the package door3. When the package door3is unlocked, the user can raise the package door3(seat of the bench142) to place the package in the enclosed storage area. The user can then lower the package door3(seat of the bench142) to complete the delivery of the package. In one embodiment of the bench142, the package door3can be closed and locked using the strike plate assembly110and the latch assembly120. However, other locking mechanisms can be used in other embodiments.

FIGS. 13 and 14show an embodiment of the package door3incorporated in a storage container or box144. The package door3can operate as the lid or top of the storage box144or can be incorporated into the lid or top of the storage box144. However, in other embodiments, the package door3can be incorporated into other parts of the storage box144. The package door3of the box144can be held in the closed position by the latch assembly120engaging with the strike plate assembly110as described above. However, in other embodiments, different closing and locking mechanisms may be used.

In one embodiment, the strike plate assembly110can be mounted to an interior wall of the storage box144and the latch assembly120can be mounted to the interior surface of the package door3(operating as the lid or top of the storage box144). When the controller113as shown in the rear view of the strike plate assembly110ofFIG. 16receives a signal indicating that the package door3should be opened, the controller113can provide current to move the latch bar112as shown in the front view of the strike plate assembly110ofFIG. 15to the unlocked position and permit the package door3to be opened. When the package door3is opened, the user can place the package in enclosed storage space146to store the delivered package until the system operator retrieves the delivered package from the enclosed storage space146. Once the package door3is returned to the closed position, the latchbar112can be returned to the locked position to lock the package door3.

Various examples are provided herein in an effort to convey a clear understanding of the subject matter described in this application. Various changes or modifications to the described examples would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill upon reading this disclosure. Also, several embodiments are described above in the context of enabling the collection and delivery of packages. It should be emphasized that the package door systems and techniques described herein may be used for other purposes in other contexts. For example, the system1may be used by a landlord to allow entry of a lessor into a vacation rental.