Method and apparatus for a solar powered storage system

An approach is provided to facilitate storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled. The apparatus includes one or more storage lockers each having respective electronic locking mechanisms. The apparatus is configured to process a request to access a storage locker and determine storage locker availability. The apparatus displays which of the one or more storage lockers is available and processes a selection of an available storage locker to generate an access message that includes a locker number, a randomly generated access code, and a duration of access indication based on a confirmed financial transaction. The apparatus also includes at least one solar energy collection unit configured to collect solar energy, and an energy storage unit configured to store the collected solar energy and supply power to the apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Conventional locker rental systems often employ key-operated locking mechanisms or stagnant combination locking mechanisms that are easily manipulated, lost, forgotten, and unable to be controlled and monitored from afar. Such conventional locker systems may be located at an amusement park, shopping center, tourist destination, etc. Some other types of locker rental systems may include electronic locking mechanisms that require a constant power supply for operation, and accordingly must be located near an available power source. Conventional key-operated locking mechanisms and stagnant combination locking mechanism, however, need not be located near an available power source because such locking mechanisms do not require a constant power supply.

Some Example Embodiments

Therefore, there is a need for an approach to provide storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises processing a request to access at least one storage locker that is among one or more storage lockers associated with a storage locker rental apparatus to determine at least one of the one or more storage lockers is available to be accessed. The one or more storage lockers are configured to store one or more items. Each of the one or more storage lockers comprise a top portion; a bottom portion distal the top portion; a first side portion having a first side portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion; a second side portion distal the first side portion having a second side portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion; a rear portion having a rear portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion and a rear portion width extending from the first side portion to the second side portion.

The top portion, bottom portion, first side portion, second side portion, and rear portion are arranged to form a cavity between them. The cavity has an opening distal the rear portion. A door portion is adjoined to the first side portion by at least one hinge. The door portion is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The door portion is also configured to engage a door stop associated with the second side portion when the door portion is in the closed position. As such, when the door is in the closed position, the opening is sealed. The one or more storage lockers also each comprise an electronic locking mechanism configured to be in one of a locked and an unlocked status to cause a status of the door portion to be one of locked and unlocked when the door portion is in the closed position based, at least in part, on a lock instruction.

The method further comprises causing, at least in part, an accessibility report to be displayed on a user interface based, at least in part, on the request to access at least one of the one or more storage lockers. The accessibility report includes an indication of which of the one or more storage lockers is determined to be available to be accessed. The method also comprises processing a selection associated with a particular determined available storage locker to cause, at least in part, an access message to be generated and communicated based, at least in part, on a confirmed financial transaction. The access message comprises a locker number, an access code, and a duration of access indication of the selected available storage locker based on a selected time period for renting the selected available storage locker and an amount of money collected based on the confirmed financial transaction.

The method additionally comprises causing, at least in part, the lock instruction to be communicated to the electronic locking mechanism based, at least in part, on one or more of a reception of the access code and an access authorization indicator. The access authorization indicator is associated with one or more of the confirmed financial transaction associated with use of the at least one storage locker and a management system operator input. The method further comprises causing, at least in part, solar energy collected by at least one solar energy collection unit configured to collect solar energy to be stored by an energy storage unit configured to store the collected solar energy.

The method also comprises causing, at least in part, power to be supplied to the storage locker rental apparatus from the energy storage unit. The storage locker rental apparatus, accordingly, is independent of any external power source.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises one or more storage lockers configured to store one or more items. The one or more storage lockers each comprise a top portion; a bottom portion distal the top portion; a first side portion having a first side portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion; a second side portion distal the first side portion having a second side portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion; a rear portion having a rear portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion and a rear portion width extending from the first side portion to the second side portion.

The top portion, bottom portion, first side portion, second side portion, and rear portion being arranged to form a cavity between them. The cavity has an opening distal the rear portion. A door portion is adjoined to the first side portion by at least one hinge. The door portion is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The door portion is also configured to engage a door stop associated with the second side portion when the door portion is in the closed position. As such, the door portion seals the opening when the door portion is in the closed position. The one or more storage lockers each also comprise an electronic locking mechanism configured be in one of a locked and an unlocked status to cause a status of the door portion to be one of locked and unlocked when the door portion is in the closed position based, at least in part, on a lock instruction.

The apparatus also comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to process a request to access at least one of the one or more storage lockers to determine at least one of the one or more storage lockers is available to be accessed. The apparatus is further caused to cause, at least in part, an accessibility report to be displayed on a user interface based, at least in part, on the request to access at least one of the one or more storage lockers. The accessibility report includes an indication of which of the one or more storage lockers is determined to be available to be accessed.

The apparatus is additionally caused to process a selection associated with a particular determined available storage locker to cause, at least in part, an access message to be generated and communicated based, at least in part, on a confirmed financial transaction. The access message comprises a locker number, an access code, and a duration of access indication of the selected available storage locker based on a selected time period for renting the selected available storage locker and an amount of money collected based on the confirmed financial transaction.

The apparatus is also caused to cause, at least in part, the lock instruction to be communicated to the electronic locking mechanism based, at least in part, on one or more of a reception of the access code and an access authorization indicator. The access authorization indicator is associated with one or more of the confirmed financial transaction associated with use of the at least one storage locker and a management system operator input.

The apparatus further comprises at least one solar energy collection unit configured to collect solar energy. The apparatus additionally comprises an energy storage unit configured to store the collected solar energy and supply power to the apparatus. The apparatus is accordingly independent of any external power source.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein. It is envisioned, however, that any system that incorporates features of any apparatus, method and/or system described herein are encompassed by the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for providing storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled are disclosed. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments.

FIG. 1is a diagram of a system capable of providing storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled, according to one embodiment. Conventional storage locker rental systems often employ key-operated locking mechanisms or stagnant combination locking mechanisms that are easily manipulated, lost, forgotten, and unable to be controlled and monitored from afar. Such conventional storage locker systems, for example, may be located at an amusement park, shopping center, tourist destination, etc. Some other types of locker rental systems may include electronic locking mechanisms that require a constant power supply for operation, and accordingly must be located near an available power source. As such, storage locker rental systems having electronic locking mechanisms may only be placed in locations that have access to an available power source. Additionally, increased or added costs may be associated with placing a locker rental system in a location at which a power source must be provided. Conversely, conventional key-operated locking mechanisms and stagnant combination locking mechanisms need not be located near an available power source because such locking mechanisms do not require a constant power supply, and may therefore be placed in any location. In addition to inconvenient placement that may be associated with placing a storage locker rental unit near a power supply, utility costs associated with operating such a storage locker rental system may also affect the profitability of the storage locker rental system.

To address these problems, a system100ofFIG. 1introduces the capability to provide storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled. The system100enables a user to rent a storage locker on demand using any combination of a locally provided control unit having a user interface for selecting a desired available storage locker to rent and for conducting a financial transaction associated with renting the storage locker, and/or a user device having similar features. The system100is self sustaining such that it is independent of any external power sources to enable placement in areas of need that may, for example, not have a power source readily available.

As shown inFIG. 1, the system100comprises storage lockers101a-101n(collectively referred to as storage locker101), control unit103, control unit housing105, user interface107, printing unit109, one or more input interfaces111, canopy portion113, one or more canopy support members115, solar energy collection units117a-117n(collectively referred to as solar energy collection unit117), one or more energy storage units119a-119b(collectively referred to as energy storage unit(s)119), video camera121, display portion123, and base member125.

According to various embodiments, the system100may include any number of storage lockers101that may be of any size, for example, small, medium, and large, or any combination thereof, with regard to one another. For example, a system100may include an equal number of small, medium, and large lockers, or an unequal number of small, medium and large lockers depending on the overall footprint and size of the system100. In some embodiments, the system100may comprise storage lockers101that are all of the same size.

In one or more embodiments, the sizes and layouts of the storage lockers101may be easily changeable by a system operator. For example, the storage lockers101may be modular and any of interconnect or be held together by various locker joining mechanisms such as couplings, bolts, screws, or electronic magnets that cause one or more storage lockers101to be bound together on demand. The one or more storage lockers101may be joined either as units comprising one or more storage lockers101or individually depending on the embodiment. For example, a unit of storage lockers may include 1, 2, 3, 4 or more storage lockers of a same or different size. In some embodiments, the storage lockers101may share wall portions between them each having their own corresponding door portion127, or each have their own five individual wall portions and a corresponding door portion127.

The storage lockers101, regardless of size and whether particular wall portions are shared, each comprise a top portion, a bottom portion distal the top portion, a first side portion having a first side portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion, a second side portion distal the first side portion having a second side portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion, a rear portion having a rear portion length extending from the top portion to the bottom portion and a rear portion width extending from the first side portion to the second side portion.

The top portion, bottom portion, first side portion, second side portion, and rear portion of each of the storage lockers101are arranged to form a cavity between them. The cavity, for example, is an area within the storage locker101in which item may be placed for storage. The cavity has an opening distal the rear portion. The opening is a portion of the storage locker101through which the item to be stored may pass as it is placed inside the cavity.

The storage lockers101each also include door portions127a-127n(collectively referred to as door portion127) adjoined to the first side portion of the storage locker101by at least one hinge129. The door portion127is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. For example, door portion127ais illustrated as being in the open position, and door portion127nis illustrated as being in the closed position. The door portion127, in some embodiments, may be constrained by one or more linkages131such that the door portion127does not open beyond a predetermined amount such as 90 degrees from its closed position. The restricted range of motion of the door portion127between the closed position and its fully open position prevents the door portion127from interfering with usage of another storage locker101.

The door portion127is further configured to engage a door stop133associated with the second side portion when the door portion is in the closed position. The opening is sealed when the door portion127is in the closed position.

In one or more embodiments, the storage lockers101include one or more electronic locking mechanisms135configured to be in one of an unlocked and a locked status to cause a status of the door portion127to also be one of locked and unlocked when the door portion127is in the closed position based, at least in part, on a lock instruction. For example, a lock instruction may indicate that the electronic locking mechanism135is to cause the status of the door portion to be locked, or unlocked. In some embodiments, the electronic locking mechanism135may comprise a magnetic locking system that is caused to be in the locked or unlocked status based upon a voltage being provided to the magnetic locking system. In other embodiments, the electronic locking mechanism135may additionally or alternatively include a mechanical locking means such as a tumbler or bolt lock that is actuated based on the lock instruction to be in the locked or unlocked status.

According to various embodiments, the system100includes at least one processor, such as a processor associated with the control unit103and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs also associated with the control unit103such as, but not limited to, a control platform.

A user interested in renting a storage locker101may, for example, address the control unit103and access the user interface107. The user interface107may be a touch screen display that activates upon a determination that the user is within a predetermined proximity of the control unit103, or when a user touches the touch screen display. The user may then request to access one of the storage lockers101, meaning to begin a rental process associated with renting at least one of the storage lockers101. For example, the user interface107may provide a plurality of options associated with renting a storage locker101. The control unit103processes the request to access or rent at least one of the one or more storage lockers101to determine at least one of the one or more storage lockers101is available to be accessed. For example, the control unit103consults a database that may be locally or remotely managed and/or located in which usage information about the storage lockers101is stored to determine which of the storage lockers101are available for rental and which storage lockers101are currently rented.

The control unit103, upon determining which storage lockers101are available, causes, at least in part, an accessibility report to be displayed on the user interface107based, at least in part, on the request to access at least one of the one or more storage lockers101. The accessibility report includes an indication of which of the one or more storage lockers101is determined to be available to be accessed. The accessibility report may, for example, be any combination of a graphical display of the storage locker101layout in any of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphical display, or a list of storage lockers101indicating only available storage lockers101, or indicating the status of all available and unavailable storage lockers101, for example. In some embodiments, the user interface107may provide options such as display only available storage lockers101, display all storage lockers101, display storage lockers in this region of the system100, display storage lockers101near me or my intended destination, display storage lockers101and their respective availabilities at another system100, display availability indications of small, medium or large storage lockers, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the accessibility report may also include time remaining with respect to particular already rented unavailable storage lockers101so that the user may anticipate when a particular storage locker101may become available for access. For example, if the system100does not have any large storage lockers101available, and the user requires a large storage locker101, then the user may want to wait for such a storage locker to become available, or return at the anticipated time that one might become available. In some embodiments, the user interface107may include an option alert a user by sending the user a message that indicates when a particular storage locker101becomes available so that the user may request access to and/or reserve that particular storage locker101when it becomes available. Such messages may be sent to a device associated with the user by way of text message, multimedia message, email, phone call, or specific storage locker rental application that may be accessible using the device associated with the user.

If a desirable storage locker101is indeed available, the user may select which of the storage lockers101the user would like to rent by way of the user interface107. For example, the user interface107may enable a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphical illustration of the storage lockers101to be selected by touching the user interface107, which may for example, highlight the selected storage locker101. Similarly, in the case of a list of available storage lockers101, or list that indicates the status of one or more of the storage lockers101, a line item referring to a selected storage locker101may be highlighted as the control unit103processes the selection. Alternatively, a selection of a particular storage locker101may cause the user interface107to advance to another screen as the control unit103, accordingly, processes the selection.

In either case, one a selection is made with regard to a particular determined available storage locker101, the control unit103enables an access or rental duration to be selected. The duration of access or rental may be for a selected time period such as a period of hours, minutes, etc., or a particular time of day at which the rental period is to expire. An appropriate fee is charged by the system100based, at least in part, on any combination of rental duration, size of locker, time of day, day of the week, month, location, etc. One the access duration is selected and agreed upon, the control unit103enables a financial transaction associated with paying for the requested storage locker101rental to occur. For example, the control unit103may be configured to accept any combination of a credit card payment, cash, payment from a user account associated with the storage locker rental system100, other forms of electronic payment, payment by user equipment such as a phone or mobile device, etc. The control unit103may be configured to confirm the funds associated with the financial transaction itself, or the control unit103may be configured to communicate with a storage locker access management system to confirm the funds associated with the financial transaction.

Upon confirmation of a completed financial transaction to pay for the storage locker101for the designated duration of a rental period, the control unit103causes, at least in part, an access message to be generated and communicated. The access message includes the selected storage locker101number, an access code to enable access to the selected storage locker101, and a duration of access indication of the selected available storage locker101. In embodiments, the access message may be communicated using any combination of a display on the user interface107, print out onto a paper or other substrate using printing unit109, text message, multimedia message, email, phone call, or other message associated with a specific storage locker rental application accessible by way of a device associated with the user, etc. In one or more embodiments, the access code is generated by a random number generator as instructed by the control unit103.

The control unit103also causes, at least in part, the lock instruction, discussed above, to be communicated to the electronic locking mechanism135associated with the selected storage locker101. The lock instruction may be any of and instruction to lock or unlock the door portion127by causing the electronic locking mechanism135to be in the locked or unlocked status. In some embodiments, the control unit103may cause the electronic locking mechanism135to be in the locked or unlocked status upon entry of a verifiable access code provided by way of the access message, or the control unit103may cause the electronic locking mechanism135to be in the locked or unlocked status based on an access authorization indicator.

For example, an access authorization indicator may be associated with one or more of a financial transaction associated with use of the at least one storage locker or a management system operator input. In some embodiments, the storage lockers101, regardless of availability, may have a default condition that causes the electronic locking mechanisms to be in the locked status unless an access authorization indicator is communicated or an access code is verified. Upon confirmation of payment for the storage locker101rental, the control unit103may communicate a lock instruction to cause the electronic locking mechanism135to be in the unlocked status, at least until the access code is input and verified, thereby causing the electronic locking mechanism135to be in the locked status. Alternatively, an access authorization indicator may be sourced from a storage locker access management system or otherwise authorized system administrator to cause the control unit103to communicate a lock instruction that causes the electronic locking mechanism135to be in the unlocked status on demand.

In some embodiments, the control unit103is positioned remote from the one or more storage lockers101and housed in the control unit housing105. The control unit housing105is therefore also configured to support the user interface107and any display associated therewith as well as the printing unit109. If positioned remote from the one or more storage lockers101, the control unit103is configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or more electronic locking mechanisms135, either directly or indirectly, and optionally a storage locker access management system (discussed below) by way of a wireless communication network.

The system100, as discussed above, may also include one or more input interfaces111that are configured to receive a user input associated with the access code. The input interfaces111may be positioned on the door portion127, or the input interfaces111may be associated with a user device such that when an access code is input and verified, the electronic locking mechanism135is caused to be in the locked or unlocked status based on a received lock instruction, and/or based on a proximity of the user device to the electronic locking mechanism135, for example.

In some embodiments, to enable entry of the access code, the input interface111may comprise a touch screen keypad, a raised button keypad, etc., configured to receive a manually input access code. The input interface111may include any number of keys on its keypad. In some embodiments the input interface111may include four keys corresponding to available numbers for inputting the access code, but in other embodiments, the input interface111may include a few at two keys in which a sequence of first button and second button entries may be input as the access code, and as many as 10 keys such as a type of keypad that corresponds to a conventional telephone keypad to enable a more complex access code to be used. It should be noted, however, that there is no limit to the number of keys the input interface111may include.

In some embodiments, the input interface111may include, for example, four keys. But, upon entry of a first number, letter, or symbol of the access code, the keys may refresh to display a different combination of key options to select for entry of the second number of an access code, and so on. For example, if the access code is “1, #, 6, $,” a first keypad presented by input interface111may include “1, 5, 4, *” from which the user must select a character. Then, upon entry of a first character, the input interface111may refresh to display “1, &, #, 9.” Then, upon selection of a next character, the input interface111may refresh to display “9, 6, 2, %.” Then, upon entry of a third character, the input interface111may refresh the display “8, @, $, 4.” Lastly, upon entry of the fourth symbol at the input interface111, if the correct access code sequence was entered and verified, the lock instruction may be sent to the electronic locking mechanism135to lock or unlock the electronic locking mechanism135. If an improper access code is input, then the electronic locking mechanism135will remain in its current locked or unlocked status.

In some embodiments, the input interface111may also include an electronic locking mechanism status indicator, discussed below, configured to indicate the electronic locking mechanism135is in the locked or unlocked status. For example, a green light may indicate unlocked and a red light may indicate locked. Or, an indication on the input interface111may simply state locked or unlocked, for example.

According to various embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the access code input at the input interface111to be verified based, at least in part, on one or more of the lock instruction and a verification communication with the control unit103that compares the user input with the issued access code. In some embodiments, the lock instruction, accordingly, may include data associated with verifying the access code. For example, in some embodiments, the lock instruction is stored in another memory associated with the one or more electronic locking mechanisms135. Verification of the access code may therefore be based, at least in part, on the lock instruction stored in the another memory associated with the electronic locking mechanism135so that a verification communication need not be sent to the control unit103in order to enable access code verification.

According to various embodiments, alternatively or in addition to the control unit103, the input interfaces111may themselves serve as individual control units103comprising respective user interfaces107. In other words, each storage locker101may include its own respective control unit103positioned on the door portion127. The user interfaces107, in this embodiment, are also configured to facilitate the access request, the financial transaction associated with use of the selected available storage locker101, and the communication of the access message. The user interfaces107, in this embodiment, themselves also comprise a touch screen keypad configured to receive a manually input access code. Similarly, in this embodiment, the one or more control units103are configured to communicate with the one or more electronic locking mechanisms135and optionally a storage locker access management system positioned remote from the one or more control units103. Any communication between such a storage locker access management system and the control units103is accordingly by way of a wireless communication network.

In some embodiments, the control unit103may include a customer service user interface accessible by way of the user interface107by which a user may communicate with a system administrator regarding usage of the system100. The system100may also include the video camera121discussed above to enable the system administrator to view the present status of the system100and/or the user requesting customer service. The video camera121may also be configured to provide security footage for the system100and surrounding area. In some embodiments, the video camera121is configured to wirelessly communicate imagery directly to a storage locker management system associated with the system100. In other embodiments, the video camera121is configured to wirelessly communicate imagery to a storage locker management system associated with the system100by way of the control unit103. If communicated by way of the control unit103, the video camera121may one or more of communicate with the control unit103by way of wired communication or wireless communication.

As discussed above, the system100also includes the display portion123. The display portion123is configured to be in communication with a storage locker access management system associated with the system100. The display portion123is configured to display one or more images in accordance with a display instruction received from the storage locker access management system by way of a wireless communication network either directly or indirectly. For example, the display instruction may be received directly from the storage locker access management system, or it may be received by way of the control unit103.

According to various embodiments, the display portion123may be configured to display any combination of images including, but not limited to, constant images that use the entire display portion123or one or more portions of the display portion123such as advertisements or messages that are instructed to be displayed by the storage locker access management system. Such images may be continually displayed until a change is directed or requested, or the images may changes based on a predefined schedule, for example. In some embodiments, the images displayed may vary in size and orientation on the display portion123, and the display portion123may be caused to act as a split screen based on the instructed imagery that is to be displayed.

According to various embodiments, the storage locker access management system with which the system100is associated may be configured to develop a user profile associated with one or more users of the system100and/or be in communication with a third party service such as a social networking service, for example. Accordingly, the images that are instructed to be displayed by the display portion123may be caused to change based, at least in part, on a correspondence with a user's interests. A user's interests may be determined based on a developed user profile that is stored and managed by the storage locker access management system or the system100, for example, or based on any information that may be available by way of the social networking service with which the system100may directly or indirectly communicate by way of the storage locker access management system.

If imagery displayed by the display portion123is associated with a user's interests, any changes in the imagery may be caused by a determined proximity of a user device to the system100and/or a determination that a particular user that is in the process of renting a storage locker101, for example. If based on the proximity of the user device, the user may not even be associated with the system100, but rather solely associated with the social networking service, for example.

The display portion123may also be configured to display usage instructions continually, or on demand using all or a portion of the display portion123. Such usage instructions, if displayed on demand, may be presented based on a recent rental occurrence, a currently processing rental transaction, toggling of a button or user interface option to display such information, or if a determination is made by the control unit103that an unverifiable access code has been input and the user might be having some difficulty using the system100such as being unable to lock or unlock the storage locker101.

In one or more embodiments, the display portion123may be configured to illustrate a regional map associated with a location at which the system100is deployed. The regional map may be presented based, for example, on a determined position of the system100based, at least in part, on a communication between the control unit103with the storage locker access management system associated with the system100, an internal GPS unit, a communication with a wireless network service provider, etc. In some embodiments, if public transportation is readily available, the display portion123may also be configured to illustrate public transportation schedules on demand if configured to communicate with a third party transportation provider, for example.

According to one or more embodiments, the display portion123may comprise any number of displays that may include any combination of LCD panels, LED panels, projection displays, CRT displays, plasma displays, OLED displays, etc. In some embodiments, the door portions127of the storage lockers101may be themselves a series of display portions123, or comprise a series of display portions123, that may individually or jointly provide imagery as instructed and discussed above.

According to various embodiments, the system100is a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that need not be positioned near any external power source. To enable this energy independence, the system100includes at least one solar energy collection unit117configured to collect solar energy. The one or more solar energy collection units117may be positioned, for example, on any portion of the canopy portion113such as the front, back, right side, left side, top, or the canopy portion113may be entirely made up of solar energy collection units117. In addition to providing a surface for collecting solar power, the canopy portion113also protects the storage lockers101, the control unit103, and/or the display portion123from environmental elements such as rain, wind, and sunlight.

The system100, as discussed above, also includes one or more energy storage units119configured to store the collected solar energy and supply power to the system100. According to various embodiments, the energy storage units119may include any number of rechargeable batteries or capacitors of any type such as, but not limited to, any combination of lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, alkaline batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, organic batteries, polymer-based batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium sulfur batteries, thin film batteries, smart batteries, carbon foam-based lead acid batteries, potassium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, nanowire batteries, thin-film/solar cell batteries, ceramic batteries, solar capacitors, solar super capacitors, etc.

In some embodiments, the energy storage units119are accommodated in the control unit housing105. But, in other embodiments, the energy storage units119may additionally or alternatively be accommodated within their own individual housing that may be similar to the illustrated control unit housing105, within the base member125, the canopy support members115, and/or the canopy portion113. If the energy storage units119are of a thin-film solar cell battery type, the energy storage units119may accordingly be accommodated, as a part of or atop the canopy portion113, for example.

In one or more embodiments, at least one of the one or more canopy support members115is configured to have a channel within which one or more wires are run. The one or more wires that run within the canopy support members115are configured to operatively connect the at least one solar energy collection unit117to the energy storage unit119and/or the energy storage unit119to the control unit103. In some embodiments, one or more of the canopy support members115may be configured to co-operate with one or more motors or pneumatic systems that are internal to the canopy support members115to adjust a height and/or angular orientation of the canopy portion113based, at least in part, on a time of day, schedule, deployment location of the system100, or on demand. For example, if the sun is setting, the control unit103may cause the canopy portion113to be tilted in a direction associated with the setting sun to optimize solar energy collection.

According to various embodiments, the base member125is configured to support the one or more storage lockers101, the canopy portion113, the one or more canopy support members115, and the control unit housing105. For example, the entire system100may moved unitarily from one position to another because the system100is entirely supported by the base member125. The one or more storage lockers101are configured to be waterproof when the door portion127is in the closed position and the electronic locking mechanism135is in the locked status. Similarly, the control unit housing105, and any other housing associated with the energy storage unit119, is also configured to be waterproof.

To further enhance the water resistance of the system100, the base member125is configured to elevate the storage lockers101and/or the control unit housing105from a ground surface upon which the system100is placed. For example, the base member125may cause the system storage lockers101and the control unit housing105to be elevated anywhere from two inches to 24 inches above ground level. Such an elevation may prevent water from entering the storage lockers101, for example. In some embodiments, the base member125may also be outfitted with one or more drain portions137and optionally sloped to cause water to run away from the storage lockers101toward the drain portions137. The drain portions137may be configured to collect water that is present on the surface of the base member125and enable the water to be directed away from the storage lockers101toward an area of the ground surface that is away from a region in which a determined majority of foot traffic exists. For example, in some embodiments, the base member125may include one or more outlets139that may be optionally opened or closed to direct water collected by the drain portions137to be output from the system100in a particular direction.

In one or more embodiments, the storage lockers101may be configured to include a light source141configured to illuminate the cavity or inside portion of the storage locker101when the door portion127is in the open position. Such light sources may be any form of light source such as, but not limited to, an LED light, an LCD panel, a fluorescent light, an incandescent bulb, etc.

FIG. 2illustrates a communication network associated with a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system. The control unit103of the system100communicates with a user device as discussed above such as user equipment (UE)201, a storage locker access management system203associated with remote management and control of the system100, as well as any third party application services207such as, but not limited to, various social networking services, public transportation services, wireless carrier services, local entertainment services, etc. The UE201, control unit103, storage locker access management system203, and third party services207have connectivity to one another via a communication network205.

By way of example, while the various components of the system100such as the control unit103, input interfaces111, and video camera121may themselves communicated wirelessly to one another and/or with the storage locker access management system203through wireless communication networks or channels that may be discussed in greater detail below as various example forms of wireless communications, communications between the UE201, storage locker access management system203, and any third party services207may not be so limited.

According to various embodiments, a user may initiate a storage locker101rental using any of the control unit103or the UE201. If initiated using the UE201, the UE201may be configured to enable access to a storage locker rental application209associated with the usage of the system100. Any request to access a storage locker101may be processed independently by the control unit103, or may be communicated to the storage locker access management system203. For example, financial transactions may be communicated to the storage locker access management system203for processing and authorization with a credit card company, bank, or other financial institution. Upon authorization confirmation, the storage locker access management system203may authorize the control unit103to proceed with the storage locker rental process, as discussed above. Alternatively, the control unit103may be capable of conducting such a transaction independently and may simply report the outcome of a transaction to the storage locker access management system203.

A system administrator may also manage one or more system100's remotely by way of the storage locker access management system203, for example, to enable access to a storage locker101, monitor operating conditions of the system100including, but not limited to, activity, usage, volume, availability, profitability, safety, location, power usage, power availability, etc. Further, customer support for users of the system100may be handled by an administrator having access to the storage locker access management system203. In embodiments, an instruction with respect to what is to be displayed by the display portion123may be sourced by the storage locker access management system203. In some embodiments, a user may request that a particular message or image be displayed at a particular time, randomly, or on demand, by way of the storage locker rental application209or control unit103, for example, for a fee. In some instances, messages or images may need to be approved by an administrator having access to the storage locker access management system203, or controls may be enabled by the storage locker access management system203to screen what types of messages and/or images may be displayed without approval.

According to various embodiments, the system100, as discussed above may provide storage lockers101of different sizes. A large storage locker101would have length and width dimensions larger than a medium-sized storage locker101which accordingly would have length and width dimensions larger than a small-sized storage locker101. The storage locker access management system203may be configured to determine which sized lockers may be provided by a particular system100and which sized lockers are available. The storage locker access management system203may, in some embodiments, cause pricing variations based on particular storage locker101sizes, availability, times, duration of rental, etc. In some embodiments, the storage locker access management system203causes a message to be communicated to the UE201to alert a user that a particular locker is available, a particular price point or sale may be occurring or about to occur, or that a user's paid rental time is about to expire.

In one or more embodiments, the storage locker access management system203may be configured to cause additional fees to be charged if a storage locker101rental is determined to have extended beyond a predetermined duration associated with a first confirmed financial transaction. If a storage locker101rental period extends beyond the pre-paid duration, the storage locker access management system203may be configured to continually charge the user by continually causing one or more additional financial transactions at predefined intervals for particular predetermined amounts. For example, if a user pays for a storage locker101rental that is to last for four hours, but does not terminate the storage locker101rental on time, the storage locker access management system203may cause additional fees to be charged for extended rental services by the minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, half-hour, or whole hour, based on a predefined setting for example.

In some embodiments, if a storage locker101rental is initiated, and the rental service is not terminated by the pre-paid duration, and a next financial transaction is declined, the storage locker access management system203may reset the access code to thereby detain any contents of the selected storage locker101until such fees are paid or an administrator allows access via an access authorization instruction to the electronic locking mechanism135of the particular storage locker101at issue.

By way of example, the UE201, control unit103, storage locker access management system203, and third party services207communicate with each other and other components of the communication network205using well known, new or still developing protocols. In this context, a protocol includes a set of rules defining how the network nodes within the communication network205interact with each other based on information sent over the communication links. The protocols are effective at different layers of operation within each node, from generating and receiving physical signals of various types, to selecting a link for transferring those signals, to the format of information indicated by those signals, to identifying which software application executing on a computer system sends or receives the information. The conceptually different layers of protocols for exchanging information over a network are described in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model.

FIG. 3is a close-up view A-A of control unit103, discussed above and illustrated inFIG. 1. The control unit103includes the user interface107and printing unit109configured to apply the access message301onto a substrate303. As discussed above, the access message301may additionally or alternatively be communicated by way of the user interface107and/or the UE201.

FIG. 4is a close-up view B-B of an input interface111, discussed above and illustrated inFIG. 1. The input interface111includes the keypad401which is illustrated as having four keys. The keypad401, as discussed above, may have any number of fixed or variable keys, however. The keypad401may be any of a touch screen-type or physical key-type such as button-based including or excluding brail features. The input interface111may also include the illustrated electronic locking mechanism status indicator403to indicate whether the electronic locking mechanism is in the locked or unlocked status. As discussed above, the input interface111may be in addition to or as an alternative of a control unit103that may be positioned on each of the door portions127of the storage lockers101.

FIG. 5is a close-up view C-C of video camera121, discussed above and illustrated inFIG. 1. The video camera121is positioned above the canopy portion113. The video camera121is elevated above the canopy by a camera support501. In some embodiments, the camera support501may be configured to be adjustable on demand based on an instruction provided by the storage locker access management system, discussed above.

FIG. 6is a flowchart of a process for providing storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, one or more of the control unit103and the storage locker access management system203performs the process600by way of a control platform implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown inFIG. 7. In step601, the control platform processes a request to access at least one storage locker that is among one or more storage lockers associated with a storage locker rental apparatus to determine at least one of the one or more storage lockers is available to be accessed. Then, in step603, the control platform causes, at least in part, an accessibility report to be displayed on a user interface based, at least in part, on the request to access at least one of the one or more storage lockers. The accessibility report including an indication of which of the one or more storage lockers is determined to be available to be accessed.

Next, in step605, the control platform processes a selection associated with a particular determined available storage locker to cause, at least in part, an access message to be generated and communicated based, at least in part, on a confirmed financial transaction. The access message comprises a locker number, an access code, and a duration of access indication of the selected available storage locker. In one or more embodiments, as discussed above, the access message may be communicated by way of electronic or printed means such as by way of a user device, the control unit, and/or a printing unit configured to apply the access message to a substrate and output the printed substrate from the control unit. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the access code is generated by a random number generator.

The process continues to step607in which the control platform causes, at least in part, the lock instruction to be communicated to an electronic locking mechanism based, at least in part, on one or more of a reception of the access code and an access authorization indicator, the access authorization indicator being associated with one or more of the confirmed financial transaction associated with use of the at least one storage locker or a management system operator input.

The control platform causes, at least in part, an input access code to be verified based, at least in part, on a communication between a control unit configured to facilitate the access request, the financial transaction associated with use of the at least one storage locker, and the communication of the access message, and an input interface configured to receive a user input associated with the access code. The input interface may be available by way of a separate display, or merely a different graphical user interface made available by way of a same display. The control unit is configured to communicate with the one or more electronic locking mechanisms and a storage locker access management system positioned remote from the control unit. The communication between the storage locker access management system is by way of a wireless communication network. If the access code is verified, then a lock instruction to change the electronic locking mechanism status to locked or unlocked is communicated to the electronic locking mechanism

The process continues to step609in which the control platform optionally causes, at least in part, a display portion in communication with the storage locker access management system, to display one or more images in accordance with a display instruction received from a storage locker access management system by way of the wireless communication network.

Then, in step611, the control platform causes, at least in part, solar energy to be collected by at least one solar energy collection unit configured to collect solar energy. Next, in step613, the control platform causes the collected solar energy to be stored by an energy storage unit configured to store the collected solar energy and power to be supplied to the storage locker rental apparatus from the energy storage unit.

The processes described herein for providing storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled may be advantageously implemented via software, hardware, firmware or a combination of software and/or firmware and/or hardware. For example, the processes described herein, may be advantageously implemented via processor(s), Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is detailed below.

FIG. 7illustrates a chip set or chip700upon which an embodiment may be implemented. Chip set700is programmed to provide storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled as described herein may include, for example, bus701, processor703, memory705, DSP707and ASIC709components.

The processor703and memory705may be incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical package includes an arrangement of one or more materials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set700can be implemented in a single chip. It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set or chip700can be implemented as a single “system on a chip.” It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments a separate ASIC would not be used, for example, and that all relevant functions as disclosed herein would be performed by a processor or processors. Chip set or chip700, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled.

In one or more embodiments, the chip set or chip700includes a communication mechanism such as bus701for passing information among the components of the chip set700. Processor703has connectivity to the bus701to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory705. The processor703may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor703may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus701to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor703may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP)707, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC)709. A DSP707typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor703. Similarly, an ASIC709can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a more general purpose processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the functions described herein may include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more controllers, or one or more other special-purpose computer chips.

The processor703and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory705via the bus701. The memory705may include one or more of dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform the steps described herein to provide storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled. The memory705also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of the steps.

In one or more embodiments, the memory705, such as a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device, stores information including processor instructions for providing storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the system100. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory705is also used by the processor703to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions. The memory705may also be a read only memory (ROM) or any other static storage device coupled to the bus701for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the system100. Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. The memory705may also be a non-volatile (persistent) storage device, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the system100is turned off or otherwise loses power.

While a number of embodiments and implementations have been described, the disclosure is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of various embodiments are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination and order.