Patent Publication Number: US-2020294336-A1

Title: Automated storage area

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of United States Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/222,917 (Docket#BU-3), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A STORAGE ROOM,” filed Jul. 28, 2016, by Arik Seth Levy, which is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/668,883 (Docket #BU-2), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Mar. 25, 2015, by Arik Seth Levy, which is Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/505,457 (Docket #BU-1), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Oct. 2, 2014, by Arik Seth Levy; 
     Ser. No. 15/222,917 (Docket#BU-3), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A STORAGE ROOM,” filed Jul. 28, 2016, which is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/505,457 (Docket #BU-1), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Oct. 2, 2014, by Arik Seth Levy, which is incorporated herein by reference; 
     this application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/505,457 (Docket #BU-1), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Oct. 2, 2014, by Arik Seth Levy. 
     All of the above Applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The following commonly owned United States patents, including the present application, are related to each other. Each of the other patents are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,844,507, entitled “HANDLING HOUSEHOLD TASKS,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Mar. 22, 2006 (Docket No. 30-1); 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,401,932, entitled “HANDLING HOUSEHOLD TASKS,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Oct. 18, 2010 (Docket No. 30-2); 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,359,249, entitled “STORAGE LOCKER,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Aug. 28, 2011 (Docket No. 30-3); 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,725,600, entitled “STORAGE LOCKER,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Dec. 20, 2012 (Docket No. 30-4), and 
     U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/447,445 (Docket #BU-4), entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PACKAGE DELIVERY,” filed on Jun. 20, 2019, by Arik Seth Levy, et al. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The current specification relates to a storage room with an electronic lock(s). 
     BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches to accomplishing various tasks. 
     Typically, use of a lock provides security and privacy to a storage room(s) or a storage area(s). This specification recognizes issues in controlling electronic locks. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       In the following drawings like reference numbers and labels are used to refer to the same elements. Although the following figures depict various examples of inventions associated with this specification, the inventions associated with this specification are not limited to the examples depicted in the figures. 
         FIG. 1A ( 1 ) shows a representation of delivery system in which items are delivered to a storage room; 
         FIG. 1A ( 2 ) shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a lock system used for controlling electronic locks, which is an embodiment of the system of  FIG. 1A ( 1 ); 
         FIG. 1B  shows a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of an electronic lock in a locking position; 
         FIG. 1C  shows a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of the electronic lock of  FIG. 1B  in an unlocking position; 
         FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a lock interface; 
         FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a circuit that may be included in the electronic lock of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ); 
         FIG. 4A  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system that may be used as the kiosk, lock interface, or control terminal of  FIGS. 1A ( 1 ) and/or  1 A( 2 ); 
         FIG. 4B  shows an embodiment of a method implemented with the system of  FIGS. 1A ( 1 )- 4 A. 
         FIG. 5  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for implementing the lock system of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ); 
         FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a storage system that may use the lock system of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ) to control the access to a storage room(s) for delivery services and pickups; 
         FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a memory system that may be used in the server of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for handling items delivered to the storage room optionally having storage areas that are locked by the lock system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for handling items to be picked up from the storage room that are locked by the lock system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for implementing the storage system of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of the lock interface controlling the electronic locks; and 
         FIG. 12  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a memory system of an optional user device that may be used by the delivery service. 
         FIG. 13  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of computer system used in the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a memory system that may be used in the manager terminal of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 15  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for receiving notifications to the intended recipient of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 16  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for identifying the intended recipient of  FIG. 6 , which may be performed by the manager terminal of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 17  shows a diagram of an embodiment of the storage areas of different sizes that may be used in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram of an example of a web page for downloading an application that may be installed in mobile devices or for accessing the system directly via the web page. 
         FIG. 19  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the delivery service of  FIG. 6  to enter access code. 
         FIG. 20  is a screenshot of an example of a page showing unclaimed items for the delivery service of  FIG. 6  to collect and return to the senders. 
         FIG. 21  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the delivery service of  FIG. 6  to search for an intended recipient of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 22  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the delivery service of  FIG. 6  to select an intended recipient from the search results or an option to add an intended recipient if the recipient is not found in the search results. 
         FIG. 23  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the delivery service of  FIG. 6  to photograph the mailing label of the item via a camera. 
         FIG. 24  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the delivery service of  FIG. 6  to enter the name of the recipient. 
         FIG. 25  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the delivery service  FIG. 6  to add tracking information of the item. 
         FIG. 26  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the delivery service of  FIG. 6  to select an option if a signature is required and to choose the size of storage area to deposit the item. 
         FIG. 27  is a screenshot of an example of a page that displays the storage area number of the selected storage area for deposit the item. 
         FIG. 28  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the intended recipient of  FIG. 6  to enter a password in order to pick up an item. 
         FIG. 29  is a screenshot of an example of a page for the intended recipient of  FIG. 6  to sign if the delivery service (of  FIG. 6 ) chooses that a signature of the recipient is required prior to opening the lock. 
         FIG. 30  is a screenshot of an example of a page that displays the identifier of a storage area for the intended recipient of  FIG. 6  to pick up the item. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Although the issues discussed in the background or elsewhere may have motivated some of the subject matter disclosed below, nonetheless, the embodiments disclosed below do not necessarily solve all of the problems associated with the subject matter discussed in the background or elsewhere. Some embodiments only address one of the problems, and some embodiments do not solve any of the problems associated with the subject matter discussed in the background or elsewhere. 
     In general, at the beginning of the discussion of each of  FIGS. 1-4 and 6-7  is a brief description of each element. After the brief description of each element, each element is further discussed, usually in numerical order, but there is no one location where all of the information of any element of  FIGS. 1-10  is necessarily located. Unique information about any particular element or any other aspect of any of  FIGS. 1-10  may be found in, or implied by, any part of the specification. 
       FIG. 1A ( 1 ) shows a representation of delivery system  10  in which items are delivered to a storage room. Delivery system  10  may include a tablet  12 , a kiosk  14 , a camera  15 , a storage room  16 , a door  18 , a lock  20 , walls  22   a - e , bins  24 , shelves  26 , and other receptacles  28 . In other embodiments, the delivery system  10  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Delivery system  10  is a system in which packages are delivered and retrieved from a storage room. The delivery person or other user may interact directly with a kiosk (e.g., via a touchpad) to gain access into the storage room. Optionally, tablet  12  may be used by a delivery person (or other user) for interacting with the kiosk to gain entry into the storage room. Kiosk  14  may be on a control terminal, having a user interface (which may include a touchpad) for the delivery person and other users to access the storage system. Alternatively or additionally, the kiosk  14  may include (or may be) a control terminal, and kiosk  14  may interact with the tablet  12  to unlock a lock on a door of the storage room. In this specification, the terms “kiosk,” “terminal,” and “control terminal” are used interchangeably, and may be substituted one for the other to obtain different embodiments where ever either term occurs. Kiosk  14  may include a display screen and/or input device, such as a keyboard so that users (e.g., the recipients or the delivery person) may interact with the kiosk without the tablet. The delivery person may, for example via tablet  12 , interact with kiosk  14  to search for the intended recipient to ensure that the items is being delivered to the correct storage room and/or to determine whether to leave the item in the storage room or in another storage location. 
     Camera  15  photographs the item. The photo of the item may be used instead of a barcode to track the delivery of the item. Optionally, the photo of the item may be sent to and/or stored in a location where the sender can view the photo as part of a confirmation that the items was delivered. Optionally, if the recipient was not found in the search for the recipient performed, via kiosk  14 , the photo may be sent to a house account or another location, where someone can view the photo and match the photo with the recipient. Although camera  15  is shown as a standalone component of system  10 , camera  15  may be controlled by and/or incorporated into kiosk  14 . Optionally, camera  15  may be part of tablet  12  and controlled by the delivery person directly. 
     Storage room  16  is the storage room in which the items delivered by the delivery persona are placed. Storage room  16  may store the package delivered until the recipient comes to pick up the package. Storage room  16  may be an empty room or may have various storage devices into which packages are placed. Storage room  16  may hold packages for multiple unrelated users. Storage room  16  may be the location to which packages for people living in, renting, and/or using a building are delivered. Storage room  16  and/or kiosk  14  may be located inside the building or in a different building (such as a building maintained by the delivery service for users to pick up their packages from). Although in the embodiment of  FIG. 1A ( 1 ) there is only one storage room, in other embodiments there may be multiple storage rooms and/or other storage areas in addition to the storage room  16 . 
     Door  18  may be the door to the storage room  16 . Lock  20  may be an electronic lock that is controlled by kiosk  14 . The delivery person interacts, e.g., via a touchpad, with the kiosk  14  (or optionally via tablet  12 ) to unlock lock  20 , allowing the delivery person to place the package in storage room  16 . Although in  FIG. 1A ( 1 ), storage room  16  has rectangular shape, storage room  16  may have any shape. 
     Walls  22   a - e  are the walls of the storage room  16 . Storage room  16  may also include a floor and a ceiling. Although there are five walls illustrated in  FIG. 1A ( 1 ), in other embodiments, there may be any number of walls. 
     Bins  24  are optional and are just one example of storage receptacles that may be included in storage room  16 . Shelves  26  are optional and are just one example of storage areas that may be included in storage room  16 . Other storage receptacles  28  are optional and may include other types of storage receptacles that may be included in storage room  16 . 
     After the delivery person places an item in storage room  16 , optionally, a message may be sent to the recipient that an item has been delivered to the recipient in the storage room  16  and instructions to pick up the item from the storage room  16 . Alternatively, the recipient may periodically check storage room  16  to determine whether any packages were delivered for the recipient. Upon notification or periodically, without notification, the recipient may interact directly, e.g., via a touchpad, with kiosk  14  (or optionally using a tablet  12  or cell phone) to cause lock  20  to unlock and allow the recipient to retrieve the item delivered. 
     The remainder of this specification discusses different embodiments and details of system  10 . 
       FIG. 1A ( 2 ) shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a lock system  100   a  used for controlling electronic locks. In at least one embodiment, the lock system  100   a  includes at least door frames  101   a - n , doors  102   a - n , electronic locks  103   a - n  that include body portions  104   a - n  and strike portions  105   a - n , lines  106   a - n , a control terminal  110 , a lock interface  112 , a line  113 , user devices  130   a - n , a line  131 , and a network  140 . In other embodiments, the lock system  100   a  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
       FIG. 1A ( 2 ) illustrates an embodiment of a lock system  100   a  that controls opening and locking of a plurality of electronic locks. The lock system  100   a  receives a request from kiosk  14 , from another terminal, or from a user device and in response opens electronic locks. 
     In at least one embodiment, at least one electronic lock locks at least one door to a storage room. The electronic lock(s) controls access to the storage room, and can be opened by electronic signals. In an embodiment, a delivery person may use a portable electronic device (e.g., IPAD, tablet, mobile device) to send a request to open the electronic lock, so as to delivery an item(s) in the storage room. An intended recipient of the item may also use an electronic device to send a request to open the electronic lock so as to pick up the item. In another embodiment, more than one storage room may be used and locked by more than one electronic lock. Throughout this specification, the terms “storage area,” “room,” and “storage room” may be substituted one for another to obtain different embodiments. 
     Door frames  101   a - n  are structures that surround doors, into which the doors are fitted. In an embodiment, the door frames  101   a - n  may be the portion of the wall that are adjacent to the doors and may be an integral part of the wall. In an embodiment, each of door frames  101   a - n  includes a portion to which hinges of a door are attached and thus the door can be locked shut. Each of the door frames  101   a - n  may also include one portion of a lock mechanism, which securely fastens the door closed. In at least one embodiment, door frames  101   a - n  enclose entrances into a storage room(s) that optionally includes storage area(s). In an embodiment, the door frame encloses two sides and one end of the door. For example, the door frame may have two upright members (e.g., door jambs, which may also be referred to as door posts) to which the door is secured, and an upper traverse member (e.g., a head or lintel) over the top of the door. In another embodiment, the door frame include structures that surround all edges of the door that fits into the door frame (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1A ( 2 )). The two upright members and the upper traverse member are optional. In an embodiment, the door frames  101   a - n  are rectangular shaped. In other embodiments, the door frames  101   a - n  may have other structures and/or shapes. 
     Doors  102   a - n  are structures that serve to block off and prevent access, and allow access to, an entrance to a space (e.g., a room, a storage area, a receptacle, a locker, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the doors  102   a - n  includes at least a panel that swings on hinges or that slides or spins inside of the space. In at least one embodiment, each of the doors  102   a - n  connects to each of the door frames  101   a - n  on one side, respectively, while the opposite or other side of each door includes, or is connected to, a lock mechanism for securely fastening each of the doors  102   a - n  closed. In at least one embodiment, doors  102   a - n  include springs or other mechanical structures that mechanically bias the doors  102   a - n  to tend to stay in a closed position, so that doors  102   a - n  may close by themselves, if a user forgets to close one of doors  102   a - n . In other embodiments, doors  102   a - n  may include door handles or other structures. 
     In an embodiment, one or more electronic locks are installed on one or more doors for controlling access to at least one storage room (or a space or location). In an embodiment, a door opened by a delivery person does not have to be the door opened by a recipient who picks up the delivered item, but instead there may be one door for the delivery person and a different door for the users. 
     Electronic locks  103   a - n  are electronic fastening devices for locking the doors  102   a - n , respectively. In at least one embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  use magnets, solenoids, and/or motors to actuate the electronic lock mechanism by either supplying or removing power. The electronic locks  103   a - n  may be any sort of locks including, but not limited to, one of, or any combination of, electronic locks that require a password or code to be opened, electronic locks having a scanner that require a particular barcode, pattern, and/or fingerprint to be scanned to open, electronic locks that receive instructions via wireless signals (e.g., radio signals, audio signals, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  lock the doors  102   a - n , respectively, when the room(s) is not in use. In another embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  are left open when the room is not in use. In at least one embodiment, each of the electronic locks  103   a - n  may include two portions, one portion is mounted to the door and the other portion is mounted to the door frame or receptacle wall. The two portions of the electronic lock may engage with or be released from the other portion so as to block and allow access to the entrance. In at least one embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  include keypads and/or screens that allow a user to enter a password or key code, and/or to access the lock system  100   a . In at least one embodiment, when the password or key code entered by the user matches the predetermined key code or password, the electronic locks  103   a - n  are unlocked and the doors  102   a - n  may be opened. In at least one embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  may be automatically locked when the doors  102   a - n  are closed, or may include a button or mechanism to lock electronic locks  103   a - n , respectively. In an embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  may indicate that the electronic locks  103   a - n  are locked, by whether or not a light signal is on (or by the color of the light), for example. Alternatively, or additionally, a sound may be emitted, such as a buzz when the lock is locked or unlocked. In an embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  are electronically controlled by a lock interface  112  or a control terminal, which may communicate with each of the electronic locks  103   a - n  for controlling locking or unlocking of the electronic locks  103   a - n . In an embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  are equipped with buzzers that produces buzzing noise when the electronic locks  103   a - n  are unlocked. Optionally, in addition to the electronic control mechanism, the electronic locks  103   a - n  may include structures that allow the electronic locks  103   a - n  to be opened using physical objects such as keys, cards, and/or tokens, for example. In other embodiments, the electronic locks  103   a - n  may include other structures. 
     In an embodiment, each of the electronic locks  103   a - n  include one portion installed in the doors  102   a - n  and another portion in the door frames  101   a - n , which together, when electronic locks  103   a - n  are locked, hold the doors  102   a - n  locked in the door frames  101   a - n , respectively. In an embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  may include body portions installed in the doors  102   a - n  that may physically engage the strike portions installed in the frames  101   a - n , respectively. 
     Body portions  104   a - n  are portions of the electronic locks  103   a - n  that are installed in the doors  102   a - n , respectively. In at least one embodiment, the body portions  104   a - n  include protruding portions (e.g., bolts, latches, etc.) that extend beyond the side of the doors  102   a - n  into the strike portions in the frames  101   a - n , respectively. In at least one embodiment, the protruding portions, when engage the strike portions in the frames  102   a - n , securely holds the door  101   a - n  closed and locked. In an embodiment, retracting the protruding portions of the body portions  104   a - n  unlocks the electronic locks  103   a - n . In another embodiment, moving a part of the strike portion that blocks the protruding portion of the electronic lock also unlocks the door. In an embodiment, knobs and/or other structures are connected to the body portions  104   a - n.    
     In at least one embodiment, the body portions  104   a - n  are electronically controlled by the lock interface of the lock system  100   a  to lock and unlock the doors  102   a - n , respectively. In at least one embodiment, the body portions  104   a - n  include magnets, solenoids, and/or small motors and actuators to hold the electronic locks  103   a - n  closed and to retract the protruding portions of the body portions  104   a - n  when receiving instruction signals from the lock interface, a keypad, a key card, or other remote-control devices. In an embodiment, the protruding portion is spring-loaded, and the spring can be compressed to push the protruding portion into the unlocked position so that the door can be closed when the electronic lock is locked. When the spring is released, the protruding portion snaps into the locked position to hold the door locked. In another embodiment, the protruding portion is not spring loaded (e.g., a dead bolt), and the door can be opened and closed only by retracting and extending the protruding portion. 
     Strike portions  105   a - n  are portions of the electronic locks  103   a - n  that are affixed to one side of the door frames  101   a - n , respectively. In at least one embodiment, the strike portions  105   a - n  are lined up with the body portions  104   a - n  when the doors  102   a - n  are closed, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the strike portions  105   a - n  include receiving portions (e.g., holes, cavities, grooves, etc.) for receiving and holding the protruding portions of the body portions  104   a - n  securely in the frames  101   a - n , respectively, so as to hold the doors  102   a - n  closed and locked. In an embodiment, the strike portions  105   a - n  protect the door frames  101   a - n  against friction from the protruding portions of the body portions  104   a - n , respectively, and protect the part of door frames  104   a - n  that is covered by strike portions  105   a - n.    
     In at least one embodiment, the strike portions  105   a - n  are electronically controlled by the lock interface of the lock system  100   a  to lock and unlock the doors  102   a - n , respectively. In an embodiment, the strike portions  105   a - n  are electric strikes. For example, the strike portion may include a bar that presents a ramped surface to the latch or bolt of the body portion of the electronic lock, allowing the door to close and latch. The ramped surface of the strike portion can, upon command from the lock interface, pivot out of the way when the body portion on the door is in the locked position (without retraction of the latch or bolt) and the door is opened, allowing a user to open the door without operating a mechanical lock or using a mechanical key. In an embodiment, after the door is opened past the bar of the strike portion, the bar returns to the locked position (without pivoting out) and re-locks when power is removed or applied, depending upon the strike&#39;s configuration. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electric locks  103   a - n  may have various configurations such as, but not limited to, a fail-secure (or non-fail-safe) configuration (e.g., unlocking the door when the electric lock is energized) and a fail-safe (or fail-open) configuration (e.g., locking the door when the electric lock is energized). In a fail-secure (or non-fail-safe) configuration, applying electric current to the strike portion will cause the strike to unlock, and the strike would remain locked when power is removed (e.g., in a disconnection of power or a power failure). In an embodiment, the mechanical lock can still be used to open the door from the inside for egress from the secure side. The fail-secure configuration of the strike portion can be powered by alternating current or direct current. In a fail-safe (or fail-open) configuration, applying electric current to the strike portion will cause the strike to lock. In case of a power failure, the strike is unlocked and the door can be opened merely by being pushed or pulled. In an embodiment, the fail-safe configuration of the strike portion is operated with direct current. In an embodiment, the configurations of the strike portion of the electronic lock can be changed from secure-safe to fail-safe, and/or from fail-safe to secure-safe. In an embodiment, for the electronic lock with the spring-loaded protruding portion, the electric strike may be configured to become locked after the door is opened past the strike portion. When the door is closed, the spring of the protruding portion can be compressed and then released to extend the protruding portion in the receiving portion of the strike. In another embodiment, for the electronic lock with the dead-bolt, the electric strike may be configured to become locked after the door is closed and the protruding portion is inside the receiving portion of the strike. 
     Lines  106   a - n  communicatively link the electronic locks  103   a - n  to a lock interface for controlling the electronic locks  103   a - n . In at least one embodiment, the lines  106   a - n  include physical cable or wires, or wireless connections. 
     Control terminal  110  is a terminal that connects to the lock interface for managing and/or controlling the opening and locking of the electronic locks  103   a - n  and thus controlling the access through the doors  102   a - n . In at least one embodiment, the control terminal  110  is adapted to directly receive user input and/or receive signals, which may include requests, from a variety of devices, verify the requests and/or user authentication, and/or accordingly open one or more of the electronic locks  103   a - n . In an embodiment, the control terminal  110  is communicatively connected to the lock interface via wired or wireless connections. The control terminal  110  may be optional. 
     In at least one embodiment, the control terminal  110  receives and verifies the requests to open one or more of the electronic locks  103   a - n . In an embodiment, the control terminal  110  may verify the authentication of user (e.g., compare the entered user information with stored user data, compare password received at the kiosk  14 —or optionally from the user device—with a predetermined stored password). If the request is determined to be valid, the control terminal  110  sends signals through the lock interface to the corresponding electronic locks to open the locks. If the request is determined to be invalid, the control terminal  110  may send a message to the kiosk or optionally to a user device to notify the user that the user information or the password is invalid. In an embodiment, the control terminal  110  may be a standalone device (e.g., a kiosk), a device mounted to a structure, or a device being a portion of, or connected to, another device or system (e.g., a storage system, an access system of a building). In at least one embodiment, the control terminal  110  may include, or be connected to, a server for recording and managing user data and/or user accounts, verification of user authentication, managing and/or updating passwords, managing the usage of the spaces locked by the electronic locks  103   a - n , for example. 
     Lock interface  112  is a device and/or a system that is communicatively connected to each of the electronic locks  103   a - n . In at least one embodiment, the lock interface  112  receives and/or transmits wireless signals (e.g., WI-FI signals, near field communication signals, Bluetooth signals, facsimile, audio signals, radio signals, infrared communication signals, etc.). In another embodiment, the lock interface  112  may also include input devices for directly receiving user input. In an embodiment, the lock interface  112  directly receives requests from user devices. In another embodiment, the lock interface  112  receives instructions from the control terminal  110 . In at least one embodiment, the lock interface  112  includes a controller with circuits for directing and controlling signals received from the control terminal  110  and controls each of the electronic locks  103   a - n . In at least one embodiment, the lock interface  112  is connected to each of the electronic locks  103   a - n  by cables or wires, or via wireless connections. Signals sent from the lock interface  112  to the electronic locks  103   a - n  may lock and unlock the electronic locks  103   a - n , based on the entry of user information and/or a password. Throughout this specification, the terms “password,” “pass code,” “key code,” “access code,” and “entry code” are used interchangeably, and may be substituted one for another to obtain different embodiments. Throughout this specification, the terms “user,” “customer,” “recipient,” and “intended recipient” are used interchangeably and may be substituted one for the other in this specification to obtain different embodiments. 
     Line  113  communicatively links the lock interface  112  to the network for transmitting signals between the lock interface  112  and the user devices. 
     User devices  130   a - n  may include various electronic devices that are used by the users to communicate with the lock system  100   a . The user devices  130   a - n  are optional and the user (e.g., delivery person, intended recipient) may directly interact with a kiosk or a terminal. In at least one embodiment, the user devices may include, but are not limited to, smart phones, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), tablets, laptops, remote controllers, and personal computers. In at least one embodiment, the optional user devices  130   a - n  include at least signal transmitters and/or receivers for sending and/or receiving signals. In an embodiment, the optional user devices  130   a - n  communicate with the lock system  100   a , via wireless signals. For example, the user may use a tablet (e.g., an IPad) to communicate with the lock system  100   a . In an embodiment, the optional user devices  130   a - n  communicate with the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110 , via the Internet, mobile network, and/or other networks. In at least one embodiment, a user device may send, via the network, to the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110 , signals that include a request to open at least one of the electronic locks  103   a - n . The user device may also send user authentication information and/or a password to the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110 . 
     Line  131  communicatively links the optional user devices  130   a - n  to the network for transmitting signals between the optional user devices  130   a - n  and the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110 . 
     Network  140  may be any one or any combination of one or more Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), wireless networks, telephone networks, and/or other networks. In at least one embodiment, the network  140  may be used by the optional user devices  130   a - n , lock interface  112 , the control terminal  110 , and/or other devices to communicate with one another regarding opening and/or locking of electronic locks  103   a - n  and authorizing access to the room(s), which optionally includes storage area(s) behind doors  102   a - n.    
       FIG. 1B  shows a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of an electronic lock  100   b  in a locking position. Electronic lock  100   b  includes at least a body portion  150  that includes a latch  152 , and a strike portion  154 , which includes at least a stop plate  156 , a strike cavity  158 , a keeper  160 , a ramped surface  161 , a pivot  162 , a spring  163 , an arm  164 , a bar  166 , a catch  168 , a pivot  170 , a pivot pin  172 , a shaft  174 , and a solenoid  176 . In other embodiments, the electronic lock  100   b  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
       FIG. 1B  shows a cross sectional view of an electronic lock that can be used as the electronic lock  103   a - n  of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). In at least one embodiment, the electronic lock  100   b  may be normally in locked position or normally in the unlocked position, depending on the configuration. 
     Body portion  150  may be an embodiment of the body portions  104   a - n , which were discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). In at least one embodiment, the body portion  150  is installed on one side of a door and may engage with a strike portion on the door frame to lock the door. 
     Latch  152  is a latch that protrudes from the body portion  150  and extends beyond the side of the door to engage with the strike portion. In at least one embodiment, the latch  152  may be retracted by rotating/moving knobs and/or other structures that are connected to the body portion  150 . In an embodiment, the latch  152  may be replaced by other protruding structures such as a bolt. In an embodiment, the latch  152  is spring loaded such that the latch  152  can be compressed into an unlocked position. In another embodiment, the latch  152  is not spring loaded (e.g., a dead bolt). In an embodiment, the latch  152  may include both a spring loaded portion and a dead bolt. 
     Strike portion  154  may be an embodiment of the strike portions  105   a - n , which were discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). In at least one embodiment, the strike portion  154  includes a housing that is attached to the door frame. 
     Stop plate  156  is a plate on one side of the strike portion  154  to prevent the latch  152  of the body portion  150  from moving past the stop plate  156 . In an embodiment, the stop plate  156  blocks one side of a strike cavity so that access to the strike cavity is from the other side. 
     Strike cavity  158  is a space in the strike portion  154  that receives and holds the latch  152  when the door is closed. In an embodiment, the strike cavity  158  is between the stop plated  156  and a keeper that securely holds the latch  152  inside the strike cavity  158  when the electronic lock  100   b  is locked. 
     Keeper  160  is a bar that blocks the latch  152  from moving out of the strike cavity  158  when the keeper is in a locking position. In an embodiment, the keeper  160  is pivotally connected to the housing of the strike portion  154  and may pivot out of the way upon command, allowing the latch  152  ((without retraction of the latch  152 ) to move out of the strike cavity  158  and the door is opened. In an embodiment, after the door is opened past the keeper  160 , the keeper  160  returns to the locked position (without pivoting out) and re-locks when power is removed or applied, depending upon the strike&#39;s configuration. 
     Ramped surface  161  is a ramped surface on one end of the keeper  160 , facing away from the strike cavity  158 . In an embodiment, the ramped surface  161  is presented to the latch  152  such that the latch  152  (e.g., a spring loaded latch) is forced to be retracted, allowing the door to close and latch. When the latch  152  is past the keeper  160 , the spring loaded latch is released and snaps into the strike cavity  158 . 
     Pivot  162  is a pivot that is fastened to the housing of the strike portion  154 , on which the keeper  160  is mounted and may rotate about the pivot  162 . 
     Spring  163  is a spring mounted on the pivot  162 , biasing the keeper  160  to stay parallel to the stop plate  156  in a locked position. 
     Arm  164  is a structure that extends from the other end of the keeper  160 , opposite to the ramped surface  161 . In an embodiment, the arm  164  is perpendicular to the keeper  160 , facing the strike cavity  158 . In an embodiment, the arm  164  may engage with a catch structure that prevents the arm  164  and keeper  162  from rotating clockwise (as shown in  FIG. 1B ). 
     Bar  166  is a bar or plate that is pivotally connected to the housing of the strike portion  154 . Catch  168  is a wedge or a hook attached on one end of the bar  166  facing the arm  164 . In an embodiment, when the electric lock  100   b  is in a locking position, the catch  168  blocks the arm  164  from rotating clockwise, thus holding the keeper in a locked position. When in an unlocking position, the bar  166  and catch  168  pivots away from the arm  164 , allowing the arm to rotate clockwise and the keeper  160  to pivot out of the way when the latch  152  moves out of the strike cavity  158 . 
     Pivot  170  is a pivot that is fastened to the housing of the strike portion  154 . The bar  166  is mounted on the pivot  170  and rotates about the pivot  170 . 
     Spring  171  is a spring mounted on the pivot  170 , biasing the bar  166  to stay in a locking position where the catch  168  blocks the arm  164 . 
     Pivot pin  172  is a pivot pin that is inserted through a hole at the other end of the bar  166 , away from the catch  168 . The pivot pin  172  is connected to one end of a shaft that is controlled by a solenoid. 
     Shaft  174  is a shaft connected to the solenoid  176  that, when actuated by electrical current, causes the shaft  174  to move toward the solenoid  176 . In an embodiment, the solenoid  176  includes coils that form an electromagnet that convert electric energy to the motion of the shaft  174 . In an embodiment, the solenoid  176 , when actuated by electrical current, retracts the shaft  174  and thus causes the bar  166  to rotate counter-clockwise, and thereby moving the catch  168  away from the arm  164 , allowing the arm  164  and keeper  160  to pivot out of the way when the latch  152  is unlocked (without retracting the latch  152 ) from the strike cavity  158 . When the electrical current to the solenoid  176  is turned off, the spring  171  causes the bar  166  (and shaft  174 ) to return to the original locked position such that the catch  168  blocks the arm  164  from rotating clockwise, and thereby the keeper  160  remains in the locking position and securely holds the latch  152  in the strike cavity  158 . 
       FIG. 1C  shows a cross-sectional top view  100   c  of an embodiment of the electronic lock  100   b  of  FIG. 1B  in an unlocked position.  FIG. 1C  shows at least the body portion  150 , latch  152 , strike portion  154 , stop plate  156 , strike cavity  158 , keeper  160 , ramped surface  161 , pivot  162 , spring  163 , arm  164 , bar  166 , catch  168 , pivot  170 , pivot pin  172 , shaft  174 , and solenoid  176 .  FIG. 1C  also shows an arrow  178 . In other embodiments, the assembly in diagram  100   c  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
       FIG. 1C  shows a view of a transitional state that occurs when releasing the latch  152 , which thereby unlocks the door, using the electric lock  100   b , which is controlled to stay in the unlocked position. 
     Arrow  178  shows the direction in which the body portion  150  moves so as to open the door. In an embodiment, the solenoid  176  is actuated by electrical current, causing the shaft  174  to be retracted toward the solenoid  176 , and therefore the bar  166  pivots to keep the catch  168  away from the arm  164  (and thus no longer blocks the arm from rotating clockwise). When the door is opened, the latch  152 , without being retracted, pushes against the keeper  160 , causing the keeper  160  to rotate about the pivot  162  and pivot out of the way, allowing the latch  152  to move away from the strike cavity  158 . When the latch  152  is past the keeper  160 , the spring  163  causes the keeper  160  to return to the original position. 
       FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a lock interface  200 . Lock interface  200  includes at least a power source  201 , a receiver  202 , ground  203 , a voltage converter  204 , capacitors  205 ,  206 , and  207 , a light  208 , a resistor  209 , a processor  210 , and output signals  211   a - d . In other embodiments, the lock interface  200  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Lock interface  200  may be used as the lock interface  112  of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). Lock interface  200  provides an interface for the kiosk  14  or optionally a user device to interact with the locks  103   a - n.    
     Power source  201  provides electric power as an input into a processor of the lock interface  200 . In another embodiment, the power source  201  provides direct current (DC). In an embodiment, the power source  201  provides a voltage of 12 volts (V) to the lock interface  200 . 
     Receiver  202  is a signal receiver that is used to pick up signals that may be transmitted from the kiosk  14  or optional user devices  130   a - n . In an embodiment, the receiver  202  is an antenna. In an embodiment, receiver  202  recognizes Wi-Fi signals sent by the kiosk  14  or optional user devices  130   a - n  and transmit to the processor. 
     Ground  203  is a common return path for electric current, serving as constant potential reference point from which voltages are measured. 
     Voltage converter  204  may be an electrical transformer, a linear regulator, a switched mode DC-to-DC converter, or other voltage converter that changes the voltage of the signal. In an embodiment, the voltage converter  204  converts a 12V signal to 5V signal. In one embodiment, the voltage converter  204  may be a transformer. 
     Capacitors  205  and  206  are passive two-terminal electrical components. In an embodiment, the capacitors  205  and  206  filter and smoothen the signal coming into the processor. Capacitor  205  filters the signal received (removing at least some of the noise introduced while sending, transmitting and receiving the signal) prior to changing the voltage, so that the signal to noise ratio of the signal coming from the voltage converter  204  is lower than the signal to noise ratio would be had the signal not been filtered. Capacitor  206  filters the signal coming from the voltage converter  204 , removing noise introduced by the voltage converter  204 . In an embodiment, the capacitors  205  and  206  are electrolytic capacitors that are polarized due to the asymmetrical construction. In an embodiment, the anode electrode (+) of the capacitors  205  and  206  are made of a special metal on which an insulating oxide layer originates by anodization (forming), which acts as the dielectric of the electrolytic capacitor. Due to the asymmetrical construction, the capacitors  205  and  206  may only be operated with a higher voltage on the anode than on the cathode at all times (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 , the voltage on the anode of capacitor  205  is 12V (5V on the anode of capacitor  206 ) while the cathode is connected to ground  203 ,). In at least one embodiment, the capacitors  205  and  206  have higher capacitance compared to regular symmetrical capacitors of the same size, and thus are particularly suitable for passing or bypassing a large range of frequencies, from low-frequency signals up to some mega-hertz and storing large amounts of energy. 
     Capacitor  207  is a capacitor that does not have a polarity and thus can be mounted either way. In an embodiment, the capacitor  207  has smaller capacitance than the polarized capacitors  205  and  206 . In an embodiment, the capacitor  207  serves to further filter and smoothens the signal coming into the processor. Optionally, capacitors  206  and  207  could be replaced with a single capacitor having a capacitance that is the sum of the values of the capacitances of capacitors  206  and  207 . 
     Light  208  serves as an indicator indicating the working status of the lock interface  200 . In an embodiment, on and off of the light  208  may indicate the signal on and off. In an embodiment, the light  208  is a light-emitting diode (LED). 
     Resistor  209  is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element. In an embodiment, the resistor  209  is connected in series to limit the current flow through the light  208  so as to protect the light  208  from receiving too much current and damaging the light  208 . 
     Processor  210  is a processor that controls the electronic locks  103   a - n . Optionally, processor  210  verifies requests to unlock locks. In an embodiment, the processor  210  includes and/or is connected to at least a memory system. In an embodiment, the processor  210  is a microcontroller that includes at least a microprocessor that is connected to a memory system. In at least one embodiment, the processor  210  receives signals that are picked up by the signal receiver  202  and analyzes the information carried by the signals to determine which lock(s) to lock or unlock. For example, each lock may be assigned an identifier, and processor  210  may be configured to recognize two commands—one for locking a door and one for unlocking a door. Processor  210  may analyze an incoming signal to determine, which part of the signal represents the identifier and which part represents the command. The processor  210  may analyze the identifier to determine which lock was identified and analyzed the command to determine which command was received. Optionally, processor  210  may also check security codes, such as passwords, and user identification to determine whether the user sending the command is authorized to access the lock identified. For example, a request may include user authentication information, password, identifier(s) of electronic lock(s), etc. The processor  210  may be configured to verify the request by authenticating user information and/or determining whether the password carried by the signal matches the predetermined password. If the request is verified, the processor  210  is configured to output a signal, via one of the output ports to one of the electronic locks  103   a - n  that the request intends to open. In an embodiment, if a request is determined to be invalid, the processor  210  may output a signal to a transmitter circuit to send a message back to the kiosk  14  or optionally the user device to notify the user that the authentication information or the password is invalid. Alternatively or additionally, the authentication of the user may be performed elsewhere, such as by the control terminal  110 , a server that is communicatively connected to the lock interface  200 , kiosk  14 , or control terminal  110 , or the user device sending the signal. 
     Output signals  211   a - d  are sent by the processor  210  to open corresponding electronic locks. In an embodiment, the output signals  211   a - d  may be sent at the same time to open the corresponding electronic locks simultaneously. In another embodiment, one or some of the output signals  211   a - d  may be sent out in response to the request. In yet another embodiment, none of the output signals  211   a - d  are sent if the request is determined to be invalid. Although four output signals are illustrated in  FIG. 2 , it should be understand that the processor  210  may transmit another number of output signals to control another number of electronic locks. 
       FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a circuit  300  that may be included in the electronic locks  103   a - n  of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). The circuit  300  includes at least ground  203 , a connector  302 , an electrical switch  303 , a light  304 , a transistor  305 , resistors  306 ,  307 , and  309 , a light  308 , and an output signal  311 . In other embodiments, the circuit  300  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Connector  302  is a connector that connects to the electronic lock mechanism to control the locking and opening of the electronic lock. In an embodiment, the connector  302  is connected to the solenoid  176  of the strike portion  154  of the electronic lock  100   b  to control the electric strike. In another embodiment, the connector  302  is connected to the body portion of the electronic lock to control the bolt or latch of the electronic lock. In an embodiment, the connector  302  includes three pins, one of which is connected to ground  203 . 
     Electrical switch  303  is an electrical switch that controls the connection and disconnection of the electric lines to the connector  302 . In an embodiment, the electrical switch  303  includes a relay (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) that may be controlled by the current flow through the coil of the relay to change the position/state of the relay. In an embodiment, connecting the relay to the upper terminal and thus to the 12V power source as shown in  FIG. 3  causes a current to flow into the connector  302 . Connecting the relay to the lower terminal and thus to ground as shown in  FIG. 3  disconnects the current from the connector  302 . In this specification, the terms “switch,” “electrical switch,” and “relay” are used interchangeably, and may be substituted one for another to obtain different embodiments. In at least one embodiment, the switches in this specification may include, but are not limited to, electronic relays, transistors (and/or other semiconductor switches or threshold devices), electromagnetic switches, current switches, and/or voltage switches. 
     Diode  304  is a two-terminal electronic component that conducts electricity primarily in one direction. In an embodiment, diode  304  protects the rest of the circuit from voltage spikes that may be caused by electrical switch  303 . When the circuit is closed, the current from the voltage source is prevented from bypassing electrical switch  303  by diode  304 , thereby forcing the current through electrical switch  303 , activating electrical switch  303 . If electrical switch  303  is a relay having a coil that generates a magnetic field to change the state of the relay, when the circuit is opened, the coils in electrical switch  303 , the inductance of the coils of electrical switch  303  prevents a sudden change in the current, and (were diode  304  not present) would cause a large voltage build up, which could burn out other components in the circuit. With diode  304  present, when the circuit is broken, the current that flows through the coils of electrical switch  303  current may then flow through diode  304 , in the reverse direction, returning to the end of electrical switch  303  that is connected to the 5V power source, and again flow through the coils of electrical switch  303 . Since the current exiting electrical switch  303  has some place to flow (which is through diode  304 ), the voltage does not continue to build up, thereby protecting the rest of the circuit from the voltage build up. 
     Transistor  305  a semiconductor device used to switch and/or amplify the voltage. In an embodiment, the transistor  305  controls electric current flow through the coil of the electrical switch  303 . In at least one embodiment, the transistor  305  includes semiconductor material with at least three terminals for connection to an external circuit. In an embodiment, as the base voltage of the transistor  305  rises (e.g., in response to the signal received from the processor  210 ), the emitter and collector currents rise exponentially, allowing electric current to flow from the supply voltage to the electrical switch  303 , through the transistor  305  and to ground  203 . Transistor  305  acts as an electronic switch that either connects or disconnect electronic switch  303  to ground. When transistor  305  is turned on (as a result of the bias current being above a particular threshold), electronic switch  303  is connected to ground, so that current flows from the 5V power source through electronic switch  303  to ground, activating electronic switch  303 . When transistor  305  is turned off (as a result of the bias current being below the threshold), since electronic switch  303  is disconnected from ground, no current flows through electronic switch  303 , and electronic switch  303  is not activated. As a result of using transistor  305 , a current from the processor may be used to produce the bias current that opens and closes the transistor  305 , which may be of a significantly lower voltage than the voltage needed to activate the electronic switch  303 . Transistor  305  is protected, by the presence of diode  304 , from voltage buildups that may otherwise occur when the current path from the 5V power source to ground is broken, because diode  304  provides a place where current exiting electrical switch  303  can flow. 
     Resistor  306  acts to reduce current flow to the base of the transistor  305  and, at the same time, acts to lower the voltage added to the base of the transistor  305 . Resistor  307  fixes the bias voltage to be the same as the voltage across resistor  307 , so that the current flowing from the collector to the emitter changes linearly with changes in the current from base to emitter. Resistor  307  and resistor  306  act as a voltage divider, which sets the operating voltage at which the transistor  305  operates. Resistors  306  and  307  may be chosen so that the operating point of transistor  305  is in the saturation region or in the cutoff region, so that transistor  305  operates as a switch in which a small change in the bias current creates a relatively large change in the collector to emitter current. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , resistors  306  and  307  are chosen so that transistor  305  is in the cutoff region. 
     Light  308  is similar to the light  208 , which was discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 2 . In an embodiment, the light  308  is an LED that shows the working status of the electronic lock. In an embodiment, when signal is received at the electronic lock from the processor  210 , the light  308  lights up as current flows through the light  308 . 
     Resistor  309  is similar to the resistor  209 , which was discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 2 . In an embodiment, the resistor  209  is connected in series to limit the current flow through the light  308 , protecting light  308 . 
     Output signal  311  is a signal that is received by the circuit  300  from the processor  210  ( FIG. 2 ) for opening a corresponding electronic lock, which may be in response to the signal received at receiver  202 . In at least one embodiment, when the output signal  311  sent by the processor  210  reaches the circuit  300 , the light  308  lights up and a current flows to the base of the transistor  305 , which allows a current to flow between ground  203  and the high voltage source and therefore through the coils of the electrical switch  303 . As a result, the state/position of the electrical switch  305  is changed and the corresponding electronic lock that is connected to the connector  302  is opened. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system  400  that may be used as the lock interface  112  or the control terminal  110  of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). The computer system  400  may include a processor system  402 , an input system  403  that includes at least a keypad  404  and a scanner  405 , a memory system  406  that includes at least a lock control  407  and user database  408 , an output system  409 , a communications system  411 , and an input/output system  410 . In other embodiments, computer  400  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Processor system  402  may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of multiple parallel processors, a single processor, a system of processors having one or more central processors and/or one or more specialized processors dedicated to specific tasks. In an embodiment of computer system  400  that is used as the lock interface  112 , processor system  402  may implement machine instructions stored in the memory system of the lock interface, such as software for communicating with the optional user devices  130   a - n  and/or electronic locks  103   a - n , software for authenticating user information and/or password, managing and controlling the electronic locks  103   a - n , etc. In an embodiment of computer system  400  that is used as the control terminal  110 , the processor system  402  may implement machine instructions stored in the memory system of the control terminal, such as software for receiving input from the user, authenticating user information and/or password, sending instructions to the lock interface  112 , and managing information about users and/or electric locks  103   a - n.    
     Input system  403  may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a keyboard system, a mouse system, a track ball system, a track pad system, buttons on a handheld system, a scanner system, a microphone system, a connection and/or interface to a sound system, and/or a connection and/or interface system to a computer system, a connection and/or interface to an intranet, and/or a connection and/or interface to an internet (e.g., IrDA, USB), for example. In an embodiment of computer system  400  that is used as the control terminal  110 , the input system  403  may further include a keypad  404  and/or a scanner  405 . In an embodiment of computer system  400  that is used as the lock interface  112 , the input system  403  may include receivers for receiving wireless signals from the kiosk  14  or optional user devices  130   a - n . The keypad  404  and/or scanner  405  may be optional for the lock interface  112 . 
     Keypad  404  is a keypad that facilitates entering a password or pass code for unlocking at least one of the electronic locks  103   a - n . Keypad  404  may include a touchpad. In at least one embodiment, the keypad  404  may be part of the control terminal or lock interface or a separate keypad that is connected to the control terminal or lock interface via a cable or wire, or via wireless connection. In another embodiment, each of the doors  102   a - n  and/or wall of the room (or receptacles of storage areas) may include a keypad  404  mounted on the door or close to the door (e.g., on the door frame, in a room or entrance area in front of the door, or one the wall near the door), and the user may walk up to the door or other location of the key pad to key in the password or pass code. Alternatively, a user may use a touch sensitive screen to enter information into the lock system. 
     Scanner  405  is a scanner device that is used to scan barcodes or other patterns that are printed on a card or a label, or are shown on a screen of a mobile device. Scanner  405  is optional. In at least one embodiment, scanner  405  scans the barcodes or patterns and uploads the barcode or pattern that was scanned to the control terminal or lock interface and/or the server that the control terminal or lock interface is communicatively connected with, which recognize the barcodes or patterns and may retrieve information optionally from a database in the control terminal or lock interface, or the server. In other embodiments, scanner  405  includes other structures and/or functions. 
     Memory system  406  may include, for example, any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a long term storage system, such as a hard drive; a short term storage system, such as random access memory and/or flash memory; and/or a removable storage system, such as a floppy drive or a removable drive. Memory system  406  may include one or more machine-readable mediums that may store a variety of different types of information. The term “machine-readable medium” is used to refer to any non-transitory medium capable of carrying information that is readable by a machine. One example of a machine-readable medium is a computer-readable medium. Another example of a machine-readable medium is paper having holes that are detected that trigger different mechanical, electrical, and/or logic responses. 
     In an embodiment of computer system  400  that is used as the lock interface  112 , memory system  406  stores software for communicating with the kiosk  14 , optional user devices  130   a - n  and/or electronic locks  103   a - n . In at least one embodiment, memory system  406  stores software that may include machine instructions for authenticating user information and/or password, managing and controlling the electronic locks  103   a - n , for example. In at least one embodiment, memory system  406  may further include a lock control  407  and user database  408 . In an embodiment of computer system  400  that is used as the control terminal  110 , memory system  406  stores software for receiving user input, authenticating user information and/or password, communicating with the lock interface, etc. 
     Lock control  407  includes instructions and/or algorithms for controlling and managing the locks  103   a - n . In at least one embodiment, lock control  407  receives a request to open an electronic lock that locks a designated door. In an embodiment, the request is received at the kiosk  14  or optionally from the optional user devices  130   a - n  via wireless signals or from user input via the input system  403  or an input/output system. In at least one embodiment, lock control  407  receives a confirmation that the electronic lock is locked after the user closes the door. In at least one embodiment, the lock control  407  records the identifiers of the electronic locks  103   a - n , the time of locking and unlocking of each electronic lock, the location of each of the electronic locks  103   a - n , etc. In at least one embodiment, lock control  407  receives a password entered by a user and/or a request to open a designated electronic lock. In at least one embodiment, lock control  407  authenticates the user by comparing the entered password with the predetermined password. If the entered password matches the predetermined password, the lock control  407  sends a signal to the designated electronic lock to open the electronic lock. If the entered password and the predetermined password do not match, access is denied and the lock control  407  sends a message to notify the user that the password is invalid. In an embodiment, the lock control  407  may include an option to require a signature prior to opening an electronic lock and/or to require only certain people provide a signature to open the lock. If the signature is required, the lock control  407  will not open the electronic lock until the user enters a signature. In an embodiment, the lock control  407  may receive password and/or electronic signature transmitted from the kiosk  14  or optional user devices  130   a - n . Optionally, each electronic lock has (or is connected to) a keypad  404  or a panel for entering passwords, and the lock control  407  assigns and/or records a password to the electronic locks  103   a - n . In at least one embodiment, when the user enters a password via the keypad  404  or the panel of the electronic lock, the electronic lock sends signals to the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  and the lock control  407  authenticates the user (e.g., by authenticating a password and/or a signature) and returns a signal to the electronic lock to open or to deny access. In an embodiment of computer system  400  that is used as the control terminal  110 , the lock control  407  of the control terminal sends signals to the lock interface  112  to control the electronic locks  103   a - n.    
     User database  408  is a database that stores information about the users, such as which room(s) a particular user is authorized to use, information that identifies the user, and/or security information, such as passwords and/or copies of signatures. User database  408  may also keep a record of when a user accessed a room and which room the user accessed. 
     Output system  409  may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a monitor system, a handheld display system, a printer system, a speaker system, a connection and/or interface system to one or more sound systems, a connection and/or interface system to one or more peripheral devices, a connection and/or interface system to one or more computer systems, a connection and/or interface system to one or more LANs, and/or a connection and/or interface system to one or more WANs, for example. 
     Input/output system  410  may include devices that have a dual function as input and output devices. For example, input/output system  410  may include one or more touch sensitive screens, which display an image and therefore are an output device and accept input when the screens are pressed by a finger or stylus, for example. The touch sensitive screens may be sensitive to heat and/or pressure. One or more of the input/output devices may be sensitive to a voltage or current produced by a stylus, for example. Input/output system  410  is optional, and may be used in addition to or in place of output system  409  and/or input device  403 . 
     Communications system  411  communicatively links processor system  402 , input system  403 , memory system  406 , output system  409 , and/or input/output system  410  to each other. Communications system  411  may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of electrical cables, fiber optic cables, and/or means of sending signals through air or water (e.g., wireless communications), or the like. Some examples of means of sending signals through air and/or water include systems for transmitting electromagnetic waves such as infrared and/or radio waves and/or systems for sending sound waves. 
       FIG. 4B  shows an embodiment of a method  450  implemented with the system  10  of  FIG. 1A ( 1 ). 
     In step  452 , a code is received at kiosk  14  to grant the delivery person access to information that is available by kiosk  14 . Optionally as part of step  452 , the kiosk  14  receives the code and/or a request from the tablet  12  of the user. 
     In step  454 , a search is conducted on kiosk  14  for the recipient. In an embodiment, if the recipient is not found the package is returned. In another embodiment, the recipient is informed of the delivery whether or not the recipient is found via the search, such as by forwarding the information to a house account to locate the recipient or by having the sender provide contact information for informing the recipient of the delivery. 
     In step  456 , the camera  15  photographs the item being delivered. In an embodiment, photograph is taken regardless of whether the recipient is found, via the search so as to track the delivery of the item. The photo of the item may be used instead of a barcode to track the delivery of the item. As mentioned in conjunction with  FIG. 1A ( 1 ), the photo of the item may be sent to and/or stored in a location where the sender can view the photo as part of a confirmation that the item was delivered. Optionally, if recipient was not found in the search for the recipient performed, via kiosk  14 , the photo may be sent to a house account or another location, where someone can view the photo and match the photo with the recipient. 
     In step  460 , if there is more than one storage room or if there are other storage areas in addition to the storage room  16 , the delivery person is presented with options for where to place the item, which may be dependent in-part on the size of the object. 
     In step  462 , the lock  18  is unlocked by the kiosk  14 . Optionally as part of step  462 , the kiosk  14  receives confirmation and/or instructions from the tablet  12  to open the lock  18 . 
     In step  464 , the item is placed in the storage room  16  (unless there are other possible storage areas and another storage area was selected). 
     In step  466 , the storage room  16  is locked. 
     In optional step  468 , the recipient is informed of the delivery (e.g., by an automated e-mail or an automated phone call/message), and optionally is informed of the location where the item was delivered. 
     In optional step  470 , the sender is informed of the delivery and receives a copy of the photo of the item delivered. Optionally, as part of step  468 , the recipient may also receive a copy of the photo of the item delivered. 
     In an embodiment, each of the steps of method  450  is a distinct step. In at least one embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in  FIG. 4B , steps  452 - 470  may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method  450  may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method  450  may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method  450  may be used to form their own method. 
       FIG. 5  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method  500  for implementing the lock system  100   a  of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ) of a storage room. 
     In step  502 , the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  receives a request from the kiosk  14  or optionally one of the optional user devices  130   a - n  via the network  140 . In at least one embodiment, the request includes user authentication information and/or a password. In an embodiment, the request may include information about a designated door that the user intends to open. For example, the request may include and identifier of the room and/or lock that the user would like to access. Alternatively, the request may include information about a user to whom a package is being delivered, about a package that a user would like, and/or about a package being delivered, and based on the information provided the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  determines which door to open. A given storage room may be used by only one person or shared by many people. Optionally as part of step  502 , the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  may receive a request to select and open a storage room (e.g., whether or not the storage room is currently in use). 
     In step  504 , the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  determines the validity of the request. As part of the step  504 , the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  may authenticate the user based on the user authentication information received at the kiosk or optionally from the user device. The user authentication may be unique to an individual user, or some cases, a given organization, such as a delivery company may use the same authentication information for all delivery persons. If the received user authentication information does not match any record in the user database  408 , the request is deemed invalid and is rejected. If the received user authentication information matches a record in the user database  408 , the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  may further determine whether a designated door that the user intends to open requires a password. If a password is not required, the request is approved. If a password is required, the lock interface  112  or control terminal  100   a  determines whether the password received at the kiosk  14  or from the user device matches the predetermined password. If the received password matches the predetermined password, the request is approved. If the received password and the predetermined password do not match, the request is rejected. 
     In step  506 , in response to the rejection of the request, the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  sends a message to the kiosk  14  or user device that indicates that the request is invalid. The message of invalid request may include a message of invalid user or invalid password. 
     In step  508 , in response to the approval of the request, the lock interface  112  or the control terminal  110  sends a signal to the designated electronic lock. 
     In step  510 , the electronic lock is unlocked in response to the signal received from the lock interface  112 , so that the user may open the door that is controlled by the electronic lock. As part of the step  510 , the electric strike of the electronic lock is unlocked in an embodiment. 
     In optional step  512 , the electronic lock is locked after the door is closed by the user. 
     In step  514 , the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  sends a confirmation to the kiosk  14  or user device about unlocking of the designated door. Optionally as part of the step  514 , the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  sends a message about relocking of the same door after the user closes the door. 
     In an embodiment, each of the steps of method  500  is a distinct step. In at least one embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in  FIG. 5 , steps  502 - 514  may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method  500  may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method  500  may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method  500  may be used to form their own method. 
       FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a storage system  600  that may use the lock system  100   a  of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ) to control the access to a storage room and optionally to a set of other storage areas for delivery services and pickups. In at least one embodiment, storage system  600  includes and optionally storage locations  608 , which include at least one storage room  610   a , at least one door  610   b , and at least one lock  610   c . Optionally, storage locations  608  may also include a plurality of optional storage areas  611   a - n  that includes at least doors  612   a - n  and locks  613   a - n , line  614 , a storage terminal  615  (e.g., a kiosk), a camera  616 , and lines  617 ,  618  and  619 . Storage system  600  also includes at least a server  620 , line  621 , a delivery service  630 , lines  631  and  632 , a network  640 , intended recipient  650 , an intended recipient terminal  651 , line  652 , a phone  653 , line  654 , a mobile terminal  655 , line  656 , a manager  660 , a manager terminal  661 , a phone  662 , and lines  663  and  664 . In other embodiments, storage system  600  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates examples of a network associated with a storage system  600  in which the lock system  100   a  may be used to lock and unlock doors of the storage room and optionally of other storage areas. In at least one embodiment, the system  600  may be used to lock and unlock at least one door of a storage room(s). In at least one embodiment, an item(s) or package(s) may be delivered into and/or picked up from the storage room (or other storage areas). In this specification, the terms “item” and “package” are used interchangeably, and may be substituted one for another to obtain different embodiments. 
     In the storage system  600 , delivery service may deposit an item for an intended recipient in a room that optionally includes storage areas. Optionally, storage system  600  may include other storage areas in to addition to and separate from the storage rooms. In an embodiment, the delivery service may search for information about the intended recipient via a storage terminal that is connected to a server. If the intended recipient has been registered in the storage system  600 , the information about the intended recipient is found in the server and optionally the storage terminal assigns and/or opens a room (or other storage area) for the delivery service to deposit the item. Alternatively, the delivery service chooses a storage room (whether or not the storage room is in use) that is not currently in use, and the storage terminal may detect and/or information may be entered into the storage terminal informing the storage terminal which storage room (or other storage area) was chosen. In an embodiment, the storage terminal or the server may generate a password and notify the intended recipient to pick up the item from the same storage room using the password. In another embodiment, if the intended recipient is unregistered and/or cannot be found in the storage system  600  (e.g., if the intended recipient is not listed in search results returned by the server), the delivery service may photograph the mailing label and/or input the information about the intended recipient, via the storage terminal for uploading to the server, so that the server may contact a manager with a house account to obtain information about the intended recipient stored in a manger terminal, and/or subsequently register the intended recipient. Optionally, either the server or the manager may notify the intended recipient to pick up the item from the storage room (or other storage area). In an embodiment of the storage system  600 , it is possible to first deposit an item in a storage room, and then later establish an account and/or inform an intended recipient that his/her item is in the storage room waiting to be picked up. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic locks  103   a - n  of the lock system  100   a  may be installed on the doors of a storage room(s). Optionally, the electronic locks  103   a - n  may be installed on storage rooms (and/or other receptacles of the other optional storage areas) in the storage system  600 . In an embodiment, at least one electronic lock may be installed on at least one door and door frame of a storage room. In an embodiment, the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  of the lock system  100   a  may be used as the storage terminal in the storage system  600  and control the electronic locks that lock and unlock the doors to the room. In another embodiment, the control terminal  110  of the lock system  100   a  may include both the storage terminal and the server of the storage terminal  615  and may perform functions that are performed by the storage terminal and the server of the storage terminal  615 . In at least one alternative embodiment, the optional user devices  130   a - n  of the storage system  600  may include handheld devices used by the delivery service that send requests to open at least one of the locks so that a package(s) may be dropped off in the room(s) (or other storage areas), and/or the returned or unclaimed packages may be picked up. The optional user devices  130   a - n  of the storage system  600  may also include mobile devices used by customers (e.g., the intended recipients) that send requests to unlock electronic locks that control the access to the storage room(s) in which the packages for the intended recipients are stored. The optional user devices  130   a - n  may also include electronic devices used by the manager that manages the data about customers and/or the storage system  600 . 
     Storage locations  608  include at least a location or facility that includes at least one storage room that optionally includes storage areas for securely storing articles that may be accessible by authorized entities or persons. In at least one embodiment, storage locations  608  may include a locker bank that includes a number of lockers, each of which has a physical lock or an electronic lock controlled by an electronic system. In an embodiment, the storage locations  608  may be replaced by a storage room  16 . In an embodiment, the storage locations  608  may include one or more storage rooms and optionally may include storage areas of different shapes and/or sizes (e.g., small, medium, large, oversized) for storing items of various sizes. In another embodiment, the storage locations  608  may be part of a building having rooms as storage areas, or may itself be a building or a structure. 
     Optionally, the storage locations  608  may be free for the users to use, or may charge fees (e.g., a one-time fee for each use, a monthly or yearly rental fee, a membership fee, etc.). Optionally, the storage locations  608  may be associated with a company that includes customer service representatives, maintenance persons, and/or technical staff, for assisting the customers, answering questions, dealing with problems, managing the storage locations  608 , and/or handling technical issues. In at least one embodiment, the storage locations  608  may be accessible by different entities. For example, a delivery person from a delivery service company may drop off an item in a room that optionally has storage areas, and later an intended recipient may pick up the item from the same storage room or other storage area. In another embodiment, the storage locations  608  are owned and/or used by the same entity or person. For example, storage locations  608  may be owned and used by a company for distributing or storing items of the employees of the company. The storage locations  608  may provide different levels and/or methods of security. For example, a user may possess a password or a key to lock and open a room in the storage locations  608 . In another example, a user may use a password or code received from a server, a manager, or delivery service to open the storage room. 
     In at least one embodiment, storage locations  608  are partially or entirely controlled by an electronic system that includes at least a storage terminal for managing and controlling the room(s) or optional storage areas. For example, a delivery person and/or an intended recipient may use the storage terminal to access the room(s) or optional storage areas in the storage locations  608 . In another embodiment, storage locations  608  may be managed or operated online, optionally via a user interface. In at least one embodiment, the storage locations  608  are communicatively connected to a network and/or a server. 
     In at least one embodiment, storage locations  608  are located in a public place and/or within an area (e.g., within a pickup radius) of a location associated with an intended recipient. The storage locations  608  may be located in an apartment building, an office building, a school, a campus, a facility, for example, which is in a pickup radius of a location (e.g., a business or residents) associated with the intended recipient. In at least one embodiment, storage locations  608  have their own building or shelter, or are located inside an apartment building, an office building, a school building, for example. In at least one embodiment, multiple entities or buildings may share the storage locations  608 , which is located in a pickup radius of the multiple entities or buildings. In another embodiment, more than one storage locations  608  may be located in the same building, optionally for serving different entities or companies. In at least one embodiment, the storage system  600  includes multiple storage locations, and each may be located a different location, for properly serving intended recipients residing or working at different locations. In other embodiments, storage locations  608  may include other structures or devices. 
     Storage room  610   a  is an embodiment of the storage room  16  that was discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1A ( 1 ). Although the icon depicting at least one storage area  610   a  depict a row of more than three outdoor storage rooms connected together, the at least one storage room  610   a  may be indoors and there may be any number of storage rooms including just one storage room. Door  610   b  is an embodiment of door  18 . Lock  610   c  is an embodiment of lock  20 . Each storage room  610   a  has at least one door  610   b  and each door  610   b  has at least one lock  610   c . Optional storage areas  611   a - n  are secured storage compartments or spaces in storage locations  608  for temporarily holding or storing articles or items, and may be accessible by both delivery services and intended recipients. In an embodiment, optional storage areas  611   a - n  may be lockers or rooms. In an embodiment, the optional storage areas  611   a - n  may be replaced by one or more storage rooms. In another embodiment, optional storage areas  611   a - n  may be any receptacle, such as bins, cages, baskets, containers, storage rooms, and/or bags (in this specification, the word receptacle is generic to a locker and any other container). In an embodiment, optional storage areas  611   a - n  may include receptacles with walls made from materials such as steel, wood, laminate, plastic, for example. In another embodiment, optional storage areas  611   a - n  may include rooms in a building or structure. In at least one embodiment, the receptacles of optional storage areas  611   a - n  are physically joined together side by side, optionally sharing walls with one another. In another embodiment, the optional storage areas  611   a - n  may be separated from one another. In at least one embodiment, the receptacles of optional storage areas  611   a - n  are arranged in rows and/or tiers, and may include multiple rows and/or tiers. In at least one embodiment, optional storage areas  611   a - n  all have the same size and/or shape. In another embodiment, optional storage areas  611   a - n  include different sizes and/or shapes. In at least one embodiment, each of the optional storage areas  611   a - n  may include a storage identifier (e.g., a storage area number) for identifying the storage area. The storage identifier may also be useful in locating and/or tracking items that being delivered or waiting to be picked up. In at least one embodiment, each of optional storage areas  611   a - n  may include a door with a lock mechanism for securely fastening the door. In other embodiments, optional storage areas  611   a - n  may be in various shapes, numbers, sizes, and/or materials. 
     In at least one embodiment, the storage room and the optional storage areas  611   a - n  are not assigned to specific intended recipients or accounts. In at least one embodiment, delivery service delivers an item(s) associated with an intended recipient or an account and leaves the item delivered in the storage room or optionally in one of the optional storage areas  611   a - n , which is secured by a lock mechanism. The item remains in the storage room or in the selected one of optional storage area  611   a - n , secured by the lock mechanism, until the item is later picked up by an authorized intended recipient. In at least one embodiment, after the item is picked up from one of the optional storage areas  611   a - n , the same storage area is ready to be reused, and may store items for other intended recipients. By contrast, the items of multiple users may be stored in one storage room while waiting for the recipients to pick up the items. In an embodiment, items associated with one intended recipient or one account may be delivered into multiple storage rooms and/or optional storage areas  611   a - n.    
     In an alternative embodiment, each of optional storage areas  611   a - n  may be assigned to an intended recipient and/or an account. In an embodiment, each of optional storage areas  611   a - n  is secure in the sense that only the user and the delivery service have authorized access. After one of optional storage areas  611   a - n  is already in use, others desiring access to the same storage area, since they are not authorized to have access, are expected to be required to defeat at least one security device, such as by breaking the storage area, picking a lock, and/or breaking a code. In an embodiment, optional storage areas  611   a - n  may be associated with (e.g., owned, rented, and/or managed by) a delivery company. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of optional storage areas  611   a - n  may be managed by another party (e.g., the manager of the apartment building or office building where the storage locations  608  is located, a laundry service, or a household services company). In an embodiment, some of the storage areas may store items owned by multiple individuals in one storage area. 
     Doors  612   a - n  are structures that serve to block off, and allow access to, an entrance to one or more storage rooms and optionally to other optional storage areas  611   a - n . The doors  612   a - n  may be embodiments of the doors  102   a - n , which were discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). In an embodiment, the doors  612   a - n  include ventilation structures (e.g., a series of horizontal angled slats at the top or bottom of the doors  612   a - n ) to provide for the flow of air to aid in cleanliness. In at least one embodiment, the doors  612   a - n  are biased (via springs or other mechanical structures) to closed position, so that doors  612   a - n  may close by themselves after the items are dropped off or picked up. In other embodiments, doors  612   a - n  may include door handles or other structures. 
     Locks  613   a - n  may include fastening devices for locking one or more storage rooms and optionally for locking optional storage areas  611   a - n , respectively. Locks  613   a - n  may be embodiments of the electronic locks  103   a - n , which were discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). In at least one embodiment, the locks  613   a - n  locks the storage rooms and optionally optional storage areas  611   a - n , respectively, when the optional storage areas  611   a - n  are not in use. In another embodiment, the locks  613   a - n  are left open when the optional storage areas  611   a - n  are not in use. In at least one embodiment, the locks  613   a - n  may be mounted to the doors  612   a - n  or to the receptacle walls of the storage rooms and optionally of the optional storage areas  611   a - n . In an embodiment, the locks  613   a - n  are electronically controlled by the storage terminal or the server, which may include a lock interface that sends signals to each of locks  613   a - n  for controlling locking or opening of locks  613   a - n . In at least one embodiment, the user may select a storage area and enter password or key code using the storage terminal, and the storage terminal or server may compare the key code to stored key codes to determine whether the key code or password entered matches predetermined password or key code for that storage area. If matched, the storage terminal or server sends a signal to open the lock of the selected storage room and optionally the selected storage area. In at least one embodiment, the storage terminal or server receives a request to open or lock one or more of the locks  613   a - n  and sends signals to the selected locks for controlling the opening or locking the locks. 
     Line  614  communicatively links the locks  613   a - n  to a storage terminal for controlling the locks  613   a - n . In at least one embodiment, line  614  includes physical cable or wires, or wireless connections. In at least one embodiment, line  614  connects each of the locks  613   a - n  to a lock interface that is controlled by the storage terminal. 
     Storage terminal  615  is a terminal for managing and/or controlling access to storage rooms and optionally to optional storage areas  611   a - n  of storage locations  608 , and/or assisting deliveries and pickups. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  may be a standalone device (e.g., a kiosk), a device mounted to a wall of a storage room of storage locations  608 , or a device being a portion of, or connected to, the receptacles of storage areas  611   a - n . In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  includes at least a computer system and/or a user interface for communicating with delivery service and intended recipients and handling deliveries and/or pickups. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  includes multiple computer systems communicatively connected to one another, one at each row of optional storage areas  611   a - n  or at different locations for the convenience of users. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  is communicatively connected to each of the locks  613   a - n  for sending signals to and/or receiving from the lock of each of the optional storage areas  611   a - n . In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  sends signals to one of the locks  613   a - n  to open or lock the electronic lock, for allowing both delivery service and the intended recipient to access the same storage area in a secured way. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  is communicatively connected to a network that allows the storage terminal  615  to communicate with a server, a delivery service, an intended recipient, and/or a manager. In at least one embodiment, the storage terminal  615  may function as the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  of the lock system  100   a  to control the locks  613   a - n.    
     In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  allows delivery service to access the storage system  600  and search for an intended recipient to deliver an item. Optionally the delivery service is registered in the storage system  600  and/or receives an access code, and may enter the access code at the storage terminal to access storage system  600 . In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  stores machine instructions, which when activated cause the storage terminal  615  to provide a user interface that presents a page to the delivery service, via which the delivery service may enter information about an intended recipient to search for intended recipients. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  shows a list of returned, unclaimed, or unretrieved items for the delivery service to collect and return to the vendors. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  shows a list of one or more storage rooms and optionally of available storage areas that have different sizes, and presents fields to the delivery service for choosing a size of storage area for dropping off the item. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  provides an option for the delivery service to decide whether a signature is required prior to unlocking the storage area for the intended recipient to pick up. In at least one embodiment, the storage terminal  615  assigns a storage location that is not currently in use, and/or generate a password (or key code) that may be used by the intended recipient to access the storage area. In at least one embodiment, the access code is different from the password (or key code) in that the access code is assigned to the delivery service for accessing the storage system  600  and may remain unchanged whenever the delivery service deposits various items to the optional storage areas  611   a - n , while the password is generated once when an item is dropped off in one of the optional storage areas  611   a - n  for an intended recipient to open the lock to the one storage area and may expire thereafter. In at least one embodiment, the storage system  600  may generate different passwords for each different use of the same storage area(s)  611   a - n . If one of optional storage areas  611   a - n  is a room or other storage area shared by many individuals, different users may have different passwords for accessing the same storage area, where the different passwords are valid at the same time. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  presents a field to the intended recipient for entering the password and/or signature, and then authenticates the intended recipient prior to allowing the intended recipient to pick up the item. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  includes a pad or touch screen for the intended recipient to sign. In at least one embodiment, storage terminal  615  communicates with the server to record and manage information about intended recipients, items, and/or optional storage areas  611   a - n . In an embodiment, a photograph is taken of the package to track the package (whether or not the intended recipient is found). In another embodiment, if an intended recipient is not registered or not found in the storage system  600 , storage terminal  615  allows and/or instructs the delivery service to photograph a mailing label of the item via a camera that is communicatively linked to the storage terminal  615 , and then upload the photograph to the server. 
     Camera  616  is a camera for taking photos of mailing labels of items for tracking the package. In other embodiments, camera  616  may be used to photograph other items such as identification cards, users, barcodes, for example. In at least one embodiment, camera  616  is communicatively linked to storage terminal  615 , and may be located close to or as a part of the storage terminal  615 . In at least one embodiment, if an intended recipient is not found in the server (e.g., the user may be unregistered or not listed in the search results due to other reasons), the photograph of the mailing label of the item is uploaded to the server  620  for contacting a manger to obtain the contact information of the intended recipient. In at least one embodiment, besides photographing the mailing label using camera  616 , the delivery service may also enter information about the intended recipient (e.g., name, address on the mailing label, phone number, etc.), or scan a bar code associated with the item for the server to retrieve information about the intended recipient from the delivery service. In at least one embodiment, the photographs of the mailing label (and/or other information about the intended recipient) is viewed by a manager and/or identified by a manager terminal, to locate the intended recipient and/or obtain information about the intended recipient. In an embodiment, the photographs of the mailing labels may be stored temporarily until the intended recipient is contacted to pick up the item, until the item is picked up, and/or the server registers the intended recipient for future services. In another embodiment, the photographs of the labels may be stored in the server or manager terminal so that when another item with the same mailing label is received, the system recognizes the mailing label and retrieves the contact information automatically. In at least one embodiment, the photographs of the mailing labels are stored in storage terminal  615 , server, and/or another system capable of storing electronic images. In at least one embodiment, the photographs of the labels may be stored in a location such that the photographs of the labels may be accessed by a delivery person or other user, via a website. In this specification, the terms “photograph” and “image” may be substituted one for the other to obtain different embodiments. 
     Line  617  communicatively links the camera  616  to the storage terminal  615  for controlling the camera  616  and/or uploading photos or images. 
     Line  618  communicatively links the storage terminal  615  to the network for transmitting signals between storage terminal  615 , the server, the delivery service, and/or the intended recipient. 
     Line  619  communicatively links the storage locations  608  to a server for managing storage system  600 . Line  619  is optional. In at least one embodiment, line  619  may include electronic wires that physically connect storage locations  608  with server. In yet another embodiment, line  619  includes wireless connections between storage locations  608  and server. 
     Server  620  is a server that may store, manage, and/or track information about intended recipients, items, storage locations, delivery services, managers, for example. In at least one embodiment, server  620  also registers intended recipients, managers, and delivery services, manages and controls optional storage areas  611   a - n  and locks  613   a - n , communicates with, and/or authenticates, delivery services, managers, and intended recipients. In at least one embodiment, server  620  includes a database(s) for storing intended recipient data, delivery data, manager data, storage location data, for example. In at least one embodiment, server  620  includes instructions for handling deliveries, pickups, and/or inquiries, communicating with delivery service, intended recipients, and/or managers. In at least one embodiment, server  620  communicates with a service system of the delivery service to retrieve item information, tracking information, information about the intended recipient, etc. In at least one embodiment, the server  620  may be part of the control terminal  110  of the lock system  100   a , or may be communicatively connected to the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110 . 
     In at least one embodiment, server  620  assigns an access code to the delivery service for accessing storage system  600  in order to deliver items to storage locations  608 . In at least one embodiment, server  620  generates passwords for intended recipients to access one or more of the optional storage areas  611   a - n . In at least one embodiment, the passwords are valid for only one use (i.e., the password expires after the intended recipient uses the password to pick up an item), or are valid for a limited time (e.g., 8 hours, two days, a week, etc.). In at least one embodiment, server  620  authenticates the validity of the passwords. In at least one embodiment, server  620  hosts a website and/or a user interface for users to register and set up an account, and logon to the website to update user information, leaving messages, tracking mailing status, and/or check items that are ready to be picked up. In other embodiments, server  620  may include other structures or devices for communicating with intended recipients, delivery service  620 , and/or managers. In other embodiments, server  620  may include other structures or devices that perform other functions. 
     Line  621  communicatively links the server  620  to the network for transmitting signals. 
     Delivery service  630  delivers items for intended recipients to storage locations  608 , via handheld devices used by the delivery service  630  or storage terminal  615  that allows delivery service  630  to access storage system  600  and deposit the item(s) in one or more of optional storage areas  611   a - n . In this specification, the term “delivery service” is generic to an employee of a delivery service company or a delivery person, because by virtue of being employed by the delivery services company the employee may need to go to the storage location to deliver or deposit items. In at least one embodiment, the delivery service  630 , upon request, picks up items from vendors, pick-up locations, or warehouses, and delivers the items to intended recipients listed on the mailing labels of the items. In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  provides tracking information on a website associated with delivery service  630 , and may store a history of the item deliveries and information about the intended recipient. In at least one embodiment, server  620  may retrieve tracking information from delivery service  630  and provide the tracking information to the intended recipients. In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  may notify the intended recipient before and/or after the item has been delivered (e.g., via email, voice message, text message, delivery notes, etc.). In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  sends delivery information and/or pick up instructions to the intended recipients. 
     In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  may include a system of handheld devices for the delivery personnel to carry, which may include an application that interacts with storage locations  608  for accessing the storage system  600 . In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  may enter access code, search for intended recipients, take and upload photos of the mailing labels, enter tracking number, choose from available optional storage areas  611   a - n , etc. Optionally, the application includes a setting for requiring a signature from the intended recipient prior to unlocking the lock. In another embodiment, delivery service  630  uses a user interface of the storage terminal  615  for accessing the storage system  600 . In at least one embodiment, storage system  600  may provide a secure and convenient way for delivery service  630  to deliver items to secured storage areas for intended recipients to pick up. 
     In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  uses an access code that may be assigned by server  620  to access storage system  600  or login to an account associated with the delivery service  630 . In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  may view, in the account of delivery service  630 , a list of unretrieved and/or returned items, and open the storage areas to collect the returned and/or unretrieved items. The unretrieved or returned items may then be returned to the senders. In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  may search for an intended recipient by entering the name of the intended recipient. If the intended recipient is found in the storage system  600 , in an embodiment, the delivery service  630  may view the search result and select the intended recipient, and may choose an option whether a signature of the intended recipient is required prior to unlocking the lock. In at least one embodiment, the delivery service  630  may be presented an option for requiring a signature whether or not the intended recipient is found in the list of intended recipients of storage system  600 . In at least one embodiment, the delivery service  630  may also choose the size of storage area (e.g., small, medium, large, oversized, etc.) based on the size of the item, and may view the number of available optional storage areas  611   a - n  in each size. In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  receives a storage area number (or other identifier) of one of the optional storage areas  611   a - n  that is assigned and opened by storage system  600  to deposit the item. In this specification the terms “storage area number” and “storage area identifier” are used interchangeable—one may be substituted for the other to obtain different embodiments. In at least one embodiment, if the intended recipient is not found in the storage system  600 , the delivery service  630  may be asked to photograph the mailing label and/or input the information about the intended recipient (e.g., the intended recipient&#39;s name) for contacting a manager. Optionally, the delivery service  630  may enter tracking number or scan tracking bar code and upload the tracking number and the bar code to the server  620 . Then the delivery service  630  may deposit the item in a storage area assigned and opened by the storage terminal  615 . In at least one embodiment, the delivery service  630  closes and/or locks the door of the storage area after dropping off the item. Optionally, delivery service  630  may receive a confirmation from storage system  600  that the item is ready to be picked up and/or request delivery service  630  to confirm that the item is in the storage area waiting to be picked up. Optionally, delivery service  630  may request the storage system  600  to assign another storage area if the item does not fit in the originally assigned storage area. 
     In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  may receive a request from the vendor, the person that sends the item, or the intended recipient to deliver the item to a specific storage room and/or a specific storage area. In at least one embodiment, the storage terminal assigns one of the optional storage areas  611   a - n  that is not currently in use for the delivery service  630  to drop off the item. In at least one embodiment, if the item is not picked up by the intended recipient in a predetermined period (e.g., three weeks, one month, six months, etc.), the delivery services  630  may pick up the item from the same storage area and return the item. 
     Line  631  communicatively links the delivery service  630  to the network for the delivery service  631  to communicate with storage locations  608 , server  620 , intended recipient, etc. In at least one embodiment, the handheld devices of the delivery personnel communicate via line  631  and network  640  with storage locations  608  and server  620  to access storage system  600  for delivering items. 
     Line  632  communicatively links the delivery service  630  to the storage locations  608 . Line  632  is optional. 
     Network  640  may be an embodiment of the network  140 , which as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). Network  640  may be used by storage locations  608 , server  620 , delivery services  630 , intended recipients, and/or managers to communicate with one another regarding items being delivered to storage areas  6612   a - n  and/or intended recipients to be contacted for picking up the items. 
     Intended recipient  650  is a person or entity that receives items or other deliveries in storage locations  608 . In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  resides or works in a building where storage locations  608  is located, or within a pickup radius. Storage system  600  may include any number of intended recipients. In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  is registered and/or has an established account in server  620 , and information of intended recipient  650  may be stored in the memory of server  620 . Intended recipient  650  may have registered with the storage system  600 , via a user interface at storage terminal  615 , by intended recipient terminal  651 , mobile terminal  655 , and/or may register by phone  653 . In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  may select a preferred one of storage locations  608  to which items for the intended recipient  650  may be delivered. For example, perhaps a first storage location is in the apartment building where intended recipient  650  resides, and perhaps a second storage location is in the office building where the intended recipient  650  works. In this example, intended recipient  650  may select, optionally via the registered account in server  620 , which storage location to delivery some or all of the items for the intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, information about intended recipient  650  is stored by a manager of the building in which the intended recipient  650  resides and/or works, and the manager may provide the information about intended recipient  650  if the delivery person cannot find a listing for intended recipient  650  (perhaps the delivery person has the wrong spelling of the name). Optionally, the information provided by the manager may be used to register the intended recipient  650 , upon approval of the intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  is not registered in server  620  but may still receive an item delivered to the storage locations  608 . In this embodiment, server  620  may contact the manager to obtain information about the intended recipient, and/or may automatically register the intended recipient  650  in the server  620 . Alternatively, intended recipient  650  may be directly contacted by the manager to pick up items. 
     In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  may own and/or use various electronic devices including an intended recipient terminal, a phone, and/or a mobile device for communicating and receiving e-mails, instant messaging, Short Message Service (SMS) messaging, and/or other forms of text and/or voice communications. In at least one embodiment, the electronic devices used by the intended recipients may be embodiments of the user devices  130   a - n  of the lock system  100   a  for sending requests to open the electronic lock(s) to the storage room. In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  receives a notification, optionally from delivery service  630 , server  620 , and/or manager that an item is waiting to be picked up in one of the storage locations  608 . In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  receives delivery information and a password from server  620  or manager for accessing the storage area to pick up the item. In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  enters the password and/or other information into the storage terminal  615  of storage locations  608 , and confirms to pick up the item. The storage terminal  615  then opens the lock of the storage area within which the item is deposited, and the intended recipient  650  may pick up the item and close the door of the storage terminal. In at least one embodiment, the intended recipient  650  provides a signature or other identification or confirmation to the storage terminal  615  before the storage terminal unlocks the storage area. Optionally, after the intended recipient  650  enters the password, a signature is required (i.e. if the delivery service  630  chooses the option to require a signature) before the storage system  600  opens the lock of the storage area. In at least one embodiment, intended recipient  650  may use the mobile device or the storage terminal  615 , which may include a pad for the intended recipient  650  to sign, to enter and upload the signature to the server  620 , and then the storage system  600  opens the lock and shows the storage area number where the item is stored. 
     Intended recipient terminal  651  is a terminal or network appliance that may be used by intended recipient  650  to receive notifications from or to communicate with server  620 , delivery service  630 , or manager regarding items to be picked up. In this specification, the term “network appliance” refers to any appliance capable of communicating via a network. Intended recipient terminal  651  may also be used for other purposes such as browsing websites, computing, utilizing software, playing games, for example. For example, intended recipient terminal  651  may be a personal computer, a handheld computer, a terminal linked to a computer, or any other network appliance. In at least one embodiment, intended recipient terminal  651  is communicatively linked to network  640 . 
     Line  652  communicatively links the intended recipient terminal  651  to the network  640  for the intended recipient terminal  651  to communicate with the storage locations  608 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , manager, etc. In at least one embodiment, the intended recipient terminal  651  receives via line  652  notifications from server  620 , storage locations  608 , and/or delivery service  630  that an item(s) is waiting to be picked up. 
     Phone  653  is an ordinary phone that may be used by intended recipient  650  to communicate with (e.g., via phone calls, voice messages, etc.) server  620 , delivery service  630 , or manager regarding items or other issues. In at least one embodiment, phone  653  is communicatively connected to network  640 . 
     Line  654  communicatively links the phone  653  to the network  640  for the phone  653  to communicate with the storage locations  608 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , manager, etc. In at least one embodiment, phone  653  receives via line  654  from storage locations  608 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , and/or manager notifications about items to be picked up. 
     Mobile terminal  655  is a mobile device used and/or owned by consumer  650  for communicating (e.g., via phone calls, voice messages, text messages, emails, etc.) with server  620 , delivery service  630 , or manager regarding items to be picked up or other issues. Mobile terminal  655  may store an application that was downloaded from server  620 . The application may interface with server  620 , and presents to the intended recipient  650  a page via which the intended recipient  650  may request to open a storage area, which may cause server  620  and/or storage terminal  615  to open a storage area so that the intended recipient  650  may retrieve an item left in the storage area for the intended recipient  650 . The application may include a page via which the intended recipient  650  may enter a signature, via a touch screen or upload a stored signature, which the server  620  and/or storage terminal  615  may authenticate. Whether or not the intended recipient  650  is granted entry into the storage area containing the items left for the intended recipient  650  may depend on whether the signature was uploaded and/or whether the signature was determined to be authentic. Mobile terminal  655  may also have other uses, such as making phone calls, browsing a network, personal computing, and/or receiving messages. For example, mobile terminal  655  may include smart phones, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), tablets, laptops, and/or other electronic mobile devices. In at least one embodiment, the intended recipient  650  may be contacted, via at least one of intended recipient terminal  651 , phone  653 , and mobile terminal  655 . Intended recipient terminal  651 , phone  653 , and mobile terminal  655  are just some examples of the many different ways that storage system  600  may communicate with intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, mobile terminal  655  is communicatively connected to network  640 . 
     Line  656  communicatively links the mobile terminal  655  to the network  640  for transmitting signals. In at least one embodiment, mobile terminal  655  may receive via line  656  notifications such as phone calls, voice messages, texts, and emails from storage locations  608 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , and/or manager about items to be picked up. In another embodiment, mobile terminal  655  may access storage system  600  via line  656  to enter a password and/or upload a signature to request the storage system  600  to open the lock to the storage area that stores the item. 
     Manager  660  manages and oversees issues or management information related to users, residents, or entities in a building or company (e.g., an apartment building, an office building, a school, etc.). In this specification, the term “manager” is generic to an employee of the managing office, a person in charge of the house account, or an electronic managing system or administrative server, because either the employee or person may view and identify information about the intended recipient, or the managing system may automatically identify and locate the intended recipient, when the intended recipient is not registered in the storage system  600 . In at least one embodiment, manager  660  communicates with users or residents in the building and stores contact information and other information of the users or residents. In at least one embodiment, manager  660  may be located in the same building as the users. In other embodiments, manager  660  may be located at other locations. In at least one embodiment, manager  660  manages users in more than one building or entities which share one storage locations  608 . In another embodiment, one storage locations  608  may be shared by users in different buildings or entities that are managed by different managers. 
     In at least one embodiment, manager  660  is contacted by server  620  regarding intended recipients that are not registered in server  620 . In at least one embodiment, manager  660  may be registered with a house account in server  620 . The house account may receive photographs of mailing labels and/or information about the intended recipient  650 , which are used for locating and/or identifying the intended recipients by the manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, manager  660  provides information about the intended recipient  650  to server  620 , or may contact the intended recipients directly. In at least one embodiment, manager  660  is in communication with storage locations  608 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , and/or intended recipient  650 . 
     Manager terminal  661  is a computer system used by manager  660  for controlling management of the building or entities, storing, updating, and/or managing user information, communicating with server  620  and/or intended recipient  650  regarding delivery information, user identification, etc. For example, manager terminal  661  may include one or more web servers and/or one or more administrative servers. Users may log on to a website of the manager terminal  661 , update user information, leaving messages, check items that are ready to be picked up, set up an account, and/or make payments. Alternatively, manager terminal  661  may communicate with users via e-mail, instant messaging, Short Message Service (SMS) messaging, and/or other forms of text and/or voice communications. In at least one embodiment, manager terminal  661  is communicatively connected to network  640 . 
     In at least one embodiment, manager terminal  661  includes a memory system for storing information of users in the building or entity managed by manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, manager terminal  661  includes a house account that is associated with at least one of storage locations  608 , so that when server  620  may contact the house account of manager terminal  661  for identify and/or contact intended recipients. In at least one embodiment, the house account of manager terminal  661  receives from server  620  a photograph of mailing label that is taken at the storage terminal  615 , via camera  616 , or taken via a camera on the handheld device of the delivery system  630 . In at least one embodiment, manager terminal  661  includes instructions and/or an algorithm that identifies the intended recipient&#39;s name and/or mailing address from the photograph of mailing label, and then compares the name and/or mailing address with information stored in the memory of manager terminal  661  to identify the intended recipient and retrieve information about the intended recipient stored in the memory of the manager terminal  661 . In another embodiment, manager terminal  661  receives an intended recipient name and/or mailing address that is entered by delivery service  630 , via storage terminal  615 , for identifying the intended recipient. In this embodiment, manager terminal  661  uses the intended recipient name and/or mailing address entered by the delivery service  630  to search and/or identify the intended recipient in the memory of manager terminal  661 . In an embodiment, manager terminal  661  sends the retrieved information about the intended recipient to server  620  so that the server  620  may contact the intended recipient to pick up the item and/or so that the server  620  may register the intended recipient. In another embodiment, manager terminal  661  may directly contact and notify the intended recipient that an item is waiting to be picked up. 
     Phone  662  is similar to phone  653  except that phone  662  is used by manager  660  or a representative in manager office for contacting intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, phone  662  is used to call intended recipient  650  and/or leave a message for intended recipient  650  to pick up the item in storage locations  608 , after the manager  660  identifies and locates the intended recipient  650  according to mailing labels and/or other information received from server  620 . In at least one embodiment, phone  662  may be used to receive phone calls from intended recipient  650 , storage locations  608 , and/or delivery service  630 , regarding information about the intended recipient  650  and/or delivery information. In at least one embodiment, phone  662  is communicatively linked to network  640 . In at least one embodiment, phone  662  is a telephone extension of an internal phone line, which is communicatively connected to other telephone extensions that may be used by different intended recipients, via an internal line. 
     Line  663  communicatively links the manager  660  to the network  640  for transmitting signals. In at least one embodiment, manager terminal  661  or phone  662  of manager  660  may receive intended recipient name and other information from server  620  via line  663 . In at least one embodiment, the manager terminal  661  may send via line  663  information about the intended recipient  650  to server  620  for locating the intended recipient  650  and/or registering the intended recipient  650 . 
     Line  664  communicatively links the manager  660  to the intended recipient  650 , so that the manager  660  may communicate with the intended recipient  650  and/or notify the intended recipient  650  that an item is waiting to be picked up. In at least one embodiment, line  664  includes an internal telephone line, which allows the manager  660  and intended recipient  650  to communicate, via telephone. In at least one embodiment, line  664  includes a local area network (LAN) and/or a wide area network (WAN) that interconnects computers or electronic devices within a limited area (e.g., in the same apartment building, office building, school, etc.), which allows the manager  660  to send an electronic communication, such as an e-mail, to the intended recipient regarding he package received. In at least one embodiment, line  664  includes wired or wireless connections, or other types of connections. 
       FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of memory system  700  that may be used in the server  620  of  FIG. 6 . Memory system  700  may include intended recipient data  702 , delivery data  704 , manager data  706 , storage data  708 , delivery instructions  714 , intended recipient instructions  716 , and manager instructions  718 . In other embodiments, memory system  700  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Memory system  700  may be an embodiment of the memory system  406  in which computer system  400  is an embodiment of the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  of  FIG. 1A ( 2 ). In at least one embodiment, the recipient data, delivery data, and/or manager data may be stored in the user database  408  of the memory system  406 . 
     Intended recipient data  702  includes information that relates to intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, intended recipient data  702  may include any of a variety of different types of information about intended recipients, such as names, mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, instant messaging addresses, billing information, other contact information, account information, and/or default service preferences. In this specification, the terms “data” and “information” may be substituted one for the other to obtain different embodiments. 
     Delivery data  704  may include, but is not limited to, information about delivery service  630 , scheduled time for deliveries and/or pickups, tracking information, and item information (e.g., the source of the item, size and/or weight, pickup instructions for items, storage room identifiers associated with items currently waiting to be picked up, delivery time, pickup time, etc.). In at least one embodiment, delivery data  704  includes an expected date and/or time of when the item is expected to be ready for pickup and is expected to be waiting in the storage room. In at least one embodiment, delivery data  704  includes information regarding the status of the items, such as shipped, in transit, out for delivery, delivered, whether and/or when being picked up, etc. If there are multiple locations where storage rooms are located or items for the same intended recipient  650  are dropped off at different storage rooms, delivery data  704  may include information about locations and items at those locations that are waiting to be picked up. 
     Manager data  706  includes information that relates to at least one manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, manager data  706  includes location, hours, and/or contact information about at least one manager  660  and about the house account associated with the manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, manager data  706  includes information about more than one manager  660 , and may include information about which manager is managing which building or entity that is associated with which storage locations  608 . In at least one embodiment, if multiple house accounts or managers are associated with one storage location, manager data  706  includes information about the managing scope or entities of each manager  660 , so that the server  620  may decide which house account or manager  660  to contact if an item is delivered to an unregistered or unlisted intended recipient  650 . 
     Storage data  708  may include machine information about locations and/or operating hours of all storage locations, numbers of optional storage areas  611   a - n  of each storage location, sizes and/or shapes of optional storage areas  611   a - n , which one of locks  613   a - n  is controlling which one of optional storage areas  611   a - n , which optional storage areas  611   a - n  are currently in use, time of storage, etc. In at least one embodiment, storage data  708  may be checked online and/or via a user interface. 
     Delivery instructions  714  may include instructions which when implemented causes the server  620  to communicate with delivery service  630 , assign and/or control access to storage rooms for items or other deliveries, and/or managing delivery data  704 . In at least one embodiment, delivery instructions  714  allows delivery service  630  to register to storage system  600  in order to access storage locations  608  using an access code, optionally designated by the server  620 . In at least one embodiment, delivery instructions  714  when activated extracts and analyzes information received from the delivery service  630 . For example, delivery instructions  714  when activated may cause the server  620  to retrieve item information and/or mailing information from delivery service  630  and update delivery data  704  in the server  620 . In another example, delivery instructions  714 , when implemented by a processor, may request and/or transmit confirmation information, confirming that one or more items were deposited and/or picked up. Delivery instructions  714 , when implemented by a processor may update information in the system of delivery service  630  and/or delivery data  704  in the server  620 . In at least one embodiment, delivery instructions  714 , when implemented by a processor assigns a storage room for deposit items, and records whether and/or when an item is dropped off and/or picked up. In at least one embodiment, delivery instructions  714 , when implemented by a processor keep track of the period of time an item is stored in storage locations  608 , and identifies items that are still unclaimed after a period of time (e.g., one week, one month, six months, etc.). In this embodiment, delivery instructions  714 , when implemented by a processor may notify delivery service  630  that an item(s) was not picked up during that period of time. Additionally or alternatively, delivery instructions  714 , when implemented by a processor may identify when an item may need to be returned to sender, because, for example, the recipient has not picked up the item after given amount of time after the item has been delivered. 
     Intended recipient instructions  716  may include machine instructions, which when implemented causes the server  620  to interact with the intended recipient  650 , register and manage intended recipient data  702 , search for intended recipient  650 , authenticate, and/or transfer information to intended recipient  650 . The transfer of information that intended recipient instructions  716  controls may include a direct interaction with the intended recipient  650  or an interaction that occurs via the manager  660 . For example, intended recipient  650  may directly interact with the server  620 , which implement the intended recipient instructions  716 , by logging on to a website associated with the storage system  600  or server  620 , if memory  700  is memory  406 . Alternatively, intended recipient  650  may directly interact with the server  620 , which implement the intended recipient instructions  716 , via phone  653  and either talk to a representative or interact with automated telephone services. In this embodiment, intended recipient instructions  716  may include automated telephone services or an automated answering machine that includes a voice menu (and the voice responses of the user may be converted into machine instructions that are automatically sent to the intended recipient data  702  and/or delivery service data  704 ). In yet another embodiment, intended recipient  650  may call or contact delivery service  630  or manager  660 . The delivery service  630  or manager  660  may then input information about the intended recipient into or retrieve information from server  620  that implements intended recipient instructions  716 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the intended recipient instructions  716 , when implemented causes the server  620  to perform a search in the intended recipient data  702 , and the intended recipient instructions  716  may cause the server  620  to return the searched information about the intended recipient to storage terminal  615  if the intended recipient  650  is registered. In another embodiment, if intended recipient  650  is not registered thus cannot be found in intended recipient data  702 , the intended recipient instructions  716  may cause the server  620  to return a message to the storage terminal  615  indicating that intended recipient  650  cannot be found in the server  620 . In at least one embodiment, the intended recipient instructions  716  may cause the server  620  to request for information of unregistered intended recipients from the manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, an intended recipient may be registered in the storage system  600  using another name or title (e.g., middle name, the title of the company, etc.), which is different from the name on the mailing label of the item. In this embodiment, the delivery service  630  may not find the intended recipient using the name on the mailing label but the manager  660  may be able to identify the intended recipient and return the registered intended recipient name and/or other information. Intended recipient instructions  716  may automatically set up new accounts in the server  620  for new intended recipients after the server  620  receiving new information about the intended recipient from the manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, the intended recipient instructions  716  include a user interface for the intended recipient  650  to register an account, enter information, check an item&#39;s delivery information, and/or communicate with the storage system  600 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the intended recipient instructions  716 , when implemented cause lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  and/or server  620  to contact the intended recipient  650  with pickup information after an item(s) is delivered. In at least one embodiment, the intended recipient instructions  716  may include instructions that determine intended recipient preferences, such as preferred time and method to contact the intended recipient  650 , preferred delivery locations, etc. For example, the intended recipient instructions  716  sends notifications at the preferred time period (e.g., in the morning, or after 7:00 pm, etc.) and/or via the preferred contact method (e.g., via email, or text message, etc.) for the intended recipient  650 . In another example, intended recipient instructions  716  may record a preferred storage location selected by the intended recipient  650 , and may send the intended recipient preference to the delivery service  630 . In an embodiment, the intended recipient preferences are stored in the intended recipient data  702 , which needs to be accessed by the intended recipient preferences. In another embodiment, the intended recipient instructions  716 , by default, causes the sending of a text message, an email, and/or a voice message to the intended recipient  650  when an item(s) is ready to be picked up in the storage locations  608  that are closest to the intended recipient  650  (e.g., in the apartment building or office building of the intended recipient  650 ). 
     Manager instructions  718  may include machine instructions, which when implemented causes the server to communicate with the manager  660 , register a house account associated with the manager  660 , manage the manager data  702 , search and/or identify the manager  660 , and/or transfer information to the manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, manager instructions  718  allows the manager  660  to register a house account in the server  620  on a website associated with the storage system  600  or server  620 . In at least one embodiment, the manager instructions  718 , when implemented causes the server  620  to contact the manager  660  and transmit photographs of mailing labels and/or other information to the house account of the manager  660 , inquire the manager  660  to identify the intended recipient  650  and feedback with information about the intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, the manager instructions  718 , when implemented causes the server to update the intended recipient data  702  with information received from the manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, the manager instructions  718 , when implemented, causes the server  620  to send a request to the manager  660 , which includes item information and access code, to contact the intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, if more than one house account of more than one manager shares one storage location, the manager instructions  718 , when implemented causes the server  620  to determine which house account to contact based on the manager data  706  and item data  704 . For example, if two office buildings share one storage location, the manager instructions  718 , when implemented identifies which building the unregistered or not-listed intended recipient  650  is located based on the mailing label in order to contact the manager of the building. 
     In an embodiment, the delivery data  704  may be updated by delivery instructions  714 , intended recipient instructions  716 , and/or manager instructions  718 . For example, the delivery instructions  714  may update the delivery data  704  after the item is deposited by updating the time and storage identifier of the storage room in the storage locations  608 . In an embodiment, delivery data may be updated by the intended recipient instructions  716  or manager instructions  718  to show whether the intended recipient  650  was notified to pick up the item, at the time that, or shortly after, the intended recipient  650  is, or was, contacted by the intended recipient instructions  716  or manager instructions  718  to pick up the item. Alternatively, all or part of delivery data  704  is created and/or updated by representatives of the delivery service  630 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method  800  for handling items delivery into the storage rooms that are locked by the lock system  100   a  of  FIG. 1A . Method  800  is an embodiment of method  450 . 
     In step  802 , an access code is received at storage terminal  615 , which may be entered by delivery service  630 . 
     In step  804 , information about intended recipient  650 , such as intended recipient name, is received at storage terminal  615  with an inquiry to search for the intended recipient  650  in the storage system  600 . 
     In step  806 , the information about the intended recipient  650  is sent from storage terminal  615  to server  620  with a request to perform a search in intended recipient data  702  of server  620 . 
     In step  808 , search results are received at storage terminal  615  from server  620 . If the intended recipient  650  is registered to storage system  600  and found in intended recipient data  702 , the search results include information about the intended recipient  650 , or information about each intended recipient if more than one intended recipient is registered with the same name. If intended recipient  650  is not found in intended recipient data  702 , a message (e.g., “intended recipient not found”) is received at storage terminal  615 . 
     In optional step  810 , if information about the intended recipient  650  is found in server  620 , the search results are displayed at storage terminal  615  or on the handheld device of the delivery service  630 . Optionally, more than one intended recipient  650  may be found in server  620  who are registered with the same name. 
     In optional step  812 , a confirmation is received at storage terminal  615  about the intended recipient  650  to deliver the item by delivery service  630 . If more than one intended recipient  650  is found, delivery service  630  may select the intended recipient  650  associated with the item based on other information displayed, such as telephone numbers, addresses, etc. 
     In optional step  814 , the package being delivered is photographed. In an embodiment, all packages being delivered are photographed. The photograph may be used for tracking the delivery of the package instead of a bar code, and the photograph of the package is stored on the server, so as to be available for viewing by the sender as a confirmation that their package was delivered. 
     In step  816 , if the intended recipient  650  is not found in server  620 , options may be shown at storage terminal  615  for photographing the mailing label of the item using camera  616  or  316 . Alternatively, another option allows the delivery service  630  to enter information about the intended recipient  650  or mailing label information via storage terminal  615 . Optionally, a message such as “customer not found” may be displayed at storage terminal  615  before or simultaneously while providing the options. 
     In step  818 , a photograph of the mailing label and/or information entered by delivery service  630  is received at storage terminal  615 . 
     In step  820 , the photograph of the mailing label and/or information entered by delivery service  630  is uploaded from storage terminal  615  to server  620 . In an embodiment, the photograph is sent to the sender&#39;s account as confirmation that the package was delivered. 
     In step  822 , a lock to the storage room is opened by storage terminal  615 . As part of the step  822 , the lock interface  112  sends a signal to open the electronic lock selected by the storage terminal  615  or control terminal  110 . Optionally, a code is generated by storage terminal  615 , which code may be used to open the lock and access the same storage room by the intended recipient  650 . 
     In optional step  826 , the lock to the storage room is locked by storage terminal  615 . As part of the step  822 , the lock interface  112  sends a signal to lock the electronic lock. Alternatively, the electronic lock is configured to become locked when the door is closed by the delivery service  630 . 
     In optional step  828 , storage information including a storage identifier is sent by storage terminal  614  to server  620 . Optionally the code generated by storage terminal  615  is also sent to server  620 . 
     In an embodiment, each of the steps of method  800  is a distinct step. In at least one embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in  FIG. 8 , steps  802 - 828  may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method  800  may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method  800  may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method  800  may be used to form their own method. 
       FIG. 9  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method  900  for handling items to be picked up from the storage room(s) that are locked by the lock system  100   a  of  FIG. 1 . 
     In step  901 , the storage terminal  615  sends to the intended recipient a notification of a package being ready to be picked up. 
     In step  902 , a code is received at storage terminal  615 , optionally entered by an intended recipient  650  (whom earlier received the code and a notification that an item was waiting to be picked up) at the kiosk  14 . Optionally, step  902  also includes receiving a signature or other forms of identification of the intended recipient  650 , if the delivery service requested a signature, for example. As part of step  902 , the code is sent by a user device and received at the storage terminal  615  or control terminal  110 , via the network  140 . 
     In step  904 , a lock to a storage terminal that matches the code and stores the item associated with the intended recipient  650  is opened by storage terminal  615 . As part of step  904 , the lock interface  112  or control terminal  110  determines that the code received at the kiosk or optionally from the user device matches the predetermined code for the storage room, and the lock interface  211  sends a signal to open the electronic lock. 
     In optional step  906 , the lock to the same storage room is locked by storage terminal  615  after the intended recipient  650  closes the door of the storage room. Optionally as part of the step  904 , the lock interface  211  sends another signal to lock the electronic lock. Alternatively, the electronic lock is configured by the lock interface  211  to become locked once the door of the storage room is closed by the intended recipient. 
     In an embodiment, each of the steps of method  900  is a distinct step. In at least one embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in  FIG. 9 , steps  901 - 906  may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method  900  may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method  900  may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method  900  may be used to form their own method. 
       FIG. 10  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method  1000  for implementing the storage system  600  of  FIG. 6 . 
     In step  1002 , information about intended recipient  650 , such as the intended recipient name, and a request to search is received at server  620  from storage terminal  615  or handheld device of the delivery service  630 . 
     In step  1004 , a search is performed by server  620 . In at least one embodiment, server  620  searches the intended recipient data  702  for intended recipient  650  that has the same intended recipient name provided by the storage terminal  615 . 
     In step  1006 , if the intended recipient  650  is registered and information about the intended recipient  650  is found in intended recipient data  702  of server  620 , the search results are sent from server  620  to storage terminal  615  or handheld device of the delivery service  630 . In at least one embodiment, if more than one intended recipient  650  is found with the same name, the search results may include other information for distinguishing between the different intended recipients that have the same name, such as telephone numbers, addresses, etc. 
     In step  1008 , storage information including a storage identifier of a storage room that stores the item is received at server  620  from storage terminal  615  or handheld device of the delivery service  630 , after the delivery service  630  selects a storage room that is available. In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  is provided with selections of different sizes of storage rooms. 
     In step  1009 , a code for accessing the storage room is received at server  620  from storage terminal  615 . Alternatively, step  1009  includes generating a code to be associated with the storage room by server  620 . 
     In step  1010 , contact information of the intended recipient  650  is retrieved from intended recipient data  702  of server  620 . 
     In step  1012 , a notification including the storage information and the code is sent by server  620  to the intended recipient  650  for picking up the item in the storage room. 
     In step  1016 , if the intended recipient  650  is not found in the intended recipient data  702  of server  620 , a request is sent from server  620  to storage terminal  615  or handheld device of the delivery service  630  for sending a photograph of the mailing label of the item to server  620 . Alternatively or additionally, a request is sent to storage terminal  615 , which causes storage terminal  615  to instruct the delivery service  630  to enter information regarding the mailing label for intended recipient  650  (e.g., the intended recipient name, tracking information, etc.). 
     In step  1018 , the photograph of the mailing label (and/or information entered by delivery service  630 ) and information about a storage room that stores the item is received at server  620  from storage terminal  615 . 
     In step  1020 , a code for accessing the storage room is received at server  620  from storage terminal  615 . Alternatively, step  1020  includes generating a code to be associated with the storage room by server  620 . 
     In step  1022 , the photograph of the mailing label is sent from server  620  to a house account and/or to manager terminal  661  for identification. Alternatively or additionally, information that is entered by delivery service  630  is sent from server  620  to manager terminal  661 . Optionally, step  1022  may include identifying the intended recipient based on the photograph of the mailing label by server  620 , and sending the identified information about the intended recipient to manager terminal  661  or a house account. For example, the image of the mailing label may be decomposed into letters and numbers by Optical Character Recognizing (OCRing) the image. 
     In step  1024 , a request is sent from server  620  to the house account or manager terminal  661  for sending additional information about the intended recipient  650  that is identified and retrieved by manager terminal  661  to server  620 . Optionally, step  1024  may include requiring manager terminal  661  to contact the intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, steps  1022  and  1024  may be combined into one step—the receipt of the image of the label or other information on the item at server  620  may be treated as a request to send the image of the label and/or other information about the intended recipient  650  to a house account or manager terminal  661 . 
     In step  1026 , the additional information about the intended recipient  650  identified and retrieved by manager terminal  661  is received at server  620 . In at least one embodiment, step  1026  is followed by step  1012 . 
     In step  1028 , if intended recipient  650  was not registered, the intended recipient  650  is registered in server  620  with the additional information provided by manager terminal  661 . If intended recipient  650  was registered, but under a different name or title, and alias for the intended recipient  650  may be added, so that in the future the intended recipient  650  may be found no matter which name is used. Optionally, step  1028  includes obtaining an approval or confirmation from the intended recipient  650  before registering the intended recipient  650  in server  620 . Optionally, step  1028  includes notifying the intended recipient  650  by the server  620  with newly registered account information. 
     In an embodiment, each of the steps of method  1000  is a distinct step. In at least one embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in  FIG. 10 , steps  1002 - 1028  may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method  1000  may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method  1000  may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method  1000  may be used to form their own method. 
       FIG. 11  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method  1100  of the lock interface controlling the electronic locks. 
     In step  1101 , the power source  201  provides electric power to the circuit of the lock interface  200 . 
     In step  1102 , the receiver  202  receives wireless signals transmitted by the kiosk  14  or user devices  130   a - n . In an embodiment, the signals are received by the control terminal  110  or storage terminal  615 . 
     In step  1104 , the capacitor  205  filters the signals. 
     In step  1106 , the voltage converter  204  converts voltage of the signal (e.g., converts 12V signal to 5V signal). 
     In step  1108 , the capacitor  206  and  207  filter the signals. 
     In optional step  1110 , the light  208  indicates the working status. 
     In step  1112 , the processor  210  receives the signals. 
     In step  1114 , the processor  210  determines whether the signals include a valid request for opening the electronic locks. If the request is determined to be valid, the method  1100  proceeds to step  1116 . If the request is invalid, the method  1100  proceeds to step  1130 . 
     In step  1116 , the processor  210  outputs signals to at least one electronic lock. In an embodiment, the electronic lock is designated in the request received. 
     In step  1118 , the circuit  300  of the electronic lock receives the signals. 
     In optional step  1120 , the light  308  indicates the working status of the circuit  300  of electronic lock. 
     In step  1122 , the resistors  306  and  307  divert the voltage and raise the base voltage of transistor  305 . 
     In step  1124 , the transistor  305 , as a result of the step  1122 , is turned on and connects the switch  303  to the ground  203 . Transistor  305  may be replaced with another threshold device, and/or electronic switch. Threshold device is a device that allows a current to flow or turns on a voltage, when a predetermined voltage or current threshold is reached. Some examples of threshold devices are Zener diodes, avalanche diodes, vacuum tubes, and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) devices. 
     In step  1126 , electric current flows through the switch  303  (which may be a relay, another transistor, or threshold device) and thereby opens the switch  303 . 
     In step  1128 , electric current flows to the solenoid  176  and thereby turns the electronic lock to the unlocking position. Optionally, transistor  305  may directly control solenoid  176  instead of controlling solenoid  176  by controlling switch  303 ). 
     As mentioned above, if in step  1114 , it is determined that the request to open the door is invalid, the method  1100  proceeds from step  1114  to step  1130 . In step  1130 , the processor  210  generates a message of invalid request, if the request is determined to be invalid in the step  1114 . 
     In step  1132 , a transmitter (e.g., in the output system  409  or input/output system  410 ) sends the message of invalid request to the kiosk  14  or user device. 
     In an embodiment, each of the steps of method  1100  is a distinct step. In at least one embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in  FIG. 11 , steps  1101 - 1132  may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method  1100  may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method  1100  may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method  1100  may be used to form their own method. 
       FIG. 12  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a memory system  1200  of the optional user device (an optional terminal, such as a tablet) that is used by the delivery service. The memory system  1200  includes at least a delivery application  1202 , a module for requesting a search  1204 , a module for requesting photographing  1206 , a module for opening lock  1208 , an optional module for selecting room  1210 , an optional module for contacting house account  1212 , and other delivery functions  1214 . In other embodiments, the memory system  1200  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
       FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of the memory system  1200  of an optional user device used by a delivery person/service. 
     Delivery application  1202  is an application that may be installed on the optional user device of the delivery service/person, such as optional tablet  12 , which, when implemented, allows the delivery person to deliver items in the storage room to be picked up by the intended recipients. Delivery application  1202  interacts, via kiosk  14 , with system  10 . In at least one embodiment, the delivery application  1202  includes a user interface that presents a page to the delivery person/service to implement the delivery and interact with system  10 . 
     Module for requesting a search  1204  is configured to receive, via the user interface of the delivery application  1202 , user input (e.g., information about an intended recipient) from the delivery person to search for intended recipients. In an embodiment, the module for requesting a search  1204  transmits the request to the kiosk  14  and/or a server to perform the search. 
     Module for requesting photographing  1206  is configured to request, via the user interface, the delivery person to take a photo of the item using camera  15  (which as explained above is used similar to a barcode to track the whereabouts of the item being delivered—the photograph may be sent to the sender as confirmation of delivery of the item). Module  1206  may present the delivery person with a field for indicating that the package is ready for photographing. When the indication is received, module  1206  may send a signal to the kiosk  14 , which in-turn sends a control signal to camera  15  causing camera  15  to take a picture of the package. In an embodiment, the module for requesting photographing  1206  receives the photo and sends the photo to the sender, intended recipient, and/or a house account. 
     Module for opening lock  1208  is configured to send instructions or request to the storage system to open the electronic lock to the storage room. In an embodiment, the module for opening lock  1208  sends user authentication, such as a user identifier identifying the delivery person and/or a passcode, to the kiosk along with the request to open the lock. 
     Optional module for selecting a room  1210  is an optionally module that is configured to receive, via the user interface of the delivery application  1202 , user selection of a room(s) (or optionally a storage area in or outside of the storage room) for delivering the item. In an embodiment, in which the delivery person selects the room into which the items being delivered is placed, the optional module for selecting a room  1210  would be activated prior to unlocking the storage room and may be part of the module for opening the lock  1208 . 
     Optional module for contacting house account  1212  is an optionally module that (if present) is configured to contact the house account regarding the recipient of the delivery. In an embodiment, when the intended recipient is not found during the search, the optional module for contacting house account  1212  sends a request with information about the item (e.g., recipient information, photo of the item) to the house account for a manager to identify and/or inform the intended recipient. 
     Other delivery functions  1214  include other delivery functions  1214  that may be used in other delivery methods and/or systems. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the camera  15  may be part of tablet  12  and/or may be operated manually, the delivery person may interact with kiosk  14  directly without tablet  12 , tablet  12  may interact with lock  20  without using kiosk  14  as an intermediary, and/or tablet  12  may interact with a website provided by a remotely located web server, which may control lock  20  and/or camera  15 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of computer system  1300  used in the system shown in  FIG. 1 . The computer system  1300  may include output system  1302 , input system  1304 , memory system  1306 , processor system  1308 , communications system  1312 , and input/output system  1314 . In other embodiments, computer system  1300  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Computer system  1300  may be an embodiment of server  120 , intended recipient terminal  651 , mobile terminal  655 , and/or manager terminal  661 . Output system  1302  may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a monitor system, a handheld display system, a printer system, a speaker system, a connection and/or interface system to one or more sound systems, a connection and/or interface system to one or more peripheral devices, a connection and/or interface system to one or more computer systems, a connection and/or interface system to one or more LANs, and/or a connection and/or interface system to one or more WANs, for example. 
     Input system  1304  may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a keyboard system, a mouse system, a track ball system, a track pad system, buttons on a handheld system, a scanner system, a microphone system, a connection and/or interface to a sound system, and/or a connection and/or interface system to a computer system, a connection and/or interface to an intranet, and/or a connection and/or interface to an internet (e.g., IrDA, USB), for example. 
     Memory system  1306  may include, for example, any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of a long term storage system, such as a hard drive; a short term storage system, such as random access memory and/or flash memory; and/or a removable storage system, such as a floppy drive or a removable drive. Memory system  1306  may include one or more machine-readable mediums that may store a variety of different types of information. The term “machine-readable medium” is used to refer to any nontransitory medium capable of carrying information that is readable by a machine. One example of a machine-readable medium is a computer-readable medium. Another example of a machine-readable medium is paper having holes that are detected that trigger different mechanical, electrical, and/or logic responses. 
     In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the server  620 , memory system  1306  stores software for communicating with storage terminal  615 , delivery service  630 , intended recipient  650  and/or manager  660 . In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the server  620 , memory system  1306  stores software that may include machine instructions for storing and managing information about deliveries and intended recipients, registering intended recipient  650 , contacting intended recipients, managing storage banks, managing storage areas, generating passwords, authenticating users, etc. In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the server  620 , memory system  1306  may further store a downloadable application for accessing the system  600 , which may be downloaded by electronic devices of delivery service  630 , intended recipient  650 , and/or manager  660 . In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the intended recipient terminal  651  or mobile terminal  655 , memory system  1306  stores software for communicating with storage terminal  615 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , and/or manager  660 . In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the intended recipient terminal  651  or mobile terminal  655 , memory system  1306  stores software that may include machine instructions for receiving and displaying notifications of items, registering and accessing system  600 , etc. In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the mobile terminal  655 , memory system  1306  stores software that may further include machine instructions for entering passwords, capturing signatures, and uploading signatures, etc. In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the manager terminal  661 , memory system  1306  includes software for communicating with storage terminal  615 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , and/or intended recipient  650 . In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the manager terminal  661 , memory system  1306  includes software that may include machine instructions for storing and managing user information, receiving requests from server  620  for locating users, searching user information, sending user information to server  620 , contacting users, etc. Memory system  1306  will be discussed further in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 14 . 
     Processor system  1308  may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of multiple parallel processors, a single processor, a system of processors having one or more central processors and/or one or more specialized processors dedicated to specific tasks. In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the server  620 , processor system  1308  may implement machine instructions stored in memory system  1306 , such as software for communicating with storage terminal  615 , delivery service  630 , intended recipient  650  and/or manager  660 . In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the server  620 , processor system  1308  may implement machine instructions stored in memory system  1306 , such as software for storing and managing information about deliveries and intended recipients, software for registering and contacting intended recipients, software for managing storage banks and storage areas, and/or software for generating passwords, authenticating users, etc. In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the intended recipient terminal  651  or mobile terminal  655 , processor system  1308  may implement machine instructions stored in memory system  1306 , such as software for communicating with storage terminal  615 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , and/or manager  660 . In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the intended recipient terminal  651  or mobile terminal  655 , processor system  1308  may implement machine instructions stored in memory system  1306 , such as software for receiving, notifications of items, displaying notifications of items, registering intended recipients, and/or accessing system  600 , etc. In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the mobile terminal  655 , processor system  1308  may further implement machine instructions stored in memory system  1306 , such as software for entering passwords, capturing signatures, and/or uploading signatures, etc. In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the manager terminal  661 , processor system  1308  may implement machine instructions stored in memory system  1306 , such as software for communicating with storage terminal  615 , server  620 , delivery service  630 , and/or intended recipient  650 . In an embodiment of computer system  1300  that is used as the manager terminal  661 , processor system  1308  may implement machine instructions stored in memory system  1306 , such as software for storing user information, managing user information, receiving requests from server  620  for locating users, searching for intended recipients, and sending user information to server  620 , and/or contacting users, etc. 
     Communications system  1312  communicatively links output system  1302 , input system  1304 , memory system  1306 , processor system  1308 , and/or input/output system  1314  to each other. Communications system  1312  may include any one of, some of, any combination of, or all of electrical cables, fiber optic cables, and/or means of sending signals through air or water (e.g., wireless communications), or the like. Some examples of means of sending signals through air and/or water include systems for transmitting electromagnetic waves such as infrared and/or radio waves and/or systems for sending sound waves. 
     Input/output system  1314  may include devices that have a dual function as input and output devices. For example, input/output system  1314  may include one or more touch sensitive screens, which display an image and therefore are an output device and accept input when the screens are pressed by a finger or stylus, for example. The touch sensitive screens may be sensitive to heat and/or pressure. One or more of the input/output devices may be sensitive to a voltage or current produced by a stylus, for example. Input/output system  1314  is optional, and may be used in addition to or in place of output system  1302  and/or input device  1304 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a memory system  1400  that may be used in the manager terminal  661  of  FIG. 6 . Memory system  1400  may include at least user data  1402  and user locator  1404 . In other embodiments, memory system  1400  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Memory system  1400  may be an embodiment of memory system  1306  in which computer system  1300  is an embodiment of manager terminal  661  of  FIG. 6 . 
     User data  1402  includes information that relates to users, residents, or employees of the building or entity that is managed by manager  660 . In at least one embodiment, user data  1402  may include any of a variety of different types of information about users, such as names, mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, instant messaging addresses, billing information, other contact information, account information, and/or default service preferences. 
     User locator  1404  includes instructions for extracting, comparing, identifying, recognizing user information from photographs of mailing labels and/or information about the intended recipient  1140  received from server  620  and optionally entered by delivery service  630 , when intended recipients are not found in intended recipient data  402 . In at least one embodiment, user locator  1404  includes instructions and/or algorithms to extract information from images such as photographs of mailing labels. In another embodiment, user locator  1404  shows the photographs, optionally via a user interface at manager terminal  661 , to an employee or representative of the managing office who then identifies or recognizes the intended recipients, and user locator  1404  receives information about the intended recipient  650  entered by the employee or representative. In at least one embodiment, user locator  1404  compares the information on the mailing labels to user information in user data  1402 , and finds the user information that matches the mailing labels. In at least one embodiment, user locator  1404  sends the information identified and retrieved from user data  1402  to server  620  to update intended recipient data  402 , or to register the intended recipients in server  620 . In at least one embodiment, user locator  1404  retrieves contact information of the identified intended recipients and automatically sends notifications to the intended recipients when items are waiting to be picked up. 
       FIG. 15  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method  1500  for receiving notifications to intended recipient  650  of  FIG. 6 , optionally via intended recipient terminal  651 , phone  653 , and/or mobile terminal  655 . 
     In step  1502 , storage information and code for picking up an item is received at intended recipient terminal  651 , phone  653 , and/or mobile terminal  655 . 
     In step  1504 , the storage information and code is shown optionally via intended recipient terminal  651  or mobile terminal  655 , for the intended recipient  650  to view. Optionally, the storage information and code is played as a voice message via phone  653  or mobile terminal  655 . 
     In an embodiment, each of the steps of method  1500  is a distinct step. In at least one embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in  FIG. 15 , steps  1502 - 1504  may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method  1500  may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method  1500  may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method  1500  may be used to form their own method. 
       FIG. 16  shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method  1600  for identifying the intended recipient  650  of  FIG. 6 , which may be performed by the manager terminal  661  of  FIG. 6 . 
     In step  1602 , user information of the building or other entity that is managed by manager  660  is recorded and stored at manager terminal  661 . 
     In step  1604 , a photograph of mailing label is received at manager terminal  661  from server  620 . Optionally, information about the intended recipient  650  is also received at manager terminal  661 , which is entered by delivery service  630  and uploaded by storage terminal  615  to server  620 . 
     In step  1606 , an inquiry is received at manager terminal  661  from server  620  to send information about the intended recipient  650 . 
     In step  1608 , intended recipient  650  is identified by manager terminal  661 . Methods of identifying intended recipient  650 , which may be used in step  1608 , were discussed in conjunction with user locator  1404  of  FIG. 14 . 
     In step  1610 , information about the intended recipient  650  is retrieved from user data  1402  of manager terminal  661 . 
     In step  1612 , the information about the intended recipient  650  is sent from manager terminal  661  to server  620 . 
     In an embodiment, each of the steps of method  1600  is a distinct step. In at least one embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in  FIG. 16 , steps  1602 - 1612  may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method  1600  may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to, or instead of, those listed above. The steps of method  1600  may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method  1600  may be used to form their own method. 
       FIG. 17  shows a diagram  1700  of an embodiment of the storage areas of different sizes that may be used in the system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 17  includes at least a set of small storage areas  1710   a - m , a set of medium storage areas  1720   a - n , a set of large storage areas  1730   a - p , a set of oversized storage areas  1740   a - q , and locks  1750   a - s . In other embodiments,  FIG. 17  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to, or instead of, those listed above. 
       FIG. 17  shows that storage areas of different sizes (e.g., small, medium, large, oversized) may be included in the system  100  for storing items of various sizes. In at least one embodiment, small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , large storage areas  1730   a - p , and oversized storage areas  1740   a - q  are similar to the storage areas  611   a - n  described in conjunction with  FIG. 6  except that small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , large storage areas  1730   a - p , and oversized storage areas  1740   a - q  have different sizes and/or shapes. In at least one embodiment, small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , large storage areas  1730   a - p , and oversized storage areas  1740   a - q  may be stacked and/or physically joined together. In another embodiment, there are spaces or structures separating one storage area from another. In at least one embodiment, the numbers of different sets of storage areas may be different (e.g., there are more small storage areas  1710   a - m  than oversized storage areas  1740   a - q  within one storage bank). In another embodiment, a storage bank may include the same number of at least two sets of storage areas (e.g., the number of large storage areas  1730   a - p  is the same as the oversized storage areas  1740   a - q ). In other embodiments, the numbers, sizes, and/or shapes of each set of storage areas may vary. In at least one embodiment, each of small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , large storage areas  1730   a - p , and/or oversized storage areas  1740   a - q  is secured by one of locks  1750   a - s  that are similar to locks  613   a - n  discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 6 . In at least one embodiment, each of small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , large storage areas  1730   a - p , and oversized storage areas  1740   a - q  is identified via a storage area number. In at least one embodiment, system  600  indicates how many of each set of storage areas are available to use. 
     In an embodiment, each of small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , and large storage areas  1730   a - p  differs from oversized storage areas  1740   a - q  in access and storage restrictions. At any given time, each storage area of small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , and large storage areas  1730   a - p  receives items for only one intended recipient  650 . Another intended recipient&#39;s items may be placed in a given one storage area of small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , and large storage areas  1730   a - p  only after any item of another intended recipient that is in the same storage area is removed. Items belonging to two different intended recipients are not placed in the same storage area within any of small storage areas  1710   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , and large storage areas  1730   a - p . In contrast, oversized storage areas  1740   a - q  may be shared by the items of multiple intended recipients simultaneously. In another embodiment, there may be other storage areas shared by the items of two intended recipients simultaneously. There may be some of small storage areas  1717   a - m , medium storage areas  1720   a - n , and large storage areas  1730   a - p  that are designated as shared areas, and that are therefore shared by the items of multiple intended recipients simultaneously and others that are not (and are reserved for use of only one intended recipient at-a-time). 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram of an example of a web page  1800  for downloading an application that may be installed in mobile devices or for accessing system  600  directly via web page  1800 . Web page  1800  includes at least a title  1801 , a delivery service download link  1802 , a customer download link  1804 , a delivery service enter system link  1806 , and a customer enter system link  1808 . In other embodiments, web page  1800  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, web page  1800  includes a link for the delivery service  630  to download an application that may be installed in handheld devices used by delivery service  630 . In at least one embodiment, webpage  1800  includes a link for the intended recipient  650  to download an application that may be installed in mobile terminal  655  used by intended recipient  650 . In at least one embodiment, the applications for the delivery service  630  and the intended recipient  650  are different. In at least one embodiment, the delivery service  630  and intended recipient  650  download the same application. However, the application recognize whether the delivery service  630  or intended recipient  650  intends to access the system via the access code or password entered. In at least one embodiment, web page  1800  includes links for delivery service  630  and intended recipient  650  to directly access the system  600  on web page  610  to deliver and pick up items, respectively. 
     Title  1801  includes plain text showing that the web page  1800  is for access a storage system as discussed in conjunction with system  600 . Delivery service download link  1802  is a link to a page for the delivery service  630  to download an application to the handheld devices of delivery service  630  for accessing system  600  in order to deliver items to storage bank  610 . Customer download link  1804  is a link to a page for the intended recipient  650  to download an application to the mobile terminal  655  for accessing system  600  in order to pick up an item. Delivery service entry system link  1806  is a link to a page for the delivery service  630  to directly access system  600 , via a website rather than using the application. Customer entry system link  1808  is a link to a page for the intended recipient  650  to directly access webpages for system  600  instead of using the application. 
     Screenshots 
       FIG. 19  is a screenshot of an example of a page  1900  for delivery service  630  to enter access code. Page  1900  includes at least instruction  1901 , text field  1902 , and keypad  1903 . In other embodiments, page  1900  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Instruction  1901  includes plain text indicating that the page  1900  is for entering access code. Text field  1902  displays the access code that is entered by the delivery service  630 . The user enters the access code into text field  1902 . Keypad  1903  is a keypad shown on a touch screen for the delivery service  630  to enter the access code. In at least one embodiment, keypad  1903  includes a numeric keypad including numbers 0 to 9, a delete key and an enter key (e.g., the key labeled with text “GO”). In other embodiments, keypad  1903  may include a representation of a standard computer keyboard or other combinations of keys. In at least one embodiment, the delivery service  630  enter the access code via keypad  1903  and press the enter key to access system  600  if the access code is successfully authenticated by server  620 . 
       FIG. 20  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2000  showing unclaimed items for delivery service  630  to collect and return to the senders. Page  2000  includes at least title  2001 , instructions  2002 , return information  2003   a - n , skip key  2004 , done key  2005 , and return link  2006 . In other embodiments, page  2000  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2000  presents an interface that the delivery service  130  interacts with when collecting items that have been returned to the delivery service  130 . Optionally, a similar page may be used for picking up items that were delivered a while ago, but have not been picked up by the recipients for an extended period of time. The delivery service  630  may select the items to collect and return to the senders, or may skip to proceed with new deliveries. 
     Title  2001  includes plain text showing that the page  2000  is for the delivery service  630  to collect returned or unclaimed items from the storage areas. The delivery service may then return the items to the senders. Instructions  2002  includes text showing the number of returns. 
     Return information  2003   a - n  includes links with texts showing the storage area numbers (e.g., locker number in  FIG. 20 ), the tracking numbers (if available) of the items that have been returned or have not been picked up by the recipients. Sections  2003   a - n  includes information for opening the locks and collecting the items. In at least one embodiment, the delivery service  630  may select the items by clicking on the return information  2003  a-n, which may cause the system  600  to unlock the corresponding storage areas so that the delivery service  630  may pick up the items. In at least one embodiment, the section selected, after being clicked by delivery service  630 , displays a message showing that the item was picked up by the delivery service  630 , and the item information and/or storage information is updated in the server  620 . 
     Skip key  2004  is a key (e.g., the key labeled “Skip &gt;”), which when selected by the delivery service  630 , causes storage system  615  to skip the steps associated with collecting the returned and/or unclaimed items. In at least one embodiment, delivery service  630  may skip collecting items and go to the page for searching the intended recipients. Done key  2005  is a key (e.g., the key labeled “Done &gt;”), which when selected by the delivery service  630  confirms that the delivery service has collected all or some of the returned or unclaimed items. In at least one embodiment, done key  2005  cannot be selected until all of the returned or unclaimed items have been collected by the delivery service  630 . In at least one embodiment, after collecting all the returned and/or unclaimed items and selecting the done key  2005 , system  600  updates records pertaining to the items retrieved by delivery service  630 , so that the records reflect the current status of the retrieved items. Return link  2006  is a link to a page for searching an intended recipient. 
       FIG. 21  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2100  for delivery service  630  to search for an intended recipient  650 . Page  2100  includes at least title  2101 , a search field  2102 , search results section  2103 , names  2104   a - n , addresses  2105   a - n , keyboard  2106 , and exit link  2107 . In other embodiments, page  2100  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2100  presents an interface that the delivery service  630  interacts with for searching for an intended recipient by entering the name of the intended recipient and select from a list of search results. 
     Title  2101  includes plain text showing that the page  2100  is for finding an intended recipient (or finding a resident as shown in  FIG. 21 ). Search field  2102  is a field for entering intended recipient name via a keyboard on the touch screen. Search results section  2103  is a section of the search results, or a drop-down list associated with the search results. The search results are based on the intended recipient name that has been entered by the delivery service  630 . In at least one embodiment, the search results are retrieved from the server  620  and displayed in page  2100  in a list. In at least one embodiment, the search results include names  2104   a - n , addresses  2105   a - n , and/or other information about the intended recipients who have registered with the server  620 . In at least one embodiment, the delivery service  630  may select from the search results of the intended recipient that matches the mailing label of the item. Keyboard  2106  is a representation of keyboard on the touch screen for the delivery service  630  to enter information about the intended recipient. Exit link  2107  is a link on the top right corner for returning to the home page as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 22  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2200  for delivery service  630  to select an intended recipient from the search results or an option to add an intended recipient if the recipient is not found in the search results. Page  2200  includes at least title  2201 , a search field  2202 , search results section  2203 , names  2204   a - n , addresses  2205   a - n , and exit link  2208 , which are the same as title  2101 , search field  2102 , search results section  2103 , names  2104   a - n , addresses  2105   a - n , and exit link  2107  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 21 . Page  2200  may further include instruction  2206  and add recipient link  2207 . In other embodiments, page  2200  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2200  presents an interface for the delivery service  630  to select an intended recipient from the search results, or to select the option to add an intended recipient if the recipient of the item is not found in the search results. Instruction  2206  is text indicating how to add a recipient to the list of recipients. In the example, of  FIG. 22 , instruction  2206  is a question asking whether the recipient could not be found. Placing this question above a link labeled with an indication that by selecting the link the user may add a recipient, clarifies to the delivery service  630  how to add a recipient and when it may be desirable to add a recipient. In the example of  FIG. 22 , instruction  2206  is “Can&#39;t find resident?,” because in the example of  FIG. 22  the recipient is a resident of the building within which storage bank  610  is located. Add recipient link  2207  is a link to a page for adding a recipient. In the example of  FIG. 22 , add recipient link  2207  is labeled “Add resident,” because the recipient is a resident of the building hosting the storage bank  610 . 
       FIG. 23  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2300  for delivery service  630  to photograph the mailing label of the item via a camera. Page  2300  includes at least title  2301 , camera view  2302 , instructions  2303 , box  2304 , mailing label  2305 , photo countdown section  2306 , retake photo link  2307 , skip link  2308 , save label link  2309 , exit link  2310 , and prior page link  2311 . In other embodiments, page  2300  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2300  presents an interface for the delivery service  630  to photograph the mailing label of the item if the recipient cannot be found in the system  600 . Title  2301  includes text (as the title) indicating that page  2300  is for recording the item label. Camera view  2302  is a view of the item using the camera when the delivery service  630  places the item in a proper position so that the mailing label appears in a box in the camera view  2302 . In at least one embodiment, camera view  2302  is taken by a camera that is installed in the handheld devices used by the delivery service  630 . In an alternative embodiment, a camera linked to storage terminal  615  may be used to photograph the label on the item. Instructions  2303  is text instructing the delivery service  630  or suggesting to the delivery service  630  to take a photo of the mailing label. Box  2304  is a box outlining part of the camera view within which the mailing label of the item needs to be placed in order to take a photo of the mailing label. Mailing label  2305  is a mailing label on the item, which may include mailing information such as the sender, the recipient, one or more barcodes, a tracking number, delivery service, and/or the delivery method (e.g., UPS GROUND), etc. Photo countdown section  2306  is a section with numbers counting down (e.g., from 5 to 0) indicating how many seconds are left until a photo is taken by the camera. In at least one embodiment, the photo countdown section  2306  shows the amount of time remaining that the delivery service  630  needs continue to keep the mailing label positioned so as to be viewable in the box  2304  before a photo will be taken. Retake link  2307  is a link for reactivating the camera to take another photo in case the previous photo is not satisfactory (e.g., in case the mailing label is not within the box  2304  and/or the photo is blurry). In an embodiment, placing the item with the mailing label in the box automatically activates the countdown and the taking of the photograph that follows. Skip link  2308  is a link to skip the step of photographing the mailing label. Save label link  2309  is a link to save the photograph of the mailing label after taken by the camera. Exit link  2310  is the same as the exit link  2107  that was discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 21 . Prior page link  2311  is a link back to page  2100 . 
       FIG. 24  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2400  for delivery service  630  to enter the name of the recipient. Page  2400  includes at least title  2401 , a field  2402 , keyboard  2403 , add tracking link  2404 , an exit link  2405 , and a prior page link  2406 . In other embodiments, page  2400  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2400  includes fields and a virtual keyboard for the delivery service  630  to enter recipient&#39;s name in case the recipient is not found in the search results shown in page  1500 . Title  2401  is text showing that page  2400  is for adding a recipient. In the example of  FIG. 24 , title  2401  is “Add a resident,” because in the example of  FIG. 24 , the resident is the recipient. Field  2402  is for entering the name of the recipient shown on the mailing label. Keyboard  2403  may be similar to the keyboard  2106  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 21  except that in page  2400 , key board  2403  is used for entering the name of a recipient that was not previously on the list of recipients. Add tracking link  2404  is a link to a page for adding tracking number of the item. Exit link  2405  may be the same as the exit link  2107  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 21 . Prior page link  2406  is a link back to the page  2300 . 
       FIG. 25  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2500  for delivery service  630  to add tracking information of the item. Page  2500  includes at least title  2501 , instruction  2502 , field  2503 , keyboard  2504 , select size links  2505   a  and  2505   b , skip link  2505 , instruction  2507 , image  2508 , barcode  2509 , and prior page link  2510 . In other embodiments, page  2500  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2500  includes fields and a virtual keyboard for the delivery service  630  to add tracking information in addition to adding the intended recipient name in page  2400 . Title  2501  is text showing page  2500  is for adding tracking information. Instruction  2502  is text showing that tracking number may be entered in field  2503 . Keyboard  2504  may be similar to the keyboard  2106  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 21 , except that keyboard  2504  is used for entering tracking information. Select size links  2505   a  and  2505   b  are links, which when selected, bring the user to a page to select a size of the storage area. In the example of  FIG. 25 , select size links  2505   a  and  2505   b  are located in the keyboard  2504  and under the field  2503 , respectively. Skip link  2505  is a link to skip the step of entering tracking information. Instruction  2507  is text indicating that a tracking barcode may be scanned, if available. In an embodiment, storage system  615  includes a barcode scanner. Alternatively, delivery service  630  may use handheld devices with barcode scanners and/or may photograph the barcode (or otherwise use the camera on the handheld device of the delivery service  630  to scan the barcode). Image  2508  shows an example of a barcode  2509  on the mailing label. Prior page link  2510  is a link back to page  2400 . 
       FIG. 26  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2600  for delivery service  630  to select an option if a signature is required and to choose the size of storage area to deposit the item. Page  2600  includes at least title  2601 , item number  2602 , tracking number  2603 , signature selection section  2604 , selection icon  2605 , storage selection sections  2606   a - d , availability indicators  2607   a - d , prior page link  2609 , and add item link  2610 . In other embodiments, page  2600  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2600  presents an interface for the delivery service  630  to select whether a signature is required prior to unlock the storage area, and what size of the storage area to deposit the item. In at least one embodiment, page  2600  also includes a link for the delivery service  630  to add another item to the same recipient. 
     Title  2601  is text showing that a storage size may be selected. Item number  2602  is text indicating the number of items to be delivered to the recipient. In an embodiment, item number  2602  indicates the total number of items that are being delivered to a recipient and which item of the total number items the current item is. Tracking number  2603  shows the tracking number of one of the items. Signature selection section  2604  is a section with options for delivery service  630  to choose whether a signature is required from the recipient prior to unlocking the storage area for picking up the item in the storage area. Selection icon  2605  is a selectable icon, which when selected causes storage system  615  to require signature from the recipient. Storage selection sections  2606   a - d  are four sections having links, which when selected by the delivery service  630  determine the size of the storage area that the storage system  615  opens for delivery service  630  to place a particular item. In at least one embodiment, storage selection sections  2606   a - d  include text showing the sizes of the storage areas available and a link to select the desired size. Availability indicators  2607   a - d  are texts showing the number of available storage areas of different sizes in storage selection sections  2606   a - d . Prior page link  2609  is a link back to the page  2400 . Add item link  2610  is a link to add more items to the same recipient. 
       FIG. 27  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2700  that displays the storage area number of the selected storage area for deposit the item. Page  2700  includes at least title  2701 , locker identifier  2702 , instruction  2704 , status indicator  2705 , does-not-fit option  2706 , occupied option  2707 , item number indicator  2708 , tracking number  2709 , locker size  2710 , exit link  2711 , and prior page link  2712 . In other embodiments, page  2700  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2700  shows the identifier of the storage area selected by system  600  and includes a link for the delivery service  630  to confirm the delivery of the item to the storage area that was selected. In at least one embodiment, page  2700  also includes links for the delivery service  630  to change to another storage area. Title  2701  is text showing that a storage area can be accessed for dropping off the item. Locker identifier  2702  is text showing an identifier of a storage area to help the delivery service  630  to locate the storage area within which to place the item being delivered. In the example of  FIG. 27 , the storage area identifier is a number and the storage area is a locker. However, in other embodiments the storage area may be a different type of storage area and the storage area identifier may include other symbols (e.g., letters) in addition to or instead of numbers. Instruction  2704  is text instructing the delivery service  630  to deposit the item and return to the screen and confirm completion of the delivery. Status indicator  2705  indicates the status of the delivery of the item (e.g., whether or not the delivery is complete) and is a link for confirming the delivery after the delivery service  630  drops off the item in the storage area. In an embodiment, prior to selecting status indicator  2705 , status indicator does not contain a check mark to indicate that the delivery is not complete, yet. After selecting status indicator  2705 , a check mark appears indicating that the delivery is complete. Does-not-fit option  2706  is a link for reselecting the size of the storage area in case the item does not fit into the previously selected storage area. In at least one embodiment, does-not-fit option  2706  redirects the delivery service  630  to page  2600  ( FIG. 26 ) for the delivery service  630  to choose another size of storage area. Occupied option  2707  is a link, which if selected, requests the system  600  to choose another storage area of the same size. Delivery service  630  may select occupied option  2707 , if the prior selected storage area is occupied and already in use by an item intended for another recipient. In at least one embodiment, since the records of system  600  previously incorrectly indicated that the occupied locker was not occupied, there may also be a page and/or fields within which the delivery person that indicated that the storage area was occupied may enter information about the item in the occupied storage area. In at least one embodiment, clicking occupied option  2707  sends a message to an administrative person of the storage bank  610  to check the storage area to see what item is left in the storage area that is not recorded by the system  600 . Item number indicator  2708  shows the number (and/or which one) of items to be deposited in the storage area. Tracking number  2709  shows the tracking information of the item to be delivered. Locker size  2710  shows the identifier of a selected storage area and the size of the selected storage area. Exit link  2711  may be the same as the exit link  2107  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 21 . Prior page link  2712  is a link back to the page  2400 . 
       FIG. 28  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2800  for intended recipient  650  to enter a password in order to pick up an item. Page  2800  includes at least title  2801 , text field  2802 , and keypad  2803 , which are similar to instruction  1901 , text field  1902 , and keypad  1903  except that a password is entered by the intended recipient  650  to access the system  600  to pick up an item, whereas text field  1902  receives an access code entered by delivery service  630 . In at least one embodiment, the password is generated by the server  620  and may expire after use or after a limited time. In at least one embodiment, after entering the password via page  2800 , the password is authenticated by the server  620 . In other embodiments, page  2800  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
       FIG. 29  is a screenshot of an example of a page  2900  for intended recipient  650  to sign if the delivery service  630  chooses that a signature of the recipient is required prior to opening the lock. Page  2900  includes at least instruction  2906 , instruction  2902 , signature field  2903 , time indicator  2904 , links  2905  and  2906 , exit link  2908 , and prior page link  2909 . In other embodiments, page  2900  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     In at least one embodiment, page  2900  includes a field for the intended recipient  650  to sign (if required by the delivery service  630 ) before the system  600  opens the lock of the storage area. Instruction  2901  includes text indicating that a signature is required for picking up the item. Instruction  2902  includes text instructing the recipient to sign below (in the signature field). Signature field  2903  is a section having a field for the intended recipient  650  to sign. In the example of  FIG. 29 , signature field  2903  is placed (on page  2900 ) in an area surrounded by lines that circumscribe and/or outline the signature field  2903 . Using touch screen, the recipient may sign within signature field  2903 . In the example of  FIG. 29 , signature field  2903  is in a signature box. Time indicator  2904  displays and records the time when the signature is entered. Clear signature link  2905  is a link for clearing the signature so that a new signature may be entered (e.g., if the recipient made a mistake in the signature). Done signing link  2905  is a link for confirming completion of the signature, and by selecting done signing link  2905 , the recipient indicates that the signature is complete. In at least one embodiment, as a result of selecting done signing link  2905 , the signature is uploaded to the server  620  or stored by storage system  615  for authentication before the lock is opened, and the lock is only opened if the signature is determined to be authentic. In another embodiment, selecting done signing link  2905  causes the signature to upload to server  620  or stored at storage system  615 , but the signature is not typically authenticated. By selecting done signing link  2905  may trigger storage system  615  or server  620  to store the signature in association with information about the item delivered. Exit link  2908  may be the same as the exit link  2107  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 21 . Prior page link  2909  is a link back to the page  2800 . 
       FIG. 30  is a screenshot of an example of a page  3000  that displays the identifier of a storage area for intended recipient  650  to pick up the item. Page  3000  includes at least instruction  3001 , storage area identifier  3002 , instruction  3003 , exit link  3004 , and exit link  3005 . In other embodiments, page  3000  may not include all of the components listed and/or may include other components in addition to or instead of those listed above. 
     Instruction  3001  is text showing the storage area can be accessed to pick up the item. Storage area identifier  3002  includes the identifier of a storage area (e.g., a number identifying the storage area) where the item is stored. Instruction  3003  includes instructions for the intended recipient  650  to close the door after picking up the item. Exit link  3004  is a link to exit the system  600 . Exit link  3005  may be the same as the exit link  2107  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 21 . 
     Extensions and Alternatives 
     Optionally, the storage areas may include sensors and/or cameras that detect whether or not a storage area is occupied, which may be capable to sense information about the contents of the storage area, such as by sensing the weight of the contents of the storage area and/or by photographing the contents of the storage area (e.g., so that the mailing label can be read). If a system  600  indicates that a storage area is empty and then the delivery service  630  selects occupied option  2007  ( FIG. 20 ) indicating that the storage area is really occupied, contents of the storage may be photographed (or otherwise detected) to determine the intended recipient, to determine the sender, and/or to determine what action to take. Based on information detected about the item and based on prior records, of deliveries of items to that storage area, system  600  may be able to determine how long the item was in the storage area and/or whether the intended recipient attempted to pick up the item. Depending on whether the sender can be determined, depending on whether or not there was prior attempt to pick up the item from the storage area, and/or depending on how long ago the item was delivered, a determination may be made as to whether to return the item to the sender, to send a message to the intended recipient to pick up the item, to send a message to an administrative person to contact the intended recipient to determine what the issue may have been hindering the picking up the item, and/or whether to take other actions. 
     In an embodiment, intended recipient  650  may also drop off items in the storage areas for delivery service  630  or another recipient to pickup and deliver. Storage terminal  615  and/or sever  620  may include pages having fields in which the sender requests a storage area, enters information about the intended recipient, and optionally selects a delivery service. After the item is in the system  600 , a message may be sent to the intended recipient to pick up the item directly or a message may be sent to a delivery service to pick up the item and deliver the item to the intended recipient 
     Optionally, the storage system  10  may receive signals from sensors and/or cameras that detect whether or not a storage room that optionally has storage areas is occupied. In an embodiment, the sensors and/or cameras may be capable to sense information about the contents of the storage room, such as by sensing the weight of the contents of the storage room by photographing the contents of the storage room (e.g., so that the mailing label can be read). In another embodiment, the sensors and/or cameras may sense (or photographing) any movement of people in a room to determine whether the room is currently in use. If the storage system  10 , in which the lock  20  may be used, indicates that a storage room is empty and then the delivery person found that the storage room is really occupied, the delivery person may send a message to the storage system  10  and contents of the storage room may be photographed (or otherwise detected) to determine the intended recipient, to determine the sender, and/or to determine what action to take. Based on information detected about the item and based on prior records, of deliveries of items to that storage room, storage system  10  may be able to determine how long the item was in the storage room  16  and/or whether the intended recipient attempted to pick up the item. Depending on whether the sender can be determined, depending on whether or not there was prior attempt to pick up the item from the storage room  16 , and/or depending on how long ago the item was delivered, a determination may be made as to whether to return the item to the sender, to send a message to the intended recipient to pick up the item, to send a message to an administrative person to contact the intended recipient to determine what the issue may have been hindering the picking up the item, and/or whether to take other actions. 
     In an embodiment, intended recipient  650  may also drop off items in the storage room  16  for delivery person or another recipient to pick up and deliver. Kiosk  21  or tablet  12  may provide user interface pages that allow the sender to request opening of the storage room  16  to deliver an item (and thus the lock interface  112  receives the request to open the lock  20 ), enters information about the intended recipient, and optionally selects a delivery service  630 . After the item is securely locked in the storage system  10 , a message may be sent to the intended recipient to pick up the item directly or a message may be sent to a delivery service  630  to pick up the item and deliver the item to the intended recipient. As a result, the intended recipient or the delivery service  630  may send a request, which includes the code received, to the lock interface  112  to open the electronic lock  20  that locks the storage room  16  that stores the item. 
     The storage rooms of this specification may be used as any of the storage as of U.S. Pat. No. 7,844,507, entitled “HANDLING HOUSEHOLD TASKS,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Mar. 22, 2006 (Docket No. 30-1), U.S. Pat. No. 8,401,932, entitled “HANDLING HOUSEHOLD TASKS,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Oct. 18, 2010 (Docket No. 30-2), U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/505,457 (Docket #BU-1), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Oct. 2, 2014, by Arik Seth Levy, U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/668,883 (Docket #BU-2), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Mar. 25, 2015, by Arik Seth Levy, and/or U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/447,445 (Docket #BU-4), entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PACKAGE DELIVERY,” filed on Jun. 20, 2019, by Arik Seth Levy, et al. 
     The storage system of this specification may be used with any of the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,844,507, entitled “HANDLING HOUSEHOLD TASKS,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Mar. 22, 2006 (Docket No. 30-1), U.S. Pat. No. 8,401,932, entitled “HANDLING HOUSEHOLD TASKS,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Oct. 18, 2010 (Docket No. 30-2), U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/505,457 (Docket #BU-1), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Oct. 2, 2014, by Arik Seth Levy, and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/668,883 (Docket #BU-2), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Mar. 25, 2015, by Arik Seth Levy, and/or U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/447,445 (Docket #BU-4), entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PACKAGE DELIVERY,” filed on Jun. 20, 2019, by Arik Seth Levy, et al. 
     The storage room of this specification may be included within the storage room any of the storage receptacles, lockers, or storage areas of U.S. Pat. No. 7,844,507, entitled “HANDLING HOUSEHOLD TASKS,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Mar. 22, 2006 (Docket No. 30-1), U.S. Pat. No. 8,401,932, entitled “HANDLING HOUSEHOLD TASKS,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Oct. 18, 2010 (Docket No. 30-2), U.S. Pat. No. 8,359,249, entitled “STORAGE LOCKER,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Aug. 28, 2011 (Docket No. 30-3), U.S. Pat. No. 8,725,600, entitled “STORAGE LOCKER,” by Arik Seth Levy, filed Dec. 20, 2012 (Docket No. 30-4), U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/505,457 (Docket #BU-1), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Oct. 2, 2014, by Arik Seth Levy, and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/668,883 (Docket #BU-2), entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC STORAGE AREAS,” filed on Mar. 25, 2015, by Arik Seth Levy, and/or U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/447,445 (Docket #BU-4), entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PACKAGE DELIVERY,” filed on Jun. 20, 2019, by Arik Seth Levy, et al. 
     Each embodiment disclosed herein may be used or otherwise combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed. Any element of any embodiment may be used in any embodiment. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the invention.