Patent Publication Number: US-2018041493-A1

Title: Authenticating mobile lockers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/371,443, filed Aug. 5, 2016and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to storage containers and, more particularly, to portable storage containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Items are commonly delivered to areas that are accessible to the public. One issue that can arise from this, however, is adequately securing the items against undesired access by people and animals. Locked mailboxes provide one solution to this issue, but these containers can commonly be dedicated to one user and would be difficult to use for many people and different locations. Keyed locking mechanisms present a similar issue in that everyone with a key has access to the items. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses and methods pertaining to the secure storage, transportation, and delivery of items. This description includes drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a docking station having containers secured thereto in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of a container in accordance with several embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of a user interface and control circuit for a container in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart in accordance with several embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for the storage, transportation, and delivery of items. A mobile locker is described herein that can be utilized to securely deliver items to a location for subsequent pick-up by a user. The mobile locker can include a user interface and control circuit to authenticate a user and provide secured access to the items. Advantageously, the user interface and control circuit can include a plurality of levels of authentication so that items requiring additional security can be adequately protected during transportation and storage. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a mobile locker  10  includes a housing  12  with an interior  14  for the storage of items  16 . In one form, the housing  12  can be generally box-shaped with a rear wall  18 , side walls  20 , a top wall  22 , and a bottom  24  wall. A door  26  mounted to a front  28  of the housing  12  can provide selective access to the items  16  in the interior  14  thereof. The door  26  can be pivotably mounted to the housing  12  using a hinge  30  or the like. In order to securely store the items  16  within the housing  12 , movement of the door  26  can be restricted by a lock mechanism  32 . As shown, the locker  10  can have any suitable size to accommodate a variety of items  16 . 
     To control access to the interior  14  of the housing  12 , the locker  10  includes a user interface  34  and a control circuit  36  coupled to the user interface  34 . The user interface  34  can include one or more user inputs  38  to authenticate the users prior to the control circuit  36  disabling the lock mechanism  32  and granting access to the housing interior  14 . Various forms of authentication are described in more detail below. 
     The term control circuit as used herein refers broadly to any microcontroller, computer, or processor-based device with processor, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals, which is generally designed to govern the operation of other components and devices. It is further understood to include common accompanying accessory devices, including memory, transceivers for communication with other components and devices, etc. These architectural options are well known and understood in the art and require no further description here. The control circuit  36  may be configured (for example, by using corresponding programming stored in a memory as will be well understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or more of the steps, actions, and/or functions described herein. 
     More specifically, the control circuit  36  can advantageously receive or retrieve product and authentication information for the items  16  stored in the locker  10  and user authentication information corresponding to the transaction for the items  16 , such as from a server device or the like. Based on the product and authentication information, the control circuit  36  can require one of a plurality levels of authentication from the user to grant access to the items  16 . Accordingly, the control circuit  36  can determine which one of the plurality of levels of authentication is required for access to the items  16 . Upon reception of authentication from the user input  38 , the control circuit  36  can determine whether the authentication from the user input matches the pre-stored authentication information for the items  16 . In response to determining that the authentications match, the control circuit  36  can then unlock the lock mechanism  32  so that the user can retrieve the items  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the locker  10  can be configured to mount or secure to a docking station  40 . By one approach, the docking station  40  can be at a delivery site, so that a user can conveniently access the locker  10 . In one form, the docking station  40  and locker  10  include cooperating locking components  42  so that the locker  10  can be removably secured to the docking station  40 . Securing the locker  10  to the docking station  40  can be done mechanically, with keys or the like, or can be controlled by a control circuit  41  of the docking station  40  and/or the control circuit  36  of the locker  10 . For example, pressing the locking components  42  of the locker  10  into engagement with the locking components  42  of the docking station  40  can cause the components  42  to engage one another and the control circuits  36 ,  41  can communicate. Then, when release is desired, an associate can enter a code or passphrase or other authentication information using any of the user inputs  38  described below into the docking station  40  and/or locker  10  to release the locker  10 . 
     The docking station  40  can further include a power source  44 , which can be used to supply power to the locker  10  and any electrical components therein, described in more detail below. The power source  44  can be hardwired or can be a battery or the like depending on location or preference. 
     The user interface  34  can include one or more of the following user inputs  38  for authentication, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In a first form, the user input  38  can be a keypad  38 a, whether physical buttons or a touchpad, for the user to enter a code or passphrase. In a second form, the user input  38  can be a camera  38 b configured to capture an image or video of the user for authentication. In a third form, the user input  38  can be a microphone  38 c configured to receive an audio input from the user, such as a code, passphrase, for verbal recognition, or the like. In a fourth form, the user input  38  can be a biometric scanner  38 d, such as for a fingerprint, retina, face, cadence, wink, or the like. In a fifth form, the user input  38  can be a transceiver  38 e configured to receive a transmission from a user device, such as a smartphone or other portable computing device, for authentication. In a sixth form, the user input  38  can be a scanner  38 f for machine-readable codes, such as barcodes, QR codes, or the like. In a further approach, the scanner can be configured to authenticate issued identification, such as ID cards, drivers licenses, passports, and the like. In a seventh form, the user input  38  can be a touch screen  38 g configured to receive a signature of the user thereon. By a further approach, the touch screen can also be used for collecting a signature from the user to confirm that the user received the items  16 . 
     The plurality of levels of authentication can take a variety of forms. In a first form, a first level of authentication can be authentication using one of the user inputs  38  described above, a second level of authentication can be authentication using two or more of the user inputs  38 , and so forth. In a second form, a first level of authentication can be authentication using one of the user inputs  38  described above and a second level of authentication can be authentication using required user inputs  38 , such as valid government issued identification using the scanner to prove age for age restricted items, including alcohol, tobacco, and the like, a prescription using the scanner for prescription drugs, and so forth. So configured, the applicable level of authentication set for given items  16  can be determined based on laws of given location and/or on product risk. As such, the locker  10  can advantageously adapt to the items  16  stored therein and provide secure and authenticated access thereto. By a further form, another level of authentication can be associated with workers decoupling the locker  10  from the docking station  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the locker  10  can further include sensors and components for additional functionality. For example, the locker  10  can include a global positioning system (“gps”) or device  46  that tracks the location of the locker  10 . In a first form, where the locker  10  utilizes the power source  44  of the docking station  40 , the gps  46  can activate when the locker  10  is mounted to the docking station  40 . This allows a user to follow the gps  46  signal for directions to the locker  10 . This also indicates to the user when the locker  10  has been delivered to the docking station  40 . In another form, the locker  10  can include a power source  48 , in the form of a battery, solar panel, etc., that can power the gps  46  during storage and transportation. As such, the user can track the locker  10  during transport to follow the progress of delivery, as well as get directions to the location of the locker  10 . 
     Another sensor that can be coupled or mounted to the locker  10  is a thermometer  50  configured to determine a temperature of the interior  14  and/or exterior of the locker  10 . A temperature of the exterior of the locker  10  can be useful to determine whether the weather is too hot or too cold for certain items  16 . Similarly, a temperature of the interior  14  of the locker  10  can be useful to determine whether the temperature is within a desired range for items  16  stored therein. For example, if the items  16  are food or other perishable items, relatively high or low temperatures may damage the items  16 . Accordingly, the temperature can be tracked to avoid damage to the items  16 . By a further approach, the locker  10  can include a temperature regulation system  52 , which can be powered by the internal power source  48  and/or the docking station power source  44 . The temperature regulation system  52  can be a cooling and/or heating system to maintain a desired temperature in the interior  14  of the locker  10 . For example, for frozen items  16 , the system  52  can maintain a freezing temperature in the locker  10 . For other items, the system  52  can prevent the temperature in the interior from going too high or too low. In another example, the system  52  can maintain a relatively high temperature in the locker  10 , such as about 140 degrees to about 180 degrees, so that the items  16  are delivered in a hot condition. 
     By another approach, the locker  10  can include a proximity sensor  54 . The proximity sensor  54  can determine when a user approaches the locker  10  and activate any components in sleep mode. For example, the user interface  34  can go into sleep mode after a predetermined period has passed without activity and can activate in response to receiving a signal from the proximity sensor  54 . If desired, the locker  10  can further include a proximity indicator  56 , such as a light or the like, that operates in response to the proximity sensor  54  sensing movement. The indicator  56  can light up or flash to identify the locker  10  to the user. 
     The locker  10  can also include an RFID chip  58  and/or machine-readable code  60 , such as a barcode, QR code, or the like, to monitor the status of the locker  10 . For example, an associate can scan the RFID chip  58  and/or the machine-readable code  60  at each stage of a delivery process, such as conveying of the locker(s)  10  to a desired location within a warehouse, loading of the locker(s)  10  with the items  16 , loading of the locker(s)  10  onto a delivery truck, securing the locker(s)  10  to the docking station  40 , successful the items  16  have been removed from the locker(s)  10 , removing the locker(s)  10  from the docking station  40 , and return of the of the locker(s)  10  to the warehouse. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , one advantage of the lockers  10  and the docking station  40  is that the lockers  10  can have any desired size and still couple to the docking station  40 . Further, the lockers  10  can be configured to secure or be daisy-chained together, as well as, to the docking station  40 . Advantageously, the lockers  10  can also be configured to operate as a group. As such, if an order contains more items  16  than can be fit inside one locker  10 , the order can be distributed through two or more lockers  10 . Then, the lockers  10  can be secured to the docking station  40  and to one another. Next, after the user provides authentication using the methods described above according to the appropriate level of authentication using one of the user inputs  38 , the control circuits  36  can cause all of the lockers  10  in the group to unlock. 
     So configured, the locker  10  can provide secure storage for the delivery of items  16  to convenient locations for customer pick-up. For example, docking stations  40  can be positioned adjacent to public areas, such as public transportation facilities, sports facilities, outside retail locations, and the like. Then, a consumer can order desired items  16  and select one of the docking stations  40  for pick-up. In a particular example, a consumer can order items while at the public facility and pick up the delivered items at the docking station while leaving. 
     In some embodiments, a mobile locker is described herein that includes a housing having an interior for storage of items for a user and configured to be removably secured to a docking station; a door of the housing configured to selectively provide access to the interior; a lock mechanism configured to restrict movement of the door; a user interface configured receive user input for authentication; and a control circuit coupled to the user interface. The control circuit is configured to: determine which one of a plurality of levels of authentication are required for access to the items to unlock the lock mechanism; retrieve authentication information associated with the items, the authentication information coinciding with the one of the plurality of levels of authentication; receive a user input at the user interface; and unlock the lock mechanism in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information. 
     By some approaches, the user interface can include a camera configured to capture an image or video of the user for authentication. By several approaches, the user interface can include a microphone configured to receive an audio input from the user for authentication. By some approaches, the user interface can include a transceiver configured to receive an authentication signal from a user mobile device for authentication. 
     By several approaches, the plurality of levels of authentication include a first level requiring one form of authentication and a second level requiring two forms of authentication. 
     By some approaches, the mobile locker can further include a global positioning system such that the mobile locker can be tracked during transport and at the docking station. 
     By several approaches, the docking station can be configured to have a plurality of mobile lockers secured thereto, where the plurality of mobile lockers are configured to connect together. By further approaches, the control circuit can be configured to unlock the plurality of lockers in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information. 
     In several embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 4 , a method  100  for secured delivery of items within a mobile locker to a docking station for access by a user is described herein that includes: securing  102  the mobile locker to the docking station; determining  104  which one of a plurality of levels of authentication are required for access to the items to unlock a lock mechanism of the mobile locker; retrieving  106  authentication information for the user, the authentication information coinciding with the one of the plurality of levels of authentication; receiving  108  a user input at a user interface of the mobile locker; and unlocking  110  the lock mechanism in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information. 
     By some approaches, receiving the user input can include recording an image or video with a camera of the user interface; receiving an audio input from the user at a microphone of the user interface; and/or receiving a signal from a mobile device associated with the user at a transceiver of the user interface. 
     By several approaches, the method  100  can further include tracking  112  the mobile locker with a global positioning system thereof during transport and at the docking station. 
     By some approaches, the method  100  can further include monitoring  114  an internal temperature of the mobile locker with a sensor; and operating  116  a cooling system of the mobile locker to maintain a desired internal temperature. 
     By several approaches, securing the mobile locker to the docking station can include securing a plurality of mobile lockers to the docking station and to one another; and unlocking the lock mechanism in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information can include unlocking the lock mechanism for the plurality of mobile lockers in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.