Patent Publication Number: US-2020302386-A1

Title: Systems and methods for delivering a package

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for delivering a package and, more particularly to, automated systems and methods for delivering the package from one location to another. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A delivery system is a process of conveying packages, such as but not limiting to items, products or goods, to a recipient who may be an individual, group of individuals or an organization, or to a location. Many automatic delivery systems are known in the art, such as automated wheeled delivery robots, traditional parcel delivery services, mail services and so on. 
     However, all the above-mentioned delivery systems are much slower at delivering packages, as roadways are typically used for commuting to the recipient&#39;s location to deliver the package. The transportation on roadways not only affects the delivery times due to slower transportation speed (particularly due to traffic), but also pollutes the environment due to use of fossil-fueled vehicles and may also add undesirable strain on road infrastructure due to the repeated use of heavy trucks for delivery. Further, the weather conditions also complicate the current delivery services, particularly during or after snow storms or floods, weather can prohibit delivery of packages or even emergency supplies. 
     To mitigate the aforementioned problems associated with conventional delivery systems, drones are employed for delivering the package. The drone being an unmanned aerial vehicle, allows the user to operate the drone remotely, thereby mitigating the problems associated with controlling the wheeled vehicles. Moreover, the drone being airborne is not affected by the traffic that is typically associated with the conventional wheeled vehicle, thereby improving the transportation speeds. However, the drone is characterized with relatively lower top speed, the smaller weight capacity for carrying packages and limited landing or parking area, particularly in a city. Moreover, the drone requires substantially high initial investment and periodic maintenance, which inherently affects the cost of the delivery services offered, making it less convenient for the user. 
     Therefore, there is a need for techniques which can overcome one or more limitations stated above in addition to providing other technical advantages. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a package delivery system. The system includes one or more receptacles, each of the one or more receptacles are configured to store a package and conveyable on a guideway network between a first station and a second station. The guideway network includes a first set of guideways for allowing transportation of the one or more receptacles between the first station and the second station and a second set of guideways for parking the one or more receptacles on either of the first station and the second station. A control unit is communicably coupled with one or more computing devices for receiving a delivery information pertaining to the package. The control unit is configured to operate each receptacle of the one or more receptacles corresponding to the delivery information received from the one or more computing devices for delivering the package. 
     In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for delivering the package via the package delivery system is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a control unit, the delivery information pertaining to the package from the user via one or more computing devices, wherein the delivery information includes a delivery location and instructions pertaining to the package to be delivered. The control unit then computes an optimal route in the first set of guideways of the guideway network for transporting each receptacle of the one or more receptacles between the first station and the second station. The optimal route is computed based on the delivery information received from the user and location of each of the one or more receptacles traveling on each receptacle of the first set of guideways. Subsequently, the control unit transports each receptacle via the conveying mechanism from the first station to the second station on the optimal route for delivering the package, wherein the first station is a receiving location of the package and the second station is a delivery location of the package. 
     In an embodiment, the present disclosure also provides the package delivery system. The system including the one or more receptacles, each receptacle of the one or more receptacles configured for storing the package and conveyable on the guideway network between the first station and the second station. The guideway network including the first set of guideways for allowing transportation of each receptacle of the one or more receptacles between the first station and the second station, and the second set of guideways for parking each receptacle of the one or more receptacles on either of the first station and the second station. One or more intermediate guideways are configured on the guideway network for interconnecting each of the first set of guideways and the second set of guideways, as well as interconnecting different guideways within the first set of guideways. A switching mechanism interconnects the first set of guideways and the second set of guideways via the one or more intermediate guideways. The switching mechanism including a flange mounted on each of the first set of guideways and the second set of guideways, and coupled to a switching actuator for operating between a first position and a second position. At the first position the flange is configured to allow transportation of each receptacle of the one or more receptacles along a guideway of the first set of guideways. At the second position the flange is configured to allow switching a lane of each receptacle of the one or more receptacles from the guideway of the first set of guideways to another guideway in the second set of guideways for parking. The receptacle of the one or more receptacles comprising a closure being operable between an open position and a closing position. The closure is configured with a locking mechanism being communicably coupled with the control unit and operable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking mechanism is operable to the unlocked position based on an authentication means input by a user. The conveying mechanism being engaged to the guideway of the first set of guideways, the conveying mechanism comprising at least one wheel engaged to the guideway and each wheel of the at least one wheel being coupled to an actuator powered by a power source for enabling transportation of the receptacle between the first station and the second station. A lift mechanism including a first end mounted to the guideway network and another end coupled to the receptacle is provided. The lift mechanism is configured to suspend the receptacle at a predetermined height above the ground surface. A Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor communicably coupled with the control unit is provided for determining location of the receptacle, wherein the control unit determines the speed of the receptacle traveling on the guideway network based on the rate of change in location. Further, a proximity sensor is communicably coupled to the control unit for controlling the movement of the receptacle during transportation. The control unit communicably coupled with one or more computing devices for receiving a delivery information pertaining to the package. The control unit being configured to operate the receptacle corresponding to the delivery information received from the one or more computing devices for delivering the package. The delivery information received by the control unit from the user via the one or more computing devices includes a delivery location and instructions pertaining to the package to be delivered, wherein the control unit being communicably coupled with the closure, the locking mechanism, the conveying mechanism, the lift mechanism, the GPS sensor and the proximity sensor for controlling operation of the receptacle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific device or a tool and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram representing an environment of a package delivery system related to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a receptacle of the package delivery system of  FIG. 1  with a closure in a locked position, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates the receptacle of  FIG. 2A  with the closure in a unlocked position, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a switching mechanism of the package delivery system of  FIG. 1  in a first position, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates the switching mechanism of  FIG. 3A  depicting movement of the receptacle in a first set of guideways, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates the switching mechanism of  FIG. 3A  in a second position, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates the switching mechanism of  FIG. 3C , depicting switching of lanes of the receptacle from the first set of guideways to a second set of guideways, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a lift mechanism of the package delivery system of  FIG. 1  connected to the receptacle in a retracted position, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates the lift mechanism of  FIG. 4A  connected to the receptacle in an extended position, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates the lift mechanism of  FIG. 4A , in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates the lift mechanism of  FIG. 4B , in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a method of delivering a package via the package delivery system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a server, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. 
     Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments. 
     Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure. 
     Overview 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a package delivery system. The system is configured to deliver packages to the desired or required location, in a time efficient manner, while also eliminating the dependency on roadways for delivering the packages. The system also mitigates the need for fuel enabled transportation for delivering the packages, thereby is eco-friendly. 
     The system includes one or more receptacles configured for storing a package required to be delivered to a desired location. The receptacles are conveyable on a guideway network which connects a first station and a second station. The first station may be a receiving location of the package and the second station may be the delivery location of the package. The guideway network includes a first set of guideways for transportation of the receptacles between the first station and the second station, and a second set of guideways for parking the receptacles in either of the first station and the second station. One or more intermediate guideways are provided in the guideway network for interlinking or interconnecting the first set of guideways with the second set of guideways. This provision ensures that the receptacles can move between the first set of guideways and the second set of guideways as per requirement. A conveying mechanism, which may include at least one wheel is mounted on one of the guideways of the guideway network, and is configured on each of the receptacles for transportation of the package between the first station to the second station. The conveying mechanism also enables switching of lanes of the receptacles from the first set of guideways to the second set of guideways via a switching mechanism upon reaching the delivery location, for parking the receptacles. The switching network includes a flange coupled to an actuator and mounted on each of the first set of guideways and the second set of guideways. The flange is operable between a first position and a second position, wherein at the first position the flange allows transportation of each of the receptacles along the first set of guideways. The flange at the second position is configured to interconnect each of the intermediate guideways with the first set of guideways suitably, for allowing transportation of the receptacles to the second set of guideways from the first set of guideways. A control unit is provided in the system and is communicably coupled with one or more computing devices, the receptacles, the conveying mechanism and the switching mechanism. The control unit is configured to receive a delivery information, from the one or more computing devices of the user, such as the delivery location and other instructions pertaining to the package. The control unit based on the delivery information controls the operations of the receptacles for delivering the package. 
     The present disclosure also provides a method for delivering the package via the package delivery system. The method comprising receiving by the control unit, the delivery information pertaining to the product from the user via the computing devices. The control unit, based on the delivery information and the delivery location selected by the user, computes an optimal route for transportation of the receptacle on the first set of guideways from the first station to the second station. The control unit, upon reaching the second station via the optimal route, operates the switching mechanism to the second position for interconnecting the first set of guideways to the second set of guideways. The interconnection enables transportation of the receptacles to the second set of guideways, so that the receptacles are parked at the second station. The user thereupon may access the package stored with the receptacles by unlocking the locking mechanism using suitable authentication means. 
     Although process steps, method steps or the like in the disclosure may be described in a sequential order, such processes and methods may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in this patent application does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of described processes may be performed in any practical order. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to one or more of the invention(s), and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred. 
     Various embodiments with respect to systems and methods for delivering packages in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 1  shows an example representation of an environment  100  related to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The environment  100  includes a user  102 , such as an individual or a business, who wishes to order a package or to deliver the package to another user at a desired location. The user  102  interacts with a package delivery system  104  (hereinafter referred to as system  104 ), for placing a delivery request of a package at the desired location. The user  102  while placing the delivery request provides information pertaining to a delivery location and instructions pertaining to the package. The user  102  can interact with the system  104 , via a network  110  using an application  112  available at one or more computing devices  106  (hereinafter referred to as ‘device  106 ’) associated with the user  102 . The application  112  may be a web-based application or a mobile based application accessible via the device  106  associated with the user  102 . The device  106  may be one of laptops, smartphones, desktops, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable smart devices, workstation terminals and the like. The network  110  may be a centralized network or a decentralized network or may include a plurality of sub-networks that may establish a direct communication between the entities or may offer indirect communication between the entities. Typical examples of the network  110  include, but are not limited to, a wireless or wired Ethernet-based network, a local or wide-area network (LAN or WAN), and/or the global communication network known as the Internet, which may accommodate many different communications media and protocols. 
     The environment  100  further includes a server  116  configured to control operations of the system  104  for delivering the package to the desired location, based on the delivery request made by the user  102 . The server  116  may particularly control operations of one or more receptacles  108   a,    108   b,    108   c,    108   d  (hereinafter singularly referred to as ‘receptacle  108 ’ for the receptacles  108   a,    108   b,    108   c,    108   d ) of the system  104 , which is explained in detail in subsequent description. The server  116  may be configured to manage the application  112 , which is accessible to the device  106 , so that the delivery request provided by the user  102  is received by the server  116 . The application  112  may be accessible through a website associated with the server  116 , so that the user  102  may access the website over the network  110  using Web browser applications installed in the device  106  for providing the delivery request. The server  116  upon receiving the delivery request is configured to control the operations of the system  104  for delivering the package to the desired location of the user  102 . In an embodiment, the server  116  is configured to facilitate instances of the application  112  to the device  106  upon receiving a request for accessing the application  112 . The server  116 , upon receiving the request, may allow instances of the application  112  to be downloaded into the device  106 , for the user  102  to access the application  112 . In an embodiment, the application  112  may include an Application programming Interface (API) and other components, which may rest on the server  116 . The application  112  can be made available at application stores such as Google play store managed by Google®, Apple app store managed by Apple®, etc. and are downloadable from the application stores to be accessed on devices such as the device  106  of the user  102 . In an embodiment, the application  112  may be pre-installed on the device  106 . In an embodiment, the server  116  may be a standalone device or a device associated with the system  104  or may be maintained by a third-party, for controlling operation of the system  104  for delivering the package. 
     The environment  100  further includes a database  114  associated with the user  102  and configured to store information pertaining to the delivery request provided by the user  102 . The delivery request provided by the user  102  may be the delivery location and the instructions pertaining to the package. The delivery location provided by the user  102  while providing the delivery request, may be one of a residential location, a business location or any other location as per feasibility and requirement. The instructions provided by the user  102  while providing the delivery request, may be guidelines or recommendations for safe and timely delivery of the package. The instructions may also be one of a time-definite delivery request, type of packing provided for safety of the package, a prior intimation to the user  102  before delivering the package, an intimation to the user  102  upon delivery of the package, a prior intimation to a receiver before arrival of the package and the like. The database  114  may also store details pertaining to the system  104  required for the server  116 , for delivering the package to the desired location. 
     The server  116  upon receiving the delivery information from the user  102  is configured to control operations of the system  104 , so that a receptacle  108  which is nearest to the first station  120  is identified by the system  104 , then the receptacle  108  takes an optimal route for reaching the first station  120  via a guideway network  118 , then delivering the package from a first station  120  to a second station  122  via a guideway network  118 . The guideway network  118  includes a first set of guideways  118   a  and a second set of guideways  118   b,  which is explained in subsequent sections. The server  116  may also be configured to collect real time data pertaining to the receptacle  108  such as but not limiting to a current location of the receptacle  108 , a speed of operation of the receptacle  108  and the like, via one or more sensors embedded within the receptacle  108 , which are explained in detail in  FIGS. 2A to 2D . The server  116  thus acts as a control unit or a processor, for controlling operation of the receptacle  108  and the system  104 , to ensure delivery of the package. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B , in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrates a planar view of the receptacle  108 . The receptacle  108  is a hollow structure, configured with a closure  202 , for enclosing the contents therein. The closure  202  is operable between an open position  204   a  (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 2B ) and a closed position  204   b.  The closure  202  may be hinged to the receptacle  108  for actuation between the open position  204   a  and the closed position  204   b.  Alternatively, the closure  202  may be snap fitted or attached by other conventional mechanical techniques as per feasibility and requirement. The closure  202  may also be positioned at the underside of the receptacle  108 , and allow the receptacle  108  to pick up and drop off packages without direct interaction with a user  102  at the time of pick up or delivery. The closure  202  includes a locking mechanism  206  communicably coupled to the server  116  (i.e. the control unit). The locking mechanism  206  is operable between a locked position  206   a  and an unlocked position  206   b,  for operating the closure  202  between the open position  204   a  and the closed position  204   b.  The locking mechanism  206  may include a lever  206   c  which in the locked position  206   a  may engage with a keyhole member  204   c  configured on the surface of the receptacle  108  for locking the closure  202  in the closed position  204   b.  The locking mechanism  206  in the unlocked position  206   b,  the lever  206   c  disengages with the keyhole member  204   c  of the receptacle  108 , thereby allowing actuation of the closure  202  from the closed position  204   b  to the open position  204   a.  The locking mechanism  206  is adapted to be operable to the unlocked position  206   b  from the locked position  206   a  upon receiving an authentication means from the user  102 . The authentication means may be a secret information shared with the user  102  by the server  116 , upon initiating the delivery request by the user  102  and can be any one of a Quick Response (QR) code, an One Time Password (OTP), an iris recognition data, a face recognition data, a voice recognition data and the like. Accordingly, the locking mechanism  206  may include a camera  206   d  for determining the facial features and the iris features of the user  102 . Also, a microphone  208  may be embedded in the locking mechanism  206  for determining the voice of the user  102  for unlocking the closure  202 . Alternatively, other security authentication means such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card, a fingerprint, a key card or any other security authentication means may be employed for operating the locking mechanism  206 . Accordingly, the hardware of the locking mechanism  206  may be altered for enabling use of various security authentication means. Further, the locking mechanism  206  may include a keypad  206   e  for keying in the security information such as but not limited to the One-Time Password received by the user  102  upon initiating the delivery request of the package. Thus, the locking mechanism  206  is configured with myriad of safety features, to ensure that the package is accessible to the user  102 . Similarly, the authentication means may use security mechanism (not shown in Figures) embedded in the smart device  106  used by user  102 . Such authentication means may be used when user  102  is within a certain predetermined distance from the receptacle  108  and in conjunction with identifying information located on the server  116 . 
     The receptacle  108  is conveyable on the guideway network  118  (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 1 ) between the first station  120  and the second station  122 . The first station  120  may be a location where the package is received by the receptacle  108 , such as but not limiting to a warehouse, a recipient location, a location of the user  102  and the like. The second station  122  may be the location where the package is delivered by the receptacle  108 , such as the delivery location specified by the user  102 . The guideway network  118  includes a plurality of guideways, which may be made of cables wires, for connecting the first station  120  and the second station  122 . Additionally, the guideway network  118  may include rails for connecting the first station  120  and the second station  122 . In an embodiment, the guideway network  118  may be configured to connect the first station  120  and the second station  122  in a city premise or within an industry or any other premises as per feasibility and requirement. 
     The guideway network  118  includes the first set of guideways  118   a,  for transportation of the receptacle  108  between the first station  120  and the second station  120 . The first set of guideways  118   a  includes a plurality of guideways which act as a transport lane for movement of the receptacle  108 . Each of the guideways in the first set of guideways  118   a  may interconnect various stations or locations apart from connecting the first station  120  and the second station  122 , as per the premises selected. In other words, the first set of guideways  118   a  may also connect locations between or beyond the first station  120  and the second station  122 , so as to improve connectivity within the premises considered. The guideway network  118  also includes the second set of guideways  118   b  for parking the receptacle  108  on either of the first station  120  and the second station  122 . The second set of guideways  118   b  may extend corresponding to the connectivity of the first set of guideways  118   a  and thus may be dependent on the network of the first set of guideways  118   a.  In other words, the second set of guideways  118   b  extends in locations where the first set of guideways  118   a  extends, so as to ensure parking of the receptacle  108 . 
     A conveying mechanism  210  is configured on the receptacle  108  for conveying or transportation of the receptacle  108  between the first station  120  and the second station  122 . The conveying mechanism  210  is configured to be mounted on one of the guideways in the first set of guideways  118   a  to enable transportation of the receptacle  108  between the first station  120  and the second station  122 . Alternatively, the conveying mechanism  210  may also be mounted on one of the guideways in the second set of guideways  118   b.    
     The conveying mechanism  210  includes at least one wheel  210   a  mounted on one of the guideways of the first set of guideways  118   a.  The wheel  210   a  may be mounted onto one of the guideways of the first set of guideways  118   a  via a hook member  210   b.  Each of the at least one wheel  210   a  is coupled to an actuator  212  such as but not limiting to an electric motor, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and the like, via a bracket  214  for allowing movement over the first set of guideways  118   a.  A transmission mechanism (not shown in FIGs.) may be coupled to the wheel  210   a,  for transmitting power from the actuator  212  to the wheel  210   a.  The actuator  212  upon actuation is configured to operate the wheel  210   a  either in a clockwise direction or in an anti-clockwise direction, which in-turn will move the receptacle  108  in a forward direction or in a reverse direction. The actuator  212  may be coupled to the server  116 , so that the server  116  may control movement of the receptacle  108  as per requirement. 
     In an embodiment, the conveying mechanism  210  consists of a motor-guided haul rope (not shown in Figures) which pulls the receptacle  108  along the guideway. In such configuration, the receptacle  108  includes a mechanism (not shown in Figures) to attach to and detach from a haul rope, as well as switch between haul ropes as required to move within the guideway network  118 . 
     Further, the guideway network  118  also includes one or more intermediate guideways  118   c  (for e.g. as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D ), which are configured to interconnect the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b.  The intermediate guideways  118   c  bridges the first set of guideways  118   a  with the second set of guideways  118   b,  so that the receptacle  108  can move between the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b.  The intermediate guideways  118   c  may be supported by the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b  via support members  308 , for maintaining an intermediate position therebetween (for e.g. as shown in  FIGS. 3A to 3D ). This configuration of the intermediate guideways  118   b  enables switching of lanes for the receptacle  108  from the first set of guideways  118   a  to the second set of guideways  118   b,  and vice-versa at a desired location. Thus, the intermediate guideways  118   c  are provided particularly in the first station  120  and the second station  122 , so that the receptacles  108  can park either at the first station  120  and the second station  122  for enabling the user  102  to collect the package. Alternatively, the intermediate guideways  118   c  may be provided between or beyond the first station  120  and the second station  122 , based on the connectivity of the first set of guideways  118   a  with the second set of guideways  118   b  to ensure that parking of the receptacle  108  at these locations. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A to 3D , a switching mechanism  302  is configured in the guideway network  118  and mounted at the connecting junction of the intermediate guideways  118   c  with the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b.  The switching mechanism  302  is configured to switch lanes or guideways of the receptacle  108  between the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b.  The switching mechanism  302  includes a flange  304  mounted on each of the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b.  The flange  304  is coupled to a switching actuator  306  which is electronically coupled to the server  116 , for operating the flange  304  between a first position  304   a  and a second position  304   b.  The switching actuator  306  may be supported on a pillar  310  via mounting brackets  310   a.  The pillar  310  may generally extend from a ground surface at either of the first station  120  or the second station  122  or any other intermediate connecting terminals of the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b.  The server  116  is configured to operate the flange  304  via the switching actuator  306  based on the position of the receptacle  108  and the delivery location selected by the user  102 . 
     In the first position  304   a,  the flange  304  disconnects the intermediate guideways  118   c  with the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b  and thus enable the receptacle  108  to maintain its lane i.e. either on the first set of guideways  118   a  (for e.g. as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) or the second set of guideways  118   b.  In other words, in the first position  304   a,  the flange prevents switching of lane of the receptacle  108  between the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b.  Thus, if the receptacle  108  is on one of the guideways on the first set of guideways  118   a  when the flange  304  is in the first position  304   a,  the receptacle  108  maintains its movement. Similarly, if the receptacle  108  is on one of the guideways on the second set of guideways when the flange  304  is in the first position  304   a,  the receptacle  108  maintains the parking position. 
     In the second position  304   b,  the flange  304  connects the intermediate guideways  118   c  with the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b  and thus enables switching of the lanes of the receptacle  108  from the first set of guideways  118   a  towards the second set of guideways  118   b.  Thus, in this juncture, the receptacle  108  move to the intermediate guideways  118   c  (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 3C ) from the first set of guideways  118   a.  Simultaneously, the flange  304  provided on the second set of guideways  118   b  are also operated to the second position  304   b,  to enable the receptacle  108  to move to the second set of guideways  118   b  (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 3D ), where the receptacle  108  is parked, to enable the user  102  for collecting the package. In an embodiment, the flange  304  may be operated pivotally between the first position  304   a  and the second position  304   b  by the switching actuator  306 . Alternatively, the flange  304  may be oscillated or reciprocated or can be subjected to other movements for operating the flange  304  between the first position  304   a  and the second position  304   b  as per requirement. 
     In an embodiment, the flange  304  may be configured to be a rail switch construction and may be configured with a shape matching the shape of the first set of guideways  118   a  and the second set of guideways  118   b.  In an embodiment, the shape of the flange  304  may be selected from one of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape or any other shape as per design feasibility and requirement. 
     In an embodiment, the switching actuator  306  may be an actuator selected to be one of a motor, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator or any other actuator as per design feasibility and requirement. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A to 4D , a lift mechanism  402  is configured on the receptacle  108 , for lifting and maintaining a predetermined height of the receptacle  108  above a ground surface  412 . The lift mechanism  402  prevents use of the road ways as used in the conventional delivery systems, thereby ensuring quicker transportation of the receptacle  108  between the first station  120  and the second station  122 . The lift mechanism  402  may be configured to be a cable-pulley mechanism (for e.g. as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). The cable pulley mechanism type of the lift mechanism  402  includes a plurality of pulleys  404  (hereinafter referred to as ‘pulleys  404 ’ and exemplarily represented for pulleys  404   a,    404   b,    404   c ) suspended from the bracket  214  connected to the wheel  210   a  via a cable  408 . The cable  408  thus has one end  408   a  connected to the bracket  214  and other end  408   b  connected to the receptacle  108 , while winding about pulleys  404 . Each of the pulleys  404  are coupled to a motor  410 , so that the motor  410  can wind and unwind the cable  408  by rotating the pulleys  404 . This configuration of the pulleys  404  enables adjustment of the predetermined height above the ground surface  412 . Also, this configuration of the pulleys  404  enables operation between an extended position  414  (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 4B ) and a retracted position  416  (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 4A ). In the extended position  414 , the receptacle  108  is proximal to the ground surface  412 , which can enable the user  102  to access the closure  202  for collecting the package or storing the package within the receptacle  108 . In the retracted position  416 , the receptacle  108  is away from the ground surface  412  for ease of transportation of the receptacle  108 . Further, the pulleys  404  connect at multiple locations on the receptacle  108 , for maintaining lateral stability of the receptacle  108  during movement. In an embodiment, the three pulleys  404   a,    404   b  and  404   c  are connected at three different points on the receptacle  108 , for lateral stability of the receptacle  108  during movement. In an embodiment, the predetermined height to be maintained by the lift mechanism  402  may be the height at which the receptacle  108  may be subjected to minimal obstruction during transportation. In an embodiment, the predetermined height to be maintained by the lift mechanism  402  during parking of the receptacle  108  may be the height at which the receptacle  108  may enable the user  102  to access the package (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     In an embodiment, the lift mechanism  402  may be a scissor mechanism (for e.g. as shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4D ). In the scissor mechanism, a plurality of links  418  are arranged in a criss-cross pattern, with one end  418   a  connected to the bracket  214  and the other end  418   b  connected to the receptacle  108 , similar to the configuration of the cable-pulley mechanism described in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The end  418   a  is connected to the motor  410 , so that the extension and retraction of the links  418  are controlled based on operation of the motor  410 , thereby controlling the extended position  414  (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 4D ) and the retracted position  416  (for e.g. as shown in  FIG. 4C ) of the receptacle  108 . In an embodiment, the end  418   b  of the links  418  may be coupled to the motor  410  via suitable mechanical means which enables extension and retraction of the links  418  upon actuation of the motor  410 . The motor  410  may be coupled to the server  116 , which may be configured to control the extended position  414  and the retracted position  416  of the receptacle  108 , based on the location of the receptacle  108 . In other words, upon detection of movement of the receptacle  108 , the server  116  may operate the motor  410  to wind the cable  408  or the links  418  for operating the receptacle  108  to the retracted position  416 . Similarly, upon detection of parking of the receptacle  108 , the server  116  may operate the motor  410  to unwind the cable  408  or the links  418  for operating the receptacle  108  to the extended position  414 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2A , the receptacle  108  includes the one or more sensors interfaced with the server  116 , for providing real time data pertaining to the operations of the receptacle  108 . The one or more sensors may be one of a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor  216  and a proximity sensor  218 , which are placed strategically on or within the receptacle  108 . The GPS sensor  216  is configured to determine location of the receptacle  108 , while the proximity sensor  218  is configured to determine an obstruction to the receptacle  108  during its transportation. The obstruction may in the form of another receptacle, such as the receptacle  108   a,  obstructing the path of the receptacle  108 . This feature enables the server  116  to compute an optimal route or a fastest route that the receptacle  108  can take in the guideway network  118  for delivering the package. The server  116  is configured to determine the optimal route by considering at least one of parameters such as but not limiting to the number of receptacles  108  currently in operation, their corresponding delivery locations, their current locations and the number of turns the receptacle  108  needs to take for arriving at the required delivery location. The server  116  upon computation of the optimal route operates the receptacle  108  accordingly, thereby ensuring fast delivery of the package. The proximity sensor  218  is also configured to determine the predetermined height the receptacle  108  needs to maintain. 
     In an embodiment, the server  116  may be a control unit or a processor configured to execute operations of the server  116 , for enabling the system  104  to deliver the package. 
     In an embodiment, the server  116  also monitors the condition of the receptacle  108  during its operation. In other words, the server  116  monitors the condition of each component in the receptacle  108 , to determine the service life of the receptacle  108 . Upon nearing the service life, the server  116  guides the receptacle  108  to a service station for fixing the receptacle  108 . 
     In an embodiment, the receptacle  108  may include I/O devices, configured for receiving and transmitting signals to the server  116  via the network  110 . 
     In an embodiment, the first set of guideways  118   a  may include a plurality of guideways for allowing transportation of the receptacle  108  and the second set of guideways  118   b  may also include another plurality of guideways for allowing parking of the receptacle  108 . 
     In an embodiment, the wheel  210   a  may engage with multiple guideways of the first set of guideways  118   a  for additional stability of the receptacle  108  during transportation. 
     In an embodiment, the receptacle  108  is configured with dimensions 50″×18″×18″ in size and can carry packages that are 30″×12″×12″ and weighs up to 50 lbs. 
     In an embodiment, the receptacle  108  may be configured to include a guiding mechanism (not shown in Figures) to automatically load and/or unload packages through a vertical opening. The receptacle  108  may include a sensor (not shown in Figures) to scan information on the package as a method of authentication. 
       FIG. 5  in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a flow diagram of a method  500  of delivering a package via the package delivery system  104 . The method  500  depicted in the flow diagram may be executed by, for example, the server  116  or the system  104 . Operations of the method  500  and combinations of operation in the flow diagram, may be implemented by, for example, hardware, firmware, a processor, circuitry and/or a different device associated with the execution of software that includes one or more computer program instructions. 
     At operation  502 , the method includes, receiving, by the control unit or the server  116  or the processor, the delivery information pertaining to the package from the user  102  via the device  106 . The delivery information provided by the user  102  may be the delivery location and instructions pertaining to the package (as already described in  FIG. 2A ). The delivery information provided by the user  102  is stored within the database  114 , so that the control unit can access the information as and when required. Upon receiving the delivery information, the server  116  may determine the receptacle  108 , which is available for complying with the delivery request from the user  102 . Accordingly, one of the receptacles  108 , say receptacle  108   a  is assigned for delivering the package. In an embodiment, if the delivery request is a new product ordered by the user  102 , the server  116  guides the receptacle  108   a  to travel to a warehouse (not shown in the Figures), for collecting the package to be delivered. In another embodiment, if the delivery request is just to drop of the package available with the user  102 , the server  116  guides the receptacle  108   a  to travel to the location specified by the user  102  or to a location proximal to the location specified by the user  102 . Further, the server  116  upon receiving the delivery request transmits a first notification to the user  102 . The first notification includes details pertaining to the authentication means that is required to be provided to the locking mechanism  206  for unlocking the closure  206 . The first notification may also include details pertaining to the package, the details of the first station, the details of the second station, expected time of delivery of the package and the like. 
     At operation  504 , the control unit or the server  116  computes the optimal route for the transportation of the receptacle  108  from the first station  120  to the second station  122 . The server  116  computes the optimal route based on the delivery information and the instructions pertaining to the package provided by the user  102 . The server  116  apart from the delivery information and the instructions also considers the first station  120  of the receptacle  108 , wherein the first station  120  may be the pick-up location of the package into the receptacle  108 . Additionally, the server  116  based on the location from which the delivery request is received, also considers the receptacle  108 , say the receptacle  108   a  nearest to that location for computing the optimal route. Upon computing the optimal route and also selecting the receptacle  108 , say the receptacle  108   a  for delivering the package, the server  116  may operate the closure  202  to the open position  204   a  for receiving and storing the package within the receptacle  108   a.  Alternatively, the package may be manually stored within the receptacle  108   a  by manually opening the closure  202  to the open position  204   a  by the user  102 . Thereafter, the closure  202  is operated to the closed position  204   b  either manually by the user  102  or automatically by the server  116  for storing the package within the receptacle  108   a.  Also, the server  116  may also control the lift mechanism  402  suitably for allowing loading of the package into the receptacle  108   a.  That is, the lift mechanism  402  is operated to the extended position  414  (for e.g. as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4D ), while loading the package. Upon loading and locking the closure  202 , the server  116  operates the lift mechanism  402  to the retracted position  416  (for e.g. as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4C ). 
     At operation  506 , the control unit or the server  116  guides the receptacle  108   a  via the computed optimal route for transportation from the first station  120  to the second station  122 . In this juncture, the server  116  operates the actuator  212  for actuating the wheel  210   a  for movement of the receptacle  108   a.  Prior to actuation of the actuator  212 , the server  116  operates the flange  304  of the switching mechanism  302  to the second position  304   b  (for e.g. as shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D ), so that the receptacle  108   a  switches the lane from the second set of guideways  118   b  to the optimal route or the optimal guideway in the first set of guideways  118   a  computed by the server  116 , via the intermediate guideway  118   c.  The server  116  while transporting the receptacle  108   a  monitors the speed, inclination and other parameters of the receptacle  108   a,  to ensure safe delivery of the package. In an embodiment, the server  116  computes speed of the receptacle  108  based on the rate of change in the location determined by the GPS sensor  216 . Upon reaching the second station  122 , the server  116  again operates the flange  304  to the second position  304   b,  so that the receptacle  108   a  switches the lane from the first set of guideways  118   a  to the second set of guideways  118   b  via the intermediate guideway  118   c.  Upon completely switching into the second set of guideways  118   b,  the server  116  deactivates the actuator  212 , thereby parking the receptacle  108   a  in the second station  122 . In an embodiment, prior to switching of lanes near the second station  122 , the server  122  may transmit a second notification to the user  102  (not shown in the Figures) regarding the delivery of the package. The second notification may include details pertaining to the time of delivery of the package, the details of the second station  122 , the details of the first station  120  and the like. Once the receptacle  108   a  is in the parked in the second station  122 , the server  116  operates the lift mechanism  402  of the receptacle  108   a  to the extended position  414  so that the closure  202  is accessible to the user  102 . In this juncture, the user  102  inputs the authentication means into the input device of the locking mechanism  206 , or into his smart device  106 , for unlocking the closure  202 . The user  102  then collects the package within the receptacle  108   a.    
     In an embodiment, the server  116  may store all the data pertaining to the transportation occurred with the receptacle  108   a  in the database  114  for use as and when required. 
     In an embodiment, the first notification and the second notification transmitted by the server  116  may be in form of a text message, a voice call, a pop-up displayed onto the device  106  of the user  102  or any other means as per feasibility and requirement. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a block diagram representation of a server  600  capable of implementing at least one some embodiments of the present disclosure. The server  600  is configured to host and manage the application interface  112  that is provided to an electronic device such as the device  106 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure. An example of the server  600  may be the server  116  or the control unit or the processor shown and already described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The server  600  includes a computer system  605  and a database  610 . 
     The computer system  605  includes at least one processor  615  for executing instructions. Instructions may be stored in, for example, but not limited to, a memory  620 . The processor  615  may include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration). 
     The memory  620  is a storage device embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and/or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices, for storing micro-contents information and instructions. The memory  620  may be embodied as magnetic storage devices (such as hard disk drives, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical magnetic storage devices (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), CD-R (compact disc recordable), CD-R/W (compact disc rewritable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc), and semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.). 
     The processor  615  is operatively coupled to a communication interface  625  such that the computer system  605  is capable of communicating with the one or more computing devices, for example, the device  106  or communicates with any entity within the network  110  via the communication interface  625 . 
     The processor  615  may also be operatively coupled to the database  610 . The database  610  is any computer-operated hardware suitable for storing and/or retrieving data, such as, but not limited to, the delivery information and the instructions provided by the user  102  at the time making the delivery request, data pertaining to the transportation of the receptacle  108 , data pertaining to the receptacle  108  . . . etc. The database  610  may include multiple storage units such as hard disks and/or solid-state disks in a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) configuration. The database  610  may include a storage area network (SAN) and/or a network attached storage (NAS) system. 
     In some embodiments, the database  610  is integrated within the computer system  605 . For example, the computer system  605  may include one or more hard disk drives as the database  610 . In other embodiments, the database  610  is external to the computer system  605  and may be accessed by the computer system  605  using a storage interface  630 . The storage interface  630  is any component capable of providing the processor  615  with access to the database  610 . The storage interface  630  may include, for example, an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) adapter, a Serial ATA (SATA) adapter, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter, a RAID controller, a SAN adapter, a network adapter, and/or any component providing the processor  815  with access to the database  810 . 
     The processor  615  is communicably coupled with the memory  620  and the communication interface  625 . The processor  615  is capable of executing the stored machine executable instructions in the memory  620  or within the processor  615  or any storage location accessible to the processor  615 . The processor  615  may be embodied in a number of different ways. In an example embodiment, the processor  615  may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. 
     The processor  615  performs various functionalities of the server  800  as described herein. 
     The disclosed methods with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , or one or more operations of the flow diagram  500  may be implemented using software including computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media, such as one or more optical media discs, volatile memory components (e.g., DRAM or SRAM), or nonvolatile memory or storage components (e.g., hard drives or solid-state nonvolatile memory components, such as Flash memory components) and executed on a computer (e.g., any suitable computer, such as a laptop computer, net book, Web book, tablet computing device, smart phone, or other mobile computing device). Such software may be executed, for example, on a single local computer or in a network environment (e.g., via the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network, a remote web-based server, a client-server network (such as a cloud computing network), or other such network) using one or more network computers. Additionally, any of the intermediate or final data created and used during implementation of the disclosed methods or systems may also be stored on one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media) and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed technology. Furthermore, any of the software-based embodiments may be uploaded, downloaded, or remotely accessed through a suitable communication means. Such suitable communication means include, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web, an intranet, software applications, cable (including fiber optic cable), magnetic communications, electromagnetic communications (including RF, microwave, and infrared communications), mobile communications, or other such communication means. 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure, as discussed above, may be practiced with steps and/or operations in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations, which are different than those which, are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these exemplary embodiments, it is noted that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions may be apparent and well within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     Although various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.