Patent Publication Number: US-2018049575-A1

Title: Parcel box for drone delivery

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/377,622, filed Aug. 21, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure to the extent such a disclosure is not inconsistent with the disclosure herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Aspects of the present invention relate to an automated parcel box adapted to receive a package delivered by a drone, and more specifically for a secure automated parcel box adapted to receive a package delivered by a drone. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are been increasing number of plans of delivering packages using flying drones. One of the problems encountered is that a drone typically lands in an open area to release the package that is now potentially exposed to theft. The more open the area is for landing, the more noticeable the package will be. One possible way to make the packages less noticeable is to try to fly and land the drone and the package close to the building. However this exposes the drone to potential collisions with the building. 
     Drones are also susceptible to collisions with small obstructions such as clotheslines, antennas, storage sheds, and other structures in or around the building. Typically, these are not on maps, or in the case of the clothesline, too narrow to be seen easily. 
     A further problem exists in that in areas which multiple tenants share a single yard or common area. This is the case for tenants in a high-rise building. If the drone lands and delivers a package to the open common area near the high-rise building, and the intended recipient of the package is not present, there is the possibility that another person may steal the package. There is no outdoor location that is specific to any one of the tenants in which to deliver a package. 
     Currently, there is a need for a system and method of automatically receiving packages at locations which do not have an accessible, secure receiving area. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to aspects of the present inventive concepts there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the inventive concepts will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows. 
     In one example there is described a parcel receiving system for receiving a package delivered by a delivery company to a target location in a building having an automated parcel box having a portion which can extend out of an opening in the building, a receiving area adapted to receive package, an automated door which opens to allow access to a receiving area, a door actuator coupled to the automatic door, and adapted to open and close automated door when activated. It also includes a controller coupled to the door actuator, the controller adapted to communicate with the delivery company to receive an unlocking code from the delivery company, compare the unlocking code received to one acquired from a delivery vehicle, and actuate the door actuator to open the receiving area when the codes match. 
     In another example, there is described a parcel receiving system for receiving a package delivered by a delivery company to a target location in a building having an automated parcel box positioned adjacent an opening in the building, an extendable platform adapted to extend out of opening and receive package, a platform actuator coupled to the platform, and is adapted to open and close automated door when activated, an automated door which opens to allow access to a holding area. It also includes a door actuator coupled to the automatic door adapted to open and close automated door when activated. A controller is coupled to the door actuator and is adapted to receive an unlocking code from the delivery company, compare the unlocking code received to one acquired from a delivery vehicle, and actuate the platform actuator to extend the platform when the codes match. Controller is also adapted to actuate the door actuator to open the automated door, actuate the platform actuator to retract the platform moving package into holding area receiving the package. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages of the instant disclosure will become more apparent when read with the specification and the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an overall block diagram of one embodiment of a parcel receiving system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is more detailed perspective view of an automated parcel box of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is more detailed perspective view of a second embodiment of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is more detailed perspective view of a third embodiment of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 11 ; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail by describing various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. The claims should be consulted to ascertain the true scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an overall block diagram of one embodiment of a parcel receiving system  100  in accordance with the present invention. A customer  3  interacts with computing device  110  to contact an e-commerce site  120  through a network  9  such as the Internet. Customer  3  purchases a product which is to be delivered to a location such as a multilevel building  7 . In the case of an apartment in a multilevel building which only has shared space around it and does not have its own secure and private area, it is a problem to deliver packages specifically to this apartment. 
     With the use of the parcel receiving system  100  described and shown in this application, packages  11  can now be delivered by a drone&#39;s  140  directly to the apartment. It is now possible to use the automated parcel box  150  according to the present invention, to receive packages  11  directly into a window or balcony. 
     Initially, the customer  3  must acquire information as to where to deliver the package. This may be by standard address, floor and position on floor (6th window from the left on the southeast side of the building. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the customer has a positioning device  120 , which may be a GPS device, or a smartphone running an App that determines its current GPS locations. The user takes position device  120  to the target location  141  where the drone is to leave the package  11 , which in the embodiment of  FIG. 1  is the outside portion  153  of automated parcel box  150 . Positioning device  120  determines the GPS location, and height of target location  141 . This may receive a different package  11 . Information will be transferred to the computing device  110  to be sent to e-commerce system  120 . 
     Positioning device  120  may also have some type of distance detection device, such as ultrasound, or laser ranging that can detect a distance to obstacles, or to determine a correct approach path. In one embodiment of the current invention, the customer  3  identifies the locations of obstacles near the target location  141 . For example, customer  3  walks the positioning device  120  to all obstacles within a predetermined radius from the target location  141 , such as under tree  13 . Once under tree  13 , the positioning device  120  is activated to identify the GPS location and measure the height and width of the tree. This information is provided to the e-commerce system  120  when the customer  3  purchases a product from the e-commerce system  120 . The e-commerce site  120  passes this information on to a delivery company  130  through Internet  9  or directly to the delivery company  130 . The information is used to determine a flight path around obstructions near the target location  141 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the flight path may be computed by the e-commerce system  120 , or computing device  110  and provided to the delivery company  130 . 
     In still another embodiment, the positioning device  190  may downloads information directly to the delivery company  130 . 
     A transaction code and/or digital signature/authorization is generated and shared between the delivery company  130  and the automated parcel box  150 . 
     The delivery company  130  also indicates an intended time of delivery; which is optionally updated during delivery. 
     Optionally, customer  3  may indicate through computing device  110  that the delivery location is accessible to human delivery (ground level) or it is only accessible by aerial delivery (in the case of apartment window drone receipt box). 
     Also, optionally, the e-commerce system  120  or delivery company  130  may indicate storage instructions for the package. If may identify if the package  11  must be kept warm or cool, can specify storage instructions, may indicate a spoilage date and other specific instructions. 
     The delivery may be partially by a vehicle such as a truck  131 , then provided to a drone  140  which flies the package to the identified location. 
     Delivery company  130  monitors the location of package  11  during delivery. Delivery company  130  estimates a time of arrival of the package to the target location. Conventional GPS may be used to track truck  131  and to work, drone  140  to identify the progress of delivery. Drone  140  may radio back its location by using a communication tower  5  such as a cell phone tower, which passes through Internet  92  delivery company  130 . The estimated delivery time may then be provided to either computing device  110  which provides information to automated parcel box  150  or and may be passed directly from drone  142  parcel box  150 . In an alternative embodiment parcel box  150  a have a direct connection to Internet  9  and communicate directly with delivery company  130 . In any case, automated parcel box  150  receives an updated estimated time of arrival of the package  11 . 
     Automated parcel box  150  creates a time window around the estimated time of arrival. It then on a response to a delivery code received during this time window. The delivery code may be sent wirelessly by drone  140  as it approaches automated parcel box  150 . The unlocking code may also be sent by delivery company  130  through Internet  9  and to automated parcel box  150 . 
     Once the proper unlocking code is received by automated parcel box  150  either wirelessly or through a network, it is activated prepares to receive the package  11 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, there is no lock, allowing one to receive the package without requiring an unlocking code. 
       FIG. 2  is more detailed perspective view of an automated parcel box  150  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention. Automated parcel box  150  has an outside portion  151  which extends out of a window or balcony far enough for a drone to land on it or drop the package inside it. It also has an inside portion  153  which is located in the side the building  7 . 
     The automated parcel box  150  also includes a controller  159  that allows interaction with network, as well interaction with other devices in local proximity via Wi-Fi communications or other known communications system. 
     Automated parcel box  150  receives an estimated time of arrival of the package from either the drone  140 , the delivery company  130 , the e-commerce site  120 , or the computing device  110 . 
     As it gets close to the estimated time of arrival, controller  159  listen for the delivery code. This delivery code may be transmitted to it wirelessly, or in an optional embodiment may be provided through the Internet  9 . As indicated above, the delivery code is only accepted if it is received within the time window around the estimated time of arrival. This is the security measure in which it is made to ignore even the proper code that is provided at the wrong time. 
     Once controller  159  receives the proper delivery code it activates an actuator  157  which opens automated door  155 . 
     The drone is now allowed to hover above the outside portion  151  of parcel box  150  that is now open. The drone  140  is now allowed to drop package  11  into the outside portion  151  of parcel box  150 . 
     The package  11  gently slides down angled slide  163  and into a holding area  165 . An operator can then provide a code to unlock and open and access door  167  and remove package  11  from holding area  165 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the automated parcel box  150  of  FIG. 2 . Here the inside portion  153  and the outside portion  151  can easily be seen. Controller  159  is shown in phantom and operating panel  161  is visible to the left. In this configuration automatic door  155  is shown in its closed position. 
       FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the automated parcel box  150  of  FIG. 2 . This view shows operators panel  161  and access door  167  clearly. 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 2 . In this view the operators panel  161  is visible log with the controller  159  in phantom the holding area  165  is visible at the bottom of angled slide  163  to the right automated door  155  is shown in its closed position and actuators  157  are also shown. 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 2 . This is a view from outside of the building  7 . 
     Optionally, the parcel receiving system  100  employs a scanner  171  to read any labels on package  11 . The scanner  171  is preferably located in the holding area  165  and can read bar codes, QR codes, optical code patterns, RFID tags, or text. This information is provided to the controller  159  which may display it on operating panel to indicate the package  11  being held. 
     Also optionally, the holding area  165  of the parcel receiving system  100  employs a label printer  173  which can print the intended recipient&#39;s name, address or other identifying information on the package  11 . 
     There may also be a temperature regulation device  175  in the holding area  165  to keep the package a specified temperature or make sure that it does not exceed a maximum or minimum temperature indicated by the e-commerce system or the delivery company. 
       FIG. 7  is more detailed perspective view of a second embodiment of the automated parcel box  250  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention. Automated parcel box  250  is positioned inside of the building  7  adjacent an opening  8  in building  7  such as a window or balcony. 
     Automated parcel box  250  has at least one extendable and retractable platform  270  that is shaped and sized to be able to extend out of opening  8  and receive a package  11 . The platform actuator  271  is coupled to controller  259  and extends or retracts under the control of controller  259 . 
     Controller  259  also has the capability to communicate with through a network  9 , as well interact with other devices in local proximity. It may is any commonly known wired or wireless communications system. 
     Automated parcel box  250  receives an estimated time of arrival of the package  11  from either the delivery vehicle  131 , a drone  140 , the delivery company  130 , the e-commerce site  120 , or the computing device  110 . 
     As it gets close to the estimated time of arrival, controller  259  listen for the delivery code. This delivery code may be transmitted to it wirelessly, or in an optional embodiment may be provided through the Internet  9 . As indicated above, the delivery code is only accepted if it is received within the time window around the estimated time of arrival. This is the security measure in which it is made to ignore even the proper code that is provided at the wrong time. 
     Once controller  259  receives the proper delivery code it activates an actuator  257  which extends platform  270 . 
     The drone  140  is now allowed to hover above the platform  270 . The drone  140  is now allowed to drop package  11  onto platform  270  of parcel box  250 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, controller  259  identifies the height package  11  by reading a height sensor  281 . Height sensor  281  may be any conventional sensor which is capable of measuring the height of package  11 . It may be a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, or other known sensor. 
     Now that controller  259  knows the height of package  11 , it can activate door actuator  257  to open automated door  255  to at least a height which would allow package  11  to enter a holding area  265  within automated parcel box  250 . Controller  259  accomplishes this my activating a platform actuator  271 . 
     If holding area  265  does not have enough room available to receive packages  11 , controller  259  does not activate platform actuator  271  because this would cause package  11  to be inadvertently pushed off of platform  270 , and fall to the ground, possibly destroying package  11 . 
     Automated parcel box  250  may also include more than one platform  270  and platform actuator  271 . In this embodiment, the automated parcel box  250  can now receive multiple packages  11  and store each in a different portion of holding area  265 . 
     In still another embodiment, the spacing between multiple platforms  270  can be adjusted to hold packages of different heights. A plurality of shelving positioners  280  attached to each platform assembly and can move each vertically to increase or decrease the spacing between it and platforms above and below it. The shelving positioners are shown here to be gears which run up and down a toothed track, however, they can be any conventional mechanical systems known to do this purpose. 
     An operator can then provide a code to unlock and open and access door  167  and remove package  11  from holding area  165 . 
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 7 . Here the platform  270  is fully extended outside of the building  7  while the reminder of the automated parcel box  250  is within the building. 
     Controller  259  and operating panel  161  are shown in phantom and are visible to the left. 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 7 . In this view the operating panel  161  and the controller  159  are shown in phantom to the left. 
     Platform  270  slides on rails  273  to retract and extend. The door actuators  257 , are visible at the top right. The shelving positioners  280  are shown which extend vertically. 
       FIG. 10  is a rear elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 7 . This view shows access door  267  clearly. In this embodiment, there is only a single access door  267 . In alternative embodiments may be more than one access door each having some means of locking and unlocking the door to allow access to the package  11 . This may be done by providing a proper code to the operating panel  261  in which controller  259  reads and validates the code, and if correct, allows access door  267  to be opened. 
     In this manner, automated parcel box  250  may be able to act as a secure parcel mailbox for a number of different entities. 
     Each of the embodiment described above may include an automated window actuator  177  employing conventional mechanical systems, that is operated by the controller to open window  8  before receiving the package  11  and close window  8  after receiving the package  11 . This would allow the window to remain closed until just before delivery and close again after delivery. 
     Optionally, there may be one or more cameras  181  to provide images of the contents of holding area  165  on the operating panel  161 , or other viewing device. 
     The camera may also be useful to view the receiving area and the as a package  11  is being received. 
     Controller  159  may also include the capability to send an email notification to the customer  3  indicating when the package was received and also indicating any of the other information it has on the package  11  such as expiration date and the name of the delivery company and e-commerce system. 
       FIG. 11  is more detailed perspective view of a third embodiment of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention. This functions in the same manner and automated parcel box  250 , with the exception of the additional storage unit  303 . 
     Additional storage unit  303  may include any or all of the equipment and mechanisms described above for the other storage areas. After a package is deposited on the platform  270 , platform actuator  271 , driven by controller  259  retracts the platform from outside of the building to inside of holding area  265 . The platform may then be moved up or down by shelving positioners  280 . In this embodiment, an actuator (not shown) which may be any conventionally known actuator can push package  11  off of platform  270  and onto a shelf within storage unit  303 . This shelf may then be moved up or down to maximize space by controller  259 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, each compartment is locked. Access can only be provided individually to a given compartment when a proper authorization is provided to controller  259  for that compartment. This may be information on a magnetic strip, bar code, QR code, biometric or other conventional authentication means. In this embodiment, it may be a secure parcel mailbox for a number of different users. 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 11 . This shows the additional storage compartment  303 . 
       FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 11 . This is similar to  FIG. 9  and shows similar structures. 
       FIG. 14  is a rear elevational view of the automated parcel box of  FIG. 11 . A package  11  that is received onto platform  270  in holding area  265  (behind door  267 ) can be elevated to be the same height as top shelf  305 . The package can then be pushed to the right onto shelve  305  in storage unit  303  for storage. Shelf  305  may then be raised or lowered to maximize the number of packages that may be stored in storage unit  303 . 
     Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for the purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.