Patent Publication Number: US-2009240511-A1

Title: Apparatus for securely storing delivered goods, an integrated controller for use with the apparatus and a method of securely supplying goods to a customer

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is directed, in general, to securely delivering goods ordered by a customer over a communications network and, more specifically, to an apparatus for receiving the delivered goods. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Instead of shopping at traditional, so-called “brick-and-mortar” stores, many consumers are using the Internet and/or the telephone to order products for delivery. Consumers may remotely order various types of products including perishable items such as groceries, prepared meals and plants, and non-perishable items such as paper products, clothes, toys and books. In some instances, consumers may order products directly from wholesale suppliers to eliminate a retailer&#39;s mark-up. After ordering, the ordered products are delivered to the consumers at specified locations, such as their house or place of business. 
     The ordered products are typically delivered from the businesses to the specified locations by a logistics or delivery company (i.e., delivery agent). To ensure ordered products are safely received, a customer will often wait at the place of delivery to receive the products from the delivery agent. Otherwise, the delivery agent may leave the products at a front entrance of a house or office. However, leaving an ordered product at an entrance may result in the delivered product being damaged (e.g., due to animals, vandals or weather) or stolen. Additionally, this may reduce the amount of perishable products that are remotely ordered for delivery since the delivered product may spoil before the consumer retrieves it. What is needed is a better system for delivering ordered products to consumers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, one aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus for securely storing goods delivered to a location. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a chassis having a first compartment configured to store goods at a first temperature and a second compartment configured to store goods at a second temperature different from the first temperature, (2) an access barrier mounted to the chassis and movable between an open position in which access to the first and second compartments is allowed and a closed position in which the access is denied and (3) an integrated controller including an access management system configured to control the access to the first and second compartments through the access barrier and a goods management system configured to track goods deposited to and retrieved from the first and second compartments. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides an integrated controller. In one embodiment, the integrated controller includes: (1) an access management system configured to control access to a plurality of pass-through compartments of an apparatus, each of the plurality having an exterior and an interior opening for access thereto and (2) a goods management system configured to monitor goods delivered to the apparatus by tracking when the goods are deposited to the plurality through the exterior openings and when the goods are removed from the plurality through the interior openings. 
     In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of securely supplying goods to a customer. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) receiving an order for goods from a customer via a communications network, the order including an indication that the goods are to be delivered to a specified location and a delivery access code that permits authorized access through at least one exterior opening of an apparatus affixed to a structure at the location to allow depositing the goods in the apparatus and (2) providing the goods for delivery to the apparatus, the apparatus including at least one interior opening to allow the customer to access the goods delivered thereto from inside the structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a secure delivery unit for receiving and storing goods constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 B illustrate examples of a secure delivery unit affixed to a structure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an integrated controller constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of supplying ordered goods to a customer carried out according to the principles of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     The disclosure recognizes that customers may not be present at all times to receive goods that have been ordered for delivery. As such, the disclosure provides an apparatus (e.g., a secure delivery unit) by which ordered goods may be securely stored until retrieved by the customer. The apparatus may include pass-through compartments that allow the ordered goods to be delivered through an opening that is outside of the customer&#39;s house and retrieved by the customer through an opening inside of the customer&#39;s house. 
     The apparatus may have multiple compartments that may be maintained at designated temperatures. Accordingly, the apparatus may provide proper storage for various delivered products including frozen foods, groceries and hot pizza. Thus, a customer may order products via, for example, the Internet at any time and any location and request delivery at or by a specified time without having to wait around for the delivery. 
     An integrated controller may be used with the apparatus to track the goods that are delivered to the apparatus and the goods that are removed from the apparatus by the customer. By tracking the goods, the integrated controller may automatically re-order those goods that need to be replenished. The integrated controller may also control access to the apparatus to prevent unauthorized access. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology may be used to track the goods and to control access to the apparatus. A high-frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz), multi-standard RFID reader may be used. For example, a TRF7960 reader commercially available from Texas Instruments Incorporated of Dallas, Tex., may be employed with corresponding tags. Other RFID technology platforms, such as low frequency (e.g., 134.2 kHz) and ultra-high frequency (e.g., 860-960 MHz) may also be employed with the appropriate tags and readers. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a secure delivery unit  100  for receiving and storing goods constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The unit  100  provides a place where ordered goods may be safely delivered and securely stored until retrieved by a customer. The unit  100  may be located at a business, a house or other locations a customer may designate for the delivery and receipt of goods. The unit  100  may be constructed of a weather-resistant material, such as concrete or stainless steel, to allow at least a portion of the unit  100  to be positioned external to a structure as  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B illustrate. The size of the unit  100  and the type of installation may vary. 
     The illustrated embodiment of the unit  100  includes a chassis  110 , multiple access barriers  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  127 ,  129 , an integrated controller  140  and an integrated controller interface  150 . The chassis  110  provides structural support for the unit  100  and deterrence against unauthorized entry. The chassis  110  includes multiple compartments for receiving, storing and protecting goods. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , each compartment is a pass-through compartment having, for example, four sides with an opening at each end that is protected by an access barrier. Each of the compartments is separated from the other compartments and is enclosed when both access barriers are closed. 
     The compartments may be maintained at various temperatures and may come in multiple sizes. A large-item compartment (LIC)  130  and a small-item compartment (SIC)  132  may, for example, be for goods that may be safely kept at an ambient temperature. The LIC  130  may be constructed for large packages or those packages that are odd-shaped. The SIC  136  may be for smaller packages or large envelopes. 
     The other remaining compartments illustrated in  FIG. 1  are for goods that need to be maintained at designated temperatures. A frozen-item compartment (FIC)  134  is ostensibly for goods that need to be kept frozen. A cool-item compartment (CIC)  135  is ostensibly for goods that need to be kept cool until retrieved. A warm-item compartment (WIC)  136  is ostensibly for goods that should be kept warmed until retrieved. The FIC  134 , CIC  135  and WIC  136  may be insulated to assist in maintaining the proper temperature. A freezer unit and refrigeration unit are included within the secure delivery unit  100  to maintain the proper temperatures for the FIC  134  and the CIC  135 . A heating unit, such as a warming drawer, may also be included in the secure delivery unit  100  to provide the proper temperature for the WIC  136 . Typically, the freezer unit, refrigeration unit and heating unit are conventional electrical devices. 
     The access barriers  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  127 ,  129  are mounted to the chassis  110  and movable between an open position in which access to a corresponding compartment is allowed and a closed position in which the access is denied. Access barriers  127 ,  129  represent barriers located on an interior side of the unit  100  and provide access to compartments through the internal openings. The other illustrated access barriers  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  provide external access to the compartments. 
     An access barrier may only allow access to a single compartment. For example, access barriers  120 ,  122 ,  126  allow access to the LIC  130 , the SIC  132  and the WIC  136 , respectively. Additionally, a single access barrier may allow access to multiple compartments. The access barrier  124  is an example of such an access barrier as it provides access to both the FIC  134  and the CIC  135 . The access barriers  124 ,  126  may be insulated to help maintain the designated temperatures of the FIC  134 , the CIC  135  and the WIC  136 , respectively. 
     The design of the access barriers may vary as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the access barriers may be doors that are externally mounted to the chassis  110  via hinges that allow the doors to be open and closed. Examples of these access barriers include access barriers  120 ,  124 ,  126 . In other embodiments, such as access barrier  122 , access barriers may be mounted internal (i.e., hinges are mounted inside) to the chassis  110  and pushed open into the compartments. In some embodiments, an internally-hinged access barrier may be pulled opened away from the compartments. The hinges of the doors may be mounted vertically or horizontally with respect to the base of the chassis  110 . Electronic locks (not illustrated) may be used to control the opening and closing of each access barrier. The electronic locks may prevent the interior side doors from being opened from inside the compartments. Bars or another physical barrier may also be used to prevent unauthorized entry into the structure through the compartments. 
     The illustrated embodiment of the integrated controller  140  takes the form of a computing device having the necessary hardware and software to perform the designated functions described herein. The integrated controller  140  is illustrated as being located inside the chassis  110  and protected from the elements. The integrated controller  140  may be located proximate the CIC  135  and also maintained at a cool temperature. The integrated controller  140  receives information via multiple interfaces to manage the operation of the unit  100 , among other things. The integrated controller interface  150  is illustrated to represent the multiple devices that may be used to communicate with the integrated controller  140 . The integrated controller interface  150  includes a card reader  151 , radio frequency identification (RFID) reader  152 , a keypad  153 , a display  154 , a camera  155  and an antenna  156 . 
     Each of these devices may be a conventional device. The location of the devices of the integrated controller interface  150  on or within the secure delivery unit  100  may be different than those illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the integrated controller interface  150  may not include each of the illustrated devices. Of course, in other embodiments, the secure delivery unit  100  may include additional devices to communicate with the integrated controller  140 . For example, the secure delivery unit  100  may include a keyboard, display, mouse, or other type of interfaces that a customer may use to communicate with the integrated controller  140 . Each of these interfaces may only be accessible from the interior side of the secure delivery unit  100 . 
     The display  154  may be used to provide information to a delivery agent or to the customer. The card reader  151 , RFID reader  152 , keypad  153 , camera  155  and antenna  156  may be used to identify delivery agents or identify goods. Some of the devices, such as the camera, may be used to indicate an unsafe condition for the secure delivery unit  100 . The antenna  156  may also be used to communicate with delivery agents. 
     The integrated controller  140  includes an access management system configured to control access to the multiple compartments through the corresponding access barriers. The integrated controller  140  may operate the electronic locks to control access to the compartments. The RFID reader  152  may be used by the integrated controller  140  to determine who may have access to which compartments and at what time(s). 
     The integrated controller also includes a goods management system configured to track goods deposited to and retrieved from the compartments. The goods management system may employ at least one RFID reader to recognize the goods deposited to and retrieved from the compartments. The RFID reader  152  may be used to determine which goods are delivered to the unit  100 . An additional RFID reader may be located on the interior side of the unit  100  to record when goods are retrieved from the unit  100 . In some embodiments, each compartment may include a sensor proximate the external opening and another sensor proximate the internal opening to track when goods are delivered and retrieved. The sensors may be an optical reader such as a bar code reader or may be an RFID reader. The goods management system may automatically reorder some of the goods based on the goods deposited to and retrieved from the compartments as tracked by the sensors. 
     In addition to the access management system and the goods management system, the integrated controller  140  may contain additional management modules to manage the operation of the secure delivery unit  100 . For example, the integrated controller  140  may include a temperature control system. The temperature control system may monitor and control the temperature of the FIC  134 , the CIC  135  and the WIC  136  by receiving inputs from a sensor (e.g., thermometer) in each compartment and controlling a thermostat associated with the associated freezer unit, refrigeration unit or heater unit. The access management system, goods management system and temperature control system are not illustrated in  FIG. 1 . These systems and other systems will be discussed in more detail with respect to the integrated controller  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The secure delivery unit  100  may also include components or devices that support the operation thereof. Each of these may be conventional components or devices. An illustrated component includes a vent  160  for circulation. Additionally, the secure delivery unit  100  includes an electrical interface  170  and a communications interface  180 . The electrical interface  170  is configured to connect to the grid of an electricity provider and provide power for the secure delivery unit  100 . Typically, this would be provided by the electrical system of a structure in which the secure delivery unit  100  is affixed. The electrical interface  170  may include the necessary protection and, if needed, conversion equipment for the secure delivery unit  100 . In some embodiments, the electrical interface  170  may include a battery back-up. 
     The communications interface  180  is configured to connect to a communications network and provide access thereto for the secure delivery unit  100 . For example, the communications interface  180  may be coupled to the communications network of the structure in which the secure delivery unit  100  is affixed. Through the communications interface  180 , the secure delivery unit  100  may communicate via the Internet. 
       FIGS. 2A ,  2 B illustrate examples of secure delivery units affixed to a structure, such as a house. In  FIG. 2A , the unit  200  is installed in an outer wall of the house. In this installation, the unit  200  may be built-in the wall during original construction of the house. Of course, the unit  200  may also be added at a later time. The unit  200  may be the same unit or similar to the unit  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
     In  FIG. 2B , the unit  250  is installed in a window of the house allowing an easier add-on to an already built house. Typically, the window unit  250  is smaller than the unit  200  and does not have as many features. The unit  200  may be bolted to the window frame to secure the unit  200  to the house. In each installation, goods may be delivered through the exterior side of the units  200 ,  250 , and retrieved from the interior side by the customer. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an integrated controller  300  constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The integrated controller  300  may be a dedicated apparatus constructed of special-purpose hardware employing a series of operating instructions which direct its operation. In alternative embodiments, the integrated controller  300  may be implemented on a general purpose computing device directed by a sequence of operating instructions. All or at least a portion of the integrated controller  300  may be housed in a secure delivery unit such as the unit  100  in  FIG. 1 . In alternative embodiments, all or a portion of the integrated controller  300  may be physically located external to a secure delivery unit and coupled thereto through a wireline or wireless connection. 
     The integrated controller  300  is configured to manage the operation of a secure delivery unit and goods that are ordered and delivered thereto. The integrated controller  300  includes multiple modules that, for example, control access to the secure delivery unit, provide an interface with customers and suppliers and track goods. The type and number of controls and interfaces managed and provided by the integrated controller  300  may vary depending on the model and customer. The integrated controller  300  receives data, such as from sensors of the secure delivery unit, input from customers or suppliers, information from delivery agents, etc., and directs operations based thereon. Examples of some of the devices from which the integrated controller  300  may receive data are illustrated in  FIG. 3  to represent inputs to the integrated controller  300 . The integrated controller  300  includes an access management system  310 , a goods management system  320 , an apparatus management system  330 , a temperature control system  340 , a supplier interface system  350 , a customer interface system  360 , a location system  370 , a security system  380  and a safety system  390 . 
     The access management system  310  is configured to control access to a plurality of pass-through compartments of the secure delivery unit. Each of the plurality of pass-through compartments have access barriers that allow access thereto through an exterior and an interior opening. The access management system  310  employs electronic locks to control opening and closing of the access barriers. The access management system  310  receives data from interfaces associated with the secure delivery unit and determines, based on the data, if the access barriers should be opened to allow access to the compartments. The interfaces may be, for example, a keypad, a card reader or a biometric identifier based on a retinal scan, fingerprints, voice, etc. The access management system  310  may use a table to compare the received data to stored information to determine if access should be granted. In one embodiment, the access management system  310  may include an RFID reader to determine if access should be allowed to a pass-through compartment. A delivery agent, for example, may transmit an RFID signal that is identified by the RFID reader and analyzed by the access management system  310  to determine if access to the delivery agent is granted. If granted, the access management system  310  releases the electronic lock of an access barrier or barriers to allow access. The customer may direct the access management system  310  to allow access to just a single compartment or multiple compartments based on the RFID signal. 
     The goods management system  320  is configured to monitor goods delivered to the secure delivery unit by tracking when the goods are deposited to the compartment through the exterior openings and when the goods are removed from the compartments through the interior openings. The goods management system  320  may automatically re-order the goods based on the tracking. The goods management system  320  may include an RFID reader to recognize each of the goods deposited to the compartment and another RFID reader to recognize each of the goods removed from the compartments. 
     The apparatus management system  330  is configured to monitor operating conditions of the secure delivery unit. The apparatus management system  330  may monitor each sensor of the secure delivery unit to determine if a device is faulty. The apparatus management system  330  may insure the electrical connection and communications connection of the secure delivery unit are operating properly. The apparatus management system  330  may also monitor the various systems of the integrated controller  300  to determine if each system is functioning properly. 
     The temperature control system  340  is configured to maintain the desired temperatures for the various compartments. The temperature control system  340  may direct the appropriate freezer unit, refrigeration unit or warming unit to maintain a freezing temperature for a FIC compartment, a chilled temperature for a CIC compartment or a warm temperature for a WIC compartment. The temperatures may be constantly maintained or only maintained when goods are placed in the particular compartment. Additionally, the temperature may be established in each compartment based on the delivery time indicated in the order for the goods. As such, the temperature control system  340  may interact with the goods management system  320  to determine when goods are placed in the compartment or when the goods will be delivered. 
     The supplier interface system  350  is configured to provide communication between a supplier of the goods and a customer associated with the secure delivery unit. An antenna may be used to communicate with the supplier. Additionally, communications with the supplier may be established through an Internet connection. The supplier interface system  350  may be used to indicate sale items to the customer, suggest substitute products, provide billing information, etc. The customer may also use the supplier interface system  350  to request information about products, change deliveries, pay invoices, etc. 
     The customer interface system  360  is configured to allow a customer associated with the secure delivery unit to manage operation thereof and inventory of the goods. The customer interface system  360  allows a customer to interact with the integrated controller  300  and establish or change various parameters for the included systems. The customer interface system  360  may include the keyboard, mouse, display, microphone, keypad, speaker and other devices that allow the customer to input information and receive feedback from the integrated controller  300 . Through the customer interface system  360 , the customer may establish access parameters for the interior or exterior sides of the secure delivery unit. Additionally, the customer interface system  360  may allow a customer to program desired temperatures for the temperature control system  340 , determine inventory limits for goods via the goods management system  320 , establish a list of products to purchase, etc. The particular temperatures for various compartments may be based on industry standards for freezers, refrigerators or warming units such as a warming drawer. 
     The location system  370  is configured to transmit a location of the apparatus to a delivery agent of the goods. The location system  370  may use GPS technology to assist a delivery agent in locating the secure delivery unit. An antenna may be used to communicate with a particular delivery agent vehicle of with a delivery agent company. 
     The security system  380  is configured to generate an alarm when detecting a security problem associated with the secure delivery unit. The security system  380  may determine a security problem based on input from the sensors or interfaces associated with the secure delivery unit. A forced entry may be indicated by the electronic locks of a secure delivery unit. Additionally, a camera may indicate damage to the secure delivery unit or proximate dangerous conditions such as, rising water, vandals, etc. The security problem may be a potential security issue. 
     The safety system  390  is configured to generate an alarm when detecting an unsafe condition associated with the secure delivery unit. The safety system  390  may rely on inputs from sensors located within or about the secure delivery unit. The safety system  390  may generate an alarm based on a CO2 sensor located proximate an LIC of the secure delivery unit. The generated alarm can notify the user that a person, such as a child, or an animal is within the LIC. Another sensor, such as a smoke detector, may be used by the safety system  390  to monitor for fire in or about the secure delivery unit. In some embodiments, the smoke detector may be located proximate the WIC. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method  400  of supplying ordered goods to a customer carried out according to the principles of the disclosure. The method  400  begins in a step  410  with a supplier receiving an order for goods from a customer. A supplier is an entity that offers goods for sale. A supplier may be, for example, a wholesale or retail distributor of goods. The order for the goods includes an indication that the goods are to be delivered to a specified location and a delivery access code that permits authorized access through at least one exterior opening of an apparatus affixed to a structure at the location to allow depositing the goods in the apparatus. The apparatus may be a secure delivery unit having at least one interior opening to allow the customer to access the goods delivered thereto from inside the structure. The delivery access code may be an alphanumeric code that may be entered in a keypad or may be an RFID signal that an RFID reader may read. The order may be received remotely from the customer via a communications network. For example, the order may be received via the Internet or via the telephone. In some embodiments, an order may be received by postal mail. 
     After receiving the order, the goods are provided for delivery to the apparatus in a step  420 . The supplier may deliver the goods to the secure delivery unit. In other embodiments, the supplier may contact an independent delivery agent to deliver the goods to the secure delivery unit. Examples of such independent delivery agents include FedEx, UPS and DHL. 
     After receiving the goods provided thereto, the delivery agent delivers the goods to the customer via the secure delivery unit prior to the deadline in a step  430 . The delivery agent may obtain access to exterior openings of the compartments of the secure delivery unit via an access management system. An RFID reader, for example, may be used to identify the delivery agent and the particular goods ordered. Based on the identification of the delivery agent and goods, the access management system may determine if access should be allowed or not to one or all of the compartments of the secure delivery unit. 
     After delivering the goods to the secure delivery unit, the customer may retrieve the goods from the secure delivery unit in a step  440 . The customer may retrieve the goods from an interior opening of the compartment holding the goods. As such, the goods may be delivered external to a structure and securely stored until the customer retrieves the goods from inside the structure. 
     After retrieving the goods, the customer records usage of the goods in a step  450 . The customer may record usage of the goods when removed from the secure delivery unit. A sensor may automatically record the removal of the goods. An RFID reader may be used to determine when the goods have been removed. In other embodiments, another type of sensor, such as a bar code reader, may be used to determine the usage of goods. The sensor or sensors may be located at or distal from the secure delivery unit. The customer may also manually enter when the goods have been used via an interface (e.g., keyboard, keypad, touch screen, microphone, text message via cell phone, etc.) with a goods management system of the secure delivery unit. The method  400  then continues to step  410  where another order is received for goods. In some embodiments, an order for goods may be automatically generated in a step  455 . The goods management system of the secure delivery unit may determine more goods are needed based on use and automatically order the goods. The customer may control what goods are to be automatically re-ordered and those that must be manually ordered. The customer may use a customer interface system to provide inputs to the goods management system. 
     The above-described integrated controller and the plurality of systems included therein may be embodied in or performed by various conventional digital data processors or computers, wherein the computers are programmed or store executable programs of sequences of software instructions to perform one or more of the functions of the systems, e.g., the systems represented in  FIG. 3 . The software instructions of such programs may be encoded in machine-executable form on conventional digital data storage media, e.g., magnetic or optical disks, random-access memory (RAM), magnetic hard disks, flash memories, and/or read-only memory (ROM), to enable various types of digital data processors or computers to perform one, multiple or all of the functions of one or more of the above-described systems, e.g., one or more of the systems represented in  FIG. 3 . 
     Those skilled in the art to which the invention relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.