Patent Publication Number: US-2023159286-A1

Title: Secure package delivery system and associated methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/096,608 (Attorney Docket No. 4774.00002) filed on Nov. 12, 2020 and titled Secure Package Delivery System And Associated Methods which, in turn, claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/966,819 (Attorney Docket No. 4774.00001) filed on Jan. 28, 2020 and titled Secure Package Delivery System and Associated Methods, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference except to the extent that the contents therein conflict with the contents herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to systems and methods for receiving package deliveries. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Online shopping has resulted in more packages being delivered to homes and businesses. Packages may be delivered when the recipient is not present. The contents of the package may be valuable and/or important. Such packages delivered on a doorstep or other location outside of a residence are exposed to theft and/or damage from weather. Valuable packages may require a signature for security or require insurance against loss or theft. Such a signature requirement may complicate or delay the delivery when the recipient is unavailable to receive the shipment from the deliverer, which may result in additional costs. 
     Various approaches for securing delivered packages exist. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,653,262 to Israel is titled “Parcel securing assembly” and is directed to a parcel securing assembly that includes a box that is positionable on a horizontal support surface proximate an entrance to a building. The box has a delivery opening therein for receiving a delivered parcel. A door is hingedly coupled to the box and the door is aligned with the delivery opening for opening and closing the delivery opening. A locking unit is coupled to the box, and the locking unit is operationally coupled to the door. The locking unit is urgeable into a locked condition when the door is opened such that the locking unit locks the door when the door is subsequently closed. In this way the locking unit secures the delivered parcel in the box until an authorized user unlocks the locking unit. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,619,955 to Eichenblatt is titled “Systems and methods for facilitating package delivery or pickup” and is directed to a system for facilitating package delivery or pickup at premises of senders or recipients having a package door that is used for receipt and collection of packages. The package door includes an input device for entering package information and an image capture device for visually recording the arrival of a courier. The system may automatically unlock the package door if the package information matches a predetermined value. A user may remotely monitor the package information and/or information from the image capture device to determine whether to provide inputs for unlocking the package door. 
     Current package delivery approaches may be inconvenient and/or unreliable. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved package delivery experience. This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With the above in mind, embodiments of the present invention are related to a package delivery system for enhanced delivery receivals. The system including a door access panel, a first housing, a controller, a wireless communication interface, a delivery handling device, a second housing, and a transfer device. The door access panel may accept delivery of packages via a passageway that may be formed in a door. The door access panel may be moveable between an opened position and a closed position. 
     The first housing may be attached to the door access panel. The first housing may be in communication with the passageway to house packages delivered through the door access panel. The controller may selectively move the door between the opened position and the closed position. The wireless communication interface may be in communication with the controller. 
     The delivery handling device may be moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position of the delivery handling device may be defined as the delivery handling device being detachably engaged with the first housing. The disengaged position of the delivery handling device may be defined as the delivery handling device being disengaged and spaced apart from the first housing. The second housing may be carried by the delivery handling device to receive a package from the first housing, which may be when the delivery handling device is in the engaged position. The transfer device may move the package from the first housing to the second housing. 
     The second housing may include a temperature control unit and/or a sanitation unit. The temperature control unit may regulate a temperature within the second housing. The sanitation unit may sanitize an interior portion of the second housing and the package after the package has been transferred from the first housing to the second housing. The transfer device may include a conveyor that may be carried by the first housing. The conveyor may be operable by the controller to cause the conveyor to move the package from the first housing to the second housing. 
     The transfer device may include a grasping device that may be carried by the second housing. The grasping device may include a grasping portion to grasp at least a portion of the package and move the package from the first housing to the second housing. The system may include a docking station that may be sized to house the delivery handling device within the docking station. The docking station may be spaced apart from the door access panel. The docking station may include a charging station that may charge a power unit carried by the delivery handling device, which may be when the delivery handling device is in a docked position. 
     The system may further include a display that may be in communication with a camera. The display may be mounted on or adjacent to an interior face of the door. The camera may be positioned to view an environment adjacent to an outdoor facing portion of the door. The delivery handling device may include a motor that may be in mechanical communication with one or more traction members that may be positioned on a lower portion of the delivery handling device. The system may yet further include a smart device that may be in communication with the wireless communication interface, which the communication may be via a network. The smart device may be operable by a user to move the door access panel between the opened position and the closed position. The smart device may also be operable by the user to selectively control the delivery handling device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram showing a package delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention and installed as a wicket in a typical entry door. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic block diagram illustrating further details of a control unit of the package delivery system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic block diagram illustrating further details of a user interface of the control unit for the package delivery system of  FIG.  1     
         FIG.  4    is a schematic diagram of a package delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention showing the interior face of the door. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic diagram of a docking station with a delivery handling device and a housing therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic diagram of a delivery handling device in communication with a network and with a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic diagram of a door access panel in communication with a package reception control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic block diagram of the package reception control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic diagram of the door according to  FIG.  4   , showing the outdoor facing portion of the door. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic diagram of a side view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the first housing and the door access panel moving between the indoor position and the outdoor position, with the delivery handling device having a second housing. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic diagram of another side view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the door without a first housing. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic diagram of another side view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic diagram of a delivery handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the delivery handling device moving a package to a third housing. 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic diagram of a side view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a first housing and the door access panel moving between the indoor position and the outdoor position, with the delivery handling device not having a second housing. 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic diagram of another side view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic diagram of another side view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention, without a first or second housing. 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic diagram of a delivery handling device without a second housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the delivery handling device moving a package to a third housing. 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic diagram of a side view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a package being delivered via the door access panel and being carried by a delivery handling device. 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic diagram of a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing multiple delivery handling devices carrying packages docked within the docking station. 
         FIG.  20    is a schematic diagram of a delivery handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the delivery handling device having a cleaning device. 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic diagram of the delivery handling device of  FIG.  18   , with the delivery handling device having a cleaning device. 
         FIG.  22    is a schematic diagram of the delivery handling device of  FIG.  17   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations. 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to parameters of the particularly exemplified systems, methods, apparatus, products, processes, and/or kits, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any particular manner. Thus, while the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, features, aspects, configurations, etc., the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Various modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments, features, aspects, configurations, etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. While a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present disclosure, only certain exemplary materials and methods are described herein. 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure, including devices, systems, methods, etc., may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments or implementations. As used herein, the terms “embodiment,” “alternative embodiment” and/or “exemplary implementation” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or implementations disclosed herein. In addition, reference to an “implementation” of the present disclosure or invention includes a specific reference to one or more embodiments thereof, and vice versa, and is intended to provide illustrative examples without limiting the scope of the invention, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the following description. 
     It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “sensor” includes one, two, or more sensors. 
     As used throughout this application the words “can” and “may” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Additionally, the terms “including,” “having,” “involving,” “containing,” “characterized by,” variants thereof (e.g., “includes,” “has,” and “involves,” “contains,” etc.), and similar terms as used herein, including the claims, shall be inclusive and/or open-ended, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”), and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps, illustratively. 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure can be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, connected, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, “connected,” and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, “directly connected,” and/or “directly joined” to another component, no intervening elements are present or contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “connected,” and the like do not necessarily imply direct contact between the two or more elements. In addition, components that are coupled, attached, connected, and/or joined together are not necessarily (reversibly or permanently) secured to one another. For instance, coupling, attaching, connecting, and/or joining can comprise placing, positioning, and/or disposing the components together or otherwise adjacent in some implementations. 
     As used herein, directional and/or arbitrary terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “interior,” “exterior,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like can be used solely to indicate relative directions and/or orientations and may not otherwise be intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, including the specification, invention, and/or claims. 
     Where possible, like numbering of elements have been used in various figures. In addition, similar elements and/or elements having similar functions may be designated by similar numbering. Furthermore, alternative configurations of a particular element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. Accordingly, an appended letter can be used to designate an alternative design, structure, function, implementation, and/or embodiment of an element or feature without an appended letter. Similarly, multiple instances of an element and or sub-elements of a parent element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. In each case, the element label may be used without an appended letter to generally refer to instances of the element or any one of the alternative elements. Element labels including an appended letter can be used to refer to a specific instance of the element or to distinguish or draw attention to multiple uses of the element. However, element labels including an appended letter are not meant to be limited to the specific and/or particular embodiment(s) in which they are illustrated. In other words, reference to a specific feature in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as being limited to applications only within said embodiment. 
     It will also be appreciated that where a range of values (e.g., less than, greater than, at least, and/or up to a certain value, and/or between two recited values) is disclosed or recited, any specific value or range of values falling within the disclosed range of values is likewise disclosed and contemplated herein. 
     It is also noted that systems, methods, apparatus, devices, products, processes, compositions, and/or kits, etc., according to certain embodiments of the present invention may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties, features, aspects, steps, components, members, and/or elements described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Thus, reference to a specific feature, aspect, steps, component, member, element, etc. in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as being limited to applications only within said embodiment. In addition, reference to a specific benefit, advantage, problem, solution, method of use, etc. in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as being limited to applications only within said embodiment. 
     The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , an embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides a package delivery system  10  that can be used to receive packages at a residence or commercial property. The package delivery system  10  according to the present invention advantageously allows for packages to be delivered to a home or a place of business so that the package can be securely received and prevents the ever-increasing problem of packages being stolen from outside a door after delivery, i.e., “porch pirates.” 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the package delivery system  10  according to the present invention can be provided in any number of embodiments. For example, the package delivery system  10  can be provided within a door  12  having a delivery or door access panel  14  and passageway  15  installed therein. The present invention also contemplates embodiments of that provide a package delivery system  10  as a kit so that an existing door can be retrofitted to include the delivery panel  14  and other components. The panel  14  and passageway  15  may also be installed adjacent to the door  12 , for example, in a wall. 
     The system  10  may include the door access panel  14  configured as a wicket to provide selective access to passageway  15  adjacent to, or within, the entry door  12 , and being moveable between an open position and a closed position. A frame  16  is configured to be carried by the door  12  adjacent the passageway  15  and configured to movably mount the door access panel  14 . The frame  16  may include at least one of rails, tracks and guides to provide slidable movement of the door access panel between the closed position and the open position. 
     A control unit  30  is associated with the panel  14  to control and operate the system  10 . The control unit  30  includes an actuator  32  that is coupled to the door access panel  14 , and a motor  34  that is coupled to the actuator  32  and configured to impart motion to the door access panel  14  via the actuator  32 . The actuator  32  may include a gear, chain, cable, screw, lever and/or belt to transfer motive power between the motor  34  and the door access panel  14  to variably move the door access panel  14  between the open position and the closed position. A controller  36  is coupled to the motor  34  and configured to control selective actuation of the door access panel  14  via the motor  34  and actuator  32 . 
     A wireless communication interface (WCI)  40  may be coupled to the controller  36  and configured to communicatively couple the controller  36  to a computer and/or smart device  42  of an authorized user for receiving a remote input to actuate, via the motor  34  and actuator  32 , the door access panel  14  to move between the closed position and the open position. The wireless communication interface  40  may include a transceiver  44  and an antenna  46  configured to communicatively couple the control unit  30  to the smart device  42  and/or a local network  43  (e.g. WLAN, satellite or cellular network). 
     A user interface  50  may be coupled to the controller  36  and configured to receive local input for actuation of the door access panel  14  to move between the closed position and the open position. A sensing unit  60  may be coupled to the controller  36  and includes a position sensor  62  configured to generate position signals to the controller  36  with respect to the position of the door access panel  14 . The sensing unit  60  may further include a pressure sensor  64  configured to generate pressure signals to the controller  36  with respect to a closing force of the door access panel  14  to aid in capture of an unauthorized intruder within the passageway  15 . The sensing unit  60  may further include a passageway sensor  66  configured to generate passage signals to the controller  36  with respect to a passage of an object (e.g. the package P) through the passageway  15  while the door access panel  14  is in the open position. The sensing unit  60  and/or the passageway sensor  66  may be configured to generate the passage signals upon detecting that a package  92  has passed through and/or is present within the passageway  15 . The passage signals may be emitted via a network  43 . The smart device  42  may be configured to receive the passage signals via the network  43  and display a notification thereon the smart device  42  regarding the package(s)  92  being delivered. 
     A scanning unit  70  may be coupled to the controller  36  and includes detectors  72  configured to scan packages delivered through the passageway  15  for determining package parameters including package contents, dimensions, quantities, temperature, warnings, and/or sender information. A power source  80  is configured to provide power to the controller  36 , motor  34  and all other powered components. The power source  80  may be wired to a property electrical system or may be battery powered as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     Additional features may include a temperature control unit  82  that is coupled to the controller  36  and configured to control the temperature of a delivered package P. A currency handler  84  may be coupled to the controller  36 , positioned adjacent the door access panel  14 , and configured to accept/dispense currency related to a delivery. Also, a sanitization unit  86  may be coupled to the controller  36 , positioned adjacent the door access panel  14 , and configured to sanitize a delivered package P. The controller  36  may be coupled to the other components within the control unit  30  via various channels, for example, including a communication bus  88 . 
       FIG.  3    is a schematic block diagram illustrating further details of the user interface  50  of the control unit  30  for the package delivery system  10  of  FIG.  1   . The user interface  50  may include a Bluetooth communication device  51  (and/or a near-field communication (NFC) device), a touchscreen or display  52 , and/or a keypad  53  to receive an authorization code as the local input for actuation of the door access panel  14  to move between the closed position and the open position. The user interface  50  may include a camera  54 , microphone  55  and speaker  56  configured for visual and audio communication between a local deliverer at the door  12  and the smart device  42  of the authorized user. The user interface  50  may also include a door button  57 , the keypad  53  and/or a motion sensor  58  configured to confirm the presence of the local deliverer at the door. 
     Thus, in an embodiment of the package delivery system  10  wherein a door  12  is being retrofitted with a delivery panel  14 , a passageway  15  may first be cut into an existing door. The passageway  15  would be positioned so as not to interfere with a traditional deadbolt lock and  20  doorknob  22  of the door  12 . After the passageway  15  is cut, the frame  16 , to carry the delivery panel  14 , is installed in the door  12 . Similar to the passageway  15 , the frame  16  is installed on the door  12  also so as not to interfere with the doorknob  22  and deadbolt lock  20  of the door. The frame  16  may be formed of metal, wood or synthetic materials, for example, and may be provided by angle iron, or any other type of material suitable for providing a frame that the delivery panel  14  may moveably engage. More specifically, the delivery panel  14  is moveable between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the delivery panel  14  may slide within the frame  16  so that access through the door  12  may be provided to allow for delivery of the package P within the residence or business. When in a closed position, the delivery panel  14  may slide within the frame  16  so that the passageway  15  in the door  12  is sealed and access to the property is secured. 
     The package delivery system  10  according to the present invention may include the motor  34  that is in communication with the moveable delivery panel  14 . The motor  34  may, for example, be connected to a chain, other rope, or gear that may be connected between an actuator  32  and a portion of the panel  14 . When the motor  34  is activated, the moveable delivery panel  14  may be moved between the open and the closed positions. The motor  34  is in communication with the controller  36  that is associated or embedded in the door  12  as part of the package delivery door system  10  according to embodiments of the present invention. The controller  36  and the motor  34  may be connected to a power source  30  that may also be carried by the door  12 . It is contemplated that the controller  36  is also connectable to a wireless network so that signals may be transmitted from the controller  36  to a receiving device such as, for example, on the smart device  42  with a mobile application installed so that an authorized user may remotely connect to the controller  36  and may monitor and control the package delivery door system  10  of the present invention. 
     The package delivery door system  10  according to the present invention may also include the user interface  50  connected to the controller  36  and the power source  80 . The user interface  50  may, for example, be provided by the touchscreen  52  or digital keypad  53  that allows for the motor  34  to be activated by entry of a unique code. The unique code, once entered, may allow for a signal to be sent from the user interface  50  to the motor  34  so that the motor  34  may be activated to move the delivery panel  14  to the opened position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the unique code that may be entered into the user interface  50  may be readily changeable. For example, the unique code may be changeable by the owner of the dwelling where the package is to be delivered or may be a rolling unique code that changes every predetermined period of time. In the case of a rolling code generation, the system  10  would also include a rolling code generator to provide a user with the unique code that is generated every predetermined period of time. Further, a delivery driver may also have access to the unique code generator or can be provided access to the unique code that is generated on the unique code generator by transmitting an alert to the owner of the dwelling that a package P is ready to be delivered. 
     The user interface  50  may also allow for activation of the motor  34  upon receipt of a signal. The signal may be provided, for example, by an access card that can be activated upon moving within a predetermined distance of the user interface  50 . As such, the Bluetooth or near field communication device  51  may communicate with a delivery driver that has an NFC capability which is included on many mobile devices, so that the delivery driver may transmit a signal from the mobile device  42  to the motor  34  activator to move the panel  14  from the closed position to the open position. Other signal transmitters are also contemplated by the present invention that are suitable for transmitting a signal to the user interface  50  so that the delivery panel  14  can be moved between the closed position and the opened position. 
     As discussed, the package delivery system  10  according to the present invention may also include the camera  54  connected to the controller  36  and the power source  80 . The camera  54  may, for example, include the passageway sensor  66  that senses movement in a vicinity of the door  12  and may activate to capture images or video of that which may be in front of the door  12  within the vicinity. Upon being activated, it is contemplated that the image or video may be sent to an authorized user. It is also contemplated that the camera  54  may also include a microphone  55  to capture audio within the vicinity when the camera is activated. Further, it is contemplated that a speaker  56  may be included in the package delivery door system  10  so that a user may transmit audio. 
     The camera  54  can be used to identify a delivery person and provide them access to deliver a package P through the moving panel  14 . For example, when a person is within a defined vicinity of the camera  54 , the motion sensor  58  may activate the camera  54  and automatically transmit captured images or video (via the controller  36 ) to the authorized user of the smart device  42  or one of the user interfaces  50 ,  144 . The user may then transmit audio that can be heard by the delivery person to make inquiries regarding the package P. Upon being satisfied that the person within the defined vicinity is there to legitimately deliver a package, the authorized user may transmit a signal to the controller  36  which will activate the motor  34  to move the delivery panel  14  from the closed position to the opened position. 
     The camera  54  may also be used to provide the authorized user with notice that someone is accessing the premises through the delivery panel  14  that is not authorized to do so. For example, in a scenario where the delivery panel  14  was left in an open position, and it is determined that a person that is not authorized to access the premises is doing so through the passageway  14 , the system  10  can include an emergency mode that will lower the delivery panel  14  and engage the unauthorized person. 
     It is contemplated that the system  10  will also include the pressure sensor  64  that is in communication with the controller  36  and that can lower the panel  14  to a predefined pressure. It is preferable that the predefined pressure is one that would restrain the unauthorized person, but not cause bodily harm to the unauthorized person. Further, the system  10  could be configured to automatically contact crime prevention authorities, e.g., police, should the emergency mode be activated by the authorized user, a signal would also be transmitted to local authorities to respond to the premises. 
     After the delivery person has passed the package P through the passageway  15  when the delivery panel  14  is in the opened position, the delivery panel  14  may automatically, via the controller  36 , move to the closed position after a defined period of time that may be set by a user or that may be predefined. Alternatively, after identifying that the motion at the door  12  is from a delivery person, the authorized user may either provide a unique code to the delivery person that the delivery person can enter into the keypad  53  to move the delivery panel  14  between the closed position and the opened position. It is also contemplated that the package delivery system  10  may also include an option to close the panel upon completion of the delivery, i.e., the button  57  of the user interface  50  that is in communication with the controller  36  so that when the delivery person activates the button  57 , the delivery panel  14  can be moved from the open position to the closed position. 
     It is also contemplated that the package delivery system  10  may include the position sensor  62  that informs an authorized user of the position of the delivery panel  14 . The position sensor  62  may be carried by the frame  16  so that the position of the delivery panel  14  can be determined and a signal may be transmitted using the controller  36  to the authorized user via the WCI  40  and the smart device  42 . The passageway sensor  66  may be carried by the frame  16  and may be used to sense when a package P has been passed through the passageway  15  exposed by the open delivery panel  14  and, upon sensing that the package P has passed through the passageway  15 , can automatically close the delivery panel  14  via the controller  36 . It is further contemplated that the authorized user may simply send a signal from a connected smart device  42  to the controller  36  to move the delivery panel  14  between the closed position and the open position. 
     The above embodiments of the present invention should be read in conformity with the embodiments of the present invention as they are described throughout below, except that for when the embodiments above conflict with the embodiments mentioned below, the below described embodiments will control. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  4 ,  6 - 8 , and  10   , the package delivery system  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention may be further discussed throughout below. The package delivery system  10  may include a door access panel  14 , a control unit  30 , a delivery handling device  94 , and a docking station  96 . The door access panel  14  may be installed in a passageway  15  formed through or within a door  12 . The door access panel  14  may be configured to accept one or more packages  92  being delivered therethrough. A first housing  100  may be attached to the door access panel  14 . The first housing  100  may be carried by and/or in communication with the passageway  15 . The door access panel  14  may be configured to move between an opened position and a closed position. 
     The opened position of the door access panel  14  may be defined as when at least a portion of an interior the first housing  100  is visible from an outdoor environment  118 . The opened position of the door access panel  14  may also, or alternatively, be defined as when the door access panel  14  is not substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the door  12 . The closed position of the door access panel  14  may be defined as when the interior of the first housing  100  is not visible from the outdoor environment  118 . The closed position of the door access panel  14  may also or alternatively be defined as when the door access panel  14  is substantially abutting against an outer perimeter of the passageway  15 . 
     The door access panel  14  may include an actuator  32  and/or a motor  34  that may be operable move the door access panel  14  between the opened position and the closed position. The actuator  32  and the motor  34  may be in communication with the controller  36  of the package reception control unit  30 . The controller  36  may control and/or operate the actuator  32  and the motor  34  to move the door access panel  14  between the opened position and the closed position. The package reception control unit  30  may include a wireless communication interface  40  that may be in communication with the controller  36  and with a network  43 . The wireless communication interface  40  may also be configured to communicate by direct communication with other devices (not via the network  43 ). For example, without limitation, the wireless communication interface  40  may be in communication with other devices via Bluetooth, Ad-Hoc Wi-Fi, and/or Near-Field Communication (NFC). 
     Referring now to embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 22   , the package delivery system  10  may include a delivery handling device  94 . The delivery handling device  94  may be a robot and/or self-propelled device that may be used to obtain, carry, move, and/or house one or more packages  92  that have been delivered via the door access panel  14 . The delivery handling device  94  may be moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position may be defined as the delivery handling device  94  being detachably engaged with the first housing  100  of the door access panel  14 . The engaged position may also or alternatively be defined as when the delivery handling device  94  being detachably engaged with the door access panel  14 . 
     The system  10  may include one or more attachment points  114  positioned on the first housing  100 , on the delivery handling device  94 , on a second housing  102  carried by the delivery handling device  94 , and/or on an interior face of the door  120  adjacent to the passageway  15 . The attachment points  114  may facilitate the delivery handling device  94  detachably engaging the first housing  100  and/or the door access penal  14  when the delivery handling device  94  is in the engaged position. The attachment points  114  may be configured to detachably engage one another. A third housing  146  carried by a docking station  96  may also include attachment points  114  thereon to facilitate the delivery handling device  94  moving a package  92  into the third housing  146 . The third housing  146  and docking station  96  are described in greater detail below. 
     The delivery handling device  94  may include a second housing  102  that may be used to house and/or carry the packages  92  that are delivered via the door access panel  14  and the passageway  15 . The delivery handling device  94  and/or the second housing  102  may also include a sanitation unit  86 , a temperature control unit  82 , and a transfer device  104 . The sanitation unit  86  may be configured to sanitize a portion of an interior of the second housing  102  and/or any packages  92  that may be within the second housing  102 . The temperature control  82  unit may be configured to control the temperature of the interior of the second housing  102  and the packages  92  that may be within the second housing  102 . The temperature control unit  82  may be configured to create heat, remove heat, and/or otherwise control the temperature of the interior of the second housing  102  and/or the packages  92  that may be within the second housing  102 . 
     Some embodiments of the present invention may include a transfer device  104 . The transfer device  104  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 , by one of the housings  100 ,  102 , by the door access panel  14 , and/or by the passageway  15 . The transfer device  104  may be configured to move one or more packages  92  between the housings  100 ,  102 ,  146 , or from one area to another area, such as, and without limitation from an interior of the passageway  15  to one of the housings  100 ,  102 ,  146 . The transfer device  104  may comprise a grasping device  108  and/or a conveyor  106 . The grasping device  108  may include a grasping portion  142 . The grasping device  108  and/or the grasping portion  142  of the grasping device  108  may be configured to grasp a portion of the package  92  to move the package from one place to another, such as, from the first housing  100  to another housing  102 ,  146 . The conveyor  106  may comprise of a conveyor belt that may be configured to rotatably move so as to move the package  92  from one place to another, such as, from the first housing  100  to another housing  102 ,  146 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the conveyer belt  106  may comprise of rollers, a tilting table, and/or an angle adjustable slider table be configured to move the package  92  from one place to another, such as, from the first housing  100  to another housing  102 ,  146 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  5  and  19   , some embodiments of the present invention may include a docking station  96 . The docking station  96  may be used as a container and/or housing to store and/or house one or more delivery handling devices  94 . The docking station  96  may also contain a third housing  146  that may be used as a housing for packages  92 , as illustratively shown in  FIG.  5   . The third housing  146  of the docking station  96  may contain a sanitation unit  86  and/or a temperature control unit  82 . The docking station  96  may be a decorative piece of furniture that may be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, or it may be designed to be less noticeable when placed in an area. For example, without limitation, the docking station  96  may resemble a cabinet, a credenza, an end table, a chest, and/or a T.V. stand. The docking station  96  may be spaced apart from the door  12  such that it may be a separate member that is not physically attached to and/or not adjacent to the door access panel  14  or the door  12 . 
     The docking station  96  may include a charging station  98 , a power regulator  128 , a compartment controller  130 , and/or a dock communicator  132 . The charging station  98  may be in communication with a power source  80  and with a power regulator  128 . The charging station  98  may be configured to be in detachable communication with delivery handling devices  94  to charge a power unit  110  that may be carried by the delivery handling devices  94 . Charging the delivery handling devices  94  and/or the power units  110  may be via the power regulator  128  of the docking station  96  and/or a power port  110  carried by the delivery handling device  94 . The power regulator  128  may be in communication with the charging station  98  and may be configured to be in detachable communication with a delivery handling device  94  to regulate a power, voltage, and/or an amplitude of electrical power being transferred to the delivery handling device  94  and/or the power unit  110  of the delivery handling device. Further details on the power regulator  128 , power port  140 , and power unit  110  follows throughout below. 
     The docking station  96  may include a compartment  126 . The compartment  126  may be configured and/or sized to house or contain one or more delivery handling devices  94 . The compartment  126  may also contain one or more third housings  146  that may be used to carry and/or house packages  92  that may be placed within one of the third housings  146  by a delivery handling device  94 . The docking station  96  may also include a compartment controller  130  that may be in communication with the charging station  98 , the power regulator  128 , and with the dock communicator  132 . The compartment controller  130  may comprise a computational device, and may be used to operate, control, and/or monitor that activity and actions of the charging station  98 , the power regulator  128 , and the dock communicator  132 . 
     The dock communicator  132  may be in communication with the compartment controller  130  and with a network  43 . The communication between the dock communicator  132  and the network  43  may comprise either or both of a wired and wireless communication connection. The dock communicator  132  may be configured to send and receive computer readable information, data, and instructions. For example, without limitation, the dock communicator  132  may be configured to send and receive computer readable information, data, and instructions from the compartment controller  130 , the delivery handling device  94 , a handling device controller  134 , a handling device communicator  136 , the package reception control unit  30 , a package delivery drone  90 , and/or a smart device  42 . Additionally, the dock communicator  132  may be configured to be in direct communication with the above-mentioned components, members, and/or devices, such as, via Bluetooth, Ad Hoc Wi-Fi, and near field communication (NFC). 
     The docking station  96  may include one or more station doors that may be sized to cover at least a portion of the compartment  126 . The station doors may be in communication with the compartment controller  130  and may be configured to move between an opened position and a closed position upon receiving a door command signal from the compartment controller  130  and/or from the smart device  42 . The station doors may include one or more motors and actuators that may be used to facilitate the station doors being moved between the opened position and the closed position. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  4  and  9   , an embodiment of the present invention may include a camera  54 , a display  52 , a speaker  56 , and a microphone  55 . The camera  54 , speaker  56 , and the microphone  55  may be positioned on and/or attached to the outdoor facing portion of the door  124 . The display  52  may be mounted on or adjacent to the interior face of the door  120 . The camera  54  may be coupled in communication with the display  52 . The display  52  may be configured to display a live stream video that may be sent to it from the camera  54 . 
     The camera  54  may be positioned and/or configured to visually capture an outdoor environment  118  that may be adjacent to the outdoor facing portion of the door  124 . The display  52  may also be in communication the package reception control unit  30  and/or the network  43 . The display  52  may be configured to display one or more informational parameters, including but not limited to, weather, wind speed, estimated delivery arrival, delivery notifications, temperature of an interior of one of the housings  100 ,  102 ,  146 , error messages, and/or warning messages. In some embodiments of the present invention, a camera  54  may be positioned within the first housing  100  that may be attached to the delivery access panel  14 . The camera  24  may also be configured to have additional functionality, including but not limited to, zooming functions and/or infrared detection. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  4 - 6  and  10 - 22   , the delivery handling device  94  may be configured to be self-propelled such that it may be mobile to move from one area to another area. The delivery handling device  94  may include one or more traction members  112  that may be positioned and/or attached to a lower portion of the delivery handling device  94 . The traction members  112  may be configured to be controllably moved by a motor  34  such that the traction member  112  cause the delivery handling device  94  to be mobile. The traction members  112  may comprise wheels, castors, tracks, and/or legs. The traction members  112  may be in mechanical communication with one or more motors  34 . In some embodiments of the present invention the traction member(s)  112  may be configured to be retractable. 
     The motors  34  may be carried by the delivery handling device and be in mechanical communication with one or more of the traction members  112 . The motors  34  may be configured to facilitate and/or cause the traction members  112  to controllably move to such that the delivery handling device  94  may be mobile and/or self-propelled. The motors  34  of the delivery handling device  94  may be in communication with the power unit  110 , the handling device controller  134 , and the handling device communicator  136 . The motors  34  of the delivery handling device  94  may be configured to be powered and/or controllably operated by the power unit  110 , the handling device controller  134 , and the handling device communicator  136 . The motors  34  may comprise electric motors, such as, brushed or brushless electric motors. The motors  34  may be in communication with, and configured to be controlled by, the controller  36 , the navigation unit  138 , the handling device controller  134 , and/or the smart device  43 , which may be via the network  43 . 
     The power unit  110  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 . The power unit  110  may be in communication with the transfer device  104 , the grasping device  108 , and conveyor  106 , the sanitation unit  86 , the temperature control unit  82 , a navigation unit  138 , a handling device user interface (UI)  144 , the power port  140 , the handling device controller  134 , the motor  34 , and the handling device communicator  136 . The power unit  110  may be configured to provide and/or store electrical power. The power unit  110  may be configured to receive electrical power from and/or send electrical power to the transfer device  104 , the grasping device  108 , and conveyor  106 , the sanitation unit  86 , the temperature control unit  82 , the navigation unit  138 , the handling device user interface (UI)  144 , the power port  140 , the handling device controller  134 , the motor  34 , and the handling device communicator  136 . The power unit  110  may comprise one or more batteries or power storage devices. The power storage unit  110  may also be configured to be dischargeable and rechargeable with electrical power. 
     The delivery handling device  94  may also include a navigation unit  138 , a handling device UI  144 , and a power port  140 . The navigation unit  138  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 . The navigation unit  138  may be coupled in communication with the handling device controller  134 , the handling device communicator  136 , the traction members  112 , and/or the motors  34  of the delivery handling device  94 . The navigation unit  138  may be configured to selectively control the operation and actions of the motors  34  and/or the traction members  112 . The navigation unit  138  may also be configured to detect and/or determine the position of the delivery handling device  94  relative to objects nearby or adjacent to the delivery handling device  94  and/or spatially relevant to an environment that the delivery handling device  94  may be within. The navigation unit  138  may also be configured to use global positioning satellites (GPS) to detect and/or determine the geographic position of the delivery handling device  94 . 
     The power port  140  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 , and the power port  140  may be in communication with the power unit  110 . The power port  140  may be configured to be detachable engageable with the charging station  98  and/or the power regulator  128  of the docking station  96 . The power port  140  may be configured to facilitate the transfer of electrical power to the power unit  110  from the charging station  98  and/or the power regulator  128 . 
     The handling device UI  144  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 . The handling device UI  144  may also be positioned on a surface of the delivery handling device  94 . The handling device UI  144  may comprise a display that may be a touch-screen display. The handling device UI  144  may be configured to display one or more parameters and/or the current statuses, for example, without limitation, power level of the power unit  110 , delivery status of one or more packages  92 , status of the temperature control unit  82  and the sanitation unit  86 , errors, and warnings. The handling device UI  144  may be interactive with a user so that the handling device UI  144  may register inputs made by a user with the handling device UI  144 , and the handling device UI  144  may emit a user input signal relating to the inputs made by a user with the handling device UI  144 . The user input signal may be received by the handling device controller  134  to cause the delivery handling device  94  to take a predetermined action including, without limitation, return the delivery handling device to the docking station  96 , change the temperature levels of the temperature control unit  82 , activate/deactivate the sanitation unit  86 , relocate the delivery handling device  94  to another area by the motors  34  and/or traction units  112 , have the delivery handling device  94  receive a package  92  that has been delivered via the door access panel  14 , and/or power on/off the delivery handling device  94 . 
     The handling device communicator  136  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 , and the handling device communicator  136  may be coupled in communication with the navigation unit  138 , the handing device UI  144 , the handling device controller  134 , the network  43 , and one or more smart devices  42 , which the communication by be via a wired or wireless communication connection. The handling device communicator  136  may be configured to send, receive, and/or facilitate the transfer of computer readable data, instruction, and code. The handing device communicator  136  may comprise a transceiver. The handling device communicator  136  may be configured to use wi-fi, ad hoc wi-fi, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), ethernet, and/or universal serial buses (USB). 
     A smart device  42  may be in communication with the delivery handling device  94 , the docking station  96 , the package reception control unit  30 , the handling device communicator  136 , the dock communicator  132 , and/or the wireless communication interface  40 , of which the communication may be via the network  43 . The smart device  42  may be configured to monitor and control the delivery access panel  14 , the delivery handling device  94 , and/or the docking station  96 , and the smart device  42  may be configured to receive notifications therefrom. The smart device  42  may receive status signals from (and regarding) the statuses of the delivery access panel  14 , the delivery handling device  94 , and/or the docking station  96 , including package  92  delivery status, power level of the power unit  110 , location of the delivery handling device  94 , temperature of the temperature control unit(s)  82 , status of the sanitation unit(s)  86 , errors, and/or warnings. 
     The smart device  42  may emit command signals to control the door access panel  14 , the delivery handling device  94 , and/or the docking station  96  and to have a determined action to take place thereby. For example, without limitation, the smart device  42  may emit a command signal to cause the door access panel  14  to open/close, cause the door access panel  14  to move outside/inside, cause the delivery handling device  94  to retrieve a package  92  that has been delivered via the door access panel  14 , cause the delivery handling device to move a package  92  to/from one of the housings  100 ,  102 ,  146 , control the temperature of the temperature control unit(s)  82 , and/or the operation of the sanitation unit(s)  86 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  10 - 22   , an embodiment of the present invention may be directed to a door  12 , a delivery handling device  94 , and a third housing  146  that is separate and spaced apart from the door  12  and from the delivery handling device  94  such that the third housing  146  may be used as the main package storage space that is a distance apart from the door  12 . The third housing  146  may be carried by the docking station  96 . The delivery handling device  94  that may have another second housing  102 . The first housing  100 , the second housing  102 , and/or the third housing  146  may include a temperature control unit  82  and/or a sanitation unit  86 . The door  12  may include a door access panel  14  covering a passageway  15  formed within the door  12 . The door access panel  14  may be movable between an opened position and a closed position. A package delivery drone  90  may emit a delivery signal that a package  92  is soon to be delivered. The delivery signal may be received by the delivery handling device  94 , which may be received by the delivery handling device  94  via the network  43 , the wireless communication interface  40 , the smart device  42 , and/or the handling device communicator  136 . 
     Upon the delivery handling device  94  receiving the signal, the delivery handling device  94  may move to an engaged position which may be defined as the delivery handling device  94  being detachably engaged with the door access panel  14  so that the delivery handling device  94  positions the second housing  102  adjacent to the delivery access panel  14  in anticipation of a packing  92  being delivered therethrough. Once the package  92  has been delivered and is being carried by the second housing  102 , the delivery handling device  94  may travel to the other third housing  146  via traction member(s)  112  and motor(s)  34  to transfer the package  92  from the second housing  102  to the other third housing  146 . The delivery handling device  94  may include one or more transfer device(s)  104  such as, a grasping device  108  and/or a conveyor  108  to transfer and move the package  92  to the other third housing  146 . Those skilled in the art will notice and appreciate that not having a first housing  100  within the passageway  15  of the door  12  allows for easier use of the door  12  such that when the door is opened or closed there is not a first housing  100  which may be cumbersome or in the way of fully opening the door  12 . 
     In the above embodiment, the door access panel  14  may be configured in so that the door access panel  14  cannot move to the opened position until the delivery handling device  94  is detachably engaged with the door access panel  14  in the engaged position. The engaged position of the delivery handling device  94  may be facilitated by one or more attachment points  114  that may be positioned/attached to the door  12 , the housings  100 ,  102 , and/or the delivery access panel  14 . The attachment points  114  may be configured to detachably matingly engage one another to guide and/or selectively maintain the delivery handling device  94  in the engaged position. 
     Now additionally referring to  FIG.  8   , some embodiments of the present invention may include a detector  72  carried by the door access panel  14 . The detector  72  may be configured to detect if an object, such as a package  92 , is present within the passageway  15  and emit a package detection signal. Upon the controller  36  receiving the package detection signal, the controller  36  may cause the door access panel to remain in the opened position and unable to move to the closed position. Once the detector  72  detects that the package  92  is no longer present within the passageway  15  and no longer emits a package detection signal, the controller  36  may cause the door access panel  14  to move to the closed position. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention may also include an assist device  116  carried by the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100 . The assist device  116  may be configured to move one or more packages  92  located within the passageway towards a delivery handling device  94  and/or second housing  102  that is detachably engaged with the door access panel  14 . Upon the controller  36  receiving the package detection signal, the controller may cause the assist device  116  to move the package  92  towards the delivery handling device  94  and/or the second housing  102  that is detachably engaged with the delivery access panel  14  so that the package  92  may no longer be within the passageway  15  and/or preventing the door access panel  14  from moving to the closed position. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing  100  carried by the passageway  15  of the door  12  with the housing attached to the door access panel  14 , and another third housing  146  that may be located within a docking station  96  while the delivery handling device  94  does not include a housing (second housing  102 ). In this embodiment it is contemplated that the delivery handling device  94  may include a transfer device  104  that may be used to carry/move a package  92  located in the first housing  100  to the third housing  146  such that the delivery handling device  94  may act as a sort of package taxi from the first housing  100  to another third housing  146 . Both or either housings  100 ,  146  may include a temperature control unit  82  and/or a sanitation unit  86 . 
     Some embodiments of the present invention may include a position sensor  62  and/or an assist device  116 . The position sensor  62  and the assist device  116  may be carried by the door access panel  14 . The position sensor  62  may be configured to sense and/or determine if a package  92  is positioned to prevent the door access panel  14  being moved to the closed position. Upon the position sensor  62  sensing and determining that a package  92  is positioned to prevent the door access panel  14  from being moved to the closed position, the assist device  116  may be activated by the controller  36  to move the package  92  towards an indoor environment  152  and the controller  36  may also then cause the door access panel  14  to move to the closed position. 
     An embodiment of the present invention may include a door access panel  14  and a first housing  100  that may be moveable between an outdoor position  148  and an indoor position  150 , as illustratively shown in  FIGS.  10  and  14   . The outdoor position  148  of the door access panel  14  and the first housing  100  may be defined as at least a portion of the first housing  100  extending into an outdoor environment  118 . The indoor position  150  of the door access panel  14  and the first housing  100  may be defined as the first housing  100  being positioned substantially adjacent an interior face  120  of the door  12 . The door access panel  14  may be configured to only be moveable between the opened position and closed position when the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  is in the indoor position  150  and/or in the outdoor position  148 . Those skilled in the art will notice and appreciate that having the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  moveable between the outdoor position  148  and the indoor position  150  is advantageous for facilitating deliveries of packages  92  from package delivery drones  90  since the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  may be more accessible to the package delivery drones  90  when the door access panel  14  and the first housing  100  is in the outdoor position  148  for the package delivery drones  90  to deliver a package  92 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS.  10  and  14   , a package delivery drone  90  may be carrying a package  92  destined for delivery. The package delivery drone  90  may send a delivery signal to the package reception control unit  30 . Upon the package reception control unit  30  receiving the delivery signal, the first housing  100  may be caused to move to the outdoor position  148 , and the delivery access panel  14  may be caused to move to the opened position. Further details on the delivery signal follows further below. The delivery access drone  90  may deliver the package  92  through the delivery access panel  14  and/or the passageway  15 . The package  92  may be moved further into the first housing  100  by an assist device  116  and/or a conveyor  106  that may be carried by the first housing  100 . Also, the package  92  may be moved further into the first housing  100  by the delivery access panel  14  moving to the closed position. 
     A delivery handling device  94  may move to the engaged position with the first housing  100 . The engaged position of the delivery handling device  94  may be assisted by one or more attachment points  114  positioned on the delivery handling device  94  and/or the first housing  100 . The delivery handling device  94  may include a second housing  102  carried by the delivery handling device  94 . Alternatively, the delivery handling device  94  may not comprise of a second housing  102 , as illustratively shown in  FIG.  14   . A transfer device  104  including a conveyor  106  and/or a grasping device  108  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 , which may be used to move the package  92  into the second housing  102  or on a top portion of the delivery handling device  94 . Additionally, the package  92  may be moved into the second housing  102  or on the top portion of the delivery handling device  94  with the assist device  116  and/or a conveyor  106  carried by the first housing. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  11  and  16   , the system  10  may not include a first housing  100 . The package delivery drone  90  may be carrying the package  92  and send the delivery signal to the package reception control unit  30 . Upon the package reception control unit  30  receiving the delivery signal, the delivery handling device  94  may be moved to the engaged position, and the delivery access panel  14  may be moved to the opened position. The delivery handling device  94  may include a second housing  102 . The package  92  may be delivered through the delivery access panel  14  and/or the passageway  15 . The package  90  may be moved through the delivery access panel  14  and/or the passageway  15  with an assist device  116  carried by the delivery access panel  14 . The package  92  may be moved into the second housing  102  carried by the delivery handling device  94  or on a top portion of the delivery handling device  94  with a transfer device  104  comprising of a grasping device  108  and/or a conveyor  106  that may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 . Additionally, the package  92  may be moved into the second housing  102  or on the top portion of the delivery handling device  94  with the assist device  116 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  12  and  15   , the system  10  may include a first housing  100  carried by the delivery access panel  14  and/or the passageway  15  that is not moveable between the indoor position  150  and the outdoor position  148 . The package delivery drone  90  may be carrying the package  92 . The package delivery drone  90  may send a delivery signal to the package reception control unit  30 . Upon the package reception control unit  30  receiving the delivery signal the delivery access panel  14  may be caused to move to the opened position. The delivery access drone  90  may deliver the package  92  through the delivery access panel  14  and/or the passageway  15 . The package  92  may be moved further into the first housing  100  by an assist device  116  and/or a conveyor  106  that may be carried by the first housing  100 . Also, the package  92  may be moved further into the first housing  100  by the delivery access panel  14  moving to the closed position. 
     The delivery handling device  94  may move to the engaged position with the first housing  100 . The engaged position of the delivery handling device  94  may be assisted by one or more attachment points  114  positioned on the delivery handling device  94  and/or the first housing  100 . The delivery handling device  94  may include a second housing  102  carried by the delivery handling device  94 . Alternatively, the delivery handling device  94  may not comprise a second housing  102 , as illustratively shown in  FIG.  15   . A transfer device  104  including a conveyor  106  and/or a grasping device  108  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 , which may be used to move the package  92  into the second housing  102  or on a top portion of the delivery handling device  94 . Additionally, the package  92  may be moved into the second housing  102  or on the top portion of the delivery handling device  94  with the assist device  116  and/or a conveyor  106  carried by the first housing. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  13  and  17   , the delivery handling device  94  may carry the package  92  after the package  92  has been delivered via the delivery access panel  14  to a third housing  146  that may be carried by the docking station  96 , as illustratively shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  13 , and  17   . The delivery handling device  94  may detachably engage with the third housing  146 . The detachable engagement may be facilitated by one or more attachment points  114  positioned on the delivery handling device  94  and/or the third housing  146 . The package  92  may be moved from the second housing  102  and/or from the top portion of the delivery handling device  94  into the third housing  146  with the transfer device  104  carried by the delivery handling device  94 , which may include a grasping device  108  and/or a conveyor  106 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  5  and  19   , after the package  92  has been delivered via the door access panel  14  and/or the passageway  15  and the package  92  is being carried by the second housing  102  of the delivery handling device  94 , the delivery handling device  94  may be moved to the docked position with the docking station. More details on the docked position follows further below. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  18   , some embodiments of the present invention may include the door access panel  14  and the passageway  15  being positioned one the door  12  such that a package  92  being delivered therethrough may be lowered into a second housing  102  carried by a delivery handling device  94 . The second housing  102  may be extending through a top portion of the delivery handling device  94  such that the package  92  may be lowered into and contained within the second housing  102 . 
     Now referring to  FIG.  8 - 22   , in some embodiments of the present invention the package reception control unit  30  may include a drone controller  122 . The drone controller  122  may be couple-able in communication with a package delivery drone  90 , which may be communication couple-able via the network  43  and/or the wireless communication interface  40 . Direct communication between the drone controller  122  and the package delivery drone  90  may be via Bluetooth, ad hoc wi-fi, near field communication (NFC), and the wireless communication interface  40 . 
     The drone controller  122  may be configured to transceive a delivery signal with a package delivery drone  90 . The delivery signal may contain one or more delivery parameters. The delivery parameters may include delivery notification, package type, package size, destination address, sender address, package storage requirements, package handling requirements, number of packages being delivered, and delivery authentication information. The drone controller  122  may be configured to determine if the delivery is authorized based upon the delivery parameters of the received delivery signal. If the drone controller  122  determines that the delivery is authorized, then the controller  36  may cause the door access panel  14  to move to the opened position and may also cause the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  to move to the outdoor position  148 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the delivery signal may be forwarded by the drone controller  122  to the appropriate smart device  42  of a user to have the user authorize the delivery. 
     The drone controller  122  may be configured to transceive data with the package delivery drone  90  to guide the package delivery drone  90  to position so that the package(s)  92  may be delivered through the door access panel  14 . The communicated data may include the geolocation of the door access panel  14 , the geolocation of the package delivery drone  90 , and the position of the door access panel  14  relative to the package delivery drone  90  and/or the package(s)  92 . 
     If the drone controller  122  determines that the delivery is not authorized, then the drone controller  122  may transmit an unauthorized delivery signal to the package delivery drone  90  that the delivery is not authorized. The unauthorized delivery signal may include information as to why the delivery was not authorized, including, but not limited to, incorrect delivery address, blacklisted sender, blacklisted sender address, and/or that the user of the appropriate smart device  42  did not authorize the delivery. The unauthorized delivery signal may also be transmitted to a smart device  42  to notify and display on the smart device  42  that a delivery was attempted and not authorized, which may include information as to why the delivery was not authorized. 
     The package reception control unit  30  may comprise a detector  72  located within the first housing  100 . The detector  72  may be configured to detect the presence of a package  92  within the first housing  100 . Upon the detector  72  detecting that there is a package  92  present within the first housing  100 , the controller  36  may cause the door access panel  14  to move to the closed position, and/or may cause the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  to move to the indoor position  150 . 
     The delivery handling device  94  may be configured to detachably engage the first housing  100  only when the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  is in the indoor position  150 . Although, it is contemplated that the delivery handling device  94  may also be configured to detachably engage the first housing  100  when the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  are in the outdoor position  148 . As mentioned further above, there may be one or more attachment points  114  positioned on the door access panel  14 , first housing  100 , and/or the delivery handling device  94  to facilitate the delivery handling device  94  detachably engaging the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100 . 
     Now additionally referring to  FIGS.  6  and  11 - 22   , the delivery handling device  94  may include a second housing  102  and a transfer device  104 . The transfer device  104  may be carried by the second housing  102 . The transfer device  104  may be configured to move a package  92  located in the first housing  100  that is attached to the door access panel  14  to the second housing  102  carried by the delivery handling device  94 . The transfer device  104  may comprise a grasping device  108  and/or a conveyor  106 . Alternatively, the first housing  100  attached to the door access panel  14  may include a transfer device  104  and/or an assist device  116 . The transfer device  104  of the first housing  100  may comprise a grasping device  108  and/or a conveyor  106 . The assist device  116  and/or the grasping device  108  may be configured to grasp a portion of a package  92  to move it from the first housing  100  attached to the door access panel  14  to the second housing  102  carried by the delivery handling device  94 . The conveyors  106  may be configured to cause the package  92  to the second housing  102  carried by the delivery handling device  94  from the first housing  100  attached to the delivery access panel  14 . 
     Now specifically referring to  FIGS.  20 - 22   , in some embodiments of the present invention the delivery handling device  94  may include a cleaning device  154 . The cleaning device  154  may be carried by the delivery handling device  94 , and the cleaning device  154  may be positioned on a lower portion of the delivery handling device  94 . The cleaning device  154  may comprise a sanitation light source, brushes, motors, cleaning compositions, a liquid reservoir, a dry waste reservoir, a liquid waste reservoir, scrubbing heads, mopping heads, dusting heads, suction motors, and an access to replenish cleaning liquids and to empty waste. The cleaning device  154  may be in communication with the motor  34 , the smart device  42 , the power unit  110 , the navigation unit  138  the handling device communicator  136 , and the handling device controller  134 . 
     The cleaning device  154  may be configured to be selectively controlled by the smart device  42 , the navigation unit  138 , and the handling device controller  134 . The cleaning device  154  may be configured to move between a cleaning mode and a standby mode. The cleaning mode may be defined as when the cleaning device  154  is activated to clean a portion of an area below and/or adjacent to the delivery handling device  94 . The standby mode may be defined as when the cleaning device  154  is inactive. The cleaning device  154  may be selectively controlled to move between the cleaning mode and the standby mode. The cleaning device  154  may be configured to be in active mode when the delivery handling device  94  is not in the docked position or the engaged position. Further details on the docked position follows further below. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  3 - 6  and  8 - 10   , a smart device  43  may be in direct and/or indirect communication with the door access panel  14 , the package reception control unit  30 , the docking station  96 , and/or the delivery handling device  94 . Direct communication with the smart device  42  may be via Bluetooth, ad hoc wi-fi, and near field communication (NFC). Indirect communication with the smart device  42  may be via a network  43 . 
     The smart device  42  may be used to monitor and control the operations and actions of the components of the door access panel  14 , the package reception control unit  30 , the docking station  96 , and/or the delivery handling device  94 . The smart device  42  may also receive and display notifications from the package delivery system  10 . For example, the smart device  42  may receive and display a notification that the delivery handing device  94  and/or the power unit  110  has a low electrical charge, and the smart device  42  may be operated to command the delivery handling device  94  to dock at the docking station  96  to charge the power unit  110 . Another example, the smart device  42  may receive and display a notification that the sanitation unit  86  has or has not been activated after a package  92  has been delivered, and the smart device  42  may be operated to activate the sanitation unit  86  to sanitize the package  92 . 
     Another example, the smart device  42  may receive and display notifications of a temperature sensed by the temperature control unit  82 , such as, the current temperature, and/or that the temperature is above or below a predetermined value, and the smart device  42  may be operable to command the temperature control unit  82  to adjust the temperature to a selected temperature level. Another example, the smart device  42  may receive and display a notification that the doors of the compartment  126  of the docking station  96  are opened or closed, and the smart device  42  may be operable to command the doors of the compartment  126  to become open or closed. 
     Another example, the smart device  42  may receive and display a notification that the door access panel  14  is in the opened position and/or the closed position, and the smart device  42  may be operable to command the door access panel  14  to move to the opened position and/or the closed position. Another example, the smart device  42  may receive and display a notification that the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  is in the indoor position  150  and/or the outdoor position  148 , and the smart device  42  may be operable to command the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  to move to the outdoor position  148  and/or the indoor position  150 . 
     Another example, the smart device  42  may monitor and receive notifications about the position and operation of the delivery handling device  94 , such as the geolocation of the delivery handling device  94  and whether the delivery handling device  94  is in the engaged position, disengaged position, and the docked position. The docked position of the delivery handling device  94  may be defined as the delivery handling device  94  being at least partially housed by the compartment  126  of the docking station  96 , which may include the delivery handling device  94  being charged by the charging station  98  of the docking station  96 . The smart device  42  may be operable to command the delivery handling device  94  to move to a selected geographic location, the engaged position, the disengaged position, and/or the docked position. 
     The smart device  42  may be in communication with the camera  54 , speaker  56 , and microphone  55  that are mounted on the outdoor facing portion of the door  124 , which may be communication via the network  43 . The smart device  42  may receive and display a notification that the microphone  55  has detected a sound, which may be a sound above a predetermined sound level. The smart device  42  may be used to send sound data to the speaker  56  for the speaker  56  to emit as sound. The smart device  42  may display the video recorded by the camera  54 . The smart device  42  may be configured to emit sound signals relating to sounds detected by the smart device  42 , and for the sound signals to be emitted as sounds from the speaker  56  on the outdoor facing portion of the door  124 . The smart device  42  may be configured to access the camera  54  and/or the speaker  56  at the command of a user of the smart device  42  so that the smart device  42  may display the video recordings of the camera  54  and emit sound signals relating to sounds detected by the smart device  42  for the sound signals to be emitted as sounds from the speaker  56 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention a third party that is delivering a package  92 , such as a delivery driver, may have and operate a smart device  42  to complete the delivery. The driver may operate the smart device  42  to send a driver delivery signal to authenticate the delivery and control the operation of the door access panel  14 . The driver delivery signal may be received by the controller  36 , which may be via the network  43 , Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), and/or ad hoc wi-fi. 
     The driver delivery signal may contain one or more delivery parameters including a delivery notification, package type, package size, destination address, sender address, package storage requirements, package handling requirements, number of packages being delivered, and delivery authentication information. The controller  36  may be configured to determine if the delivery is authorized based upon the delivery parameters of the received driver delivery signal. If the controller  36  determines that the delivery is authorized, then the controller  36  may cause the door access panel  14  to move to the opened position, and the controller  36  may also cause the door access panel  14  and/or the first housing  100  to move to the outdoor position  148 . In some embodiments, If the controller  36  determines that the delivery is authorized, the controller  36  may also communicate with a delivery handing device  94  to move to the engaged position. 
     Once a package  92  has been delivered and is within one of the housings  100 ,  102 , the controller  36  may control the delivery access panel  14  to move to the closed position and/or control the delivery access panel  14  to move the indoor position  150 . In some embodiments where there is a first housing  100  attached to the delivery access panel  14 , a completed delivery signal may then be sent by the controller  36  to the delivery handling device  94  for the delivery handling device  94  to move to the engaged position. The delivery handling device  94  may then transfer the package  92  to another housing  102 ,  146  via the transfer device  104 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the smart device  42  may comprise a control application that may allow the smart device  42  functionality to allow a user of the smart device  42  to remotely control the movement and operation of the delivery handling device  94 , the docking station  96 , and/or the delivery access panel  14 . 
     It is contemplated that the present invention may also be provided as a complete door that can simply be installed by a user where an existing door frame is located. For example, the complete door would include the package delivery system  10  installed therein, and all the above referenced components are already installed in the door. After the door is installed, the user can readily connect a smart device  42  to the system  10 , for example, using a downloaded mobile application, or “app”, so that the user can be defined as an authorized user and control the door as needed. Further, it is contemplated that the door and the package delivery door system  10  according to the present invention can be readily connected to a wireless network of a dwelling or place of business so that, via the wireless network, the user&#39;s smart device  42  can be used to readily communicate with the package delivery system  10 . 
     A communication network operates in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, a data server communicates with smart devices such as mobile terminal and personal computer via network. The network can include a single network or a plurality of different networks. These network(s) can include the Internet, a private communication network, a local area network, a mobile wireless communication network, a wired or fiber optic network or other broadband communication network. 
     The data server can present a website that operates via a browser application of mobile terminal and/or personal computer or that otherwise provides a server application that operates in conjunction with a smart device having an application such as a mobile application selected for download by the user and downloaded to the smart device to present and gather data that includes user data and preferences, and other data. 
     A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium or media may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such, as for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific ICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical discs, optical disc drives (ODDs), magneto-optical discs, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM-drives, SECURE DIGITAL cards or drives, any other suitable computer-readable non-transitory storage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these, where appropriate. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate. 
     The controller  36 , or processing module, can be implemented via a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such processing devices can include a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that are stored in a memory, such as memory. The memory can include a hard disc drive or other disc drive, read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when a processing device implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. While a particular bus architecture is presented that includes a single bus, other architectures are possible including additional data buses and/or direct connectivity between one or more elements. 
     At least one processor of the processing module executes the data server application to bidirectionally communicate data with a user of a smart device  42 , such as smart device via the network interface and the network. 
     The smart device  42 , such as mobile terminal, personal computer or other smart device such as a personal digital assistant, e-reader, tablet, or smartphone is presented. The smart device includes a network interface having one or more interfaces that include wireless interfaces such as a 3G, 4G or other wireless telephony transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, UltraWideBand transceiver, WIMAX transceiver, ZigBee transceiver or another wireless interface. Examples of interfaces further include wired interfaces such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, an IEEE 1394 Firewire interface, an Ethernet interface or other network card or modem for communicating with data server, or other servers such as content servers via the network. The smart device also includes a user interface such as a display device, touch screen, key pad, touch pad, thumb wheel, one or more buttons, a speaker, a microphone, an accelerometer, gyroscope or other motion or position sensor, or other interface devices that provide information to a user of the smart device and that generate data in response to the user&#39;s interaction with the smart device. In addition, the smart device includes an image capture device such as a digital camera that captures still or video images with or without associated audio. 
     The smart device  42  also includes a processing module and memory module that stores an operating system such as a Linux-based operating system, a Microsoft personal computer or mobile operating system, an Android operating system, an Apple mobile or personal computer operating system or another operating system. The memory module also stores location data corresponding to the location of the smart device generated via user interaction with user interface, via optional Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, one or more motion sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes or other sensors, or gathered via a wireless network such as triangulation data received from a 4G network, for example, location information from a connected access point or base station, femtocell or other location data. In addition, memory module includes a messaging application for communicating with other smart devices such as an email application, a text, instant messaging, or short messaging service (SMS) application or other messaging application that stored contacts data corresponding to users of other smart devices that are known to the user of smart device as well as contact information corresponding to message recipients. 
     The memory module also stores a data client application that is prestored in the memory module, loaded via disk or downloaded to the memory module via network interface. The delivery data client application can be a general browser application such as Mozilla, Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer or other general web browser or an application that is customized to operate in conjunction with delivery data server in conjunction with the exchange of delivery data. 
     The user device, network server, system, mobile device and other components may be part of, and/or communicate with, a network that may provide automated control of devices, appliances and other home systems (such as security systems, lighting systems, wired/wireless communication systems etc.), and may include the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, various input/output interfaces, Internet connectivity, and/or remote control capabilities etc., for example. 
     The user device, network server, system, mobile device and other components may be implemented by one or more processors or computers. It will be apparent that systems and/or methods, described herein, may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and/or methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and/or methods were described herein without reference to specific software code—it being understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and/or methods based on the description herein. 
     The present invention has been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. Further, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules, and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof. 
     The present invention may have also been described, at least in part, in terms of one or more embodiments. An embodiment of the present invention is used herein to illustrate the present invention, an aspect thereof, a feature thereof, a concept thereof, and/or an example thereof. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process that embodies the present invention may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones. 
     The above description provides specific details, such as material types and processing conditions to provide a thorough description of example embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the embodiments may be practiced without using these specific details. 
     Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given. 
     Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. 
     While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. 
     Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the description of the invention. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.