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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A controlled access storage system for the delivery and retrieval of an
item having a transponder associated therewith, the transponder being
configured to transmit item identification data, the storage system
comprising:
an enclosure sized and configured to store the item;
a locking mechanism for unlocking the enclosure for access therein in
response to an unlock signal;
a transponder communications device configured to electrically interrogate
the transponder and to receive the item identification data in response;
and
access control circuitry disposed in operable communication with the
transponder communications device and the locking mechanism, for
selectively providing an unlock signal to the locking mechanism in
response to the received item identification data.
2. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 wherein the transponder
is a passive radio frequency device.
3. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 wherein the transponder
is integrated with a label attached to the item.
4. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 wherein the transponder
is programmable for updating the item identification data.
5. The controlled access storage system of claim 4 wherein the transponder
communications device is configured to transmit an electrical signal to
the transponder for updating the item identification data.
6. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprising:
an external communications device in electrical communication with the
access control circuitry for transmitting a signal representative of the
receipt of the item identification data to an external host computer.
7. The controlled access storage system of claim 6 wherein the external
communications device is a modem.
8. The controlled access storage system of claim 6 wherein the external
communications device is a cellular phone device.
9. The controlled access storage system of claim 6 wherein the external
communications device is a radio frequency transmitter.
10. The controlled access storage system of claim I further comprising:
an external host computer; and
an external communications device in electrical communication with the
access control circuitry for transmitting a signal representative of the
receipt of the item identification data to the external host computer.
11. The controlled access storage system of claim 10 wherein the external
host computer is in communication with a global computer network.
12. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprising:
an external communications device in electrical communication with the
access control circuitry for transmitting the item identification data to
an external host computer.
13. The controlled access storage system of claim I wherein the access
control circuitry has selection criteria data stored therein, the access
control circuitry selectively provides the unlock signal in response no
comparison of the selection criteria data to the item identification data.
14. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprising:
an external communications device in electrical communication with the
access control circuitry for receiving selection criteria data from an
external host computer;
wherein the access control circuitry selectively provides the unlock signal
in response to comparison of the selection criteria data to the item
identification data.
15. The controlled access storage system of claim 14 further comprising
programming hardware configured to program the transponder with the item
identification data and to generate the selection criteria data.
16. The controlled access storage system of claim 15 wherein the
programming hardware is in electrical communication with the external host
computer for communicating the section criteria data thereto.
17. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprising:
an external communications device in electrical communication with the
access control circuitry for receiving an override signal from an external
host computer;
wherein the access control circuitry provides the unlock signal in response
to receipt of the override signal.
18. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprising:
a self contained power supply disposed in operable communication with the
access control circuitry.
19. The controlled access storage system of claim 18 wherein the power
supply is a solar powered device.
20. The controlled access storage system of claim 18 wherein the power
supply is a manual powered device.
21. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprises:
power interruption circuitry in electrical communication with the access
control circuitry for sensing an interruption of power to the access
control circuity and for generating a signal representative of sensed
power interruption; and
an external communications device in electrical communication with the
access control circuitry for transmitting the signal representative of
sensed power interruption to an external host computer.
22. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprising:
a global positioning satellite (GPS) positioning signal receiver for
receiving a GPS positioning signal attached to the enclosure; and
an external communications device in electrical communication with the
signal receiver for transmitting locational data based upon the received
GPS positioning signal to an external host computer.
23. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
has an environmental control device for modifying the environment within
the enclosure.
24. The controlled access storage system of claim 23 wherein the
environmental control device is a heating device.
25. The controlled access storage system of claim 23 wherein the
environmental control device is an air conditioning device.
26. The controlled access storage system of claim 23 wherein the
environmental control device is a light source.
27. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprises at
least one tamper sensor in mechanical communication with the enclosure for
sensing a tamper event, the access control circuitry generates an alarm
signal in response to the sensed tamper event.
28. The controlled access storage system of claim 27 further comprises an
external communications device in electrical communication with the access
control circuitry for transmitting the alarm signal to an external host
computer.
29. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprises a
camera sized and configured to capture an image adjacent the enclosure,
the camera is in electrical communication with the access control
circuitry.
30. The controlled access storage system of claim 29 wherein the camera
generates an image signal representative of the captured image.
31. The controlled access storage system of claim 30 further comprises an
external communications device in electrical communication with the access
control circuitry for transmitting a signal representative of the image
signal to an external host computer.
32. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
is mobile.
33. The controlled access storage system of claim 32 wherein the enclosure
has wheels.
34. The controlled access storage system of claim 32 further comprises a
docking bay sized and configured to engage the enclosure.
35. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 further comprises a
secondary transponder communications device in electrical communication
with the access control circuitry, the secondary transponder
communications device is configured to electrically sense the transponder
being within the enclosure, the access control circuitry generates a
confirmation signal in response to the sensed presence of the transponder.
36. The controlled access storage system of claim 35 further comprises an
external communications device in electrical communication with the access
control circuitry for transmitting the confirmation signal to an external
host computer.
37. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
is formed of a plurality of modular panels.
38. The controlled access storage system of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
is sized and configured to engage another similarly sized and configured
enclosure.
39. A controlled access storage system for the delivery and retrieval of an
item having a transponder associated therewith, the transponder being
configured to transmit item identification data, the storage system
comprising:
an enclosure sized and configured to store the item;
a locking mechanism for unlocking the enclosure for access therein in
response to an unlock signal;
a transponder communications device configured to electrically interrogate
the transponder and to receive the item identification data in response;
access control circuitry disposed in operable communication with the
transponder communications device and the locking mechanism, for
selectively providing an unlock signal to the locking mechanism in
response to the received item identification data;
an external host computer; and
an external communications device in electrical communication with the
access control circuitry for transmitting a signal representative of the
receipt of the item identification data to the external host computer.
40. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 wherein the external
communications device is a modem.
41. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 wherein the external
communications device is a cellular phone device.
42. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 wherein the external
communications device is a radio frequency transmitter.
43. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 wherein the external
host computer is in communication with a global computer network.
44. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 wherein the external
communications device is configured to transmit the item identification
data to the external host computer.
45. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 wherein the external
communications device is configured to receive selection criteria data
from the external host computer, the access control circuitry selectively
provides the unlock signal in response to comparison of the received
selection criteria data to the item identification data.
46. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 wherein the external
communications device is configured to receive an override signal from an
external host computer, the access control circuitry provides the unlock
signal in response to receipt of the override signal.
47. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 further comprises
power interruption circuitry in electrical communication with the access
control circuitry for sensing an interruption of power to the access
control circuity and for generating a signal representative of sensed
power interruption, wherein the external communications device is
configured to transmit the signal representative of sensed power
interruption to the external host computer.
48. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 further comprising a
global positioning satellite (GPS) positioning signal receiver for
receiving a GPS positioning signal attached to the enclosure, the external
communications device is configured to transmit locational data based upon
the received GPS positioning signal to an external host computer.
49. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 further comprises at
least one tamper sensor in mechanical communication with the enclosure for
sensing a tamper event, the access control circuitry generates all alarm
signal in response to the sensed tamper event, the external communications
device is configured to transmit the alarm signal to the external host
computer.
50. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 further comprises a
camera sized and configured to generate an image signal representative of
an image adjacent the enclosure, the camera is in electrical communication
with the access control circuitry, the external communications device is
configured to transmit the signal representative of the image signal to
the external host computer.
51. The controlled access storage system of claim 39 further comprises a
secondary transponder communications device in electrical communication
with the access control circuitry, the secondary transponder
communications device is configured to electrically sense the transponder
being within the enclosure, the access control circuitry generates a
confirmation signal in response to the sensed presence of the transponder,
the external communications device is configured to transmit the
confirmation signal to the external host computer.
52. A controlled access storage system for the delivery and retrieval of
items each having a transponder associated therewith, the transponder
being configured to transmit item identification data, the storage system
comprising:
a plurality of enclosures sized and configured to store the items;
a locking mechanism for unlocking the enclosures for access therein in
response to an unlock signal;
a transponder communications device configured to electrically interrogate
the transponder and to receive the item identification data in response;
and
access control circuitry disposed in operable communication with the
transponder communications device and the locking mechanism, for
selectively providing an unlock signal to the locking mechanism in
response to the received item identification data.
53. The controlled access storage system of claim 52 wherein the enclosures
are sized arid configured to engage one another.
54. A method of delivering an item to a locked enclosure, the method
comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching a transponder to the item, the transponder being programmed
with item identification data;
(b) transporting the item in close proximity to the enclosure;
(c) establishing a transponder data link between a transponder
communications device located at the enclosure and the transponder;
(d) electrically interrogating the transponder and receiving the item
identification data in response via the transponder data link; and
(f) selectively unlocking the enclosure based upon the received item
identification data.
55. The method of delivering an item of claim 54 wherein step (a) the
transponder is programmed by establishing a data link between the
transponder and programming hardware.
56. Tho method of delivering an item of claim 55 wherein step (a) selection
criteria data is generated by the programming hardware.
57. The method of delivering an item of claim 56 wherein the selection
criteria data is communicated to the external host computer.
58. The method of delivering an item of claim 57 wherein step (f) the
unlocking is based upon comparison of the selection criteria data to the
received item identification data.
59. The method of delivering an item of claim 54 wherein step (c) the
transponder data link comprises radio frequency transmissions.
60. The method of delivering an item of claim 54 further comprises the
steps of:
(g) generating a receipt signal upon the occurrence of the unlocking of the
enclosure;
(h) establishing a host computer data link between an external host
computer and an external communications device located at the enclosure;
and
(i) transmitting the receipt signal to the host computer via the host
computer data link.
61. The method of delivering an item of claim 60 wherein step (h) the host
computer data link comprises radio frequency transmissions.
62. The method of delivering an item of claim 60 wherein step (h) the host
computer data link comprises cellular phone transmissions.
63. The method of delivering an item of claim 59 further comprises the step
of:
(j) issuing a notification communication from the host computer in response
to the receipt signal.
64. The method of delivering an item of claim 63 wherein the notification
communication is sent via an electronic device.
65. The method of delivering an item of claim 64 wherein the electronic
device is a telephone.
66. The method of delivering an item of claim 64 wherein the electronic
device is a global computer network.
67. The method of delivering an item of claim 59 wherein step (i) further
comprises accessing data representative of the receipt signal at the host
computer. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to item delivery systems, and more
particularly to an enclosure having controlled access thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Improvements in the delivery process of items, packages, and transportable
goods in general is a topic of attention. In particular, enhancing the
quality of security regarding the delivery process is highly desirable.
In order to better understand the advantages of the present invention, a
simplified discussion of a typical delivery process is useful. Those
involved in the delivery process of an item may commonly fall within three
functional groups with respect to one another. These are the receivers,
senders and delivery personnel. The receiver may include those who are
intended or are expecting to receive an item to be delivered. In the
consumer context for example, the receiver may be a customer who initiates
the delivery process by placing a product order with a sender. Thus, the
sender may be a manufacturer, vendor, seller, or distributor of the item,
for example. In response to such product order, the sender may enlist the
services of delivery personnel (e.g., couriers, shippers, postal service).
It is contemplated that the sender may also function as delivery personnel
as well. Thus, it is understood that anyone may function as a receiver,
sender and delivery personnel with respect to one another.
As a convenience to all involved, the secure unattended delivery of an item
to a receiver is highly desirable. In this respect, various delivery
arrangements have been developed to facilitate the drop-off of an item by
delivery personnel to a location without the receiver being present to
physically take possession of the item. For example, the receiver may have
a lockable enclosure or safe located at its business, home or other
pick-up location. The delivery personnel is provided with a means for
accessing the lockable enclosure which, of course, will vary upon the type
of locking mechanism utilized. For example, the enclosure may be protected
by a padlock with an associated mechanical key. Another exemplary
arrangement may include the provision of an alpha numeric key pad which is
used by the delivery personal to enter an access code. Such a prior art
arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,053 to Porter. Yet another
arrangement may include an active radio frequency device which is similar
to a car alarm remote, which not only deactivates a car alarm but also
triggers she unlocking of automatic door locks.
Subsequent to the delivery of the item by the delivery personnel, the
receiver may access the lockable enclosure to pick-up or retrieve the
delivered item. Such an unattended delivery system conveniently allows for
delivery personnel to drop-off an item at any time, even after normal
operating hours. Furthermore, the receiver may retrieve the item at their
leisure.
Various prior art attempts have been made to enhance the security of the
above described delivery process. The security of such a prior art
delivery process is potentially susceptible to the fact that the delivery
personnel must be provided with the means by which to access the
receiver's enclosure. Thus, the delivery personnel must be given a
mechanical key, active remote (such as a button transmitter), access code,
combination, etc. (figuratively referred to as the "key"), which unlocks
the enclosure. Once the receiver turns over its "key" to the delivery
personnel, however, the security of their enclosure becomes dependent
upon, and therefore susceptible to, the security procedures of the
delivery personnel. The concern is that by giving the "key" to the
delivery personnel, the enclosure may be subject to unauthorized access
(i.e., when not associated with the delivery or drop-off of an item). In
addition, there are issues as to whether the "key" may be duplicated, and
procedures when a "key" has been "lost" by delivery personnel.
Moreover, the requirement that a "key" be given to the delivery personnel
may be logistically cumbersome. This is because regular delivery personnel
will typically be required to be enlisted by the receiver prior to the
initiation of the delivery process. Thus, the sender may be restricted in
its usage of its own preferred delivery personnel and may have to use and
coordinate with the regular delivery personnel of the receiver.
It is therefore evident that there exists a need in the art for an improved
method and system for the delivery of items which mitigates the security
susceptibility resulting from a requirement that delivery personnel be
provided with a "key" to access an item storage enclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a controlled
access storage system for the delivery and retrieval of an item having a
transponder associated therewith. The transponder is configured to
transmit item identification data. In this regard, the transponder is
programmed with data specific to the item and its destination. The storage
system is provided with an enclosure which is sized and configured to
store the item. The storage system is further provided with locking
mechanism for unlocking the enclosure for access therein in response to an
unlock signal. The storage system is further provided with a transponder
communications device which is configured to electrically interrogate the
transponder and to receive the item identification data in response. The
storage system is further provided with access control circuitry which is
disposed in operable communication with the transponder communications
device and the locking mechanism, for selectively providing an unlock
signal to the locking mechanism in response to the received item
identification data.
It is contemplated that once an item is "tagged" with its own specifically
programmed transponder, the item itself provides the key to unlocking the
enclosure by merely being transported adjacent to the enclosure so as to
facilitate the transmission and receipt of the item identification data by
the transponder communications device. In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the transponder is a passive radio frequency device
which is integrated with an adhesive label. Advantageously, such a label
may be readily attachable to the item to be delivered.
Preferably, the storage system is provided with an external communications
device which is in electrical communication with the access control
circuitry. The external communications device is configured to establish a
data link with an external host computer. In this respect, it is
contemplated that the status of the enclosure and any items delivered
thereto may be reported to the external host computer. The external
communications device may take the form of a modem, cellular phone, radio
frequency transmitter/receiver or other electronic device. In this
respect, the external communications device may be configured to transmit
a signal representative of the event that a particular item has been
delivered to the enclosure as identified by the item's own specific item
identification data.
It is contemplated that the data link with the external host computer may
be two-way and that signals may be passed to the access control circuitry.
As such, signals may be also transmitted to the access control circuitry
for remotely unlocking the enclosure. Further, as the transponder may be
programmed, the host computer may send signals which may then be used to
update the item identification data contained within the transponder.
The access control circuitry has selection criteria data stored therein.
The access control circuitry selectively provides the unlock signal in
response to comparison of the selection criteria data to the item
identification data. Thus, when a particular item with its attached
transponder is brought to the enclosure, the transponder communications
device receives the item identification data and compares it to the
selection criteria data. In this regard, the enclosure may be primed to
expect the delivery of a particular item thereat. Alternatively, upon
receipt of the item identification data, the external communications
device may query the host computer, via the data link, as to whether the
enclosure should be unlocked for such item. Preferably, the external host
computer is in communication with a global computer network (e.g., the
Internet). In this respect, any status information which is reported to
the external host computer regarding the enclosure and any items delivered
thereto may be made accessible to the sender or the expecting receiver of
the item.
Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage
system is provided with a self contained power supply which is disposed in
operable communication with the access control circuitry. The power supply
may be a solar powered device, a rechargeable battery operated device, a
manual powered device, or even combinations thereof. The self contained
power supply may act as a back up to a traditional electrical power line,
or as a sole source where electrical power lines are not available, such
as in remote areas. As an added security feature, power interruption
circuitry may be provided which is in electrical communication with the
access control circuitry for sensing an interruption of power to the
access control circuits and for generating a signal representative of
sensed power interruption. The external communications device may be
configured to transmit such signal to th external host computer.
The enclosure may be equipped with tamper sensors for sensing a tamper
event (e.g., unauthorized opening of a door to the enclosure, substantial
movement of the enclosure). The external communications device may be
configured to transmit an alarm signal to the external host computer in
response to any sensed tamper event. Additionally, the enclosure may be
provided with various output devices, i.e., flashing lights or sirens,
which are also triggered in response to such a tamper event. The enclosure
may be further equipped with a camera which is sized and configured to
capture an image adjacent the enclosure. The camera may generate an image
signal representative of the captured image, and the external
communications device may transmit the image signal to the external host
computer. Thus, the camera may be configured to capture images of anyone
involved in a tamper event as mentioned above. Further, the camera may be
useful in documenting the particular individual who may have delivered the
item, as well as, confirming that the item was indeed delivered. As a
further security feature, a global positioning satellite (GPS) positioning
signal receiver may be attached to the enclosure, and the external
communications device may be configured to transmit locational data based
upon a received GPS positioning signal to the external host computer.
Thus, in the contingency where the enclosure is stolen, the (GPS)
positioning signal receiver provides a means for tracking the location of
the enclosure and any of the valuable items stored therein.
A secondary transponder communications device may be disposed in electrical
communication with the access control circuitry. The secondary transponder
communications device is configured to electrically sense the transponder
being within the enclosure, and the access control circuitry generates a
confirmation signal in response to the sensed presence of the transponder.
The confirmation signal may be transmitted to the external host computer
via the external communications device.
Furthermore, the enclosure may be provided with environmental controls for
modifying the environment within the enclosure, such as temperature,
humidity and lighting. This may be of particular importance where the
items are, for example, hot foods, dairy products, fresh flowers, produce,
live animals, etc.
The enclosure may be provided with wheels and configured to engage a
docking bay. In addition, the enclosure may be modular in nature. In this
respect, the enclosure may be formed of multiple interlocking panels.
Moreover, the enclosure may be formed to engage other such enclosures to
form a grouping of such enclosures.
Where an item is desired to be securely delivered from a "sender" to a
"receiver," the above described storage system facilitates a method of
securely delivering such item. The delivery method initially provides for
attaching the transponder which is programmed with the item identification
data to the item. The transponder tagged item is transported in close
proximity to the enclosure. A transponder data link is established between
the transponder communications device located at the enclosure and the
transponder. The transponder is electrically interrogated and the item
identification data is received in response via the transponder data link.
The enclosure is selectively unlocked based upon the received item
identification data. Upon the occurrence of the unlocking of the enclosure
a receipt signal is generated. A host computer data link is established
between the external host computer and the external communications device
located at the enclosure. A receipt signal is transmitted to the host
computer via the host computer data link. A notification communication may
be issued from the host computer in response to the receipt signal. Thus,
the expecting receiver may be notified that the item has been | | |
