GB2576924A

GB2576924A - Package receiving device

Info

Publication number: GB2576924A
Application number: GB1814558.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gachcar Moghadam Reza
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-09-07
Filing date: 2018-09-07
Publication date: 2020-03-11
Also published as: GB201814558D0; WO2020049312A1

Abstract

A secure package-receiving device 101 is suitable for installing into a wall or door and comprises a package-receiving space, a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is positionable on an outward side of door or wall and the second opening on the inside of the door or wall. The first opening is sealed by a first lockable hatch 103 which is remotely unlockable and the second opening is sealed by a second lockable hatch 111 which may comprise a manually operable lock. The device may further include a camera 406 which is activated in response to detection of a person present on the outward side of the door or wall, such as via a push button or by a motion detector. Image data may be communicated to a user device 118 and the user device may transmit an unlock signal to the lock unit. The image data may be parsed via facial recognition software running on an application server 116. An audio unit 109 may also capture and communicate corresponding data to the user device.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Package receiving device

Abstract Title: Package-receiving device with outward and inward lockable hatches (57) A secure package-receiving device 101 is suitable for installing into a wall or door and comprises a packagereceiving space, a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is positionable on an outward side of door or wall and the second opening on the inside of the door or wall. The first opening is sealed by a first lockable hatch 103 which is remotely unlockable and the second opening is sealed by a second lockable hatch 111 which may comprise a manually operable lock. The device may further include a camera 406 which is activated in response to detection of a person present on the outward side of the door or wall, such as via a push button or by a motion detector. Image data may be communicated to a user device 118 and the user device may transmit an unlock signal to the lock unit. The image data may be parsed via facial recognition software running on an application server 116. An audio unit 109 may also capture and communicate corresponding data to the user device.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Fig. 1

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201

Fig. 2

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101

Fig. 3

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Fig. 4

Package Receiving Device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to remotely operated package receiving device for securely receiving packages delivered to a location.

Background

Increasingly, consumers purchase products online and have their purchases delivered to a suitable location, such as their home, by a package delivery service.

Given the ease with which products can be purchased online, shopping in this manner is particularly convenient.

However, having purchased products delivered to a location, such as a consumer’s home, often requires someone to be present to receive the item. If a person is not present to receive a purchased product, it often can’t be delivered. Product delivery options when a person is not present are often limited: many purchased products are too large to be posted through a conventional letterbox, and alternative options, such as leaving packages in a designated unlocked space, such as a garden shed, garage or outer porch may be considered undesirable as they may be at risk of being stolen.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the invention to address such problems.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a secure package receiving device for installing in a wall or door and for receiving packages to be delivered at a location. The device comprises a housing defining a package receiving space including a first opening through which a package can be placed and a second opening through which the package can be retrieved. In use, the first opening is positionable on an outward side of the door or wall for receiving the package and the second opening is positionable on an inward side of the door or wall for retrieving the package. The first opening is sealed by a first lockable hatch which is remotely unlockable and the second opening is sealed by a second lockable hatch, which in use, can be unlocked from the inward side of the door or wall.

Optionally, the device comprises at least one alert signal generator for generating an alert signal indicative of a person present on the outward side of the door or wall.

Optionally, the alert signal generator comprises a push-button actuated unit.

Optionally, the alert signal generator comprises a motion detector.

Optionally, the device further comprises a camera, said camera activated responsive to generation of the alert signal, said camera is arranged to capture image data of the outward side of the door or wall.

Optionally, the device further comprises a transceiver arranged to communicate the image data to an external device.

Optionally, the external device is a user device and the image data is communicated to the user device from the transceiver via a data network.

Optionally, the transceiver is arranged to receive an unlock signal originating from the user device, said unlock signal generated at the user device, and responsive to receipt of the unlock signal, a lock unit of the secure package receiving device is adapted to unlock the first hatch.

Optionally, the external device is an application server.

Optionally, the transceiver is arranged to receive an unlock signal originating from the application server, said unlock signal generated at the application server in the event that the image data comprises an image of a face recognised by facial recognition software running on the application server, and responsive to receipt of the unlock signal, a lock unit of the secure package receiving device is adapted to unlock the first hatch.

Optionally, the transceiver is arranged to receive an unlock signal originating from the application server, said unlock signal generated at the application server in the event that the image data comprises an image of an optical code, recognised by optical code software running on the application server, and responsive to receipt of the unlock signal, a lock unit of the secure package receiving device is adapted to unlock the first hatch.

Optionally, the device further comprises an audio unit arranged to capture audio information and generate and communicate corresponding audio data to a user device and receive audio data from the user device and reproduce corresponding audio information. The audio data is communicated to and from the secure package receiving device via the transceiver.

Optionally, the first hatch is resiliently biased in a closed position.

Optionally, the device further comprises a manually operated lock for locking the second hatch.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a package receiving device is provided which enables packages to be delivered to a location even if there is no one present at the location to receive the package.

Advantageously, the device can be operated remotely and is arranged to store received packages securely until they can be recovered by a recipient.

More specifically, the device is arranged so that it can be installed in a door or wall of a building, with one side facing outwards and one side facing inwards. The device is provided with two lockable hatches. When the device is installed, a first locked hatch sealing a first opening faces outwards (e.g. is accessible from outside the building) and a second locked hatch sealing a second opening faces inwards (e.g. is accessible from inside the building). The first hatch can be remotely unlocked. That is, the device is arranged so that in response to the receipt of an unlock command, a lock securing the first hatch is unlocked. The first hatch can then be opened, and a package can then be placed in a package receiving space within the device. On closing of the first hatch, it is locked again. Subsequently, the package can be retrieved from within the building via the second lockable hatch. In this way, packages can be delivered at the location without anyone being present to receive the package. Moreover, when the package is delivered, the second hatch remains locked therefore, no access is provided to the inner side of the door or wall within which the device is installed thus improving security.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which:

Figure 1 provides a schematic diagram of a secure package receiving device arranged in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 provides schematic diagrams of a secure package receiving device 10 arranged in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention installed in a door, and

Figure 4 provides a diagram of a secure package receiving device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a secure package receiving device is provided comprising a housing comprising an inner space for receiving a package. The housing has a first and second opening. The inner space is accessed via the first opening and the second opening, typically opposite the first opening.

The first opening is sealed by a first lockable hatch which can be remotely operated, by, for, example being remotely unlocked. The second opening is sealed by a second lockable hatch. The secure package receiving device is arranged so that it can be installed in a wall or a door of a building with the first opening on the outward side of the building so that the first hatch is accessible from the outside of the building and the second opening on the inward side of the building so that the second hatch is accessible from the inside of the building. Typically, an aperture of a suitable size is made in the door or wall and the secure package receiving device is installed within this aperture.

Figure 1 provides a simplified schematic diagram of components of a secure package receiving device 101 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

The secure package receiving device 101 comprises an inner housing 102, typical made from a tamper resistant material, for example a metal such as steel. The inner housing 102 includes a first opening sealed by a first lockable hatch and a second opening sealed by a second hatch.

The first hatch is provided by a first flap 103, typically made a tamper resistant material, for example a metal such as steel, and mounted on a spring-loaded hinge 104 and lockable in a closed position by an electronically controlled lock 105. The first flap 103 is resiliently biased in a closed configuration, typically by the spring loaded hinge 104. Typically, the flap 103 is arranged to open outwards. The first flap is an outer flap in that it faces outwards when the device is installed.

The lock 105 is connected to a control unit 106, typically provided by a suitably programmed microprocessor, which is also connected to a camera 107. The camera

107 can be a conventional digital video camera as is known in the art. In certain embodiments, the camera is equipped with “night vision”, that is the camera includes functionality that enables image data to be captured in low-light conditions. In certain embodiments, this is based on “infrared” whereby an infrared light source is included in the camera which generates infrared illumination which can be detected by the camera as it reflects off objects in front of the camera.

The control unit 106 is further connected to a motion detector 108 (typically provided by a motion detector unit as is well-known in the art), an audio unit 109 which comprises a speaker and a microphone, and a “buzzer” unit 110 typically comprising a push-button and push-button actuated signal generator.

The motion detector 108 provides a first signal generator unit which generate an alert signal indicating that a person is present in the vicinity of the secure package receiving device, e.g. a package delivery person.

The “buzzer” unit 110 provides a second signal generator unit which generates an alert signal indicating that a person is present in the vicinity of the secure package receiving device, e.g. a package delivery person.

The second lockable hatch is provided by a second flap 111 (typically hinge mounted), typically made from steel, which includes a manually operated lock 112 which allows the second lockable hatch to be locked and unlocked. The second flap 111 is an inner flap in that it faces inwards when the device is installed.

The control unit 105 is further connected to a transceiver 113. The transceiver 113 is arranged to communicate data to and from a further transceiver 114 (for example a WiFi router within the vicinity of the door or wall within which the device is installed) which is connected via a suitable data network 115 (e.g. an IP network such as the internet) to an application server 116. The application server 116 is further connected, for example via the data network 115, to a base station 117 (for example via a cellular mobile telephone network, not shown). The base station 117 is arranged in operation to communicate data to and from a mobile user device 118 (for example a smart phone or suitably connected device such as a personal computer or tablet).

The secure package receiving device is installed such that the camera 107 is positioned so that people standing in front of the door are within a field of view of the camera 107.

The motion detector 108 is adapted to detect the presence of a human being standing in front of the door or wall into which the secure package receiving device is installed.

The audio unit 109 is configured so that the speaker of the audio unit 109 can create sound which can be heard by a person standing in front of the door and the microphone can pick up sound, e.g. talking, from a person standing in front of the door.

In use, a person, for example a delivery person with a package to deliver approaches the door within which the secure package receiving device 101 is installed. The motion detector 108 detects this and sends an alert signal to the control unit 106.

Additionally, or alternatively, the buzzer unit 110 may be activated by the person who has approached the door by actuating the push-button. The push-button actuated generator of the buzzer unit 110 generates an alert signal which is sent to the control unit 106.

On receipt of the alert signal (generated by the buzzer unit or the motion detector), the control unit 106 activates the camera 107 which begins capturing image data (e.g. video data). The camera 107 sends this image data to the control unit 106, which in turn sends the image data to the transceiver 113. The transceiver 113 transmits the image data to the further transceiver 114 which communicates the data, via the data network 115, to the application server 116. The application server 116 communicates a message to the mobile user device 118, via the data network

115 and the base station 117 indicating that the motion detector 108 has detected a person standing in front of the door.

The mobile user device 118 has software running thereon (for example, an “app” downloaded from an “app store”) which on receipt of the message from the application server 116 is arranged to generate an alert message on the mobile user device 118 (for example an audible alert and/or a visual alert on a display of the mobile device 118) which indicates that a person has been detected in front of the door. Typically, the software running on the mobile user device 118 presents a control to the user (for example a “button” graphical element on a touch screen display) which on activation generates an accept message which is communicated back to the control unit 106 via the base station 117, application server 116 and transceivers 113, 114.

On receipt of the accept message, the control unit 106 communicates the image data to the mobile user device 118 (via the base station 117, application server 116 and transceivers 113, 114). The image data is then displayed on the display of the mobile user device 118 (as described above, typically the image data is video data which is displayed as video on the mobile user device). In a typical mode of operation, if the user of the mobile device 118 is happy that the person standing in front of the door (and thus appearing in the image data) is a genuine delivery person, they select a lock release control on the mobile user device 118 (for example another button graphical element) which generates a lock release control message which is communicated back to the control unit 106 (via the base station 117, application server 116 and transceivers 113, 114).

In certain examples, the audio unit 109 allows the user of the mobile user device and the person in front of the door to communicate by speaking to each other. For example, on receipt of the accept message, under the control of the control unit 106, audio data of the person talking in front of the door is captured by the microphone of the audio unit 109 is communicated to the application server 116 and on to the mobile user device 118 via the data network 115 and base station. Under the control of the software running on the mobile user device, this audio data is turned into an audio output using an amplifier and speaker which is part of the mobile user device

118. Similarly, under control of the software running on the mobile user device 118, audio data of the user of the mobile user device 118 is captured by a microphone which is part of the mobile user device 118. Under control of the software running on the mobile user device 118, this audio data is communicated via the base station, data network 115 and application server 116 to the control unit 106. Under the control of the control unit 106, an audio signal corresponding to the audio data is communicated to the audio unit 109 and an audio output generated by the speaker of the audio unit 109.

On receipt of the lock release control message, the control unit 106 sends a control signal to the electronically controlled lock 105. On receipt of this control signal, the electronically controlled lock unlocks and the delivery person can open the outer flap 103 to place a package to be delivered within an inner space 119 of the secure package receiving device 101. Typically, once the outer flap 103 is closed again, the lock locks again and the outer flap 103 is secured.

The package can be retrieved from the secure package receiving device 101 by a user unlocking the manually operated lock 112 and opening the inner flap 111.

In this way, a package can be delivered without a user needing to be present to open the door to receive the package from a delivery person.

In Figure 1, for clarity, the control unit, the transceiver, the motion detector, the camera, the audio unit and the buzzer unit are shown as separate discrete components from the housing, the flaps and locks. However, it will be understood that typically, the components of the secure package receiving device are provided as a single integrated unit.

Figure 2 provides a simplified schematic diagram of a door 201 in which has been installed a secure package receiving device in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a configuration in which the outer flap 103 is in the closed position. The outer side of the secure package receiving device is provided with an outer fascia 202. A corresponding inner fascia (not shown) is provided on the inner side of the secure package receiving device. The camera 107 is mounted such that its lens 203 is directed through an aperture in the fascia 202. Similarly, the sensor 204 of the motion detector is directed through another aperture of the fascia 202. Similarly, a push button 205 of the buzzer unit protrudes is actuated through a corresponding aperture of the fascia 202.

Figure 3 provides a simplified schematic diagram of the door 201 depicted in Figure 2 except that Figure 3 shows a configuration in which the outer flap 103 is in the open position.

In certain embodiments, the system shown in Figure 1 can operate in an automated mode. In the automated mode, the camera is activated as described above, however, once activated, the delivery person positions within the field of view of the camera a graphical code (for example a QR code printed on a label attached to the package). Image data containing images of the QR code are sent to the application server 116. The application server 116 has running thereon QR recognition software and has stored thereon data corresponding to one or more predetermined QR codes which are known to correspond to QR codes affixed to one or more packages to be delivered. If the QR code contained in the image data is recognised by the QR recognition software, the application server 116 generates the lock release control message and sends this to the control unit 106.

In certain embodiments, the system shown in Figure 1 can operate in a further automated mode. In the further automated mode, the application server 116 has running thereon facial recognition software. In this second automated mode, the camera is activated as described above. Once activated, the camera captures image data of the delivery person’s face and, under the control of the control unit 106, corresponding image data is sent to the application server. The facial recognition software then compares the image data with image data of a known person (e.g. a trusted delivery person). If the facial recognition software determines that the image data matches the image data corresponding to the known person, the application server 116 generates the lock release control message and sends this to the control unit 106.

In certain embodiments, the software running on the mobile user device provides an alarm function that enables the user of the mobile user device to generate and alarm message which is communicated back to the secure package receiving device 101 causing an alarm signal to be generated at the secure package receiving device 101.

For example, the software running on the mobile user device may presents a control to the user (for example a “button” graphical element on a touch screen display) which on activation generates an alarm message which is communicated back to the control unit 106 via the base station 117, application server 116 and transceivers 113, 114. On receipt of the alarm message, the control unit 106 is arranged to control the audio unit 109 to generate an alarm signal, such as a loud high pitched sound. In this way, the user is able to control the secure package receiving device to generate the alarm signal, if, for example, they don’t consider that the person standing in front of the door (and thus appearing in the image data) is a genuine delivery person.

As described above, typically, an aperture of a suitable size is made in the door or wall and a secure package receiving device in accordance with embodiments of the invention is installed within this aperture. In certain embodiments, the secure package receiving device is supplied as a kit in a two part arrangement. A first part comprises the housing attached to the inner fascia and the second part is the outer housing. During installation, the first part is passed, housing first, through the aperture until the inner fascia is flush against the inner side of the door or wall. The outer fascia is then attached to the housing from the outer side of the door or wall and so that the outer fascia is flush against the outer side of the door or wall. The first and second part are then secured together, and if appropriate, the outer fascia is secured to the outer side of the door or wall and the inner fascia is attached to the inner side of the door or wall.

Figure 4 provides a diagram of a secure package receiving device 401 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. Figure 4 depicts the device 401 comprising the housing 402, inner fascia 403, outer fascia 404, outer hatch 405 and a partial view of the camera 406.

As described above, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, certain components (such as the housing and outer hatch) of the secure package receiving device can be made from tamper resistant material such as steel. Other components, such as the outer and inner fascia and inner flap can be made from any suitable material such as tamper resistant material such as steel or hardened plastic.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases at least one and one or more to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles a or an limits any particular claim containing such introduced 5 claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of 10 an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of two recitations, without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been 15 described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A secure package receiving device for installing in a wall or door and for receiving packages to be delivered at a location, said device comprising a housing defining a package receiving space including:

a first opening through which a package can be placed, and a second opening through which the package can be retrieved, wherein, in use, the first opening is positionable on an outward side of the door or wall for receiving the package and the second opening is positionable on an inward side of the door or wall for retrieving the package, and the first opening is sealed by a first lockable hatch which is remotely unlockable and the second opening is sealed by a second lockable hatch, which in use, can be unlocked from the inward side of the door or wall.

2. A secure package receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one alert signal generator for generating an alert signal indicative of a person present on the outward side of the door or wall.

3. A secure package receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the alert signal generator comprises a push-button actuated unit.

4. A secure package receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the alert signal generator comprises a motion detector.

5. A secure package receiving device according to claim 2 further comprising a camera, said camera activated responsive to generation of the alert signal, said camera is arranged to capture image data of the outward side of the door or wall.

6. A secure package receiving device according to claim 5, further comprising a transceiver arranged to communicate the image data to an external device.

7. A secure package receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the external device is a user device and the image data is communicated to the user device from the transceiver via a data network.

8. A secure package receiving device according to claim 7, wherein the transceiver is arranged to receive an unlock signal originating from the user device, said unlock signal generated at the user device, and responsive to receipt of the unlock signal, a lock unit of the secure package receiving device is adapted to unlock the first hatch.

9. A secure package receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the external device is an application server.

10. A secure package receiving device according to claim 9, wherein the transceiver is arranged to receive an unlock signal originating from the application server, said unlock signal generated at the application server in the event that the image data comprises an image of a face recognised by facial recognition software running on the application server, and responsive to receipt of the unlock signal, a lock unit of the secure package receiving device is adapted to unlock the first hatch.

11. A secure package receiving device according to claim 9, wherein the transceiver is arranged to receive an unlock signal originating from the application server, said unlock signal generated at the application server in the event that the image data comprises an image of an optical code, recognised by optical code software running on the application server, and responsive to receipt of the unlock signal, a lock unit of the secure package receiving device is adapted to unlock the first hatch.

12. A secure package receiving device according to any of claims 6 to 11, comprising an audio unit arranged to:

capture audio information and generate and communicate corresponding audio data to a user device, and receive audio data from the user device and reproduce corresponding audio information, wherein said audio data is communicated to and from the secure package receiving device via the transceiver.

13. A secure package receiving device according to any previous claim, wherein the first hatch is resiliently biased in a closed position.

14. A secure package receiving device according to any previous claim, further 5 comprising a manually operated lock for locking the second hatch.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1814558.1

Examiner: Mr Henry Nevell