AU2014100457A4 - A secure article delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

A secure article delivery system 10 includes a parcel box 20, an electronic code lock 30 of the parcel box 20, a barcode 42 secured to the parcel box 20, a scanner 50, and a network accessible system server 60. A delivery person scans the barcode 42 of the parcel box 20 with the scanner 50. The scanner 50 sends an access code request to the server 60. The access code request includes barcode data identifying the lock 30. The lock 30 has a dynamic access code. The server 60 responds to the access code request by sending the current valid access code for opening the parcel box 20 to the scanner 50 operated by the delivery person. 20- /40 -42 ---- 50 62 --50 Figure 1

Description

1 A SECURE ARTICLE DELIVERY SYSTEM FIELD [0001] This invention relates to the secure delivery of items, such as parcels, to a lockable parcel receiving receptacle. In particular, this invention relates to an article delivery system and article receiving receptacle wherein an electronic lock of the article receiving receptacle has a dynamic access code. BACKGROUND [0002] Home delivery of purchased items is preferred by many online shoppers. It is, however, inconvenient to have to be at home for receiving the items upon delivery. If there is nobody available at the premises to receive the delivery, then the delivered items may be left in an unsecured location. The delivery person also sometimes requires proof of delivery via a signature, or the like, from the receiver of the items. [0003] Parcel box systems wherein the delivery instructions to the courier company includes an access code to unlock a secure parcel storage box at the premises of delivery is known, for example in the description of United States patent US6570488 to Vistant Corporation. The Vistant Corporation patent also teaches scanning of a barcode fixed to the storage box to obtain a "digital signature" for use as proof of delivery. [0004] It may be useful, for security and other reasons, that the access code is only provided to the delivery person when physically present at the parcel box and information necessary for the delivery person to retrieve the access code is only made available when the delivery person is present at the parcel box. [0005] It may further be useful, for security and other reasons, that the access code is dynamic, i.e. automatically changes from time to time, as also described in the Vistant Corporation patent. SUMMARY [0006] Various exemplary embodiments of a secure article delivery system comprise: an article receiving receptacle having a storage area for receiving delivered articles; the receptacle including an electronic code lock which restricts access to the storage area of the receptacle, wherein the electronic code lock is configured to be unlocked by a dynamic access code which is automatically varied from time to time; a data carrier secured to the receptacle, the data carrier including lock identifier data uniquely identifying the electronic code lock; a scanner operated by a deliverer of a parcel to the receptacle, the scanner operable to retrieve the lock identifier data from the data carrier and transmit the lock identifier data to a system server over a network as part of an access code request; 2 wherein the system server is operable to provide the access code for the electronic code lock, based at least in part on the lock identifier data of the access code request uniquely identifying the electronic code lock, that is currently valid for unlocking the electronic code lock and to communicate the access code to the scanner. [0007] The scanner is preferably configured to send a username and/or password of the scanner as part of the access code request, the username and/or password registered with the system server so that the system server is operable to validate the username and/or password before providing the access code in response to the access code request. [0008] Various exemplary embodiments of an article receiving receptacle having a storage area for receiving delivered articles, comprise: an electronic code lock which restricts access to the storage area of the receptacle, wherein the electronic code lock is configured to be unlocked by a dynamic access code which is automatically varied from time to time; and a data carrier secured to the receptacle, the data carrier including lock identifier data uniquely identifying the electronic code lock, the data carrier configured to be scanned by a scanner to convey the lock identifier data to the scanner. The dynamic access code preferably changes automatically at least once in a one hour period or at least once in a twenty four hour period. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic layout of an embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a secure parcel delivery system. [0010] Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic layout of another embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a secure parcel delivery system. [0011] Figure 3A shows a screenshot of an application running on a scanner of the parcel delivery systems of Figures 1 and 2. [0012] Figure 3B shows a screenshot of the application of Figure 3A having scanned a barcode of a parcel box of the parcel delivery systems of Figures 1 and 2. [0013] Figure 3C shows a screenshot of the application of Figure 3A having received an access code for a lock of the article receiving receptacle. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0014] In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an exemplary embodiment of a secure parcel delivery system. [0015] The system 10 comprises a parcel receiving receptacle in the form of a parcel box 20, an electronic code lock 30 of the parcel box 20, a data carrier 40 secured to the parcel box 20, a scanner 50, and a network accessible system server 60. [0016] The parcel box 20 has a front door 22 hingedly connected to a sidewall of the parcel box 20. The front door 22 opens to allow access to a storage area 24 in the 3 parcel box 20 and closes off the storage area 24 when closed. The front door 22 is locked closed by the lock 30. [0017] The lock 30 includes a body 32 fixed to the door 22. The lock 30 includes a keypad 34 for entering an access code to unlock the lock 30. The lock 30 includes a latch (not shown) for locking the front door 22 closed in a locked condition of the lock 30. The front door 22 is unlocked to be opened and closed in an unlocked condition of the lock 30. [0018] The lock 30 includes a power supply such as a battery, a clock, a logic processor and a memory for controlling the lock condition (locked or unlocked) of the lock 30. The lock 30 has a dynamic access code, meaning that the access code that would unlock the lock 30 automatically changes for the lock 30 from time to time. An issued access code is only valid for a specific time period. The memory may include an algorithm or lookup table for access by the processor to automatically determine a valid access code that would unlock the lock 30 for a given time period. Alternatively, the valid access code may be the next access code stored in a codebook in the memory as described for the locking mechanism of United Sates Patent US6570488, incorporated herein by reference. Irrespective, the valid access code 30 for the lock varies automatically from time to time. The changes in access code may be triggered either by a change in time (time dynamic) or detected use of access code in a sequence of access codes (event dynamic). In one embodiment, the access code changes at intervals/periods of every 15 or 30 minutes. In another embodiment, the access code changes at intervals/periods of every hour or twenty four hours. One example of an electronic lock with a dynamic access code, as is known in the art, is the commercially available KitLock KL1 OOONC electronic lock available from Codelocks (Australia) Pty Ltd (http://www.codelocks.com.au/kitlock/kll 000-netcode-locker-lock.html). [0019] The data carrier 40 identifies the parcel box and/or the lock 30. The data carrier 40 may be any Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) device such as a 1 D barcode 42, 2D barcode such a QR code 44, NFC chip 46 or the like. The data carrier 40 is fixed or attached to the parcel box 20. The data carrier 40 includes data which can be used to uniquely identify the lock 30. For example, the data carrier may be a barcode 42 wherein the barcode presents a machine readable code such as "nEt1 0001000001". The barcode 42 is fixed on the outside of the parcel box 20, above the door 22. The last 7 digits, 1000001, is the unique identifier of the lock 30, hereinafter referred to as the locklD. [0020] The scanner 50 is operable to read the data of the data carrier 40 when in close proximity to the data carrier 40. For the example, where the data carrier 40 is a barcode 42, the scanner 50 has a barcode reader to read the barcode 42. An example of a scanner is the Motorola MC75A HF barcode scanner as used by Australia Post. The scanner 50, in the case of the Motorola MC75A HF, is also able to read the data carrier 40 via Near Field Communication should the data carrier be a NFC chip 46. [0021] The scanner 50 has a communications module (not shown) to connect to and communicate over a wireless network such as the internet 70. [0022] The server 60 remote from the parcel box 20 and is accessible via a web portal. The server 60 is operable to generate/issue current valid access codes for the lock 30 based on the locklD of the lock and the current time. The server 60 is further 4 operable, through a communications module, to transmit the current valid access code to the scanner 50. [0023] The server 60 includes a database 62 storing the credentials, such as username and password, of registered delivery services using the system 10. The database 62 also stores contact details and address details of a registered parcel box 20 owners. [0024] The server 60 includes a code database 64 storing the algorithms or code lists to generate/retrieve the currently valid access code for the different locks. [0025] The server 60 includes a log 66 in a memory of the server for storing a log of transactions associated with a lock 30. [0026] A delivery service/company has its scanners configured to send access code requests to the server 60 upon scanning the barcode 42 of the parcel box 20. The delivery service is registered with the server 60 such that a Username and Password sent by its scanners 50 as part of the access code request is registered in the credentials database 62 of the server 60. [0027] A delivery person (deliverer) of the registered delivery service delivering a parcel to the parcel box 20 scans the barcode 42 of the parcel box 20 with the scanner 50. The scanner 50 and the delivery person is present in close proximity to the parcel box 20 when the barcode 42 is scanned. The barcode data is conveyed to the scanner 50 by optical scanning of the barcode 42 by the scanner 50. [0028] The scanner 50 is operable to launch an application 80 to manage the process of scanning the barcode 42 and retrieving the access code. Screenshots of the application 80 as it is displayed on the scanner 50 are shown in Figures 3A to 3C. [0029] Figure 3A shows a screenshot of the application 80 launched on the scanner 50. The application 80 includes a barcode field 82, a Username field 84, a Password field 86, an Access code field 88 and an Address field 90. The application has a "Scan" button 92 to initiate a barcode scan by the scanner 50. The application has a "Get Code" button 94 to initiate the retrieval of the access code from the server 60. [0030] The Username field 84 is populated with a Username ("ABC" in this example) unique to the delivery service/courier company. All of the scanners 50 of the delivery service/courier company use the same Username. [0031] The Password field 86 is populated by the chosen password for the specific Username. [0032] Upon the delivery person initiating a barcode scan by pressing the scan button 92, the barcode 42 is scanned and the barcode data is displayed in the barcode field 82 as shown in Figure 3B. The barcode data may, for example, be "nEt10001000001". [0033] Once the barcode 42 is scanned, the delivery person can then initiate the access code request by pressing the get code button 94. The scanner 50 sends an access code request to the server 60. The access code request includes the barcode data and further includes: 5 * Scanner ID (Unique Identification of Scanner), * Date stamp (Local scanner date at the parcel box), e Time stamp (Local scanner time at the parcel box), * Username (Unique to Delivery Service), e Password (Unique to Delivery Service). [0034] The barcode data includes a system identifier, in this example "nEt" from the barcode "nEt1 0001000001". The "nEt" identifies the parcel box 20 as being part of the system 10. [0035] The barcode data includes a parcel box provider identifier, in this example the first four digits "1000" from the barcode "nEt1 0001000001". The parcel box provider identifier identifies the server 60, directing the application 80 to send the access code request to the server 60. [0036] The access code request may be sent to the server 60 using the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). The access code request is sent in real or near real time after the barcode 42 is scanned and the get code button 94 is pressed. The server 60 performs a credential check that the Username and Password is registered in the database 62 to determine the authenticity of the access code request. If the Username and Password is validated by the credential check, the server 60 will then proceed to look up/generate the current valid access code for the specific lock 30. The specific lock 30 is identified by the locklD barcode data sent with the access code request. [0037] If the Username and Password is validated, the server 60 will also send a notification (sms, email or similar) to the registered owner of the parcel box 20 that an access code request was made. The server 60 stores the necessary contact details (sms, email or similar) of the owner of the parcel box 20 having the specific locklD. [0038] The current valid access code is communicated to the scanner 50 from the server 60 in real or near real-time as the response to the access code request. Figure 3C shows in access code field 88 where the access code is displayed after being received by the scanner 50. The server 60 also communicates the address of the registered owner of the parcel box 20, the address is displayed in the Address field 90 of the application. [0039] The server 60 stores the details of the access code request and the response in the log 66. The server 60 stores at least the Barcode, Scanner ID, Username, Date Stamp and Time stamp. The log 66 is accessible by the owner of the parcel box via a web portal to the server 60. [0040] The current valid access code is displayed at 72 of Figure 1, on the screen of the scanner 50. The delivery person enters the current valid access code into the lock 30 via the keypad 34. [0041] The lock 30 is configured to validate the entered access code to determine if it matches a currently valid access code to unlock the lock 30. If the entered access code is a currently valid access code as determined by the lock 30, the lock unlocks the door 22 to give the delivery person access to the storage area 24 to leave a parcel in the 6 storage area 24. The delivery person closes the door 22 after delivery, leaving the door 22 closed in a locked condition of the lock 30. [0042] In Figure 2, a secure parcel delivery system 100 is shown which is similar to the secure parcel delivery system 10 of Figure 1. Features of the system 100 which are the same as the features of the system 10 are indicated by the same reference numeral in Figure 2 as they are in Figure 1. The main difference of the delivery system 100 is that the access code request is sent to a service provider server 102, which in turn forwards part of the request to a lock server 104. The functions of the server 60 of Figure 1 is thus divided between a service provider server 102 and a lock server 104 of the system 100. [0043] The lock server 104 is associated with the lock 30. That is to say that the lock server 104 is operable to generate/issue the current valid access code for the lock 30. The lock server 104 may be a server of the maker of the lock 30. In the example where the lock 30 is the KitLock KL1 OOONC, the lock server 104 is Codelock's server where dynamic access codes can be retrieved via a web based portal. [0044] The scanners 50 are registered with the service provider server 102 and communicate the access code request to the service provider server 102. The service provider server 102 is in turn registered with the lock server 104. That is to say that when the service provider server 102 requests an access code from the lock server 104, the credentials of the service provider server 102 is presented and not that of the scanner 50. [0045] A scanner 50 sends the access code request to the service provider server 102 upon scanning a parcel box 20 barcode 42. The service provider server checks that the access code request from the scanner 50 includes a username and password that is registered with the service provider server 102. If the credentials of the scanner 50 are validated, the service provider server 102 send an access code request to the lock server 104 including the locklD and the credentials (Username and password for example) of the service provider server 102. The lock server 104 generates/issues a current valid access code for the particular locklD, which is communicated to the service provider server 102 in response to the lock code request. The service provider sever 102 then forwards the current valid access code to the scanner 50 from which it received the access code request. [0046] In the example wherein the NFC chip 46 is used, the barcode data can be communicated from the NFC chip 46 to the scanner 50. Similarly, the access code may be communicated to the NFC chip 46 or the lock 30 via near field communication, rather than being manually typed in by the delivery person. The NFC chip 46 may form part of the lock 30. [0047] The systems 10 and 100 provide a secure and easy way of having parcels delivered to a parcel box by a registered delivery service. The dynamic code of the lock 30 is a security feature that enhances secure access to the parcel box. Known electronic locks with a static access code, even if it the static access code may be manually changed from time to time, is vulnerable to unauthorised use of the static access code. A delivery person delivering a parcel to a parcel box with a static access code electronic lock may come back at a later date to gain unauthorised access to the parcel box using the static access code. The systems 10 and 100 guard against this 7 problem by using an electronic lock with a dynamic access code. Scanning of the barcode to receive/retrieve the current access code is user friendly for a delivery person of a registered delivery service. Scanning of the barcode requires that the delivery person be present at the parcel box when receiving/retrieving the access code. The access code is thus only made known to the delivery person at the time it is necessary to make the delivery. The system 10 requires that the delivery person be attending at the parcel box 20 (scanning the data carrier 40) when the access code request is made, which allows for the frequency of variation/change of a valid access code to be relatively high, improving the security of the system 10/100. The systems 10 and 100 combines the ease of use of scanning by a delivery person to retrieve the access code for the lock 30, with the security of a dynamic access code for unlocking the lock 30. [0048] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. [0049] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. [0050] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [0051] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. [0052] The use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "up", down", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "forwards", "backwards", "towards", "distal", "proximal". "in", "out" and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only, unless the context indicates otherwise. The inventor envisages that various exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter can be supplied in any 8 particular orientation and the claimed subject matter is intended to include such orientations. [0053] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: [0054] there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; [0055] no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; [0056] any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; [0057] any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and [0058] any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. [0059] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. [0060] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. [0061] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (5)

1. A secure article delivery system including: an article receiving receptacle having a storage area for receiving delivered articles; the receptacle including an electronic code lock which restricts access to the storage area of the receptacle, wherein the electronic code lock is configured to be unlocked by a dynamic access code which is automatically varied from time to time; a data carrier secured to the receptacle, the data carrier including lock identifier data uniquely identifying the electronic code lock; a scanner operated by a deliverer of a parcel to the receptacle, the scanner operable to retrieve the lock identifier data from the data carrier and transmit the lock identifier data to a system server over a network as part of an access code request; wherein the system server is operable to provide the access code for the electronic code lock, based at least in part on the lock identifier data of the access code request uniquely identifying the electronic code lock, that is currently valid for unlocking the electronic code lock and communicate the access code to the scanner.

2. The secure article delivery system of claim 1, wherein the scanner is configured to send a username and/or password of the scanner as part of the access code request, the username and/or password registered with the system server so that the system server is operable to validate the username and/or password before providing the access code in response to the access code request.

3. An article receiving receptacle having a storage area for receiving delivered articles, the receptacle including: an electronic code lock which restricts access to the storage area of the receptacle, wherein the electronic code lock is configured to be unlocked by a dynamic access code which is automatically varied from time to time; a data carrier secured to the receptacle, the data carrier including lock identifier data uniquely identifying the electronic code lock, the data carrier configured to be scanned by a scanner to convey the lock identifier data to the scanner.

4. The secure article delivery system of claim 1 or the article receiving receptacle of claim 3, wherein the dynamic access code changes automatically at least once in a one hour period.

5. The secure article delivery system of claim 1 or the article receiving receptacle of claim 3, wherein the dynamic access code changes automatically at least once in a twenty four hour period.