AU2015101060A4 - A System and Method for Facilitating the Secure Delivery of an Item - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for facilitating the secure delivery of an order placed through an online transaction. The method comprises generating 5 an access code for the secure delivery. The access code is stored in a data store accessible by an access control apparatus which controls access to a delivery receptacle. The access code is also communicated to a delivery agent as part of the online transaction. The delivery agent enters the access code into a 10 code input interface implemented by the access control apparatus to gain access to the delivery receptacle for completing the secure delivery. (FIGURE 1)

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 (Cth) COMPLETE SPECIFICATION APPLICANT PRECISION METALS (QUEANBEYAN) PTY LTD TITLE A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING THE SECURE DELIVERY OF AN ITEM ORDERED THROUGH AN ONLINE TRANSACTION The invention is described in the following statement: A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING THE SECURE DELIVERY OF AN ITEM ORDERED THROUGH AN ONLINE TRANSACTION Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates generally to systems, methods and locking arrangements for facilitating the secure delivery of items and more particularly, but by no means exclusively, to e commerce orders for consumer goods placed over the Internet. 10 Background of the Invention The past decade has seen an exponential increase in the amount of trade done over the Internet, generally referred to as e commerce. Some notable factors responsible for this increase include the sheer convenience of ordering goods from home, the 15 cost savings that can be passed on by e-merchants and the innovations which allow users to securely pay for their purchases. While there have been numerous innovations relating to ease and 20 security of ordering goods online, there have been few advances in the way that these goods are securely delivered. For example, where a purchaser is not at home to collect/sign for purchased goods the delivery agent (e.g. courier, postal worker) will typically leave a note advising that they were unable to 25 complete the delivery and take the goods to a collection office for the purchaser to collect at a later time. This is clearly inefficient for both the delivery agent and purchaser. Summary of the Invention 30 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for facilitating the secure delivery of an order placed through an online transaction, comprising the steps of: generating an access code for the secure delivery; storing the access code in a data store 35 accessible by an access control apparatus which controls access to a delivery receptacle; communicating the access code to a delivery agent, the access code being communicated as part of 3 the online transaction; and providing access to the delivery receptacle for completing the secure delivery responsive to the delivery agent entering the access code into a code input interface implemented by the access control apparatus. 5 In an embodiment the method further comprises allowing an authorised user to generate the access code for storing in the data store. 10 In an embodiment the method further comprises providing a computer interface which is accessible by the authorised user via a user computer to generate and store the access code. In an embodiment the computer interface is accessible via a 15 browser or native application on the user computer. In an embodiment the tool is implemented by a web server of the access control apparatus, the web server having access to the data store. 20 In an embodiment the code input interface is operable to communicate with the web server to validate access codes entered into the code input interface. 25 In an embodiment the code input interface comprises a keypad which is controlled by a microcontroller and wherein the microcontroller and web server are operable to communicate over a local network. 30 In an embodiment the method further comprises generating and storing access control conditions in association with the access code and wherein the access control conditions are evaluated by the access control apparatus to determine whether to allow access to the receptacle. 35 4 In an embodiment the access control conditions comprise one or more periods during which the receptacle is accessible/not accessible using the access code. 5 In an embodiment the access control apparatus is further operable to control one or more peripherals for the receptacle, such as a heater, cooler, lighting or image recording apparatus. In an embodiment the method further comprises receiving a 10 delivery confirmation signal that the secure delivery has been made. In an embodiment the delivery confirmation signal is automatically generated responsive to the receptacle being left 15 securely locked after the delivery has been made. In an embodiment the delivery confirmation signal is generated by the delivery agent after accessing the receptacle. 20 In an embodiment the method further comprises alerting the authorised user that the secure delivery has been placed responsive to determining the delivery confirmation signal. In an embodiment the method further comprises alerting the 25 authorised user when the receptacle has been left unlocked or in an open state for some predefined time period. In an embodiment the method further comprises allowing multiple secure deliveries to be placed in one or more receptacles 30 controlled by the access control device and wherein different access codes may be generated for controlling access to the respective receptacle(s). In accordance with a second aspect there is provided an 35 apparatus for facilitating the secure delivery of an order placed through an online transaction, comprising: an 5 electronically controllable locking device comprising a code input interface and operable to provide coded access to a delivery receptacle; and an access control computer implementing a processor which is communicable with the locking device and 5 operable to validate access codes entered into the code input interface and being further operable to output an unlock signal causing the electronically controllable locking device to unlock responsive to determining that the access code is valid, wherein the access code is communicated to a delivery agent as part of 10 the online transaction completed by an authorised user of the apparatus and wherein the delivery agent enters the access code into the code input interface to gain access to the delivery receptacle for completing the secure delivery. 15 In an embodiment the electronically controllable locking device further comprises a microcontroller operable to communicate with the access control computer over a communications network for communicating the entered access codes and receiving the unlock signal. 20 In an embodiment the access control computer implements a web server providing a user interface which is accessible by the authorised user via a browser or native application on a user computing device for storing the access code. 25 In an embodiment the user interface allows the authorised user to enter one or more allowable delivery periods during which the receptacle can be accessed for storing in association with the access code. 30 In an embodiment the access control computer is further configured to evaluate the access control conditions to determine whether to allow access to the receptacle based on the access code entered by the delivery agent. 35 6 In an embodiment the code input interface comprises a keypad which is controlled by the microcontroller and wherein the microcontroller and access control computer are configured to communicate over a local network. 5 In an embodiment the access control computer is further operable to control a temperature within the receptacle suitable for storing the delivered goods. 10 In accordance with yet another aspect there is provided a method for facilitating the secure delivery of an item, comprising the steps of: generating an access code for the secure delivery; storing the access code in a data store accessible by a access control apparatus which controls access to a delivery 15 receptacle; communicating the access code to a delivery agent; and providing a code input interface for receiving the access code, such that once received the access control apparatus allows access to the delivery receptacle for completing the secure delivery. 20 In accordance with a further aspect there is provided a computer readable medium implementing a computer program comprising at least one instruction which, when implemented by a computer system, is operable to carry out the method as described above 25 in accordance with the first aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, 30 by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a system architecture capable of implementing an embodiment of the present invention; 35 7 Figure 2 is an example integrated access control device, in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 3 is a process flow diagram of an embodiment; and 5 Figures 4 to 6 show example user interface screens implemented by a web application, in accordance with an embodiment. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments 10 Embodiments of the present invention find particular application for facilitating the secure delivery of an order placed through an online transaction. It will be understood, however, that embodiments are not so limited and may be utilised for 15 facilitating delivery to a user of any particular item. In a broad form, a user or machine generated access code (hereafter access code) is communicated to a person making the delivery. An embodiment for an online transaction will 20 hereafter be described, where the person is a delivery agent and the code is communicated as part of the online transaction. According to embodiments described herein, the online transaction takes the form of an e-commerce transaction which is placed via a suitable network-connected user computing device, 25 such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer or the like. The same access code is programmed into a code controlled delivery receptacle which may, for example, be a keypad controlled container located on the user's premises. When the delivery agent arrives at the user's premise they enter the 30 access code into the keypad for gaining access to the container, thereby allowing them to complete the secure delivery. Thus, embodiments of the present invention advantageously allow delivery agents controlled access to a secure delivery box to drop off deliveries (e.g. groceries, clothing, parcels, etc.) 35 while the owner is not home, whilst at the same time imposing minimal impact on those delivery agents. The user may access the 8 receptacle using a desired technique. For example, depending on the system configuration, a unique user code, a one-time user code, a physical key, an alternative secure access point (e.g. a panel accessible from inside the user's premises), etc. 5 System Architecture With reference to Fig. 1, there is shown a schematic of a system 10 in accordance with a particular embodiment. 10 The system 10 comprises an access control apparatus 12 consisting of a number of individual modules as will now be described. A first of the modules is a network-enabled access control 15 computer 14, which according to the presently described embodiment takes the form of a Raspberry Pi computer (see: h.ttpz //,wwlSsp.errE.Eg/) configured as a web server. The web server 14 implements a data store in the form of an SQL database (not shown) for storing access codes and associated 20 delivery details and access control schemes. The server 14 is also operable to generate and subsequently validate access codes entered into a code input device, as described in more detail below. 25 According to the illustrated embodiment, the web server 14 is connected to a user's home network 16 and implements a web application (hereafter code management application) which is accessible from a browser on a user computing device 18, which is also connected to the home network 16. The code management 30 application provides authorised users with various functions, including the ability to create and store access codes for particular deliveries, set access control schemes associated with the deliveries, and any peripheral functions that occur when the access codes are created. In this regard, the 35 application may include PHP functionality and also be provided with SMS, e-mail alert and "push" capabilities, as will be 9 understood by persons skilled in the art. Further, the application may be device sensitive allowing screen optimisation for the type of user device accessing the application. 5 The other module implemented by the access control apparatus 12 is the code input device 20. The code input device 20 comprises a microcontroller 22 communicable with a code input interface in the form of an electronic keypad 24. The microcontroller 22 and keypad 24 are communicable with an electronically lockable 10 handle 25 which controls access to the delivery receptacle. With reference to Figure 2 there is shown an example consolidated handle unit containing a keypad, battery, lock mechanism, radio module (i.e. for wireless communication with 15 the web server 14) and a low cost open source "Arduino" microcontroller (see httzp://www. ardu in.cic/,) . It will be understood that this form of consolidated unit is suited, but not limited to, application where only external access to the delivery receptacle is required. Other forms of electronically 20 lockable arrangement (which may or may not be integrated with the other input device components) may also be utilised, depending only on the desired implementation. The microcontroller 22 is programmed to communicate access codes 25 entered into the electronic keypad 24 to the web server 14 for validation as well as for event logging and delivery alert purposes. According to the illustrated embodiment, the codes are transmitted via serial communication either through a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. In addition, the web server 14 may 30 communicate with the microcontroller 22 to transmit commands for controlling peripheral devices, e.g. for managing relays that control the functionality of lights, chiller compartments, heater compartments, video cameras etc. provided for the delivery receptacle. 35 Process Flow 10 With additional reference to Figure 3, there is shown a basic process flow for facilitating secure delivery of orders placed through an online transaction. 5 At step S1, the user accesses the code management application via the browser of their computing device 18. An example user login screen is shown in Figure 4. Once the user has successfully logged in to the application, they are presented with an overview screen which shows a status of any previously 10 created deliveries (see Figure 5 which shows an example overview screen 50 presented to a user). The web application may also be configured to allow multiple users (e.g. members of a household) to share access to the delivery receptacle and in this case the individual user names will be shown against each delivery item. 15 From the overview screen 50 users can select a previously created delivery to modify or delete the delivery, as required. They are also provided with an option to create a new delivery by selecting the "+" icon 51 as will now be described. 20 After selecting the create new delivery icon 51 the user is asked to enter details about the delivery, including merchant details, order details and are prompted to generate a code for the delivery. An example new delivery screen is shown in 25 Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the user is also able to enter any associated control scheme conditions. These conditions may include access control conditions, including time periods during which the receptacle can be accessed by the delivery agent using the code. Further, the control conditions may include 30 conditions relating to the control of receptacle peripherals, such as heater, cooler, camera and lighting controls. In a particular embodiment, the control conditions may instruct a video camera located inside or externally of the delivery receptacle to record an image of the delivery agent placing the 35 delivery when a code has been entered into the keypad 24. In another embodiment, the control conditions may include scheduled 11 tasks for one or more peripherals, such as controlling a chiller or heater to turn on some set amount of time before the delivery is scheduled to take place (e.g. for receiving take away orders, groceries, etc.). The details entered by the user are then 5 stored in the relational database. Depending on the information entered, the web server 14 may then send relevant control signals to the microcontroller 22 for controlling peripherals in accordance with the control conditions. In another embodiment, the code management application may include an automated code 10 generation tool for automatically generating access codes. In this embodiment, the user may access the code management application prior to completing the transaction to generate a code for subsequent entry instructions screen. 15 At step S2 the user orders one or more goods to be delivered to an address (e.g. their home address), where there is located a delivery receptacle in accordance with embodiments described herein. According to the illustrated embodiment, the goods are ordered through an e-commerce merchant website 30 over the 20 Internet 32 in a typical fashion, with one exception: in the delivery or special instructions screen the user enters the access code for the delivery. It will be understood, that the e-commerce merchant may provide a dedicated access code field for entering the user generated access code and any other 25 special delivery instructions (e.g. the location of the delivery receptacle). Upon completion of the online transaction, a delivery agent 28 (e.g. courier, postal service, etc.) is instructed to make the delivery and notified of the access code together with any special delivery instructions. 30 Returning to the process flow, at Step S3 the delivery agent 28 arrives at the premises and enters the access code into the electronic keypad 24. The code is then communicated from the microcontroller 22 to the web server 14 for code and access 35 scheme validation. If the code is valid then the server 14 will send a control signal to the microcontroller 22 instructing it 12 to open the lock so that the delivery agent 28 can access the delivery receptacle. Once the goods are securely inside, the delivery agent closes the door of the receptacle and locks the handle. In response to determining the handle has been locked 5 (e.g. by evaluating a state of the handle, or detecting a lock signal entered by the keypad, etc.), the microcontroller 22 sends a confirmation signal back to the web server 14 for event logging and notification purposes. In an embodiment the code may be a one-time code, such that after it has been entered by 10 the delivery agent it can no longer be used to access the receptacle. In a particular embodiment, an RFID tag encoding unique identification information for the receptacle may be located inside the receptacle. The delivery agent may scan the tag using a suitable scanner to retrieve the unique 15 identification information which be used by the delivery agent as confirmation that the delivery has been placed. It will be understood that other forms of identification encoding device (e.g. barcode, QR code, etc.) may be provided depending only on the desired implementation. In a simplified form, the 20 identification information may be visibly displayable (e.g. an alphanumeric code) for inspection and recording by the delivery agent to confirm delivery. The barcode may, for example, be an electronic encoding of the alphanumeric code, while the QR code may encode additional information, including code for enabling 25 the reader to be directed to a website where the delivery can be confirmed. Notifications The web server 14 may be configured to provide alerts to users 30 (e.g. by way of email alert, mobile application "push" alert, SMS alert or any other suitable notification channel) for any one or more of the following events which are determined by the web server 14 based on an evaluation of signals received from the microcontroller 22 and relevant access control data stored 35 in the relational database: 13 " When a delivery has been made for a particular delivery item; " When a delivery has been made but left in an unsecure state; 5 e When a delivery has not been made within a specified time period; " When a peripheral device (e.g. refrigeration unit) is not operating correctly; " When a tag (or other identification device) within the 10 receptacle has been interrogated by a delivery agent. Further Detail of System Configuration It will be understood that the web server 14 can be any form of suitable computer that is capable of communicating with the user 15 computing device 18. The server 14 may include typical web server hardware including a processor, motherboard, memory, hard disk and a power supply. The server also includes an operating system which co-operates with the hardware to provide an environment in which software applications can be executed. 20 According to the embodiments described above, authorised users accessed the web application via a browser on their network enabled computing device 12, over their home network 16. However, it will be understood that the web server 14 may be 25 configured for remote access (e.g. using an external IP address), thus allowing an authorised user to remotely access the web application over any suitable fixed and/or mobile communications network, e.g., the Internet or a private intranet, and may use any suitable protocol for the exchange of 30 electronic data, e.g., TCP/IP, NNTP, HTTP, etc. Further, in another alternative embodiment, the authorised user may access the web application via a native application installed on a personal user computer device (e.g. mobile phone, tablet, etc.), as will be well understood by persons skilled in the art. 35 14 In an alternative embodiment, the system may additionally comprise a cloud based web server implementing a public web domain which hosts a web based control application. The web based application functions in much the same manner as the 5 control application previously described, allowing users to remotely login to their account and schedule, view or edit deliveries (either by way of a browser or native mobile application). The web based application is programmed to communicate with the web server 14, to create and update local 10 schedules stored thereon. The locally stored schedules are then implemented by the web server 14 in the same manner as afore described. It will be understood that the code management application may 15 be configured to control access for multiple delivery receptacles (via communication with their respective microcontrollers 22) for larger scale residential/commercial applications, such as may be employed for an apartment complex. In this case the code management application may allow for 20 different user logins associated with control of different network addressable receptacles. For example, in a particular embodiment, one or more dynamically assignable receptacles (as described herein) may be located 25 within a secure room or enclosure. Access to the secure room is via a secure access door fitted with an electronically controllable lock. According to such an embodiment, each of the dynamically assignable receptacles may be controlled by the code management application to open by entering a code that has been 30 assigned to that receptacle (i.e. using techniques described herein) into the electronically controllable lock fitted to the secure access door, i.e. such that once the code has been entered a user/delivery agent may enter the room and access the corresponding receptacle for delivery/pickup. Once the 35 receptacle has been emptied, it may be re-assigned to a different user. In a particular embodiment, the receptacles may 15 be fitted with indicators (e.g. visual and/or audible indicators) which allow the delivery agent/user to identify the correct receptacle once they have entered the secure room. For example, a light associated with the receptacle may be caused to 5 flash on and off. In a particular embodiment, the code management application may generate a specific code for use by the user to access receptacles that have been assigned to that user. The user code 10 may, for example, be communicated in a notification message sent to the user informing them that the goods have been delivered (again using techniques as described herein). It will be understood that where the same user has entered multiple deliveries into the code management application, the same user 15 code may be operable to access all receptacles that have been dynamically assigned to them (whereas unique codes will be generated and used by the respective delivery agents for accessing the corresponding receptacle). Upon entering the user code into the secure access door lock, indicators for each of 20 the dynamically assigned receptacles may be opened and the respective indicators actuated. The code management application may employ a smart code assigning algorithm for preventing fraudulent attempts to access 25 the receptacles. In a particular embodiment, the algorithm may ensure that no code is ever generated more than once, that no consecutively numbered codes are generated, etc. In a particular embodiment, a grace period may be added for 30 allowing re-entry to a receptacle (i.e. using the same code) after a delivery has been made. For example, where a delivery agent has made a delivery and then realised they had left an item in the van, they are able to return to the receptacle within the grace period to complete the delivery. The grace 35 period may be entered by the user or be a default grace period assigned by the code management application (e.g. 10 minutes).

16 In a particular embodiment the code management application may allow a user to store various access settings for a regular delivery. For example, where the user has a regular grocery 5 delivery they can save the entry for ready selection next time they place an order from the same grocery store. In this manner, the same code and general access conditions may be utilised for a delivery from the same agent. An example recurring delivery screen is shown in Figure 7. Pending and 10 completed deliveries can be shown in calendar view, as per Figure 8. It will also be understood that access control apparatus 12 may be configured to work with any suitable type of receptacle and 15 electronically controllable lock. For example, a smaller implementation may comprise a domestic letter box, while larger scale implementations may comprise a delivery room within a house or building. Further, it will be understood the receptacle can be located at any desired location (e.g. front 20 door, letter box, etc.) provided that the corresponding microcontroller 22 has network access. It will also be understood that the control access apparatus may advantageously readily be retro-fitted to existing receptacles, 25 e.g. letter boxes, door handles, etc. It will also be understood that embodiments are not limited to online transactions. For example, the receptacle could be used for receiving any item with the code communicated to the 30 delivery person using any suitable medium (e.g. via telephone, post, face to face, etc.). For example, a user might ask a friend to drop off an item while they are out for the day and advise the user of the code over the phone. 35 It will also be understood that embodiments could be utilised for collection purposes rather than delivery purposes. For 17 example, a user might place items in their receptacle for collection by an intended recipient. The code for accessing the receptacle could be communicated in the same manner as for a delivery agent. 5 According to the illustrated embodiment, the user device was in the form of a general purpose network-enabled computer, equipped with a browser. It will be appreciated, however, that the user computing device 18 could be any suitable form of network 10 enabled computing device. For example, the user computing device may take the form of a special purpose device including a smart phone, tablet, or the like. Details of such devices (e.g. processor, memory, displays, data storage devices) are omitted for the sake of clarity. 15 It will also be understood that in an alternative embodiment to that described above, the functions of the access control computer 14 and microcontroller 22 may be implemented by a single computing device provided with the necessary hardware and 20 software. While the invention has been described with reference to the present embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that alterations, changes and improvements may be made 25 and equivalents may be substituted for the elements thereof and steps thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt the invention to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the central scope 30 thereof. Such alterations, changes, modifications and improvements, though not expressly described above, are nevertheless intended and implied to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment described 35 herein and will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the independent claims.

18 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word 5 "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (21)

1. A method for facilitating the secure delivery of an order placed through an online transaction, comprising the steps of: 5 generating an access code for the secure delivery; storing the access code in a data store accessible by a access control apparatus which controls access to a delivery receptacle; communicating the access code to a delivery agent, the 10 access code being communicated as part of the online transaction; and providing access to the delivery receptacle for completing the secure delivery responsive to the delivery agent entering the access code into a code input interface implemented 15 by the access control apparatus.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising allowing an authorised user to generate the access code for storing in the data store. 20

3. A method in accordance with claim 2, further comprising providing a computer interface which is accessible by the authorised user via a user computer to generate and store the access code. 25

4. A method in accordance with claim 3, wherein the computer interface is accessible via a browser or native application on the user computer. 30 5. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein the application is implemented by a web server of the access control apparatus, the web server having access to the data store.

6. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein the code 35 input interface is operable to communicate with the web server to validate access codes entered into the code input interface. 20

7. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the code input interface comprises a keypad which is controlled by a microcontroller and wherein the microcontroller and web server 5 are operable to communicate over a local network.

8. A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, further comprising generating and storing access control conditions in association with the access code and wherein the 10 access control conditions are evaluated by the access control apparatus to determine whether to allow access to the receptacle.

9. A method in accordance with claim 8, wherein the access 15 control conditions comprise one or more periods during which the receptacle is accessible/not accessible using the access code.

10. A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access control apparatus is further operable 20 to control one or more peripheral devices for the receptacle.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the access control apparatus is operable to control a heater or cooler for controlling temperature within the receptacle suitable for 25 storing the delivered goods

12. A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, further comprising receiving a delivery confirmation signal that the secure delivery has been made. 30

13. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein the delivery confirmation signal is automatically generated either in response to the receptacle being left securely locked after the delivery has been made or in response to entry of the 35 correct code into the code input interface. 21

14. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein the delivery confirmation signal is generated by the delivery agent after accessing the receptacle. 5 15. A method in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising alerting the authorised user that the secure delivery has been placed responsive to determining the delivery confirmation signal. 10 16. A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, further comprising alerting the authorised user when the receptacle has been left unlocked or in an open state for some predefined time period. 15 17. A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, further comprising allowing multiple secure deliveries to be placed for the user in one or more receptacles controlled by the access control device and wherein different access codes are generated for controlling access to the respective 20 receptacle(s).

18. An apparatus for facilitating the secure delivery of an order placed through an online transaction, comprising: an electronically controllable locking device comprising 25 a code input interface and operable to provide coded access to a delivery receptacle; and an access control computer implementing a processor which is communicable with the locking device and operable to validate access codes entered into the code input interface and being 30 further operable to output an unlock signal causing the electronically controllable locking device to unlock responsive to determining that the access code is valid, wherein the access code is communicated to a delivery agent as part of the online transaction completed by an authorised user of the apparatus and 35 wherein the delivery agent enters the access code into the code 22 input interface to gain access to the delivery receptacle for completing the secure delivery.

19. An apparatus in accordance with claim 18, wherein the 5 electronically controllable locking device further comprises a microcontroller operable to communicate with the access control computer over a communications network for communicating the entered access codes and receiving the unlock signal. 10 20. An apparatus in accordance with claim 19, wherein the access control computer implements a web server providing a user interface which is accessible by the authorised user via a browser or native application on a user computing device for storing the access code. 15

21. An apparatus in accordance with claim 20, wherein the user interface allows the authorised user to enter one or more allowable delivery periods during which the receptacle can be accessed for storing in association with the access code. 20

22. An apparatus in accordance with claim 21, wherein the access control computer is further configured to evaluate the access control conditions to determine whether to allow access to the receptacle based on the access code entered by the 25 delivery agent.

23. An apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the code input interface comprises a keypad which is controlled by the microcontroller and wherein the 30 microcontroller and access control computer are configured to communicate over a local network.

24. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 18 to 23, wherein the access control computer is further operable 35 to control a temperature within the receptacle suitable for storing the delivered goods. 23

25. A method for facilitating the secure delivery of an item, comprising the steps of: generating an access code for the secure delivery; 5 storing the access code in a data store accessible by a access control apparatus which controls access to a delivery receptacle; communicating the access code to a delivery agent; and providing a code input interface for receiving the access 10 code, such that once received the access control apparatus allows access to the delivery receptacle for completing the secure delivery.

26. A computer readable medium implementing a computer 15 program comprising at least one instruction which, when implemented by a computer system, is operable to carry out the method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16 or 25.