GB2365607A

GB2365607A - Selective (goods) storage access

Info

Publication number: GB2365607A
Application number: GB0030187A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Fisher; Stuart Roy Haining; Michael Raymond Coleman
Original assignee: SOMETHING4 Ltd
Current assignee: SOMETHING4 Ltd
Priority date: 2000-08-04
Filing date: 2000-12-11
Publication date: 2002-02-20
Also published as: GB0019253D0; GB2365606A; GB0030187D0

Abstract

A variable code is communicated to a remote party for use in gaining access to a storage unit. The code may have a limited validity period and be generated for each transaction requiring access to the storage unit, such as an order for delivery or collection of goods. The storage unit has an input device and is unlocked if an entered code matches an access code. The access code is received by means of a communications terminal integrated with the storage unit, or the entered code is transmitted and an unlock command is received by means of the communications terminal. The storage unit may be connected to a further storage unit such that a code entered at the storage unit may be used to unlock the further storage unit. The storage unit may contain a pivotable, latchable and lockable partition controlled so as to prevent a second delivery man stealing goods left by a first delivery man. The storage unit may be portable (Fig. 5) and include one or more locks so that it can be delivered and secured to a location for delivery or collection of goods. The lock may engage a steel loop pivoted to a wall or floor (i.e. of the surroundings) or a steel loop attached by a cable to a wall (of the surroundings).

Description

2365607 Selective Storage Access Method and Apparatus The present

invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectively enabling delivery or collection of items to or from a storage unit.

The increasing popularity of the Internet for ordering items has lead to a parallel increase in the use of delivery services, such as post and courier.

Frequently, the items are too large to be delivered through a conventional letterbox or require proof of receipt, so that a person must be present to receive them, or must collect them from a depot. Moreover, the user must take the item to a post office if it needs to be returned. Hence, delivery and collection are often inconvenient, which hinders user acceptance of on- line ordering.

The 'HomePort' service, believed to have been first announced in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper on 10 September 2000, involves a locking unit secured at a customer's premises. Goods are delivered in containers having a cable which is then secured to the locking unit, and can be subsequently unlocked by the customer entering a PIN. This requires installation of a complex and possibly inconvenient device at the customer's premises.

A number of systems have been proposed in which deliveries are made to a fixed storage unit lockable with a combination lock; examples are disclosed in GB 2302976 and WO 97/41542. These require an even more complex and inconvenient installation at the recipient's premises.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a goods delivery or collection system in which a storage unit having a lock is delivered to a location and secured there with the lock. The storage unit is then opened and goods are removed and/or stored in it. The storage unit is subsequently unlocked and removed from the location.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit which can be locked shut with one lock and secured to a location with another lock. This allows the customer access to the storage unit 2 without being able to remove the storage unit. Likewise, delivery personnel can deliver or remove the unit but not access its contents.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage unit which can be secured to a location and secured to another storage unit by means of one or more locks. In this way, multiple units may be delivered and secured together against unauthorised removal, while only requiring one storage unit to be secured directly to the location.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a delivery and/or collection system in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective transparent diagrarri of a storage unit for use in the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective simplified diagram of the storage unit of Figure 2 connected to another storage unit; Figure 4 is a perspective diagram of an alternative storage unit to that shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective diagram of an alternative storage unit for use in a variant of the delivery/collection system; Figures 6a and 6b are diagrams of respectively a wall lock and a floor lock for securing the storage unit of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a perspective diagram of a cable lock for securing the storage unit of Figure 5.

As shown in Figure 1, a system in an embodiment of the present invention comprises a storage unit SU unlockable under electronic control. As shown in more detail in Figure 2, the storage unit comprises a robust housing closable by a hinged lid 22, which is normally locked when shut, for example by means of a spring-loaded bolt which is moved against the spring bias by a solenoid and is held in this position when the lid is open by a surface movable with the lid 22. Mounted on the outer face of the lid 22 is a control 3 panel 25 comprising a keypad 26 and a display 28, such as an LCD or LED display. The control panel 25 may be protected from the environment by a hinged clear plastic flap (not shown). The control panel 25 is connected to an electronic controller 30, to which power is supplied by a primary power source 31, such as a mains transformer or a battery, and optionally by a secondary power source, such as solar panels 32. The controller 30 is connected to an electronic actuator so as to actuate unlocking of the lid 22, to a sensor arranged to detect whether the lid 22 is open and to wireless terminal equipment, such as a BluetoothTI slave device.

As shown in Figure 1, the storage unit SU is in wireless communication with a computer C, which includes wireless base station equipment such as a Bluetooth TM master device. The computer may be a standard PC-compatible or MacintoshTm computer and includes means for connection to the Internet, such as a modem, ISDN terminal adapter or ADSI, interface. The computer C stores and executes software for internet and world wide web access, such as WindowSTm Dial-up Networking and MicrosoftTm Internet Exploreilm or Netscape NavigatorTm.

A user of the computer C accesses the website of a supplier S, implemented on a suitably programmed server, and transmits an order message 1 for one or more items for delivery. As part of the order message, a delivery address and payment details are provided by the user; these may have been entered previously as part of a registration procedure with the supplier S.

Alternatively, as shown by a dotted line in Figure 1, the order message 1 may be sent offline, for example by a telephone call or via another data terminal 0.

When the order has been processed and the items are ready for delivery, the supplier S sends a PIN request message 2 to a delivery management system DM. The delivery management system DM may comprise a suitably programmed server connected via the Internet or other network to servers hosting websites operated by many different suppliers S.

The PIN request message 2 specifies an LP or e-mail address for the computer 4 C and preferably a unique transaction identification code, to facilitate reconciliation of messages relating to that transaction. The PIN request message 2 also specifies a delivery date or time range for the item or items ordered by the user.

In response to the PIN request message 2, the delivery management system DM transmits a PIN message 3 to the supplier S and to the computer C. The PIN message 3 specifies a PIN and, in the transmission to the computer C, the delivery date or time specified in the PIN request message 2.

Preferably, the PIN message 3 includes the unique transaction identification code. The computer C transmits the PIN message 3 to the storage unit SU where it is stored in a memory store of the controller 30.

As an alternative, the user may specify the PIN and the PIN message 3 may then be transmitted from the computer C to the delivery management system 13M and thence to the supplier S and logistics management system LM. The delivery details may be sent to the computer C in a separate message from the PIN message 3 and may even be sent directly from the supplier S to the computer C. Where the user specifies the PIN, the delivery management system may be dispensed with altogether and the PIN message transmitted directly from the computer to the supplier S. However, it is preferable that the delivery details and PIN are stored by a party, such as the logistics management system LM, that is distinct and separate from the supplier S, so as to assist in resolving any disputes between customers and suppliers.

The supplier S also transmits a delivery details message 4, including the PIN and delivery details, to a carrier logistics management system LM, which may comprise a server connected via the Internet I to the supplier's server or may be integrated with the supplier's server. The PIN and delivery details are transferred to delivery personnel who collect the ordered items and deliver them to the storage unit SU. The PIN and delivery details may be printed on a delivery form or downloaded to a portable electronic device such as a PDA for use by the delivery personnel. Alternatively, the PIN may be recorded in a card, such as a magnetic strip or smart card, and the card read by a card reader integrated with the control panel 25. The card may also store a user PIN, which the deliverer must enter correctly to verify authorisation to use the card.

The delivery personnel then deliver the ordered items 5 to the storage unit SU and enter the PIN from the delivery details message 4 on the keypad 26. The controller 30 compares the entered PIN with one or more PINs recorded from previously received PIN messages 3. If the entered PIN matches one of the previously received PIN messages and the current date or time matches the date or time range specified in that PIN message 3, the controller 30 unlocks the lid 22 to allow the items to be deposited in the storage unit SU. Otherwise, the lid 22 is not unlocked and the deliverer is prompted via the display 28 to re-enter the PIN. If no match is found after a predetermined number of tries, the controller 30 suspends PIN entry for a predetermined time and transmits a message to the computer C reporting an unsuccessful attempt to gain access to the storage unit SU.

Once the lid 22 has been opened and subsequently closed, the storage unit SU transmits a delivery confirmation message 7 to the computer C, which forwards the confirmation message 7 to the delivery management system DM, which forwards the delivery confirmation message 7 to the supplier S. The delivery confirmation message 7 may include a delivery code which is generated by the controller 30 and is also displayed on the display 28. The delivery code may be generated as a function of various details of the delivery, such as the actual time of delivery or the PIN, or may be generated randomly.

The delivery code may be recorded by the delivery personnel and stored in the logistics management system LM as proof of delivery. The delivery confirmation message 7 preferably also includes the unique transaction identifier associated with the PIN in the PIN message 3.

Once the lid 22 has been opened and subsequently closed, the controller 30 deletes or flags as inactive the PIN message containing the PIN 6 which has just been used, so as to prevent the PIN ftom being reused within its time validity to remove the delivered items.

Optionally, in response to the delivery confirmation message 7, the delivery management system DM transmits a short message, for example via 5 the GSM SMS, so as to notify the recipient of the delivery of the item.

The recipient subsequently unlocks the lid 22, by keying in a master PIN, and collects the delivered items.

The storage unit SU may also be used for collection of returned items, in essentially the same way as described above, except that the user accesses the supplier's website to arrange return rather than delivery of one or more items. If the return is authorised, the PIN is generated as before. The possessor of the goods unlocks the lid 22 using the master PIN and stores the items inside. The delivery personnel then visit the storage unit to collect the items, using the PIN to open the storage unit SU, instead of depositing items in the storage unit SU.

Further preferred or alternative features of the storage unit SU will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 20 may contain a hinged flap 24 which can be moved between a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 2, in which the housing 20 is internally divided into an upper compartment 20a and a lower compartment 20b, and a substantially vertical position against the back wall of the housing 20, as indicated by the dashed arrow, in which the housing 20 is not internally divided.

A latch controlled electronically by the controller 30 can releasably latch the hinged flap 24 in the substantially vertical position, while a lock controlled electronically by the controller 30 releasably locks the hinged flap in the substantially horizontal position. When collecting delivered items, the recipient removes any items from the upper compartment Ma, lifts the hinged flap 24, which is unlocked in response to entry of the master PIN, and latches it in the substantially vertical position. When a first subsequent delivery is 7 made and the lid 22 is closed, the controller 30 releases the latch and allows the hinged flap 24 to pivot under gravity to the substantially horizontal position, where it is locked. When a second delivery is made, the delivered items are placed in the upper compartment 20a and the lower compartment 20b cannot be accessed. This feature allows two deliveries to be made before collection by the recipient, without compromising the security of the first delivery. As an altemative, there may be attached to the inner surface of the lid 22 an open bin such as used in night deposit boxes in banks. The items are placed in the bin and drop down into a storage compartment when the lid 22 is closed. The storage compartment is inaccessible when the lid 22 is open.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 can be secured to a wall by means of bolts fixed through the back wall of the housing 20, or to a solid base by means of bolts fixed through the floor of the housing 20. Alternatively, the storage unit SU may be built into an external wall of a building, and may be accessed for collection of deposited items from within the building, by means of an access door different from the lid and lockable from within the building.

The housing 20 is preferably constructed of steel, reinforced plastic or other strong material so as prevent breaking in. The housing 20 may be coated with a decorative finish and may carry a logo and/or advertising on the outer surface.

In a first variant, the housing 20 may be thermally insulated so as to prevent extreme temperature variation. The housing 20 may include a refrigeration unit to allow storage of perishable items in a refrigerated or fteezer compartment thereof.

As an additional feature of the embodiment of Figure 2, the storage unit SU may include a bus connector to which further storage units SU may be daisychained, as shown in Figure 3. The further units each contain a slave controller, connected to a lock actuator and a lid sensor, controllable by the controller 30 so as to allow unlocking of their lid and detection of the lid being open. The further units do not require a separate control panel 25 or 8 wireless terminal and may draw power via the bus connector. The controller may selectively open one of the storage units SU if the entered PIN matches a delivery order and another one of the storage units SU if the entered PIN matches a collection order. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 30 may selectively open the storage units SU in turn as the previous one has received a delivery (or two deliveries in the embodiment shown in Figure 2) or dispensed a collection.

An alternative embodiment to the storage unit SU of Figure 2 is shown in Figure 4. This embodiment is simplified in that it does not include the feature of the internal hinged flap 24, is circular in cross section and is compact so as to be of suitable size to receive small packages such as books and CDs which are typically ordered over the Internet.

In a ftidher alternative embodiment, some or all of the functions of the computer C are integrated within the storage unit SU and the wireless interface of the storage unit SU is replaced by a network interface to the internet I, either via a wireline connection or a wide area wireless network, such as a terrestrial cellular (e.g. GSM, GPRS) or satellite network. In this way, the PIN notification message 3 may be transmitted directly from the delivery management system DM to the storage unit SU rather than via the computer C. Likewise, the delivery notification message 6 may be transmitted directly to the delivery management system DM rather than via the computer C. This removes a possible requirement that the computer C be always on and connected to the Internet 1, or at least be connected thereto to enable messages to pass to and from the storage unit SU.

Conversely, in an alternative embodiment some of the functions of the storage unit SU described above may instead be performed by the computer C.

For example, it is not necessary that the storage unit SU store PIN messages; instead, entered PINs may be transmitted to the computer C where they are checked against stored PIN messages and an unlock command is transmitted back to the storage unit SU only if the entered PIN is valid.

9 Although in the above embodiments the Internet is used for some of the data transmissions, the present invention is not limited to the use of the Internet, but any suitable packet or circuit switched network may be used, and a different or the same network may be used for communication between each pair of parties. Local area communications, such as between the computer C and the storage unit SU and possibly between the supplier S and the logistics management system LM, do not require any switchable network but may use a dedicated link.

A further alternative embodiment to the storage unit SU of Figure 2 is shown in Figure 5. This storage unit SU is transportable and designed to be removably secured at a customer's premises. Instead of delivering goods to the storage unit, as in the previous embodiment, the storage unit SU is delivered with the goods locked inside, and secured at the customer's premises. The customer unlocks the storage unit and removes the goods, and the empty storage unit SU is subsequently collected. For return of goods, a storage unit SU is delivered and secured at the customer's premises. The customer unlocks the storage unit SU, places the goods to be returned inside and locks the storage unit once more. The storage unit SU is subsequently collected.

A bottom lock 42, on the external bottom face of the unit, is arranged to receive and engage with a floor lock 52 as shown in Figure 6b. The floor lock 52 comprises a loop of strong material such as steel, pivotally attached to a base secured to a floor or the ground, so as to rest flat against the base or ground when not in use. A rear lock 43, on the external back face of the unit, is arranged to receive and engage with a wall lock 51 as shown in Figure 6a, or a cable lock 53 as shown in Figure 7. The wall lock 52 comprises a loop of strong material such as steel, pivotally attached to a base secured to a wall, so as to rest flat against the wall when not in use. The cable lock 53 comprises a loop of strong material secured by a strong cable to a wall. As in the previous embodiment, the unit has a lid 22, which is lockable by means of a lid lock 45.

The lid 22 is designed to allow vertical stacking of the units. The storage unit SU has a handle 46 and wheels 54 to facilitate handling.

The storage unit SU also has side interlocks 50 on opposite external side faces, which allow multiple storage units SU to be locked together, only 5 one of which need be locked to the wall lock 51 or floor lock 52.

Two versions of the storage unit SU will now be described: one electronic, and one mechanical. In the electronic version, a base platform 49 houses a power and control unit 41, including a rechargeable battery and the controller 30. The lid 22 can be unlocked by means of a PIN entered at control 10panel 25. The bottom lock 42 and rear lock 43 are also controlled by the controller 30, and may be unlocked at the same time as the lid 22. Alternatively, to prevent theft of the storage unit SU prior to collection, the bottom lock 42 and the rear lock 43 may be unlocked only by another PIN, which is entered by the personnel collecting the unit.

The side interlocks 50 are also controlled by the controller 30 and may be unlocked at the same time as the lid 22 or by use of another PIN. Where multiple storage units SU are connected together by the side interlocks 50, their controllers 30 may also be linked, for example by means of a bus connector as in the previous embodiment. In that case, one of the controllers 30 may be set as a master controller so that a PIN entered at the control panel 25 of the master controller releases the side interlocks 50 of all of the storage units.

In a delivery method using the electronic version, storage units SU are held at a delivery depot, and may be stacked with their lids 22 open. A delivery order, such as contained in the delivery details message 4, is sent to the depot and the ordered goods are picked and loaded into the storage unit SU. The controller 30 is set to receive a PIN, for example by entering a code at the control panel 25, and, a message is sent to the delivery management system DM requesting a PIN, as in the PIN request message 2. The lid lock 45 is closed, and the storage unit SU is delivered to the customer's premises, 11 where it is secured using the rear lock 43 or floor lock 42. The delivery management system DM sends the PIN to the storage unit SU, by any of the methods in which the PIN message 3 is sent in the previous embodiment. The PIN is also sent to the customer, for example by email to the computer C or text message to a wireless device. The customer enters the PIN at the control panel 25 so as to unlock the lid lock 45, removes the goods, and closes the lid 22. In response to the PIN being entered, the storage unit SU sends a notification message to the delivery management system DM, which is passed to the logistics management system. The storage unit SU is then retrieved and returned to the depot.

In a collection method using the electronic version, the customer first needs an empty storage unit SU in which to return the goods; this may already be available after a delivery, or the customer may request delivery of an empty storage unit SU. The customer requests a new PIN from the delivery management system DM, and the new PIN is sent by email to the customer and to the controller 30 of the storage unit SU. The customer places the goods to be collected in the storage unit SU and closes the lid 22, leaving the storage unit SU secured by means of the rear lock 43 or the floor lock 42. The customer then enters the new PIN, which causes the controller 30 to send a message to the delivery management system DM and thence to the depot. The depot then retrieves the storage unit SU.

In the mechanical version, the lid lock 45, bottom lock 42 and rear lock 43 are lockable by one or more mechanical key-operated or combination lock mechanisms. The control panel 25 comprises combination lock dials and/or a keyhole. A delivery method involving the mechanical version differs from. the method using the electronic version in that the combination of the lock is set at the depot, and the customer is notified of the combination by email, or in a card posted through the customer's letterbox. The customer sets the combination lock to open the lid lock 45 and collects the goods. The customer may send a message to the depot requesting collection of the storage 12 unit SU, or delivery personnel may automatically collect the unit a few days after the delivery.

In a collection method involving the mechanical version, the customer uses the combination as notified to the customer during delivery to open the lid lock 45, places the goods to be returned inside the storage unit, and closes the lid 22 so that it locks once again. The customer sends a message to the depot to retrieve the storage unit SU, or the depot collects it automatically a few days later.

Although the lid lock 45 and the bottom lock 42 and/or rear lock 43 are separate and separately actuable in the preferred embodiment, alternatives may be envisaged in which a single lock, or multiple locks actuable together, are used to secure the storage unit SU against removal and opening.

13 CLANS 1. A method, of selectively enabling access to a storage unit having locking means for securing said storage unit against removal and for securing said storage unit against access to the interior thereof, the method comprising:

delivering the storage unit, including said locking means, to a location; and securing said storage unit against removal from said location using said locking means.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said locking means is reconfigurable, the method including configuring said combination prior to securing said storage unit.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said locking means has a reconfigurable combination.

4. A method according to claim 3, including providing a notification of said combination.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said notification is provided to a communications terminal.

6. A method according to claim 3, wherein said locking means receives a wireless signal which configures said combination.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said delivering step includes delivering goods to said location, and the securing step includes securing the goods within the storage unit.

14 8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further including unlocking said storage unit so as to gain access to the interior thereof, placing goods inside the storage unit, and locking said storage unit against access to the interior thereof. 5 9. A method according to claim 7, further including subsequently unlocking said storage unit so as to enable removal thereof, and removing said storage unit and said goods from said location.

10.A storage unit having first locking means for securing said storage unit against removal and second, separate locking means for securing said storage unit against access to the interior thereof 11. A storage unit according to claim 10, including third locking means 15 for securing said storage unit to another storage unit. 12. A storage unit having locking means for securing said storage unit against removal and for securing said storage unit to another storage unit. 20 13. A storage unit substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.