NL2017841B1 - Method and package box for delivering and/or retrieving packages - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to method for delivering and/or retrieving packages comprising generating unique track and trace code; providing package with unique track and trace code; providing unique track and trace code to list of codes in memory of package box to which package is to be delivered/retrieved; delivering/retrieving package to/from package box; supplying unique track and trace code to input device of package box; comparing unique track and trace code supplied to input device with list of codes stored in memory; generating authorisation signal with authoriser of package box that authorises unlocking of package box if comparison provides match between unique track and trace code supplied to input device and unique track and trace code stored on list of codes in memory; unlocking package box in response to authorisation signal; delivering/retrieving package to/from package box; closing package box. The invention also relates to package box for delivering and/or retrieving packages.

Description

Patent center

The Netherlands © 2017841 (21) Application number: 2017841 © Application submitted: 11/23/2016

BI PATENT @ Int. Cl .:

G06Q 10/08 (2017.01)

Application registered: (73) Patent holder (s): 28/05/2018 Kastiel Group B.V. in Drachten. (43) Application published: - (72) Inventor (s): Sander Egbers in Drachten. (w) Patent granted: 28/05/2018 (74) Agent: (45) Patent issued: ir. P.J. Hylarides et al. In The Hague. 14/06/2018

(54) METHOD AND PACKAGE BOX FOR DELIVERY AND / OR RETRIEVING PACKAGES © The invention relates to method for delivering and / or retrieving packages including generating unique track and trace code; providing package with unique track and trace code; providing unique track and trace code to list or codes in memory or package box to which package is delivered / retrieved; delivering / retrieving package to / from package box; supplying unique track and trace code to input device or package box; comparing unique track and trace code supplied to input device with list or codes stored in memory; generating authorization signal with authorizer or package box that authorizes unlocking or package box if comparison provides match between unique track and trace code supplied to input device and unique track and trace code stored on list or codes in memory; unlocking package box in response to authorization signal; delivering / retrieving package to / from package box; closing package box. The invention also relates to a package box for delivering and / or retrieving packages.

NL BI 2017841

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

METHOD AND PACKAGE BOX FOR DELIVERING AND / OR RETRIEVING

PACKAGES

The present invention relates to a method for delivering packages to and / or retrieving packages from a package box and also relates to a package box for delivering packages to and / or retrieving packages.

Over the past few years, an increasing number of consumer buy products over the internet, leading to a significant rise in numbers and transport volume or distribution service providers for delivering packages to and / or retrieving packages from consumers.

A problem associated with the delivery and / or retrieval process is that most packages are delivered or scheduled for pick-up during daytime hours. If a consumer is not at home, which is due to the daytime delivery time happens regularly, the package is delivered at the consumer's neighbor or a central pick-up point. Similarly, a package to be retrieved from a consumer needs to be dropped by a consumer at a central pick-up point. This leads to additional transport, costs, and emissions or transport vehicles.

To solve this problem, several distribution service providers place central or local package boxes in neighborhoods to which package can be delivered or from which packages can be delivered by the transport service provider that has placed the package boxes.

Since each distribution service provider uses its own system and package boxes, an increasing number of boxes is placed in neighborhoods. As a result, the existing method for delivering and / or retrieving packages requires significant space in a neighborhood to place boxes. Also, consumers are required to go to these pick-up points. The invention is aimed at providing a method for delivering and / or retrieving packages that at least partially alleviates one or more of these problems. This is achieved with the method according to the invention, the method including:

generating a unique track and trace code for a package;

providing the package and / or a user device or a person that is to deliver or retrieve the package with the unique track and trace code for tracking and tracing said package throughout a delivery and / or retrieval process of the package;

providing the unique track and trace code to a list or codes in the memory of the package box to which the package is delivered or from which the package is to be retrieved;

delivering the package to the package box or, alternatively, retrieving the package from the package box;

supplying the unique track and trace code to an input device or the package box;

comparing the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device with the list of codes stored in the memory;

generating an authorization signal with an authorizer of the package box that authorizes unlocking of the package box if the comparison provides a match between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the unique track and trace code stored on the list of codes in the memory;

unlocking the package box in response to the authorization signal; delivering or retrieving the package to or from the package box; and closing the package box.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that a unique track and trace code that is assigned to a package is also used for opening the package box for delivering and / or retrieving packages. Since each package sent by a supplier through a distribution service provider is provided with a unique track and trace code, the method according to the invention provides a method for delivering and / or retrieving packages that is independent of the system used by the supplier and / or distribution service provider. Such a code can be a barcode or a QR code or another suitable code.

Due to the fact that the method provides a delivery / retrieval system that is independent of the supplier / distribution service provider, it also becomes possible for a home owner to place a single package box near to or as part of their house or apartment that can be used by multiple suppliers and / or distribution service providers for delivering and / or retrieving packages. Thereby, the package box is independent from the specific supplier and distribution service provider.

Another advantage of the method according to the invention is that the delivery and / or retrieval process can be monitored from source to destination using a single code, i.e. from supplier to delivery in the package box or vice versa. This feature is unavailable in existing methods, since in these methods multiple codes are used for tracking and tracing on the one hand and delivering packages on and / or retrieving packages from the package box on the other hand. As a result, the delivery and / or retrieval process or the existing methods is divided over several process chains that are substantially uncoupled.

In an embodiment of the method, the method may also include an additional step or removing the unique track and trace code from the list or codes in the memory after the box has been opened and closed. Providing such an additional step increases the security of delivery, because, once the package is delivered, the package box can not be opened again using the unique track and trace code that is associated with the already delivered package.

In an embodiment of the method, the step of providing the unique track and trace code to a list in the memory of the package box to which the package is delivered or from which the package is to be retrieved comprises a number of steps. The method step may include sending a unique track and trace code to the package box using a telecommunication network, such as internet or a wireless communication network and receiving the unique track and trace code in a receiving module or the package box. Furthermore, the method may contain relaying the unique track and trace code to a list of codes stored in the memory and failure the unique track and trace code on the list of codes in the memory.

By using the method steps according to this embodiment, a highly automated delivery process can be achieved. The unique track and trace code that is generated at the start of the delivery or retrieval process and that is also provided to the package, may be directly sent to the package box in which the package is delivered or from which the package is delivered be retrieved. The unique track and trace code may be sent as a signal over a wired communication network, such as the internet and / or a wired telephone network. The signal may also include a wireless transmission that is sent to the package box using at least a partially wireless communication network, for example a network for mobile telephones. Depending on the type of signal and the network used to transfer the message, receiving the signal by the package box may be done in various ways. The package box may be configured to receive wired transmissions, wireless transmissions or both. In addition, the unique track and trace code may be sent using a secure transmission, in which the unique track and trace code is encrypted using standard encryption before sending the signal over the communication network to the package box. The package box may be provided with a receiving unit that is additionally configured to decrypt an encrypted sent message containing at least the unique track and trace code. The unique track and trace code is committed to a list of codes in the memory, which may contain a single code or a variety of codes for different packages that are delivered to the package box.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the step of providing the unique track and trace code to a list in the memory of the package box to which the package is to be delivered or from which the package is to be retrieved may include sending the unique track and trace code to a user device or a user of the package box using a telecommunication network, such as internet or a wireless communication network and receiving the unique track and trace code by the user device. The method further may include supplying the unique track and trace code to the input device or the package box by the user using the user device and processing and failure the unique track and trace code on the list of codes in the memory.

Sending the unique track and trace code to a user device or a user of the package box to which the package is to be delivered or from which the package is to be retrieved has the advantage that a package box is used in the method does not have to be provided with a communication unit that can communicate with an external communication network. Instead, a user only requires a user device that is adapted to communicate with the input device. The method according to this embodiment may be particularly useful in more remote areas, in which a connection or the package box with a communication network is difficult or expensive. The unique track and trace code may be more easily sent to a user device, which user can use the user device for committing the unique track and trace code via the input device to the memory. The unique track and trace code can be generated by a webshop or other supplier, a distribution service provider or a user.

In an embodiment, the method additionally comprises generating a unique user code and providing the unique user code to the list of codes in the memory of the package box. It also includes supplying the unique user code to the package box, such as the input device of the package box, and further comparing the unique user code supplied to the package box with the list of codes stored in the memory. The embodiment of the method according to the invention also includes generating an authorization signal that authorize unlocking the package box if the comparison between the unique user code supplied to the package box matches the unique user code on the list of codes stored in the memory.

A user may in the method according to the invention be provided with various options to access the package box. Preferably, the method is applied for personalized package boxes that are associated with a single house, building or apartment and therewith coupled to a limited amount of users associated with that house, building or apartment. In such a case, the unique user code may be a code that is provided for the memory only once and forms a permanent code in the list or codes in the memory that allows the user access to his or her own package box.

The step of providing the unique user code to the memory can be performed in various ways. A unique user code may be generated or provided by a user of the package box, which code is provided to the package box using the input device or a different unit that is provided in the package box for entering a user code. The memory may also be provided with a unique user code during manufacturing of the package box, the unique user code is provided along with the package box to a particular user or said (personalized) package box.

The unique user code may also be a temporary code, for example if a single package box is used by multiple people or if the package box is part of a group of package boxes, none of which is permanently assigned to a single person or household . A person may then temporarily claim a package box by assigning a unique user number to the box, which may also be the unique track and trace code or a package delivered to or retrieved from the package box. In case a temporary user code, being the unique track and trace code, used for retrieving a package by a supplier, the code may be a single use code. Using the method according to the invention, a user may 'claim' an unlocked package box for use by supplying the unique user code, which is the unique track and trace code, or a package to be retrieved to the input device, for example from a user device. The input device relays the unique track and trace code supplied to the list or codes in the memory. The user than places the package to be retrieved and closes the package box which than locks. A distributor service provider may retrieve the package by supplying the unique track and trace code to the input device and, after the method steps of comparing and generating the authorization signal according to one of the previously described expired of the invention, retrieve the package from the package box.

In an embodiment, the method comprises detecting the opening and / or closing of the package box and detecting the delivery of a package to the package box or the retrieval of a package from the package box. The embodiment also comprises deleting the unique track and trace code from the list of codes in the memory and sending a message to a user device or a user at least including a message that the package is delivered or retrieved.

The use of this embodiment of the method according to the invention provides the user with additional information on the delivery and / or retrieval process. The user may, by means of the additional steps provided in the embodiment, be provided with insight in the moment of delivery or a package to or retrieval or a package from the package box. This message may, when stored by the user, for example also be provided as evidence of retrieval of a package, therewith alleviating the user of responsibility for the package and its contents from the time or receiving the message and onwards. In order to be sure that the package box can only be opened once upon delivery or retrieval with a unique track and trace code, the step of detecting the opening and / or closing of the package box, or the detecting or delivery or retrieval of a package may be used to delete the unique track and trace code from the list or codes in the memory.

It should be noted that the various steps in this embodiment do not have to be combined, but may also be provided as single steps, each step being invidividually added to any of the elaborate and / or the main aspect of the invention as described above. The embodiment may therefore be provided with only one of the steps of detecting opening and / or closing of the package box and detecting the delivery of a package to the retrieval or a package from the package box. In addition, the embodiment may also be provided with or without the step or deleting the unique track and trace code from the list or codes stored in the memory. The presently preferred embodiment does, however, always include the step of sending a message to a user device or a user at least including a message that the package is delivered or retrieved and at least one or two detection steps.

In the method according to the embodiment the message to a user device may also include additional information that has been collected in or on the package box. This may for example include information on the weight of the package collected by a weighing unit, visual information on the contents of the package box captured by a camera or information on whether or not an item was inserted in the package box, for example by using movement and / or infrared sensors in the package box. Information that comprises a combination of the information mentioned before may also be provided in the message that is sent to the user device. Such additional information provides the user with additional certainty that the delivery and / or retrieval of a package has been performed. In addition, the information may provide a user with information on the quality of the delivery / retrieval process performed using the package box. Such information may be used for providing proof that a package was damaged before or during delivery.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, supplying the unique track and trace code is chosen from a group of scanning the code, physically entering the code using a user interface, for example a graphical user interface, connected to the package box, speaking the code into a microphone connected to the holder or transmitting the code using wireless communication, preferably near field communication (NFC), for example by using a smart card or an NFC tag.

A great variety of different technologies for the input device can be used to perform the step or supplying the unique track and trace code to the package box. In a currently preferred embodiment, the input device comprises a bar or QR code scanner for scanning the associated unique track and trace code, but the method according to the embodiment may include various other technologies for supplying the code.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the method may also include providing a second fist of codes in the memory with a code that relates to a further authorization parameter, for example a delivery window, the step of generating an authorization signal that authorizes unlocking or the package box if the comparison provides a match between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the unique track and trace code stored on the list or codes in the memory additionally comprises comparing the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device with the second fist or codes, and if the comparison between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the second fist or codes provides a match, generating an authorization and / or approval signal. The approval signal may be the authorization signal or another form of approval signal.

Furthermore, in an embodiment the method may also include, if the comparison between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the second fist or codes does not provide a match, comparing the first fist or codes with the second fist or codes . If the comparison between the first fist or codes and the second fist or codes does not provide a match, the method comprises generating an authorization or approval signal. If the comparison between the first fist of codes and the second fist of codes provides a match, the method comprises denying the generating or an authorization signal.

By providing a combination of two parameters, one of which is the unique track and trace code, it is possible to only allow opening of the package box in a certain time frame or on a certain date. Therewith it becomes possible to have multiple packages being delivered to the package box during a specified time period.

According to an embodiment of the method, when a unique track and trace code is supplied to the input device, the unique track and trace code is compared to a list of codes in the memory containing the unique track and trace code. If the code supplied to the input device does not match with a unique track and trace code on the list or codes in the memory, the package box will not open. However, an additional check may be incorporated by means of a second list or codes, which second list or codes may include example delivery dates, delivery times, and / or distribution supplier information. It may also include other information. If the code supplied to the input device does match with a unique track and trace code on the list of codes in the memory, the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device is compared to a second list of codes stored in the memory, for example a delivery date. An authorization signal is generated if the delivery date matches the date of today and the package can be delivered. If the delivery date or the package having the unique track and trace code does not match the date of today, the package box may remain closed.

In an embodiment, the method may also include executing multiple comparisons between the unique track and trace code, a second parameter and / or a combination with the first list of codes, the second list of codes and / or combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the step of generating an authorization signal that authorizes unlocking of the package box if the comparison provides a match between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the unique track and trace code stored on the list of codes in the memory additionally may include combining the unique track and trace code with a second parameter, for example a delivery date, and comparing the combination with a combination of the first and the second fist or codes containing unique track and trace codes and delivery dates or packages to be delivered, if, the comparison between the combination of the unique track and trace code and the second parameter matches the combination of the first and the second list of codes, generating an authorization or approval signal, and being, if the comparison between the combination of the unique track and trace code and the second parameter does not match the combination of the first and the second fist or codes, providing an additional comparison between the second parameter associated with the unique track and trace code with the second fist or codes, providing if the comparison between the second parameter associated with the unique track and trace code with the second fist or codes provided a match, generating an authorization and / or approval code is denied, and, if the comparison between the second parameter associated with the unique track and trace code with the second fist or codes does not provide a match, the method comprises generating an authorization and / or approval code. By providing the method with additional method steps including a second list of parameters, several additional safety and / or comfort options may be included in the delivery process. The embodiment may be used to allow early or later deliveries or packages that were scheduled to be delivered on another day and / or time. The method therefore includes checking against a second parameter, for example a delivery date and / or time, the authorization and / or approval signal is only provided on a particular date and / or time specified as the second parameter. But it also includes the option to provide late / early delivery, which includes comparing the current date with the second list or codes to establish or other packages are scheduled to arrive at the current date and / or time frame. If no other packages are scheduled for delivery on the current date, a package that is not scheduled to arrive at the current date may still be delivered, because it is clear that no conflicts with package deliveries will occur, ie there will not be multiple packages being delivered to the package box in a specified time frame. The second parameter and / or the second list of codes preferably contains dates and / or times that are associated with delivery, but may also include or contain other information such as information on the distribution service provider or other information.

The invention also relates to a package box for delivering and / or retrieving packages. The package box comprises a housing having at least one compartment configured for holding packages and at least one closeable opening in the housing that is configured for delivering packages to and / or retrieving packages from the package box. The package further comprises a lock having a locking mechanism, where the lock is operatively connected to the closeable opening for unlockably locking the closeable opening. The package box also comprises a memory unit having a memory for failure the unique track and trace code on a list of codes, an input device for receiving the unique track and trace code and a control unit that is operatively connected to the memory, the input device and the lock. The package box furthermore comprises a comparison component that is operatively connected to the memory and the control unit and an authoriser (19) that is operatively connected to the comparison compartment (20) and is configured for generating an authorization signal. The control unit is configured to control the locking mechanism or the lock based on input from the comparison component, where the comparison component is configured to compare the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device with the unique track and trace code on a list or codes in the memory and the author unit generates an authorization signal to the control unit if the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device matches the unique track and trace code on the list or codes in the memory, and the control unit is configured to unlock the locking mechanism based on the authorization signal.

The package box according to the invention provides the same advantages as described for the method for delivering packages to and retrieving packages from a package box as described above. Due to the fact that the package box or the invention is configured to receive a unique track and trace code that is also provided to a package that is delivered to or retrieved from the package box, the package box can be seamlessly applied in any existing track and trace system or any supplier and / or distribution service provider. As such, it becomes temporarily 'part' of the track and trace system of a supplier and / or distribution service provider that is to deliver a package to or retrieve a package from the package box, allowing the package to be traced throughout the entire process or delivery or retrieval.

The package box is preferably provided as a personalized package box in that the box is associated with a single house, building or apartment and / or with a single household. The package box for a single house or building may be provided as an integral part of the house or building, but may also be provided as a stand alone unit in or near a garden or driveway. For apartments, a wall, stack or collection of connected packages boxes may be provided in a central hallway, each apartment is provided with a single package box that is associated with that particular apartment.

It is also possible to provide package boxes according to the invention for use in a central, multi-user storage facility, such as a group or package boxes in a neighborhood. In this situation, the package boxes may not be personalized and / or associated with a single house or household, but may be multi-user package boxes which can be used temporarily by a user.

The package box according to the invention may be manufactured from a variety of materials or combinations of materials. Preferably, the package box is made of a metal, such as stainless steel, a metal-alloy or a material containing carbon fibers, since these materials are sturdy and weather-resistant. Other materials, for example plastics, may also be used for manufacturing the package box or parts ther. The package box may be provided with a single compartment in which a package can be held, but may also be provided with multiple compartments that each have a closeable opening associated with that particular compartment. Therefore, it is not only possible to provide a customized package box, but it may also be possible to provide a customized package box for a particular consumer. A multi-compartment package box may be provided with additional software and / or hardware to allow different compartments to be associated with different unique track and trace codes so as to allow different deliveries and / or retrievals to the different compartments to be made.

The lock and locking mechanism may be an electronic lock, a conventional lock or combinations including both mechanical and electronic parts. The lock and locking mechanism may also contain software or embedded software for example for locking and unlocking the lock. The lock and locking mechanism may also include wireless communication components for allowing wireless communication, such as near field communication using NFC technology.

The control unit may include a processor and / or other components for allowing software to be executed by the control unit.

In an embodiment, the package box may include a second input device for receiving the unique track and trace code, where the control unit is configured for sending said unique track and trace code to the list of codes in the memory and instructing the memory to store said unique track and trace code in the list codes.

The second input device may be used to provide the unique track and trace code to the list of codes in the memory or the package box. The second input device is therefore adapted for receiving a unique track and trace code and is configured for relaying or sending the received unique track and trace code to the control unit for further processing by said control unit. Preferably, the second input device is a communication unit that is adapted for sending and receiving wired and / or wireless communication. The unique track and trace code is sent to the communication unit using a wired and / or wireless communication network and is received by said communication unit, which relays the received unique track and trace code to the control unit for further processing and failure on the list or codes in the memory. In an elaboration of the package box, the communication received by the communication unit is an encrypted message containing at least the unique track and trace code and the communication unit and / or the control unit are adapted for decrypting the message for receiving the unique track and trace code contained in the encrypted message.

The second input device may also be provided using different techniques, such as a physical user interface, for example a keyboard or numpad, a graphical user interface (GUI), a barcode or QR code scanner or a near field communication (NFC) ) device for receiving the code from a smart card, smartphone or app. The second input device may also include a microphone configured for receiving and transferring voice commands to the control unit, where the control unit is configured for receiving and processing the voice commands and / or the ghosts unique track and trace code to allow the unique track and trace code to be stored in the list or codes in the memory.

The second input unit and / or the control unit may also be adapted to provide feedback to a sender or provider of the second code including a message or signal indicating a successful storage of the unique track and trace code in the list of codes in the memory .

In an embodiment, the package box comprises a heating and / or cooling unit for respectively heating and / or cooling the least one compartment of the housing.

An advantage of providing a heater and / or cooling unit is that the package box may also be used for receiving food packages that require cooling or heating, such as for example heating the at least one compartment for receiving hot food, such as pizza, or cooling the least one compartment for receiving and holding for example fresh vegetables or milk-based products.

The heating and cooling unit may include any type or unit, but preferably comprises a heating and / or cooling unit having a flat heating and / or cooling surface that is part of an inner compartment wall.

In an embodiment the package box comprises a detection unit, such as a sensor, for detecting opening and / or closing of the closeable opening, the detection unit is configured to provide a signal to the control unit after the closeable opening has been opened and / or closed, the control unit is configured to receive the signal from the detection unit. The control unit is also configured for deleting the unique track and trace code from the memory and / or configured for relaying the signal to a communication unit. The control unit is also configured for instructing the communication unit to transmit a signal to a user device at least containing a delivery and / or retrieval confirmation.

In order to provide a user or a package box with an increased insight into the delivery or packages to and / or retrieval or packages from the package box, the package box may be provided with a detection unit. Such a detection unit may include one or more sensors that are configured for measuring several parameters. Preferably, the detection unit comprises at least one sensor, which is configured for detecting the opening and closing or the closeable opening. The detection unit may, however, comprise multiple sensors, such as a movement detection sensor for detecting whether a package has been inserted in the least one package box and / or a sensor for detecting the humidity in the package box. A humidity sensor and a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the closeable opening may, alone or in conjunction, used to determine whether the closeable opening has been closed after the package has been placed. If such sensors are combined with an alarm, for example a sound alarm, light alarm or another alarm to warn the person that is placed the package, it may be prevented that the closeable opening is left open or ajar. This is especially advantageous for packages boxes that are placed outside in the open, in which rain and / or snow and / or fog could enter the package box if it is left open.

In an embodiment, the detection unit may further include a weighing unit for assessing a weight of a package delivered to the package box and the signal to a user device additionally preferably may contain the weight information of the delivered package.

By adding a weighing unit to the detection unit, a user is provided with an additional check for checking whether the correct package has been delivered. Most of the internet-based suppliers provide information on the weight of the package that has been sent to the package box of the user. By means of the information from the weighing unit, a user can remotely check whether the delivered package has the weight specified by the supplier. The weight information may also be stored in the memory or the package box for later retrieval, the information in the memory may also be combined with a time and date or providing the weight signal to the memory. Furthermore, the information from the weighing unit may also be stored in the memory as well as provided in the message to the user device.

In an embodiment, the detection unit may further include a camera for providing at least one image of the inner space of the package box and the signal to the user device additionally preferably may contain the at least one image.

A camera that provides visual information of the contents of the compartment provides a user with additional means for remotely checking that the correct package has been delivered. A most interesting combination in this respect is formed by a package box having both a camera and a weighing unit. This allows a user a relatively accurate remote check on whether the package delivered to the package is the correct package. Such a combination is especially interesting in relation to delayed payment options, i.e. the payment is delayed until the receiver or the package (i.e. the user) releases the payment from a deposit account. Using this combination of features allows a user to remotely check the package and provide the release order to the deposit account.

The embodiment also may include a variant in which the camera image is stored in the memory or the package box. The malfunction may also be combined with providing a date and / or time or malfunction and / or taking the image by the camera. The image provided by the camera may also be sent to the user device as well as being stored in the memory or the package box.

In a further embodiment, the least one image may be a series of images forming a media stream, for example a video feed, the control unit may be configured for failure the media stream to the memory, and the signal to the user device may include a link to assess the video feed that is stored in the memory.

By providing a media stream such as a video feed, a user can remotely check on the delivery procedure, which is advantageous if fragile goods are expected to be delivered. The media stream provides a view on the delivery procedure and allows the user to check whether the delivery to the package box is handled with care.

In yet another embodiment, the input device may be one of a group of a scanner, such as a barcode or QR scanner, a physical user interface, such as a touchpad or keyboard, having a graphical user interface (GUI), preferably having a GUI a touchpad, a microphone configured for receiving spoken commands or transmitter / receiver unit configured for transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals, such as near field communication (NFC) signals.

In an embodiment, the locking mechanism and / or the control unit may be provided with an unlocking device that allows a user, such as a home owner, to open the least one closeable opening for retrieving a package from and / or placing a package in the least one compartment or the package box.

The locking mechanism and / or the control unit may be provided with a separate unlocking device allowing the user to open the package box without necessarily using the input device. The unlocking device may be a mechanical and / or an electronic device, such as a lock and key, an app using unlocking software, a touchpad / keyboard, an unlocking device having wireless technology, such as an NFC chip or smart card, or even a voice-activated unlocking system.

The invention further comprises a system for delivering and / or retrieving packages, including at least one package box according to any one of the invention, a communication system that is adapted to sent and / or receive signals and / or messages including at least one unique track and trace code that is associated with a package that is delivered to one of the least one package box and a code generator for generating unique track and trace codes each of which is associated with a package to be delivered to a package box and / or a package that is to be retrieved from a package box. The unique track and trace code that is associated with an associated package is provided to the package as well as sent to the memory of the package box to which the package is to be delivered or the package is to be retrieved by using the communication network, and checking the control unit is configured to control the locking mechanism of the lock based on input from the comparison component, being the comparison component is configured to compare the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device with the unique track and trace code on a list of codes in the memory and generate an authorization signal to the control unit if the unique track and trace code is supplied to the input device matches the unique track and trace code is on the list of codes in the memory, and is the control unit configured to unlock the locking mechanism based on the authorization signal provided by the comparison component.

In an embodiment, the system according to the invention comprises a system that is adapted to execute the method according to the invention.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis or preferred otherwise, where reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example of the method according to the invention incorporating several different;

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of another example of the method according to the invention incorporating several different;

Figure 3 shows a schematic overview or a part of the method according to invention related to a unique user code;

Figure 4 shows a schematic overview or a package box according to the invention. and

Figure 5 and Figure 6 show perspective views or examples of the package box according to the invention.

In a first example 100 or the method according to the invention shown in figure 1, the first step comprises generating 102 a unique track and trace code for a package. The generated unique track and trace code is followed by the subsequent step of providing 104 the package and / or a user device that is to deliver or retrieve the package with the unique track and trace code for tracking and tracing said package throughout a delivery and / or retrieval process of the package.

Furthermore, the method of the example comprises sending 122 the unique track and trace code to the package box using a telecommunication network, such as internet or a wireless communication network, and receiving 124 the unique track and trace code in a receiving module or the package box. Further, it comprises relaying 126 and failure 106 the unique track and trace code to a list of codes stored in the memory.

The step of delivering 108 the package to the package box or, alternatively, retrieving 108 the package from the package box comprising a number of subsequent sub-steps that together define the process of delivering or retrieving. Firstly, it comprises supplying 110 the unique track and trace code to an input device or the package box, followed by comparing 112 the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device with the list of codes stored in the memory. If the comparison provides a match between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the unique track and trace code stored on the fist or codes in the memory, the method comprises generating 114 an authorization signal that authorizes unlocking of the package box and unlocking 116 the package box in response to the authorization signal. In this example, the package box is provided with a detection unit, which provides the method step of detection 128 the opening of the package box and / or detection 130 the delivery of a package to the package box or the retrieval of a package from the package box. With the opened package box, the method step of delivering or retrieving 118 the package to the least one compartment or the package box can be performed. The detection unit identifies the delivery or retrieval by detecting 130 the delivery of a package to the package box or the retrieval of a package from the package box and subsequent detection 128 the closing 120 of the package box.

After detecting 128 or closing 120 of the box, the method also includes deleting 132 the unique track and trace code from the list of codes in the memory and sending 134 a message to a user device or a user at least including a message that the package is delivered or retrieved.

The advantage of the example of the method according to the invention is that the delivery process can be executed without the user having to take action. The unique track and trace code is automatically supplied to the package box through a communication network and subsequently stored for use on a list of codes in the memory. As a result, the package can be delivered to or retrieved from the package box and a user only has to retrieve the package from the package box after receiving the message. Alternatively, the user only has to provide the package to be returned to the package box and receive a message if the package is retrieved. This message may serve as proof to the supplier that the package has been returned. To ascertain that the package box can only be opened once using the unique track and trace code, the step of deleting the unique track and trace code from the list of codes in the memory is used. This method step increases the security of delivery.

In another example 101 of the method according to the invention shown in figure 2, the method primarily comprises the same steps as in the example as described above, but in this example user interaction is required for executing the method. In this example the method includes sending 222 the unique track and trace code to a user device or a user of the package box using a telecommunication network, such as internet or a wireless communication network and receiving 224 the unique track and trace code by the user device. The user is then required to perform the step of supplying 226 the unique track and trace code to the input device or the package box by the user using the user device. The processing and failure 206 the unique track and trace code is on the list of codes in the memory, after receiving the unique track and trace code via the input device, performed in the package box.

The method according to this example has the advantage that a package box can be used in a standalone mode without requiring a connection to a communication network. As such, the method according to this example may be used in remote areas, in which the availability of communication networks is limited, or may be used in areas in which a connection of the package box with an external communication network is undesirable. In case a stand alone package box is desired, it may be considered to abandon or limit executing the method step or sending 134 a message to a user device or a user at least including a message that the package is delivered or retrieved.

In both of the examples described above, the step of supplying 104 the unique track and trace code to the input device can be performed with a variety of available technologies.

Preferably, the step of supplying 104 the unique track and trace code is chosen from a group of scanning the code, physically entering the code using a user interface, for example a graphical user interface, connected to the package box, speaking the code into a microphone connected to the holder or transmitting the code using wireless communication, preferably near field communication NFC, for example using a smart card or an NFC tag. The choice for any one of the technologies or this group is made for example based on the specific circumstances or placement and preferences of a user.

A schematic overview of the method steps related to providing and using a unique user code are provided in an example as shown in Figure 3. An embodiment that is specifically aimed at the user code is this example contains generating 300 a unique user code and providing 302 the unique user code to the list or codes in the memory or the package box. For the action of opening the package box by a user, the example comprises the steps of supplying 304 the unique user code to the package box, such as the input device of the package box and continued comparing 306 the unique user code supplied to the package box with the list of codes stored in the memory. If the comparison between the unique user code supplied to the package box matches the unique user code on the list of codes stored in the memory, the example comprises generating 308 an authorization signal that authorizes unlocking or the package box.

Generating and using a unique user code may be done in several different ways using any one of a wide variety of technologies. Preferably, a user has a number of options for supplying 304 the unique user code to the package box, such as a smart card, a physical key, a numerical key that is entered in an input device or even an app that communicates with a control unit. More specifically, the method steps of supplying 304 the unique user code to the package box may be chosen from the same group as the group that is provided for supplying the unique track and trace code to the input device, the same or a different input device may be used for the unique user code.

The invention further relates to a package box 2 (as shown in figures 4-6) for delivering packages to and / or retrieving packages. The package box 2 according to the example comprises a housing 4 having at least one compartment 6 configured for holding packages and at least one closeable opening 8 in the housing 4 that is configured for inserting packages in and / or retrieving packages from the package box 2 The door 9 of closeable opening 8 includes a lock 10 having a locking mechanism 12, with the lock 10 being operatively connected to the door 9 of closeable opening 8 for unlockably locking the closeable opening 8. The package box 2 according to the examples also includes a memory unit 14 for failure of the unique track and trace code on a fist of codes, an input device 16 for receiving the unique track and trace code, a control unit 18 that is operatively connected to the memory 14, the input device 16 and the lock 10 and a comparison component 20 that is operatively connected to the memory 14 and the control unit 18. In addition, the package box 2 contains an authoriser 19, which is operatively connected to the comparison component 20 and may additionally be connected to control unit 18. The authoriser 19 may also be an integral part of control unit 18. The control unit 18 is configured to control the locking mechanism 12 or the lock 10 based on input from the authoriser 19, where the comparison component 20 is configured to compare the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device 16 with the unique track and trace code on a fist or codes in the memory 14 and the author 19 generates an authorization signal to the control unit 18 if the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device 16 matches the unique track and trace code on the fist or codes in the memory 14, and the control unit 18 is configured to unlock the locking mechanism 12 based on the authorization signal provided by the comparison component 20.

The housing 4 according to the example is made of a metal, such as stainless steel or metal-alloy. In addition, the housing 4 may be adapted to user specifications by applying one or more coats of paint, or a cladding material for creating a unique package box. The cladding material for example comprises a wrap, such as a texture wrap, but may also include a cladding or wool or cotton.

In the example, compartment 6 is a single compartment configured for holding a single package. However, the compartment may be adapted by a user in multiple compartments by placing additional shelves to hold multiple packages.

The closeable opening 8 is closed with a hinged door 9, but may also be provided as a slideable, rollable or tilt-up door. The lock 10 and locking mechanism 12 are in this example combined with unlocking device 32. Lock 10 in the example (shown in figures 5 and 6) is an electronic lock using NFC technology, but lock 10 may also include a conventional lock having a key or a rotatable cipherlock, an electric or electronic lock having a user interface, an app and may equally be a combination of a conventional and an electric or electronic lock 10.

Input device 16 in this example is a barcode scanner that is configured for scanning bar or QR codes. The input device 16 may also be a different type of device, for example a physical user interface such as a touch pad or keyboard or a graphical user interface. This type of device is preferably used with a set of package boxes 2 that is placed in an apartment block, in which all package boxes 2 are coupled to a central terminal. Each user can access the package box 2 that is coupled with his or her apartment via the terminal.

Detection unit 26 includes at least one sensor, such as a movement sensor, an IR sensor or a sensor being a combination of both. In addition, the package box 2 may also contain weighing unit 28 and / or a camera 30. Camera 30 can be used for providing a single image or a media stream including a sequence of images, for example for forming a video feed.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred expend. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims (16)

CLAUSES 1. Method for delivering packages to and / or retrieving packages from a package box, including: generating (102) a unique track and trace code for a package; providing (104) the package and / or a user device of a person, that is to deliver or retrieve the package, with the unique track and trace code for tracking and tracing said package throughout a delivery and / or retrieval process of the package; providing (106) the unique track and trace code to a list of codes in a memory of the package box to which the package is delivered or from which the package is to be retrieved; delivering (108) the package to the package box or retrieving (108) the package to the package box; supplying (110) the unique track and trace code to an input device or the package box; comparing (112) the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device with the list of codes stored in the memory; generating (114) an authorization signal with an authorizer of the package box that authorizes unlocking of the package box if the comparison provides a match between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the unique track and trace code stored on the list or codes in the memory; unlocking (116) the package box in response to the authorization signal; delivering or retrieving (118) the package to or from the package box; and closing (120) the package box. 2. Method according to clause 1, providing the step of providing the unique track and trace code to a list in the memory of the package box to which the package is delivered or from which the package is to be retrieved, comprises: sending (122) the unique track and trace code to the package box using a telecommunication network, such as internet or a wireless communication network; receiving (124) the unique track and trace code in a receiving module or the package box; relaying (126) the unique track and trace code to the list of codes stored in the memory; and fault (106) the unique track and trace code on the list or codes in the memory. 3. Method according to clause 1, providing the step of providing the unique track and trace code to a list in the memory of the package box to which the package is delivered or from which the package is to be retrieved, comprises: sending (222) the unique track and trace code to a user device or a user of the package box using a telecommunication network, such as internet or a wireless communication network; receiving (224) the unique track and trace code by the user device; supplying (226) the unique track and trace code to the input device or the package box by the user using the user device; and processing and failure (206) the unique track and trace code on the list of codes in the memory. 4. Method according to any of the preceding clauses, including: generating (300) a unique user code; providing (302) the unique user code to the list of codes in the memory or the package box; supplying (304) the unique user code to the package box, such as the input device or the package box; comparing (306) the unique user code supplied to the package box with the list of codes stored in the memory; generating (308) an authorization signal that authorizes unlocking the package box if the comparison between the unique user code supplied to the package box matches the unique user code on the list of codes stored in the memory. 5. Method according to any one of the preceding clauses, including: detecting (128) the opening and / or closing of the package box; detecting (130) the delivery of a package to the package box or the retrieval of a package to the package box; deleting (132) the unique track and trace code from the list of codes in the memory; and sending (134) a message to a user device or a user at least including a message that the package is delivered or retrieved. 6. Method according to any one of the preceding clauses, supplying the unique track and trace code is chosen from a group of scanning the code; physically entering the code using a user interface, for example a graphical user interface, connected to the package box; speaking the code into a microphone connected to the package box or transmitting the code using wireless communication, preferably near field communication (NFC), for example by using a smart card or an NFC tag. 7. Method according to any one of the preceding clauses, including: providing a second list of codes in the memory with a code that relates to a further authorization parameter, for example a delivery window; if the comparison provides a match between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the unique track and trace code stored on the list of codes in the memory additionally comprises: comparing the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device with the second list of codes; and if the comparison between the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device and the second list of codes provides a match, generating the authorization or an approval signal. 8. Package box (2) for delivering and / or retrieving packages, including: a housing (4) having at least one compartment (6) configured for holding packages; at least one closeable opening (8) in the housing (4) that is configured for delivering packages to and / or retrieving packages from the package box (2); a lock (10) having a locking mechanism (12), the lock (10) is operatively connected to the closeable opening (8) for unlockably locking the closeable opening (8); a memory unit (14) having a memory for failure the unique track and trace code on a fist or codes; an input device (16) for receiving the unique track and trace code; a control unit (18) that is operatively connected to the memory (14), the input device (16) and the lock (10); a comparison component (20) that is operatively connected to the memory (14) and the control unit (18); and an authoriser (19) that is operatively connected to the comparison component (20) and is configured for generating an authorization signal; the control unit (18) is configured to control the locking mechanism or the lock based on input from the authoriser (19), the comparison component (20) is configured to compare the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device ( 16) with the unique track and trace code on a list of codes in the memory and the author (19) generates an authorization signal to the control unit (18) if the unique track and trace code supplied to the input device (16) matches the unique track and trace code on the list of codes in the memory, and regarding the control unit (18) is configured to unlock the locking mechanism (12) based on the authorization signal. 9. Package box according to clause 8, including a second input device (22) for receiving the unique track and trace code, providing the control unit is configured for sending said unique track and trace code to the list of codes in the memory and instructing the memory to store said unique track and trace code in the list of codes. 10. Package box according to any one of the clauses 8-9, including a heating and / or cooling unit (24) for respectively heating and / or cooling the at least one compartment of the housing. 11. Package box according to any one of the clauses 8-10, including a detection unit (26), such as a sensor, for detecting opening and / or closing or the closeable opening, where the detection unit is configured to provide a signal to the control unit after the closeable opening has been opened and / or closed, the control unit is configured for: receiving the signal from the detection unit; deleting the unique track and trace code from the memory; relaying the signal to a communication unit; and instructing the communication unit to transmit a signal to a user device containing at least a delivery and / or retrieval confirmation. 12. Package box according to clause 11, the detection unit further comprises a weighing unit (28) for assessing a weight of a package delivered to the package box and containing the signal to a user device additionally preferably contains the weight information of the delivered package. 13. Package box according to clause 11 or 12, the detection unit further comprises a camera (30) for providing at least one image of the inner space of the package box and the signal to the user device additionally preferably contains the at least one image. 14. Package box according to clause 13, the least one image is a series of images forming a media stream, for example a video feed, the control unit is configured for the media stream to the memory, and the signal to the user device comprises a link to assess the media stream that is stored in the memory. 15. Package box according to any of the clauses 8-14, the input device is one of a Group of a scanner; such as barcode or QR scanner; a physical user interface, such as a touchpad or keyboard; a graphical user interface (GUI), preferably a GUI having a touchpad; a microphone configured for receiving spoken commands or transmitter / receiver unit configured for transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals, such as near field communication (NFC) signals. 10 16. Package box according to any one of the clauses 8-15, with the locking mechanism and / or the control unit being provided with an unlocking device (32) that allows a user, such as a home owner, to open the at least one closeable opening for retrieving a package from and / or placing a package in the compartment or the package box. CONCLUSIONS Method for delivering and / or returning packages from a package box, comprising: generating (102) a unique track and trace code for a package; providing the package (104) and / or a user device of a person to deliver or return the package, with the unique track and trace code for tracking said package during the delivery and / or return process of the package; providing (106) the unique track and trace code to a list of codes in a memory of the package box to which the package is to be delivered or from which the package is to be returned; delivering the package to the package box or returning the package from the package box; comparing (112) the unique track and trace code input to the input device with the list of codes in the memory; generating (114) an authorization signal with a package box authorizer that authorizes package box unlocking as the comparison between the unique track and trace code input to the input device and the unique track and trace code stored on the list corresponds to codes in memory; unlocking (116) the packet box in response to the authorization signal; delivering or returning (118) the package to or from the package box; and closing (120) the package box. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing the unique track and trace code to a list in the memory of the package box to which the package is to be delivered or from which the package is to be returned comprises: sending (122) the unique track and trace code to the package box using a telecommunications network, such as the internet or a wireless communication network; receiving (124) the unique track and trace code in a receiving module from the package box; forwarding (126) the unique track and trace code to the list of codes stored in the memory; storing (106) the unique track and trace code on the code list in the memory. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing the unique track and trace code to a list in the memory of the package box to which the package is to be delivered or from which the package is to be returned comprises: sending (222) the unique track and trace code to a user device of a user of the package box using a telecommunications network, such as the internet or a wireless communication network; receiving (224) the unique track and trace code by the user device; the user entering (126) the unique track and trace code to the package box input device using the user device; and processing and storing (206) the unique track and trace code on the code list in the memory. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: generating (300) a unique user code; providing (302) the unique user code to the code list in the package box memory; entering (304) the unique user code to the package box, such as, for example, to the package box input device; comparing (306) the unique user code entered at the packet box with the list of codes stored in the memory; generating (308) an authorization signal that authorizes unlocking the package box if the comparison between the unique user code presented to the package box matches the unique user code on the list of codes stored in the memory. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: detecting (128) the opening and / or closing of the package box; detecting (130) the delivery of a package to the package box or the return of a package from the package box; removing (132) the unique track and trace code from the list of codes in the memory; and sending (134) a message to a user's user device that includes at least one message that the package has been delivered or returned. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein providing the unique track and trace code is selected from a group of scanning the code; physically entering the code using a user interface, e.g. a graphical user interface connected to the package box; recording the code in a microphone connected to the package box or transmitting the code using wireless communication, preferably near-field communication (NFC), for example by using a smart card or an NFC tag. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: providing a second list of codes in memory with a code related to a further authorization parameter, for example, a remote span; wherein the step of generating an authorization signal from the package box that authorizes unlocking the package box as the comparison between the unique track and trace code input to the input device and the unique track and trace code stored on the code list in the memory, further comprising: comparing the unique track and trace code presented to the input device with the second list of codes; and, if the comparison between the unique track and trace code presented to the input device and the second code list matches, generating the authorization or an approval signal. A package box (2) for delivering and / or returning packages, comprising: a housing (4) provided with at least one compartment for storing packages; at least one lockable opening (8) in the housing (4) which is adapted to deliver packages to and / or return packages from the package box (2); a lock (10) provided with a lock mechanism (12) for lockable locking of the lockable opening (8); a memory unit (14) provided with a memory for storing the unique track and trace code on a code list; an input device (16) for receiving the unique track and trace code; a control and / or control unit (18) operatively connected to the memory (14), the input device (16) and the lock (10); a comparison unit (20) operatively connected to the memory (14) and the control and / or control unit (18); and an authorizer (19) operatively connected to the comparison unit (20) and adapted to generate an authorization signal; wherein the control and / or control unit is adapted to control the lock mechanism (12) of the lock (10) based on the input from the authorizer (19), the comparison unit (20) being adapted to compare the unique track and trace code that is presented to the input device (19) with the unique track and trace code on the list of codes in the memory and wherein the authorizer (19) generates an authorization signal to the control and / or or control unit (18) if the unique track and trace code presented to the input device (16) matches the unique track and trace code on the list of codes in the memory (14), and wherein the control and / or control unit (18) is adapted to unlock the lock mechanism (12) based on the authorization signal. A package box according to claim 8, comprising a second input device (22) for receiving the unique track and trace code, wherein the control and / or control unit (18) is adapted to send the unique track and trace code to the code list stored in the memory and instructing the memory to store the unique track and trace code on the code list. Package box according to one of claims 8-9, comprising a heating and / or cooling unit (24) for respectively heating and / or cooling the at least one compartment of the housing. Package box according to one of claims 8-10, comprising a detection device (26), such as a sensor, for detecting the opening and / or closing of the closable opening (8), the detection unit being adapted for providing a signal to the control and / or control unit after the closable opening has been opened and / or closed, the control and / or control unit being arranged for: receiving a signal from the detection device; removing the unique track and trace code from the memory; sending the signal to the communication unit; and instructing the communication unit to send a signal to a user device at least including a delivery and / or return confirmation. A package box according to claim 11, wherein the detection device further comprises a weighing device (28) for weighing a package supplied to the package box, and wherein the signal to the user device additionally preferably comprises the weight of the delivered package. A package box according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the detection device further comprises a camera (30) for providing at least one image of the interior space of the package box and wherein the signal to the user device additionally preferably the at least one image includes. A package box according to claim 13, wherein the at least one image is a set of images that forms a media stream, for example a video stream, wherein the control and / or control unit is arranged for storing the media stream in the memory, and wherein the signal to the user device comprises a link for viewing the media stream stored in the memory. A package box according to any one of claims 8-14, wherein the input device is one of a group of a scanner, such as a barcode or QR scanner; a physical user interface, such as a touch screen or keyboard; a graphical user interface (GIU), preferably a GUI provided with a touch screen; comprises a microphone for receiving voice commands or a transmitter / receiver unit for transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals, such as near field communication (NFC) signals. A package box according to any one of claims 8-15, wherein the lock mechanism and / or the control unit are provided with an unlocking device (32) that enables a user, such as a homeowner, to close the at least one lockable opening (8) ) to receive a package and / or place a package in the package box compartment. 174 101 3Λ 4/4 - j