WO2023101735A1

WO2023101735A1 - Uav post box

Info

Publication number: WO2023101735A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/041980
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Michael APODACA
Original assignee: Apodaca Daniel Michael
Priority date: 2021-12-01
Filing date: 2022-08-30
Publication date: 2023-06-08

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for receipt and dispatch of packages, comprising: (a) a package receiving element, configured to accept a package from a UAV; (b) a landing assist system, configured to provide information to the UAV to facilitate accurate positioning of the UAV relative to the package receiving element; (c) an authentication system, configured to communicate with the UAV and verify that the package is to be delivered to the apparatus; (d) a package dispatch element, configured to transfer a package to a UAV.

Description

UAV Post Box

[1] Technical Field

[2] The present invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more specifically to systems that facilitate package deliveries by UAVs.

[3] Background

[4] The current method for accepting UAV deliveries is for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deliver a package to a front or back yard and leave the package there for the receiver to later pick up. There is no option for sending outgoing packages and the current method of delivering packages via UAS has multiple problems associated with it. For example, the package is left unsecure for anyone to pick up. With theft of packages on the rise, there is a need for systems that provide a safe and secure place for packages to be accepted, sent, and transferred into the delivery location with little risk of theft. Also, there is not always a clear place in a yard for a UAV to land. A UAV needs a clear space to land safely and some of the clearest places around a property are on the roof. There is need for a landing pad and docking station located on a property that will allow a UAV to land clear of obstructions. Also, UAVs have a limited range they can deliver based on batter=ies/fuel and delivery weight. There is a need for a docking station that can charge or exchange batteries of the UAV, or refuel the UAV, to extend the range that a UAV can deliver. The current method for communications with the UAV is strictly from the launch location and delivery provider. There is a need for a docking station that can facilitate communications between the UAV, the delivery location, delivery provider, and the launching location. There is also a need for a network of communications between the UAV and the launch location, the docking station can facilitate networking and communications between other docking stations in the area, the UAV, delivery provider, and the launch location.

[5] UAV package and post delivery capabilities are advancing, yet commercial and residential package receiving and sending infrastructure lack the capabilities to receive and send packages and post via UAV. The current UAV delivery method requires an open space area, such as a front or back yard, for a UAV to deliver a package to a recipient. Delivery to an open space presents many challenges, including vulnerability to theft, inadequate UAV landing sites, and UAV range and battery limitations.

[6] As package theft increases, there is a need for systems that provide a secure location and method to accept, send, transfer, and facilitate delivery of packages and post to recipients.

[7] The unobstructed open space required for a UAV to land and deliver/receive a package from a commercial or residential recipient may not be available or inadequate. Rooftops, balconies, raised platform structures, and backyards are reliably more suitable landing site options. There is a need to establish a landing pad and docking station in reliable, better-suited locations to facilitate successful and secure UAV package and post-delivery and acceptance.

[8] UAVs have a limited delivery range based on batteries/fuel and package weight. There is a need for a docking station that can refuel or charge and exchange a UAVs batteries to extend the operating range.

[9] UAVs have a limited communication range. There is a need for a docking station that can facilitate communications between the delivery location, the launch location, delivery provider and the UAV.

[10] Description of Invention

[11] Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses that facilitate transportation of packages.

[12] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for receipt of packages, comprising: (a) a package receiving element, configured to accept a package from a UAV; (b) a landing assist system, configured to provide information to the UAV to facilitate accurate positioning of the UAV relative to the package receiving element; (c) an authentication system, configured to communicate with the UAV and verify that the package is to be delivered to the apparatus.

[13] In some embodiments, the package receiving element comprises a package holding element, a package acceptance opening with a door, and a package access opening, wherein the package holding element is moveable between a first position adjacent the package acceptance opening and a second position adjacent the package access opening, and wherein the package acceptance opening door is configurable between a first position where the door closes the package acceptance opening and a second position where the door allows a package to be passed through the package acceptance opening from the UAV.

[14] In some embodiments, the authentication system comprises a communication system that provides for communication with the UAV, wherein the authentication system communicates signals that uniquely identify this apparatus and signals that verify the identity of the UAV or the package, or both, as authorized to deliver a package to this apparatus.

[15] Some embodiments further comprise a guide system to which the package holding element is mounted, wherein the guide system extends from a position where the package holding element is adjacent the package acceptance opening to a position where the package holding element is adjacent the package access opening. [16] Some embodiments further comprise a drive system that moves the package holding element from the first position to the second position, from the second position to the first position, or both.

[17] Some embodiments further comprise an access control system that is configured to prevent user access to a package unless the user provides an authentication signal verifying that the user is authorized to access the package.

[18] In some embodiments, the landing assist system comprises RADAR, LiDAR, WiFi, infrared LEDS, or a combination thereof.

[19] In some embodiments, the authentication system comprises infrared LEDs, electronic wireless communication, or a combination thereof.

[20] Some embodiments further comprise a charging facility configured to charge batteries on the UAV.

[21] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of delivering a package to a recipient, comprising: a) providing an apparatus as described herein; (b) providing a UAV laden with the package; (c) causing the UAV to move to the location of the apparatus; (d) verifying that the apparatus is authorized to receive the package, that the UAV is authorized to deliver the package, or a combination thereof; (e) positioning the UAV such that the package will be received by the package receiving element; (f) releasing the package from the UAV.

[22] Some embodiments further comprise providing a charging facility, and charging a battery on the UAV.

[23] Some embodiments further comprise providing a battery replacement facility, and replacing the battery of the UAV.

[24] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of providing a package to a UAV for pickup, comprising: a) providing an apparatus as described herein; (b) placing the package in the package receiving element; (c) communicating with the UAV to provide the UAV with an indication that the package is ready for pickup and the location of the apparatus; (d) causing the UAV to move to the location of the apparatus; (e) positioning the UAV such that the UAV can attach to the package.

[25] Brief Description of the Drawings

[26] FIG.l is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment.

[27] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of a package chute as in FIG. 1.

[28] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of UAV interfacing regions of a system such as that in FIG. 1

[29] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a drainage lip suitable for use in the present invention. [30] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a package carrier suitable for use in the present invention.

[31] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of steps in operation of the present invention.

[32] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention and Industrial Applicability

[33] The present invention, referred to as a UAV Post Box, can perform one of more of the following: receive packages delivered via UAV; transfer the packages to a secure location; charge, refuel, or replace the batteries of the UAV to extend its operating range; transfer outgoing postal mail to a UAV, and facilitate communication between the launch location and the UAV.

[34] A UAV Post Box provides several advantages compared to existing UAV landing pads: (1) The UAV Post Box transmits data to a UAV to assist with UAV navigation and landing. (2) The UAV Post Box serves as a docking station to charge or replace UAV batteries or refuel the UAV to extend its operating range.

(3) The UAV Post Box accepts postal mail and packages from the UAV and contains the deliveries securely or transfers deliveries to a secure location. (4) The UAV Post Box transfers outgoing post and packages to the UAV for processing and delivery. (5) The UAV Post Box facilitates communication between the UAV, launch location, delivery provider, and delivery location.

[35] An example UAV Post Box works as described in the following example. The UAV Post Box system begins with the dispatch of a UAV with the outgoing post and sending a code to the receiving docking station with notification of delivery. Upon arrival at the delivery location, the docking station will communicate with the UAV via radio signal, Wi-Fi, RFID chip on the package, or other encrypted methods to verify the code. Successful code verification will prompt the docking station to communicate with the UAV to assist in landing. Upon landing, the docking station can, as an option, center the UAV and stabilize the UAV above the hatch. The hatch will open beneath the UAV to accept the postal delivery into a bin. The docking station will communicate with the UAV to release the delivery. The hatch will close, and the bin will transport down the chute to the interior of the delivery location and/or bottom of chute. A chime and light on the chute, an email, and/or an app notification will inform the recipient of successful and secure postal delivery. The docking station can communicate with the delivery location/provider to confirm delivery. The docking station can then service the UAV by refueling the UAV or charging or replacing the UAV's batteries to allow for flight back to the carrier or other docking station. If an outgoing package is requested, the UAV Post Box can verify an outgoing package code with the UAV and the delivery provider. The outgoing package can be loaded on top of the package basket and raised to the UAV for acceptance. Once the UAV accepts the package, the UAV can deliver the package to the carrier or recipient. In case of malfunction, the docking station can serve as a safe location until the carrier can retrieve the UAV. [36] An example UAV Post Box can be described as comprising three subsystems: a docking Station, a landing pad, and a chute. The docking station will act as the "brains" of the system. A computer inside the dock can control the signals being sent out or received from the UAV. It can control arms that can refuel the UAV, charge the UAV, or change out the batteries. It can be responsible for stabilizing the UAV in preparation for the hatch underneath the UAV to open. The docking station can open and close the hatch beneath the UAV, and send the package down the chute.

[37] The landing pad is the place where the UAV sits while the delivery, acceptance and refueling process is being completed. It can slide open to allow for the package to be deposited in a basket inside the chute, accept outgoing packages, or provide other mechanisms to secure the package such as arms or "pushers" to move the package into a securable area. The landing pad can illuminate in a way that assists with landing of the UAV. The landing pad can have a mechanism that stabilizes the UAV while on the pad.

[38] The chute can be where the package will be deposited. The chute can contain a basket that will travel up and down the chute (or other directions consistent with the layout of the landing pad, chute, and their relationship to the building) to move the package to the inside of the delivery location or raise an outgoing package. The chute can connect to the inside of the delivery location. The chute can be built into the delivery location during new construction, or installed on the outside of the delivery location and connected to the inside of the property through the use of a window or new opening made into the side of the property. The chute can be freestanding on the property of the delivery location.

[39] The docking station can have the ability to have added attachments to work with each delivery provider. The docking station can communicate with the UAV to facilitate delivery or acceptance of package and post. The docking station can facilitate communication between the UAV, the launch location, the delivery location, and/or the delivery provider.

[40] The chute can connect with the delivery property in any of various ways. As examples: it can go straight through the roof like a skylight, be attached to the side of the house by being built into the delivery property, be attached to the side of the delivery location and have a new hole cut into the house or utilizing an existing window, or be installed in a standalone tower.

[41] The drawings provide additional description of the present invention, including example embodiments and descriptions of methods of using such embodiments.

[42] Example embodiments can be built using components such as Raspberry Pi 4 model b, standard GPS modules, radar systems such as the XM112, 915MHz LoRa concentrator with 915MHz compatible antenna (2dB gain/50 ohms), Maker Focus TF mini-s Lidar module, Sony IMX477 sensor, 0.1-12m 1000Hz single point UART 12C IO, 5.1V at 2.5A power supply with battery backup 26,800 mAH, UAV charging station with universal charging adapter, imaging and infrared cameras on landing pad, and a LoRa signal repeater.

[43] Example Embodiment. In an example embodiment, an application ("app") facilitating delivery can be installed on a user's mobile device. A docking station as described herein can be installed at the user's house or other desired receiving location. The docking station can be registered using the app, associating the particular user with the exact location of the docking station, e.g., with the GPS coordinates corresponding to the docking station's location. An indicator, e.g., an infrared LED, associated with the docking station can be oriented to true north or another predetermined direction.

[44] When the user places an order for delivery to the docking station, two forms of authentication can be generated. A first can be a code, e.g., a binary code, that can be transmitted to a UAV upon arrival at the docking station. The UAV can verify that the code from the docking station matches that associated with the package during ordering before landing. A second can be a token-based authentication. The token can be stored with the docking station and verified by the UAV prior to landing.

[45] On the day of delivery, the UAV can be dispatched from the shipping location. Communication among the shipper, the UAV, and the docking station can be via a low power, wide area networking protocol such as LoRA. The app can provide updates to the customer regarding delivery status. Upon the UAV's arrival at the docking station, the binary code can be transmitted, e.g., using an LED. The UAV can verify the binary code and begin the landing process. While landing, sensors such as RADAR and LIDAR can guide the UAV to land over the landing hatch door. The UAV can land, and the token can be sued for verification. The landing hatch door can open, and the token expired after this single use.

[46] The UAV can then drop the package into the landing hatch door, e.g., into a suitable basket or other receptacle. The UAV can then launch and return to the shipper or to a subsequent delivery, if multiple packages are carried. The UAV can first remain on the landing and charge its batteries if required. The docking station can deliver the package from the landing hatch to the appropriate location, e.g., by lowering a basket to the bottom of a chute. The app can notify the customer that the package has been delivered. The user can then access the package directly, or via a security device such as a locked door that can be opened using the app or using a password or code.

[47] FIG.l is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment. A package chute door 1 allows access to delivered packages. A control panel 2 can implement codes, biometrics, or other security features for access to packages. UAV landing is facilitated by an IR LED 3, oriented to a predetermined direction, e.g., true north, or a direction that can be communicate to incoming UAVs. Additional IR LEDs 4 can facilitate orientation and landing of a UAV. LiDAR 5 and RADAR sensors 7 can further facilitate UAV landings. A hatch door 6 can operate to seal a package chute 8 from the outside until opened to accept an incoming package. The package chute 8 communicates packages from the hatch door 6 to be accessed via the chute door 1. A RBG and IR camera 9 can provide visual feedback during interactions with a UAV, and can provide a visual record of deliveries.

[48] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of a package chute as in FIG. 1. The overall outlines of the chute are shown in dashed lines. A package basket 25 holds packages as they are transported between upper and lower regions of the chute. The basket 25 is constrained withing guide rails 23 and guided by guide wheels 24. A drive motor 26 rotates a drive shaft T1 that in turn rotates gears 28 to drive belts 23 around pulleys 21. A package can thus be transported between upper and lower regions of the chute by operation of the drive motor, e.g., when a package is delivered, the drive motor can be driven to rotate the drive shaft and lower the package from the upper region, where it was deposited by a UAV, to the lower region, where a user can access the package.

[49] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of UAV interfacing regions of a system such as that in FIG. 1. The outline 33 of a package chute underneath the top surface is shown in dashed lines. A door's outline 34 is also shown in dashed lines. The embodiment comprises navigational and landing aids, e.g., IR LEDs 32 with a predetermined location relative to a preferred UAV docking position. RADAR 36 and LiDAR 31 sensors, and IR LEDs 35 on the door itself can also facilitate docking with a UAV. The door can translate relative to an opening via guide rails 37. A drive motor 310 drives a belt 311 around a pulley 313, which engages drive belt brackets 38, 312 and moves the door. A drainage lip 39 can discourage rain from entering the package chute. A RBG and IR camera 314 can provide visual feedback during interactions with a UAV, and can provide a visual record of deliveries.

[50] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a drainage lip suitable for use in the present invention. A hatch door outline 41 is shown in dashed lines. A drain lip 42 is attached to a landing pad for a UAV. Drain lip 42 is attached to a hatch door 43, e.g., using connection pins 43.

[51] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a package carrier suitable for use in the present invention. A basket 51 is connected to drive belts 53 using brackets 52. Guide wheels 54 comprise bearings and wheels that travel in guide rails (not shown in this figure) to constrain motion of the basket 51.

[52] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of steps in operation of the present invention. In the top sketch, a package receiving station as described herein is shown. In the next sketch, a UAV is show arriving, carrying a package. The UAV communicates with the receiving station to authenticate the station and to verify that the package is to be delivered to this station. In the next sketch, after authentication and verification, the UAV has landed on the station. The hatch door is open, ready to receive the package. In the next sketch, the package has been deposited into a package basket, and the package basket has begun its trip from the UAV landing area to the package pickup/user access door. In the final sketch, the package has been lowered to the user access door, waiting pickup by the user. The UAV has taken off, optional after a period for recharging UAV batteries, and the hatch door is closed to protect the package chute and internal components.

[53] The present invention has been described in connection with various example embodiments. It will be understood that the above description is merely illustrative of the applications of the principles of the present invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the claims viewed in light of the specification. Other variants and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims We claim:

1. An apparatus for receipt of packages, comprising:

(a) a package receiving element, configured to accept a package from a UAV;

(b) a landing assist system, configured to provide information to the UAV to facilitate accurate positioning of the UAV relative to the package receiving element;

(c) an authentication system, configured to communicate with the UAV and verify that the package is to be delivered to the apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the package receiving element comprises a package holding element, a package acceptance opening with a door, and a package access opening, wherein the package holding element is moveable between a first position adjacent the package acceptance opening and a second position adjacent the package access opening, and wherein the package acceptance opening door is configurable between a first position where the door closes the package acceptance opening and a second position where the door allows a package to be passed through the package acceptance opening from the UAV.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the authentication system comprises a communication system that provides for communication with the UAV, wherein the authentication system communicates signals that uniquely identify this apparatus and signals that verify the identity of the UAV or the package, or both, as authorized to deliver a package to this apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a guide system to which the package holding element is mounted, wherein the guide system extends from a position where the package holding element is adjacent the package acceptance opening to a position where the package holding element is adjacent the package access opening.

5. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a drive system that moves the package holding element from the first position to the second position, from the second position to the first position, or both.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an access control system that is configured to prevent user access to a package unless the user provides an authentication signal verifying that the user is authorized to access the package.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the landing assist system comprises RADAR, LiDAR, WiFi, infrared LEDS, or a combination thereof.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the authentication system comprises infrared LEDs, electronic wireless communication, or a combination thereof.

9

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a charging facility configured to charge batteries on the UAV.

10. A method of delivering a package to a recipient, comprising:

(a) providing an apparatus as in claim 1;

(b) providing a UAV laden with the package;

(c) causing the UAV to move to the location of the apparatus;

(d) verifying that the apparatus is authorized to receive the package, that the UAV is authorized to deliver the package, or a combination thereof;

(e) positioning the UAV such that the package will be received by the package receiving element;

(f) releasing the package from the UAV.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a charging facility, and charging a battery on the UAV.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a battery replacement facility, and replacing the battery of the UAV.

13. A method of providing a package to a UAV for pickup, comprising:

(a) providing an apparatus as in claim 1;

(b) placing the package in the package receiving element;

(c) communicating with the UAV to provide the UAV with an indication that the package is ready for pickup and the location of the apparatus;

(d) causing the UAV to move to the location of the apparatus;

(e) positioning the UAV such that the UAV can attach to the package.