FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for receiving deliveries which may include perishable items or items that otherwise may need to maintained at a specific temperature. It also relates in some aspects to items that may require disinfection before being brought into the interior of a residence or other building. An example of such a system is smart cooling mailbox that would be used in a residential context to receive a delivery of groceries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers are increasingly shopping online for goods such as groceries and having the groceries delivered to their residence. To allow for the possibility that the consumer may be unavailable when the goods are delivered, the goods must be received in such a way that they are not subject to theft. Also, the goods may include items which must be maintained at a given temperature.

Also, in some circumstances it may be desirable that the goods and their packaging can be at least partially disinfected before being brought inside.

It is in this context of the need for the devices and methods disclosed in this application arise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of the embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor set limits on the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

According to one aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus for secure receipt of packages having one or more compartments that are temperature controlled. According to another aspect, provision is made for disinfecting the packages in the compartments.

Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments are described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a package receiving system according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. IB is a perspective view of the package receiving system of FIG. 1A showing internal components according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a cutaway side view of the package receiving system showing internal components according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a cutaway view of the package receiving system of FIG. 1 showing a possible arrangement of compartments according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a modular package receiving system according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective partially exploded view of a modular package receiving system according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a modular package receiving system according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of a modular package receiving system according to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a functional block diagram for components of a package receiving system according to an aspect of one embodiment the invention. FIG. 4B is a functional block diagram for exemplary sensors and control units for a receiving system according to an aspect of one embodiment the invention.

FIG. 4C is a functional block diagram for exemplary components of a communications interface and user interface for a receiving system according to an aspect of one embodiment the invention.

FIG. 4D is a functional block diagram for components of a power supply system according to an aspect of one embodiment the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method according to an aspect of the present invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art based on the teachings contained herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to promote a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident in some or all instances, however, that any embodiment described below can be practiced without adopting the specific design details described below. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate description of one or more embodiments.

With initial reference to FIG. 1A there is shown a perspective view of a package receiving system 10 according to one aspect of the invention. The package receiving system 10 includes a housing 20 and a front door 30 mechanically connected to the housing 20 by hinges 40. As used here and elsewhere in this specification, the phrase "mechanically connected to" is intended to mean that there is a mechanical connection between two elements so that movement of one is at least partially physically constrained with respect to the other, either directly or through intermediate elements. The housing 20 and the front door 30 also include structure which together comprise a latch 50. The housing 20 and the front door 30 may be provided with a reflective surface to minimize heat absorption from the sun. As described in more detail below the latch 50 is a type which can be controlled electronically the front door 30 may also include a data entry pad 60 which may be, for example, a keypad. The front door 30 may also be provided with a data acquisition device 62 such as a barcode reader, QR code reader, or waybill scanner.

As depicted, package receiving system 10 may also include a support in the form of a pedestal structure 70 to elevate the housing 20 above the ground. It will be understood, however, that the pedestal structure 70 is optional. The pedestal structure 70 may be secured to an anchoring structure 75 to discourage theft of the packet receiving system 10. A package receiving system 10 May receive line power through a cord or cable 77 which may be arranged to reach the housing 20 through the pedestal structure 70 as shown.

The package receiving system 10 may also include a hatch 80 which may be retracted to provide for unmanned delivery such as, for example, by a drone. The hatch could be relatively simple such as a retractable door or maybe more complex such as a reception port with two doors defining an intermediate compartment, one an exterior door which opens to receive the package and then closes and the other an interior door which opens once the exterior door is closed as shown in FIG. IB.

The package receiving system 10 may also include a solar cell 22 for generating power from solar radiation. The package receiving system 10 may also include an external sensor 24 and may include a camera so that a user can see who is using the system either in real time or by recording and also include a microphone so that a delivery person can interact through speech with the user. The external sensor 24 may also be provided with the screen to permit dual interaction with a delivery person. The package receiving system 10 may also include status indicating element 26 which can be a light source which provides an indication of one or more conditions, for example, that a package has been inserted into the system, that someone has attempted to tamper with the system, that line power is off, that the temperature in one or more of the temperature controlled compartments is outside of an acceptable range. The status indicating element 26 may also include a horn, siren, or other device capable of producing an audible signal which could indicate any of these conditions, any subset of these conditions, or any other desired condition.

With reference now to FIG. IB, there is depicted a package receiving system 10 with the door 30 in an open position to show a possible arrangement of the interior of the housing 20. As shown, the interior of the housing 20 may be divided into multiple compartments by one or more dividers or shelf 90. The positions of the shelves can be adjusted up and down to increase/decrease the volume of the different compartments, according to requirements. In the example shown, the interior of the housing 20 is divided into two compartments, a first compartment 110 and a second compartment 120. While there are two compartments in this example, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the interior of the housing 20 may be divided into more compartments or may not be divided at all as discussed for fully below in connection with FIG. 3A.

If there are multiple compartments, then fewer than all of them may be provided with refrigeration control as will be described more fully below. Also shown in FIG. IB is a drone locked portal system 85 having an intermediate compartment having an exterior door 87 which opens to receive the package and then closes and an interior door 89 which opens once the exterior door is closed.

With reference now to FIG. 2A, there is shown a side cutaway view portion of a housing 20 according to an aspect of an embodiment. As shown, the compartment 110 is in thermal contact with a temperature control element 150. For some applications it is advantageous that the temperature control element 150 be implemented as a thermoelectric element, for example, the thermoelectric cooler. It will be apparent, however, that other implementations of the temperature control element 150 such as conventional cooling using a compressor may be used. The temperature control element 150 is operated under control of a processing unit 300 as described more fully below to control the temperature within the compartment 110. The compartment 110 may also be provided with one or more ultraviolet radiation sources 160 arranged to irradiate the interior of compartment 110. The intensity, wavelength, and a length of exposure of the ultraviolet radiation is selected to disinfect exposed surfaces of the packages placed in a compartment 110. For example, the wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation may be UV-C, from 100 nanometers (nm) to 280 nm. The door 30 of the package receiving system 10 may be provided with an interlock so that no ultraviolet radiation can be emitted when the door 30 is open.

Also shown in FIG. 2A, the compartment 110 may be additionally or alternatively supplied with an ozone generator 170 which supplies ozone to the interior of the compartment 110 through a series of inlets 180. Although ozone is used as an example here, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other gases having germicidal effects may be used. Ozone generator 170 may also be arranged to forcibly vent ozone from the interior of the housing 20.

The embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2A also includes a sensor package 200 which includes various sensors for monitoring conditions within the chamber 110 as will be described more fully below. For example, the sensor package 200 may include a thermal sensor for sensing the temperature within the compartment 110. The sensor package 200 may include an ozone sensor for determining the ozone concentration in the compartment 110. The sensor package 200 may also include a sensor for determining whether an object is present in the compartment 110. The sensor package may also include a system for determining whether ultraviolet radiation is present in the compartment 110. The sensor package may also include a sensor to detect the arrival of a drone to open the drone hatch to receive a package. The sensor detecting the presence of the package can then be used to close the drone hatch.

For some applications, such as those in which a gas is used to disinfect package in the compartment 110 may be advantageous to include a ventilation system to remove the gas before the door 30 is opened. As shown in FIG. 2B, the interior volume of the housing 20 may be divided into several compartments 130, 140, 150, and 160 respectively divided by dividers 135, 145, and 155. Each compartment may have its own function. For example, compartment 30 may be configured to receive regular mail such as letters, magazines, and such. This purpose, the compartment 130 may be supplied with a slot 132. Compartment 140 may be configured with a temperature control element that would maintain the temperature within compartment 140 below freezing. Apartment 150 may be provided with the temperature control element that maintains the temperature within the compartment 150 at a refrigerated (below ambient) temperature above freezing. Compartment 160 may be configured with a temperature control and size to receive larger parcels which do not need to be maintained within a given temperature range.

FIG. 3A shows a parcel receiving system 210 according to another aspect of an embodiment. The parcel receiving system 210 is modular. As used here and elsewhere, the term "modular" is used to describe a system made up of one or more modules. The overall system 210 can comprise all of these modules, just one of the modules, or some sub combination of the modules. As shown in FIG. 3A, there may be a module 220 used to receive mail such as standard sized envelopes. A module 230 can be used to receive smaller packages. A module 240 can be used to receive larger packages. A module 250 can be refrigerated by refrigeration unit in the adjacent base 260.

As noted, as a user desires, the user can assemble a system 210 which has any one or combination of these modules. For example, FIG. 3B shows an arrangement in which the smaller package receptacle module 230 is not included. FIG. 3C shows an arrangement in which the mail receiving module 220 is not included. It will be apparent that any combination of modules can be used according to the needs and preferences of the user.

FIG. 3D shows an example of a parcel receiving system 270 adapted to be mounted on a wall 290 shown in cutaway such as the wall of a residence. As shown in FIG. 3D, the package receiving system 270 may also be modular. In the example shown in FIG. 3D, the parcel receiving system 270 includes a postal receiving module 220 and a small package receiving module 240 as well as base 260 which may, for example, provide refrigeration for the small package receiving module 240. Also as shown in FIG. 3D, a hatchway or aperture may be placed on the surface of the module 270 which is on the wall 290 so that the user inside of the building can access, for example, the interior of the module 240 from inside the building. Of course, as with all the modular embodiments, the modules may be provided with a disinfection capability. They may also be provided with the various sensors and control systems described elsewhere in this application.

The various sensors described above make up part of an overall control system that also includes a processing unit 300. One possible arrangement for such a control system is shown in FIG. 4A, which is a functional block diagram. The processing unit 300 is connected to sensors 400, control units 500, and the communications interface 600 which is in turn connected to a user interface 700.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the sensors 400 can include a temperature sensor 410 for detecting a temperature in a temperature controlled compartment. It should be noted that the package delivery system 10 may also include an external temperature sensor as part of temperature sensor 410 to provide a signal which can be used, for example, to control operation of the temperature control units. For example, if the external temperature sensor indicates that the extra room temperature is low, then the temperature control units, if they are intended to refrigerate a compartment, may not need to be driven constantly or at full power. The sensors 400 may also include an ozone sensor 420 to measure the ozone concentration in a compartment configured to be disinfected using ozone. The sensors 400 may also include an ultraviolet light sensor 425 arranged to detect the presence of ultraviolet radiation in a compartment configured to be disinfected using ultraviolet radiation. The sensors 400 may also include an object sensor 430 to detect the presence of an object in one or more of the compartments. The sensors 400 may also include an external camera 440 as referenced above to provide a user with the view in real time or recorded of an individual standing in front of the package delivery system 10. The external camera 440 could also be two cameras, one directed toward the front of the unit and the other directed for the top of the unit to assist in drone deliveries. The sensors 400 may also include an internal camera 445 to provide a visual indication of conditions within a compartment such as the presence of a parcel, ozone art made displays, communication systems, and controllers. The sensors 400 may also include a latch sensor 460 to sense the condition of the latch 50. The latch sensor 460 can also be used to determine how many times the latch has been operated which could be useful if the system were deployed by vendor who wishes to charge on a per use basis. The sensors 400 may also include a hatch sensor 465 to sense the condition of the drone hatch 80. The sensors 400 may also include a GPS receiver 470 for determining the position of the package delivery system 10. The sensors 400 may also include a timer/clock 450 providing an indication of the time of day could be used, for example, to control operation of the temperature control units so they are off if no parcel is expected but can be turned on long enough before delivery of a parcel is anticipated so that the compartments will be at the proper temperature by the time the parcel arrives. The timer 450 may also be used, for example, to disable operation of the latch 50 except at predetermined times. The sensors 400 may also include a tamper sensor 480 which can detect when someone is tampering with the package delivery system 10 such as by trying to force the door 30 or detaching the package delivery system 10 from the pedestal structure 70. The tamper sensor 480 can include, for example, tilt sensors, accelerometers, and the like. The sensors 400 may also include a power sensor 490 which can determine whether line power has been cut off or if, in the case of a battery driven unit, whether the batteries is not sufficiently charged so that, for example, the system can provide an alarm through an external signaling unit 580 as described below or switch power sources. Of course, the sensors are just examples, it will be apparent that other or additional sensors can be used.

The processing unit 300 may use these inputs to control various control units. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B the processing unit 300 may control the first thermoelectric element 510 and, if present, a second thermoelectric element 520. The processing unit 300 may control a drone hatch controller 530. The processing unit 300 may control an ozone generator 540 which may also include the capability of venting ozone. The processing unit 300 may control an ultraviolet radiation source 550. The processing unit 300 may control the latch controller 560. The processing unit 300 may control a power switch over module 570 which can be used to control whether power is originating from batteries, line power, solar cells, or some combination as described more fully below. The processing unit 300 may control in an external signaling module 580 as described above which can provide an audible or visual signal in response to the existence of certain conditions such as tampering, loss of power, out of a range temperatures and the like. The processing unit 300 may also use the input from the ozone sensor 420 or the UV sensor 425 to control the latch controller 560 so that the door 30 cannot be opened the presence of a potentially harmful concentration of ozone and/or emission of ultraviolet radiation. Of course, these are just examples, and it will be apparent that other or additional control units can be used.

FIG. 4C shows various modules which could be present in the communications interface 600. For example, the communications interface 600 could include a WiFi interface, a cellular telephony interface such as a CDMA interface 620, a blue tooth interfaces 630, a radio interface 640, a USB interface, and/or a near field communication interface 660. Of course, these are just examples, and it will be apparent that other or additional communication modules may be used such as an RFID interface. The communications interface 600 may essentially be any device for communicating data to or from the processing unit 300 and one user interface devices.

The user interface 700 may include any device by which a user or delivery person can provide information to or receive information from each other or the system hardware and software. Thus, the user interface 700 may include a keypad 710, a barcode reader 720, a mobile device 730 such as a smart phone having an appropriate application, a waybill scanner 740, a generic computer interface 750, a hardwired connection 760, a microphone 770, and a display 780 which may include a speaker. Of course, these are just examples, it will be apparent that other or additional user interface devices may be used.

The communications interface 600 may also be connected to one or more indicators. For example, the communications interface 600 may be connected to LEDs that serve as status indicators indicating, for example, a presence or absence of a package in the compartment, whether the temperature in the compartment is within an acceptable range, and whether the compartment has been disinfected. The user interface 700 may include a knob for adjusting temperature, or it may be more complex, including, for example, a touchscreen and an array of indicators. It may include a digital display which can show an actual temperature, or a set temperature. The user interface 700 may include the ability to select one or more preset cooling profiles stored in a memory associated with the processing unit 300 either originally or as added or modified by a user.

As mentioned, the user interface 700 can also be implemented as software operating on a computer or as an application on a smart phone or tablet or other wireless communication device. To implement this, the communications interface 600 could be configured to interface with an external device such as a wireless enabled device such as a computer, tablet, or cell phone. The user could use an application on the mobile device to control operation of the package receiving system 10. If the external device is a wireless enabled device such as a computer, tablet, or cell phone, an application could be installed on the external device and the user interface for the application could, for example, be a visual representation of a display with controls.

As mentioned, for some applications it may be advantageous to implement the temperature control units as thermoelectric units. These thermoelectric units could be configured to increase and decrease the temperature in the compartments with respect to the ambient temperature. Thus, these units could be configured to refrigerate or heat a compartment. The latter could be useful in extremely cold climates.

The object sensor 430 can detect the presence or absence of an object in the compartment. The external camera 430 which can obtain an image of an individual operating the package receiving system 10. In the case of theft, such an image can be useful in determining the responsible parties.

In general, the package receiving system 10 would be powered from line power but for some applications it may be advantageous the package receiving system 10 to be powered by a battery or a sufficiently efficient solar cell. For example, the unit can be supplied power by a rechargeable battery pack to provide for a self-contained unit that does not require any external power connection. The rechargeable battery pack and can also operate as a backup if external power becomes unavailable. The battery pack could be charged by solar cells or be charged by line power. FIG. 4D shows a possible arrangement for power system 800 for the package receiving system 10 according to an aspect of an embodiment. The power system 800 may include a solar cell 22, a connection to line power 77, and a battery 810 or a sub combination of these elements. In use, power could be derived exclusively from line power 77 supplied through the switch 820 to the output line 830. The switch 820 is controlled by a control signal on line 840 from the processing unit 300. The processing unit can control the switch so the power originates from the solar cell if there is sufficient solar radiation to power the unit. The power could originate from battery 810 if the battery 810 is sufficiently charged. If the battery 810 is not sufficiently charged it could be charged by line power 77 or by solar cell 22. The battery 810 may also serve as backup to line power 77. If a thermoelectric cooling element is present and is not at the time being used to control the temperature, the thermoelectric element can use a temperature differential between the hot side and cold side of the thermoelectric element to generate power that could be used to supply power to some or all of the systems in the package receiving system 10.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting one method of operation of the systems described above. In a step S100 the package receiving system 10 receives a signal indicating the scheduling of the arrival of a package. In a step S110, the compartment is refrigerated to the target temperature if necessary if the compartment is one provided with a refrigeration capability. In a step S120 the package receiving system 10 opens the latch in response to receiving an authorized signal, receives the package, and then re-secures the latch. At this stage the packet receiving system 10 may send a signal indicating that the package has been received if the door has been opened and closed and if the object sensor determines the presence of an object in the compartment. In a step S130 the compartment disinfects the package if the compartment is one that is provided with a disinfection capability, for example, by irradiating a package with ultraviolet radiation, by exposing the package to ozone, or both. In a step S140 the compartment is vented if necessary, for example, if ozone gas were used to disinfect the package in step S130. In a step S150, in response to receiving an authorized code signal, the system 10 opens the latch to permit removal of the package, re-secures the latch, and, if necessary, discontinue refrigeration.

In general, it is also contemplated that the functionality of the package receiving system 10 would reside in components that are fixed within the housing 20. Some of the functionality, however, could be split between opponents fixed within the housing 20 and components that are part of a "smart" package that is placed within the compartment 20 during a delivery. The smart package could be a battery-powered box that is used, for example, by the market/food-supplier to pack and deliver food. The smart packages could belong to the vendor, not the consumer. There could be differently-sized boxes composed of a common active element and various passive components There can be passive only versions for geographies and/or products that do not need environmental control. Thus, the refrigeration capability could reside in the smart package.

The above description includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is construed when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.