Title:
SECURE DELIVERY SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2001/048641
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A delivery box and associated delivery system including a locking device to govern access to the delivery box; the locking device being linked to a communication device to facilitate remote unlocking of the box; an input device in the nature of the keypad or card reader adapted to receive coded data; a modem associated with the delivery box adapted to receive and transmit data; the modem being interfaced with the input device so as to be capable of transmitting coded information from the input device to a remote location; a remote service provider having the facility to generate unique delivery codes in response to requests from retailers and/or consumers; the service provider having the capability of remotely unlocking the delivery box in response to input to the delivery box via the input device of a correct unique delivery code and transmission of that unique delivery code to the service provider via the modem in the delivery box.
Inventors:
GEROS DARREN MATTHEW (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2000/001586
Publication Date:
July 05, 2001
Filing Date:
December 22, 2000
Export Citation:
Assignee:
CHAPMAN LYNDA (AU)
GEROS DARREN MATTHEW (AU)
GEROS DARREN MATTHEW (AU)
International Classes:
A47G29/14; G07F17/12; (IPC1-7): G06F17/60; B65D91/00
Domestic Patent References:
| WO1997025694A1 | 1997-07-17 |
Foreign References:
| GB2352073A | 2001-01-17 | |||
| US6085170A | 2000-07-04 | |||
| US5475378A | 1995-12-12 |
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Blenkinship, Julian Robert (NSW 2075, AU)
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Claims:
The claims defining the invention are as follows:
| 1. | A delivery system involving addressors, addressees and a service provider wherein the addressees are provided with a normally locked delivery box which delivery box is provided with an input device as well as communication means capable of transmitting messages from the input device to the service provider and also capable of receiving an unlock command from a service provider ; a unique identifier associated with each addressee's delivery box; microprocessor and electronic storage means associated with a service provider remote from the delivery box and linked to communication means; means accessible to the addressor adapted to generate a code unique to each delivery intended to be effected by that addressor through the system; the delivery box input device being capable of accepting a unique delivery code from a delivery person and in conjunction with the communication means transmitting same to the service provider for verification; reconciliation means associated with the microprocessor and electronic storage means of the service provider for verifying the authenticity of unique delivery codes received from particular delivery boxes; an electronically operable lock on the delivery box interfaced with the communication means of the delivery box such that a service provider may unlock the relevant box by transmission of a signal via the communication means to an individual delivery box in response to receipt of a correct unique delivery code received by the service provider from that box; means associated with the service provider's communication and storage means for recording the fact that a particular unique code has been utilised to open a particular delivery box. |
| 2. | A delivery system in accordance with claim 1 hereof wherein the signal transmitted via the communication device by the service provider to unlock the delivery box is encoded. |
| 3. | A delivery system in accordance with claim 1 hereof wherein the code unique to each delivery may not be regenerated by the system in relation to a subsequent delivery until the expiry of a pre determined length of time. |
| 4. | A delivery system in accordance with claim 1 hereof wherein the communication means for the service provider's microprocessor and electronic storage means and the delivery box comprise modems in connection with conventional data transmission pathways such as telephone lines. |
| 5. | A lockable delivery box adapted to be placed in an accessible position; a locking device adapted for electronic control to govern access to the delivery box; an input device adapted to receive coded data; communication means associated with the delivery box adapted to receive and transmit data; the communication means being interfaced with the input device so as to be capable of transmitting information from the input device to a remote location; the communication means also being interfaced with the electronic locking device such that receipt via the communication means of an appropriate signal from a remote location may effect unlocking of the box. |
| 6. | A delivery box in accordance with claim 5 hereof wherein the delivery box is a virtual box incorporating a secure area behind a door or gate such that the locking device on the or gate becomes the locking device controlling access. |
| 7. | A delivery box in accordance with claim 5 hereof wherein the communication means comprises a modem in conjunction with conventional data transmission channels such as telephone lines. |
| 8. | A delivery box in accordance with claim 5 hereof wherein the input device is a scanning device. |
| 9. | A delivery box in accordance with claim 5 hereof wherein the input device is a keypad. |
| 10. | A delivery box in accordance with claim 5 hereof wherein the input device interfaces the communication device via a microprocessor. |
| 11. | A delivery box in accordance with claim 5 hereof wherein the input device is a card reader. |