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WO2003030061A1 - Systeme de distribution et procede utilisant des etiquettes electroniques - Google Patents

Systeme de distribution et procede utilisant des etiquettes electroniques Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003030061A1
WO2003030061A1 PCT/US2002/013903 US0213903W WO03030061A1 WO 2003030061 A1 WO2003030061 A1 WO 2003030061A1 US 0213903 W US0213903 W US 0213903W WO 03030061 A1 WO03030061 A1 WO 03030061A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drop box
electronic tag
package
delivery system
delivery
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/013903
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Stevens
Paul Waterhouse
Original Assignee
John Stevens
Paul Waterhouse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by John Stevens, Paul Waterhouse filed Critical John Stevens
Priority to US10/476,607 priority Critical patent/US20040149822A1/en
Publication of WO2003030061A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003030061A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a delivery system and method, and more particularly
  • a number of such delivery systems have been devised for unattended delivery of goods using drop boxes, especially residential drop boxes.
  • One conventional system uses a box and lock mechanism with a short-range wireless access card.
  • the card may be
  • the box contains a memory which stores a record
  • the delivery driver uses a handheld terminal which is
  • the drop-box is only accessible by one delivery company. Therefore, the home
  • connection that is either wired or wireless so that it can be actively programmed.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a
  • a delivery system in a first aspect of the present invention, includes a drop box having a first transceiver, and an electronic tag affixed to a good to be delivered and comprising a second transceiver.
  • the first and second transceivers wirelessly communicate
  • the electronic tag may include, for example, a processor, a memory device and a
  • the drop box may include, for example, a processor, a memory device, a
  • a programmable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a
  • the present invention provides a delivery system (and method) which minimizes costs, ensures that the driver can only open the delivery system (and method)
  • Figure 1 illustrates a delivery system 100 using an electronic tag 110 and drop box 120 according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates, in greater detail, the electronic tag 110 of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 illustrates the electronic tag 1 10 affixed to a package 170 according to the
  • FIG. 4 illustrates, in greater detail, the drop box 120 according to the present
  • Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a delivery method 500 using an electronic tag
  • Figure 1 illustrates a delivery system 100 using an
  • the inventive system 100 includes an electronic tag (e.g., electronic
  • the tag 110 may be
  • an activating device e.g., button
  • the drop box 120 may include an
  • the tag 110 may communicate wirelessly with the drop box 120 in order to help facilitate a delivery to the address.
  • FIG 2 illustrates the electronic tag 110 of Figure 1 in greater detail.
  • the electronic tag 1 10 may include a processor 125 (e.g., a fixed programmed
  • multi-bit microprocessor such as a four-bit processor
  • a memory device 130 e.g., read only
  • ROM read only memory
  • RAM random access memory
  • a power source 135 e.g., a voltage source
  • the tag 110 may also include an activating
  • the tag 1 10 may also include a transceiver 140 (e.g., a transmitter/receiver, custom
  • an antenna 145 e.g., two ferrite antennas
  • the power source 135 e.g., battery
  • the electronic tag 1 10 preferably has a long service life (e.g., over five years) for performing many (e.g., several thousand) transactions.
  • the electronic tag 1 10 optionally may include a signaling device (e.g., light-emitting device (e.g., one or two light emitting diodes (LEDs)) or an
  • audible signaling device 150 that can be optionally used to identify a correct package
  • the electronic tag 110 in the inventive system 100 may be similar in form and function to the electronic module described in the in-truck wireless package identification
  • the electronic tag e.g., electronic module
  • the electronic tag 1 10 may be small (e.g., about credit card size), simple,
  • the tag 1 10 may be attached to a good (e.g.,
  • the tag 1 10 may be included on a standard transparent shipping label which is commonly affixed to a packaging surface.
  • a delivery driver may view the shipping label, note that the package has an
  • Figure 3 illustrates how the electronic tag 110
  • a transparent plastic envelope 180 e.g., such as an
  • adhesive pouch typically used for small paper invoices, bills of lading, or the like.
  • the electronic tag may optionally have a conventional street address label as well.
  • the electronic tag may optionally have a conventional street address label as well.
  • the 110 can also optionally be placed directly inside the package and recovered by the delivery driver at a later time.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the drop box 120 of the inventive system 100 in greater detail.
  • the drop box 120 may include circuitry and electronics which are
  • drop box 120 may include a processor 425 (e.g., a fixed programmed four bit microprocessor), a memory device 430 (e.g., read only memory (ROM), random access
  • a processor 425 e.g., a fixed programmed four bit microprocessor
  • a memory device 430 e.g., read only memory (ROM), random access
  • RAM random access memory
  • a power source 435 e.g., a battery such as a lithium battery.
  • the drop box 120 may also include a transceiver 440 (e.g., a transmitter/receiver, custom two-way communication analog chip, etc.) and an antenna 445 to transmit and
  • a transceiver 440 e.g., a transmitter/receiver, custom two-way communication analog chip, etc.
  • an antenna 445 to transmit and
  • source 435 e.g., battery
  • should have a long service life e.g., over five years
  • the drop box 120 may also optionally include a signaling device (e.g., light- emitting device, one or two light emitting diodes(LEDs), audible signaling device, etc.) 450
  • a signaling device e.g., light- emitting device, one or two light emitting diodes(LEDs), audible signaling device, etc.
  • the antenna 445 in the drop box 120 may include a larger
  • loop antenna for improved two-way communication.
  • a unique identification (ID) number may be programmed into the drop box 120 and stored in the memory device 430.
  • the ID number for that certain drop box may be programmed into an electronic tag 110 on the package and stored in the memory device 130. Programming the
  • ID number into the electronic tag 110 may be performed, for example, by using a
  • the ID numbers stored in the electronic tag 1 10 and drop box 120 may be compared and if
  • the drop box may be automatically opened so that the package may
  • the unique ID number for the drop box may be initially programmed into the drop box by the " manufacturer. However, the drop box may be reprogrammed with a new ID
  • drop box 120 may
  • a security feature that prevents the ID number of the drop box from being altered without the consent of the owner. This may be accomplished, for example, by requiring
  • the drop box 120 may further include a lock mechanism 460 for locking the door
  • the drop-box 120 in order to control access to the inside of the drop-box.
  • a lid e.g., lid
  • the lock mechanism 460 may include a low powered motor and a screw that can
  • the drop box 120 may also have a detector (e.g., switch) 470 to detect if the lid of the box 120 is open or closed. Further, when the lid is closed, the processor in the drop box
  • the 120 may automatically cause the lock mechanism 460 to lock the box.
  • inventive system 100 may include an access card for the drop box
  • the owner may use the access card to open the drop box 120 in order to remove a
  • the access card may include the same circuitry and electronics as described above
  • access card may include may include a processor (e.g., a fixed programmed multi-bit
  • microprocessor such as a four-bit processor
  • memory device e.g., read only memory
  • the access card may also include an activating device (e.g., button) for activating any one or more of the functions of the access card.
  • an activating device e.g., button
  • the access card may also include a transceiver (e.g., a transmitter/receiver, custom two-way communication analog chip, etc.) and an antenna (e.g., two ferrite antennas) to communicate with a transceiver and an antenna to communicate with a transceiver.
  • a transceiver e.g., a transmitter/receiver, custom two-way communication analog chip, etc.
  • an antenna e.g., two ferrite antennas
  • the power source e.g., battery
  • the power source preferably has a long service life (e.g., over five years) for performing many (e.g., several thousand)
  • the access card may optionally include a signaling device (e.g., light-
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • audible signaling device e.g., one or two light emitting diodes (LEDs) or an audible signaling device.
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • the access card may be programmed with an identification number corresponding to the owner's drop box 120. Furthermore, the drop
  • box 120 and the access card may be programmable so that the owner can selectively change
  • Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a delivery method 500 according to the present
  • the inventive method 500 includes inputting (510) data (e.g.,
  • a specific drop box identification (ID) number may be programmed
  • the delivery driver may push the activating device (e.g., button) 155 on the electronic
  • activating devices 155, 475 may cause the electronic tag 110 to wirelessly communicate with the drop box 120. For instance, pushing activating device 155 may cause the
  • device 475 may cause the drop box 120 to interrogate the electronic tag 110 in order to
  • the drop box 120 may receive the identification number transmitted
  • the drop box determines if the number is correct. If so, the
  • drop box 120 may cause the lock mechanism to open the lid of the drop box 120.
  • the memory device in the electronic tag 1 10 may automatically store data, such as
  • the electronic tag 110 may be removed from the package delivered by the driver
  • the drop box 120 may automatically cause the lock mechanism to lock the drop box 120 when the lid is closed.
  • tag 1 10 may be retained by the delivery driver, for example, in a receipt bin of the delivery
  • the electronic tag 110 may also be interrogated to harvest data such as the package
  • the electronic tag 110 may be used to deliver time, date and location.
  • the electronic tag 110 may be used to deliver time, date and location.
  • tag 110 may then be set aside for reuse.
  • the electronic tag 110 is placed inside the package at the time of shipping.
  • the delivery driver may push activating device 475 (e.g., see
  • the drop box 120 may interrogate the electronic tag 110 in order to verify that the electronic tag 110 is programmed with the
  • the drop box processor 425 may compare the ID number stored by the
  • the drop box 120 may cause the lock mechanism 460 to unlock the lid of the drop box 120.
  • the delivery driver may place the package in the drop box 120 without removing the
  • the delivery company may, for example, charge the box owner a
  • the box owner may use the access card 130 to open the drop box 120, remove the electronic tag 110 from the
  • the electronic tag 110 may
  • the delivery driver would then use a second electronic tag 110 to open the drop box 120 and remove the package to be
  • the electronic tag 110 may act as a return receipt.
  • the delivery driver may be assigned an access card similar to the access card of the box owner. In this case, the delivery driver may push the button on the
  • the drop-box 120 may
  • the drop-box 120 causes the
  • lock mechanism to unlock the lid of the drop box 120 so that driver can place the package
  • the present invention provides a delivery system
  • the communication medium used is preferably radio frequency
  • the tag and box may be programmable.
  • a programmable storage medium may be provided tangibly

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de distribution (100) qui comprend une boîte de dépôt (120) comprenant un premier émetteur-récepteur et une étiquette (110) électronique associée à un colis (170) et comprenant un second émetteur-récepteur. Ces premier et second émetteur-récepteurs communiquent entre eux sans fil de façon à accéder à la boîte de dépôt et à introduire le colis dans cette boîte.
PCT/US2002/013903 2001-05-04 2002-05-03 Systeme de distribution et procede utilisant des etiquettes electroniques WO2003030061A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/476,607 US20040149822A1 (en) 2002-05-03 2002-05-03 Delivery system and method using an electronic tag

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28849901P 2001-05-04 2001-05-04
US60/288,499 2001-05-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003030061A1 true WO2003030061A1 (fr) 2003-04-10

Family

ID=23107375

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2002/013903 WO2003030061A1 (fr) 2001-05-04 2002-05-03 Systeme de distribution et procede utilisant des etiquettes electroniques

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2003030061A1 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5260694A (en) * 1992-01-10 1993-11-09 Ndc Automation, Inc. Automatic article tracking system for manually operated delivery system
JPH09173204A (ja) * 1995-12-25 1997-07-08 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd 共同利用宅配受け取り装置
US5861805A (en) * 1997-10-09 1999-01-19 Reeves; Mike Drop box signalling device
US5963134A (en) * 1997-07-24 1999-10-05 Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Inventory system using articles with RFID tags
US6344796B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2002-02-05 Brivo Systems, Inc. Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus and method
US20020027160A1 (en) * 2000-09-04 2002-03-07 Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System, Tokyo, Japan Electronic locker system
US6398109B1 (en) * 1998-06-08 2002-06-04 Lsi Card Corporation Article carrying method, physical distribution system and carrying bag used therefor

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5260694A (en) * 1992-01-10 1993-11-09 Ndc Automation, Inc. Automatic article tracking system for manually operated delivery system
JPH09173204A (ja) * 1995-12-25 1997-07-08 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd 共同利用宅配受け取り装置
US5963134A (en) * 1997-07-24 1999-10-05 Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Inventory system using articles with RFID tags
US5861805A (en) * 1997-10-09 1999-01-19 Reeves; Mike Drop box signalling device
US6398109B1 (en) * 1998-06-08 2002-06-04 Lsi Card Corporation Article carrying method, physical distribution system and carrying bag used therefor
US6344796B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2002-02-05 Brivo Systems, Inc. Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus and method
US20020027160A1 (en) * 2000-09-04 2002-03-07 Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System, Tokyo, Japan Electronic locker system

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