System and method for automated package pick-up and delivery

Abstract

A system and method for automated package delivery and pick-up include at least one package portal located in a delivery and pick-up station to receive and dispense packages from the station. A station controller is coupled to an information input system and the package receiving and dispensing portal mechanism, and is arranged to associate package and intended recipient identification information with a received package. The controller is also arranged to process identification information, which may include biometric information, to authenticate the identity of an intended recipient, and to permit dispensing of the package from the at least one portal in response thereto. The station supports unattended delivery and pick-up of packages to improve overall efficiency of a package delivery system as well as user convenience and safety.

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         18 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the step of collecting biometric information comprises collecting iris pattern information from the potential package recipient.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the step of collecting biometric information comprises collecting fingerprint information from the potential package recipient.  
     
     
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         33 . A method for automating package drop-off and delivery, the method comprising: 
 receiving at least one package from a user in at least one package portal within a package drop-off and delivery station;    collecting package delivery information from the user with at least one information input system;    collecting information with a camera to identify the user;    processing the package delivery information entered by the user;    associating the package delivery information with at least one storage location and the at least one associated package; and    storing the at least one package in the at least one storage location within the package drop-off and delivery station.    
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  further comprising the step of facilitating communication between the user and an off-site attendant via a video conferencing system.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33  further comprising the step of automating retrieval of the at least one package by a recipient, the step comprising: 
 providing a biometric input device with the at least one information input system;    collecting biometric information from the recipient with the biometric input device;    comparing the biometric information with the package delivery information to determine if the potential package recipient is authorized to receive the at least one package, and    automatically allowing access to the at least one storage location if the biometric information indicates the potential package recipient is authorized to receive the at least one package.    
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the step of collecting biometric information comprises collecting iris pattern information from the potential package recipient.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the step of collecting biometric information comprises collecting fingerprint information from the potential package recipient.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the step of collecting biometric information comprises collecting information with an input pad to authenticate identity of the potential package recipient.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the step of collecting biometric information comprises collecting information with a camera to authenticate the identity of the potential package recipient.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the step of collecting package delivery information further comprises transmitting identification and authentication information to a remote central data collection system.  
     
     
         41 . A method for automating package drop-off and delivery, the method comprising: 
 receiving at least one package from a user in at least one package portal within a package drop-off and delivery station;    collecting package delivery information from the user with at least one information input system;    processing package delivery information entered by the user;    associating package delivery information with at least one storage location and the at least one associated package;    storing the at least one package in the at least one storage location within the package drop-off and delivery station;    collecting biometric information from a potential package recipient with a biometric input device;    comparing the biometric information with the package delivery information to determine if the potential package recipient is authorized to receive the at least one package; and    automatically allowing access to the at least one storage location if the biometric information indicates the potential package recipient is authorized to receive the at least one package.    
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the step of collecting package delivery information further comprises transmitting identification and authentication information to a remote central data collection system.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41  further comprising the step of facilitating 
 communication between the user and an off-site attendant via a video conference system.    
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the step of collecting biometric information comprises collecting information with an input pad to authenticate the identity of the potential package recipient.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the step of collecting biometric information comprises collecting information with a camera to authenticate the identity of the potential package recipient.