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PackageDeliveryLocker

Concept

A physically attractive locker, in the form of a bench or other outdoor furniture item, that is used to secure packages delivered by various carriers. The locker is 'smart' in that it has a in-built camera that scans shipping labels as presented by the delivery person, and will only open/unlock when it reads a shipping/tracking number that is expected. This reduces effort for the delivery personnel, encouraging their use of the locker in that they are not expected to manually key in the tracking number (see BenchSentry). The owner can open the bock with a physical key, or with their own specially create barcode.

Key Characteristics:

  • Modular "Smart" module -- self-contained, easily adapted to new containers
  • Android phone based -- known dev environment, plethora of available developers
  • Longer view -- build into new construction, all homes should have a smart package locker

General Charactistics:

  • WiFi enabled, allowing the owner to update the unit's expected shipping/tracking numbers. Once updated, the unit does not require constant connection to the wireless network.
  • AC powered, with battery backup
    • subsequent versions may utilize batteries only, with solar cell recharging.
  • Physical container is expandable: can be extended in size from say 24" wide to 48" or 60" wide by adding additional extension components that are user installable.
  • the lid contains:
    • touchscreen:
      • by default, shows instructions for operation to carriers and delivery personnel
      • can be used to enter tracking number is unable to scan
      • can be used by owner to unlock box with owner code
    • camera:
      • snaps picture of delivery personnel as unit is 'handled'
      • used to scan tracking numbers to compare against internal list of expected tracking numbers, leading to unlocking
  • Unit can be secured:
    • bolts into resting platform/surface
    • chained/cabled using loop around base
    • base can be lined with bricks/sand/or water blocks to make it too heavy to lift

The Ecosystem

Allowing the locker to be unlocked only when presented with a correct tracking number is a good way to eliminate potential thievery. The key to making this work is having such a simple to use system for both the owner and the delivery person, that it 'just works'. Minimizing the friction in usage is key to making this work, which includes a two-pronged approach:
  1. For the delivery person:
    • Simply presenting the shipping label to the camera will unlock the locker. This is easy for the delivery person, as opposed to requiring them to enter in the code via a keypad (see BenchSentry).
  2. For the owner:
    • Adding tracking numbers to the locker's Expected Deliveries List has to be very simple. There are several ways to make this process easy:
      • forwarding of purchase/shipment confirmation email to back-end system
      • texting the shipment confirmation/number to back-end system
      • drag-and-drop of tracking number to web-page
      • or, key in the number manually
  • Key elements of the ecosystem
    • Website
      • Allows login and personalization of the owner
      • Can add and remove tracking numbers
      • Check status of deliveries
      • Dashboard: expected deliveries/tracking numbers, locker operations (opens), consumed tracking numbers, review photoes of each operation
      • Real-time unlock of locker
    • mobile app
      • (same functions as website)
      • real-time alerts of locker operations, or tampering
    • locker control panel/keypad
      • entry of access code
      • manual entry of tracking number (last four digits significant)

Barcodes:

  • FedEx
    • 1D: Code 128
    • 2D: PDF 417
  • US Postal Service (USPS)
    • 1D: Code 128
    • 1D: PostNet + PLANET
  • United Parcel Service (UPS)
    • 1D: Code 128
  • Amazon
    • [Presumably Code 128]

Competitors: