Patent Application
20200090117
The present disclosure relates to delivery systems and, more particularly, to delivering items to an unattended vehicle.
Delivering an item, such as a package, to a vehicle typically requires a person (e.g., a vehicle owner) to be present at the vehicle to receive the package. For example, the person may physically meet a representative of a package delivery service at the vehicle to receive the package and/or unlock the vehicle to allow the representative to place the package in the vehicle. If the vehicle owner is not present when the delivery service representative arrives at the vehicle, the representative cannot access the vehicle. Attempting to schedule a specific time for delivering a package to a vehicle can be frustrating because the delivery service representative does not know an exact time they will arrive at the vehicle due to unknown variables such as traffic delays and the like. A delivery system that allows secure delivery of packages to unattended vehicles is beneficial to both the vehicle owner and the delivery service representative.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.
In the following disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
Implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein may comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed herein. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are computer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, implementations of the disclosure can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.
Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.
An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein may communicate over a computer network. A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data links, which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter is described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described herein. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, an in-dash vehicle computer, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can be performed in one or more of: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed to carry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, components may be referred to by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name, but not function.
It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed herein may comprise computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform at least a portion of their functions. For example, a sensor may include computer code configured to be executed in one or more processors, and may include hardware logic/electrical circuitry controlled by the computer code. These example devices are provided herein purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in further types of devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).
At least some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to computer program products comprising such logic (e.g., in the form of software) stored on any computer useable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing devices, causes a device to operate as described herein.
A delivery management system 104 coordinates the delivery of items contained in an order to a customer. In some embodiments, delivery management system 104 manages the delivery of multiple items to the customer's unattended vehicle 114. Unattended vehicle 114 may be any type of vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, bus, and the like. Various delivery systems or delivery services may be used to deliver the items to unattended vehicle 114. For example, a third party package delivery service may deliver packages 110 from a package delivery facility 108 using one or more delivery vehicles 112. Package delivery facility 108 may include a warehouse or other structure capable of receiving and distributing multiple items. The items for a particular order may be grouped together as a single package 110 for delivery to unattended vehicle 114. A package 110 may include any type of container or carrier to carry the items in an order, such as a box, bag, carton, shipping tub, shipping bin, and the like. Delivery vehicle 112 may be driven by a representative of a package delivery service. In some embodiments, delivery vehicle 112 is an autonomous vehicle.
As shown in
Delivery management system 104 coordinates the delivery of items in an order to a customer. In some embodiments, the customer may desire delivery of the items to the customer's unattended vehicle 114. In this situation, delivery management system 104 determines whether any of the items are temperature-sensitive. If the order includes temperature-sensitive items, delivery management system 104 further determines whether unattended vehicle 114 has variable-temperature compartments capable of maintaining the appropriate environment (or environments) for the temperature-sensitive items. Additional details regarding the delivery of temperature-sensitive items to unattended vehicle 114 are discussed herein.
Communication manager 202 provides the received delivery information to a compartment control module 204, which controls access to the vehicle (e.g., vehicle doors and trunk) as well as access to multiple compartments 206, 208, and 210 within the vehicle. Compartments 206-210 can be located anywhere within the vehicle, such as in a vehicle trunk, back seat, passenger area, and the like. Compartments 206-210 may have different sizes. In the example of
In some embodiments, each compartment 206-210 can be locked and unlocked independently of the other compartments. In these embodiments, control module 204 controls the locking and unlocking of compartments 206-210.
In the embodiment of
Compartment 208 has a cooling module 214 that can control the temperature of compartment 208 within a particular range. If cooling module 214 is not activated, compartment 208 will have a temperature similar to the ambient temperature surrounding compartment 208. Cooling module 212 can use any type of cooling source or cooling technique to cool compartment 208.
Compartment 210 includes a heating module 216 and a cooling module 218. These modules work in a manner similar to heating module 212 and cooling module 214 discussed above. By providing both heating module 216 and a cooling module 218 in compartment 210, the compartment is able to accommodate items that need a hot environment or items that need a cold environment. In some embodiments, heating module 216 and cooling module 218 are activated independently of one another depending on whether hot or cold environment is desired. If both heating module 216 and a cooling module 218 are deactivated, compartment 210 will have a temperature similar to the ambient temperature surrounding compartment 210.
Although each compartment 206-210 is shown to have at least one heating module or one cooling module, alternate embodiments may include one or more compartments that do not have a heating module or a cooling module. These compartments will have a temperature similar to the ambient temperature surrounding the compartment and can be used for items that are not temperature-sensitive. In some implementations, compartments 206-210 are insulated to assist in maintaining the desired temperature within the compartment. Compartments 206-210 have a lid, door, or other access mechanism that allows the compartment to be opened to insert or remove items. The lid, door, or other access mechanism is then closed to maintain the temperature within the compartment.
In some embodiments, one or more temperature indicators are attached to or located near compartments 206-210. For example, indicator lights may indicate whether a particular compartment is hot, cold, or at the ambient temperature. Additionally, the indicator lights may indicate that a particular compartment is being heated or cooled, but has not yet reached the desired temperature.
In particular implementations, heating and cooling modules 212-218 are powered by the vehicle's battery. In alternate implementations, heating and cooling modules 212-218 are powered by another power source associated with the vehicle or external to the vehicle.
In some embodiments, one or more compartments 206-210 may also include a humidity control module that can increase or decrease the humidity of the compartment. The humidity control module is particularly useful for items that require a specific humidity level, such as a dry environment or a humid environment.
In particular implementations, some items require safe storage temperature ranges. For example, some electronic equipment has a wide range of safe storage temperatures, but should not be exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold. For these items, the systems and methods described herein may instruct a delivery service to deliver the items into a compartment that can heat and/or cool the environment. The systems and methods can then activate the heating or cooling modules, as appropriate, to keep the item within the range of safe storage temperatures. Thus, although these types of items are not traditional temperature-controlled or temperature-sensitive items, they still have a safe range of temperatures when being stored.
If the vehicle's compartments are appropriate at 310 for the items in the order, method 300 determines 314 an estimated time for delivering the order to the vehicle. The estimated delivery time is determined using any existing systems and algorithms that determine, for example, delivery schedules, delivery routes, and the like. The vehicle is notified 316 of the estimated delivery time and the temperature-sensitive items in the order (including whether the temperature-sensitive items require a heated environment or a cooled environment). In some embodiments, the vehicle is notified of a specific temperature range (e.g., 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit) or a specific temperature (e.g., 42 degrees Fahrenheit) that is required for one or more of the temperature-sensitive items. The items in the order are delivered 318 to the vehicle at the appropriate time. After the items are delivered to the vehicle, a delivery acknowledgement message is generated 320 and communicated, for example, to a vehicle owner, a delivery management system, an order processing system, and the like.
The control module begins adjusting 410 a compartment's temperature at the appropriate time. When the items are delivered, the control module performs an authentication process to authenticate the delivery person (e.g., a representative of a delivery service) prior to providing access to the unattended vehicle. The authentication process can use any system, algorithm, or technique known to those of ordinary skill in the art. After the delivery person is authenticated, the control module unlocks 412 the vehicle and unlocks one or more compartments in the vehicle to receive the items being delivered. In some embodiments, only a portion of the items being delivered are placed into a compartment. Other items can be placed next to the compartments or elsewhere in the vehicle. For example, heated items may be placed in a heated compartment, cooled items may be placed in a cooled compartment, and the remaining items (which do not have heating or cooling requirements) are placed in the vehicle's trunk or passenger compartment.
After delivery of the items, the control module locks 414 the vehicle and the compartments. In some embodiments, the compartments do not have separate locks. In these embodiments, the compartments are secure within the vehicle when the vehicle's doors and other access points are locked. The control module then maintains 416 the proper temperature in the one or more variable-temperature compartments until the items are retrieved by a vehicle owner or other individual. After the items are retrieved from the variable-temperature compartments, the control module may deactivate the heating and/or cooling modules in the compartments.
When the predetermined charge level is reached at 512, the control module turns off 514 the vehicle's engine and continues maintaining 504 the proper temperature in the variable-temperature compartments. In some embodiments, the control module determines whether the vehicle is in an enclosed area (such as a closed garage) before starting the vehicle engine. If the vehicle is not in an well-ventilated area, the control module will not start the vehicle engine. In particular embodiments, the control module will generate a message that is communicated, for example, to a vehicle owner indicating that the battery power is below the threshold value. This message gives the vehicle owner (or other individual) an opportunity to retrieve the items or take other action to protect the temperature-sensitive items.
Computing device 600 includes one or more processor(s) 602, one or more memory device(s) 604, one or more interface(s) 606, one or more mass storage device(s) 608, one or more Input/Output (I/O) device(s) 610, and a display device 630 all of which are coupled to a bus 612. Processor(s) 602 include one or more processors or controllers that execute instructions stored in memory device(s) 604 and/or mass storage device(s) 608. Processor(s) 602 may also include various types of computer-readable media, such as cache memory.
Memory device(s) 604 include various computer-readable media, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) 614) and/or nonvolatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) 616). Memory device(s) 604 may also include rewritable ROM, such as Flash memory.
Mass storage device(s) 608 include various computer readable media, such as magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid-state memory (e.g., Flash memory), and so forth. As shown in
I/O device(s) 610 include various devices that allow data and/or other information to be input to or retrieved from computing device 600. Example I/O device(s) 610 include cursor control devices, keyboards, keypads, microphones, monitors or other display devices, speakers, printers, network interface cards, modems, and the like.
Display device 630 includes any type of device capable of displaying information to one or more users of computing device 600. Examples of display device 630 include a monitor, display terminal, video projection device, and the like.
Interface(s) 606 include various interfaces that allow computing device 600 to interact with other systems, devices, or computing environments. Example interface(s) 606 may include any number of different network interfaces 620, such as interfaces to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and the Internet. Other interface(s) include user interface 618 and peripheral device interface 622. The interface(s) 606 may also include one or more user interface elements 618. The interface(s) 606 may also include one or more peripheral interfaces such as interfaces for printers, pointing devices (mice, track pad, or any suitable user interface now known to those of ordinary skill in the field, or later discovered), keyboards, and the like.
Bus 612 allows processor(s) 602, memory device(s) 604, interface(s) 606, mass storage device(s) 608, and I/O device(s) 610 to communicate with one another, as well as other devices or components coupled to bus 612. Bus 612 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, such as a system bus, PCI bus, IEEE bus, USB bus, and so forth.
For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable program components are shown herein as discrete blocks, although it is understood that such programs and components may reside at various times in different storage components of computing device 600, and are executed by processor(s) 602. Alternatively, the systems and procedures described herein can be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed to carry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein.
While various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The description herein is presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the disclosed teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of the alternate implementations discussed herein may be used in any combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2016/067549 | 12/19/2016 | WO | 00 |
