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
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/10—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property
  • G07F17/12—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned
  • G07F17/13—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned the containers being a postal pick-up locker

Definitions

• a customer accesses a vendor's sales site. This could be done by accessing a web-site via the Internet. Once the customer has accessed the sales site, he or she places an order at step 12. In the case of an order entered via the Internet, the web-site provides to the customer's computer one or more screens that allow the customer to enter the details ofthe order into the vendor's order processing computer. Optionally, additional screens are also provided to supply to the customer product information and/or a selection of products.
• the sales site can be accessed by a telephone call to a phone number maintained by the vendor for receiving orders; and the order may be entered by the customer directly into an order processing computer maintained by the vendor or the order may be received by an operator and entered by the operator. These steps can also be performed by mail. In this case, the order is received by an operator who acts on behalf of the vendor and is entered into the vendor's order processing system.
• Confirmation of shipment as at step 16 is likewise provided by email to the address supplied by the customer.
• Other systems may confirm an order and/or a shipment by a phone message or by mail. Still other systems may do neither.
• the customer receives the product ordered as at step 18. Regardless of how the product was ordered, typically, delivery is by mail or by a package delivery service such as Fed Ex or United Parcel Service.
• the order taking process can be regarded as a ' many-to-one process with many customers submitting orders to a vendor through one site.
• this many- to-one process can be made quite efficient by exploiting the advantages of telecommunications in general and the Internet in particular to concentrate the orders of many customers on one site.
• Post Office box system in which a set of mail boxes is located at a central location such as the local Post Office. While these boxes are used by many for the receipt of mail and conceivably could be used by some for accepting delivery of products, they do not offer a general solution to the delivery problem. For example, since a unique mail box of a certain size is assigned to each Post Office box customer for an entire rental period, the customer has no way to adjust the size ofthe box or period of use ofthe box to suit his needs. The box may be too large or too small and it may be needed for delivery of a constant stream of products, an occasional product or none at all.
• the storage box system includes a plurality of lockable storage lockers into which articles may be placed by delivery persons and from which the articles may be retrieved by residents ofthe building.
• the '717 patent focuses on an automated system that allows the delivery person to place articles in the lockers and obtain a receipt for them without intervention by someone who supervises the storage lockers.
• the '717 patent does not integrate the ordering and delivery systems, it requires the use of identification cards and uniquely assigned lockers and it does not take advantage ofthe Internet.
• the present invention addresses these and other issues by providing a method and apparatus for facilitating the entry of customer orders for products, for tracking the progress ofthe order, and for delivering the product to the customer through conveniently located service centers.
• the method ofthe present invention comprises the steps of: receiving from a vendor order information comprising identification of a customer, identification of a product that has been ordered, and identification of a destination to which the product is to be shipped; receiving the ordered product at the destination; placing the ordered product in a secure storage area; notifying the customer that the ordered product is available at the secure storage area; and providing the ordered product to the customer.
• the secure storage area is protected by an electronic lock having a resettable access code and the method ofthe present invention further comprises the step of changing the access code on the electronic lock after the ordered product is removed from the secure storage area.
• each customer has a unique access code.
• the order information may be received from the customer via a web-site maintained by the product vendor or by the delivery service.
• the method ofthe present invention comprises the steps of: providing an Internet based web site for the sale and distribution of products, said web site containing an order entry display to be accessed by a dedicated class of customers; providing a dedicated pick up destination for products ordered via the order entry display located in close physical proximity to said class of customers; receiving from a customer which is a member of said class of customers via the order entry display product order information including an identification of product and dedicated pick up destination; notifying the vendor via the Internet ofthe order information; receiving the ordered product from the vendor at the dedicated pick up destination; notifying the customer via the Internet that the ordered product is available for pick up at the dedicated pick up destination; and facilitating the delivery ofthe product to the customer at said destination.
• the method ofthe present invention comprises the steps of: providing an Internet based web site for the sale and distribution of products, said web site containing an order entry display to be accessed by a dedicated class of customers; providing a dedicated pick up destination for products ordered via the order entry display located in close physical proximity to said class of customers; facilitating through said web site the delivery directly to vendors of order entry display product order information including an identification of product and dedicated pick up destination; receiving the ordered product from the vendor at the dedicated pick up destination; notifying the customer via the Internet that the ordered product is available for pick up at the dedicated pick up destination; and facilitating the delivery ofthe product to the customer at said destination.
• the method ofthe present invention comprises the steps of: providing an Internet based web site for the sale of services, said web site containing an order entry display to be accessed by a dedicated class of customers; providing a dedicated pick up destination for features of that service ordered via the order entry display located in close physical proximity to said class of customers; receiving from a customer which is a member of said class of customers via the order entry display service order information including an identification of service and dedicated pick up destination; notifying the vendor via the Internet ofthe order information; and receiving a feature ofthe ordered service from the vendor at the dedicated pick up destination, and notifying the customer via the Internet that the feature ofthe ordered services is available for pick up at the dedicated pick up destination.
• FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a prior art remote-ordering delivery process
• Fig. 2 is a block diagram depicting a preferred embodiment ofthe invention
• Fig. 3 is a block diagram depicting a computer system used in the practice of the invention.
• Fig. 4 is a schematic representation ofthe interaction between a customer, a vendor and a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention
• Figs. 5-1 through 5-15 are flowcharts illustrating details ofthe operation ofthe present invention. Detailed Description
• illustrative apparatus for practicing the invention comprises a management system 30, a plurality of service centers 70 and at least one set of electronically controlled storage lockers 80 at each service center 70.
• the management system is primarily a computer system.
• the computer system includes a primary computer 40 and a plurality of satellite computers 60, at least one of which is located at each service center 70.
• Each computer comprises a processor 42 or 62, a memory 44 or 64, input devices 46 or 66, output devices 48 or 68, and a communications interface 52 or 72, which are interconnected by an internal communications bus 54 or 74.
• Illustrative such computers are personal computers that include Pentium processors.
• Illustrative input devices are keyboards and mice.
• Illustrative output devices are video displays and printers.
• the input and output devices also include a signaling interface to the storage lockers 80. Communications between the primary computer and the satellite computers go through the communications interfaces 52 and 72. Any suitable communication system may be used to link interfaces 52 and 72.
• Fig. 2 Different arrangements ofthe primary and satellite computers can be made. At present, it is expected that the entire system will be run from the primary computer . and that the satellite computers will serve as little more than communication interfaces to the storage lockers. Other arrangements, however, are well within the spirit and scope ofthe invention.
• Computer programs stored in memories 44 and 64 control the management system to perform the steps described below in conjunction with Fig. 4. It is contemplated that the system of Fig. 2 will be deployed over a wide geographical area: a metropolitan region, several provinces or states, (as in Canada and the United States), entire countries or even the world. In accordance with the invention, the service centers will be located at points of high pedestrian traffic.
• Examples of such points are the lobbies of large office buildings, commuter and long- distance bus and train stations, airports, sports facilities and entertainment centers, and shopping malls. Since a typical customer is likely to be an office worker, service center locations in large office towers or busy stations at one end or the other of a commuter's trip are especially desirable.
• Each service center preferably supports a plurality of electronically controlled storage lockers 80.
• the lockers at each center are uniquely identified by unique codes such as numbers or other symbols and preferably have various sizes so as to be able to accommodate packages of different sizes.
• some lockers have special features such as temperature controls that provide for refrigeration or heating ofthe locker contents.
• Each set of lockers includes a console having a keypad at which a customer can enter a locker identification code and an access code.
• Each locker has an electronic lock that preferably is controlled by the primary computer via the satellite computer at the service center where the lock is located.
• the primary computer can establish an access code comprising a sequence of numbers or other keypad characters that must be entered at the keypad before a specific locker can be opened.
• the primary computer can then cancel the number or other characters that were used to open that locker. Further details about the operation of such electronic locks are set forth in U.S. Patents 5,886,644 and 5,894,277 which are incorporated herein by reference.
• management system 30 facilitates product orders, tracks ordered products and arranges for their delivery by repeated communications with vendors ofthe products and with the customers who ordered the products.
• this communication is accomplished through the Internet, which is depicted in Fig. 2 as element 100.
• Customers may access the Internet in a variety of ways. Illustratively they do so through personal computers 111, 112, 113, 114, that are connected to the Internet via portals 121, 122 such as those provided by America Online or Yahoo.
• Customers can order products via the Internet by directly accessing web sites maintained by vendors. Two such sites 131, 132 are depicted in Fig. 2. Preferably, however, the access is made by accessing a web site 135 maintained by the management systems 30 and either ordering products from web-site 135 or connecting to the vendor site using a link maintained at web site 135.
• the preferred process for ordering and delivery of a product is shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4.
• the flow chart depicts actions taken by a customer, management system 30 and a vendor and the communication among them while ordering and delivering a product.
• the system is particularly suitable for use with a dedicated class of customers.
• the method can be used with a dedicated class of customers consisting of individuals who are employed in large office towers in urban centers.
• individuals of this class exhibit characteristics which are particularly suitable for enhancing the purchasing power associated with Internet purchases. These individuals likely have higher incomes and common interests. This enables the operator ofthe management system to obtain products and services from preferred suppliers at preferential rates to those offered to other purchasers of those products and services and increases the likelihood of those vendors participating as vendors on the system.
• the operator may also offer for sale products or services that are particularly suitable for the particular class of purchasers.
• the system is particularly useful where the distribution and service center is located close to the physical location ofthe dedicated class of customers.
• the dedicated pick up destination could be located in or near common areas of those office towers readily accessed by said individuals.
• the proximity ofthe dedicated class of customers to the pick up destination enables the operator ofthe management system to make available to its customers products and services uniquely suitable for those customers at preferred rates and at a convenient location for pickup.
• the synergies associated with the methods ofthe present invention are facilitated by the use ofthe Internet based management system and delivery location.
• the product may be delivered to the customer at the pick up area by way of a secured storage area which may consist of a plurality of lockers or boxes bearing a unique identification code.
• the product in the locker or box may be accessed through the use of a lock mechanism such as a mechanical lock accessed by a key provided to the customer at the dedicated pick up area or an electro mechanical lock accessed by a resettable access code, the resettable access code and the locker or box identification code being provided to the customer via the Internet.
• the customer is known to the management system because he or she has previously registered with the management system.
• the customer will supply suitable identification, establish a credit reference by means of a credit card, select a service center for delivery of products, establish a password or personal identification number (PIN) for use with his or her name, and provide an email address through which he or she may be contacted.
• PIN personal identification number
• This information will be associated with a unique customer identification number.
• the process begins at step 210 when a customer accesses the management system web-site to initiate purchase of a product.
• the management system web-site includes links to the web sites of vendors who have subscribed to the delivery services offered by the management system.
• the customer selects the link to the vendor who provides the product he is seeking and thereby access the vendor's web- site as at step 212. From the vendor's web-site, the customer obtains the web page or pages needed to select and order the product.
• the customer selects and orders the product at step 214.
• this involves scanning numerous web pages of product description to find the product sought, selecting the product and then completing an order form.
• the order form provides blanks at which the customer is asked to submit such ordering information as payment details and shipping information including the address to which the product is to be delivered.
• Much of this information can be specified by the customer at the time he registers with the management system.
• This pre-specified information can be supplied to the vendor in step 214 in a variety of ways.
• One presently popular method is to embed the information in a cookie that is stored on the customer's computer and is only made available to the vendor for purposes of purchasing products. Alternatively, this information can be provided by use of an electronic wallet such as the Microsoft Password (TM) system.
• TM Microsoft Password
• the customer can enter the needed information himself via a computer at the time he enters his order. For example, he may wish to have the ordered product delivered to a destination that is different from that already on record.
• the customer may order from a web-site maintained by the management system in which the management system will communicate the order to the vendor.
• the vendor confirms the order to the customer.
• This step which typically is performed by email via the Internet, is represented by step 216.
• the confirmation includes a unique order number.
• the notification of confirmation also goes via email to management system 30 where a file is created at step 218 relating to the order.
• This file identifies the product to be shipped, the vendor, the customer and the destination to which the product is to be shipped. In general, this is done by associating the order number with the customer identification number and the information previously stored in association with that customer number.
• the vendor ships the order and confirms its shipment at step 220. Again, the confirmation goes by email via the Internet to both the customer and management system 30.
• the management system updates its file on the order so that it can monitor the shipment and initiate a trace for the shipment if it does not arrive when expected.
• management system 30 selects a locker, sets the access code for the locker and notifies the customer by email via the Internet ofthe identification code for the locker from which the customer can obtain the product ordered.
• these tasks are performed by the primary computer.
• Personnel at the service center place the product in the locker selected by the management system.
• These activities are represented by step 224.
• the access code is the personal identification number (PIN) established by the customer at the time he or she registered with the management system.
• PIN personal identification number
• the customer can then retrieve the product from the locker at step 226 by going to the service center to which the product was delivered and entering at the keypad the locker identification code that the management system provided at step 224 and the access code (the PIN) established at the time of registration.
• the storage locker is monitored to determine when the product is removed from the locker. This can be done by sensing when the door ofthe locker is opened or sensing whether something remains in the locker.
• the management system at step 228 clears the access code previously set for that locker, notes delivery ofthe product in the tracking file established at step 218 and closes the tracking file.
• Fig. 5-1 depicts the processing of products that are received at a service center 70. As indicated, a received consignment is checked for exceptions, any exceptions are resolved to the extent possible, and the accepted consignments are logged in at step IL.
• Fig. 5-2 depicts the processing of a consignment. The consignment is broken down at step 2A into individual orders. Problems and returns are segregated at step 2B and processed appropriately. Clean orders are consolidated at step 2G if appropriate and staged for receiving. If the order is to be refrigerated, that is done.
• Figs. 5-3 through 5-6 depict the order handling process. In Fig.
• each received product is matched, if possible, with a specific order that has been forwarded by the management system; and the customer identification number (EMPORI ID#) associated with the order is determined.
• EMPORI ID# customer identification number
• a search is made for other orders for the same customer that might be awaiting delivery at the service center. If possible, all orders for the same customer are consolidated.
• a determination is made at step 6B whether a locker is needed to store the received product. Availability of such a locker is determined at step 6C and the product is stored in the locker at step 6D if it is available. Otherwise, it is held in secondary storage.
• the record ofthe order is then updated with the identification code (LOCKER #) for the locker and the management system is updated so as to associate that locker identification code with the customer.
• the management system uses the customer identification to retrieve the customer's PIN number and sets the access code ofthe electronic lock for the locker to equal the customer's PIN number.
• the management system also sends an e-mail at step 6G to the customer notifying him or her ofthe arrival ofthe product at the service center and the identification code for the locker where the customer's product is stored.
• Fig. 5-7 depicts the pick-up process. If the product is stored in a locker, the customer can obtain the product by entering his or her PIN number and the locker identification code at a keypad at the service center or on the locker itself. Otherwise, customer service is available.
• Figs. 5-8 through 5-13 depict the provision of personal service at the service center for the delivery of products or the resolution of problems.
• Fig. 5-9 depicts the processing of a return. If a return is determined to be possible at step 9C, the return is processed at step 9D and a return material authorization (RMA) is prepared.
• RMA return material authorization
• Fig. 5-10 depicts the tracking of an order.
• Fig. 5-11 depicts the procedure for handling misdirected orders and
• Fig. 5-12 depicts the procedure for handling orders that are not found in the system.
• Fig. 5-13 depicts the processing of orders that are found to have problems such as overages, shortages or damage.
• Fig. 5-14 depicts the process for returning orders that are found in lockers. If the order is rejected by a customer, it is returned. If the order was somehow overlooked, a new order is created and the product is re-entered into the order processing sequence. And in some cases, the decision may be made to dispose ofthe order.
• Fig. 5-15 depicts the process for assembling returns for pick up from the service center by the delivery service.
• the management system does this by forwarding the customer's order to the vendor via the Internet.
• the products could be paid for at the service center using a credit card reader, thereby alleviating concerns about making credit card transactions over the Internet.
• payment might be made to the legal entity that operates the management system and that entity would then pay the vendor; or the management system could be programmed to use the order information to forward the payment directly to the vendor.
• payments could be made by cash or check to service personnel at the service center and the legal entity that operates the management system could then pay the vendor.
• the service center could also provide concierge services such as theater tickets and the like and use the email messaging capability ofthe management system to confirm ticket orders and/or the storage lockers to deliver tickets.
• the service centers could receive clothes for laundry services and return them using an email message to identify a storage locker where the clean clothes could be picked up.
• a car could be left at a service center for repair work by leaving the keys in a pre-specified storage locker and the car could be returned by using an email message to identify a storage locker where the keys could be returned.

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Cited By (22)

• 2001
  • 2001-06-13 WO PCT/CA2001/000884 patent/WO2001097101A2/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2001-06-13 AU AU68874/01A patent/AU6887401A/en not_active Abandoned

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