Central Recipient Pick-up Patents (Class 705/339)
  • Patent number: 11900313
    Abstract: A system including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computing instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform certain acts. The acts can include determining an estimated arrival time of a user at a physical store. The acts also can include generating an estimated wait time using a machine learning model and based on input data comprising the estimated arrival time and dynamic wait time data for the physical store. The acts additionally can include sending the estimated wait time to at least one of the physical store or a mobile device of the user. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Shengyang Zhang, Mingang Fu, Madhavan Kandhadai Vasantham
  • Patent number: 11893530
    Abstract: Systems, method and computer readable medium are provided for automated storage and retrieval. User authentication information is received via a user interface for a dynamic storage and retrieval device. The user identity is verified based upon the authentication information and previously stored authentication data. Order information is retrieved for an order associated with the user following the verifying of user identity, the order information indicating one or more locations for items associated with the order. Instructions are transmitted to initiate a physical opening of at least one of the dynamic storage and retrieval device and at least one static storage location to enable the user to retrieve at least one item of the order, the static storage location including a controller controlling a locking mechanism and communicatively coupled to the dynamic storage and retrieval device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Edward Durkee, Stuart William Clark, Colin Holmes, Jason Shaffer, Mark Ibbotson, John Suarez
  • Patent number: 11893569
    Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method may include receiving a quick response (QR) code from a computing device, the QR code including a first entity identifier, and analyzing the QR code to determine a request to initiate a data transfer between a first entity associated with the first entity identifier and a second entity, and to determine one or more characteristics associated with the data transfer. The method may also include, based on the one or more characteristics, identifying a first QR code processing flow from multiple QR code processing flows to follow to process the data transfer, and verifying the first entity in the transaction based on the first entity identifier of the QR code and based on the first QR code processing flow. The method may also include processing the data transfer between the second entity and the first entity based on the first QR code processing flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: PayPal, Inc.
    Inventors: Prashant Jamkhedkar, Patrick Babcock, Anant Ganapathy, Haoyu Xue, Jie Leng, Amarnath Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 11859986
    Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for a system and method for facilitating autonomous delivery using a delivery assembly transported by an autonomous vehicle, the system and method can include determining a location of the delivery assembly and in response to determining the location of the delivery assembly, configuring a user interface to facilitate the autonomous delivery. The user interface has at least a point of origination configuration and a user configuration. In addition, the user interface can authenticate a user, allow the user to access one or more cubbies of the delivery assembly, and inform the user through one or more indicators on the user interface that the user can access a specific cubby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: GM CRUISE HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Jon Meador, Alexis DeStasio, Matthew Martin, Andrew W. Clavijo
  • Patent number: 11854062
    Abstract: Examples provide order fulfillment that includes receiving an online order from a user. An initial distribution hub for delivery of the order is identified and the order routed from the initial distribution hub to an intermediate hub. A notification of receipt of the order at the intermediate hub is received and a user location is determined. A plurality of options for routing the order to a next hub based on the user location and a cost associated with routing the order to the next hub are identified. The cost is based on a bidding process performed among a plurality of possible hubs to which the order will be routed. The order is routed to the next hub in response to a user confirmation of acceptance of a change in delivery location for the order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Vivek Kumar Jha, Puneet Jolly, Vasmi Krishna Korada, Sourabh Tripathi, Jainesh Doshi, Dhanesh Kothari, Arush Nagpal
  • Patent number: 11829941
    Abstract: A purchased product pickup system includes a management server that communicates with a terminal of a customer and manages pickup of a purchased product by the customer in a pickup area provided in or outside a store, the pickup area is provided with a management gate for managing entrance to and exit from the pickup area and a storage shelf for temporarily storing the purchased product, and the management server allocates the storage shelf for storing the purchased product when the purchased product is ordered from the terminal of the customer, and notifies the terminal of the customer of the allocated storage shelf and an entrance code for passing through the management gate of the pickup area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignees: YODOBASHI CAMERA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazunori Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 11763368
    Abstract: Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, software, and data flows for customized order processing. One example embodiment includes receiving data representative of an ordered item and retrieving data representative of components of the ordered item based on the received data representative of the ordered item. This embodiment further includes assembling at least one aggregate dataset of the retrieved data representative of the components, at least one aggregate dataset being a dataset providing a representation of the ordered item when rendered. Each of the at least one aggregate datasets may then be rendered. The rendering may include rendering a label or a wrapper for the ordered item. The rendering may also or alternatively include publishing the rendered data to one or both of a customer loyalty and social media account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Iconex LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Shinkle, II, Darrin Lamont Robinson, Austin Daniel Anderson, Charles Maney
  • Patent number: 11741506
    Abstract: A method of providing targeted content across user channels includes receiving a plurality of device activity events on a user device, storing the received plurality of device activity events, creating an audience population based on the stored device activity events, determining links for additional secondary user devices based on the user device, creating a cross-channel advertising campaign targeting the determined audience population, and running the cross-channel advertising campaign based on the device activity and the determined additional secondary user devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Yahoo Ad Tech LLC
    Inventors: Eliot L. Pearson, Elena Hearty, Jay Crystal, Douglas Weltman, Marcy Stone
  • Patent number: 11521161
    Abstract: A system including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computing instructions configured to run on the one more processors and perform training a machine learning model based on historical input data for pickups by users that occurred during a historical time period and output data comprising actual wait times that occurred for the pickups by the users; receiving an order from a user for a pickup from a physical store during a selected time slot of a selected date; adding the order to a queue of assembled checked-in orders; determining an estimated arrival time based on geo-tracking; generating an estimated wait time using the machine learning model, as trained, and can be based on input data; and sending the estimated wait time to at least one of the physical store or the mobile device of the user. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Shengyang Zhang, Mingang Fu, Madhavan Kandhadai Vasantham
  • Patent number: 11227253
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for providing a product delivery service in an electronic transaction using a smartphone in which delivery product discharging devices are suitably disposed in specific places of main areas such as a subway station or a bus stop and a purchaser may conveniently pick up an ordered delivery product from a delivery product discharging device previously designated by the purchaser using a smartphone of the purchaser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Phil Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 11176587
    Abstract: An information processing system, a computer readable storage medium, and a method for providing a recommendation for a plaything as a recommended item can include analyzing information received from a person monitoring system to provide an analysis for providing the recommendation for the plaything, and based on the analysis, sending a representation of the recommended item in a signal to a shopping cart such as an online shopping cart. The system can include an analysis module that receives information from a person monitoring system, and at least one processor configured to analyze information received from the person monitoring system (for one or more persons) to provide an analysis. The analysis provides a recommendation for a plaything. The processor can further send a representation of the recommended item in a signal to a shopping cart to upload into the shopping cart based on the analysis. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rogerio S. Feris, James R. Kozloski, Clifford A. Pickover, Maja Vukovic
  • Patent number: 11170339
    Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to facilitating package drop off and pickup transactions by facilitating user devices to offer locations for storage, drop off and pickup of packages. In an aspect, a system is described comprising an intake component that receives a set of location data representing available locations for storing packages and a verification component that verifies the set of location data has been selected for use in storing packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Manjunatha Kashi
  • Patent number: 11126954
    Abstract: Systems and methods including one or more processing modules and one or more non-transitory storage modules storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processing modules and perform acts of receiving delivery orders and/or pickup orders from customers for pickup and/or delivery of the orders during a predetermined window of time, receiving an additional delivery order from an additional customer for an additional pickup and/or delivery of the additional order to the additional customer by a delivery driver during the predetermined window of time, determining if a pickup area at the store exceeds a predetermined level of congestion during the predetermined window of time, and, if the pickup area at the store does not exceed the predetermined level of congestion during the predetermined window of time, transmitting an additional delivery request to the delivery driver to fulfill the additional delivery order during the predetermined window of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Austin Lee Smith, Vidyanand Krishnan, Michael Gilbert Ebener
  • Patent number: 11100738
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for facilitating the exchange of an item. For example, a containment component is configured to receive one or more items. A locking component is configured to selectively restrict or allow access to the item. A code generation component is configured to generate and provide an unlocking code to a requestor (e.g., based upon payment by the requestor that requests access to the item). A code entry component is configured to receive user input of a code. The code entry component either retains the locking component in a locked state if the code is not validated as the unlocking code or transitions the locking component into an unlocked state if the code is validated as the unlocking code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Jackson William Wegelin
  • Patent number: 11055654
    Abstract: A computer device and computer automated method for supporting packet delivery. A packet to be delivered has a designated delivery address and recipient. On approach of a delivery vehicle carrying the packet to the delivery address, when a geo-fence close to the delivery address is crossed, it is checked whether it is possible to deliver the packet to the designated delivery address. If it is not possible, then the method selects, conditional on sensing proximity to the designated delivery address with reference to the computing device's current location, from among one or more possible delivery addresses which have been pre-registered by the recipient as local addresses of friends an alternative delivery address at which a friend is currently located with reference to a mobile device registered to that friend. If a suitable friend who is at home is found, then the packet is delivered to the friend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Waleed Arshad, Charlotte Bird, Elizabeth E. Bowen, Alexander R. G. Melkonian, Ashley Robertson
  • Patent number: 11042142
    Abstract: An intelligent multifunctional storage cabinet device includes a smart cabinet and a backend control terminal, wherein the smart cabinet is connected to and communicates with the backend control terminal via a network connection. The smart cabinet includes a cabinet and a monitoring device. The monitoring device is installed on the top of the cabinet, and the monitoring device is connected to and communicates with the backend control terminal via a network connection. The cabinet includes a parcel storage component comprising a plurality of parcel storage compartments, a food storage component comprising a plurality of food storage compartments, and a key storage component comprising a plurality of key storage compartments. The key storage compartment is located between the parcel storage compartment and the food storage compartment. The parcel storage compartment is located at one side of the food storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: SUZHOU DUSIT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yijun Xu
  • Patent number: 10600022
    Abstract: A synchronized delivery system for delivering parcels directly to an alternate delivery location such as a locker bank in lieu of making any delivery attempt at a primary delivery location such as a home or office. The system may deliver parcels directly to the alternate delivery location when a related parcel is currently stored at the alternate delivery location awaiting pickup. A related parcel may include a parcel addressed to the same consignee, to a related consignee (e.g., such as a neighbor, roommate, or spouse), or to another authorized to pick up parcels on behalf of the consignee. When delivering parcels to alternate deliver locations, the system may facilitate a grouping of related parcels in a single locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, Robert J. Gillen
  • Patent number: 10424143
    Abstract: A delivery and collection system comprises a plurality of automated locker assemblies, each comprising a plurality of contiguous lockers which are monitored and controlled by a central computer system. Each locker has an autonomous lock unit including a processor, memory and short range wireless transceiver which communicates with any of a plurality of mobile phones or other wireless devices. Customers of the system are granted access to the lockers by validation codes which are communicated via an enabling message from the central computer system to an app running on the customer's device. The app is configured to send an access request to the lock unit based on the enabling message, and to transmit event details downloaded from the lock unit back to the central computer system. Each enabling message may authorise the user device to perform multiple deliveries or collections or may be a one-time code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: ByBox Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Miller, Mark Bromwell, Damian Powell, Robin Minto, Anthony McMahon, Peter O'Shaughnessy, Steven Finch
  • Patent number: 10339491
    Abstract: A mobile pickup unit is provided that includes storage compartments (e.g., for containing items) and is configured to travel to a user pickup area and park as close as possible to an optimal location that is determined based on the locations of users who are scheduled to utilize the mobile pickup unit. The mobile pickup unit may include or otherwise be transported by any type of mobile machine (e.g., automobile, etc.), and control of the mobile machine may be manual (e.g., a driver) or automated (e.g., directly or remotely controlled by an automated system, robotic, etc.) A parking location that is selected may be along a public street or any other available parking space, such that parking locations may be selected on a daily basis that are convenient for the users who will be utilizing the mobile pickup unit (e.g., for retrieving ordered items, dropping off returned items, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Anthony Wakim, Jared Molton
  • Patent number: 10290074
    Abstract: An on-demand transport facilitation system can receive transport requests from requesting users throughout a given region, and select autonomous vehicles (AVs) and human driver to service the transport requests. The AV can operating on a mapped and labeled autonomy grid within the given region. For a given transport request, the transport system can determine an optimal pick-up location along the autonomy grid based on the current location of the requesting user and a current location of a selected AV, and transmit data indicating walking directions from the current location of the requesting user to the optimal pick-up location. The transport system may then coordinate the rendezvous by monitoring progress made by the requesting user and AV to the optimal pick-up location, and controlling the pace of the AV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Sweeney, Anthony Levandowski
  • Patent number: 10133991
    Abstract: A system and method efficiently computes travel times between an origin and destination, minimizing expensive calls to a third party service by first geographically expanding both origin and destination and then searching a cache of previously computed or obtained travel times for any route satisfying the expanded origin and destination. A further embodiment concerns a system and method to prepare an optimized routing sequence to travel to a set of geographical task sites, in satisfaction of applicable conditions for one or more of the task sites. Advantageously, optimized routing may employ the disclosed method of computing travel times between origin and destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: ServiceNow, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Henderson, Bryan Boyle
  • Patent number: 10049181
    Abstract: A home automation (HA) system may include addressable HA devices, each configured to wirelessly communicate using a respective HA wireless communications protocol from among a plurality of different HA wireless communications protocols. The HA system may also include HA wireless radio controllers, each configured to wirelessly communicate using a respective different HA wireless communications protocol also from among the plurality of different HA wireless communications protocols. Each HA wireless radio controller may include circuitry and a connector coupled thereto. The HA system may also include an HA hub device that includes wireless radio port connectors, each configured to couple to a respective connector of a corresponding HA wireless radio controller, and hub processing circuitry coupled to the wireless radio port connectors and configured to communicate with the addressable HA devices based upon the respective HA wireless communications protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: K4CONNECT INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Gould, Daniel Mark Floyd
  • Publication number: 20150120603
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for streamlining mail delivery. A recipient identifier corresponding to a physical mail item addressed to an intended recipient is received can be received. A storage location for the physical mail item may be determined. Prior to determining the storage location for the physical mail item, the storage location may be currently associated with the intended recipient. After determining the storage location, the storage location may be associated with the intended recipient. An electronic notification can be sent to the intended recipient. The electronic notification may comprise a storage location identifier. The storage location identifier may be usable to identify the storage location of the physical mail item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Guy Walker
  • Publication number: 20150120602
    Abstract: A system and method for delivery of one or more objects is provided. The system and method includes the steps of determining if the object can be delivered to a first location; and in the event that the object cannot be delivered to the first location, a unique identifier is generated. The unique identifier is associated with the object and a reservation request is initiated to deliver the object to a second location. Determination of the second location is based on one or more parameters and notification of successful reservation request and second location is provided. A modular storage system having an actuator is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Curt James Huffman, Asimina Huffman
  • Publication number: 20150120601
    Abstract: A parcel delivery system includes a parcel locker system for receiving and storing parcels; a portable electronic device used by a person who delivers parcels to the parcel locker; a portable electronic device operated by an intended recipient of a parcel; and encoded tags to be affixed to parcels to be delivered to the parcel locker system. The parcel locker system may comprise a number of individual parcel lockers and a control device for controlling access to the lockers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Florence Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kevin A. Fee
  • Publication number: 20150112887
    Abstract: A system and method for dropping off an item at a locker are described. A locker is identified based on a size of an item and a geographic location of a seller of the item listed in an online marketplace. A lock code and an unlock code for the locker are generated. The locker is locked closed in response to receiving the lock code at the locker and is opened in response to receiving the unlock code at the locker. The lock code is communicated along with a location of the locker to the seller of the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Roy Leon Camp
  • Publication number: 20150106292
    Abstract: A system, according to various embodiments, is adapted for identifying a suitable locker for a particular parcel based, at least in part on the size of the parcel. In particular embodiments, the system is optimized for identifying the smallest available locker that would accommodate the parcel, and facilitating delivery of the parcel to that locker. The size of the parcel may be obtained, for example, from a carrier, a shipper, a consignee, or a third party (such as a customs agent).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, David Carder
  • Publication number: 20150106296
    Abstract: A system for redirecting a parcel from a primary delivery location (e.g., a residential address) to a locker bank is configured to redirect the parcel following an unsuccessful delivery attempt at the primary delivery location. In some embodiments, the system is configured to determine a suitable locker bank to which to redirect the parcel based on preferences received from a carrier (e.g., common carrier), shipper of the parcel, or consignee of the parcel. In various embodiments, following the unsuccessful delivery attempt, the system is configured to receive a request to deliver the parcel to the locker bank, provide access to one or more lockers at the locker bank for placement of the parcel, receive confirmation that the parcel has been placed in a particular locker at the locker bank, and associate the parcel with the particular locker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, David Carder, Robert J. Gillen
  • Publication number: 20150106293
    Abstract: A system, according to various embodiments, is adapted for facilitating the creation of a consignee account with a carrier at a locker bank. In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to use the locker bank to facilitate delivery of a parcel to an unregistered consignee at a locker bank and, during the course of the delivery transaction, facilitate the creation of an account for the previously unregistered consignee at the locker bank. This may allow the consignee to receive future notifications regarding other parcels that the carrier may deliver to the consignee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, David Carder
  • Publication number: 20150106261
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process operating on a server comprises: receiving user information into server memory; receiving a deposit notification into server memory; sending a pickup notification from the server to a service provider; receiving a deposit notification from a locker control device; sending a completion notification from the server to a user identified by the user information; receiving a removal notification; and billing the user identified by the user information for a service provided by the service provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Arthur Shmulevsky, Georgios Lentzas
  • Publication number: 20150106295
    Abstract: Systems, according to various embodiments, are adapted to use any of a variety of different techniques to identify an individual. In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to, at least partially in response to confirming the identity of a consignee of a parcel, provide the consignee with access to a parcel stored within a secured locker. In particular embodiments, the system may use the current or past location of the consignee, or information from one or more objects physically associated with the consignee (e.g., a portable computing device or an electronic or paper info notice) to verify the consignee's identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, David Carder, Robert J. Gillen
  • Publication number: 20150106294
    Abstract: Systems, according to various embodiments, are adapted to use any of a variety of different techniques to identify an individual. In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to, at least partially in response to confirming the identity of a consignee of a parcel, provide the consignee with access to a parcel stored within a secured locker. In particular embodiments, the system may use the current or past location of the consignee, or information from one or more objects physically associated with the consignee (e.g., a portable computing device or an electronic or paper info notice) to verify the consignee's identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, David Carder, Bob Gillen
  • Publication number: 20150106291
    Abstract: A system for redirecting a parcel from a primary delivery location (e.g., a residential address) to a locker bank is configured to redirect the parcel following an unsuccessful delivery attempt at the primary delivery location. In some embodiments, the system is configured to determine a suitable locker bank to which to redirect the parcel based on preferences received from a carrier (e.g., common carrier), shipper of the parcel, or consignee of the parcel. In various embodiments, following the unsuccessful delivery attempt, the system is configured to receive a request to deliver the parcel to the locker bank, provide access to one or more lockers at the locker bank for placement of the parcel, receive confirmation that the parcel has been placed in a particular locker at the locker bank, and associate the parcel with the particular locker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, David Carder, Bob Gillen
  • Publication number: 20140379607
    Abstract: A delivery management apparatus includes a delivery information reception unit that receives from a sender information about a shipping deposit location relating to a delivery item, and receives from a recipient information about a receipt location relating to the delivery item; a delivery person determination unit that communicates at least the information about the shipping deposit location and the information about the receipt location to users in order to recruit a user desiring to perform delivery, and determines a delivery person from applicant users; and a delivery procedure communication unit that at least communicates to the delivery person information used for pickup of the delivery item from the shipping deposit location or from a relay storage location and information used for storage in the relay storage location or in the receipt location, and communicates to the recipient information used for pickup of the delivery item from the receipt location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yuushi CHOUSA, Yutaka HYODO
  • Publication number: 20140330740
    Abstract: A system for distributing surplus items includes the following modules. A central control module distributes the items donated by a donor(s) to a recipient(s) based on a recipient's qualification and an availability of the items. A donor registration module registers the donor. A donor surplus items module registers the availability, characteristics of the items, and a pick-up location on a predetermined time period. A recipient registration module registers the recipient when qualified and parameters associated with the recipient. A donor match module matches the donor with the recipient and selects the items based on the parameters, and generates an approval code and a pick-up location for each item. A search result module notifies the recipient of the items, the pick-up location, and a time limit for responding to the notification and picking up the items, and sends the approval code to the recipient upon a timely positive response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: András Hoffmann, JR., Szávó Sztilkovics, Antal Ling
  • Publication number: 20140279664
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating delivery of parcels to, from, and between attended delivery/pickup locations. In various embodiments, the attended delivery/pickup locations may be associated with brick-and-mortar retail locations and used to facilitate inventory transfer between locations, shipment of goods purchased at the brick-and-mortar-retail locations to other attended delivery/pickup locations or other locations, and to receive delivery of parcels sent from any suitable location. In some embodiments, the attended delivery/pickup locations are configured to receive shipments of items ordered from online retail websites. In other embodiments, the attended delivery/pickups locations are associated with shopping centers and configured to facilitate shipment of items purchased at the associated shopping centers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Lievens, Vincent Dethier, Peter Henderickx, Luc Pirenne, Denis Payre
  • Publication number: 20140279667
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for creating delivery groups are disclosed. In various embodiments, the system is configured to collect purchase history data about users and determine if they have common characteristics. For example, the system may be configured to determine if two users live in the same neighborhood, have similar purchasing habits, etc. According to a particular embodiment, the system suggests to users with common characteristics to form delivery groups for package aggregation (e.g., to aggregate deliveries to a single location at the same time). The system may offer an incentive to the users to form the delivery group, such as a discount, incentive points, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Bob Gillen
  • Publication number: 20140279665
    Abstract: A computer system for routing parcels to attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., other than an individual's home and/or office) based on estimating the attended delivery/pickup location's capacity is disclosed. The computer system receives capacity information associated with the attended delivery/pickup location and characteristics of one or more parcels an individual wishes to be delivered to the attended deliver location. The system, based at least in part on the received information, determines whether the attended delivery/pickup location will have the capacity to store the one or more parcels associated with the individual. The system then routes the one or more parcels either to the attended delivery/pickup location (if there is capacity) or to an alternative delivery/pickup location (if there is not capacity).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Lievens, Vincent Dethier, Luc Pirenne
  • Publication number: 20140279666
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating pick up of items delivered to attended delivery/pickup locations. In various embodiments, the system is configured for confirming an identity of a person attempting to pick up a parcel from an attended delivery/pickup location before releasing the parcel to the person. The system may confirm the identity by receiving identifying information, by confirming a geographic location of a person attempting to retrieve the parcel, etc. In some embodiments, the system may be configure to enable parcel recipients to provide other persons the authorization to retrieve parcels and may be further configured to confirm this authorization before releasing parcels to a person other than the intended parcel recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Lievens, Vincent Dethier, Luc Pirenne
  • Publication number: 20140258168
    Abstract: A pickup and delivery system is disclosed wherein packages for service are deposited in drop box. The entity depositing the package receives electronic notification of receipt of the package and the service provider is electronically notified of the package deposit. The service provider is provided with a code to unlock the drop containing the items to be serviced. After the items have be serviced, they are placed in lockboxes and an unlock code is generated for each lockbox. The unlock code is electronically transmitted to the entity requesting service and the processed items are removed from the lockbox in connection with entry of the unlock code information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Darryl George Crawford
  • Patent number: 8781927
    Abstract: A system and method for postage payment utilizes passive RFID tags as postage “stamps”, with the amount of the postage automatically billed to a previously-established customer account. The tags are stored in a separate stamp database and are “enabled” by linking the individual tag to a customer account. The use of the RFID stamps eliminates the need for the customer to know the proper postage beforehand. The existence of a customer account with a proper return address reduces the likelihood of a dead letter. Also, a special category of stamps may be used for automatic reply mail. By virtue of using an RFID tag, the mailed item's progress through the postal delivery system may be tracked from dispatch to delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Killian, Cynthia Price Killian
  • Publication number: 20140114875
    Abstract: These inventions relate generally to methods and systems for consummating asynchronous transactions between users. An “asynchronous transaction” is a transaction that involves an exchange of goods which does not require the seller, on the one hand, and the purchaser or renter, on the other hand, to schedule a time to meet to physically transfer the item to be delivered. The disclosed systems include an automated storage device in communication with a central server, the automated storage device comprising a plurality of locked storage compartments. A seller may deposit an item in a locked storage compartment for a purchaser or renter to pick up at a later time. The disclosure also includes methods to authenticate the seller and the purchaser or renter prior to granting access to the locked storage compartment, as well as methods to resolve disputes that may arise between the seller and the purchaser or renter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SWAPBOX INC.
    Inventors: Neel MURTHY, Nitin SHANTHARAM
  • Publication number: 20140052661
    Abstract: A temporary pickup location that is located within a delivery area during a predefined timeframe provides an opportunity to customers to retrieve orders for items at a time and location that is convenient for them. In addition, the customers can pay for the items at retrieval (COD) and avoid the bulk and waste of shipping packages. In some implementations, temporary pickup locations are made available by planning to position a delivery agent and transportation unit at a predefined location during a predefined timeframe during which customers can plan to retrieve ordered items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Shakes, Qi Zou
  • Publication number: 20140019377
    Abstract: Example gesture based cross-channel commerce retail systems and methods are provided. Some of the example systems and methods permit a consumer to complete a Store Pick Up order, i.e., an order placed by the consumer via computer, mobile device, telephone, fax, mail-order, etc., by gesturing with a mobile device near a digital kiosk and optical sensor at a store pick up location. The mobile device and/or the digital kiosk may display media content to the consumer while the consumer completes the Store Pick Up order. In another example system, a digital kiosk is located in a public area such as an airport, shopping mall, train station, or stadium. The digital kiosk displays media content to the consumer, and the consumer may transfer to a mobile device such media by gesturing with the mobile device near the digital kiosk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: SEARS BRANDS, LLC
    Inventors: Vijan Bhaumik, Richard K. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20130262336
    Abstract: A pickup location that includes a control station and one or more storage compartment modules provides the ability for items to be ordered and delivered for pickup by a user without having to pack those items in a shipping package prior to shipping from a materials handling facility. Delivering items for pickup by a user without having to package the items prior to shipping, may provide a better experience for the customer, reduce waste in packaging material and a lower cost of delivering the ordered items to the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Lin Wan, Girish Lakshman, Eric T. Ferguson, Michael Mahesh Bhaskaran
  • Patent number: 8489472
    Abstract: A system and method for proactively monitoring the status of packages shipped by a package delivery carrier including intervening when certain conditions arise. The system identifies certain packages are requiring proactive monitoring and intervention, and monitors a variety of conditions, including system-wide impacts and package-level specific impacts, which may necessitate intervention by carrier personnel. Intervention may include various exception handling actions, including upgrading the level of service, stabilizing the temperature of the package, inspecting damage to the package. The carrier may notify the consignee or consignor of such detected conditions and may then communicate with appropriate individuals involved with the package delivery to ascertain the most appropriate action necessary. The system facilitates communicating such information to appropriate carrier personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Val Corday Boitet, Erik Paul Sebusch, Guy Ellingwood
  • Patent number: 8417647
    Abstract: A control method, for a transaction management server of a transaction administrator administrating commodity transactions between a seller and a buyer, comprises transmitting to a forwarder terminal an instruction to transport a commodity received along with price information of the commodity from a seller terminal; writing the price information into a database; receiving from the forwarder terminal and writing into the database the number of the waybill issued when the commodity is loaded into transportation by the forwarder; transmitting to the seller terminal information indicating that the transaction administrator has made an alternative payment for the commodity; receiving from the forwarder terminal and writing into the database the number of the waybill put on the commodity having arrived at a destination and commodity identification information; receiving the commodity identification information of the commodity delivered to the buyer from the forwarder terminal, and transmitting to a buyer terminal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsui-Soko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Fujioka, Hiroki Natori
  • Publication number: 20130073477
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of logistics and/or operations for conducting a direct-to-consumer e-commerce retail business. The logistics and/or operations system of the present invention may be used in connection with any online or e-commerce retail sector, including, for example, but not limited to, food retail (i.e., grocery retail), electronics, home goods, books, clothing, and shoes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Greg Grinberg
  • Publication number: 20120130916
    Abstract: A computer-based system and method for shipping and delivering a parcel, including reserving a terminal for a parcel; placing the parcel in the terminal, the parcel having a virtual delivery address of a recipient; picking up the parcel by a carrier; converting, through a central computer system, the virtual address into a postal address; delivering the parcel to a destination terminal drop-box corresponding to the postal address; notifying the recipient of the delivery of the parcel; and unlocking the drop-box only upon verifying the recipient's identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Neal, Filippo Beretta, Jorge Calzada, Tito Costa
  • Publication number: 20110320377
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for the autonomous wireless communication between a service provider device and a customer device. The customer device may notify the service provider device whether the customer has work to be performed by the service provider. The service provider device may provide information to the customer about work to be performed by the service provider. In one embodiment, a shipping service is notified autonomously about items that a customer has for pick up and shipment. The shipping service is also capable of wirelessly transferring information to a customer device about items to be delivered to that customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: John A. Olsen, III, David L. Bradley, Rhesa M. Jenkins