INTELLIGENT DIVIDER PLACEMENT DETECTION AND ALGORITHMIC CONTROL OF CLIMATE MODES

Abstract

A container includes a main interior compartment, and at least one divider disposed within the main interior compartment. The at least one divider defines two divided compartments within the main interior compartment. A sensor is configured to detect the at least one divider. A thermal control system is configured to maintain a temperature controlled zone within at least one of the divided compartments. A processor is programmed to determine a position of the at least one divider, based on output from the sensor, and in response to the at least one divider being removed or moved, or in response to an additional divider being added to the main compartment and being detected by the sensor, control the thermal control system to reconfigure the temperature controlled zone.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/435,686 filed Dec. 28, 2022, which is incorporated in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Temperature-controlled containers typically have a fixed interior configuration where temperature-controlled zones are fixed in place. It would be advantageous to provide a modular configuration where a user can quickly and conveniently re-arrange divider walls inside the container, after which the container would detect the presence and/or absence of divider walls, and intelligently/automatically reconfigure the temperature-controlled zones based on the arrangement of divider walls inside the container. The presently disclosed container can be used as a delivery receptacle that securely stores packages, groceries, food deliveries, or other items at an outdoor location on a person's property or at a place of business.

SUMMARY

A container includes a main interior compartment, and at least one divider disposed within the main interior compartment. The at least one divider defines two divided compartments within the main interior compartment. A sensor is configured to detect the at least one divider. A thermal control system is configured to maintain a temperature controlled zone within at least one of the divided compartments. A processor is programmed to determine a position of the at least one divider, based on output from the sensor, and in response to the at least one divider being removed or moved, or in response to an additional divider being added to the main compartment and being detected by the sensor, control the thermal control system to reconfigure the temperature controlled zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are further described in the detailed description which follows in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of embodiments in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the secure temperature-controlled container with divider walls disposed inside thereof.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate how at least one divider wall can be removed.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a thermal control system for the container.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate components integrated with the access door of the container.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration of hardware elements present in and forming the secure temperature-controlled container.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a process executed by the secure temperature-controlled container when a user re-arranges the divider walls.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary embodiments of mobile phone screens that display a push notification regarding the configuration of the divider walls in the secure container or a temperature warning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatus (e.g., systems), and computer program products according to various aspects. It will be understood that each functional block of the block diagrams and the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of functional blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto any combination of general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The memory may be a non-volatile memory.

It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the disclosure and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional data networking, application development and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical electronic transaction system.

Referring to FIG. 1, embodiments of the present disclosure include a delivery box 100 for temporarily storing goods. In an exemplary embodiment, the delivery box 100 includes a container 102 connected to an access door 104 with a locking device 50 associated therewith.

The access door 104 may be a hinged door wherein the door can be suitably locked by a locking system, such as an electromagnetic locking system, a key and lock system, an electronic coding device system, or any other locking mechanism. The access door 104 may have a plurality of components discussed later herein for the purposes of climate control, monitoring items within the container 102, emergency unlock system, processing system, storing data, communications systems, etc. For example, the access door 104 may include one or more or all of the following: temperature sensors, humidity sensors, lights, UV LEDs, cameras, time of flight sensors for detecting divider placement, fans, batteries, transceivers, a microprocessor or a microcontroller (i.e., a controller), memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), a locking system, a climate control system and/or any other component discussed herein. In one embodiment, all electronics of the delivery box are housed in the access door. In another embodiment, all electronics of the delivery box except for the climate control system are housed in the access door 104. It should be understood, that, in another embodiment, all of the electronics could be stored in the container 102. Regardless, the access door 104 may be configured to be locked at all times when it is closed so that it is secure to the container so that the container 102 is not able to be accessed while the access door 104 is closed to the container 102. The access door 104 may be insulated and made of any suitable material to allow for security of the delivery box 100 and to allow for internal climate management of the delivery box 100.

As mentioned above, FIG. 1 illustrates that the access door 104 is hinged with the container 102. However, it should be understood that the access door 104 may be mechanically or electrically connected with the container 102 or other device in any suitable manner to allow the locking device 50 to lock the access door 104 to the container 102. For example, the access door 104 could be slidably connected to the container 102.

The container 102 defines sidewalls that define an interior compartment 40 which may be completely enclosed when the access door 104 is closed. Also, this interior compartment 40 may be subdivided into zones using separation walls (referred to herein as “dividers”). The container 102 may include insulation material in the walls thereof to maintain the internal temperature of the contents inside the container.

The delivery box 100 may be any shape or size, constructed of any suitable material, such as, metal, plastic, wood and/or the like and include any number of compartments, openings and/or the like. That is, although FIG. 1 for example shows a container 102 with three compartments, the container could alternatively have two, four, five, or more compartments. The storage device may be free-standing or incorporated into any existing structure, device or element, such as, for example, the device may be integral with a bench, planter, statute, ground surface, wall and/or the like to prevent theft of the container. Any portion of the delivery box 100 may be decorated, painted or designed to match the building facade or to imitate a structure or plant (e.g., to conform to area specific housing community guidelines). The delivery box 100 could have attached or enclosed within a thermal control system, including, for example, cooling means, heating means, humidity control means, and/or insulating means to maintain the compartment or sections thereof at a desired environment/climate in cases where the contents of the parcel contained climate/environment sensitive goods or perishable items, such as frozen foods or produce.

At least one of the side walls of the container 102 includes an access panel 111 (shown in FIG. 3A) which covers an access opening 208, where a thermal control system 700 can be accessed, inserted and/or removed when the access panel 111 is removed. For example, as shown in exemplary FIG. 3A, the access panel 111 can be a cutout portion of a rear panel of the container 102 such that when the access panel 111 is removed an access opening 208 is provided that is sized to be large enough that the thermal control system 700 can be accessed and/or accepted therethrough. In an alternative embodiment, the thermal control system 700 is not physically integrated with the delivery box 100, and is instead part of a separate device that provides cooling to the delivery box from the outside by supplying cold air to the delivery box via a connection tube.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the delivery box 100 may include dividers 212, 212′ that can be moved or removed. Although only one divider 212 is shown removed in FIG. 2B, both or all dividers can be removed. The dividers 212, 212′ may be different sizes for different sized packages or the dividers may be the same size. The dividers 212, 212′ may be used to divide a cooler into distinct zones for goods that may require separate temperature control (e.g. groceries, frozen food deliveries and the like), or any other desired storage compartment. In an alternative embodiment, the temporary storage device could be configured in a weather-proof or water resistant manner to temporarily protect the parcel from environmental elements or degradation. Moreover, the storage compartments may be easily removable or interchangeable to allow the user to select a preferred storage feature. In one embodiment, the delivery box 100 may be used to allow one zone to include a bar to hang certain goods (e.g., dry-cleaning, new clothes, rugs, posters and the like). Although the dividers are illustrated as being generally flat panels, in another embodiment at least one of the dividers could be T-shaped so as to define three separate compartments when placed inside the delivery box 100 (one compartment on top of the T, and two compartments below the top of the T).

In one embodiment, the dividers 212, 212′ allow for different cooling zones to be defined within the container 102. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A, the dividers 212, 212′ define three zones. The zones may include a freezer zone, a refrigeration zone, a heated zone, and/or a zone with no thermal cooling or heating (and the climate control is discussed later herein). The zones can be reconfigured when at least one divider is removed, moved, or added. That is, the freezer zone could expand when the divider 212′ is removed, or the refrigeration zone could expand when the divider 212′ is removed. The dividers 212, 212′ may be removably inserted into the container 102 using guide rails and can be secured into position by a rectangular-shaped frame which can be inserted over top of the dividers 212, 212′ once inserted. Each of the dividers 212, 212′ may be insulated in order to maintain the thermal zones to control the thermal environment of the zones. Additionally, the dividers 212, 212′ may allow for the humidity of each of the zones to be controlled so that different zones can have different humidity levels as controlled by the processor based on input from user interface.

It should be understood that the dividers 212, 212′ may be removed so that the box only has one large compartment. Also, there may be any number of dividers 212, 212′ and the disclosure is not limited in terms of the number of dividers 212, 212′. That is, while two dividers and three zones are illustrated in FIG. 2A, the container could include only a single divider with two zones, three dividers with four zones, or various other configurations.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a thermal control system 700 that is configured to be disposed within the interior compartment 40 of the container 102. The thermal control system 700 may include electronics, a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a fan, and/or other components that may be used to generate cool or warm air. The thermal control system 700 is configured to be inserted into the compartment via an access opening 208 created by removing the access panel 111 of the rear side wall. The thermal control system 700 may also include a humidifier to be able to change the humidity of the air in the container 102; however, this humidifier may be separate from the thermal control system 700.

The access door 104 may include a series of temperature detectors 708 as well as lights 710 and/or UV LEDs. As shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the interior compartment 40 is split into three compartments 802, 804, and 806 (see also FIG. 4A) using dividers 212 and 212′, and there are three temperature detectors 708 and three lights 710—one for each divided compartment. In this regard, the temperature of each respective divided compartment 802, 804, and 806 can be independently monitored and each zone can be lit up using the lights 710 as desired. Moreover, it should be noted that the system may also include humidity sensors to monitor the level of humidity in each zone and report these measurements to the processor.

Also, the temperature of each individual divided compartment 802, 804, and 806 can be independently controlled as well, as is explained with reference to FIG. 4A below. It is noted that each of the compartments 802, 804, and 806 are divided so that air does not freely move between the compartments without the fans being activated (or ducts or dampers being activated), in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the compartments could not be completely divided so that some airflow can move between compartments but the airflow is limited due to the dividers.

In FIG. 4A, it is shown that there are multiple fans 702, 704, and 706 which regulate the air between zones. In this regard, the fans 702, 704, and 706 are controlled using a processor based on input by the user as to what each zone would be. The thermal control system shown in FIG. 3A could deliver cold or warm air to the different zones via the fans (and it is noted that the humidity of such air could be controlled as well using a humidifier). For example, FIG. 4A illustrates the thermal control system 700 is disposed in compartment 806. In this regard, compartment 806 can be a refrigerated compartment (based on the user setting this compartment as a refrigerated compartment).

In this same embodiment, compartment 804 could also be a refrigerated compartment and the fans 702 and 704 would be employed to move air between 804 and 806.

Moreover, even further in this same embodiment, compartment 802 could be not climate controlled. In this regards, the fan 706 would not operate in compartment 802 so that the cool air in compartments 804 and 806 stay in those compartments.

In this regard, the fans 702, 704, and 706 all work together to deliver air (either cooled or heated air) to the respective compartment. As shown in FIG. 4A, the fans 702, 704, and 706 may all be disposed in the access door 104 of the delivery box 100. However, the fans 702, 704, and 706 could be disposed in another other area of the delivery box 100.

For each compartment, the user could set the temperature to be at a specific predefined temperature (e.g., X degrees). If the temperature outside of the box is greater than the specific predefined temperature X degrees (e.g., in hot temperatures in the summer months) such that the temperature in a desired compartment is greater than the specific predefined temperature X degrees as detected by one of the temperature detectors, the processor would turn on the thermal control system 700 to generate air colder than the specific predefined temperature X degrees until the temperature in the desired zone is about the specific predefined temperature X degrees. The fan(s) would then turn on to deliver the cooled air to only the compartment where the temperate was higher than the specific predefined temperature (X degrees). Alternatively, the temperature can be controlled to stay within a predetermined range rather than a specific temperature. Also, a target temperature (i.e. Y degrees) may be set and an implicit range is then defined so that the delivery box is controlled to be at Y degrees plus or minus a predetermined number (i.e., plus or minus 5 degrees), but the plus/minus number is not particularly limited. The target temperature may also be selectable by the user within a pre-defined range. For example, the user may choose to select a freezer temperature between −5 F to 5 F with the default being 0 F.

Also, if the temperature outside of the box is less than the specific predefined temperature X degrees such that the temperature in a desired compartment becomes less than the specific predefined temperature X degrees as detected by one of the temperature detectors (e.g., in freezing temperatures in the winter), the processor could turn on the thermal control system 700 in such a manner (e.g., reverse the compressor) to generate air warmer than the specific predefined temperature X degrees until the temperature in the desired zone is about the specific predefined temperature X degrees. The fan(s) would then turn on to deliver the heated air to only the compartment where the temperate was lower than the specific predefined temperature (X degrees). This can also be done using heater 800 that could be incorporated into the fan ductwork of the delivery box and controlled by the processor.

In this regard, in one embodiment, a heater 800 may be incorporated into the delivery box 100 to heat a particular zone requested by the user and controlled by the user. The heater could be located on the access door 104 or at the base of the delivery box 100. The location is not particularly limited. Multiple heaters 800 may be incorporated with the delivery box, and the locations of these heaters are not particularly limited. The heater/heaters may be configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy via a resistance wire, but other ways of achieving heating are also feasible.

The access door 104 may include an interior camera 220 as shown in FIG. 4C which is configured to view contents in the container 102 when the access door 104 is closed. The interior camera 220 would also be able to capture images when the access door 104 is opened, such as to be able to view a user accessing the container 102 or conducting a video conference with another user using the interior camera 220 and the transceiver. There may be multiple interior cameras 220 disposed on the access door 104, the locations of which are not particularly limited. In an alternative embodiment, the camera 220 could be disposed on an exterior portion of the delivery box 100, and could be used for video conferencing with another user.

The delivery box 100 may be powered by electricity supplied by the home or business, its own integral power supply, as well as a battery back-up which may be used by the control unit to supply DC power to itself and to the input device and to the locking device should the AC power fail. That is, the container may include a standard 120V electrical connector (the connector/voltage may vary depending on the jurisdiction where the device is installed), and may additionally include a backup battery system to keep the contents cool if the power grid fails. The power supplied to the control unit may optionally be provided by solar power via a solar panel arranged on at least one side of the container 102.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of certain components of the delivery box 100, which is a secure temperature-controlled container. The delivery box 100 includes a hardware-based processor 501 (i.e., a microcontroller) which controls the electronically operated components of the delivery box 100. The processor 501 may be a processing system that includes a plurality of microprocessors and associated components cooperating as a single system: in other words, a single processor or multiple cooperating processors could be used. A memory 502 which may be a non-volatile memory such as a flash drive is also included, and stores software-based instructions for controlling the delivery box 100. A volatile memory may also be included. A display screen (not illustrated) may be disposed on the exterior of the delivery box 100 and may display information regarding the contents of the delivery box 100 or instructions for how to access the delivery box 100. For example, the display may display information on the position of at least one of the dividers 212,212′. There may be a plurality of display screens on the delivery box, and the displays may be disposed with at least one on the interior of the delivery box, and at least one on the exterior of the delivery box. The display/displays could be implemented with an LCD screen, an E-ink display, or other imaging modalities. In addition, although only one delivery box 100 is shown in FIG. 1 for example, a plurality of delivery boxes could be arranged to form a multi-tenant container set. One simple example of such an arrangement could be three delivery boxes that are stacked on each other. This arrangement would be useful in apartment buildings or other settings where multiple people might require access to a delivery box.

A sensor 503, which may be a plurality of sensors, is also included and this sensor detects the configuration of the dividers 212 and 212′ inside the container 102. The sensor may be a time of flight sensor that generates an infrared or other radiofrequency signal, transmits the signal to the external environment, and measures how long the signal takes to return, which indicates a distance from the sensor 503 to a detected object. The processor, by executing software stored in the memory, can then by referencing the time of flight return signal, determine which dividers (212, 212′) have been removed from the container, if any. The processor 501 could also determine that a divider has been moved from one position to another, and detect that a divider has been added using the same principle. The position of the divider or dividers within the delivery box 100 can also be determined with the same technique. The processor may then cause the memory 502 to store position information that indicates the current position of the divider or dividers, and transmit the position information to a remote server and/or a user terminal device in response to a user request from the user terminal device so that a user can see where the divider or dividers are presently located. The processor could periodically detect and store/update the current position of the divider or dividers so that the current and stored position information can be provided on demand when a user requests it.

The sensor 503 may be located on the access door 104 on the interior side at any position thereon as long as it can detect the dividers 212, 212′. However, the sensor 503 could conceivably be located in other positions instead of on the access door as long as it can accurately detect the presence/absence of the dividers 212, 212′.

The sensor 503 is not necessarily limited to a time of flight sensor. The sensor could also be a camera, a LIDAR sensor, or a sonar sensor. In such variations, these sensors would still detect whether dividers have been removed, moved, or added based on sensory output. An artificial intelligence (AI) program could be utilized to analyze the sensor results from any of the aforementioned sensors and determine whether one or both of the dividers has been removed, moved, or added. For example, images from a camera could be fed into the AI and the AI could then determine which dividers are present or absent based on the image from the camera. When the sensor 503 is a camera, the camera could also be used to detect products that are inside the delivery box by transmitting images to the processor 501, after which the processor could execute an image recognition program to recognize images of the products. A computer vision system could also be used to analyze the images from the camera to determine which dividers are present or absent. A LIDAR sensor measures the time it takes for emitted light to travel to a target and back. That time is used to calculate distance traveled by the light. Thus, LIDAR could be used in a similar manner as the time of flight sensor disclosed above determine which dividers are present or absent. A sonar sensor could operate to detect the dividers by emitting ultrasonic waves into the container and detecting the reflected echoes, after which the processor 501 could then determine which dividers are present or absent based on the echo signals.

In another embodiment, the sensor 503 could be an electrical contact point (or multiple contact points) that would be used to determine which dividers are present or absent. In this embodiment, a divider (or each divider) would include at least one electrical contact point on a bottom or side portion thereof. The electrical contact, which may be metal, and could be a protrusion, a recess, or a flat portion, would close a switch arranged on the container 102 when the divider is placed in its proper position. The closed switch condition could then be detected by the processor 501 to determine that the divider is present in a location corresponding to the switch. The processor 501 could also determine that the divider is absent when the switch is open. In addition, the sensor 503 could be one or more Hall effect sensors (a strip of metal or a semiconductor to which a current is applied) that detect the presence of a magnetic field. With this configuration, at least one magnet could be disposed on each of the dividers 212, 212′ and each Hall effect sensor could be placed on the bottom of the interior compartment 40, at least one for each divider, to detect when the magnet or magnets are close, and when the magnet/magnets are close a voltage difference is produced in the Hall effect sensor, which indicates that a corresponding one of the respective dividers 212, 212′ is in place. Each Hall effect sensor could then output a signal to the processor 501. Alternatively, radio-based proximity detection, such as RFID tags or NFC could be used to detect the position of the dividers. In yet another embodiment, spring-loaded pogo pins that function as electrical contacts could connect to circuitry within each divider for communication and/or closing a circuit. That is, the spring-loaded pogo pins could be disposed on either the interior compartment 40 or the dividers 212, 212′, and when the dividers are set in place, a circuit is closed, and the processor 501 can detect the closed circuit state.

The dividers 212, 212′ are illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The divider walls may be made from a material such as plastic and are removable. As explained above, the container 102 may include one, two, three, or more dividers. The dividers in one embodiment are devoid of electronics because the electronics are disposed in other parts of delivery box 100. In another embodiment, the dividers 212, 212′ may include components such as electrically powered heaters, fans, lights, cameras, and sensors. The dividers in this embodiment may include an electrical connection so as to communicate with the processor 501 housed in the delivery box over a communication line so that the aforementioned components can be controlled by the processor, and the processor 501 can receive data from at least the camera and sensors.

The thermal control system is explained above. The thermal control system 700 may include electronics, a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, refrigerant fluid, an expansion valve, a fan, and/or other components that may be used to generate cool or warm air.

Wireless communication circuitry 506 may be provided along with an antenna and/or transceiver. The wireless communication circuitry 506 may be configured to implement communication via Wi-Fi, LTE, 4G, 5G, Bluetooth, NFC, or other types of wireless communication. The wireless communication circuitry 506 may communicate with a user's smartphone 520, a delivery agent's smartphone or mobile electronic device, or a server 521 via the Internet. Of course, the user could also communicate with delivery box 100 via an electronic tablet, smartwatch, desktop computer, laptop, etc. by way of the wireless communication circuitry 506. The wireless communication circuitry 506 may also communicate with a smartphone or other electronic device directly via Bluetooth or NFC instead of routing communication through a server.

The locking device 50 operates to electromagnetically lock the access door 104 to the container 102 to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing contents inside the container. The locking device 50 may comprise an electromagnet and an armature plate. The locking device 50 may be electronically controlled by the processor 501. In an alternative embodiment, the locking device 50 is a mechanical lock rather than an electromagnetic lock.

The power source 508 may include a standard electrical cable that connects to a wall-based plug and receives AC power from the grid. The power source may also include power conversion circuitry for converting the AC power to DC power for electronic components such as the processor. The power source may also include a battery backup such as a lithium ion battery in addition to the standard power plug. Solar panels may also be included in addition to the two aforementioned power sources.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for controlling the delivery box 100.

In step 601, a user or a delivery person/service sets a mode for the delivery box 100. Note that not only the owner of the delivery box, but a company or delivery person that is making a delivery to the delivery box 100 can set the mode. The mode can be set to freezer mode, fridge mode, grocery mode, or energy-saving (package) mode. When the mode is set to one of these predetermined modes, the delivery box sets at least one temperature controlled zone, based on the divider placement. However if the energy-saving (package) mode is selected all zones may be permitted to be at ambient temperature without active cooling.

The energy-saving (package) mode will now be described. In the energy-saving (package) mode, active cooling is typically not required if the user expects to receive a delivery that is not temperature sensitive, such as a delivery of books. In this mode, active cooling is not applied to the zones and the zones can reach ambient temperature. That is, in this mode, all zones are kept at ambient temperature, regardless of whether zero, one, or two dividers are present. Alternatively, instead of letting the interior go to ambient temperature, the pantry could be kept at a predetermined temperature range between 22-110 degrees Fahrenheit in order to ensure proper operation of the box within an acceptable temperature range for electronic components and achieve desired system properties, such as a reasonable time to reach temperature under other modes.

The grocery mode will now be described. In the grocery mode, at least one of the zones will be set to a refrigeration temperature. Optionally, one of the zones can be set to a freezing temperature. Optionally, one of the zones can be maintained at an ambient temperature without active cooling. If no dividers are present, the entire interior can be set to a refrigeration temperature. If one divider is present, there can be one freezing zone and one refrigeration zone. If two dividers are present, there can be a freezing zone, a refrigeration zone, and an ambient zone for packages. In the grocery mode, if the divider arrangement is not compatible with an upcoming delivery, the user will be notified on his or her smartphone 520. For example, if the current configuration of the dividers results in one refrigeration zone, and one package delivery zone at ambient temperature, and there is no zone at freezing temperature for frozen goods, the user needs to modify the arrangement of the dividers to set a freezing zone. That is, the delivery box 100 would detect the positions of the dividers, determine that the positions are incompatible, transmit information to a server, and the server would relay the notification to the smartphone 520 so that the user can be instructed to modify the arrangement of dividers by moving, removing, or adding a divider. Alternatively, the delivery box 100 and the smartphone could communicate directly via Bluetooth for example.

The freezer mode will now be described. In the freezer mode, at least one zone, including the zone adjacent to the thermal control system 700 will be kept at a freezing temperature. If one divider is present, then one of the zones may be set to an ambient temperature. If two dividers are in position at least one of the zones will act as a freezer and the remaining zone or zones may act as a pantry, that is, a zone that is not actively chilled below ambient temperature. If all the dividers are removed and the box is in freezer mode the entire delivery box 100 (single zone) will act as a freezer. The freezing temperature may be a temperature target of about 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or a temperature less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit sufficient to cause water to freeze. When a zone is set to be a pantry, the pantry could be set to ambient or actively controlled to be so as to be kept at a relatively warm temperature at any point between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fridge mode will now be described. In the fridge mode, if all the dividers are removed the entire delivery box 100 (single zone) will act as a refrigerator at a temperature of about 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. If a single divider is in place at least one zone could be set as a fridge zone and another zone may be set as a pantry, that is, a zone that is not actively chilled below ambient temperature. Alternatively, the pantry zone could be kept at a relatively warm temperature at any point between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively if a single divider is present, one zone could be set to freezing, and another zone could be set to a refrigeration temperature. If two dividers are present, there could be, at least one zone set to refrigeration temperature, and there may be one zone set to freezing and/or and another zone set to package delivery/ambient. In other words, if two dividers are present, one or two zones may be set to the refrigeration temperature, and the remaining zone may be set to freezing or ambient.

Software settings for certain modes may require a certain arrangement of dividers. As described above, a warning can be sent to a user if the current divider arrangement is not compatible with the mode that is currently set.

In step 602, the sensor 503, acting in combination with the processor 501 which processes sensor output, detects a position of at least one divider 212 or 212′ within the container. As explained above, a time of flight sensor may be used, but alternative embodiments can also be used.

In step 603, if the arrangement of the dividers 212 and 212′ (either by virtue of their presence or their absence) is incompatible with the selected mode, the user will be notified that a divider needs to be removed, moved, or added. In this case, the processor 501 can control the wireless communication circuitry 506 to transmit a notification to the user's smartphone 520 (or another electronic device such as a computer or tablet). The notification could be sent to the smartphone via a series of intermediate devices, such as to a Wi-Fi router and then to a server. The user can then be informed that action is required to rearrange the dividers so that the desired mode can be implemented. Step 603 can of course be omitted if the dividers are properly placed for the desired mode. FIG. 7A illustrates how a user can be notified in this manner via screen 701. In another embodiment, a picture or animation could be displayed on the user's smartphone that illustrates which divider 212, 212′ to remove, move, or add. In yet another embodiment, the delivery box 100 may include a speaker disposed on an exterior or interior portion thereof (the speaker can be disposed at various locations on the box), and when action is required to rearrange the dividers so that the desired mode can be implemented, the speaker can output an audio instruction for the user that indicates that the action is required. For example, the speaker could instruct the user to remove a divider from a specific position, move a divider, or add a divider to the interior of the delivery box 100.

In step 604, the processor 501 determines based on output from sensor 503 that the at least one divider has been removed or moved, or that a divider has been added. The principle of operation of the sensor 503 is described in paragraphs above.

In step 605, in response to removal, addition, or movement of a divider, the processor 501 controls the thermal control system 700 to reconfigure at least one temperature controlled zone in the container. That is, if the delivery box 100 is in freezer mode, and the divider 212′ is removed, the area kept at a freezing temperature expands from the rightmost compartment 806 to also include the middle compartment 804. If the divider 212′ is then added back, the middle compartment can be set to be at an ambient temperature. In the fridge mode, if no dividers are present, the entire interior compartment is kept at the refrigeration temperature, and when a divider is added, one zone is set to ambient, and the other zone is kept at the refrigeration temperature. In the grocery mode, if no dividers are present, the entire interior compartment is kept at the refrigeration temperature, and when two dividers are added, there is one zone set to freezing, one zone set to refrigeration, and one zone set to ambient. Accordingly, the user can modify which zones are set to various temperatures by removal, addition, or movement of at least one divider.

Furthermore, for any of the predetermined modes mentioned above, a user can be notified if at least one of the temperature detectors 708 detects that a temperature of a compartment is outside of a predefined range for a given period of time. The notification can be sent to a user's smartphone 520 or another device owned/operated by the user. As a result, the user can take necessary action, such as retrieving goods from delivery box 100 or requesting a service call to fix the delivery box 100. FIG. 7B illustrates how a user can be notified on their smartphone of this temperature abnormality via screen 702.

With the above-described exemplary embodiments, a user can securely receive a package, groceries, food, or other items in the delivery box 100 which can be located outdoors and securely store the aforementioned goods. That is, the container is locked and permanently attached to a specific location so that unauthorized persons cannot open the delivery box 100 or carry it away. The delivery box 100 can control different temperature zones within the container 102 to be at different temperatures. The temperature zones can be intelligently and automatically reconfigured when a user removes, moves, or adds a divider to the container 102. The user can thus receive deliveries of groceries or other goods that require chilling even when the user is not at home, which is highly convenient for many people. The ability to reconfigure the temperature controlled zones increases convenience because the user can accept a variety of goods, i.e., frozen goods, refrigerated goods, and non-perishable goods in the delivery box 100 securely with minimal risk of theft and minimal risk of spoilage.

It is to be understood that while the invention is disclosed in certain forms and embodiments, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or embodiments or parts or methods described and shown herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a main interior compartment;

at least one divider disposed within the main interior compartment, the at least one divider defining at least two divided compartments within the main interior compartment;

a sensor configured to detect the at least one divider;

a thermal control system configured to maintain a temperature controlled zone within at least one of the divided compartments; and

a processor, the processor being programmed to: determine a position of the at least one divider, based on output from the sensor, and in response to the at least one divider being removed or moved, control the thermal control system to reconfigure the temperature controlled zone.

2. The container according to claim 1, further comprising an access door configured to enclose the main interior compartment, and

wherein the sensor is a time-of-flight sensor, and the sensor is disposed on the access door.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein:

the processor is programmed to control the container according to a predetermined mode, and

after the processor determines the position of the at least one divider, the processor determines that the position of the at least one divider is not compatible with the predetermined mode, and transmits information to an electronic device indicating that the at least one divider needs to be moved.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the electronic device is a server.

5. The container according to claim 3, wherein the electronic device is a smartphone or a tablet.

6. A container system comprising:

a main interior compartment;

a divider configured to be disposed within the main interior compartment, the divider defining two divided compartments within the main interior compartment when placed in the main interior compartment;

a sensor configured to detect the divider when the divider is placed in the main interior compartment;

a thermal control system configured to maintain a temperature controlled zone within the main compartment; and

a processor, the processor being programmed to: determine that divider has been placed inside the main compartment, based on output from the sensor, and control the thermal control system to reconfigure the temperature controlled zone when the divider is placed in the main interior compartment.

7. The container system according to claim 6, further comprising an access door configured to enclose the main interior compartment, and

wherein the sensor is a time-of-flight sensor, and the sensor is disposed on the access door.

8. The container system according to claim 6, wherein:

the processor is programmed to control the container according to a predetermined mode, and

after the processor determines the position of the divider, the processor determines that the position of the divider is not compatible with the predetermined mode, and transmits information to an electronic device indicating that the divider needs to be moved.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the electronic device is a server.

10. The container according to claim 8, wherein the electronic device is a smartphone or a tablet.

11. A container comprising:

a main interior compartment;

at least one divider disposed within the main interior compartment, the at least one divider defining at least two divided compartments within the main interior compartment;

a sensor configured to detect the at least one divider;

a thermal control system configured to maintain a temperature controlled zone within at least one of the divided compartments; and

a processor, the processor being programmed to: determine a position of the at least one divider, based on output from the sensor, and store information on the position of the at least one divider, and transmit the stored information to a server or a user terminal device.