System and Method for Controlling Access to a Secured Area for the Delivery of Parcel Shipments

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a smart access control system for secure areas (like buildings or package depots) that enables delivery personnel to drop off parcels even when the recipient is absent. The system uses an access device with a reader (such as a barcode or QR code scanner) to identify a parcel's shipment number. This information, combined with the location's unique device ID, is sent to a central server, which checks databases to confirm that the parcel is indeed out for delivery and intended for a recipient registered at that location. Only if both conditions are met, the system remotely triggers door opening so the delivery can be completed without the need for keys or recipient intervention.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Residential apartment buildings allowing parcel deliveries during recipients' absence.
• Office complexes managing secure, unattended package drop-offs.
• Gated communities or smart homes enabling secure package delivery directly inside entryways or package rooms.
• Businesses or e-commerce retailers seeking to provide reliable delivery even during off-hours.
• Logistics companies integrating secure drop-off solutions for last-mile delivery challenges.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Ensures successful parcel delivery even when the recipient is not present, reducing missed deliveries.
• Eliminates the need to provide keys or universal access to delivery personnel, increasing security.
• Reduces the need for recipients to collect parcels from postal stations or neighbors, improving convenience.
• Minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, as access is only granted when all delivery and registration checks pass.
• Automated, condition-based access reduces administrative burden for building managers and enhances user experience.
• Adaptable to various property types, from single-family homes to large multi-unit buildings.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a system for controlling access to a secured area for the delivery of parcel shipments, comprising an access device (106), a central server unit (109) connected to the access device, and at least one database (110) connected to the central server unit (109), wherein the access device (106) has a reading unit (104) for identifying a shipment number of a parcel shipment (100) to be delivered and a transmitting unit (62) for transferring the identified shipment number, together with an identification number identifying the access device (106), to the central server unit (109), wherein the central server unit (109) is designed to compare the shipment number with the at least one database (110, 111, 111', 111") in order to retrieve at least the recipient name and the shipment status and the central server unit (109) is designed to compare the identification number with the at least one database (110) in order to retrieve registration information and the central server unit (109) is also designed to compare the recipient name with the registration information in order to determine if the shipment recipient has registered a receiving address at the location of the access device (106) and the central server unit (109) is designed to transfer a release signal to the access device (106), wherein the central server unit (109) transfers the release signal to the access device (106) if the shipment (100) is out for delivery and the shipment recipient has registered a receiving address at the location of the access device and the access device (106) has a receiving unit (62) for receiving the release signal and a control unit (64) for activating a door opener in response to the release signal.