US 10,474,980 B1 · Secured delivery process utilizing manufactured temporary keys

Abstract

A system for providing access to delivery locations with added security. The system can include a database of images (or other data) of keys associated with a plurality of delivery addresses, or secure delivery locations. When a special handling item—i.e., one that cannot safely be left outside the delivery location—is ordered, the system creates a key to provide access to the secure delivery location. The key can be a one-time use, disposable, shreddable, or otherwise temporary key. The system can also utilize one or more video cameras to record some or all of the delivery process to ensure the delivery driver delivers the item(s), destroys or leaves the key, and leaves the secure delivery location locked, among other things. The manufacturing of a key and/or the choice to use secure delivery can be based on the delivery location, product, delivery value, perishability, or other factors.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A system to provide a secure delivery to a secure delivery location, the system comprising:

a key database comprising at least a key data file associated with a permanent physical key configured to unlock a lock at the secure delivery location;
a key application to convert the key data file into key machine instructions;
a key machine residing on a delivery vehicle and to:
receive the key machine instructions at least partly in response to a determination that the delivery vehicle is within a predetermined distance of the secure delivery location;
and
manufacture a temporary physical key for the lock at the secure delivery location using the key machine instructions;
and
a disposal unit to destroy the temporary physical key;
wherein a driver uses the temporary physical key to unlock the lock to access the secure delivery location to deliver one or more items;
and
wherein the driver destroys the temporary physical key with the disposal unit after delivering the one or more items to the secure delivery location.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Secured delivery process utilizing manufactured temporary keys

Life of this patent

Secured delivery process utilizing manufactured temporary keys

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11