AUTOMATED PACKAGE DELIVERY TO A DELIVERY RECEPTACLE

摘要

Improving automated package delivery to mobile delivery receptacles to allow accurate and reliable package deliveries comprises a delivery receptacle for an automated package delivery via an unmanned aerial delivery device. The delivery receptacle is notified of a pending delivery and travels to a receiving location. The delivery receptacle emits infrared (“IR”) beacons from one or more IR beacon transmitters. An aerial delivery device detects the IR beacon and uses the beacons to navigate to the delivery receptacle. The delivery receptacle receives IR beacon responses from the aerial delivery device and continually or periodically directs the IR beacons in the direction of the aerial delivery device. The aerial delivery device deposits the package in the delivery receptacle. After receiving the package, the delivery receptacle transports the package to a secure location, such as into a garage.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method to automate package deliveries, comprising:
transporting, by the delivery device, a package to a delivery location, wherein the route of the delivery device is provided to the to a delivery receptacle to provide a basis for directing one or more first beacons; locating, by the delivery device, the one or more first beacons being transmitted by a delivery receptacle at the delivery location; navigating, by the one or more computing devices associated with the delivery device, the delivery device toward the delivery receptacle based on a calculated position of the delivery receptacle; transmitting, by the one or more computing devices associated with the delivery device, a second beacon to the delivery receptacle, the second beacon providing a basis for the delivery receptacle to adjust a direction of the one or more first beacons during navigation of the delivery device toward the delivery receptacle; and depositing, by the delivery device, the package into the delivery receptacle.