System and method of coordinating electronic parcel locker availability

摘要

A system, apparatus, and method for use in delivery of items to a storage unit. The storage unit may include one or several storage receptacles and a control unit that controls and monitors the status of the one or several storage receptacles. The storage unit may be included in a storage unit system that may include one or several storage units and a central control unit. The central control unit may communicate with the one or several storage units, and may receive status and availability updates from the one or several storage units.

主权项

1. A system for distribution of items, the system comprising:
a first storage unit comprising at least two receptacles; a first control unit configured to track availability status of each of the receptacles, configured to determine that one of the at least two receptacles contains an item, and to selectively allow access to at least one of the at least two receptacles of the first storage unit; a second storage unit comprising at least two receptacles; a second control unit configured to selectively allow access to at least one of the at least two receptacles of the second storage unit and configured to track availability status of each of the receptacles; a user directory, the user directory including delivery preferences, wherein the delivery preferences include a preference for a first attempt personal delivery; and a system control unit configured to communicatingly interact with at least one of the first and second control units, and with the user directory, wherein the system control unit receives information relating to the availability of the receptacles of at least one of the storage units, and directs items to the storage units based on the availability of the receptacles; and wherein the system control unit is further configured to determine whether delivery preferences for an intended recipient of the item are present in the user directory, and whether a first attempt personal delivery has been attempted, to receive, from the first control unit, a notification that one of the at least two receptacles of the first storage unit contains the item, and to provide a notification to the intended recipient of the item that the item is in one of the at least two receptacles of the first storage unit, according to the delivery preferences.