Method and apparatus for the secure delivery of goods

摘要

When an order for goods (18) is placed via the Internet (14) for later delivery, a supplier (16) provides to a purchaser (12) via the Internet or other means a consignment unlock barcode; the purchaser prints out a copy of the consignment unlock barcode and the supplier attaches a copy (20) of a related unlock barcode to the goods (18). At the purchaser's premises is a secure container (22) with an electronic lock (32) and an external barcode reader (36). The purchaser programs the lock, by means of an exclusive master code and the supplier-generated consignment delivery code, to open when presented with the related unlock code. When a delivery driver presents the barcode (20) on the goods (18) to the reader (36), a control circuit (42) causes the electronic lock (32) to open. A second barcode reader (46) within the container (22) allows an infrared or radio receipt signal to be transmitted to a hand held infrared transceiver (52) after the securable container has been relocked.