System for secure package drop-off and pick-up

Abstract

Server for facilitating secure delivery and pickup of packages comprises a memory, a database, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive identification information associated with a package to be delivered or picked up, wherein the identification information is generated by a parcel shipper for tracking location and shipping progress of the package. The processor generates an access code based on the identification information, and provides the access code to a first party for opening an access on a repository configured for holding the package. When a code is input at a keypad coupled to the repository, the input code and the generated access code are compared, and access to an internal compartment of the repository through an access door on the repository is provided based on the comparison.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A server for facilitating secure delivery and pickup of packages, the server comprising:
 a memory;   a database; and   a processor configured to:   receive identification information associated with a package to be delivered or picked up, wherein the identification information is generated by a parcel shipper for tracking location and shipping progress of the package;   generate an access code based on the identification information;   provide the access code to a first party for opening an access on a repository configured for holding the package;   wherein a code is input at a keypad coupled to the repository;   wherein the input code and the generated access code are compared; and   wherein access to an internal compartment of the repository through an access door on the repository is based on the comparison.   
     
     
         2 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to generate a further access code and provide the further access code to a second party associated with a package delivery, wherein the first party is associated with a package pick-up. 
     
     
         3 . The server of  claim 2 , wherein the processor is further configured to communicate with a web-portal configured to manage logistics associated with one or more of a package delivery and a package pick-up. 
     
     
         4 . The server of  claim 3 , wherein the processor is further configured to use an automated harvesting program to scour an email account associated with one or more of the package delivery and the package pick-up to extract the identification information associated with the package from the email account. 
     
     
         5 . The server of  claim 3 , wherein the repository is positioned at a first location, and wherein the repository includes a first MAC (Media Access Control) address associated with a first network adaptor coupled to the repository at the first location. 
     
     
         6 . The server of  claim 5 , wherein the first MAC address is transferable to a second network adaptor coupled to a further repository at a second location, wherein the first network adaptor coupled to the repository at the first location is assigned a second MAC address different from the first MAC address after transfer of the first MAC address to the second network adaptor. 
     
     
         7 . The server of  claim 2 , wherein the access code is valid for a predetermined time span associated with a delivery time or a pick up time scheduled for the package, wherein the access code is inoperable to provide access through the access door outside of the predetermined time span. 
     
     
         8 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to generate an alert when the repository is tampered with. 
     
     
         9 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to generate a notification when the package is delivered or picked up. 
     
     
         10 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to generate an alert when the access to the repository remains unlocked beyond a predetermined duration subsequent to deposition of the package into the repository or pickup of the package from the repository. 
     
     
         11 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the repository includes a camera positioned inside the internal compartment of the repository, wherein the processor is further configured to receive a picture taken by the camera of the package positioned inside the internal compartment of the repository. 
     
     
         12 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the repository includes a scanner or imaging device for reading the identification information, wherein the access on the repository is configured to open after the identification information is captured by the scanner or imaging device. 
     
     
         13 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the access code includes at least a last four digits of a package tracking number associated with the package. 
     
     
         14 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the access code includes at least a last eight digits of a package tracking number associated with the package. 
     
     
         15 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to process a package return by: capture of the identification information via an application operating on a mobile computing device; and, scheduling of a pick-up of the package by a route carrier. 
     
     
         16 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configure to generate an alert to an individual associated with the repository when the repository is tampered with. 
     
     
         17 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the access code is configured for one or more of: a single use and multiple uses. 
     
     
         18 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the repository includes a key access operable to open the access on the repository. 
     
     
         19 . The server of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine a location data associated with the package from the identification information, wherein the processor uses the location data for verifying delivery or pick up of the package. 
     
     
         20 . A method of facilitating secure delivery and pickup of packages, the method comprising:
 Receiving, at a server, identification information associated with a package to be delivered or picked up, wherein the identification information is generated by a parcel shipper for tracking location and shipping progress of the package;   Generating, at the server, an access code based on the identification information; and,   Providing, by the server, of the access code to a first party for opening an access on a repository configured for holding the package;   wherein a code is input at a keypad coupled to the repository;   wherein the input code and the generated access code are compared; and   wherein access to an internal compartment of the repository through an access door on the repository is based on the comparison.