Back

Package Transport by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles


Drawings

Brief Description:

Figure 1 depicts a high level view of a system for performing package transport services in accordance with an embodiment

Detailed Description:

Referring now to Figure 1, a high level view of a system 100 for performing package transport services is generally shown in accordance with an embodiment. The system 100 includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV(s) 102) and a plurality of package docking device(s) 104, each of which is communicatively coupled to one or more network(s) 108. A UAV(s) 102 refers to an unmanned aircraft whose flight is autonomously controlled through onboard computer systems. In an embodiment, a portion of the flight control may be implemented remotely through interaction with a ground station (not shown). The UAV(s) 102 include physical components and related circuitry configured to pick up, carry, and drop off packages

The package docking device(s) 104 refer to structures used in assisting UAVs in implementing corresponding docking functions. A package docking device(s) 104 may be assigned to or otherwise controlled by an end user of the package transport services. A package docking device(s) 104 can be identified by the UAVs based on a unique identifier that is assigned to the package docking device(s) 104 and which identifier is communicatively conveyed to the UAV(s) 102 over a network at the time of a package transfer operation, as will be described further herein. As indicated above, the package docking devices may be permanent or semi-permanent fixed structures or may be portable structures that are lightweight and can be carried by a human.

The network(s) 108 may be any type of known networks including, but not limited to, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a global network (e.g. Internet), a virtual private network (VPN), and an intranet. The network(s) 108 may be implemented using wireless networks or any kind of physical network implementation known in the art, e.g., using cellular, satellite, and/or terrestrial network technologies. The network(s) 108 may also include short rangewireless networks utilizing, e.g., BLUETOOTH.TM. and WI-FI.TM. technologies and protocols. In one embodiment, the UAV(s) 102 communicate with the package docking device(s) 104 over a short-range wireless network, while the UAV(s) 102 communicate with other network entities, such as the package transport services provider, over a long-range network (e.g., satellite or cellular). 

The system 100 also includes a host system computer 106, a personal computer 112, and a mobile device 114, each of which is communicatively coupled to one or more of the network(s) 108. The host system computer 106 may be implemented as one or more high-speed computer processing devices, such as one or more mainframe computers capable of handling a high volume of activities conducted on behalf of end users of the package transport services. The host system computer 106 implements an application 116 to centrally manage the package transport services described herein. The application 116 includes a user interface 118 that is presented to end users via the personal computer 112 and the mobile device 114. The user interface 118 is described further in Figure 6

In one embodiment, the host system computer 106 may be implemented by an entity that sells goods to consumers. Alternatively, the host system computer 106 may be implemented by a third-party service provider that provides the package transport services as an intermediary between the seller entity and the consumers. In another embodiment, the host system computer 106 may be implemented by a non-commercial entity, e.g., for situations in which packages (such as food or medical supplies) need to be transferred between locations as part of an emergency condition where first responders are unable to gain access to various roads or locations. For purposes of illustration, the package transport services are described herein with respect to a commerce application

The personal computer 112 may be implemented as a general-purpose desktop or laptop computer. An end user consumer may access the user interface 118 of the host system computer 106 via a web browser operating on the personal computer 112. The end user may ordergoods from the host system computer 106, as well as schedule delivery of the goods, as will be described further herein. 

The mobile device 114 refers to a portable, wireless communications device, such as a smart phone, personal digital assistant, or tablet PC. Similar to the personal computer 112, the end user may access the user interface 118 of the host system computer 106 via a web browser operating on the mobile device 114 to ordergoods and schedule deliveries. In an embodiment, the mobile device 114 includes a global positioning system (GPS) that enables a UAV(s) 102 to locate a package docking device(s) 104 associated with the mobile device 114, as will be described further herein. 

A storage device 110 is coupled to the host system computer 106 and may be alternatively coupled to the host system computer 106 via one or more of the network(s) 108. The storage device 110stores a variety of data used by the host system computer 106 in implementing the package transport services described herein. As shown in Figure 1, the storage device 110storesorders generated for end users, as well as transaction records. The transaction records provide information about completed orders. It is understood that the storage device 110 may be implemented using memory contained in the host system computer 106 or may be a separate physical device. The storage device 110 is logically addressable as a consolidated data source across a distributed environment that includes the network(s) 108

The host system computer 106 operates as a database server and coordinates access to application data including data stored in the storage device 110. The host system computer 106 may be implemented using one or more servers operating in response to a computer program stored in a storage medium accessible by the server. The host system computer 106 may operate as a network server (e.g., a web server) to communicate with the personal computer 112 and the mobile device 114 and other network entities

As indicated above, the package docking device(s) 104 may be a secured structure that is permanently or semi-permanently installed at a fixed location, such as an area of a real estate, an apartment building rooftop, etc., and is described in figure 2. In an alternative embodiment, the package docking device(s) 104 is implemented as a portable device, which is described in Figure 3. Turning now to Figure 2 and Figure 3, perspective views of package docking device A 200 and portable package docking device 300, respectively, will now be described. 

Brief Description:

 Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a package docking device in accordance with an embodiment

Detailed Description:

The package docking device A 200 of Figure 2 includes a housing 208, an opening 204 for receiving a package, and a door 206 for securing the package in the housing 208. An upper wall 202, or roof, of the housing 208 may be used as a landing site for the UAV. The package docking device A 200 may be constructed of a durable material, such as metal, and may be mounted or fixed to another permanent structure (e.g., a building or concrete base) to prevent theft or tampering. The door 206 is closed and locked to secure delivered packages, and may be opened by the UAV(s) 102 using a security key. It will be understood that the configuration shown in Figure 2 is not limited thereto. For example, in other configurations, the package docking device A 200 may have various shapes, sizes, and dimensions. Further, an additional panel or structure may be installed near the opening 204 such that the UAV lands on the panel within a close proximity of the opening 204 to facilitate hand off of the package

Brief Description:

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of a portable package docking device in accordance with an embodiment;

Detailed Description:

The portable package docking device 300 of Figure 3 is constructed of a lightweight and flexible material to provide ease of portability. The portable package docking device 300 may be implemented as a substantially flat structure with a thickness that is narrow enough to enable the portable package docking device 300 to be rolled up for portability and storage. Dimensions of the portable package docking device 300 may vary based on applications of its use. In one non-limiting embodiment, the length and width of the portable package docking device 300 is sized substantially similar to the length and width of a beach towel. Details of the various components of the package docking device A 200 and portable package docking device 300 are described further in Figure 5

Brief Description:

Figure 4 depicts a block diagram of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in accordance with an embodiment

Detailed Description:

Turning now to Figure 4, a UAV 102 (102) will now be described in an embodiment. The UAV 102 includes communication components 404, a control processor 406, and memory 408. The memory 408stores a transaction packet 410, a transaction record 412, and an application 414. The application 414 is executable by the control processor 406 to coordinate the functions of the UAV 102 as described herein. The control processor 406 is communicatively coupled to the circuitry of the UAV 102 to receive operational data from components of the UAV 102, such as data indicating the activation of landing gear or the physical engagement of the landing gear at a package docking device

The communication components 404 include an antenna configured to receive communications from the host system computer 106 over one or more of the network(s) 108. The communications may include instructions associated with a package transfer operation. The package transfer operation refers to the pickup and delivery of a package to a target package docking device as defined by GPS coordinates (and vertical scale information that provides altitude data corresponding to the delivery point) and a device identifier of the package docking device(s) 104. The instructions include the GPS coordinates, vertical scale data, and the identifier of the package docking device(s) 104 to which the package will be delivered. The instructions may also include an identification of an order corresponding to the package that differentiates between orders placed for two or more items by the same consumer. In an embodiment, the instructions may further include individual identification of items within an order. For example, a package may contain a partial order due to weight restrictions placed on the UAV, or because an item is not available at the precise time of transport, or because the items are picked up from multiple geographically-dispersed locations for transport. If a package contains a partial order, the UAV may contain instructions that identify those items of the order that are being transported by the UAV. The instructions may also indicate that the partial order reflects `x` of `y` items in an order being delivered. If the package docking system is a secure device, the instructions may also include a security key, as described further herein. 

These instructions are conveyed to the UAV(s) 102 from the host system computer 106 as a transaction packet 410. In addition, the communications enabled by the antenna include communications from the UAV(s) 102 to the host system computer 106. For example, upon completing a package transfer operation, the UAV(s) 102 may send associated information (e.g., transaction recording, time/date stamp, etc.) to the host system computer 106, which is stored in the storage device 110 as a transaction record. Alternatively, the information may be stored as the transaction record 412 in the memory 408 of the UAV 102. 

The communications components 404 also include an antenna configured to send short-range wireless communications to the package docking device(s) 104. In an embodiment, when the UAV 102 reaches its destination defined by the GPS coordinates, it may send a communication to discover the presence of the package docking device(s) 104. Alternatively, the package docking device(s) 104 may be configured to periodically send out signals to enable its discovery. Once the UAV 102 has discovered the presence of a package docking device(s) 104, the UAV 102 requests the device identifier of the discovered device 104. The device identifier received from the package docking device(s) 104 is compared against the device identifier in the transaction packet 410 to ensure that the package is delivered to the correct package docking device. The communications components 404 may further include an adapter configured to translate radio signals from the package docking device(s) 104 to data that is stored in the memory 408 of the UAV 102. 

In an embodiment, the communications components 404 may include WI-FI components that are initiated when no package docking device is discovered, or alternatively, if the device identifier received by the UAV 102 is different than the device identifier in the transaction packet 410. The first scenario may occur if the package docking device has been moved to a new location. The latter scenario may occur if the package docking device has been moved from its location and another package docking device is subsequently placed in that location. The latter scenario may otherwise occur when two package docking devices are located in very close proximity to each other (e.g., within a few feet), such that the GPS coordinates span the physical locations of both package docking devices and the UAV 102 receives the device identifier from the wrong package docking device. In any of these scenarios, the UAV 102 may utilize the WI-FI components to send a signal searching for the package docking device

Optionally, the UAV 102 may include a video recording device 402 to record package transfer operations. The video recording device 402 may be configured through prompts from the application 414 to begin recording, e.g., when the application 414 receives an indication that the landing apparatus of the UAV 102 has been triggered. The video recording device 402 may be prompted through the application 414 to discontinue recording, when the application 414 received an indication that the package transfer operation (i.e., successful delivery of the package to the package docking device(s) 104) is complete. The recording may be stored as a transaction record 412 in the memory 408 of the UAV 102. In addition, the recording may be transmitted through the communication components 404 to the package docking device(s) 104 if the package docking device(s) 104 is equipped to receive the recording. The transaction record 412 may include other information including a time/date stamp of the delivery, as well as transaction details (e.g., invoicing information, billing and payment information, etc.). In addition, the transaction record 412 may be supplemented with electronic coupons or advertisements for goods offered by the seller or through affiliates of the seller, if desired. 

Brief Description:

Figure 5 depicts a block diagram of components of the package docking devices of Figure 2 and Figure 3 in accordance with an embodiment

Detailed Description:

Turning now to Figure 5, a package docking device 104 (104,  package docking device A 200, portable package docking device 300) will now be described. The package docking device 104, whether portable or fixed, includes communication component(s) 404, a processor 508, and memory 512. If the package docking device 104 is a portable device, the communications components 404 may include a GPS device that is used by the UAV 102 to track the location of the package docking device 104. Alternatively, a GPS system on mobile device 114 associated with the package docking device 104 may be used to enable the UAV 102 to track the location of the package docking device 104, assuming that the mobile device 114 is in close proximity with the package docking device 104. 

The communication components 404 include an antenna configured to receive communications from the UAV 102 over a short-range network (e.g., BLUETOOTH). For example, the package docking device 104 may receive prompts from the UAV 102 to discover its presence at a GPS location. The package docking device 104 may receive requests for the device identifier 510 of the package docking device 104. Further, upon completing a package transfer operation, the UAV 102 may send associated information (e.g., transaction recording, time/date stamp, etc.) to the package docking device 104, which may be stored in the memory 512 as a transaction record 412

The memory 512stores a device identifier 510, a transaction record 412, and an application 414. The application 414 is executable by the processor 508 to coordinate the functions of the package docking device 104 described herein. The device identifier 510 may be a network address of the package docking device 104. 

The package docking device 104 may optionally include a video recording device 402 for recording package transfer operations. The video recording device 402 may be disposed at a location on the package docking device 104 suitable for capturing the hand off of the package to the package docking device 104. 

If the package docking device 104 is a secured device (e.g., the  package docking device A 200 of Figure 2), the package docking device 104 may include a locking system 502 and a security key 506. The locking system 502 may be implemented as an electronic lock (e.g., using electro-magnetics) using the security key 506 as an authentication means to unlock the package docking device 104. The security key 506 may be provided to the host system computer 106 as part of the order process

In an embodiment, the package docking device 104 may include a detection sensor 504 that is configured to detect a landing function of the UAV 102. For example, the detection sensor 504 may be a weight sensor that is disposed on the landing panel (e.g., upper wall 202 or roof of package docking device A 200 in Figure 2). The detection of weight may indicate to the package docking device that the UAV 102 has landed, and the subsequent absence of weight may indicate the departure of the UAV 102. This information may be stored in the package docking device 104 as part of the transaction record 412.

Brief Description:

Figure 6 depicts a user interface for placing and reviewing an order for delivery of a package in accordance with an embodiment; and 

Detailed Description:

As indicated above, the package transport services are managed by the host system computer 106. In an embodiment, an end user of the services may access a website of the host system computer 106 and is presented with a user interface 118 for initiating an order for goods offered by the entity associated with the host system computer 106. A sample user interface screen 600 is shown in Figure 6. An area 602 of the user interface screen 600 is used by the end user to enter order information, and an area 604 of the user interface screen 600 is used by the end user to view the order

In placing an order, the user is prompted to enter GPS coordinates606 of the delivery point in which the package is to be delivered. The end user may also enter vertical scale information 608 in the form of the sea level corresponding to the delivery point. In an embodiment, if the order is placed through a mobile device 114, the GPS coordinates of the mobile device 114 may be transmitted to the host system computer 102 and automatically entered in the corresponding fields of area 602. The user further enters a device identifier 510 of the package docking device to which the package will be delivered. The end user then selects an option “Ship to this destination” 610. The user interface screen 600 also includes an option that allows the end user to select a mailing address for the delivery if desired. The review order information 604 provides a summary of the order details including payment and billing information, as well as discounts. The order information 604 may also include an order identifier 612 assigned to the order. Once the order has been placed, the package transport services include providing order details to a designated UAV for implementing a package transfer operation

Brief Description:

Figure 7 depicts a flow diagram of a process for implementing package transport operations in accordance with an embodiment

Detailed Description:

Turning now to Figure 7, a flow diagram of a process 700 for implementing the package transfer operations will now be described in an embodiment. The process described in Figure 7 assumes that the UAV 102 has picked up the package subject to an order placed, e.g., via the user interface screen 600 of Figure 6

At block 702, the UAV 102 receives a transaction packet (e.g., packet 410 of Figure 4) for the package transfer operation. The transaction packet includes the GPS coordinates and the device identifier of the package docking device associated with the package transfer request. The transaction packet may be stored in the memory 408 of the UAV 102. 

At block 704, upon arrival at the delivery point as defined by the GPS coordinates and vertical scale information, the application 414 receives a device identifier from a package docking device located at the delivery point and compares the device identifier for the package docking device located at the delivery point with the device identifier stored in the transaction packet 410

At block 706, the application 414 determines whether the device identifier of the package docking device located at the delivery point matches the device identifier stored in the transaction packet 410. If so, the application 414 directs the UAV 102 to initiate the package transfer operation. The package transfer operation includes a hand off of the package between the UAV and the package docking device. The package transfer operation may also include recording the details of the hand off including the date and time of delivery and/or videorecording the hand off. 

At block 710, once the operation is completed, the application 414 transmits confirmation of the operation to the end user. This may be implemented using various techniques. For example, the confirmation may be directly transmitted to the package docking device over the wireless network. Alternatively, the confirmation may be transmitted by the UAV 102 over satellite, cellular, or other long-range network to the host system computer 106, which then provides the end user with access to the confirmation. In another embodiment, the UAV 102 may store the confirmation along with other confirmations in its memorymemory 408 and upload the confirmations in a batch process to the host system computer 106 at a designated time

If, however, the device identifier of the package docking device at the delivery location does not match the device identifier in the transaction packet 410, at block 712, the application 414 directs the communication components 404 to transmit a request over a short-range (e.g., BLUETOOTH or WI-FI) network. The request may include the device identifier, or network address, of the package docking device. Assuming that the package docking device has not moved outside of the range of communication of the UAV, the package docking device having the network address sends a signal indicating its presence at a new location. The package docking device, or alternatively the mobile device associated with the package docking device, may then send updated GPS location information to the UAV at block 714. The UAV is re-routed to the new location based on the updated GPS coordinates at block 716, and process reverts back to block 704

As indicated above, the package docking device may be a secured system in which a locking system and security key (e.g., locking system 502and security keysecurity key 506, respectively, of Figure 5) is used to gain access to the device. In this embodiment, the process 700 may include additional functions. The control processor 406 may be configured to store the security key associated with the package docking device. In an embodiment, the control processor 406 may be configured to receive an acknowledgement communication from the package docking device upon completion of the package transfer operation indicating the package docking device received the package. In a further embodiment, the control processor 406 may be configured to transmit, upon reaching a pre-defined clearance after departure of the UAV, a request to the package docking device to secure the package by locking the door. In this embodiment, a confirmation of the transaction may be transmitted by the UAV to the package docking device when the UAV receives an acknowledgement that the package is secured. 


Parts List

100

system

102

UAV(s)

104

package docking device(s)

106

host system computer

108

network(s)

110

storage device

112

personal computer

114

mobile device

116

application

118

user interface

200

item

202

upper wall

204

opening

206

door

208

housing

300

portable package docking device

402

video recording device

404

communication component(s)

406

control processor

408

memory

410

transaction packet

412

transaction record

414

application

502

locking system

504

detection sensor

506

security key

508

processor

510

device identifier

512

memory

600

user interface screen

602

area

604

order information

606

608

Sea level:

610

ship to this destination

612

item

700

process

702

block

704

block

706

decision block

708

block

710

block

712

block

714

block

716

block


Terms/Definitions

external computer

technologies

end users

return location

specification

firewalls, switches, gateway computers

BLUETOOTH.TM

server

e.g., satellite or cellular

regard

connection

UAV lands

semi-permanent structure

groups

computer program products

electromagnetic storage device

delivery

web server

computer

portability and storage

one non-limiting embodiment

completed orders

summary

various modifications

communication component(s)

vertical scale information

computer program product

short-range network

goods

addition

special purpose hardware

two or more items

communications

conjunction

antenna

third-party service provider

pickup/return operations

operational data

local area network

GPS device

stores

delivery destinations

dimensions

systems

designated time

order packages

delivery points

laptop computer

savings

copper transmission cables

acknowledgement communication

instruction execution device

package transport operations

sizes

meeting

orders

program instructions

article

oriented programming language

unique identifier

embodiments

delivery point

method

reference

process

intranet

host system

completion

transaction recording

package transport services

firmware instructions

protocols

office

date and time

specified functions or acts

electronic lock

portable compact disc

general purpose computer

personal digital assistant

storage medium (or media

transaction records

wireless network

functionality

user interface screen

portability

source code

terrestrial network technologies

[0055] Computer

aspects

physical network implementation

apparatus

rooftop

docking functions

one more other features

methods

SRAM

mobile device

electro-magnetics

terminology

portion

global network

block

other information

updated GPS coordinates

order details

e.g. Internet

roof

provider

portable package docking devices

other programmable apparatus

provider/service

one or more servers

packet

information

communications components

[0057] These computer

option

transaction packet

flexible material

processor

fixed package docking devices

electronic coupons or advertisements

application data

and security key

GPS system

permanent structure

virtual private network

communication components

database server

wire

network server

human

conventional procedural programming languages

behalf

other transmission media

electronic circuitry

user

item

intermediary

following detailed description

identification

successful delivery

configuration

memory stick

door

logic arrays

[0054] Computer

metal

possible implementations

additional panel or structure

state-setting data

storage

hand

radio waves

destinations

other configurations

landing apparatus

practical application

context

internet

user’s

y` items

acknowledgement

precise time

device

combination

ground station

multiple destinations

specify preferred delivery locations

authentication means

subsequent absence

wide area network

building or concrete base

GPS coordinates

“C” programming language

flight control

range

light pulses

other long-range network

object

new location

tangible device

principles

device identifier

transaction details

transaction

flowchart or block diagrams

deliveries

correct package docking device

mechanisms

goods and schedule deliveries

substantially flat structure

schedule delivery

networks

UAV transports packages

network adapter card or network interface

FPGA

package transfer request

specified logical function(s)

[0056] Aspects

order information

opening

Internet Service Provider

computer instructions

materials

accompanying drawings

outdoor arenas

arrival

host system or service provider

locking mechanism

system

multiple parties

host system computer

thickness

module

element components

distributed environment

latter scenario

associated information

its presence

following

field-programmable gate arrays

billing and payment information

routers

related circuitry

scope and spirit

groove

location

foregoing

business

smalltalk

high level view

apartment complex

delivered packages

reverse order

correct person

length and width

first responders

punch-cards

special purpose hardware-based systems

function

means

computer readable program instructions

one or more programming languages

consumer

landing function

website

seller

electromagnetic waves

discounts

durable material

portable package docking device

floppy disk

package deliveries

plurality

instruction-set-architecture

320 determines

video recording device

high volume

affiliates

enabling package deliveries

EPROM or Flash memory

time

food

microcode

vertical scale data

integers

presence or addition

unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

order process

external storage device

functions/acts

operations

locations

package docking system

network address

long-range network

pickup and delivery

manufacture

area

identifier

kind

package docking device communicates

particular manner

package transfer operations

transitory signals

GPS location

operational steps

real estate

secured device

flowchart illustrations

flow diagram

variations

apartment building rooftop

transaction record

scenarios

physical components

its memory

WI-FI components

indicated above

close proximity

its location

UAV(s)

access

its discovery

apartment tenant

mechanically encoded device

flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams

illustration and description

electrical signals

fact

wireless networks

transport

many modifications

order

housing

presence

emergency condition

delivery location

optical storage device

electronic storage device

items

particular use

portable, wireless communications device

designated UAV

general-purpose desktop

payment and billing information

respective computing/processing device

same consumer

package docking devices

purpose

description

detection sensor

computing/processing device

architecture

corresponding package docking device

landing site

function elements

request

entity

very close proximity

flowchart illustration

package

series

few feet

capability

flowchart and block diagrams

short-range

waveguide

users

multiple geographically-dispersed locations

perspective views

special purpose computer

remote computer or server

random access memory

block diagram

individual identification

lightweight

seller entity

structure, material, or act

various components

structures

figure

turning

known networks

signal

conclusion

other devices

landing gear

response

commerce application

web browser

secured system

requests

particular item

remote work locations

machine

one or more networks

one or more mainframe computers

memory

end user consumer

indication

physical locations

steps

further embodiment

fiber-optic cable

secured structure

subject matter

network(s)

means or step

plural forms

elements

beach towel

physical engagement

other freely propagating electromagnetic waves

end user

services

departure

static random access memory

wireless transmission

order identifier

additional functions

unmanned aircraft

stand-alone software package

locking system

various techniques

other device

singular forms

weight restrictions

network

weight

activation

two package docking devices

details

corresponding structures

components

confirmation

recording package transfer operations

erasable programmable read-only memory

review order information

one or more high-speed computer processing devices

FIGS

more specific examples

tablet PC

computing/processing devices

theft or tampering

semiconductor storage device

sample user interface screen

non-exhaustive list

delivery time

package subject

control processor

weight sensor

ordinary skill

medical supplies

non-commercial entity

personal computer

various embodiments

illustrations and/or block diagrams

onboard computer systems

optical transmission fibers

densely populated city

unmanned aerial vehicle

remote computer

terms

magnetic storage device

satellite

altitude data

digital versatile disk

other claimed elements

state information

interaction

signals

corresponding fields

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

read-only memory

purposes

user interface

target package docking device

logic circuitry

consumers

block diagrams

global positioning system

its destination

recording

communication

circuitry

figures

end user’s

blocks

situations

data

instructions

short range

landing panel

similar programming languages

partial order

separate physical device

acts

two blocks

service provider

delivery UAV

variety

suitable combination

particular embodiments

one destination

confirmations

operation

computer program

short-range wireless communications

sea level

package transport services provider

discovered device

others

package transfer operation

security key

example

prompts

alternative embodiment

package delivery service provider or centralized service

short-range wireless network

applications

other features

storage device

movement

panel

figure 2.

permanent or semi-permanent fixed structures

time/date stamp

stated features

portable device

edge servers

equivalents

perspective view

package delivery provider

first scenario

packages

functions

programmable data processing apparatus

consolidated data source

delivery and/or video

code

flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks

purchase or order

highly populated areas

package docking device(s)

e.g., upper wall or roof

implement aspects

present invention

function/act

machine instructions

device identifier and package docking device

ease

mailing address

detection

form

other confirmations

various roads or locations

one embodiment

radio signals

performing package transport services

adapter

fixed location

succession

hard disk

advantages

secure device

application

updated GPS location information

storage medium accessible

alternatively the mobile device

batch process

segment

illustration

portable computer diskette

option “Ship

locking system and security key

number

embodiment

one application

wrong package docking device

destination

upper wall

other programmable data processing apparatus

forgoing

smart phone

part

activities

cellular, satellite

invention

storage medium

alternative implementations

claims

type

other network entities

various shapes

combinations

home