AUTHENTICATING MOBILE LOCKERS
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for the storage, transportation, and delivery of items. A mobile locker is described herein that can be utilized to securely deliver items to a location for subsequent pick-up by a user. The mobile locker can include a user interface and control circuit to authenticate a user and provide secured access to the items. Advantageously, the user interface and control circuit can include a plurality of levels of authentication so that items requiring additional security can be adequately protected during transportation and storage.
1 . A mobile locker comprising:
a housing having an interior for storage of items for a user and configured to be removably secured to a docking station;
a door of the housing configured to selectively provide access to the interior;
a lock mechanism configured to restrict movement of the door;
a user interface configured receive user input for authentication; and
a control circuit coupled to the user interface and configured to:
determine which one of a plurality of levels of authentication are required for access to the items to unlock the lock mechanism;
retrieve authentication information associated with the items, the authentication information coinciding with the one of the plurality of levels of authentication;
receive a user input at the user interface; and
unlock the lock mechanism in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information.
2 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a camera configured to capture an image or video of the user for authentication.
3 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a microphone configured to receive an audio input from the user for authentication.
4 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a transceiver configured to receive an authentication signal from a user mobile device for authentication.
5 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of levels of authentication include a first level requiring one form of authentication and a second level requiring two forms of authentication.
6 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of levels of authentication include an age authentication in response to the items being age restricted.
7 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , further comprising a global positioning system such that the mobile locker can be tracked during transport and at the docking station.
8 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , further comprising one or more sensors to monitor a status of the housing.
9 . The mobile locker of claim 8 , wherein the one or more sensors include a thermometer; and
further comprising a cooling system configured to maintain a temperature in the housing interior for the items.
10 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , further comprising a proximity sensor and a proximity indicator configured so that the proximity indicator operates in response to a user approaching the mobile locker and being sensed by the proximity sensor.
11 . The mobile locker of claim 1 , wherein the docking station is configured to have a plurality of mobile lockers secured thereto, the plurality of mobile lockers configured to connect together.
12 . The mobile locker of claim 11 , wherein the control circuit is configured to unlock the plurality of lockers in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information.
13 . A method for secured delivery of items within a mobile locker to a docking station for access by a user, the method comprising:
securing the mobile locker to the docking station;
determining which one of a plurality of levels of authentication are required for access to the items to unlock a lock mechanism of the mobile locker;
retrieving authentication information for the user, the authentication information coinciding with the one of the plurality of levels of authentication;
receiving a user input at a user interface of the mobile locker; and
unlocking the lock mechanism in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein receiving the user input comprises recording an image or video with a camera of the user interface.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein receiving the user input comprises receiving an audio input from the user at a microphone of the user interface.
16 . The method of claim 13 , wherein receiving the user input comprises receiving a signal from a mobile device associated with the user at a transceiver of the user interface.
17 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of levels of authentication include a first level requiring one form of authentication information and a second level requiring two forms of authentication information.
18 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising tracking the mobile locker with a global positioning system thereof during transport and at the docking station.
19 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
monitoring an internal temperature of the mobile locker with a sensor; and
operating a temperature regulating system of the mobile locker to maintain a desired internal temperature.
20 . The method of claim 13 , wherein securing the mobile locker to the docking station comprises securing a plurality of mobile lockers to the docking station and to one another; and unlocking the lock mechanism in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information comprises unlocking the lock mechanism for the plurality of mobile lockers in response to determining that the user input matches the authentication information.