Claims:I/We Claim:
1. An apparatus for safe, secure and odorless delivery of item, wherein the apparatus is characterized by:
a delivery container (110) to contain items, wherein the delivery container (110) is configured to have one or more shelves so as to include one or more items to be delivered to one or more users;
a sensor module (120) so as to detect presence of items to be delivered in one or more shelves of one or more shelves of the delivery container;
a validation module (130), communicably connected with the sensor module (120), that:
validates status of one or more shelves of the delivery container (110);
assigns a PIN to individual shelf of one or more shelves of the delivery container (110);
validates PIN of individual shelf, based on PIN received by one or more users; and
procures one or more actions to be taken on the delivery container;
an action module (140) to perform one or more action based on inputs from the validation module (130);
a UV light (150) configured inside the delivery container (110) configured to activate on direction of the action module (140), wherein the action module (140) is configured to provide activation signal if the sensor module (120) detects presence of items in any shelf of the one or more shelves in the delivery container (110); and
a smart lock system (160) configured on individual shelf of the one or more shelves in the delivery container (110), wherein the smart lock system (160) unlocks a particular shelf directed by the action module (140).

2. The UV light (150) claimed in claim 1, wherein the UV (150) light comprises a logic device configured in a manner that the UV (150) light flashes ultraviolet radiation for a predetermined duration with at least one wavelength ranging between 100 to 400 µm.

3. The logic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the logic device controls wavelength of UV light (150) so as to disinfect germs and kill odor of one or more items inside the delivery container.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a server communicably connected to the sensor module (120), the validation module (130), the action module (140) and the UV light (150).

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a tracking module communicably configured to a server to track movement and position of the delivery container (110).

6. The server as claimed in claim 4, wherein the server is communicably connected with one or more user interface to send and receive inputs, status, notifications and tracking of delivery container(110).

7. A method for safe, secure and odorless delivery of items, wherein the method comprises steps of:
introducing one or more items to be delivered to one or more users in one or more shelves of a delivery container (110);
detecting presence of items to be delivered by a sensor module (120) in one or more shelves of one or more shelves of the delivery container (110);
validating predetermined parameters by a validation module (130) which is communicably connected with the sensor module (120), wherein the predetermined parameters to be validated comprises steps of:
validating status of one or more shelves of the delivery container (110); assigning a PIN to individual shelves of one or more shelves of the delivery container (110);
validating PIN of one or more shelves based on PIN received by one or more users; and
procuring one or more actions to be performed on the delivery container (110);
performing one or more action based on inputs from the validation module (130) by an action module (140);
activating UV light (150) configured inside the delivery container on direction of the action module (140), wherein, the action module (140) is configured to provide activation signal if the sensor module (120) detects presence of items in any shelf of the one or more shelves in the delivery container (110); and
unlocking one or more shelves directed by the action module (140) by a smart lock system (160) configured on individual shelves of the delivery container (110).

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of activating UV light (150) comprises steps of flashing UV (150) light by a logic device configured to generate UV flash radiation for a predetermined duration with at least one wavelength ranging between 100 to 400 nm.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flashing UV light (150) comprises steps of controlling wavelength of UV light (150) so as to disinfect germs and kill odor of one or more items inside the delivery container (110) by the logic device.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprises steps of connecting a server which is communicably connected to the sensor module (120), the validation module (130), the action module (140) and the UV light (150).

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprises steps of tracking movement and position of the delivery container (110) by a tracking module communicably configured to the server.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method comprises steps of connecting one or more user interface to send and receive inputs, status, notifications and tracking of delivery container (110) by the server.

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, generally, to an apparatus for delivery and more particularly, to the field of safe, secure, odorless and contactless delivery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] People are dependent on online delivery of goods, now more than ever, to fulfil their day to day requirements. The amalgamation of substandard items that gets delivered on certain occasions, poor handling and unpleasant delivery services can make online shopping a terrible experience. It can make customer question the authenticity and standards of the company. Delivery related issues are not only troublesome to the customer, but also to the company’s image.
[0002] “Contactless” Delivery during Coronavirus: Delivery packages comes in contact with many people before they get delivered to their customer. Most of the products are packaged either in cardboard boxes or plastic. According to National Institute of Health, coronavirus can survive for upto 12 hours on a cardboard surface and for upto 3 days on a plastic surface. People who make deliveries risk exposure everyday as they deliver groceries, cooked meals, and packages. Apart from coronavirus there are other germs that can survive in the surfaces mentioned above infecting the delivered items.
[0003] Although contactless delivery limits close contact of customer to the delivery person, it does not provide safety against contamination. In most cases, contrary to company’s promises, safety measures are not completely followed by workers and employees, there have been instances where the product gets directly handed over to the customer even after choosing contactless delivery option. This raises concern about the authenticity of promises made by the company.
[0004] Lack of Integrity: Customer has no guarantee about the absoluteness of the package or food item that gets delivered to them. There have been instances of delivery person devouring on customer's food right before making the delivery. Some even indulge in stealing partially or fully, the items from the package that they deliver.
[0005] Inefficiency in Delivery: Failing to locate the address, delivery person may sometimes constantly calls the customer for directions, making the experience of online ordering, a nuisance to the customer. This gives a bad impression about the company’s services. With this once can assume that the company has hired inefficient people in making their deliveries.
[0006] Product Damage due to poor handling, poor packaging and transport: There are times when a product gets damaged during transit. On many occasions delivery person fails to keep fragile or delicate items carefully in their delivery bags, and may keep them beneath heavier items. Sometimes grocery bags also gets torn due to poor handling. Apart from this, poor packaging may also lead to product damage.
[0007] Delivery of spoiled fruits and vegetables and of products that are expired or near expiry: Customer may or may not check the condition of every product during delivery, which leaves a window for devious suppliers to make profit from the product that has already expired or may expire soon. Chances of replacement of good quality product with poor quality product during transit and delivery, is also present.
[0008] Therefore it is a matter of concern to monitor dubious activities performed during transit and delivery. Hence, there is a need to address aforesaid problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The following description is a complete disclosure and therefore lays down the aspects of the proposed solution. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that this complete specification may comprise one or more elements and sub – elements thereof, including but not limited to, routines, methods, processes, operations, systems, apparatuses and devices, whether named or unnamed, without deviating from the scope of this complete application. Those skilled in the art would also appreciate that the invention disclosed in this complete application may be carried out by methods and/ or through systems which are equivalent to the solution disclosed in this complete application, and therefore any definition/ description of the said equivalents in the complete specification should be construed as being amply covered in the complete specification.
[0010] The present invention is intended to address at least one of the above mentioned problems and/ or disadvantages and to provide a suitable solution. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for safe, secure and odorless delivery of item.
[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for safe, secure and odorless delivery of item is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery container to contain items. In an embodiment, the delivery container is configured to have one or more shelves so as to include one or more items to be delivered to one or more users. The apparatus then includes a sensor module so as to detect presence of items to be delivered in one or more shelves of one or more shelves of the delivery container. The apparatus further includes a validation module, communicably connected with the sensor module, that validates status of one or more shelves of the delivery container, assigns a PIN to individual shelf of one or more shelves of the delivery container, validates PIN of individual shelf, based on PIN received by one or more users, and procures one or more actions to be taken on the delivery container. The apparatus also includes an action module to perform one or more action based on inputs from the validation module and a UV light configured inside the delivery container configured to activate on direction of the action module. In an embodiment, the action module is configured to provide activation signal if the sensor module detects presence of items in any shelf of the one or more shelves in the delivery container. The apparatus further includes a smart lock system configured on individual shelf of the one or more shelves in the delivery container. In an embodiment, the smart lock system unlocks a particular shelf directed by the action module.
[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method for safe, secure and odorless delivery of items is provided. The method includes introducing one or more items to be delivered to one or more users in multiple shelves a delivery container. The method then includes detecting presence of items to be delivered by a sensor module in one or more shelves of multiple shelves of the delivery container. The method also includes validating predetermined parameters by a validation module which is communicably connected with the sensor module. In an embodiment, the predetermined parameters to be validated includes validating status of multiple shelves of the delivery container, assigning a PIN to individual shelves of multiple shelves of the delivery container, validating PIN of one or more shelves based on PIN received by one or more users, and procuring one or more actions to be performed on the delivery container. The method further includes performing one or more action based on inputs from the validation module by an action module. The method then includes activating UV light configured inside the delivery container on direction of the action module. In an embodiment, the action module is configured to provide activation signal if the sensor module detects presence of items in any shelf of the multiple shelves in the delivery container. The method also includes unlocking one or more shelves directed by the action module through a smart lock system configured on individual shelves of the delivery container.
[0013] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] Fig. 1 illustrates a high level block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the claimed system,
[0016] Fig. 2 provides a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of the system for safe, secure, odorless and contactless delivery.
[0017] Fig. 3 illustrates a high level flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the claimed process,
[0018] Fig. 4 provides a flow chart of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of the method for safe, secure, odorless and contactless delivery.
[0019] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognise that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0021] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0022] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
[0023] Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, discussed below, are non-limiting illustrations which may be used to explain and describe the invention used to explain and describe the invention disclosed herein. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the purpose of these figures is to provide clarity on the concepts associated with the various technical embodiments of this invention. These figures may include block diagrams and/or flowcharts and/or other simplistic representations and may not always indicate the real time operations taking place in the invention.
[0024] Accordingly, Fig. 1 illustrates a high level block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the claimed system 100. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention
[0025] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the apparatus 100 includes a delivery container 110 to contain items. In an embodiment, the delivery container 110 is configured to have one or more shelves so as to include one or more items to be delivered to one or more users.
[0026] In an embodiment, the one or more shelves of the delivery container 110 can be of similar or different or customizable sizes. The apparatus then includes a sensor module 120 so as to detect presence of items to be delivered in one or more shelves of one or more shelves of the delivery container 110. The apparatus further includes a validation module 130, communicably connected with the sensor module 120.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the validation module 130 validates status of one or more shelves of the delivery container 110, assigns a PIN to individual shelf of one or more shelves of the delivery container 110, validates PIN of individual shelf, based on PIN received by one or more users, and procures one or more actions to be taken on the delivery container.
[0028] In an aspect of the present invention, the apparatus also includes an action module 140 to perform one or more action based on inputs from the validation module 130 and a UV light 150 configured inside the delivery container configured to activate on direction of the action module 140. In one embodiment UV light can be any light that produces or generates ultraviolet radiations for a non-limiting example a far UV or UV-C or pulsed xenon.
[0029] In an embodiment, the action module 140 is configured to provide activation signal if the sensor module 120 detects presence of items in any shelf of the one or more shelves in the delivery container.
[0030] In an embodiment of the invention the UV light 150 includes a logic device configured in a manner that the UV light 150 flashes ultraviolet radiation for a predetermined duration with at least one wavelength ranging between 100 to 400 nm.
[0031] In yet another embodiment, the logic device controls wavelength of UV light 150 so as to disinfect germs and kill odor of one or more items inside the delivery container. The UV light 150 can be produced by any method that generates UV radiation. In one embodiment UV light can be any light that produces or generates ultraviolet radiations for a non-limiting example a far UV or UV-C or pulsed xenon.
[0032] The apparatus further includes a smart lock system 160 configured on individual shelf of the one or more shelves in the delivery container 110. In an embodiment, the smart lock system 110 unlocks a particular shelf directed by the action module 140.
[0033] In one another embodiment, the apparatus includes a server communicably connected to the sensor module 120, the validation module 130, the action module 140 and the UV light 150.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a tracking module communicably configured to a server to track movement and position of the delivery container 110.
[0035] In yet another embodiment, the server is communicably connected with one or more user interface to send and receive inputs, status, notifications and tracking of delivery container 110.
[0036] In one preferred embodiment, the delivery container 110 can get power from any power resource for a non-limiting example, electric energy or solar energy or battery powered energy.
[0037] Accordingly, Fig. 2 provides a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of the system for safe, secure, odorless and contact-less delivery 200. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, once there is an order placed by a user for an item, the store or provider 210 gets notification of the order and prepares the order for delivery. Once order is placed a delivery person reaches to store of the provider 210 with a delivery container 220.
[0038] The delivery container 220 is configured to have one or more shelves so as to include one or more items to be delivered to one or more users. The provider 210 inserts the order in a specified shelf on one or more shelves of the delivery container 220. Once the shelf is closed a notification is generated and sent to an information server 260 which in turn sends notification to a user interface 280 of the user. For a non-limiting example the user may receive notification that your order has been picked up and locked in a safe delivery container. In an embodiment, the one or more shelves of the delivery container can be of similar or different or customizable sizes.
[0039] Once the delivery person picks the delivery container 230 and starts his ride approaching towards a destination 240, tracking mode activates and starts sending GPS signal to the information server 230. In an embodiment the user can track his order through the user interface 280.
[0040] In an embodiment, as the delivery container 220 is closed and picked by the delivery person, a UV light installed inside individual shelf of one or more shelves of the delivery container 220, activates so as to disinfect germs on the item to be delivered. In an embodiment the UV light is also configured to kill odor generated by items to be delivered. In one embodiment UV light can be any light that produces or generates ultraviolet radiations for a non-limiting example a far UV or UV-C or pulsed xenon.
[0041] In an embodiment, once the delivery person reaches the destination, the user receives notification through the user interface 280. User is then asked to insert a PIN. In yet another embodiment, PIN is a personal identity which can be either OTP sent to the user interface 180, or scanning a QR code or any other method to identify the user.
[0042] Once the PIN is received by the information server 230, a validation module validates the PIN received and if the PIN received is correct opens the corresponding shelf from one or more shelves of the delivery container 270 containing items in the order placed by the user.
[0043] In an embodiment, if the shelf of one or more shelves in the delivery container 220 is opened (forced open) by the delivery person, the delivery container sends notification to the user interface 280, through the information server 260 stating the status of the delivery container 220 and hence enabling the user to reject items of his order.
[0044] In one preferred embodiment, the delivery container can get power from any power resource for a non-limiting example, electric energy or solar energy or battery powered energy.
[0045] Fig. 3 illustrates a high level flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the claimed process, where at step 310, one or more items to be delivered is introduced in one or more users in multiple shelves of a delivery container. At step 320 presence of items to be delivered is detected by a sensor module in one or more shelves of multiple shelves of the delivery container.
[0046] At step 330, predetermined parameters are verified by a validation module which is communicably connected with the sensor module.
[0047] In an embodiment, the predetermined parameters to be validated includes validating status of multiple shelves of the delivery container, assigning a PIN to individual shelves of multiple shelves of the delivery container, validating PIN of one or more shelves based on PIN received by one or more users, and procuring one or more actions to be performed on the delivery container. At step 340 one or more action is performed based on inputs from the validation module by an action module.
[0048] At step 350 UV light configured inside the delivery container is activated on direction of the action module. In an embodiment, the action module is configured to provide activation signal if the sensor module detects presence of items in any shelf of the multiple shelves in the delivery container. In one embodiment UV light can be any light that produces or generates ultraviolet radiations for a non-limiting example a far UV or UV-C or pulsed xenon.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the step of activating UV light includes steps of flashing UV light by a logic device configured to generate UV flash radiation for a predetermined duration with at least one wavelength ranging between 100 to 400 nm.
[0050] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the flashing UV light includes steps of controlling wavelength of UV light so as to disinfect germs and kill odor of one or more items inside the delivery container by the logic device.
[0051] At step 360 one or more shelves directed by the action module are unlocked by a smart lock system configured on individual shelves of the delivery container.
[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention the method includes steps of connecting a server which is communicably connected to the sensor module, the validation module, the action module and the UV light.
[0053] In one another embodiment of the present invention the method includes steps of tracking movement and position of the delivery container by a tracking module communicably configured to the server.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes steps of connecting one or more user interface to send and receive inputs, status, notifications and tracking of delivery container by the server.
[0055] Fig. 4 provides a flow chart of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of the method for safe, secure, odorless and contactless delivery. Accordingly, at step 410 an order placed by a user or a consumer is received, once the order provider packs items to be delivered in accordance with the order placed by the user and puts the order inside a delivery container for delivery of the items ordered, a notification is sent to information server with the details and the notification is further sent to user interface of the user notifying that the items has been picked up at step 420.
[0056] At step 430, delivery person picks the delivery container and approaches towards destination or address of the user, tracking mode activates and GPS signal is transmitted to the information server specifying location of the delivery container. The information server enables tracking of the delivery container to user by the user interface.
[0057] Notification is sent to the user interface through the information server when the delivery person reaches to location of the user at Step 440. The user is then asked for a PIN through the user interface at step 450, on receipt of the correct PIN a smart lock installed in individual shelf of multiple shelves of the delivery container unlocks corresponding shelf for the user containing the items in accordance with the order placed by the user at step 460.
In an embodiment, if anyone else tries to open any shelf of one or more shelves of the delivery container before the user provides PIN, a notification is sent to the information server and to the user interface of the user stating that the shelf was opened to enable user to cancel the order.
[0058] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0059] In relation to the preceding specification, it is reiterated that the present disclosure and its advantages have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and that, a person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that various modifications and changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is re-emphasized that the preceding specification and figures are to be regarded as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than in restrictive sense. All such possible modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.