DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to e-commerce deliveries and more particularly to a cargo transaction system for receiving or picking an order or return of a customer when the customer is not present at the delivery location and at a given specific time, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The e-commerce is the modern way of selling and purchasing the items over the internet. It is the most convenient and easy to explore method of buying the desired items at the convenience of one’s home. People may order multiple items, but the time the order arrives at the receiving location is usually uncertain, or at least cannot be fixed in some short period.
[0003] The conventional e-commerce delivery or receiving system is often troublesome to the sender, and to the recipient. In a situation when the recipients are not present at the delivery location then the delivery agents have two options, either they schedule a revisit or must wait for the recipient at the delivery location. Both the possible options are unreasonable both in terms of repetitive work and wastage of time. On the other hand, the recipient also faces the issue of coordinating again and again with the delivery services to receive the order. At the same time, it is also not satisfactory to the customers because they do not receive their orders on time.
[0004] US11033137B2 discloses a smart mailbox, smart mailbox system and related method. A mailbox comprises a box body with a door having a lock, a mailbox unlocking code input device for inputting an unlocking code to unlock the mailbox, a communication module for communicating with a remote management terminal, a storage at the mailbox or the remote management terminal for storing one or more preset mailbox unlocking codes, and a processor at the mailbox or the remote management terminal for identifying whether the input mailbox unlocking code matches the one or more preset mailbox unlocking codes, and issuing a mailbox unlocking instruction if matching. The processor comprises a mailbox unlocking code management circuit used to invalidate the matched mailbox unlocking code after the mailbox is unlocked, generate a new mailbox unlocking code when no valid mailbox unlocking code is currently available, and store the new mailbox unlocking code in the storage. The mailbox can safely, conveniently and automatically receive and/or send mail.
[0005] Conventionally, there exist various system and apparatuses for receiving orders. However, in order to achieve the objective, a transaction box is used for receiving an order when a recipient is not present at their delivery location at the time of pickup, and a processor is used for notifying the recipient about their order delivery.
[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there is a need to provide a cargo box that is an enhancement to the conventional apparatuses. This box is capable of receiving the items ordered by customers on time without the presence of the customer at the delivery location. This box is also utilized for pickups without the presence of the customers. Hence this box is used for reducing the wastage of time and saving a lot of manual efforts in making several attempts to deliver the order.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantage of the prior art.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cargo transaction system that helps in providing satisfaction to the customers as they receive their orders on time and with zero fault in receiving the correct items.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide the cargo transaction system that helps in saving time by using a scanning unit in order to avoid unnecessary manual checking of the items ordered by the customer.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide the cargo transaction system that helps in receiving the order without the availability of the customer at the delivery location.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide the cargo transaction system that helps a transaction agent to collect the pickup or return orders.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide the cargo transaction system that helps in notifying the customers about the successful delivery of their order and it also cross-verifies the items delivered with the order list that was provided by the customer initially.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide the cargo transaction system that is quick and responsive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to a multipurpose cargo transaction box used for providing a safer delivery of an ordered item when a customer is unavailable to receive their order at their residence or delivery location. It makes the return order pickup easy to the customers in an automated and convenient manner. It reduces the efforts put in by a transaction agent in delivering the customer's order again and again, thereby reducing time loss.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cargo transaction system, comprising, a transaction platform server accessed through a user terminal, wherein the transaction platform server is configured to receive a transaction request related to a plurality of items as received from the user terminal, generate a transaction code for the transaction request containing the plurality of items, transmit the transaction code to a transaction agent and to a user id of the user terminal, wherein the user terminal is anyone of a mobile phone, a smartphone, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, and a laptop computer, a transaction box, linked with the user ID, comprising a communication module configured to receive the transaction request and the transaction code from the transaction platform server, an access door is operably connected to an actuator to enable opening and closing of the access door which is used for securing a cargo cavity, a user I/O unit for inputting the transaction code in order to provide access to the cargo cavity, wherein the user I/O unit is a touch screen or a combination of a display screen and tactile buttons and is configured to generate an alert, about match success status of the transaction code input to the user I/O unit, wherein the alert is sent to the user terminal and also displayed on the user I/O unit, wherein the transaction platform server, the user terminal and the cargo box are in communication with each other through a wireless communication network.
[0016] According to an another embodiment of the present invention, the cargo transaction system, further comprising, a scanning unit configured to scan each of the plurality of items in the transaction request, and a processor configured to verify the entered transaction code received through the user I/O unit, provide access to the cargo cavity upon successful verification of the transaction code entered into the user I/O unit, cross-check scanned plurality of items with the plurality of items on the transaction request, and generate a real-time notification to a user of the user terminal during transaction, indicating a status of each of the plurality of items of the transaction request that is either a delivery request or a pick-up request, wherein the pick-up request includes multiple steps like inputting the transaction code to access the cargo cavity, inputting the plurality of items to the user I/O unit, and matching the entered plurality of items with the plurality of items provided by the user at the time of transaction request in order to confirm pickup.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions /are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0018] Fig.1 illustrates a line diagram of a cargo transaction box 100, according to an embodiment of a present invention;
[0019] Fig.2 illustratively shows one embodiment of the cargo transaction box 100 according to the present invention;
[0020] Fig.3 illustrates a block diagram 300 of a first embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] Fig.4 illustrates a block diagram 400 of a second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0023] Some embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
[0024] It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred systems and methods are now described.
[0025] The present invention relates to a cargo transaction box that receives the order placed by a customer/recipient without the presence of them and notifies them that their order has been successfully received. This box verifies the received items with the ordered items and also helps the customer to get their order on time.
[0026] The present invention further relates to the cargo transaction box that helps in pickup of the return order when the customer is unavailable to return their order at their residence or pickup location. This box also notifies the user when the pickup is not confirmed.
[0027] Fig.1 illustrates a line diagram of a cargo transaction system, according to an embodiment of a present invention. The cargo transaction system includes a transaction platform server accessed through a user terminal. The transaction platform server is configured to receive a transaction request containing a plurality of items as received from the user terminal. The server is also used for generating a transaction code for the transaction request containing the plurality of items and transmitting the transaction code to a transaction agent and to a user id of the user terminal. The user terminal is anyone of a mobile phone, a smartphone, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, and a laptop computer and the transaction code is anyone of a tracking id, a package tracking number, password set by the user.
[0028] The system further includes a transaction box, linked with the user ID, comprising a communication module 102 configured to receive the transaction request and the transaction code from the transaction platform server, an access door 204 is operably connected to an actuator to enable opening and closing of the access door which is used for securing a cargo cavity 202, a user I/O unit 112 for inputting the transaction code in order to provide access to the cargo cavity 202, wherein the user I/O unit 112 is a touch screen or a combination of a display screen and tactile buttons. The communication module 102 is anyone of a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), a Bluetooth, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and a physical communication (CAN/UART).The I/O unit 112 is further configured to generate an alert, about match success status of the transaction code input to the user I/O unit 112, wherein the alert is sent to the user terminal and also displayed on the user I/O unit 112. The transaction platform server, the user terminal and the cargo box 100 are in communication with each other through a wireless communication network.
[0029] According to an another embodiment of the present invention, the cargo transaction system, further comprising, a scanning unit 106 configured to scan each of the plurality of items in the transaction request, wherein the scanning unit 106 is used for scanning and identifying various information through a packaging ID that is anyone of a QR code, a Bar code, a passive printable or attachable radio frequency (RF) tag, or any other scannable or readable code format. The system further includes a processor 104 configured to verify the entered transaction code received through the user I/O unit 112, provide access to the cargo cavity 202 upon successful verification of the transaction code entered into the user I/O unit 112, cross-check scanned plurality of items with the plurality of items on the transaction request, and generate a real-time notification to a user of the user terminal during transaction, indicating a status of each of the plurality of items of the transaction request. The real time notification is in the form of an Instant Message notification, an SMS, an email, and in-app notification, or any other suitable notification means. The system includes a memory unit 110 used for storing the transaction code, the order list and scanned item details. The transaction request is either a delivery request or a pick-up request, wherein the pick-up request includes multiple steps like inputting the transaction code to access the cargo cavity, inputting the plurality of items to the user I/O unit, and matching the entered plurality of items with the plurality of items provided by the user at the time of transaction request in order to confirm pickup. The processor 104 confirms the pickup when the quantity inputs are matched otherwise pickup is not confirmed, wherein if after multiple attempts the quantity of items are not confirmed, the transaction agent initiates the communication with the user to re-confirm the quantities through the real time notification and may re-enter the quantities when the user confirms any error in the quantity of items and re sends any amended quantity of items.
[0030] In operation, the cargo box 100 may be linked with the customer’s transaction platform server account. The transaction platform server may include multiple ecommerce websites like Amazon, Zomato, Flipkart etc. and be aggregated through a special dedicated app for the cargo box 100 in which, the user/customer may aggregate various transaction platform server that he/she uses in which deliveries are to be expected. Such transaction platform profile of the customer may be connected with the mobile application that may be installed by the customer on his/her user terminal or handheld device like a smartphone or tablet or even over the browser on a laptop or a PC.
[0031] Fig. 2 illustratively shows one embodiment of the cargo transaction box 100. When an order is placed by the customer through the transaction platform server, order delivery details are retrieved by the user terminal from the server website which is further sent to the cargo box 100. The customer cargo box 100 receives all the order related details and user ID from the user terminal over the top (OTT) through the communication module 102. The box includes the door 204 with the cargo cavity 202 and a storing space in it. The box has the I/O unit 112 to show the error message when the door 204 of the cargo box 100 does not get closed and also shows the successful delivery message when the door 204 of the cargo box 100 gets closed.
[0032] Embodiment 1 – During delivery
[0033] Fig.3 illustrates a block diagram 300 of a first embodiment of the present invention. During delivery, the transaction agent, for unlocking the cargo box 100, may enter the transaction code into the user I/O unit 112 (as shown in block 304) or through his app installed on his user terminal. Once transaction code details are added, the cargo box door 204 is unlocked.
[0034] As described earlier, the cargo box 100 includes the scanning unit 106 that may be placed in the inside of the cargo box 100 or on an outer surface of the cargo box 100. According to an embodiment, the transaction agent may either place the items (as shown in block 306) by scanning the identification information that may be determined by scanning a bar code or a QR code on packaging of the delivery item. In an another embodiment of the invention, the items may get scanned (as shown in block 308) from an inside scanning module as and when the items are placed. The information about the order details, the items ordered, and the items scanned are stored inside the memory unit 110. The memory unit 110 may be an onboard memory or may be a remote memory.
[0035] The list of items scanned during delivery, through the scanning module 106, is then compared with the list of items received from the transaction platform server pertaining to the specific user ID, as shown in block 310. If the number of items scanned and the items within the list are matched (as shown on block 312), the door 204 of the box 100 is closed, as shown in block 314. Also, on a successful delivery, the cargo box may send a notification to the customer that the item has been safely received. The notification may be via an email, SMS, an Instant Message, or an In-App notification.
[0036] However, in case the number of items scanned and the items on the list do not match, then an error message is displayed on the screen 112 of the cargo box 100 and the door 204 of the box 100 does not gets locked, as shown in block 316. Also, a notification is sent to the user. A prompt may also be displayed on the I/O unit 112 to the transaction agent to may be retry scanning again or check for any other delivery items.
[0037] Embodiment 2 – During pickup.
[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram 400 of a second embodiment of the present invention. The cargo box 100 may also be utilized for pickups. As the account of the user is set up with the box 100, the user, may set up pickups or returns. For this, the user has to create a list of items and along with their respective quantity while being placed inside the box 100, as shown in block 402.
[0039] Then the user may issue the transaction code (i.e an OTP) that may be shared with the transaction agent assigned for pick up, as shown in block 404. The door 204 of the cargo box 100 is opened when the transaction code or OTP (One Time Password) is entered, as shown in block 406. During pickup, the transaction agent may enter the transaction code to pick up items. However, to do so the transaction agent is displayed with a list of items without revealing the quantity of the items. The transaction agent has to manually input the quantity of items one by one which is cross-check with the plurality of items on the transaction request, as shown in block 408. The quantity of items may be received by the processor when the user issues a pickup or return request. In case the items are matched (as shown in block 410) , the pickup is confirmed, as shown in block 412. However, in case the items do not match, the pickup is not confirmed, as shown in block 414.
[0040] In case of an unconfirmed pickup, when the quantity of the items does not match the quantity as provided by the user, the transaction agent is prompted to check and reconfirm the quantity. In a case, wherein even after repeated attempts the quantity of items are not confirmed, the transaction agent is required to initiate a communication with user to re-confirm the quantities either through the SMS, message or the in-app notification module. If the user confirms any error in quantity of items and re sends any amended quantity of items. This amended quantity of items is then provided to the transaction agent who may re-enter the quantities.
[0041] In case, no consensus is reached on the quantity of items, the pick-up is confirmed as “unconfirmed pickup” and is cancelled while the door 204 of the cargo box 100 is locked.
[0042] Moreover, although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
,CLAIMS:1. A cargo transaction system comprising:
A transaction platform server accessed through a user terminal, wherein the transaction platform server is configured to;
receive a transaction request related to a plurality of items as received from the user terminal;
generate a transaction code for the transaction request containing the plurality of items;
transmit, the transaction code to a transaction agent and to a user id of the user terminal;
A transaction box 100, linked with the user ID, comprising
a communication module 102 configured to receive the transaction request and the transaction code from the transaction platform server;
an access door 204 securing a cargo cavity 202;
a user I/O unit 112 for inputting the transaction code in order to provide access to the cargo cavity 202, wherein the user I/O 112 is configured to generate an alert, about match success status of the transaction code input to the user I/O unit 112, wherein the alert is sent to the user terminal and also displayed on the user I/O unit 112;
a scanning unit 106 configured to scan each of the plurality of items in the transaction request; and
a processor 104 configured to:
verify the entered transaction code received through the user I/O unit 112;
provide access to the cargo cavity 202, on a successful verification of the transaction code entered into the user I/O unit 112;
cross-check scanned plurality of items with the plurality of items on the transaction request; and
generate a real-time notification to a user of the user terminal during transaction, indicating a status of each of the plurality of items of the transaction request.
2. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user I/O unit 112 is a touch screen or a combination of a display screen and tactile buttons.
3. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the access door 204 is operably connected to an actuator to facilitate opening and closing of the access door 204.
4. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an error message is displayed on the user I/O unit 112 of the transaction box 100 in case of a mismatch of the plurality of items in the transaction request and the scanned plurality of items.
5. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scanning unit 106 identifies various information through a packaging ID of each of the plurality of items.
6. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the packaging ID is anyone of a QR code, a Bar code, a passive printable or attachable radio frequency (RF) tag, or any other scannable or readable code format.
7. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user terminal is anyone of a mobile phone, a smartphone, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, and a laptop computer.
8. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transaction code is anyone of a tracking id, a package tracking number, password set by the user while ordering through the user terminal.
9. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system includes a memory unit 110 used for storing the transaction code, the order list and scanned item details.
10. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transaction platform server, the user terminal and the cargo box 100 are in communication with each other through a wireless communication network.
11. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transaction request is either a delivery request or a pick-up request.
12. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pick-up request includes:
inputting, by the transaction agent, the transaction code to access the cargo cavity 202;
inputting, by the transaction agent, quantity of each of the plurality of items into the user I/O unit 112; and
matching, by the processor 104, the entered quantity of the plurality of items with the quantity of the plurality of items provided by the user at the time of transaction request in order to confirm pickup.
13. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 11, wherein an unconfirmed pick-up includes:
verifying and confirming, by the transaction agent, the quantity and specification of each of the plurality of items;
initiating, by the transaction agent, a communication with the user through the real time notification to reconfirm the input quantities;
getting, by the user, the quantity of the plurality of the items verified and amended if required; and
re-entering, by the transaction agent, the amended quantity into the I/O module.
14. The cargo transaction system as claimed in claim 11, wherein if no mutual consensus is made on the quantity of the plurality of the items, then the pick-up is marked as unconfirmed pick-up while the cargo box is locked.