An access device is provided for use in an access control system. The access device includes a processor having control of a door lock, and a communication module connected to the processor. The processor is able to receive a reservation certificate presented by a portable terminal through the communication module. The processor activates the door lock when the current reservation certificate has been presented and disables an alarm system when the current reservation certificate has been presented.

An access device is provided for use in an access control system. The access device includes a processor having control of a door lock, and a communication module connected to the processor. The processor is able to receive a reservation certificate presented by a portable terminal through the communication module. The processor activates the door lock when the current reservation certificate has been presented and disables an alarm system when the current reservation certificate has been presented.

The disclosed systems and methods provide a smart container or bin. A container bin assembly includes a bin body, a latching mechanism, and controller. A method includes receiving, via a communication interface, an authenticated request to access the smart container, actuating an electromechanical latch to disengage a fastening hook, thereby initiating a mechanical movement of an access component to make an internal compartment accessible, outputting, via an audiovisual element, an alert to identify the container, confirming that the electromechanical latch has re-engaged with the fastening hook, thereby securing the internal compartment, determining a change in a local inventory, and updating the local inventory in a non-volatile data store according to the change.

A method for access control accepts a first data from a first mobile computing device of a first patron. The first data is representative of at least a certificate and represents an authorization for access. The method further provides the access in response to the first data, and makes a record in the first station. The record includes a second data representing the access and an identifying portion of the certificate. The method further provides, after the access, a third data to a second mobile computing device of any patron. The third data is deliverable by the second mobile computing device to the management system and is representative of the record. The method further accepts a fourth data that is representative of at least an acknowledgment of the record, and deletes the record from the first station in response to the fourth data.

A method for access control accepts a first data from a first mobile computing device of a first patron. The first data is representative of at least a certificate and represents an authorization for access. The method further provides the access in response to the first data, and makes a record in the first station. The record includes a second data representing the access and an identifying portion of the certificate. The method further provides, after the access, a third data to a second mobile computing device of any patron. The third data is deliverable by the second mobile computing device to the management system and is representative of the record. The method further accepts a fourth data that is representative of at least an acknowledgment of the record, and deletes the record from the first station in response to the fourth data.

Provided is a method involving obtaining an identifier at a control unit of a compartment system having compartments provided with respective locks and respective lock control units that are configured to communicate with the control unit; obtaining information indicating that one compartment has been closed, and causing storing of the identifier in the lock control unit assigned to the compartment. Also provided is a method comprising detecting, at a lock control unit assigned to a compartment of a compartment system comprising a control unit and compartments provided with respective locks and lock control units configured to communicate with the control unit, that the compartment has been closed; transmitting a piece of information identifying the lock control unit to the control unit if it has been detected that the compartment has been closed; obtaining an identifier from the control unit; and storing the identifier in the lock control unit.

Provided is a method involving obtaining an identifier at a control unit of a compartment system having compartments provided with respective locks and respective lock control units that are configured to communicate with the control unit; obtaining information indicating that one compartment has been closed, and causing storing of the identifier in the lock control unit assigned to the compartment. Also provided is a method comprising detecting, at a lock control unit assigned to a compartment of a compartment system comprising a control unit and compartments provided with respective locks and lock control units configured to communicate with the control unit, that the compartment has been closed; transmitting a piece of information identifying the lock control unit to the control unit if it has been detected that the compartment has been closed; obtaining an identifier from the control unit; and storing the identifier in the lock control unit.

A product-dispensing device comprises a rod, a product-dispensing coil, an actuator, a locking gear, and a button. The rod is configured to support a product. The product-dispensing coil is disposed about the rod. The actuator is operably coupled to the product-dispensing coil for rotation about a first axis. The locking gear is rotatable between a first position and a second position and includes a locking arm configured to inhibit rotation of the actuator in the second position. The button is operably coupled to the locking gear and configured to rotate the locking gear between the first position and the second position.

A product-dispensing device comprises a rod, a product-dispensing coil, an actuator, a locking gear, and a button. The rod is configured to support a product. The product-dispensing coil is disposed about the rod. The actuator is operably coupled to the product-dispensing coil for rotation about a first axis. The locking gear is rotatable between a first position and a second position and includes a locking arm configured to inhibit rotation of the actuator in the second position. The button is operably coupled to the locking gear and configured to rotate the locking gear between the first position and the second position.

A locking and unlocking control system includes: a first information acquisition part configured to acquire presence information as to whether a parcel associated with a first user is present in a predetermined region defined in a vehicle or a facility, the predetermined region having a door configured to be locked and unlocked through a locking and unlocking process performed by a locking and unlocking control device; and a locking and unlocking control part configured to execute a predetermined process so as not to permit unlocking of the door by a second user when the locking and unlocking control part determines based on the presence information that the parcel is present in the predetermined region and when the door is locked.