Provided is an in-store dual-mode communication system in which shelves are disposed within a commercial space. A server is coupled to the Internet and/or a wide-area network and is configured to send and receive communications. Also provided are light-based messaging units that are located on and/or attached to such shelves, each: 1) having a light source, 2) receiving a communication from the server, and 3) in response to receipt of such communication, turning the light source on and off so as to broadcast a digital message that was included within such communication, as a binary-encoded digital signal corresponding to on/off states of the light source. A user device: (i) receives, via its light sensor, and then decodes the binary-encoded digital signal from a light-based messaging unit in order to obtain the digital message that corresponds to it; and also (ii) communicates with the server via its wireless interface.

Provided is an in-store dual-mode communication system in which shelves are disposed within a commercial space. A server is coupled to the Internet and/or a wide-area network and is configured to send and receive communications. Also provided are light-based messaging units that are located on and/or attached to such shelves, each: 1) having a light source, 2) receiving a communication from the server, and 3) in response to receipt of such communication, turning the light source on and off so as to broadcast a digital message that was included within such communication, as a binary-encoded digital signal corresponding to on/off states of the light source. A user device: (i) receives, via its light sensor, and then decodes the binary-encoded digital signal from a light-based messaging unit in order to obtain the digital message that corresponds to it; and also (ii) communicates with the server via its wireless interface.

A method for controlling a generation of at least one access code includes receiving, in an access control device, data representing an access code; verifying the data representing the access code; in response to a detection in a verification that the access code is valid generating a signal causing a generation of data representing a new access code; and generating a signal causing a transmit of the data representing the new access code to a party from whom the data representing the access code is received. An access control device, a computer program product and a system are also disclosed.

A method for controlling a generation of at least one access code includes receiving, in an access control device, data representing an access code; verifying the data representing the access code; in response to a detection in a verification that the access code is valid generating a signal causing a generation of data representing a new access code; and generating a signal causing a transmit of the data representing the new access code to a party from whom the data representing the access code is received. An access control device, a computer program product and a system are also disclosed.

Remote control for actuating an electric window shade or an electric window blind or an electric window covering, and method and system of using same. A base unit includes: a wireless receiver, to wirelessly receive from an electronic device an incoming wireless signal indicating a command to actuate an electric window covering; a wireless signal constructor, to dynamically construct an outgoing wireless signal which comprises a rolling code; and a wireless transmitter, to transmit the outgoing wireless signal to a wireless receiver of a motor unit that is operably associated with the electric window covering. A wireless signal constructor dynamically constructs the outgoing wireless signal without having access to a secret seed value that is accessible to the motor unit. A local storage unit stores a data-set of rolling codes that are associated with the motor unit; and the outgoing wireless signal is dynamically constructed based on a next-available rolling code obtained from the local storage unit of the base unit.

Remote control for actuating an electric window shade or an electric window blind or an electric window covering, and method and system of using same. A base unit includes: a wireless receiver, to wirelessly receive from an electronic device an incoming wireless signal indicating a command to actuate an electric window covering; a wireless signal constructor, to dynamically construct an outgoing wireless signal which comprises a rolling code; and a wireless transmitter, to transmit the outgoing wireless signal to a wireless receiver of a motor unit that is operably associated with the electric window covering. A wireless signal constructor dynamically constructs the outgoing wireless signal without having access to a secret seed value that is accessible to the motor unit. A local storage unit stores a data-set of rolling codes that are associated with the motor unit; and the outgoing wireless signal is dynamically constructed based on a next-available rolling code obtained from the local storage unit of the base unit.

Systems and methods to deliver items to smart receptacles or locations secured by smart locks. A distribution network can provide access codes or credentials to access smart locks. Access codes or credentials can be provided when a mobile delivery device is determined to be within a geofence of the delivery point and/or when the mobile delivery device meets specified security criteria.

Systems and methods to deliver items to smart receptacles or locations secured by smart locks. A distribution network can provide access codes or credentials to access smart locks. Access codes or credentials can be provided when a mobile delivery device is determined to be within a geofence of the delivery point and/or when the mobile delivery device meets specified security criteria.

A system and method of sanitizing a package left at a doorstep safely reduces exposure to pathogens with packages. The method includes a computerized doorbell, at least one motion detector, at least one ultraviolet device, and a user (PC) personal computing device. The method begins by scanning a surrounding area of the doorway with the motion detector in order to identify at least one physical package. A delivery notification for the physical package is relayed from the motion detector, through the computerized doorbell, and to the user PC device. The delivery notification is displayed for the physical package with the motion detector. The surrounding area is further scanned with the motion detector in order to identify a human presence within the surrounding area. Ultraviolet radiation is emitted onto the surrounding area for a specified time period with the ultraviolet device, if the physical package is identified within the surrounding area.

A system and method of sanitizing a package left at a doorstep safely reduces exposure to pathogens with packages. The method includes a computerized doorbell, at least one motion detector, at least one ultraviolet device, and a user (PC) personal computing device. The method begins by scanning a surrounding area of the doorway with the motion detector in order to identify at least one physical package. A delivery notification for the physical package is relayed from the motion detector, through the computerized doorbell, and to the user PC device. The delivery notification is displayed for the physical package with the motion detector. The surrounding area is further scanned with the motion detector in order to identify a human presence within the surrounding area. Ultraviolet radiation is emitted onto the surrounding area for a specified time period with the ultraviolet device, if the physical package is identified within the surrounding area.