Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
  • G06Q10/083—Shipping
  • G06Q10/0836—Recipient pick-ups

Definitions

• Device for storing parcels device for operating a lock in a device for storing parcels, mobile electronic device for operating a device for storing parcels, system and method for delivering parcels using said devices
• the invention relates to a device for storing parcels, a device for operating a lock in said device for storing parcels, a mobile electronic device for operating said device for storing parcels, a system and a method for delivering parcels which use such devices.
• the invention is applicable especially in postal services, courier services, particularly in connection with e-commerce services, e.g. on-line shops where it is desirable to be able to receive/send a parcel at any time to/by a global customer.
• a device for storing parcels also known as a parcel locker, in the form of a substantially rectangular prism, having at least two storage receptacles for parcels, which can vary in size, provided for leaving parcels therein for a certain time in order to be sent /received by a customer, is known from document US20130144428.
• Each storage receptacle has a door of any shape and of any principle of movement relative to the other walls of the storage receptacle.
• the door of storage receptacles are equipped with closure means in the form of any electrically controllable lock.
• the device is connected to a power source making it possible to supply power to a number of components, such as a control unit, sensors of storage receptacle occupancy, indicators of storage receptacle occupancy, electrically controllable locks, a user interface, means for receiving fees, means for communication with the management centre, in particular means for communication via GSM/UMTS network or Internet, an internal lighting of storage receptacles, fans, an air conditioner, etc.
• a control unit sensors of storage receptacle occupancy, indicators of storage receptacle occupancy, electrically controllable locks, a user interface, means for receiving fees, means for communication with the management centre, in particular means for communication via GSM/UMTS network or Internet, an internal lighting of storage receptacles, fans, an air conditioner, etc.
• the method for delivering parcels with the use of this device consists in receiving and processing, by the management centre, information on the service requested, sending, to the courier, instructions for the service execution, depositing/receiving the parcel, sending, to the customer, information necessary to receive/send the parcel from a specific parcel locker, then identifying the customer by the parcel locker after providing identification data with the use of the user interface, and automatic opening of the door of the storage receptacle with an electric lock.
• devices for storing parcels known from the prior art lead to very high investment costs due to the cost of components arranged in the device: control electronics, software and electronic components, such as e.g. a touch screen, air conditioners, heaters, electrically controlled locks, etc.
• a high level of complexity of the device construction results in high servicing costs of machines, and especially under extreme operating conditions, i.e. at high humidity or high temperatures, leads to a high failure rate.
• each known device for storing parcels must consist of at least two modules, i.e. a user interface module and at least one storage receptacle module. Therefore, quite a large minimum area is required to install the device for storing parcels. In conclusion, all these disadvantages make costs of a service using this type of devices rather high.
• the object of the invention is to provide a device for storing parcels, a device for operating a lock in the device for storing parcels, a mobile electronic device for operating the device for storing parcels, a system and a method for delivering parcels which would not have any of the above mentioned disadvantages.
• the object of the invention is to provide a device which would be less expensive to manufacture, install and service, as well as which would allow launching the service in a very short time with a minimum of formalities.
• the essence of the invention consists in that the device for storing parcels, comprising at least two storage receptacles with doors, is characterised in that each storage receptacle is equipped with a mechanical combination lock for closing the door, and with a unique marker, while the other components of the device do not require a continuous power supply.
• the marker is located at a standardised distance from the combination lock.
• the marker is not accessible from outside.
• the marker is located on the rear side of the door .
• the combination lock is equipped with an interface for setting an opening/closing code.
• the storage receptacle has an opening indicator.
• the essence of the invention consists in that a mobile electronic device for operating a device for storing parcels, which comprises means for communication, is characterised in that it comprises means for retrieving information on a marker, means for retrieving information on a set code of a mechanical combination lock, as well as means for controlling the process of retrieving information on the marker and/or means for controlling the process of retrieving information on the set code of the combination lock.
• the essence of the invention consists in that a mobile electronic device for operating the device for storing parcels, comprising means for communication, is characterised in that it comprises means for controlling the automatic process of setting a combination lock.
• the essence of the invention consists in that the system for delivering parcels, comprising at least one device for storing parcels, at least one mobile electronic device and a management centre, is characterised in that the device for storing parcels comprises at least two storage receptacles with doors, wherein each storage receptacle is equipped with a mechanical combination lock for closing the door, and with a unique marker, the other components of the device not requiring a continuous power supply .
• the mobile electronic device comprises means for retrieving information on the marker.
• the mobile electronic device comprises means for retrieving information on the set code of the combination lock.
• the system comprises at least one external electromechanical device for opening and/or setting the combination lock.
• the external electromechanical device comprises means for retrieving information on the marker.
• the mobile electronic device comprises means for controlling the process of retrieving information on the marker and/or means for controlling the process of retrieving information on the set code of the combination lock.
• the mobile electronic device comprises means for controlling automatic process of setting the combination lock.
• the essence of the invention consists in that a method for delivering parcels, comprising sending and/or receiving the parcel with the use of the device for storing parcels, operating the device for storing parcels, and sending, to the customer, information on the executed service, is characterised in that in the step of operating the device for storing parcels, the combination lock is opened with the previous code in a storage receptacle assigned to the service, the door is opened in order to deposit/receive the parcel, the mechanical combination lock is set with a new code, and the door is closed, information on the marker of this storage receptacle and on the set code is retrieved to confirm correctness of the step of operating the device.
• the information on the marker of a selected storage receptacle and on a set code is retrieved with the use of means for retrieving information on the marker and means for retrieving information on the set code of the combination lock, respectively, integrated in the mobile electronic device.
• the step of retrieving information on the marker of the selected storage receptacle and on the set code is controlled by means for controlling the process of retrieving information on the marker and/or by means for controlling the process of retrieving information on the set code of the combination lock, said means being integrated in the mobile electronic device.
• the combination lock is opened with the previous code, and then is set with a new code by means of an external electromechanical device which is in communication with the mobile electronic device.
• an electromechanical device for operating a lock in a device for storing parcels is characterised in that it comprises means for cooperating with an interface of a combination lock, an electromechanical drive, a control circuit, and means for communication.
• the electromechanical device further comprises a power source.
• each storage receptacle with a marker which is individual within the whole network of devices, preferably mechanical, capable of being read by both the staff of the service provider, as well as by a dedicated device, preferably in an automatic manner with the use of a mobile external electronic device, it is possible to manage services based on an individual number of the storage receptacle in the known manner.
• [ 0031 ] Thanks to arranging an individual marker of the storage receptacle in an area allowing a man, and in particular a mobile external device, to simultaneously read, within a single operation, both the marker, and settings of the combination locker, e.g. from the inner side of the door, it is possible to eliminate the risk of introducing incorrect data to the system.
• each storage receptacle of the device for storing parcels according to the invention with a storage receptacle opening indicator and/or a mechanical sensor related thereto, it is possible to manage storage receptacles based on the opening indicator which, depending on the service being executed, can serve as an indicator of storage receptacle occupancy.
• Fig.l is a perspective general view of a device for storing parcels according to the invention.
• FIG.2 is an enlarged perspective general view of a storage receptacle with a mechanical combination lock according to the invention
• Fig.3 is a block diagram of an external electromechanical device for operating the lock in the device for storing parcels.
• Fig.4a shows a system for delivering parcels according to the first embodiment
• Fig.4b shows a system for delivering parcels according to the second embodiment
• FIG.5 is a block diagram of a management centre and a mobile electronic device, cooperating with a customer device and the external electromechanical device as part of a method for delivering parcels according to the invention
• the device (1) for storing parcels according to the invention can be installed in any place meeting the general conditions for the security of storing parcels, regardless of electricity grid infrastructure or telecommunication network infrastructure existing in this place. In particular, it is suitable for installation in countries or regions with very poor telecommunication and electricity infrastructures.
• the device (1) for storing parcels according to the invention has substantially the shape of a rectangular prism in which at least two volumes are separated which form at least two storage receptacles (2) . Separation of volumes for storage receptacles in the device (1) is preferably realised by arranging internal walls (3) forming storage receptacles (2), wherein a door (4) constituting a closure for the space of the storage receptacles (2) is mounted to said internal walls (3) .
• the device (1) for storing parcels may be divided into smaller spaces by partition walls (5), wherein replaceable sets of storage receptacles (6) with standardised dimensions, including any quantitative and volumetric configurations of at least two storage receptacles (2), depending on the demand in a given location, are introduced to the said spaces.
• the device (1) for storing parcels according to the invention is mounted in a manner secured to the substrate, for security reasons.
• Security measures can be constituted by an appropriate base
• any other securing means which immobilise the device (1) for storing parcels on the substrate may be used, in particular appropriate sets of screws and sockets, catches or any other mechanical means which realise strong mechanical connections.
• the device (1) for storing parcels can be modular, i.e. can be constituted of a series of several rectangular prisms, constituting modules (8), wherein each module (8) is equipped with a separate base (7) . Therefore, it is possible to adapt the device (1) to the local demand for the service of delivering/sending parcels, i.e. to increase, decrease the amount of storage receptacles (2), as well as their configuration in terms of size. According to the invention, because a module with a user interface is not necessary to operate the device (1) for storing parcels, the device (1) for storing parcels may consist, in a particular case, of only one module (8) .
• the external walls (9), internal walls (3), partition walls (5) and the door (4) are preferably made of metal.
• metal may be coated with suitable protective layers or with layers providing the device (1) with aesthetic qualities.
• the storage receptacle (2) can have any shape or size to the extent allowed by the external dimensions and shapes of the device (1) for storing parcel s .
• the door (4) can be any type of door, i.e. can rotate, perform a translational motion, roll up, etc. Depending on a particular case, it is mounted to at least one external wall (3) by appropriate mounting means, e.g. hinges, guides and rails, etc.
• Each storage receptacle is marked in a visible manner, preferably on the front side of the door, with a recognisable individual number (N) of the storage receptacle for easy identification of its location by the customer (as shown in Fig. 2) .
• the door (4) is equipped with a mechanical combination lock (10) which closes or opens depending on the set combination of digits.
• the person skilled in the art will know, however, that instead of digits, generally any symbols can be used, e.g. letters, colours, images, etc.
• the combination lock (10) is at least 3 digital, preferably 5 digital.
• the lock is adapted for manual setting of a combination of symbols which opens and closes it, wherein it is possible to change the code with each use.
• the combination lock (10) is preferably equipped with an interface (16) for cooperating with the electromechanical external device (21) in order to set it.
• the staff operating the device (1) for storing parcels have appropriate information on which storage receptacle (2) is to be filled or emptied, i.e. know the parcel number (DN) and the individual marker of the box (RN) . They also know the relevant individual code (CI) which is currently set for the storage receptacle (2) and the relevant individual code (C2) which is to be set in the mechanical combination lock (10) in order to close a given storage receptacle (2) by the staff and to open it by the customer in order to receive/send the parcel.
• DN parcel number
• RN individual marker of the box
• the staff operating the device (1) for storing parcels obtains the above mentioned data from a mobile electronic device
• (21) for operating the device (1) for storing parcels can read them in both on-line and off-line modes, whereby it is possible to operate the devices (1) for storing parcels, which are located completely out of range of a telecommunication network.
• the combination lock (10) is thus coded again by the staff operating the device (1) for storing parcels at the time of depositing a parcel intended to be received, or receiving a parcel intended to be sent.
• Each storage receptacle (2) of the device (1) for storing parcels is also eguipped with an individual marker (11) which is arranged at a standardised distance from the combination lock (10), i.e. in such a place and at such a distance from the combination lock (10) that it is possible to read this marker (11) and settings of the combination lock (10), in particular by the mobile electronic device (31) or the external electromechanical device (21) .
• the marker (11) contains a coded box number (N) individual within the system, or a different unique number identifiable by the system.
• the marker (11) is arranged on the rear side of the door at a short distance from the combination lock (10) , so that a dedicated converter of the electronic mobile device (31) could retrieve information on settings of the combination lock (10) and, at the same time, on the number (N) of the storage receptacle (2) assigned to it.
• the marker (11) should be placed near the combination lock (10) at a distance allowing it to take a picture readable for the mobile electronic device.
• the marker (11) can be a barcode or a QR code.
• the marker (11) can be any unique mechanical object capable of being automatically visually distinguished by the mobile electronic device (31) .
• the marker (11) can be also any passive electronic device which does not require a continuous power supply, e.g. an NFC tag.
• the marker (11) is neither visible nor accessible from outside .
• the storage receptacles (2) have a mechanical opening indicator (15) (i.e. an indicator of the opening of a given storage receptacle (2) since the last visit of the courier) to optimise the time of operation by the staff (courier) and to exclude any opening of storage receptacles (2) which were not visited by customers.
• the indicator (15) will therefore inform, depending on the case, about the fact that the customer received from a particular storage receptacle (2) a parcel deposited by the staff, or that the customer deposited in this storage receptacle (2) a parcel to be sent.
• the opening indicator (15) is, for example, in the form of a mechanical indicator with a window visible from outside, through which a changing colour can be seen, e.g.
• the external electromechanical device (21) cooperating with the mobile electronic device (31) in order to operate the devices (1) for storing parcels is described.
• the external electromechanical device (21) has means (23) for cooperating with the interface (14) of the combination lock (10), preferably an elongated key element (23) with its shape being complementary to an opening (14) for setting in the mechanical combination lock (10) .
• the external electromechanical device (21) comprises an electromechanical drive (25) used to set the means (23) for cooperating with the interface (14) of the combination lock (10) into motion. For example, after placing the elongated key element (23) in the opening (14), a stepping motor
• the external electromechanical device (21) can have its own power source (26), e.g. a battery, or can be also supplied by a different external mobile power source.
• the external electromechanical device can have its own power source (26), e.g. a battery, or can be also supplied by a different external mobile power source.
• the (21) is further equipped with means (27) for communication.
• those can be means (27) for wired and/or wireless communication.
• the means (27) for communication allow reception of instructions for the stepping motor from the mobile electronic device (31) communicating with other elements of the system for receiving parcels, as described hereinafter.
• the external electromechanical device (21) comprises a control circuit
• the external electromechanical device (21) can be in the form of a programmed drill-driver with a control circuit (28), communicating with the mobile electronic device (31), for example by GSM/UMTS or Bluetooth, or any other technology if the device (1) for storing parcels located out of range of a GSM/UMTS network is operated.
• the external mobile electronic device (31) can be a mobile phone, smart phone, tablet, laptop or any other type of electronic device with a user interface, a processor and a memory, capable of storing instructions and data, and with means for wired and/or wireless communication.
• the external mobile electronic device (31) transmits to the external electromechanical device (21) appropriate control instructions, individual for each storage receptacle (2) .
• the staff operating the device (1) for storing parcels has only to place the external electromechanical device (21) in an appropriate mechanical combination lock (10) .
• the system for delivering parcels comprises at least one device (1) for storing parcels, and preferably a network of devices
• the system can comprise other units necessary to perform the service of delivering parcels, e.g. a service centre responsible for maintenance of devices and components in the system and their updating in terms of software if a software is installed in a given device or component.
• a service centre responsible for maintenance of devices and components in the system and their updating in terms of software if a software is installed in a given device or component.
• the management centre (42) comprises, for example, means having the following functionality:
• - means (42d) for processing information on the executed service i.e. among others on the location of the device (1) for storing parcels, in which a parcel to be received was deposited or a parcel to be sent was received, on the data and time of realising a successful service, on the code (C2) set in the storage receptacle (2) of the combination lock (10) and on the individual number (N) of the storage receptacle (2), and on the marker (11) related to the individual number (N) of the storage receptacle (2) ;
• the above mentioned means generate or retrieve information exchanged respectively with the customer device (47) or with the mobile electronic device (31) with which the staff, i.e. each courier, is equipped.
• the means (42c) for informing about the parameters of the service to be executed or the means (42d) for processing information on the executed service communicate with the mobile electronic device (31) only if there is a physical possibility of establishing a connection. Therefore, the data between the management centre (42) and the mobile electronic devices (31) are transmitted with various time delays relative to the moment of their formation on the sending side, but always in advance of the operations to be performed within the service in the system as a result of the transmission of data. This makes it possible to use the mobile electronic device (31) in off-line mode by the courier when the courier is located near the device (1) for storing parcels, located out of range of a telecommunication network .
• the staff operating the network of devices (1) for storing parcels is equipped with the external mobile electronic device (31) and, preferably but not necessarily, with the external electromechanical devices (21) .
• the mobile electronic device (31) is equipped with at least the following components:
• the mobile electronic device (31) is equipped with means (40) for controlling the automatic process of setting the combination lock (10) .
• This makes it possible to control the external electromechanical device (21) which, once the combination lock (10) has been engaged with the interface (14) of, opens it with the old code (CI), and then sets a new code (C2) .
• customer A can send a parcel (P) in any manner
• customer (B) can use the device (1) for storing parcels according to the invention in order to open it, or customer (A) can send a parcel with the use of the device (1) for storing parcels, and customer (B) can receive the parcel in any manner.
• customer A after the introduction and delivery of relevant data to the management centre (42) via the means (42a) for obtaining information on the service ordering with the use of a customer device (47), orders a generally defined service of delivering a parcel (P) .
• the customer can, for example, use a suitable interface which is present as a form on a website which he fills in on his customer device (47) .
• the service is recorded in the system in the database (42e) , and the management centre ( 41 ) coordinates via appropriate means operations related to the registration of the parcel in the logistic centre (43), to the assignment of an appropriate courier from the staff database (45) to the service, as well as to the assignment of a mobile external device (31) to operate the device for storing parcels.
• the management centre (41) having assigned to the service a mobile external device (31) to which a specific courier is related, by the means (42c) for informing about parameters of the service to be executed, sends to the mobile external device (31) information about, among others, to what location and with what parcel (P) or after what parcel the courier is to go for, in which storage receptacle (2) he is to deposit or receive the parcel (P) , and preferably what is the expected time he should do it.
• the mobile external device (31) receives with the use of the means (38) for processing information on parameters of the service to be executed, information on the previous code (CI) set in the mechanical combination lock (10) in a given storage receptacle (2) and on a new code (C2) which is to be set in the mechanical combination lock (10) in order to execute the current service.
• CI previous code
• C2 new code
• this information is visualised with the use of the mobile external device (31) by the means (39) for visualisation, then, on the basis thereof, the courier opens the door (4) of an indicated storage receptacle (2) in an indicated device (1) for storing parcels with the use of a provided code (CI), deposits the parcel, or collects the parcel, and then sets the combination lock (10) with the use of the code (C2) and closes the door. Subsequently, information confirming already executed services is collected.
• CI provided code
• C2 combination lock
• the information on the marker and the information on the set code (C2) is automatically collected with the mobile electronic device (31), and in particular with the use of the means (32) for retrieving information on the marker and of the means for retrieving information on the code (C2) set in the mechanical combination lock (10) .
• This step is of particular importance due to the elimination of the risk of confusion on the side of the human while introducing the data into the system.
• the information provided is automatically retrieved and preferably in the same manner every time .
• the means may be in the form of a dedicated application (34, 35) or two separate applications (34), (35) in the case where sensors of various technologies are used for obtaining both types of information.
• the information on the marker (11) and on the code (C2) in the mechanical combination lock (10) is retrieved by taking a picture with a still camera (32, 33) built in the mobile electronic device (31) .
• the means (34, 35) for controlling the process of retrieving information generate hints for the courier in relation to picture resolution, picture frame size, etc. Thanks to these means, again the risk of introducing useless or incorrect data into the system is minimised.
• the means (34) for controlling the process of retrieving information on the marker (11) are different from the means (34) for retrieving information on the code (C2) .
• the retrieved information on the marker (11) and on the code (C2) is analysed either in off-line mode, directly in the mobile electronic device (31) or in on-line mode via the means (36) for analysing off-line/on-line the information on the marker (11) and on the code (C2) and/or is sent right away for analysis to the management centre (42) if in the mobile electronic device (31), online mode is available, or with a delay when the mobile electronic device (31) switches from off-line mode to on-line mode.
• the management centre (42) notifies customer B of the completion of the service of delivering/receiving the parcel, by sending, with the use of the means (42b) for informing about the status of the service, to the customer device (47), appropriate data necessary for receiving/sending the parcel with the use of the device (1) for storing parcels.
• Customer B knowing the code (C2) and the location of the device (1) and of the storage receptacle (2), opens the combination lock (10) and receives/sends the parcel (P).
• the courier is equipped with both the mobile electronic device (31) and the external electromechanical device (21) .
• the means in the form of the external electromechanical device (21) are used instead of manually setting the combination lock (10) .
• the mobile electronic device (31) After receiving information on the parameters of the service to be executed from the management centre (42) and processing it, the mobile electronic device (31) proceeds to the step of visualising at least information on the number of the storage receptacle (2) which is to be opened.
• the mobile electronic device (31) can be equipped with audio means for transmitting voice information, and therefore the courier can receive instructions in the form of sound. Therefore, the courier knows where and how to engage the external electromechanical device (21) with the interface (14) of the combination lock (10). Then, the mobile electronic device (31), thanks to the means (40) for controlling the automatic process of setting the combination lock (10), controls the external electromechanical device (21) . The external electromechanical device automatically opens the combination lock (10) with the old code (CI), and then sets a new code (C2) .
• the step of retrieving information on the set code (C2) with the use of the means (33) for retrieving information on the code (C2) set in the mechanical combination code (10) is omitted in the mobile electronic device (31) .
• Information on the correctness of the operation of setting the code (C2) may alternatively be returned by the external electromechanical device (21) .
• information on the marker (11) of a given storage receptacle (2) can be retrieved automatically with the use of appropriate means for retrieving information on the marker (11), alternatively integrated in the external electromechanical device (21) which is appropriately positioned for retrieving the information on the marker (11) by the mere fact of engagement with the interface (14) of the combination lock (10) .
• the marker (11) must also be located on the storage receptacle (2) in a standardised position in relation to the combination lock (10) so that a quick and/or automatic reading of two pieces of information, i.e. on the marker (11) and on the code (C2), could be possible.
• An advantage of the system and methods according to the invention is that, from the customer perspective, the process does not change, i.e. the customer receives the code (C2) to open the door (4) of the storage receptacle (2) by the same means as before, and after its introduction, he receives an immediate access to the storage receptacle (2) and the parcel in order to receive it or an access to an empty storage receptacle (2) in order to place a parcel therein.
• An advantageous difference, from the customer perspective is that he performs fewer operations when using the device (1) for storing parcels because his operations are limited to setting the code (C2) in an appropriate mechanical combination lock (10) and to opening the door (4) .

Landscapes

• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Economics (AREA)
• Quality & Reliability (AREA)
• Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
• Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
• Marketing (AREA)
• Operations Research (AREA)
• Development Economics (AREA)
• Strategic Management (AREA)
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
• Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=53673115

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Cited By (6)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (4)

• 2015
  • 2015-06-03 PL PL412568A patent/PL227433B1/pl unknown
  • 2015-06-08 WO PCT/IB2015/054318 patent/WO2016193794A1/en not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (4)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events