AU2013101761A4

AU2013101761A4 - A distribution system

Info

Publication number: AU2013101761A4
Application number: AU2013101761A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Lazarus; Duane Younger
Original assignee: Coles Group Ltd
Current assignee: Coles Group Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-02
Filing date: 2013-04-11
Publication date: 2016-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-11
Also published as: AU2013203916A1

Abstract

H:\jll\lntenvoven\NRPortbl\DCC\JLL\506875II.DOC-1 1/04/2013 Abstract A refrigerator unit including: a plurality of compartments that each have a first section that is cooled to a first temperature range, and a second section that is cooled to a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range; and a plurality of lockable doors that each close onto both an opening to the first section and an opening to the second section of one of the compartments. Co CNI

Description

A distribution system

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a distribution system, to a refrigerator unit, and to a distributing method for distributing goods ordered by a customer.

Background

The traditional retail model for goods, such as grocery items, uses a store that contains a wide variety of goods. Customers visit the store to select and purchase goods of their choosing. This model requires that the customers physically visit the store.

More recently, some retailers provide an internet shopping service, in which stocked goods are listed on an internet site, and customers place an order via the internet site. The retailer then collates (or "picks") the order, and arranges for delivery of the ordered goods to the customer. This is problematic in situations in which the order contains perishable goods that need to be refrigerated to remain fresh. In particular, the length of time the ordered goods are in ambient conditions must be minimized. This typically requires that the customer be present at delivery of the order.

Accordingly, there is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator unit including: a plurality of compartments that each have a first section that is cooled to a first temperature range, and a second section that is cooled to a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range; and a plurality of lockable doors that each close onto both an opening to the first section and an opening to the second section of one of the compartments.

The refrigerator unit can further include a first chamber that is cooled to the first temperature range, and a second chamber that is cooled to the second temperature range, and a plurality of dividers that divide the first and second chambers into the compartments. Preferably, the dividers have apertures that allow air flow between the sections within the respective chamber. Thus, the dividers isolate goods stowed in one compartment from goods stowed in an adjacent compartment. The dividers can be in the form of wire grille.

The refrigerator unit can further include a shelf that separates the first and second chambers from one another. The shelf can be insulated to hinder heat transfer between the first and second chambers.

The refrigerator unit has a front wall in which the openings to the first and second sections are formed. The front wall can form mullions that extend between the openings of adjacent compartments. Further, a forward edge of the shelf can form part of the front wall.

Each door has a first seal that is secured to the door and, when the door is closed onto a front wall of the refrigerator, extends around the opening to the first section of the respective compartment; and a second seal that is secured to the door and, when the door is closed onto a front wall of the refrigerator, extends around the opening to the second section of the respective compartment.

The refrigerator may include a plurality of heating elements that are each arranged to heat the front wall around one of the first and/or second openings.

The refrigerator unit can further include an electronic door unlocking system that, in response to a user input, electronically unlocks at least one door to provide access to at least one compartment. The unlocking system can include an electronic lock assembly provided to each compartment. In one embodiment, each electronic lock assembly includes an electronic catch, and a latch member that is received by the catch. The latch member can be provided on the door. In some embodiments, each compartment is provided with a crossbar that extends across one of the first or second openings, and each electronic catch is mounted to a respective crossbar.

The latch member can be connected to a push button on an external side of the door, whereby the door is lockable by depressing the push button to bring the latch member into engagement with the electronic catch. The push button is releasable when the electronic lock assembly is unlocked.

The electronic unlocking system can include any or more of the following for receiving the user input: a keypad, an RFID reader, and an image scanner.

The electronic lock assembly can further include a key operated override, such that the assembly can be manually unlocked.

The electronic lock assembly can further include a light that illuminates when the assembly is unlocked. The light can be adjacent, part of, or otherwise associated with the push button.

The electronic lock assembly can further include a sensor to detect engagement of the latch member with the catch.

Preferably, the first section is larger than the second section.

Preferably, the first temperature range is 0° Celsius to 6° Celsius. Further, the second temperature range is preferably -16° Celsius to -20° Celsius.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distribution method for distributing goods ordered by a customer, the method involving: utilizing a refrigerator unit that has a plurality of compartments that each have a lockable door, and an electronic door unlocking system that unlocks one or more doors in response to an input; collating the ordered goods; allocating at least one compartment of the refrigerator unit to the customer's order; stowing the ordered goods in each compartment allocated to the customer's order; providing the customer with access data to input into the unlocking system; and upon input of the access data into the unlocking system, electronically unlocking the door of each compartment allocated to the customer's order.

In some embodiments, each compartment of the refrigerator unit has a first section that is cooled to a first temperature range, and a second section that is cooled to a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range, and the method further involves: identifying a first set of the goods in the order that need to be maintained within the first temperature range and stowing those goods in the first section; and identifying a second set of the goods in the order that need to be maintained within the second temperature range and stowing those goods in the second section.

When placing the order, the customer can nominate a time period within which they want to collect their order, and the method further involves confirming to the customer the time period within which their order will be available after the ordered goods have been collated.

The method further involves monitoring the refrigerator unit for input of the access data, and, if the order has not been collected within an initial portion of the confirmed time period, reminding the customer that the order is ready for collection. Alternatively or additionally, if the order has not been collected by the conclusion of the confirmed time period, the method involves cancelling the order and removing the goods from the refrigerator unit. The method may also involve notifying the customer of the order cancellation.

Upon input of the access data into the unlocking system, the method may further involve automatically opening the door of each compartment in which the customer's goods are stowed, and/or providing visual indication of each compartment in which the customer's goods are stowed.

The refrigerator unit may be one of a plurality of like refrigerator units that are each disposed at a unique location, and the method may further involve requesting the customer select the location of the refrigerator unit where their goods are to be stowed for collection.

Each refrigerator unit may be associated with a distribution centre, and upon receipt of the customer's order and selection of the location of the refrigerator unit, the method further involves transferring order details to the distribution centre for collation, and subsequently transferring the order from the distribution centre to the refrigerator unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distribution system that is configured to: receive a submitted order from a customer to generate order data representing an order including customer details, a list of ordered goods, and a nominated refrigerator unit from which to collect the ordered goods; transfer the order data to a site at which the ordered goods are collated for subsequent stowing in at least one compartment of the nominated refrigerator unit, the compartment having a door that is electronically unlockable; generate access data for use in unlocking the door of at least one compartment of the nominated refrigerator unit; and transfer the access data to the customer, and to the nominated refrigerator unit, wherein the door of the at least one compartment is unlocked upon input of the access data such that the customer can access and collect the ordered goods.

In some embodiments in which the nominated refrigerator unit generates compartment loading data when the ordered goods are loaded into the nominated refrigerator unit and transmits that compartment loading data to the distribution system, and the distribution system is configured to generate and transmit a loading notification to the customer.

In some embodiments in which the nominated refrigerator unit generates access code entry data in response to input of access data to the refrigerator unit, the distribution system is configured to receive the unlocking data transmitted from the refrigerator unit.

The submitted order can include a nominated time period within which the customer is to collect the ordered goods, and the distribution system can be further configured to generate and transmit at least one reminder notification to the customer if the access data has not been inputted into the refrigerator unit within an initial portion of the nominated time period.

The distribution system can be further configured to generate and transmit an order cancellation notification to the customer if the access data has not been inputted into the refrigerator unit by the conclusion of the nominated time period.

The distribution system can be configured to assess the list of ordered goods, determine an order size, and allocate the compartment and/or a plurality of compartments based on the order size. If the order size exceeds a pre-determined level, the distribution system can alter the allocation of the compartment, and/or allocate two or more compartments of the refrigerator unit to the submitted order, and doors of the allocated compartments are all unlocked upon input of the access data.

Brief description of the drawings

In order that the present invention may be more easily understood, embodiments will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1: is a front, right perspective view of a refrigerator unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2: is a front view of the refrigerator unit of Figure 1;

Figure 3: is a front view of the refrigerator unit of Figure 2 omitting the doors;

Figure 4; is a partial front, left perspective view of the refrigerator unit of

Figure 1;

Figure 5: is a front, right perspective view of the refrigerator unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6: is a flowchart illustrating a distribution method for distributing goods ordered by a customer according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7: is a flowchart providing further detail of an allocating step in the distribution method of Figure 6;

Figure 8: is a flowchart providing further detail of a stowing step in the distribution method of Figure 6;

Figure 9: is a schematic illustration of a distribution system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 10: is a table of the order data transferred from the master system to the communications system of the distribution system of Figure 9.

Detailed description

Figures 1 to 4 show a refrigerator unit 10 (hereinafter referred to as a "fridge") according to a first embodiment. The fridge 10 has a plurality of compartments 12, and a plurality of lockable doors 14 that each close onto one of the compartments 12.

Each compartment 12 has a first section 16 that is cooled to a first temperature range, and a second section 18 that is cooled to a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range. In some applications, the first temperature range is approximately 0° Celsius to 6° Celsius, and the second temperature range is approximately -16° Celsius to -20° Celsius. Thus, the first section 16 is maintained in "chilled" conditions, and the second section 18 is maintained in "freezer" conditions.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the door 14 of each compartment 12 closes onto an opening of the first section 16, and also onto an opening of the second section 18. This has the distinct advantage that a customer collecting an order of goods that are stowed in both chilled and frozen conditions can access their order by unlocking and opening a single door.

As shown in Figure 3, the fridge 10 has a first chamber 20, and a first set of dividers 22 that divide the first chamber 20 into the first sections 16 for each of the compartments 12. Similarly, the fridge 10 has a second chamber 24, and a second set of dividers 26 that divide the second chamber 24 into the second sections 18 for each of the compartments 12. The dividers 22, 26 have apertures that allow air flow between the sections 16, 18 within the respective chamber. Thus, the dividers isolate goods stowed in one compartment from goods stowed in an adjacent compartment. In this embodiment, the dividers 22, 26 are formed of wire grille or mesh.

The fridge 10 includes a shelf 28 that separates the first and second chambers 20, 24 from one another. The shelf 28 is insulated to hinder heat transfer between the first and second chambers 20, 24.

As shown most clearly in Figure 4, each door 14 has a first seal 30 that is secured to the door 14 and, when the door 14 is closed onto a front wall 32 of the fridge 10, extends around the opening of the first section 16 of the respective compartment 12. In addition, each door 14 has a second seal 34 that is secured to the door 14 and, when the door 14 is closed onto the front wall 32, extends around the opening of the second section 18 of the respective compartment 12.

The fridge 10 has heating elements 36 that are each arranged to heat the front wall 32 around one of the openings of the second sections 18. Heating the front wall 32 can prevent water condensing and then freezing on the front wall 32, which can prevent the second seal 34 from sticking to the front wall 32 of the fridge 10 and making it difficult to open the doors 14.

The fridge 10 includes an electronic door unlocking system that, in response to a user input, electronically unlocks at least one door 14 to provide access to the corresponding compartment 12. In this embodiment, the unlocking system includes an electronic lock assembly provided to each compartment 12, which is in the form of an electronic catch 38 and a latch member 40. The latch member 40 is provided on the door 14, and the electronic catch 38 is mounted on a crossbar 42 that extends across the opening of the first section 16.

In this embodiment, the unlocking system includes a keypad 44, which can be used by a customer to enter the user input in the form of an access code. When a particular access code is entered, the door 14 of the compartment 12 allocated to a corresponding order is electronically unlocked. In other words, when a customer enters their access code via the keypad 44, the door 14 of the compartment 12 containing their order is unlocked, and their ordered goods may be removed from the fridge 10. In some cases, multiple compartments may be allocated to a single order. In these cases, the doors of the allocated compartments may be unlocked via a single access code. Alternatively, the customer may enter multiple access codes to unlock the doors of the allocated compartments. The access code may be selected by the customer, randomly generated, or part or all of a number associated with the customer (such as their telephone number, or their credit card number).

In some alternative embodiments, the electronic unlocking system can alternatively or additionally include an RFID reader, and/or an image scanner for receiving the access code.

In this embodiment, the latch member 40 is connected to a push button 44 on an external side of the door 14. Thus, the door 14 is lockable by depressing the push button 46 to bring the latch member 40 into engagement with the electronic catch 38. Conversely, the push button 46 is released when the electronic lock assembly is unlocked. This has the advantage that a person loading orders into the fridge 10 can quickly and easily close and lock the doors 14. Similarly, after removing their order, a customer can also quickly and easily close and lock the door 14.

The electronic lock assembly can further include a lock light (not shown) that illuminates when the assembly is unlocked. The light can be near the push button 46, and thus the lock light and the push button 46 being in a released position both identify an unlocked door 14. This provides a visual indication to the customer of which door(s) 14 have been unlocked following entry of the access code.

The electronic lock assembly can further include a key operated override, such that the assembly can be manually unlocked. The doors of the refrigerator unit 10 can thus be unlocked using a key, such as when loading an order into the fridge 10, if desired.

The electronic lock assembly can further include a sensor to detect engagement of the latch member 40 with the catch 38. Thus, the fridge 10 can be monitored to determine if the latch member 40 is disengaged from the catch 38 for a sufficiently long period of time. In this situation, a service call can be automatically raised for a manual inspection of the fridge 10, and correction of any problems. Similarly, the fridge 10 can have temperature sensors (not shown) to monitor the temperature within first and second chambers 20, 24. Should the temperature in either chamber exceed a pre-determined level for that chamber, a service call can be automatically raised for a manual inspection of the fridge 10, and correction of any problems.

In some alternative embodiments, the electronic lock assembly may take a different form. In one alternative example, the electronic lock assembly may be an electromagnetic lock that uses electromagnetism to lock the respective door in the closed position.

The refrigerator unit 10 includes a compressor, motor, condenser and evaporator coils, which are not shown in the Figures. Furthermore, the fridge 10 has fans (also not shown) to move air through the first and second chambers 20, 24. In this way, the regions with the chambers 20, 24 are maintained in the desired temperature range.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator unit 10 has ten (10) doors 14, and thus has ten (10) compartments. Two of the doors/compartments are wider than the remaining eight doors/compartments, as is evident from the Figures. The two wider compartments may be used for large orders.

Figure 5 shows a refrigerator unit 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator unit 110 is substantially similar to the refrigerator unit 10 of Figure 1. In Figure 5 the features of the refrigerator unit 110 that are substantially similar to those of the refrigerator unit 10 have the same reference numeral with the prefix it ^ it

The refrigerator unit 110 further includes a canopy 150 that extends over the top of the fridge 110 and projects forwardly so that it covers at least the doors 114 when open. Thus, customers are partially protected from rain when using the fridge 110.

Furthermore, the refrigerator unit 110 can include lights (not shown) to illuminate the front of the fridge 110.

As shown in Figure 6, a distribution method 200 for providing ordered goods to a customer according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: i. utilizing a refrigerator unit that has a plurality of compartments that each have a lockable door, and an electronic door unlocking system that unlocks one or more doors in response to an input (step 202); ii. collating the ordered goods (step (204); iii. allocating at least one compartment of the refrigerator unit to the customer's order (step 206); iv. stowing the ordered goods in each compartment allocated to the customer's order (step 208); v. providing the customer with access data to input into the unlocking system (step 210); and vi. unlocking the door of each compartment allocated to the customer's order (step 212).

The unlocking step 212 includes the unlocking system receiving the access data.

The refrigerator unit that is utilized in the method 200 can be the refrigerator unit 10, 110 as previously described.

As shown in Figure 7, step 206 can include: i. identifying a first set of the goods in the order that need to be maintained within the first temperature range (step 206a); and ii. identifying a second set of the goods in the order that need to be maintained within the second temperature range (step 206b).

The identification steps 206a, 206b can occur simultaneously with, or sequentially with (and either preceding, or subsequent to), the allocation in step 206.

As shown in Figure 8, step 208 can include: i. stowing the first set of goods in the first section (step 208a); and ii. stowing the second set of goods in the second section (step 208b).

When placing their order, the customer can nominate a time period within which they want to collect their order. Accordingly, the method 200 can include a step of confirming the time period within which their order will be available after the ordered goods have been collated.

The refrigerator unit 10, 110 can be monitored for input of the access data. If the order has not been collected within an initial portion of the confirmed time period, a reminder can be sent to the customer that the order is ready for collection. Similarly, if the order has not been collected by the conclusion of the confirmed time period, the order can be cancelled and the goods removed from the refrigerator unit. An order cancellation notification can be sent to the customer.

When a customer's access data has been entered into the unlocking system, the door of each compartment in which the customer's goods are stowed can be automatically unlocked, and optionally opened. This has the advantage of providing visual indication (based on the lock light, the push button 46 projecting from the door, and/or the door being at least slightly ajar) to the customer of the compartment(s) in which their order has been stowed.

In certain examples, the refrigerator unit is one of a plurality of like refrigerator units that are each disposed at a unique location. When placing the order, the customer selects (or otherwise nominates) the location of the refrigerator unit where their goods are to be stowed for collection.

Figure 9 shows a distribution system 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, customers can submit orders by devices 402. Each submitted order 404 includes the customer's details, a list of ordered goods, and a nominated refrigerator unit 410 from which to collect the ordered goods. As will be appreciated, the nominated refrigerator unit 410 can be one of a number of like units that are at various locations. Further, the refrigerator unit can be a fridge 10, 110 according to previously described embodiments.

The customer devices 402 can be internet-connected computers, such as desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, and smart phones, etc. The internet-connected computers can transmit order data representing the goods orders 404 to the master system 406 using internet communications protocols. For example, the goods orders 404 can be submitted using an authenticated connection to a Webserver in the master system 406, and the Webserver can store data representing the goods orders 404 in one or more databases of the master system 406, e.g., using structured query language (SQL) commands. The customer devices 402 can include telephones, such as mobile telephones and telephones on the public switched telephone network (PSTL) or Voice-over IP (VOIP) phones, and the data representing the goods orders 404 can be submitted to a speech-to-text system, which can be provided by the master system 406, or a commercial speech-to-text service, which then generates data representing the spoken goods orders 404 to the master system 406.

The submitted order is received by a master system 406. Order data 408 is generated by the master system 406 and transferred to a site, such as a store, a goods repository, or a distribution centre (referred to compendiously herein as "distribution centres"). The order data 408 can include customer details, the ordered goods, the refrigerator unit nominated by the customer, and a time period within which the order is to be collected from the nominated refrigerator unit. A list of the ordered goods is generated at the distribution centre based on the order data 408, and the ordered goods are collated at the distribution centre. Once collated, the ordered goods are temporarily held in one or more crates C. Subsequently, the ordered goods are transported, for example by a delivery truck T, to the refrigerator unit 410, where the goods are then stowed in at least one compartment of the refrigerator unit 410. The ordered goods are then available for the customer to collect, as described below.

The master system 406 includes a plurality of commercially available server computers, including computer processors {e.g., central processing units and associated computer-readable memory), non-volatile memory (such as flash drives and/or hard discs), network interface connectors (e.g., for internet and internal data network communications), and user interface devices (e.g., to allow a user to monitor and configure the master system 406). The servers in the master system 406 include communication servers for receiving the goods orders 404 and transferring the order data 408. The master system 406 also includes a rules engine (e.g., a module or service) that processes the goods orders 404, in accordance with processing rules stored in the master system 406 (e.g., represented in data in the non-volatile memory) to generate picking orders 408 for each distribution centre system 410.

The rules engine selects a distribution centre for each order based on the nominated refrigerator unit 410 in the order: the master system 406 stores data representing a distribution centre for each of the available refrigerator units 410, and the rules engine accesses this data to determine the appropriate distribution centre system 412 for each goods order 404.

The rules engine can also make an allocation of the compartment (or compartments) in the nominated refrigerator unit for each order. This can be based on the nominated refrigerator unit 410, and the availability of compartments at the time the order is submitted by the customer. Accordingly, the order data 408 can include the compartment allocated to the corresponding order.

The rules engine can perform an approval process on the goods order 404 prior to generating the order data 408. The approval process can include validating payment data associated with each order 404, e.g., to ensure payment has been made corresponding to each order. The approval process can also include determining whether each goods order 404 fulfills criteria for the nominated refrigerator unit 410: for example, this can include determining which goods are available in the distribution centre associated with a nominated refrigerator unit 410, that the goods are suitable for storage in the refrigerator unit 410 (e.g., no hazardous or restricted materials, and conforming to a pre-defined size and weight requirements, can be stored at chilled or freezer conditions without spoilage, etc.). The order data 408 transmitted to the distribution centre system 412 can thus include selected ones of the received goods orders 404 that have been approved and for which that distribution centre has been determined to correspond to the refrigerator unit 410. The order data 408 may be formatted for transmission to the distribution centre system 412 according to a standard protocol, for example, a commercially available protocol form employed in database systems produced by Oracle Corporation.

The distribution centre system 412 processes each order, and generates shipping manifests 416 for orders received by that distribution centre 412. Each shipping manifest 416 represents collated goods for shipping to the selected refrigerator unit 410, and the compartment(s) allocated to each order. To this end, the shipping manifest 416 can include information to identify the crates C that are to be stowed in each compartment. Further, the shipping manifest 416 can also include information to identify which of the ordered goods that are to be stowed in the first section of the allocated compartment, and which of the ordered goods that are to be stowed in the second section of the allocated compartment. The shipping manifest 416 is represented in data of the distribution centre system 410 and are printed as hard copy, and/or stored in a portable electronic device, for use by a customer service agent ("CSA") operating a delivery truck T that carries the goods from the distribution centre to the refrigerator unit 410.

In some embodiments, the distribution centre system 412 can generate data representing a delivery schedule, which can be carried by the CSA to deliver the goods efficiently. The delivery schedule is generated based on data representing the locations of the refrigerator units 410, e.g., received from the master system 406. The shipping manifest 416 and the delivery schedule assist the CSA in stowing the goods for each order accurately and quickly into the selected compartment(s).

The distribution centre 412 generates and transfers a packing order message 418 to the master system 406. The packing order message 418 contains, for each order, information regarding the processing of the order at the distribution centre 412. To this end, the packing order message 418 can contain: confirmation that the ordered goods have been collated, and details of any ordered goods that have been omitted and/or substituted during collation.

The distribution centre system 412 can perform a re-allocation of the compartment(s) of the nominated refrigerator unit 410 for the order. In the event of a reallocation, the packing order message 418 further contains details of the updated allocated order.

The master system 406 is configured to generate and transfer processed order data 420 to a communications system 414. Upon receipt of the processed order data 420, the communications system 414 generates access data for use in unlocking the door of the or each compartment of the refrigerator unit 410. The access code can include different codes for each compartment allocated to an order, or a shared code for all compartments allocated to an order. Further, the access code may be based on one or more pre-selected codes for the customer.

The access data is transmitted to the customer in a customer message 422, which in this embodiment occurs by a message being generated and transferred to the customer, for example by an email message, and/or an SMS message. The access data is also transferred to the refrigerator unit 410 in a refrigerator message 424. When the access data is inputted into the refrigerator unit 410, the door of the at least one compartment is unlocked as previously described, such that the customer can access and collect the ordered goods. In one example, data transferred between the communications system 414 and the refrigerator unit 410 can be in the form of an Extensible Markup Language (XML) file.

The communications system 414 can generate and transmit a customer message 422 to the customer that reflects any. ordered goods that have been omitted and/or substituted during collation of the order at the distribution centre 412. This message can be separate to, or a part of, the customer message 422 that contains the access data for the respective order.

Upon arrival at the refrigerator unit 410, the CSA of the delivery truck T unlocks the necessary doors of the refrigerator unit 410 via the keypad using a master code or manually using a key, loads the ordered goods into the allocated compartment(s), closes the door and locks the door by depressing the push button.

The submitted order can further include a nominated time period within which the customer is to collect the ordered goods. In this embodiment, the system 400 assumes that the ordered goods are loaded into the refrigerator unit 410 prior to the commencement of the nominated time period. Alternatively, the CSA of the delivery truck T can provide information to the system 400 to indicate that the ordered goods have been loaded into the refrigerator unit 410. The compartment status can be updated in the refrigerator unit 410, and a compartment usage message 426 is transferred to the communications system 414.

The refrigerator unit 410 is configured to generate access code entry data when the access code has been inputted. The access code entry data is then transferred to the communications system 414 in a further compartment usage message 426, which can then record the order as complete.

If the access code entry data has not been inputted into the refrigerator unit 410 (and the access code entry data has not been received by the communications system 414) within an initial portion of the nominated time period, the communications system 414 generates and transmits at least one reminder notification to the customer in a further customer message 422. For example, if the nominated time period for the order is 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and the access code entry data has not been inputted into refrigerator unit 410 at 6:30 pm, a reminder notification is generated by the communications system 414 and transferred to the customer, for example by an email message, and/or an SMS message.

Similarly, if the access code entry data has not been inputted into the refrigerator unit 410 (and the access code entry data has not been received by the communications system 414) the conclusion of the nominated time period, the communications system 414 generates and transfers an order cancellation notification to the customer in a further customer message 422. For example, if the nominated time period for the order is 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and the access code entry data has not been inputted into refrigerator unit 410 at 7:00 pm, an order cancellation notification is generated by the communications system 414 and transferred to the customer, for example by an email message, and/or an SMS message. The ordered goods are subsequently removed from the refrigerator unit 410 at an appropriate time.

The distribution system 400 performs a distribution method that includes the following steps: 1. receiving order data representing goods and a nominated refrigerator unit from a customer device associated with a customer account; 2. optionally, selecting a distribution centre based on the nominated refrigerator unit and stored data representing distribution centres in association with available refrigerator units; 3. optionally, approving the order based on payment data associated with the customer account; 4. sending order data representing the order to the selected distribution centre; 5. selecting one or more compartments of the nominated refrigerator unit for the order based on characteristics of the ordered goods in that order; 6. generating a shipping manifest and a delivery schedule based on characteristics of the ordered goods and the location of the refrigerator unit; 7. generating an access code for each selected compartment; 8. sending data representing the access code to the customer device (or another device associated with the customer account) and to the refrigerator unit; 9. receiving user input at the refrigerator unit representing the access code, determining whether the access code matches any allocated compartment(s), and controlling an unlocking system to unlock the corresponding compartment(s); 10. generating and sending locker usage messages from the nominated refrigerator unit representing the accessing of the goods in the compartment(s); 11. generating and sending reminders and/or cancellations in a customer message to the customer device (or another device associated with the customer account); and 12. optionally, continuously generating and sending temperature information from the nominated refrigerator unit to the communication system, and generating alerts if the temperatures are outside a pre-defined range.

Figure 10 shows a table exemplifying the order data 420 that the master system 406 transfers to the communications system 414 in this embodiment. The order data 420 includes columns that represent: • a unique customer order ID number that is associated with each individual order: (OrderNumber - column 430); • the collection window date selected by customer: (WindowCollectDate - column 432); • the collection window start time selected by customer: (WindowCollectStartTime - column 434); • the collection window end time selected by customer: (WindowCollectionEndTime - column 436); • the door number of the refrigerator unit 410 within which the ordered goods of the respective order are stowed in: (DoorNumber - column 438); • a randomly generated access code for the respective order: (AccessCode - column 440); • a unique customer identifier for the customer of the respective order: (Customerld - column 442); • the delivery centre for the respective order: (Locationld -column444); • the name of the customer for the respective order: (CustomerName - column 446); • the mobile phone number for the customer for the respective order: (CustomerMobileNumber- column 448); and • the email address for the customer for the respective order: (CustomerEmailAddress - column 450).

The order data 420 can be transferred in the form of a comma separated values (CSV) file.

The order data 420 can include columns for a location identifier of the refrigerator unit nominated by the customer, and the physical address of the refrigerator unit nominated by the customer.

The refrigerator unit 410 nominated with a customer’s submitted order may be selected or assigned by the distribution system 400 based on one or more customer details, e.g., postcode, town/city/suburb name, and/or fixed phone line number.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A refrigerator unit including: a plurality of compartments that each have a first section that is cooled to a first temperature range, and a second section that is cooled to a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range; and a plurality of lockable doors that each close onto both an opening to the first section and an opening to the second section of one of the compartments.
2. A refrigerator unit according to claim 1, further including a first chamber that is cooled to the first temperature range, and a second chamber that is cooled to the second temperature range, and a plurality of dividers that divide the first and second chambers into the compartments.
3. A refrigerator unit according to claim 2, wherein the dividers have apertures that allow air flow between the sections within the respective chamber.
4. A refrigerator unit according to either claim 2 or 3, further including a shelf that separates the first and second chambers from one another.
5. A refrigerator unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each door has a first seal that is secured to the door and, when the door is closed onto a front wall of the refrigerator, extends around the opening to the first section of the respective compartment; and a second seal that is secured to the door and, when the door is closed onto a front wall of the refrigerator, extends around the opening to the second section of the respective compartment.
6. A refrigerator unit according to claim 5, further including a plurality of heating elements that are each arranged to heat the front wall around one of the first and/or second openings.
7. A refrigerator unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further including an electronic door unlocking system that, in response to a user input, electronically unlocks at least one door to provide access to at least one compartment.
8. A refrigerator unit according to claim 7, wherein the unlocking system includes an electronic lock assembly provided to each compartment.
9. A refrigerator unit according to either claim 7 or 8, wherein the electronic unlocking system includes any or more of the following for receiving the user input: a keypad, an RFID reader, and an image scanner.
10. A refrigerator unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first temperature range is 0° Celsius to 6° Celsius and/or the second temperature range is preferably -16° Celsius to -20° Celsius.
11. A distribution method for distributing goods ordered by a customer, the method involving: utilizing a refrigerator unit that has a plurality of compartments that each have a lockable door, and an electronic door unlocking system that unlocks one or more doors in response to an input; collating the ordered goods; allocating at least one compartment of the refrigerator unit to the customer's order; stowing the ordered goods in each compartment allocated to the customer's order; providing the customer with access data to input into the unlocking system; and upon input of the access data into the unlocking system, electronically unlocking the door of each compartment allocated to the customer's order.
12. A distribution method according to claim 11, wherein each compartment of the refrigerator unit has a first section that is cooled to a first temperature range, and a second section that is cooled to a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range, and the method further involves: identifying a first set of the goods in the order that need to be maintained within the first temperature range and stowing those goods in the first section; and identifying a second set of the goods in the order that need to be maintained within the second temperature range and stowing those goods in the second section.
13. A distribution method according to either claim 11 or 12, wherein, when placing the order, the customer nominates a time period within which they want to collect their order, and the method further involves confirming to the customer the time period within which their order will be available after the ordered goods have been collated.
14. A distribution method according to claim 13, further involving monitoring the refrigerator unit for input of the access data, and, if the order has not been collected within an initial portion of the confirmed time period, reminding the customer that the order is ready for collection.
15. A distribution method according to either claim 13 or 14, wherein, if the order has not been collected by the conclusion of the confirmed time period, the method involves cancelling the order and removing the goods from the refrigerator unit.
16. A distribution method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, upon input of the access data into the unlocking system, the method further involves automatically opening the door of each compartment in which the customer's goods are stowed, and/or providing visual indication of each compartment in which the customer's goods are stowed.
17. A distribution method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the refrigerator unit is one of a plurality of like refrigerator units that are each disposed at a unique location, and the method further involves requesting the customer select the location of the refrigerator unit where their goods are to be stowed for collection.
18. A distribution method according to claim 17, wherein each refrigerator unit is associated with a distribution centre, and upon receipt of the customer's order and selection of the location of the refrigerator unit, the method further involves transferring order details to the distribution centre for collation, and subsequently transferring the order from the distribution centre to the refrigerator unit.
19. A distribution system that is configured to: receive a submitted order from a customer to generate order data representing an order including customer details, a list of ordered goods, and a nominated refrigerator unit from which to collect the ordered goods; transfer the order data to a site at which the ordered goods are collated for subsequent stowing in at least one compartment of the nominated refrigerator unit, the compartment having a door that is electronically unlockable; generate access data for use in unlocking the door of at least one compartment of the nominated refrigerator unit; and transfer the access data to the customer, and to the nominated refrigerator unit, wherein the door of the at least one compartment is unlocked upon input of the access data such that the customer can access and collect the ordered goods.
20. A distribution system according to claim 19, wherein the nominated refrigerator unit generates compartment loading data when the ordered goods are loaded into the nominated refrigerator unit and transmits that compartment loading data to the distribution system, and the distribution system is configured to generate and transmit a loading notification to the customer.
21. A distribution system according to either claim 19 or 20, wherein the nominated refrigerator unit generates access code entry data in response to input of access data to the refrigerator unit, and the distribution system is configured to receive the unlocking data transmitted from the refrigerator unit.
22. A distribution system according to any one of claims 19 or 21, wherein the submitted order includes a nominated time period within which the customer is to collect the ordered goods, and the distribution system is configured to generate and transmit at least one reminder notification to the customer if the access data has not been inputted into the refrigerator unit within an initial portion of the nominated time period.
23. A distribution system according to claim 22, that is further configured to generate and transmit an order cancellation notification to the customer if the access data has not been inputted into the refrigerator unit by the conclusion of the nominated time period.
24. A distribution system according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the system is configured to assess the list of ordered goods, determine an order size, and allocate the compartment and/or a plurality of compartments based on the order size.
25. A distribution system according to claim 24, the distribution system is configured to alter the allocation of the compartment, and/or allocate two or more compartments of the refrigerator unit to the submitted order if the order size exceeds a pre-determined level, and the distribution system is configured to generate access data such that doors of all allocated compartments are unlocked upon input of the access data.