EP3884444A1

EP3884444A1 - System for conveying objects using packages provided with a device for displaying visual codes

Info

Publication number: EP3884444A1
Application number: EP19801392.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pierre-Alain Cotte; Thomas NANSOT; Laurent GAUSSIN
Original assignee: PaCotte SA
Current assignee: PaCotte SA
Priority date: 2018-11-23
Filing date: 2019-11-15
Publication date: 2021-09-29
Also published as: FR3089047B1; WO2020104341A1; CN113168612A; US20220004833A1; FR3089047A1; US11436460B2; JP7385940B2; JP2022509806A

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for conveying objects, comprising: - packages (1) forming containers for the transport of objects, each package (1) incorporating an electronic display device and a computer unit; - a computer platform (2) including: - a geolocation system (3); characterised in that the database (21) groups together, for each package (1), a series of visual codes, and in that the computing unit of each package (1) is configured to select a visual code and to control the electronic display device in order that it displays the selected visual code.

Description

Object routing system using packaging provided with a visual code display device

The field of the invention is that of logistics. More specifically, the invention relates to the routing of objects, and more specifically of objects generally originating from electronic commerce platforms or transferred from one individual to another.

Of course, the invention also applies to objects of smaller dimensions, which can go as far as the dispatch of simple folds.

For simplicity, the following are called packaging, both boxes for sending items and simple folds.

Conventionally, the packages are transported by several different actors and are identified by visual codes during their transport. These visual codes take the form of bar codes printed on stickers stuck on the packaging.

As the packaging progresses, these barcodes make it possible in particular to identify the packaging by each of the players. In other words, each barcode is generally readable by only one of the actors.

Therefore, the packaging has as many barcodes as there are actors involved in their delivery.

It can then be difficult for actors to find the barcode they can read. This is all the more true since there are actors in the routing chain.

In addition, the search time for the barcode is directly reflected in its delivery time.

In addition, the stickers can be torn off (even partially), or peel off, for example when the adhesive is not strong enough.

Thus, an actor in the routing chain may not be able to read his barcode correctly, or even not be able to find it, the latter having disappeared.

This then causes a delay in the delivery of the packaging, and therefore discomfort for the recipient of the packaging.

In addition, gluing the bar codes requires significant time for the personnel preparing or sorting the packaging. This time, to date optimized, can hardly be reduced. The invention particularly aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

More specifically, the invention aims to propose a system for transporting objects allowing rapid identification of the packaging by the actors of the transport.

The invention also aims to provide such a system which is simple and quick to implement.

The invention further aims to provide such a system which allows safe routing of objects. These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved by virtue of the invention which relates to a system for conveying objects, comprising:

- packaging incorporating:

- first means of wireless communication;

- an IT unit;

- an electronic display device;

- an IT platform including:

- at least one database;

- second means of wireless communication;

- a geolocation system including third means of wireless communication; characterized in that the database includes, for each package:

- a series of visual codes intended to be temporarily loaded in the IT unit with packaging prior to the delivery of an object;

- a series of digital step signals each associated with one of the visual codes;

and in that the IT unit for each package is configured to:

- select a visual code, from the series of visual codes temporarily loaded in the packaging computer unit, according to the reception by the computer unit of a digital step signal;

- control the electronic display device so that it displays the selected visual code.

The object routing system is then simplified. Indeed, the use of visual codes and their display on an electronic display device makes it possible to simplify the search for actors in the routing chain.

Actors only have to consult the electronic display device, which can if necessary be highlighted on the packaging, to read the visual code.

Preferably, the electronic display device is unique on the packaging.

In addition, the automatic selection, by the IT unit, of the correct visual code of the logistics sequence, makes it possible not to display all the visual codes at the same time. The ease of reading visual codes is all the more facilitated for those involved in the routing chain.

Finally, the use of digital means (display device, database, computer unit ...) makes it possible to limit the risk of a lack of readability of the visual code. Indeed, there is no, or almost no, risk of detachment or damage to the visual code, unlike the stickers of the prior art.

Advantageously, the digital step signal is transmitted by means belonging to the following group:

- IT platform;

- geolocation system;

- electronic actuator carried by the packaging; - mobile electronic device;

- fixed packaging proximity detection terminal.

Such means allow the transmission of a digital signal by wireless communication means for example. Also, it is easy for these means to allow the modification of the visual code on the display device.

Preferably, the visual codes belong to the following group:

- one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode;

- light code;

- alphanumeric code.

These signals are simple to implement and can be easily read by optical means or by actors in the routing chain, in particular in the case of alphanumeric codes.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the electronic display device comprises at least one of the elements among:

- a digital label;

- a set of light-emitting diodes.

These elements are easy to use and allow the display of easily identifiable visual codes. Furthermore, such elements are inexpensive and require only low energy to operate.

Preferably, the digital label is of the electronic paper type.

Electronic paper has the advantage of being very energy efficient and provides an accurate display. In addition, the code displayed by such electronic paper is frozen as long as another electronic signal does not cause a change in the display on electronic paper.

It should also be noted that almost any type of visual code can be disseminated by electronic paper.

Preferably, each light-emitting diode is of the RGB type.

This allows for the same diode to be able to emit several different colors of light. Therefore, a large number of visual codes, depending on the colors and their order in particular, can be displayed by the light-emitting diodes.

Advantageously, the digital label comprises at least two display zones each making it possible to display a visual code, for example a postal address and a bar code.

It is then possible to display a first barcode usable by an actor holding the packaging at the same time as a second barcode usable by an actor to whom the packaging will be entrusted. Thus, while limiting the number of barcodes displayed, the transmission of the packaging from one actor to another is facilitated and accelerated compared to the prior art for which each of the actors must search for their barcode before use it. According to an advantageous embodiment, the object routing system also comprises a plurality of mobile electronic devices each integrating: - fourth means of communication;

- a computer application to allow packaging to be paired with the mobile electronic device.

The mobile electronic device can then serve as a relay to the IT platform. In addition, the mobile electronic device can allow actors in the transport chain to interact with packaging and / or with the IT platform.

Preferably, the IT platform is configured to perform digital tracking of time-stamped geolocation of each package.

This allows in particular to identify all the actions carried out during the routing of the packaging. For example, it is possible to know precisely when the packaging was transferred from a first actor to a second actor, or when the packaging crossed a border between two countries.

Advantageously, the computer platform is configured to send a digital step signal to the packaging to modify the visual code displayed by the electronic display device, according to a step of transferring the packaging.

Thus, the barcode change is done automatically and transparently, or almost, for community stakeholders. In addition, such a setting makes it possible to keep only one, or at most two, bar codes displayed on the packaging.

According to a preferred embodiment, the computer unit is configured to control the electronic display device to select and display a visual code as a function of geolocation coordinates originating from the geolocation system.

The change of the visual code is fully automatic. This allows the actors in the transport chain to be free from any action towards the packaging, towards its portable electronic device or towards the IT platform.

Preferably, the IT platform is configured to receive visual codes, each associated with an actor in the transport of packaging, the IT platform also being configured to send a request to take charge of the packaging intended for the actors, and temporarily load in the digital storage space for packaging visual codes and their associated digital step signals, depending on the acceptance of the request to take charge of packaging by at least one of the players, prior to a start of object transport cycle.

Thus, before the start of a packaging transport cycle, all the parties involved in the transport of the packaging are identified and registered in the computerized packaging unit. Therefore, the packaging can operate independently and does not need to be permanently connected in communication to the IT platform.

This ensures that the packaging is routed regardless of the communication conditions. In other words, even without a communication network available during the routing, the packaging can, independently, change the display of the visual codes on the packaging display device.

According to an advantageous aspect, the packaging comprises a sound transmitter coupled to the computer unit for emitting a sound signal as a function of the reception by the computer unit of a digital step signal.

This allows the actor in charge of the packaging to be informed of a change in visual code, or of an action to be performed on the packaging and / or the computer application.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of various preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting examples, and of the appended drawings among which:

[Fig.1] is a schematic representation of an object routing system according to the invention;

[Fig.2] is a schematic representation of part of a package 1 of the object delivery system according to the invention;

[Fig.3] is a schematic representation of communication channels between elements of the object routing system according to the invention.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the object routing system includes:

- packages 1;

- a computer platform 2;

- a geolocation system 3.

The routing of the packaging 1 is carried out by actors A of a routing chain, for example a professional logistics chain. Actors A are therefore transport professionals. To a lesser extent, actors A can be individuals taking advantage of their personal travel to ensure the delivery of one or more packages 1.

Each package 1 comprises a box 11 formed of panels 12 and a bottom, and a cover 13 for closing the box 11.

With reference to FIG. 2, one of the panels 12 of the body 1 1 carries:

- first wireless communication means 14;

- a computer unit 15;

- an electronic display device 16.

The first communication means 14 take, for example, the form of an antenna making it possible in particular to exchange data with the computer platform 2 as described below.

The computer unit 15 includes a computer 151 and a digital storage space 152. Finally, the digital display device 16 is used to display at least one visual code as explained below. For this, the display device 16 comprises at least one of a digital label 17 and a set of light-emitting diodes 18. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the packaging comprises both a digital label 17 and a set of light-emitting diodes 18.

The digital label 17 is preferably of the electronic paper type, and comprises at least two separate display areas.

More specifically, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the digital label 17 includes:

- a first display area 171 allowing the display of a first visual code;

- a second display area 172 allowing the display of a second visual code;

- a third display area 173 allowing the display of a third visual code.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the set of light-emitting diodes 18 comprises four light-emitting diodes. Each light-emitting diode can in particular be associated with specific information.

Each light-emitting diode is advantageously of the RGB type, that is to say that it mainly emits the three primary colors, namely red (R for “Red” in English), green (G for “Green” in English ) and blue (B for “Blue” in English). From these three primary colors, it is possible, by mixing them, to create a large number of colors.

In the case of routing package 1, each diode can be used as follows:

- a first light-emitting diode 181 is associated with a continent;

- a second light-emitting diode 182 is associated with a country;

a third light-emitting diode 183 is associated with a city;

- A fourth light-emitting diode 184 is associated with a street name.

Of course, the association of each diode can be configured according to the type of information to be displayed.

In other words, during a routing cycle, the set of light-emitting diodes can be configured to allow the display of a first type of visual code and then re-configured to allow the display of a second type of visual code like this. is detailed below.

According to the previous description of the electronic display device, the visual codes belong to the following group:

- one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode;

- light code;

- alphanumeric code.

By way of example, the first display area 171 and the second display area 172 allow the display of bar codes of the one-dimensional type (that is to say a succession of vertical bars, associated with a series number), and two-dimensional type bar codes (i.e. QR codes for example). The third display area 173 allows, for its part, the display of an alphanumeric code as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example the display of a destination address. Finally, the set of diodes 18 allows the display of a light code.

Furthermore, the panel 12 also includes a battery 19 to enable the first communication means 14, the computer unit 15 and the display device 16 to be supplied with autonomy, that is to say without requiring that the packaging 1 is not connected to an electrical network.

With reference to FIG. 1, the IT platform 2 includes:

- at least one database 21;

- second means of communication 22.

The database 21 groups, for each package 1:

- a series of visual codes, intended to be temporarily loaded into the digital storage space of a packaging prior to the delivery of an object, as described below;

- a series of digital step signals each associated with one of the visual codes.

Each visual code is preferably associated with an actor A. Thus, as explained below, if several actors A participate in the routing of a package 1, several visual codes will then be necessary for the proper routing of the packaging 1.

The computer platform 2 is advantageously configured to perform digital tracking of time-stamped geolocation of each package 1, in particular thanks to the geolocation system 3.

According to a first embodiment, illustrated in particular in FIG. 1, the geolocation system 3 is in the form of an independent system, that is to say distinct from the packaging 1 and from the computer platform 3.

For this, the geolocation system 3 comprises third communication means intended to communicate with the first communication means of the packaging 1 and / or the second communication means of the computer platform 2.

According to another embodiment not illustrated, the geolocation system is integrated into the package 1, and is in particular connected to the computer unit 15. This makes it possible to offer even more autonomy to the package 1.

The routing system also includes nomad electronic devices 4. These nomad electronic devices 4 belong in particular to the following group:

- computer;

- digital tablet ;

- laptop :

- portable scanner.

These nomad electronic devices 4 include in particular:

- wireless communication means 41; - optical means 42 for recognizing visual codes;

- a computer application 43, if applicable.

The computer application 43 is particularly useful in the case where the mobile electronic device 4 is a smartphone. Indeed, the computer application 43 forms a communication interface with the computer platform 2 and / or the computer unit 15 of the package 1 for the actors A.

In addition, the object routing system comprises a computer cloud 5, the role of which will be described below. The computer cloud 5 forms a digital space for exchange between mobile electronic devices 4 and the computer platform 2 in particular.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the operation of the system for conveying an object via packaging 1 is now described.

To allow the routing of a package 1, several communication channels are open including at least:

a first communication channel 101 between the packages 1 and the nomadic electronic devices 4;

a second communication channel 102 between the nomad electronic devices 4 and the computer platform 102;

- a third communication channel 103 between the computer platform 2 and the computer cloud 5;

- a fourth communication channel 104 between the computer cloud 5 and the mobile electronic devices 4;

a fifth communication channel 105 between the packages 1 and the computer platform 2,

a sixth communication channel 106 between the packages 1 and the geolocation system 3.

A routing cycle is initiated from the package 1, the latter comprising, for this purpose, an ad hoc actuator provided for this purpose.

Package 1 sends a signal to IT platform 2 to signify the initiation of a routing cycle. The signal can be transmitted directly between the packaging 1 and the computer platform 2 by the fifth communication channel 105, or by means of a nomad electronic device 4 (for example a computer) using the first channel 101 and the second 102 communication channel.

The IT platform 2 then generates a request to take over the packaging for at least part of the players A.

More particularly, the platform sends the request to the cloud, via the communication channel 103. Via the communication channel 104, the actors A can take cognizance of this request by means of a nomad electronic device 4 which they hold . Actors A can then accept the request to route the packaging, at least for part of its route.

The acceptance is transmitted to the IT platform 2 by the fourth communication channel 104 and then by the third communication channel 103.

The transmission of acceptance by actor A can, if necessary, be accompanied by data making it possible to update the visual codes associated with actor A, in each database 21 of the computer platform 2.

Itinerary data as well as the different visual codes and their associated digital step signals are then transmitted by the computer platform 2 to the package 1. This transmission is either carried out directly between the computer platform 2 and the package 1, via the fifth communication channel 105, or via a nomad electronic device 4, that is to say via the second communication channel 102 then the first communication channel 101.

Package 1 therefore temporarily integrates the various visual codes and associated digital step signals. More specifically, the visual codes and the digital step signals are stored in the digital storage space 152 of the package 1.

When the packaging is in transit, the geolocation means 3 communicate, at regular or continuous intervals (or almost), the geolocation coordinates of the packaging 1.

The computer unit 15 of the packaging is then configured to control the electronic display device 17 to select a visual code from the series of visual codes temporarily loaded in the digital storage space 152 of the packaging 1, and it display the selected visual code, based on geolocation coordinates from the geolocation system 3.

More specifically, the computer unit 15 compares the coordinates from the geolocation system 3 with the data provided by the computer platform and controls the display device 17 to change at least one of the visual codes which it displays in the event of correspondence. In this case, the contact details provided by the IT platform correspond to a digital step signal associated with a visual code.

The display of two visual codes simultaneously can for example be conditioned to geographic geolocation coordinates. Indeed, the transfer of the packaging from a first actor A to a second actor (not illustrated in the figures) is generally carried out in a precise location. In this case, the computer unit 15 of the packaging 1 detects the correspondence of the coordinates from the geolocation system with digital step signals and controls the electronic display device to display a first visual code in the first area d display 171 and a second visual code in the second display area 172. The third display area then displays the location of the transfer, place common to the two actors A. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a step of sorting several packages 1 is now described.

Such a sorting step is generally carried out in a sorting center.

During this step, the packages 1 are sorted, in particular according to their place of delivery. The sorting center may in particular have an automated IT infrastructure which is capable of reading the visual codes and of exchanging with the packages 1 to transmit digital signals to them which will be interpreted by the computer unit 15 of the package as digital step signals. This then causes the visual codes on the electronic display device 16 to change depending on the sorting steps.

In this case, the sorting center can be provided with at least one proximity detection terminal of a package 1, this detection terminal comprising communication means for exchanging with the packaging on the one hand and with the IT infrastructure of the sorting center on the other hand.

For sorting centers using human operators, sorting of packaging 1 can be carried out either visually by operators, or using portable scanners for example. At each sorting step, information is sent to packaging 1 to change the visual code.

For example, for sorting by destination, the color of the first light-emitting diode 181 can be used so that the operator directs the package to a rack or a dedicated conveying path. To validate the sorting, the operator can either use an ad hoc actuator of the packaging 1, or use a portable scanner, that is to say a portable electronic device 4, connected to a computer system which then transmits information validation of sorting at packaging 1.

The computer unit 15 of the package 1 then recognizes a digital step signal and controls the electronic display device 16 to display at least one new visual code. This new visual code can take the form of a new bar code in one of the two display areas 171, 172 of the digital label 17 or the lighting of a light-emitting diode of the set of light-emitting diodes. 18. Preferably, the activation of one of the light-emitting diodes leads to the deactivation of the other light-emitting diodes of the set of light-emitting diodes.

The set of light-emitting diodes 18 can be adapted to different meanings. In other words, depending on the stage of the routing of the packaging, the activation of one of the light-emitting diodes may have a first meaning, different from a meaning at another stage of the routing .

By way of example, at the start of the cycle (for example the initial step) of transporting the package 1, the meaning of the visual code displayed by the set of light-emitting diodes 18 can be as follows:

- the first light-emitting diode 181 corresponds to the delivery continent; - the second light-emitting diode 182 corresponds to the country of delivery;

- the third light-emitting diode 183 corresponds to the city of delivery;

- the fourth light-emitting diode 184 corresponds to the delivery street.

In a final stage of the packaging cycle 1, the meaning of the visual code displayed by the set of light-emitting diodes 18 can be as follows:

the first light-emitting diode 181 corresponds to the city of delivery;

- the second light-emitting diode 182 corresponds to the rounding, if any, of delivery;

the third light-emitting diode 183 corresponds to the delivery district;

- the fourth light-emitting diode 184 corresponds to the delivery street.

Furthermore, the adaptation to different meanings of the set of light-emitting diodes 18 can be carried out in cascade. In other words, a sorting operator can, at first, configure only a first package 1 by means of a portable electronic device.

In a second step, the first package 1 can communicate its configuration to the other packages nearby by placing their respective first communication means 14 in communication.

An ad hoc control device, dedicated to a configuration sharing function between the packages 1 can be provided on each package 1.

According to an alternative embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, the package 1 also includes a sound transmitter 6 coupled to the computer unit 15 to emit a sound signal as a function of reception by the computer unit 15 of a digital step signal.

This makes it possible to inform the actor A in charge of packaging 1 of a change in visual code on the electronic display device 16, or of an action to be carried out on packaging 1 and / or the application IT 43.

Claims

1. Object routing system, comprising:

- packaging (1) including:

- first wireless communication means (14);

- an IT unit (15);

- an electronic display device (16);

- an IT platform (2) including:

- at least one database (21);

- second wireless communication means (22);

- a geolocation system (3);

characterized in that the database (21) groups together, for each package (1):

- a series of visual codes intended to temporarily load in the computer unit (15) a package (1) prior to the delivery of an object;

and in that the IT unit (15) of each package (1) is configured for:

- select a visual code from the series of visual codes temporarily loaded in the computer unit (15) of the package (1), depending on the reception by the computer unit (15) of a digital signal step;

- control the electronic display device (16) so that it displays the selected visual code.

2. Object routing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the digital step signal is transmitted by means belonging to the following group:

- IT platform (2);

- geolocation system (3);

- electronic actuator carried by the packaging (1);

- mobile electronic device (4);

- fixed packaging proximity detection terminal.

3. Object routing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the visual codes belong to the following group:

- one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode;

- light code;

- alphanumeric code.

4. Object routing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic display device (16) comprises at least one of the elements among:

- a digital label (17);

- a set of light-emitting diodes (18).

5. Object routing system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the digital label (17) is of the electronic paper type.

6. Object routing system according to claim4, characterized in that each light emitting diode is of the RGB type.

7. Object routing system according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the digital label (17) comprises at least two display areas (171, 172,173) each for displaying a visual code.

8. Object routing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of mobile electronic devices (4) each integrating:

- fourth means of communication (41);

- a computer application (43) to allow the pairing of a package (1) with the mobile electronic device (4).

9. Object routing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer platform (2) is configured to perform digital tracking of time-stamped geolocation of each package (1).

10. Object routing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer platform (2) is configured to send a digital step signal to the packaging (1) to modify the visual code displayed by the electronic display device (16), according to a packaging transfer step (1).

1 1. Object routing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer unit (15) is configured to control the electronic display device (16) to select and display a visual code based on geolocation coordinates from the geolocation system (3).

12. Object routing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer platform (2) is configured to receive visual codes each associated with an actor (A) in the transport of packaging (1) and in that the IT platform (2) is also configured to send a request to take charge of the packaging (1) intended for the actors (A), and to load in the digital storage space (151) of the packaging (1) of the visual codes and their associated digital step signals, as a function of acceptance of the request for handling of the packaging (1) by at least one of the actors (A), prior to the start of an object transport cycle.

13. Object routing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging (1) comprises a sound transmitter (6) coupled to the computer unit to emit a sound signal according to the reception by the computer unit (15) of a digital step signal.