FR3136878A1 - Object transport package incorporating two delivery information display screens - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: Object transport package integrating two delivery information display screens The invention relates to a package (1) for transporting objects, comprising a box (2), a cover (3) means of display of delivery information, comprising a first (4) screen, an on-board computer unit (6) configured to control the display means, characterized in that the display means also comprise a second screen (5), and in that the package (1) also comprises means for evaluating the readability of the first screen (4) and the second screen (5), the on-board computer unit (6) being configured to activate or deactivate the first screen ( 4) and the second screen (5) as a function of data provided by the evaluation means. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Object transport package incorporating two delivery information display screens

The field of invention is that of logistics.

More specifically, the invention relates to an object transport package integrating two delivery information display screens.

Known packages are provided with labels, generally made of paper and self-adhesive, bearing the delivery information of the package.

By delivery information, we mean any data allowing the delivery of a package. By way of illustrative and non-limiting example, the delivery information includes the name of the recipient, the delivery address, the weight of the package, a package identification code (bar code, QR type code, or even alphanumeric code), the dimensions of the package, the name of the sender, or the address of the sender.

These labels can be distributed on several sides of the package.

For example, a first label bearing data on the weight of the package, the name of the recipient, the delivery address and identification information of the package can be positioned on a first front of the package.

A second label carrying information relating to the product contained in the package can be placed on a second front of the package.

Finally, a third label carrying information related to transport safety can be positioned on the first, second or on another front of the package.

However, the multiplication of labels requires particular vigilance from installers who must be careful to correctly orient the label to allow it to be read by an operator without handling the package.

In other words, it is necessary to position all the labels so that they can all be read by an operator without having to handle the package.

To overcome this drawback, it is known to equip packages with a screen (for example a digital label) whose information can be updated directly on the packages, or remotely.

Therefore, a single screen can be used to replace a multitude of labels, the different information being able to scroll at regular intervals on the screen, or be displayed as necessary by an action on the screen or on an associated actuator on the screen.

However, when the packages are not in use, the displays can consume energy.

In addition, if they allow several different pieces of information to be displayed, the screens may not be readable, particularly in the cases described below.

During their transport, and in particular in postal sorting centers or on logistics platforms, the packages circulate on conveyor means and pass in front of a plurality of cameras which detect the labels or screens to identify each package, and direct them to temporary storage spaces corresponding to geographic delivery areas.

However, it may happen that some packages cannot be identified by the cameras.

This is indeed the case when the labels or screens are located on a facade on which the package rests.

From then on, the package is put aside, that is to say it is ejected from the conveyor means, to be processed manually or to be returned then put back on the conveyor means.

This then extends the processing time of the package.

It is also possible for packages to overlap on the conveyor means. This then has the effect of hiding the labels or screens which are then not detected and read by the cameras.

Here again, unprocessed packages arriving at the end of the conveyor means must be processed manually to ensure their shipment. The delivery of these packages may then also be extended.

The invention aims in particular to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

More precisely, the invention aims to provide a package that facilitates the reading of delivery information.

The invention also aims to provide such a package whose processing by logistics chains is simplified.

The invention further aims to provide such a package whose energy consumption is limited.

• un fond, et
• une paroi périphérique s’étendant depuis le fond, et présentant au moins deux façades distinctes,

le colis comprenant également :

• un couvercle mobile par rapport à la caisse entre une position de fermeture et une position d’ouverture de la caisse ;
• des moyens d’affichage d’informations de livraison, les moyens d’affichage comprenant un premier écran positionné sur une première façade de la paroi périphérique, et
• une unité informatique embarquée paramétrée pour piloter les moyens d’affichage,

caractérisé en ce que les moyens d’affichage comprennent également un deuxième écran, positionné sur une deuxième façade de la paroi périphérique, sur le couvercle ou sur le fond, et en ce que le colis comprend également des moyens d’évaluation de la lisibilité du premier écran et du deuxième écran, l’unité informatique embarquée étant paramétrée pour activer ou désactiver le premier écran et le deuxième écran en fonction de données fournies par les moyens d’évaluation.These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a package for transporting objects, comprising a box having a loading volume defined by:

• a background, and
• a peripheral wall extending from the bottom, and having at least two distinct facades,

the package also including:

• a movable cover relative to the box between a closed position and an open position of the box;
• means for displaying delivery information, the display means comprising a first screen positioned on a first facade of the peripheral wall, and
• an on-board computer unit configured to control the display means,

characterized in that the display means also include a second screen, positioned on a second facade of the peripheral wall, on the cover or on the bottom, and in that the package also includes means for evaluating the readability of the first screen and the second screen, the on-board computer unit being configured to activate or deactivate the first screen and the second screen according to data provided by the evaluation means.

Such a package makes it possible to improve the display of delivery information to facilitate the identification of packages, particularly in logistics platforms and sorting centers.

Indeed, thanks to the presence of two screens and the evaluation means, the first screen and/or the second screen can display all or part of the delivery information.

In other words, if the first screen is hidden, that is to say the evaluation means consider it unreadable by an operator or a machine, then the delivery information is displayed by the second screen only.

On the other hand, if the evaluation means determine that the second screen is not readable, then all of the delivery information is displayed by the first screen.

Furthermore, when each of the first screen and the second screen is readable, then the on-board computer unit can split the delivery information to display a first part on the first screen and a second part on the second screen.

This then results in ease of reading the information for both an operator and for machines, particularly in sorting centers and logistics platforms.

Therefore, the risk of slowing down the delivery of a package or of an error in its delivery, linked to poor readability of delivery information, is reduced or even eliminated.

In addition, deactivating screens, when they are not readable, makes it possible to limit the energy consumption of the package and, more specifically, the unnecessary energy consumption of screens which are not readable.

According to an advantageous aspect, the readability evaluation means comprise a first brightness sensor and a second brightness sensor associated respectively with the first screen and the second screen, the on-board computer unit being configured to deactivate the first screen and the second screen when a predetermined brightness threshold is reached or exceeded.

The use of a brightness sensor makes it possible to deactivate the first screen and/or the second screen when the brightness is too low to be read by a machine or an operator.

This is particularly advantageous when the screens are digital labels which are not backlit, and for which a minimum brightness is necessary in order to read its information, like a sheet of paper.

In addition, when two packages are next to each other and one of the screens is hidden, the brightness sensor detects the absence of light linked to the presence of the adjoining package in order to allow the screen with which it is associated to be deactivated.

According to another advantageous aspect, the readability evaluation means comprise an accelerometer, housed in the package, the on-board computer unit being configured to deactivate the first screen and the second screen when the accelerometer detects a position in which the first screen or the second screen is positioned facing a floor.

The presence of an accelerometer allows the on-board computer unit to define an orientation of the package.

By knowing the orientation of the package, the on-board computer unit can then deactivate the first screen or the second screen when it is oriented towards a ground, and cannot, a priori, be read by an operator or a machine.

This orientation of the package occurs in particular when the package rests on a facade, on the bottom or on the cover which carries the first screen or the second screen, in which case the screen, which is then not accessible, is deactivated.

According to another advantageous aspect, the readability evaluation means comprise a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor associated respectively with the first screen and the second screen, the on-board computer unit being configured to deactivate the first screen and the second screen when an obstacle is detected at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance.

The presence of a proximity sensor allows deactivation by the on-board computer unit of the first screen and/or the second screen when a translucent obstacle is positioned near the screen, thus preventing its readability.

Indeed, compared to the brightness sensor which only uses the brightness level, the proximity sensor considers a screen positioned near an obstacle to be unreadable.

This is particularly effective when a screen is located a few centimeters from a wall or object, but a light source shines directly on the screen.

In this case, the screen can still be deactivated, thus limiting its energy consumption, since it cannot be read.

According to another advantageous aspect, the on-board computer unit integrates computer software configured to distribute the delivery information on each of the first and second screens according to the data from the readability evaluation means.

This allows for simplified display and quick reading of delivery information.

Indeed, when the two screens are readable, the first screen can be intended for displaying the delivery address, and the second screen can be intended for displaying the identification codes of the package and the characteristics of its content.

A delivery person can thus identify the delivery address quickly.

According to another advantageous aspect, the package integrates communication means intended to allow an exchange of data with a remote computer platform, the on-board computer unit being configured to transmit to the remote computer platform activation or deactivation data of the first screen and the second screen, the remote computing platform then being configured to transmit, in return, to the on-board computing unit an update of the delivery information to be displayed.

The exchange between the remote computer platform and the package makes it possible to modify the information to be displayed depending on which of the first screen and the second screen is readable.

This is especially useful when the first screen and the second screen are different sizes.

In fact, only important information can be displayed, with superfluous information then hidden for delivery of the package.

For example, when the screen does not allow the complete display of an address, a simplified address, previously recorded in the remote computer platform, can be transmitted to the package to be displayed on the screen.

• la est une représentation schématique en perspective d’un premier mode de réalisation d’un colis selon l’invention ;
• la est une représentation schématique en perspective d’un deuxième mode de réalisation du colis selon l’invention.

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

• there is a schematic perspective representation of a first embodiment of a package according to the invention;
• there is a schematic perspective representation of a second embodiment of the package according to the invention.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a package 1 according to the invention is illustrated.

Package 1 includes crate 2 and lid 3.

The box 2 defines a loading volume V delimited by a bottom 21 and a peripheral wall 22.

The peripheral wall 22 has at least two facades, 22a, 22b, distinct from each other.

More particularly, as illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the body 2 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, and the peripheral wall 22 successively presents a first facade 22a, a second facade 22b, a third facade 22c and a fourth facade 22d joining the first facade 22a to define the contour of the loading volume V.

In the case of a package having a peripheral border with a circular cross section, the facades are delimited by angular sectors, and the first facade and the second facade are spaced apart from each other by an angle of at least 90°.

• une position de fermeture, illustrée par la , dans laquelle le couvercle 3 ferme la caisse 2 et empêche l’accès au volume de chargement V, et
• une position d’ouverture, illustrée par la , dans laquelle le couvercle est écarté de la caisse 2 et permet l’accès au volume de chargement V.

The cover 3 is movable relative to the box 2 between:

• a closed position, illustrated by the , in which the cover 3 closes the box 2 and prevents access to the loading volume V, and
• an open position, illustrated by the , in which the cover is moved away from the box 2 and allows access to the loading volume V.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the cover 3 is rotatably mounted on the body 2 by means of hinges C.

Package 1 presents means of displaying delivery information.

By delivery information, we mean any data allowing the delivery of a package 1, or having a use for a carrier or the recipient. By way of illustrative and non-limiting example, the delivery information includes the name of the recipient, the delivery address, the weight of the package, a package identification code (bar code, QR type code, or even alphanumeric code), the dimensions of the package, the name of the sender, or the address of the sender.

More specifically, the display means comprise a first screen 4 and a second screen 5.

Package 1 also includes an on-board computer unit 6 configured to control the display means.

More particularly, the on-board computer unit 6 makes it possible to control the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 to display the delivery information.

To enable the control of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 by the on-board computer unit 6, the package 1 also includes means for evaluating the readability of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5.

These means for evaluating the readability of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 are for example in the form of brightness sensors 7, an accelerometer 8 and/or proximity sensors 9.

The evaluation means are connected to the on-board computer unit 6 which is then configured to activate or deactivate the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 based on data provided by the evaluation means.

More particularly, when the evaluation means detect that the first screen 4 or the second screen 5 is not readable, then they transmit so-called non-readability data to the on-board computer unit 6 which deactivates the first screen 4 and/or or the second screen 5.

On the other hand, when the evaluation means determine that the first screen 4 and/or the second screen 5 is readable, then they transmit so-called readability data to the on-board computer unit 6 which activates or keeps activated the first screen 4 and /or the second screen 5.

According to a first embodiment illustrated by the , the evaluation means take the form of brightness sensors 7.

Each of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 is associated with a separate brightness sensor 7. More specifically, the readability evaluation means comprise a first brightness sensor 7a and a second brightness sensor 7b associated respectively with the first screen 4 and the second screen 5.

each brightness sensor 7 is configured to detect a brightness threshold and transmit brightness data to the on-board computer unit 6.

When the on-board computer unit 6 detects that the brightness data provided by a brightness sensor 7 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, then the screen with which the brightness sensor 7 is associated is deactivated.

The light intensity threshold is for example 5 lux. Below this threshold, the brightness is too low to allow the screen to be read.

According to a second embodiment illustrated by the , the evaluation means are in the form of an accelerometer 8.

The accelerometer 8 transmits data to the on-board computer unit 6 which then translates said data into a positioning of the package 1.

The on-board computer unit 6 then determines whether the first screen 4 or the second screen 5 is readable by a user or a machine.

For example, when the data provided by the accelerometer 8 is interpreted in such a way that the first screen 4 is oriented towards a ground, then the on-board computer unit 6 interprets that the first screen 4 is not readable and deactivates it. The same goes, of course, for the second screen 5.

According to another embodiment, the evaluation means can also include a proximity sensor 9.

More precisely, each of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 is associated with a separate proximity sensor 9. More precisely, the readability evaluation means comprise a first proximity sensor 9a and a second proximity sensor 9b associated respectively with the first screen 4 and the second screen 5.

each proximity sensor 9 makes it possible to detect the presence of an obstacle within a predefined detection radius.

The data provided by the proximity sensor 9 to the on-board computer unit 6 is interpreted to identify whether an obstacle is located at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance.

The predetermined distance is for example 10 cm. Below this distance, the screen is physically inaccessible, and therefore unreadable.

In other words, the on-board computer unit 6 interprets the data transmitted by the proximity sensor 9 to identify whether the screen associated with the proximity sensor 9 is readable or not.

If an obstacle is located at a distance less than or equal to the predetermined distance, then the screen associated with the proximity sensor 9 having provided said data is deactivated.

On the contrary, if no obstacle is detected, then the screen is activated or kept activated.

As illustrated by the , the package 1 also includes communication means 10 configured to establish a communication channel 100 intended to allow an exchange of data with a remote computer platform 11.

The on-board computing unit 6 can then transmit activation or deactivation information of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 to the remote computing platform 11 so that the remote computing platform 11 modifies the delivery information to transmit it, in return, to package 1 in order to be displayed on the first screen 4 and/or the second screen 5.

Indeed, the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 may have different dimensions and therefore a different display capacity.

For example, if the first screen 4 is deactivated and the second screen 5 is activated but has a display capacity lower than the first screen 4, then the remote computer platform 11 can modify the delivery information so that only the essential information is displayed by the second screen 5.

According to another embodiment, package 1 can simultaneously integrate several types of evaluation means.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the package 1 comprises, for each of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5, both a proximity sensor 9 and one or the other of the brightness sensor 7 and the accelerometer 8.

This ensures display when circumstances permit.

For example, in the case of a package 1 comprising a proximity sensor 9 and a brightness sensor 7, as illustrated by the , the on-board computer unit 6 can keep the first screen 4 and the second screen 5 activated despite the fact that the brightness sensor 7 sends low brightness data. This can be explained by the fact that only the brightness sensor 7 is not illuminated but that no obstacle prevents the readability of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5.

Likewise, in the case of a package 1 comprising a proximity sensor 9 and an accelerometer 8, as illustrated by the , when the proximity sensor 9 does not detect an obstacle preventing the readability of the screen with which it is associated, then said screen can be kept activated even if the accelerometer 8 transmits positioning data of the package 1 interpreted by the the on-board computer unit 6 means that said screen is not readable.

This can happen when a delivery person lifts package 1 above him to read the first screen 4 which is facing the ground.

The proximity sensor 9 then makes it possible to keep the first screen 4 and/or the second screen 5 activated when it is not hidden, and therefore readable by an operator or a camera, even if the brightness sensor 7 or the The accelerometer 8 transmits data interpreted by the on-board computer unit 6 as an unreadable screen.

Package 1 which has just been described ensures that delivery information is displayed in all circumstances, or almost.

Indeed, thanks to the activation and deactivation of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5, it is possible to display the delivery information redundantly or, on the contrary, to display only the essential delivery information (in the case where the remote computer platform 11 transmits an update of the delivery data).

Furthermore, the package 1 according to the invention makes it possible to limit its energy consumption since, when the first screen 4 or the second screen 5 is not readable, it is deactivated and then consumes little or no energy.

Finally, the package 1 according to the invention makes it possible to facilitate the processing and rapid delivery of the package 1 since, independently of the orientation of the package 1 on the logistics chains, the delivery information can be displayed on at least one of the first screen 4 and the second screen 5.

This then limits the risk that package 1 is put aside due to lack of readability of the delivery information, with the aim of being processed manually or repositioned to be put back on the conveyor means.

Claims (6)

Package (1) for transporting objects, comprising a box (2) having a loading volume defined by:

• a bottom (21), and
• a peripheral wall (22) extending from the bottom (21), and having at least two distinct facades (22a, 22b),

the package (1) also comprising:

• a cover (3) movable relative to the box (2) between a closed position and an open position of the box (2);
• means for displaying delivery information, the display means comprising a first (4) screen positioned on a first facade (22a) of the peripheral wall (22), and
• an on-board computer unit (6) configured to control the display means,

characterized in that the display means also comprise a second screen (5), positioned on a second facade (22b) of the peripheral wall (22), on the cover (3) or on the bottom (21), and in what the package (1) also includes means for evaluating the readability of the first screen (4) and the second screen (5), the on-board computer unit (6) being configured to activate or deactivate the first screen (4 ) and the second screen (5) as a function of data provided by the evaluation means. Package (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the readability evaluation means comprise a first brightness sensor (7a) and a second brightness sensor (7b) associated respectively with the first screen (4) and the second screen (5), the on-board computing unit (6) being configured to deactivate the first screen (4) and the second screen (5) when a predetermined brightness threshold is reached or exceeded. Package (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the readability evaluation means comprise an accelerometer (8), housed in the package (1), the on-board computer unit (6) being configured to deactivate the first screen (4) and the second screen (5) when the accelerometer (8) detects a position in which the first screen (4) or the second screen (5) is positioned facing a floor. Parcel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the readability evaluation means comprise a first proximity sensor (9a) and a second proximity sensor (9b) associated respectively with the first screen (4) and the second screen (5), the on-board computer unit (6) being configured to deactivate the first screen (4) and the second screen (5) when an obstacle is detected at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance. Parcel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the on-board computer unit (6) integrates computer software configured to distribute the delivery information on each of the first screen (4) and the second screen (5 ) depending on the data from the readability evaluation means. Package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it integrates communication means (10) intended to allow data exchange with a remote computer platform (11), the on-board computer unit (6 ) being configured to transmit to the remote computing platform (11) activation or deactivation data of the first screen (4) and the second screen (5), the remote computing platform (11) then being configured to transmit, in return , to the on-board computer unit (6) an update of the delivery information to be displayed.