WO2001078022A1 - Systeme et procede permettant la livraison de marchandises a un client - Google Patents

Systeme et procede permettant la livraison de marchandises a un client Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001078022A1
WO2001078022A1 PCT/FI2001/000327 FI0100327W WO0178022A1 WO 2001078022 A1 WO2001078022 A1 WO 2001078022A1 FI 0100327 W FI0100327 W FI 0100327W WO 0178022 A1 WO0178022 A1 WO 0178022A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
delivery
service center
goods
box
delivery box
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2001/000327
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Risto Salo
Reino Aarinen
Original Assignee
Hollming Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hollming Oy filed Critical Hollming Oy
Priority to AU2001254832A priority Critical patent/AU2001254832A1/en
Priority to EP01927946A priority patent/EP1269433A1/fr
Publication of WO2001078022A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001078022A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00 
    • A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
    • A47G29/141—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00 
    • A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/005—Combined cooling and heating devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/083—Shipping
    • G06Q10/0833—Tracking
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00 
    • A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
    • A47G29/141—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means
    • A47G2029/145—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means the receptacle comprising means for identifying a deposit; Deposits carrying identification means, e.g. a bar code
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00 
    • A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
    • A47G29/141—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means
    • A47G2029/146—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means the receptacle comprising identification means, e.g. a bar code
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00 
    • A47G29/14—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels
    • A47G29/141—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means
    • A47G2029/147—Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk, or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles, i.e. food or large parcels comprising electronically controlled locking means the receptacle comprising heating or cooling means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/07—Remote controls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25D2500/06—Stock management
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/04—Sensors detecting the presence of a person
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/08—Sensors using Radio Frequency Identification [RFID]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
    • F25D2700/122—Sensors measuring the inside temperature of freezer compartments

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an integrated system for delivery of goods to a customer, in particular in the field of the grocery business, which system comprises one or more delivery boxes for unattended receiving of goods.
  • the invention also relates to a method for delivery of goods to a customer, in particular in the field of the grocery business.
  • Published EP application 851 187 discloses a storage compartment assembly which is provided with heat transfer elements and in the different compartments of which different temperatures can be maintained.
  • the control unit of the storage compartment assembly includes, among other things, a printer for issuing receipts, a voice output device and a display for instructing operation procedures, a card reader, a keypad and a selector key for storage temperature.
  • the individual compartments are locked and they can be opened from the keypad.
  • the adjustment of temperature can be made by means of the keypad either stepwise or linearly.
  • the compartment assembly operates independently, in other words, there is no disclosure of it having any remote control or remote monitoring.
  • FR patent 2,563,987 discloses a public storage box which is equipped with its own computer and telecommunications connection with a central server which is linked to a network of storage boxes through a telephone system.
  • JP patent application 4114891 discloses a distribution box which can be used for sending and receiving goods. There is a data processing unit transmitting information between the box and the supplier of goods.
  • EP patent application 821 518 discloses a distribution system comprising a storage unit for goods which can be provided with a telecommunications connection with the supplier of goods, the deliverer and the receiver of goods.
  • US patent 4,894, 717 describes a control system for a computer-controlled delivery locker assembly.
  • EP patent 359 667 describes a method and a system for remote ordering and delivering of products into a locker assembly placed in a sales room, from which the customer can collect the goods ordered by him/her against payment.
  • EP patent 531 942 discloses a method similar to the preceding one, in which an ordered product is placed in a locker assembly which is located in a locked indoor space and from which the customer collects it against payment.
  • An object of the invention is to develop a safe and reliable overall arrangement for delivery of goods to a customer.
  • the aim is to allow safe delivery of goods to a desired address at a time suitable for the parties involved in a transaction and, when needed, to assure an unbroken cold-storage chain between a store and a customer.
  • a further aim is to integrate the different parts of the distribution chain with one another such that the physical travel of goods after an electronically made deal can be monitored and supervised in real time and controlled in a centralized manner.
  • the integrated system comprises a number of delivery boxes for unattended delivery of goods and a service center which monitors and controls the system and the operation and use of the delivery boxes belonging thereto in a centralized manner.
  • the boxes or set of boxes can form independent groups, from which a telecommunications connection is provided to the service center.
  • Each delivery box belonging to the system comprises an impervious, weatherproof and completely heat-insulated outer shell, the interior space of which has been divided into several sections and compartments, of which at least some can be separated tightly or almost tightly from one another.
  • the box comprises a control unit and locking means, the operation of which is controlled and monitored by the service center situated at a remote location, as well as a heat transfer apparatus which includes both heating means and cooling means.
  • the control unit has been arranged to control the operation of the heat transfer apparatus in order to maintain the temperature of the various sections and compartments of the delivery box in a range determined by the service center independently of the open air temperature.
  • the service center controlling the operation of the system comprises a database in which the central information concerning the system has been stored, service pages directing operation, servers supporting different data transmission techniques, as well as connections to wireless and fixed information networks.
  • the service center is able, for example, to monitor the operation of the delivery boxes, record information about the state of each delivery box, track the progress of the delivery of goods, and keep real-time information available to the customer.
  • the centralized monitoring and controlling of the different stages of the delivery process benefit all the parties involved in the distribution chain, who include the supplier of goods, the collector, the deliverer and the consumer.
  • the use of a delivery box connected to an information network and provided with a control unit and temperature controls as a part of the distribution chain enables unattended delivery of goods. Maintaining of the cold-storage chain during delivery is ensured by arranging transport such that the goods are transported at a storage temperature suitable for them.
  • the system according to the invention can also be used for returning products from the consumer to the supplier of goods, as will be described further on.
  • the field of use of the invention is not intended to be limited exclusively to transports of groceries, since the safe and reliable transport service operating in both directions according to the invention is also suitable for use, for example, in the home delivery of consumer goods and postal items as well as in the two-way goods traffic of rental agencies, laundries and other service providers.
  • FIG 1 shows the general principle of the method according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a delivery box serving as a part of a distribution chain.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates parts and data transmission connections of the system.
  • Fig. 1 is a simplified illustration of a distribution chain in electronic commerce, the operations of which are monitored and controlled by a service center 20 via telecommunications connections C,-C 4 , which may be either wireless or based on a fixed wired network.
  • the arrows A 4 -A 6 passing in the opposite direction represent the journey of returned items from the customer 17 back to the supplier of goods 15.
  • Fig. 2 shows a delivery box 1 intended for unattended delivery of goods and suitable for being placed in the open air.
  • the outer shell 2 of the box 1 is constructed so as to be impervious, and it is made of a weatherproof material.
  • the impervious structure needs, on the one hand, to be heat-retaining, which is achieved by means of a thermal insulation layer of the external walls 2, and, on the other hand, it must enable moisture, micro-organisms, dirt and other harmful factors to be kept outside the box 1 , which can be influenced, among other things, by selection of wall materials, joints, and seals.
  • Doors 7 of the delivery box 1 are provided with seals, which must also be weatherproof.
  • the term 'weatherproof refers to materials and structures that maintain their capability to function in conditions with varying moisture and in a wide temperature range.
  • local heating resistors or other heating means are arranged in connection with the front wall of the delivery box 1 , the function of said heating means being to ensure that the seals of the door 7 remain dry and to prevent them from freezing in the winter.
  • the delivery box 1 may naturally comprise a controlled ventilation system (not shown).
  • the interior space of the delivery box 1 is divided by means of a heat-insulated partition wall 6 into two parts, which can be divided further either by means of detachable shelves or by means of fixed partition walls 3 into sections which can be provided with different storage temperatures.
  • one part of the delivery box 1 forms the cold-storage space proper, which is divided, for example, into a freezing compartment and a refrigerator space, and the other part can form a dry storage space.
  • several delivery boxes of the described kind can be joined to form a whole of module construction, in which each individual module has its own doors and own temperature regulation.
  • the delivery box 1 comprises, among other things, heat transfer means 4, a control unit 9 provided with a telecommunications connection 10, and a locking system 5.
  • the heat transfer apparatus 4 comprises both cooling means and heating means, by means of which the temperatures inside the delivery box 1 can be maintained in a desired range independently of the open air temperatures.
  • the cooling and heating means 4 it is possible to use devices known in themselves in the state of the art, such as, for example, a refrigeration compressor and a heating resistor.
  • the delivery box 1 can be locked by means of a conventional mechanical series lock but, most advantageously, the locking mechanism 5 is electric, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the locking mechanism 5 is remote controlled and its operation is controlled by a remote service center by means of the control unit 9 of the box.
  • the delivery box can be opened, for example, by making a telephone call by mobile phone to the service center.
  • the database at the service center includes a list of the mobile phones the holder of which is authorized to access the box. If a call signal functioning as a request for access comes from a telephone number included in the list, the service center sends an instruction to the control unit of the delivery box to unlock the door. At the same time, information is stored in the databases of the service center that a given user has visited a given delivery box at a given time.
  • the access authorizations at the service center can be changed via the information network by means of a computer or a wireless connection, for example, by mobile phone.
  • a request for access can be transmitted to the service center via a touch screen, a keypad or another reader device 8 which has been connected to the information network and by means of which the user can identify himself/herself.
  • This identification device 8 sends the access request to the service center, which in a positive case sends opening permission to the control unit 9 of the box.
  • the control unit 9 of the delivery box comprises a microprocessor into which desired operations of the box have been programmed and which monitors and controls the operation of the delivery box 1 according to the instructions it receives from the service center. Via the telecommunications connection 10, the control unit 9 can also be reprogrammed from the service center.
  • the control unit 9 monitors the temperatures inside the delivery box 1 and controls the operations of the heat transfer unit 4 such that the box is cooled or heated as the need arises.
  • the need for cooling or heating may greatly vary in respect of time, depending, among other things, on the temperature of the open air, the degree of filling of the box, the temperature of the products left in the box and on how long the doors of the box are kept open. In warm weather, more cooling power is needed than in cool weather. At freezing temperatures, heating may again be required in order that food products sensitive to decrease of temperature shall not spoil during storage. If the delivery box comprised only a cooling apparatus like conventional refrigerators, it would not be possible to maintain the cold-storage compartments at an even temperature in all conditions.
  • the control unit 9 also collects information about the operation of the delivery box 1 and transmits it further to the service center.
  • the control unit 9 monitors, for example, whether the heat transfer apparatus 4 is on or off, whether the door 7 of the box is closed or open, whether the box 1 contains goods or is empty, and whether the box 1 is operating in the normal operating range (temperature, moisture, etc.).
  • a safety monitoring mechanism 11 may also be coupled to the control unit 9, which mechanism prevents the locking of the delivery box 1 when there is some living being, such as a cat, a child, or the like inside the box.
  • an infrared detector 11 can be used in safety monitoring to detect any moving source of heat.
  • the reference numeral 12 designates identification devices the function of which is to identify the transport boxes placed in the storage space.
  • the control unit 9 comprises, as an integral part thereof, means for forming the telecommunications connection 10 with the service center, via which connection 10 the control unit 9 receives controls and reports on the state of the delivery box 1.
  • the heat transfer apparatus 4 of the delivery box can be switched on or off from a remote location and its control unit 9 can be directed to open the door for a deliveryman or for the customer.
  • the customer can check whether goods have arrived and whether they have been picked up from the box.
  • the delivery box can also be coupled to form a part of the local network of the home.
  • the devices (1,25,26) which are controlled by the consumer and/or belong to the local network of the home, the data transmission networks (27,28, 34,35) used in telecommunications connections and the devices (29,30,31,32,33) belonging to the service center 20 are separated from one another with broken lines.
  • the consumer has at his/her disposal a delivery box 1 and, as a data transmission means, for example, a mobile phone 25, a microcomputer 26 or a digital TV (not shown).
  • a wired connection from the household to the Internet can be chosen from a group comprising a telephone modem, ISDN, ADSL and a cable-TV modem.
  • the microcomputer 26 or the digital TV set operates as a terminal.
  • a wireless connection can be formed, for example, via a GSM mobile network by the WAP telephone 25 (Wireless Application Protocol).
  • Wireless short-distance connections in the home network can be provided, for example, by means of a 2.45 GHz radio network (Bluetooth).
  • Telecommunication in a mobile network 27 is digital data communication. Its form can be circuit switched data transmission (Circuit Switched Data
  • the information systems (not shown) of transport and commercial firms can also communicate with the service center 20 via the wireless data transmission network 27.
  • traffic is passed via a dial-up series 28 and a remote access server 29 (Remote Access Service) to a WAP gateway 30, which transmits the binary traffic of WAP as established WWW traffic in accordance with the HTTP protocol and further to a HTTP server 31.
  • Service pages 32 in XML form are located on the HTTP server 31.
  • a database 33 is also linked to the server 31, and all the essential information concerning the system has been stored in the card indexes and registers of said database.
  • the service center can be in connection not only with the customer and the delivery box 1 but also with suppliers and deliverers of goods as well as with the bank.
  • wireless data collection terminals 35 are advantageously used, from which information is transmitted to the service center 20 either via the Internet 34 or via the wireless telecommunications network 27.
  • a customer contacts the service center 20 that monitors electronic commerce, home deliveries and the delivery boxes 1, using a suitable terminal provided with a browser, which terminal can be, for example, the WAP telephone 25, the microcomputer 26 operating in a network or a wireless hand-held computer.
  • a suitable terminal provided with a browser
  • the service center he/she accesses the web pages 32 which are, depending on the connection mode, for example, in XML, HTML or WML form.
  • the portal transmitted by the server 31 shows the store's product range and allows an old shopping list to be edited or a new shopping list to be made by filling in electronic forms.
  • the databases 33 of the service center contain information concerning the customer, such as personalized order pages and regular shopping lists, which facilitate and speed up the placing of an order.
  • the customer may provide a delivery address and a delivery time if they differ from those agreed upon previously.
  • the order is acknowledged and it is assigned a network identification code.
  • the order may also be placed in writing (letter, fax) or orally (telephone, personal contact), in which connection the person receiving the order converts the order into electronic form and transmits it to the service center.
  • the acknowledged order is transmitted from the service center via the Internet 34 or the GSM network 27 to the store or the supplier of goods.
  • the products of the order list in electronic form are collected into transport boxes or other transport units provided with a customer identification code and an order identification code. Products requiring different storage temperatures are collected and packed separately. If any product listed on the shopping list is missing, it is replaced with another one, if the customer has given permission to do so beforehand. Otherwise, information is transmitted to the service center 20 that the order cannot be filled in this respect.
  • each product is scanned by a bar code or RFID data collection terminal 35, which is in practice a hand-held computer.
  • Information about the collected products and about replacement products, if any, is collected into the memory of the data collection terminal 35 and transmitted further to a cash system which produces prices for the different products as well as for the entire shopping basket.
  • the delivery note and the total price of purchases are sent electronically to the service center on which the information is immediately available to the customer, for example, for payment of the final invoice.
  • the transport units provided with the customer and order identification codes are forwarded to a deliverer which can constitute a part of the store's operations or be a separate delivery firm.
  • the deliverer has a data processing system at its disposal for preparing a delivery order.
  • the shipments to be delivered to different customers are loaded into a van in such order that their unloading at the destination is easy and quick.
  • the delivery van has refrigerated and/or heated storage spaces for products requiring different storage temperatures.
  • the van has a data collection terminal by means of which the transport units loaded into the van and their destinations are recorded.
  • the van may also comprise navigation and route guidance devices, which report the location of the van at each particular moment to the service center.
  • the transport units are delivered to the destination and left in the delivery box 1 which can be a box dimensioned for the needs of one customer or constitute a part of a larger set of boxes, of which only a part is reserved for the use of the customer.
  • the deliverer contacts the service center 20, for example, by mobile phone or by an identification device provided in connection with the box.
  • the service center checks the deliverer's authorization, sends the box an opening instruction and records that the delivery has been completed.
  • the safety of delivery can be increased by providing the transport units and delivery boxes with a bar code or a RFID tag, which are identified by a suitable reader device before the products are placed in the delivery box. Thus, the products cannot be placed in a wrong box.
  • the customer can check with the service center 20 any time whether delivery has been made and what the delivery lot contains and costs.
  • the delivery box is a combination of a refrigerator, a freezer and a dry storage space operating as a part of the cold-storage chain, provided with the necessary automatic systems and placed in the open air, which combination serves as temporary locked storage for goods monitoring its own state (doors, a compressor, valves, temperatures, etc.) and visitors electronically.
  • the delivery box is provided with a network connection via which it is a member of the Internet community.
  • the service and maintenance of the box can also be taken care of automatically from the service center via this connection.
  • the service center transmits real-time information to the various parties involved in the delivery chain.
  • the number of delivery boxes monitored by one service center may be of the order of 300 to 3000.
  • information can be obtained, among other things, about the customer register, statistics, customer profiles and lists of regular purchases, the latest order, the status of a delivery, possible supplements, returned items, information about the delivery van, etc.
  • the service center has information about the stage of the delivery, and the customer gets from there, if he/she desires, real-time information about the progress of his/her order.
  • the service center monitors the operation of the delivery box and alerts if there are any faults in the operation.
  • Information can also be transmitted via the service center to the processes controlling and monitoring the operation of different partial stages.
  • the integrated system also accomplishes the functions relating to control of the distribution chain and to improvement of the customer relationship.
  • Connections to the Internet and XML compatibility bring the systems of the store, goods suppliers, transport and banks to the same common forum. Through this, it is possible, in principle, to organize all the functions associated with the delivery chain of groceries: persuasion and making of offers, ordering, financing and payment, production, transfer, storage and transport.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système intégré permettant la livraison de marchandises à un client, en particulier dans le secteur du commerce d'épicerie. Ce système comprend une ou plusieurs boîtes (1) de livraison conçues pour permettre la livraison en l'absence du destinataire, et un centre (20) de service qui surveille et commande de manière centralisée le système, le fonctionnement et l'exploitation des boîtes (1) de livraison associées au système. Chaque boîte (1) de livraison comprend une enveloppe extérieure étanche, résistante aux intempéries et thermiquement isolée, et le volume intérieur est divisé en plusieurs sections et compartiments, dont au moins quelques uns peuvent être isolées des autres de manière étanche ou sensiblement étanche. Les boîtes comprennent également un dispositif de transfert thermique permettant de produire différentes températures d'entreposage dans les différents compartiments, ainsi qu'une unité de commande et des moyens de verrouillage dont le fonctionnement est commandé et surveillé par le centre (20) de service. Le centre (20) de service comprend une base de données dans laquelle toutes les informations concernant le système sont mémorisées, des pages de service réglant l'exploitation, des serveurs capables de mettre en oeuvre différentes techniques de transfert de données, et des interfaces de réseau d'information sans fil et fixes. Le centre (20) de service met en oeuvre une livraison surveillée, et gérée, ne nécessitant pas la présence du destinataire, et permet à toutes les parties (fournisseur des marchandises, collecteur, livreur et destinataire) de faire appel aux services de suivi et de traçage offerts afin d'optimiser leur activité.
PCT/FI2001/000327 2000-04-06 2001-04-04 Systeme et procede permettant la livraison de marchandises a un client WO2001078022A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001254832A AU2001254832A1 (en) 2000-04-06 2001-04-04 System and method for delivery of goods to a customer
EP01927946A EP1269433A1 (fr) 2000-04-06 2001-04-04 Systeme et procede permettant la livraison de marchandises a un client

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20000812 2000-04-06
FI20000812A FI20000812A (fi) 2000-04-06 2000-04-06 Menetelmä ja järjestelmä päivittäistavarakaupan kotiinkuljetuksia varten

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001078022A1 true WO2001078022A1 (fr) 2001-10-18

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI2001/000327 WO2001078022A1 (fr) 2000-04-06 2001-04-04 Systeme et procede permettant la livraison de marchandises a un client

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1269433A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2001254832A1 (fr)
FI (1) FI20000812A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001078022A1 (fr)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2366644A (en) * 2000-04-14 2002-03-13 Michael Scott Robertson Secure home delivery apparatus and method
GB2406201A (en) * 2003-09-22 2005-03-23 Steve Bungard Apparatus for secure exchange of postal items
GB2443633A (en) * 2006-11-08 2008-05-14 Drop Ltd Remotely enabled lock
WO2010010314A1 (fr) * 2008-07-24 2010-01-28 Parcelpal Ltd. Dispositif d'échange d'article postal
US7925375B2 (en) 2004-05-14 2011-04-12 Keba Ag Storage machine for objects
US8145351B2 (en) 2004-09-21 2012-03-27 Keba Ag Storage dispenser for objects
EP2525309A1 (fr) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-21 motiondrive AG Station fixe ou mobile de préparation de biens de consommation, notamment d'aliments frais et congelés
EP2525308A1 (fr) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-21 motiondrive AG Système et procédé de préparation de biens de consommation, notamment d'aliments frais et congelés
GB2522718A (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-08-05 Illinois Tool Works A locker system
WO2015114331A1 (fr) * 2014-01-29 2015-08-06 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Système de casiers
CN106415164A (zh) * 2014-01-29 2017-02-15 伊利诺斯工具制品有限公司 储物柜系统
US20170205134A1 (en) * 2014-07-17 2017-07-20 Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh Household appliance, in particular household refrigeration appliance
WO2018053083A1 (fr) * 2016-09-16 2018-03-22 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Détection de produit renvoyé
GB2560048A (en) * 2017-04-05 2018-08-29 Bja Trading Ltd Post box assembly
US10449889B2 (en) 2017-11-30 2019-10-22 Walmart Apollo, Llc Systems and methods for receiving retail products
US10839341B2 (en) 2017-04-13 2020-11-17 Walmart Apollo, Llc Systems and methods for receiving retail products at a delivery destination
WO2021114455A1 (fr) * 2019-12-11 2021-06-17 浙江汉朔电子科技有限公司 Étagère de stockage et entrepôt
FR3109624A1 (fr) * 2020-04-28 2021-10-29 Armor Inox Installation de livraison de denrees alimentaires
US11341452B2 (en) 2014-12-12 2022-05-24 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Method and apparatus for providing secure delivery

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113208306B (zh) * 2021-06-09 2023-08-04 金陵科技学院 一种模块化的智能生鲜冷藏快递柜及控制方法

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US4803348A (en) * 1987-06-30 1989-02-07 Lohrey David W Automated customer interface for services involving drop-off and pickup
US4894717A (en) 1988-03-28 1990-01-16 Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System Delivered article storage control system
EP0359667A1 (fr) 1988-09-15 1990-03-21 Mors Procédé pour la commande à distance de produits ou d'articles divers choisis, répertoriés sur un catalogue et la mise à disposition des produits ou articles dans un local de vente et système pour la mise en oeuvre d'un tel procédé
JPH04114891A (ja) 1990-08-27 1992-04-15 Sanpourotsuku:Kk 宅配ボックス装置
EP0531942A2 (fr) 1991-09-10 1993-03-17 Accumulata-Verwaltungs Gmbh Système de vente avec un nombre déterminé de casiers
FR2689221A1 (fr) * 1992-03-27 1993-10-01 Crost Alain Consigne réfrigérante multi-compartiments.
GB2302976A (en) * 1995-06-30 1997-02-05 Peter Douglas White Security method and apparatus
EP0821518A2 (fr) 1996-07-24 1998-01-28 S. Siedle & Söhne Dispositif de transfert et dispositif de distribution
EP0851187A2 (fr) 1996-12-27 1998-07-01 Thermovonics Co., Ltd Appareil à caisse de stockage
WO1999027465A1 (fr) * 1997-11-26 1999-06-03 Mars, Incorporated Systeme de surveillance et de signalisation faisant intervenir des porteurs cellulaires
US5946660A (en) * 1997-01-08 1999-08-31 Chas-Tech, Inc. Automated storage system
WO1999050801A2 (fr) * 1998-04-01 1999-10-07 Hamm Doug A Systeme et appareil de vente de fournitures de bureau
WO2000031701A1 (fr) * 1998-11-19 2000-06-02 The Coca-Cola Company Reseau de distributeurs automatiques relies de maniere interactive a un hote construisant une base de donnees

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2563987A1 (fr) 1984-05-10 1985-11-15 Lille Sa Distr Gde Brasserie Boite a puce telematique
US4803348A (en) * 1987-06-30 1989-02-07 Lohrey David W Automated customer interface for services involving drop-off and pickup
US4894717A (en) 1988-03-28 1990-01-16 Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System Delivered article storage control system
EP0359667A1 (fr) 1988-09-15 1990-03-21 Mors Procédé pour la commande à distance de produits ou d'articles divers choisis, répertoriés sur un catalogue et la mise à disposition des produits ou articles dans un local de vente et système pour la mise en oeuvre d'un tel procédé
JPH04114891A (ja) 1990-08-27 1992-04-15 Sanpourotsuku:Kk 宅配ボックス装置
EP0531942A2 (fr) 1991-09-10 1993-03-17 Accumulata-Verwaltungs Gmbh Système de vente avec un nombre déterminé de casiers
FR2689221A1 (fr) * 1992-03-27 1993-10-01 Crost Alain Consigne réfrigérante multi-compartiments.
GB2302976A (en) * 1995-06-30 1997-02-05 Peter Douglas White Security method and apparatus
EP0821518A2 (fr) 1996-07-24 1998-01-28 S. Siedle & Söhne Dispositif de transfert et dispositif de distribution
EP0851187A2 (fr) 1996-12-27 1998-07-01 Thermovonics Co., Ltd Appareil à caisse de stockage
US5946660A (en) * 1997-01-08 1999-08-31 Chas-Tech, Inc. Automated storage system
WO1999027465A1 (fr) * 1997-11-26 1999-06-03 Mars, Incorporated Systeme de surveillance et de signalisation faisant intervenir des porteurs cellulaires
WO1999050801A2 (fr) * 1998-04-01 1999-10-07 Hamm Doug A Systeme et appareil de vente de fournitures de bureau
WO2000031701A1 (fr) * 1998-11-19 2000-06-02 The Coca-Cola Company Reseau de distributeurs automatiques relies de maniere interactive a un hote construisant une base de donnees

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2366644A (en) * 2000-04-14 2002-03-13 Michael Scott Robertson Secure home delivery apparatus and method
GB2406201A (en) * 2003-09-22 2005-03-23 Steve Bungard Apparatus for secure exchange of postal items
GB2406201B (en) * 2003-09-22 2005-10-19 Steve Bungard Apparatus for secure exchange of postal items
US7925375B2 (en) 2004-05-14 2011-04-12 Keba Ag Storage machine for objects
US8145351B2 (en) 2004-09-21 2012-03-27 Keba Ag Storage dispenser for objects
GB2443633A (en) * 2006-11-08 2008-05-14 Drop Ltd Remotely enabled lock
GB2443633B (en) * 2006-11-08 2011-07-27 Drop Ltd Lock
WO2010010314A1 (fr) * 2008-07-24 2010-01-28 Parcelpal Ltd. Dispositif d'échange d'article postal
EP2525309A1 (fr) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-21 motiondrive AG Station fixe ou mobile de préparation de biens de consommation, notamment d'aliments frais et congelés
EP2525308A1 (fr) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-21 motiondrive AG Système et procédé de préparation de biens de consommation, notamment d'aliments frais et congelés
CN107255385A (zh) * 2014-01-29 2017-10-17 伊利诺斯工具制品有限公司 储物柜系统
US10883754B2 (en) 2014-01-29 2021-01-05 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Locker system
CN106415164A (zh) * 2014-01-29 2017-02-15 伊利诺斯工具制品有限公司 储物柜系统
GB2522718A (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-08-05 Illinois Tool Works A locker system
WO2015114331A1 (fr) * 2014-01-29 2015-08-06 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Système de casiers
EP3336457A1 (fr) * 2014-01-29 2018-06-20 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Un système de verrouillage
US10976092B2 (en) 2014-01-29 2021-04-13 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Locker system
US10962273B2 (en) 2014-01-29 2021-03-30 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Locker system
US20170205134A1 (en) * 2014-07-17 2017-07-20 Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh Household appliance, in particular household refrigeration appliance
US11341452B2 (en) 2014-12-12 2022-05-24 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Method and apparatus for providing secure delivery
WO2018053083A1 (fr) * 2016-09-16 2018-03-22 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Détection de produit renvoyé
GB2560048B (en) * 2017-04-05 2020-04-29 Bja Trading Ltd Post box assembly
GB2560048A (en) * 2017-04-05 2018-08-29 Bja Trading Ltd Post box assembly
US10839341B2 (en) 2017-04-13 2020-11-17 Walmart Apollo, Llc Systems and methods for receiving retail products at a delivery destination
US10449889B2 (en) 2017-11-30 2019-10-22 Walmart Apollo, Llc Systems and methods for receiving retail products
US11235694B2 (en) 2017-11-30 2022-02-01 Walmart Apollo, Llc Systems and methods for receiving retail products
WO2021114455A1 (fr) * 2019-12-11 2021-06-17 浙江汉朔电子科技有限公司 Étagère de stockage et entrepôt
FR3109624A1 (fr) * 2020-04-28 2021-10-29 Armor Inox Installation de livraison de denrees alimentaires

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1269433A1 (fr) 2003-01-02
FI20000812A (fi) 2001-10-07
FI20000812A0 (fi) 2000-04-06
AU2001254832A1 (en) 2001-10-23

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