WO2015147757A1 - Système de stockage, et procédé de fonctionnement de système de stockage - Google Patents

Système de stockage, et procédé de fonctionnement de système de stockage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015147757A1
WO2015147757A1 PCT/SG2015/050048 SG2015050048W WO2015147757A1 WO 2015147757 A1 WO2015147757 A1 WO 2015147757A1 SG 2015050048 W SG2015050048 W SG 2015050048W WO 2015147757 A1 WO2015147757 A1 WO 2015147757A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
storage
receiving party
access code
receiving
access
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2015/050048
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Keng Leong LEE
Original Assignee
Lee Keng Leong
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 Lee Keng Leong filed Critical Lee Keng Leong
Publication of WO2015147757A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015147757A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/10—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property
    • G07F17/12—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned
    • G07F17/13—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned the containers being a postal pick-up locker
    • 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
    • G06Q10/0836—Recipient pick-ups
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
    • G06F21/31—User authentication
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
    • G06F21/31—User authentication
    • G06F21/42—User authentication using separate channels for security data

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a storage system and a method of operating a storage system.
  • a storage system comprising a storage station, the storage station comprising one or more storage units; a reading unit for receiving an access code from a receiving party; and a local control system comprising locking control means for allowing access to one of the storage units, based on the received access code; wherein the access code comprises a receiving party identifier and a collection pin.
  • the access code may comprise a label comprising the receiving party identifier and collection pin, said label capable of being read by the reading unit.
  • the label may be a bar code or QR (Quick Response) code.
  • the reading unit may comprise a barcode scanner or a camera.
  • the storage system may further comprise a receiving party communication device, said communication device comprising a code generator means for generating the access code.
  • the receiving party communication device may comprise a software application for generating the access code.
  • the receiving party communication device may comprise an input means for allowing the collection pin to be provided by the receiving party on the receiving party communication device.
  • the storage system may further comprise a central management system, wherein the receiving party communication device further comprises communication means for communicating the generated access code to the central management system.
  • the central management system may comprise communication means for communicating the access code to the storage station.
  • the locking control means of the local control system of the storage station may allow access to the one of the storage units if the received access code matches the communicated access code.
  • the central management system may comprise communication means for communicating the receiving party identifier and collection pin to the storage station.
  • the locking control system may extract the receiving party identifier and the collection pin from the received access code, and the locking control system allows access to the one of the storage units if the extracted receiving party identifier and collection pin matches the communicated receiving party identifier and collection pin.
  • the storage station may further comprise a user interface for receiving a delivery party identifier, the receiving party identifier and a good identification code from a delivery party.
  • the local control system may be further capable of assigning an empty storage unit and the locking control means may be further capable of allowing access to the assigned storage unit, based on the delivery party identifier, the receiving party identifier and the good identification code.
  • the storage system may further comprise a communication means for communicating to the central management system that a good has been received at the storage station.
  • the wireless communication means of the central management system may be further capable of sending a notification to the receiving party communication device that a good has been received at the storage station.
  • the locking control means of the storage unit may allow access to a plurality of the storage units, based on the received access code
  • the storage system may further comprise a collection screen capable of displaying a menu of one or more goods stored in the plurality of the storage units based on the access code, and for allowing the receiving party to select one or more of the plurality of the storage units to be accessed.
  • the storage system may further comprise a delivery screen for receiving an endorsement from the receiving party that a good has been collected.
  • the storage system may further comprise further communications means for communicating the endorsement to the central management system, said central management system further comprising means for communicating the endorsement to the delivery party.
  • the collection pin may comprise digits or alphanumeric strings.
  • a method of operating a storage system comprising a storage station, the storage station comprising one or more storage units, a reading unit, and a local control system comprising locking control means for allowing access to one of the storage units, the method comprising receiving an access code from a receiving party at the reading unit; and allowing access to one of the storage units of the storage station, based on the received access code; wherein the access code comprises a receiving party identifier and collection pin.
  • Receiving the access code may comprise reading a label comprising the receiving party identifier and collection pin, by the reading unit.
  • Reading a label may comprise reading a bar code or QR (Quick Response) code.
  • Receiving the access code at the reading unit may comprise receiving the access code at a barcode scanner or camera.
  • the method may further comprise generating the access code at a receiving party communication device.
  • Generating the access code at the receiving party communication device may comprise generating the access code with a software application for on the receiving party communication device.
  • the method may further comprise providing the collection pin by the receiving party on the receiving party communication device.
  • the method may further comprise communicating the generated access code to a central management system.
  • the method may further comprise communicating the receiving party identifier and collection pin to the storage station.
  • the method may further comprise extracting the receiving party identifier and the collection pin from the received access code, wherein allowing access to the one of the storage units of the storage station comprises allowing access to the one of the storage units if the extracted receiving party identifier and collection pin matches the receiving party identifier and collection pin.
  • the method may further comprise receiving a delivery party identifier, the receiving party identifier and a good identification code from a delivery party at a user interface of the storage station.
  • the method may further comprise assigning an empty storage unit and allowing access to the assigned one storage unit, based on the delivery party identifier, the receiving party identifier and the good identification code.
  • the method may further comprise communicating to the central management system that a good has been received at the storage station.
  • the method may further comprise sending a notification to the receiving party communication device that a good has been received at the storage station.
  • Allowing access to one of the storage units of the storage station may comprise allowing access to a plurality of the storage units, based on the received access code.
  • the method may further comprise of displaying a menu of one or more goods stored in the plurality of the storage units based on the access code at a collection screen, and allowing the receiving party to select one or more of the plurality of the storage units to be accessed.
  • the method may further comprise receiving an endorsement from the receiving party that a good has been collected.
  • the method may further comprise communicating the endorsement from the storage station to the central management system, and communicating the endorsement from the central management system to the delivery party.
  • the collection pin may comprise digits or alphanumeric strings.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a storage system in an example embodiment.
  • Figure 2 is a physical layout of a storage station in an example embodiment.
  • Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for registering a receiving party in an example embodiment.
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process of a delivery party delivering a good to a storage station, in an example embodiment.
  • Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process of a receiving party retrieving or collecting a good from a storage station, in an example embodiment.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a computer system suitable for implementing an example embodiment.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of a wireless communication device suitable for implementing an example embodiment.
  • Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a storage system in an example embodiment.
  • An algorithm is generally relating to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result.
  • the algorithmic steps can include physical manipulations of physical quantities, such as electrical, magnetic or optical signals capable of being stored, transmitted, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.
  • Such apparatus may be specifically constructed for the purposes of the methods, or may comprise a general purpose computer/processor or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a storage member.
  • the algorithms and displays described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. It is understood that general purpose devices/machines may be used in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, the construction of a specialized device/apparatus to perform the method steps may be desired.
  • the computer readable medium may include storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a suitable reader/general purpose computer. In such instances, the computer readable storage medium is non-transitory. Such storage medium also covers all computer-readable media e.g. medium that stores data only for short periods of time and/or only in the presence of power, such as register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM) and the like.
  • the computer readable medium may even include a wired medium such as exemplified in the Internet system, or wireless medium such as exemplified in bluetooth technology.
  • the example embodiments may also be implemented as hardware modules.
  • a module is a functional hardware unit designed for use with other components or modules.
  • a module may be implemented using digital or discrete electronic components, or it can form a portion of an entire electronic circuit such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the disclosure may have disclosed a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, unless otherwise required, it will be appreciated the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps disclosed. Other sequences of steps may be possible. The particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as undue limitations. Unless otherwise required, a method and/or process disclosed herein should not be limited to the steps being carried out in the order written. The sequence of steps may be varied and still remain within the scope of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a storage system 100.
  • the storage system 100 comprises a network of one or more storage stations 102a, 102b, each storage station 102a, 102b comprising one or plurality of individually-lockable storage units 104 for storage of goods.
  • Each of the storage stations 102a, 102b further comprises a local locker control system 106 for controlling access to said storage units 104 by controlling the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanisms/means of the storage units 104.
  • Each storage station 102a, 102b further comprises a user interface 108 and a reading unit 1 10.
  • the storage system 100 further comprises a receiving party communication device 1 12 through which a receiving party 1 14 communicates with and accesses the storage system 100.
  • the receiving party 1 14 registers him/herself with the system 100 by e.g. providing his/her email address via a software application which is present/installed on the receiving party communication device 1 12.
  • the receiving party communication device 1 12 may be an e.g. smart phone or mobile phone.
  • the storage system 100 further comprises a central management system 1 16, capable of communicating with the receiving party communication device 1 12 and the one or more storage stations 102a, 102b.
  • the receiving party communication device 1 12 communicates with the central management system 1 16 via respective communication means located within the receiving party communication device 1 12 and the central management system 1 16.
  • the storage stations 102a, 102b comprise respective communication means to communicate with the central management system 1 16.
  • the central management system 1 16 and storage stations 102a, 102b are located remotely from each other.
  • the central management system 1 16 and storage stations 102a, 102b rely on wireless communication networks to communicate with each other.
  • the communication device 1 12, central management system 1 16 and storage station 102a, 102b are devices which are connected to the internet via e.g. wired or wireless communications networks such as e.g. telecommunication data networks.
  • the communications between the communication device 1 12 and the central management system 1 16, and the communications between the central management system 1 16 and the storage stations 102a, 102b is based on e.g. internet protocols.
  • the central management system 1 16 stores a unique receiving party identifier in a data storage unit of the central management system 1 16.
  • the unique receiving party identifier may be generated by the central management system 1 16, or may be a user identifier selected by the receiving party 1 14 during the registration process.
  • the identifier is an email address provided by the receiving party 1 14 during the registration process.
  • an access code to the storage station 102a is generated by an access code generator module which may be in the form of or provided by the software application installed on the receiving party communication device 1 12.
  • the access code is generated based on the receiving party identifier and a collection pin.
  • the collection pin is provided by the receiving party 1 14 through the software application. With the collection pin and receiving party identifier, the software application can generate the access code which is used to access a storage unit 104 of the storage station e.g. 102a.
  • the access code is a single, standalone code which comprises both the receiving party identifier and the collection pin.
  • the access code may be a composite code which allows for the receiving party identifier and collection pin to be extracted therefrom.
  • the access code may be in the form of a label providing a barcode or QR (Quick Response) code which is displayed on a screen of the receiving party communication device 1 12 and read by a machine such as an e.g. barcode scanner or QR code reader.
  • the access code is in the form of a label providing a QR code which can be read by the reading unit 1 14 ( Figure 1 ) of the storage station 102a, 102b ( Figure 1 ).
  • the locker control system 106 may control access to said storage units 104 by controlling the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanisms/means of the storage units 104.
  • the locking means may be in the form of an electromagnetic lock.
  • the default position of the electromagnetic lock is a locked or closed state. In this locked state, a catch of the lock is engaged with the storage unit door such that the door cannot be opened.
  • an electric current is sent to a solenoid of the electromagnet such that it is charged and acts like a magnet.
  • the charged electromagnet causes the catch of the lock to be disengaged from the storage unit door, such that the door is free to be opened.
  • the storage station 102 is also connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), such that in an event of a power outage, the storage system 102 may still be operational.
  • UPS uninterruptible power supply
  • the default position of the electromagnetic lock is also set to the locked or closed state, such that even if the uninterruptible power supply fails, the storage units remain inaccessible as their doors remain locked.
  • Figure 2 shows a physical layout of a storage station 200, in an example embodiment.
  • the storage station 200 comprises surveillance cameras 202 for monitoring and recording video images of the storage station 200.
  • the surveillance cameras 202 are directed at the user interface and can record images of any party which attempts to deliver or collect goods from the storage station 200.
  • the surveillance cameras are positioned above a user panel which provides access to the storage units 204.
  • the user panel provides access to and houses the local control system 206, user interface 208 and reading unit 210.
  • the surveillance cameras 202 are also directed at the storage units 204.
  • Figure 3 is a flow chart 300 illustrating a process for registering a receiving party (e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1 ) in an example embodiment.
  • a receiving party uses a software application on e.g. the receiving party communication device (e.g. numeral 1 12 of Figure 1 ).
  • the receiving party provides a login identifier by e.g. keying in his or her email address.
  • the email address is the receiving party identifier which uniquely identifies the receiving party.
  • the receiving party then enters a desired password to login to and access his account.
  • the receiving party e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1
  • the collection pin is a 6 digit number. In alternative embodiments, the collection pin may be an alphanumeric string of any length.
  • the receiving party is prompted to and enters personal information including e.g. name and date of birth.
  • the receiving party e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1
  • the receiving party is prompted to and enters his or her mobile number to which e.g. text messages can be sent. The mobile number is then transmitted from the receiving party communication device (e.g. numeral 1 12 Figure 1 ) to the central management system (e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1 ).
  • the central management system (e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1 ) generates a further one-time password for verification which is sent to and received at the mobile number via e.g. SMS (short messaging service).
  • the receiving party e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1
  • the central management system e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1
  • the central management system e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1
  • sends an email to the email provided by the receiving party e.g.
  • the receiving party can activate and register the account by e.g. clicking on a link in the email. This informs the central management system (e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1 ) that the account has been activated.
  • the central management system e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1
  • the application on the receiving party communication device processes and generates an access code based on the receiving party identifier and collection pin.
  • the access code is also transmitted from the receiving party communication device (e.g. numeral 1 12 Figure 1 ) to a storage station (e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1 ), via the central management system (e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1 ), using e.g. the internet.
  • the receiving party or user can access the storage station to retrieve goods delivered by a delivery party (e.g. 1 18 of Figure 1 ), and which have been stored in the storage station.
  • FIG 4 is a flow chart 400 illustrating a process of a delivery party (e.g. numeral 1 18 of Figure 1 ) delivering a good to a storage station (e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1 ), in an example embodiment.
  • the delivery party e.g. numeral 1 18 of Figure 1
  • arrives at the storage station e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1
  • registers for an account to provide information of the delivery party (e.g. numeral 1 18 of Figure 1 ).
  • the storage station e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1
  • a user interface e.g. numeral 108 of Figure 1
  • the registration of an account by the delivery party is performed in the form of providing information through the user interface (e.g. numeral 108 of Figure 1 ).
  • registering for an account by the delivery party entails keying in the delivery party's name and/or company of employment.
  • the delivery party e.g. numeral 1 18 of Figure 1
  • the delivery party e.g.
  • numeral 1 18 of Figure 1 is prompted to and enters at least one receiving party identifier. This receiving party identifier would have been communicated to the delivery party by the receiving party, prior to the delivery.
  • the deliver party e.g. numeral 1 18 of Figure 1
  • the identification code of the good may be a tracking number of the good/package or a brief description of the good delivered.
  • the local lock control system assigns a storage unit (e.g. numeral 104 of Figure 1 ) for the storage of the good to be delivered.
  • the local locker system e.g. numeral 106 of Figure 1
  • the local locker system identifies an empty or unassigned storage unit which can be used for the storage of the good and unlocks the identified storage unit.
  • the local locker system e.g. numeral 106 of Figure 1
  • informs the delivery party e.g. numeral 1 18 of Figure 1 ) of the particular storage unit which has been assigned and unlocked.
  • the delivery party places the good into the assigned and unlocked storage unit.
  • the delivery party e.g. numeral 1 18 of Figure 1
  • logs out of the storage station e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1
  • the user interface e.g. numeral 108 of Figure 1
  • the previously assigned and unlocked storage unit now contains the good and is locked accordingly.
  • the delivery party e.g. numeral 1 18 of Figure 1
  • each good is stored in a different storage unit accordingly.
  • the storage station (e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1 ) transmits the details of the delivery to the central management system (e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1 ) via the respective communication means of the storage station and the central management system.
  • the central management system (e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1 ) notifies the receiving party (e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1 ) of the delivery of the good at the receiving party communication device (e.g. numeral 1 12 of Figure 1 ).
  • the receiving party (e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1 ) receives the notification of the delivery of the good at e.g. the receiving party communication device (e.g.
  • numeral 1 12 of Figure 1 through the software application installed on the receiving party communication device (e.g. numeral 1 12 of Figure 1 ).
  • a text message is delivered to the receiving party mobile number from the central management system (e.g. numeral 1 16 of Figure 1 ) for notifying the receiving party (e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1 ) of the delivery of the good.
  • an email may also be delivered to the receiving party (e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1 ) at the email address which may also serve as the receiving party identifier.
  • FIG 5 is a flow chart 500 illustrating a process of a receiving party retrieving or collecting a good from a storage station, in an example embodiment.
  • the receiving party e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1
  • the storage station e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1 .
  • the receiving party e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1
  • the access code is a QR label which is provided by the display of the receiving party communication device (e.g. numeral 1 12 of Figure 1 ) via the software application.
  • the QR label is scanned and read by the reading unit (e.g. numeral 1 10 of Figure 1 ) in the form of a QR code reader.
  • the storage station e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1
  • the receiving party is brought to a main collection menu, displayed on the display of the user interface (e.g. numeral 108 of Figure 1 ) at step 506.
  • the collection menu allows for the receiving party (e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1 ) to choose the good to collect.
  • the collection menu may display a list of items (and their respective identification codes), which have been delivered to the receiving party. From the list, the receiving party (e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1 ) may select the particular good to be retrieved, using the user interface (e.g. numeral 108 of Figure 1 ).
  • the receiving party indicates his/her agreement or endorsement to provide an acknowledgement of the receipt of the good via an electronic proof of delivery confirmation at the user interface (e.g. numeral 108 of Figure 1 ) of the storage station (e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1 ).
  • the storage station e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1
  • the receiving party e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1
  • the receiving party e.g. numeral 108 of Figure 1
  • logs out of the storage station e.g. numeral 102a of Figure 1
  • the user interface e.g. numeral 1 10 of Figure 1
  • the previously assigned and unlocked storage unit is now empty and available for re-assignment and locked accordingly.
  • the receiving party e.g. numeral 1 14 of Figure 1
  • the authentication of the receiving party at the storage station is determined by the received access code matching the access code which was previously communicated to the storage station via the central managements system.
  • the receiving party identifier and collection pin are individually compared and matched instead.
  • the receiving party identifier and collection pin may be communicated to the storage station (via the central management system) prior to the transaction or good delivery, during the registration process. Thereafter, when the receiving party provides the access code at the storage station through the reading unit, the receiving party identifier and collection pin may be extracted from the received access code (e.g. the access code read at the reading unit of the storage station).
  • the locking control system extracts the receiving party identifier and the collection pin from the received access code, and the locking control system allows access to the one of the storage units if the extracted receiving party identifier and collection pin matches the communicated receiving party identifier and collection pin.
  • Example embodiments of the present application can advantageously allow for the retrieval of goods by a user or receiving party, by presenting an access code at a storage station.
  • the access code is a composite code comprising the receiving party identifier and a collection pin, and is read by a reading unit at the storage station. This can advantageously simplify the process of collecting good(s) deposited at a storage station.
  • the access code may also be in the form of a label or code displayed on the screen of the receiving party communication device, and which is directly accessed or read by a reading unit of the storage station, thus further simplifying the collection process.
  • the receiving party is only required to present one access code in order multiple goods sent from different parties or arriving at different times at a storage station at the same time.
  • example embodiments of the present application can additionally advantageously further simply the process of collecting goods deposited at a storage station.
  • the receiving party can collect goods at a storage station, even if the network communications between the central management system is not immediately available. This is because the local storage station has already earlier been provided with the e.g. access code or receiving party identifier and collection pin (when network communications were available). A receiving party will typically arrive at the storage station to collect goods, only when notification is received at the receiving party communication device that the good has been delivered, and at that stage, the storage station would already be aware of the e.g. access code or receiving party identifier and collection pin. Thus, when the receiving party provides the access code to the reading unit of the storage station, the storage station does not immediately require network access to the central management system, in order for the particular storage units to be unlocked and to allow the goods to be retrieved. There is therefore no risk of accidental unlocking of the storage units, due to delays in the network communications between e.g. the receiving party communication device and the central management system.
  • the receiving party is notified that a good has been received at the storage station by the storage station via the central management system.
  • the central management system and storage station may be provided with inventory management means for allowing a user to determine which goods have already been delivered (and yet to be collected) at the storage station.
  • the receiving party expecting multiple deliveries can choose to wait for all the goods to arrive at the storage station, before proceeding to the storage station to collect the good.
  • the central management system is provided with means for allowing a receiving party to view the goods have been delivered at the storage station, via the application installed on the receiving party communication device.
  • the receiving party may log on to his account using the application, and based on the access code, be provided, by the central management system, with a list of items or item codes which have been delivered to the storage station. Visibility of the delivered goods may thus be advantageously provided.
  • Example embodiments of the present application may further include an electronic proof of delivery feature where a receiving party indicates his/her agreement or endorsement via the user interface of the storage station, that the good has been received.
  • This electronic proof of delivery is transmitted to the delivery party and can advantageously provide a way for the delivery party to complete the paper trail of handing over the good to the receiving party.
  • existing storage solutions cannot provide the delivery party with a definitive means of completing a paper trail for the delivery of the good to the receiving party.
  • a proof of delivery can release the delivery party from the ownership (and its associated liability) of the good to the receiving party.
  • a method of operating a secure storage system for delivering goods to and retrieving goods from a network of storage stations each said storage station comprising a plurality of individually- lockable storage units for storage of goods, said storage units having a local locker control system for controlling locking and unlocking of said storage units, said method comprising: registering, by said receiving party, on an app (application) of a communication device, for an account to provide information of said receiving party for storing into a central management system;
  • the local locker control system communicates a message to the central management system to confirm that the delivery of the good has been made.
  • the physical location of the storage station is provided in the app of the communication device.
  • the access code allows the receiving party to collect multiple goods on the same collection menu at the storage station.
  • the receiving party can register for an account via the Internet to provide information of said receiving party for storing into a central management system.
  • data of the delivery parties can be uploaded directly to the central management system for registration.
  • the reading unit is a barcode scanner or a web camera being able to perform the functions of a barcode scanner.
  • the processing step is further adapted to allow the receiving party to make payment for charges associated with the good to the delivery party.
  • the local locker control system communicates a message to the central management system to confirm that the delivery of the good has been made.
  • the physical location of the storage station is provided in the app of the communication device.
  • the access code allows the receiving party to collect multiple goods on the same collection menu at the storage station.
  • the receiving party can register for an account via the Internet to provide information of said receiving party for storing into a central management system.
  • the data of the delivery parties can be uploaded directly to the central management system for registration.
  • the reading unit is a barcode scanner or a web camera being able to perform the functions of a barcode scanner.
  • the processing step is further adapted to allow the receiving party to make payment for charges associated with the good to the delivery party.
  • Different example embodiments can be implemented in the context of data structure, program modules, program and computer instructions executed in a computer implemented environment.
  • a general purpose computing environment is briefly disclosed herein.
  • One or more example embodiments such as e.g. the central management system 1 16, or the local control system 106 in Figure 1 may be embodied in one or more computer systems, such as is schematically illustrated in Figure 6.
  • One or more example embodiments may be implemented as software, such as a computer program being executed within a computer system 600, and instructing the computer system 600 to conduct a method of an example embodiment.
  • the computer system 600 comprises a computer unit 602, input modules such as a keyboard 604 and a pointing device 606 and a plurality of output devices such as a display 608, and printer 610.
  • a user can interact with the computer unit 602 using the above devices.
  • the pointing device can be implemented with a mouse, track ball, pen device or any similar device.
  • One or more other input devices such as a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, touch sensitive screen or the like can also be connected to the computer unit 602.
  • the display 608 may include a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), field emission display (FED), plasma display or any other device that produces an image that is viewable by the user.
  • CTR cathode ray tube
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • FED field emission display
  • plasma display any other device that produces an image that is viewable by the user.
  • the computer unit 602 can be connected to a computer network 612 via a suitable transceiver device 614, to enable access to e.g. the Internet or other network systems such as Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) or a personal network.
  • the network 612 can comprise a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. Networking environments may be found in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks and home computer systems etc.
  • the transceiver device 614 can be a modem/router unit located within or external to the computer unit 602, and may be any type of modem/router such as a cable modem or a satellite modem.
  • network connections shown are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computers can be used.
  • the existence of any of various protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and the computer unit 602 can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-based server.
  • any of various web browsers can be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.
  • the computer unit 602 in the example comprises a processor 618, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 620 and a Read Only Memory (ROM) 622.
  • the ROM 622 can be a system memory storing basic input/ output system (BIOS) information.
  • the RAM 620 can store one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data.
  • the computer unit 602 further comprises a number of Input/Output (I/O) interface units, for example I/O interface unit 624 to the display 608, and I/O interface unit 626 to the keyboard 604.
  • I/O interface unit 624 to the display 608, and I/O interface unit 626 to the keyboard 604.
  • the components of the computer unit 602 typically communicate and interface/couple connectedly via an interconnected system bus 628 and in a manner known to the person skilled in the relevant art.
  • the bus 628 can be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.
  • a universal serial bus (USB) interface can be used for coupling a video or digital camera to the system bus 628.
  • An IEEE 1394 interface may be used to couple additional devices to the computer unit 602.
  • Other manufacturer interfaces are also possible such as FireWire developed by Apple Computer and i. Link developed by Sony.
  • Coupling of devices to the system bus 628 can also be via a parallel port, a game port, a PCI board or any other interface used to couple an input device to a computer.
  • sound/audio can be recorded and reproduced with a microphone and a speaker.
  • a sound card may be used to couple a microphone and a speaker to the system bus 628.
  • several peripheral devices can be coupled to the system bus 628 via alternative interfaces simultaneously.
  • An application program can be supplied to the user of the computer system 600 being encoded/stored on a data storage medium such as a CD-ROM or flash memory carrier.
  • the application program can be read using a corresponding data storage medium drive of a data storage device 630.
  • the data storage medium is not limited to being portable and can include instances of being embedded in the computer unit 602.
  • the data storage device 630 can comprise a hard disk interface unit and/or a removable memory interface unit (both not shown in detail) respectively coupling a hard disk drive and/or a removable memory drive to the system bus 628. This can enable reading/writing of data. Examples of removable memory drives include magnetic disk drives and optical disk drives.
  • the drives and their associated computer-readable media such as a floppy disk provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer unit 602. It will be appreciated that the computer unit 602 may include several of such drives. Furthermore, the computer unit 602 may include drives for interfacing with other types of computer readable media.
  • the application program is read and controlled in its execution by the processor 618. Intermediate storage of program data may be accomplished using RAM 620.
  • the method(s) of the example embodiments can be implemented as computer readable instructions, computer executable components, or software modules.
  • One or more software modules may alternatively be used. These can include an executable program, a data link library, a configuration file, a database, a graphical image, a binary data file, a text data file, an object file, a source code file, or the like.
  • the software modules interact to cause one or more computer systems to perform according to the teachings herein.
  • the operation of the computer unit 602 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules.
  • program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, libraries, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
  • the example embodiments may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants, mobile telephones and the like.
  • the example embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wireless or wired communications network.
  • program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
  • FIG. 7 An exemplary communication device is briefly disclosed herein.
  • One or more example embodiments may be embodied in one or more communication devices e.g. 700, such as is schematically illustrated in Figure 7.
  • One or more example embodiments may be implemented as software, such as a computer program being executed within a communication device 700, and instructing the communication device 700 to conduct a method of an example embodiment.
  • the communication device 700 comprises a processor module 702, an input module such as a touchscreen interface or a keypad 704 and an output module such as a display 706 on a touchscreen.
  • the processor module 702 is coupled to a first communication unit 708 for communication with a cellular network 710.
  • the first communication unit 708 can include, but is not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card loading bay.
  • SIM subscriber identity module
  • the cellular network 710 can, for example, be a 3G or 4G network.
  • the processor module 702 is further coupled to a second communication unit 712 for connection to a network 714.
  • the second communication unit 712 can enable access to e.g. the Internet or other network systems such as Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) or a personal network.
  • the network 714 can comprise a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. Networking environments may be found in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks and home computer systems etc.
  • the second communication unit 712 can include, but is not limited to, a wireless network card or an eternet network cable port.
  • the second communication unit 712 can also be a modem/router unit and may be any type of modem/router such as a cable-type modem or a satellite-type modem.
  • network connections shown are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computers can be used.
  • the existence of any of various protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and the communication device 700 can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-based server.
  • any of various web browsers can be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.
  • the processor module 702 in the example includes a processor 716, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 718 and a Read Only Memory (ROM) 720.
  • the ROM 720 can be a system memory storing basic input/ output system (BIOS) information.
  • the RAM 718 can store one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data.
  • the processor module 702 also includes a number of Input/Output (I/O) interfaces, for example I/O interface 722 to the display 706, and I/O interface 724 to the keypad 704.
  • I/O Input/Output
  • the components of the processor module 702 typically communicate and interface/couple connectedly via an interconnected bus 726 and in a manner known to the person skilled in the relevant art.
  • the bus 726 can be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.
  • USB universal serial bus
  • the application program is typically supplied to the user of the communication device 700 encoded on a data storage medium such as a flash memory module or memory card/stick and read utilising a corresponding memory reader-writer of a data storage device 728.
  • a data storage medium such as a flash memory module or memory card/stick and read utilising a corresponding memory reader-writer of a data storage device 728.
  • the data storage medium is not limited to being portable and can include instances of being embedded in the communication device 700.
  • the application program is read and controlled in its execution by the processor 716. Intermediate storage of program data may be accomplished using RAM 718.
  • the method(s) of the example embodiments can be implemented as computer readable instructions, computer executable components, or software modules.
  • One or more software modules may alternatively be used. These can include an executable program, a data link library, a configuration file, a database, a graphical image, a binary data file, a text data file, an object file, a source code file, or the like.
  • the software modules interact to cause one or more processor modules to perform according to the teachings herein.
  • the operation of the communication device 700 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules.
  • Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, libraries, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
  • the example embodiments may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including handheld devices, multiprocessor systems/servers, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants, mobile telephones and the like. Furthermore, the example embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wireless or wired communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
  • FIG 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method 800 of operating a storage system in an example embodiment.
  • the storage station comprises one or more storage units, a reading unit, and a local control system comprising locking control means for allowing access to one of the storage units.
  • an access code is received from a receiving party at the reading unit.
  • access to one of the storage units of the storage station is allowed, based on the received access code, wherein the access code comprises a receiving party identifier and collection pin.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de stockage et un procédé de fonctionnement d'un système de stockage. Le système de stockage comprend une station de stockage, la station de stockage comprenant une ou plusieurs unités de stockage ; une unité de lecture pour recevoir un code d'accès provenant d'une partie de réception ; et un système de commande locale comprenant des moyens de commande de verrouillage pour permettre l'accès à l'une des unités de stockage, sur la base du code d'accès reçu ; le code d'accès comprenant un identifiant de partie de réception et une broche de collecte.
PCT/SG2015/050048 2014-03-24 2015-03-24 Système de stockage, et procédé de fonctionnement de système de stockage WO2015147757A1 (fr)

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Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201700077661A1 (it) * 2017-07-11 2019-01-11 Franco Alfio Pirletti Sistema elettronico per la gestione della consegna di merci ad un utente e relativo contenitore elettronico di stoccaggio merci

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003056490A1 (fr) * 2001-12-21 2003-07-10 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Livraison de marchandises dans des casiers de stockage electroniques
US20130144428A1 (en) * 2011-12-05 2013-06-06 United States Postal Service Method of controlling item delivery to an electronic parcel locker

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003056490A1 (fr) * 2001-12-21 2003-07-10 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Livraison de marchandises dans des casiers de stockage electroniques
US20130144428A1 (en) * 2011-12-05 2013-06-06 United States Postal Service Method of controlling item delivery to an electronic parcel locker

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
"Parcel lockers - Australia Post", 20 March 2014 (2014-03-20), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://web.archive.org/web/20140320002248/http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/parcel-lockers.html> [retrieved on 20150414] *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201700077661A1 (it) * 2017-07-11 2019-01-11 Franco Alfio Pirletti Sistema elettronico per la gestione della consegna di merci ad un utente e relativo contenitore elettronico di stoccaggio merci

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