WO2016083160A1

WO2016083160A1 - Method, system and facility for automated deposit and/or collection of objects

Info

Publication number: WO2016083160A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/076552
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandrine RESSAYRE
Original assignee: Ier
Priority date: 2014-11-27
Filing date: 2015-11-13
Publication date: 2016-06-02
Also published as: FR3029325A1; FR3029325B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for automated deposit and/or collection of objects comprising: a master module (100) comprising at least one locker provided for receiving at least one object; at least one slave module (300) that is separate and independent from the master module (100) and comprises at least one locker for receiving at least one object; and at least one connection linking said master module (100) to said slave module (300); each locker comprising at least one means for automated locking/unlocking of said locker separately from the other lockers, said master module (100) comprising control means for controlling the locking means of each locker separately from the other lockers. The invention also relates to a facility using such a system and to a method which can be used in such a system.

Description

'Method, system and installation for automated deposition and / or removal (s) of objects'

The present invention relates to a system for automated deposition and / or removal (s) of objects, such as packages. It also relates to an installation implementing such a system and a method that can be implemented in such a system.

The field of the invention is the field of the delivery of objects, and more particularly the field of automated deposit / withdrawal of objects.

State of the art

For the past ten years, e-commerce has been growing rapidly and is attracting more and more buyers. It can take many forms. Thus, in addition to e-commerce between an individual and a professional, there is the development of e-commerce between professionals, but also directly between individuals.

In known manner, the buyer orders an object purchased on the Internet and the purchased object is delivered either at home or in a relay point.

The delivery of the objects is currently carried out by motorized vehicles which move the objects from the removal positions to the delivery positions.

The strong growth of e-commerce, in various forms, is inevitably accompanied by an increase in delivery infrastructure which results in an increase in motorized vehicles and human staff, but also in delivery instructions. As a result, the cost of the delivery infrastructure, the space occupied by the delivery infrastructure on the roads, and the maintenance required for these infrastructures also increase.

To mitigate, in part, the need for human resources to deliver objects and expedite the delivery of objects, object delivery professionals have developed automated object delivery systems, such as: the system described in the document WO 03/056490. This system includes lockers, of different sizes, in which an operator deposits an object to deliver. The recipient removes the object when he wants.

However, the automated delivery systems of objects, such as that described in WO 03/056490, have significant dimensions so that their installation on the road or in existing sites requires heavy implementation work, costs high, and sometimes impossible because of lack of space on some sites.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

Another object of the invention is to propose an automated delivery system for objects requiring less heavy and less expensive implantation work.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automated delivery system of flexible architectural objects that can adapt more easily to the particularities of a given site.

Finally, another object of the invention is to provide an automated delivery system objects whose implementation on an existing site is simpler and faster.

Presentation of the invention

The invention proposes to achieve at least one of the aforementioned objects by an automated deposition and / or removal system (s) of objects comprising:

a module, called a master module, comprising at least one rack designed to receive at least one object;

at least one module, said slave module, physically distinct and independent of said master module, comprising at least one rack designed to receive at least one object;

at least one connection connecting said master module to said at least one slave module;

each rack comprising at least one means for locking / unlocking said locker independently of the other lockers; said master module comprising so-called control means for controlling the locking means of each locker independently of the other lockers.

Thus, the invention proposes a system for automated deposition and / or removal (s) of modular architecture objects comprising a slave module (s) and a master module for controlling all of the modules, each module being independent of other modules. It is possible, with the modular system according to the invention, to adapt more easily to the configuration of the site on which the system is installed, for example by deporting at least one of the modules relative to the other modules and / or by fixing at least two modules between them. Such a modular architecture of the system according to the invention makes it possible to provide an automated system for deposition and / or removal (s) of objects on all the sites, whatever the configuration of the space available on the site.

In addition, the modular architecture avoids performing heavy and expensive installation work by adapting the system to the site and not the reverse, which simplifies the installation of the system.

In addition, the system according to the invention comprises a master module controlling one or more slave modules. Thus, it is not necessary to connect each of the modules to a communication network or a power source, the master module making the interface between the slave modules and a communication network and / or a power source electric. This feature further simplifies the installation of the system according to the invention, which can be achieved at low cost with little or no modification to the site hosting the system.

Finally, the modular architecture with a master module controlling the slave modules makes it possible to back or integrate the master module into an existing installation, such as a bus shelter, a loading terminal of an electric vehicle, a panel advertising, a terminal ticket / public transport ticket, etc., so as to benefit from existing connections to a communication network and / or an electrical source and further reduce costs, work and complexity of installation . In the present application, "delivery site" means a site that can accommodate a system according to the invention for the deposit and / or removal of objects to be delivered.

In this application, "operator" means a person who delivers objects, such as:

an operator of an object delivery service,

- an operator of another service that the delivery of objects but performing a delivery of objects at the same time as the completion of a task in the context of the other service: for example an operator of a rental service automated vehicles, especially electric,

- any natural person wishing to make a delivery of objects after a registration step validated by an administrator,

- etc.

According to the invention, the at least one connection connecting the master module to each slave module can comprise:

an electrical connection for supplying the slave module from an energy source, such as an electrical network; and or

- A communication connection, wired or not, allowing each slave module to communicate with the master module.

Generally, in no way limiting, the automated delivery of an object requires:

- A step of identifying the person, operator or user, depositing the object in a locker to unlock the locker in question; and

possibly a step of identifying the object to be deposited; by entering an identification data of the person, and possibly the object.

In a similar way, removing an object from a locker requires: - A step of identifying the person, operator or user, wishing to remove the object of the locker to unlock the locker in question; and

- optionally a step of identifying the object removed;

by entering an identification data of the person, and possibly the object.

Advantageously, the master module may further comprise at least one input means of an identification data associated with a person or an object.

The input means of an identification data item may comprise a contactless reading means, of the RFID or NFC type, or else by optical reading of identification data from an identification medium.

Alternatively, or in addition, the input means may comprise a keyboard, for example alphanumeric, to enter an identification data.

Alternatively, or in addition, the input means may include means for reading biometric identification data. In addition, the master module may comprise a screen, in particular a touch screen, forming a user interface between a person and the system according to the invention.

The system according to the invention may also comprise an automated payment means, such as a credit card reader, an NFC payment means, etc.

Advantageously, the at least one input means of an identification data item can be arranged on / in a door of a rack of the master module, for example a technical rack.

In a similar way, if necessary, the user interface and / or the payment means can also be arranged on / in a door of a rack of the master module. The control means may comprise computer / electronic processing means for processing at least one input data and for controlling the unlocking of a rack.

Such computer means may comprise, for example, a computer for receiving one or more identification data entered at the system level, and possibly one or more data from a remote server through a communication network, and transmitting one or more signals. electrical to a predetermined locker so as to unlock the locking means of said locker.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control means can be arranged in a technical box of the master module.

Preferably, the control means can be mounted on a sliding support in a rack of the master module, so that they can be removed from the rack in case of intervention for example.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the system according to the invention comprises a rack, called master, provided in the master module and comprising the control means, for example arranged in the rack, in particular on a sliding support in the rack.

The system according to the invention may further comprise in the master locker or in / on a door of said master locker at least one of the following means:

The at least one means for entering an identification data of a person and / or an object,

^■ the at least one means of payment,

^■ the at least one user interface such as a touch screen,

■ etc.

The master register may further comprise means of communication with a server through a wired or non-wired communication network, for example an Internet type network. Thus, the master register provides a gateway between all the bins and a remote communication server and / or a source of electrical energy.

The electrical connection, or the connection in communication, between the master module, in particular the master cubicle, and the slave modules, in particular all the other cubicles, which can be designated as slave cubicles, can be realized by a wire of supply, respectively by a communication wire, connecting said master module, in particular said master box, and each of said slave modules, in particular to each of the slave bins.

This or these son can traverse a module at a wall of said module, for example a side wall, and pass from one rack of the module to another by an opening arranged between these bins. This or these son can pass from one module to another at ground level.

The master module can be attached to the floor. At least one slave module can be attached to the master module through one of these side or rear walls. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one slave module can be attached to the ground.

Advantageously, at least one, in particular each bin, may comprise at least one means for displaying a verification code, in particular a visual verification code, determined on the fly during the use of said record, in particular according to an identification data of said object previously read, said system further comprising an input means of said verification code and means for verifying said entered verification code.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to use each locker in a shared manner for several users while offering a possibility of checking the removal of the good object by the right user.

The verification code can be generated on the fly during the removal of an object from a rack, in particular when the rack includes several objects, for example in the context of a use of the system according to the invention. with a share of a locker by several users. Thus, the system according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that the user removes the good object.

Such a code may be a color code displayed by one or more LEDs arranged in the bin. When the user wishes to remove an object, he enters the identification data of the object, for example by scanning a bar code deposited on the object. Depending on the identifier, a color code is displayed in the bin. The user must then enter the color code at the level of eg the display interface. If the color code entered is good the removal of the object is allowed. If not, the user tries to remove the wrong item and the removal is not allowed. Signaling to a remote server can be done.

Alternatively or in addition, at least one, in particular each, bin may comprise at least one means for detecting / checking the presence of an object in said bin, such as:

presence detection means alone;

presence detection means by checking a datum relating to the object.

Presence detection means alone makes it possible to check whether the locker comprises an object or not and to determine whether or not a locker is occupied.

Presence detection means by checking a datum relating to the object makes it possible to detect, in addition to the presence of an object, at least one datum relating to an object. Such presence detection means with verification may include:

a contactless reader of an object identification means such as an RFID, NFC, Infrared reader, etc., for reading an identification data of an object present in the bin;

weighing means making it possible to detect the presence of an object while determining the weight of the object;

means for measuring a dimension, width, length or depth, for example by measuring a surface of contact of the object with a wall of the rack making it possible to detect the presence of an object while determining the size of the the object;

- etc. Such presence detection means with verification of data relating to the object makes it possible to accompany / assist a user when removing an object from the locker, so that the user removes the right object, especially when the bin is offered for shared use between multiple users and includes multiple objects for multiple users.

According to a non-limiting configuration, at least one slave module can be fixed to the master module, in particular by one of its vertical walls, and / or at least one slave module can be deported with respect to the master module and fixed to the ground or on a existing wall on the delivery site.

In addition, at least one module may comprise at least one rack equipped with dedicated means to offer a specific conservation condition such as a temperature, humidity, safety, sealing, etc. condition.

At least one module may comprise two bins of identical dimensions.

Alternatively, or in addition, at least one module may comprise two bins of different dimensions, that is to say of different widths and / or different lengths and / or different depth and / or different heights.

At least one locker can be equipped:

- A 90 ° hinged door rotates: to facilitate access to the locker and maximize access to the locker;

- A sealing means, such as a seal disposed at the access opening to the rack, on the rack or on a rack access door; and a manual opening mechanism, when the automated locking means of said locker suffers from a malfunction. In addition, the system according to the invention may comprise at least one audible and / or visual alarm means disposed at said system or delivery site.

Optionally, the system according to the invention can comprise shooting means, such as a camera or a camcorder.

According to another aspect of the same invention, there is provided an automated depot and / or removal facility (s) comprising:

- At least one system according to the invention, disposed on at least one delivery site for deposit / withdrawal of objects; and

at least one central server disposed at a central site, remote from said object delivery site and in communication with said at least one system through a communication network.

Preferably, the installation comprises a plurality of systems according to the invention, arranged on as many delivery sites. Each system according to the invention is in communication with the central server through the communication network which may be a wired network, such as the Internet, or a wireless network such as the mobile telephone network.

Authorization (or refusal) data to unlock a locker of a system according to the invention can be generated at the central server and communicated to each system. In this case, the identification data of the person read at the level of each system is transmitted to the central server.

Alternatively, the authorization (or refusal) data to unlock a locker of a system according to the invention can be generated at said system. In this case, for each record, the data identification of a person authorized to access this locker is previously transmitted to said system by the central server.

According to yet another aspect of the same invention, there is provided a method of automated deposition and / or removal (s) of objects in an automated deposition and / or retrieval system (s) of objects, in particular a system according to said method, comprising:

a phase of depositing at least one object in a bin comprising the following steps:

^■ identification of a person depositing said object,

^■ unlocking said rack to deposit said object in said bin, possibly after entering an identification data of the object; and or

a phase of removing said object from said bin comprising the following steps:

^■ identification of a person to remove said object,

^■ unlocking said rack to remove said object from said rack; said method further comprising a step of confirming the removal of the good object during the withdrawal phase performed according to an identification data of said object.

Thus, the method according to the invention makes it possible to accompany a person removing the object from a locker, in particular when said locker includes objects intended for several users in the context of a shared use of a locker, thus avoiding that a person removes an object that is not intended for him.

The confirmation step may advantageously comprise an input step and a verification step of a verification code generated on the fly according to an identification data of the object and displayed in the locker comprising said object. .

Such a code may be a visual code displayed at the system level, in particular in / on the bin including the object. Alternatively, such code can be transmitted to a person's portable device, such as a smartphone.

The code can be entered through a system user interface, such as the one described above. Alternatively, each bin may include code input means.

According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such a code is a color code displayed in each box by one or more LEDs.

Alternatively or in addition, the confirmation step may comprise a measurement step and / or a step of verifying a weight or a dimension of the object removed.

The verification step of the code entered by the person removing the object, respectively the weight or a dimension of the object removed, can be performed at the level of the system or at a central server, in communication with the system through a communication network.

The method according to the invention may further comprise, prior to the deposition phase, a transport phase of an object from a removal position to the delivery site comprising the object deposition / removal system.

Before such a transport step, the method according to the invention may advantageously comprise a step of identifying at least one other object to be delivered to the same user or for the same delivery address by another operator.

If at least one other object is identified, several situations are possible.

In the case where said other object is already delivered or being delivered, this means that a locker is already reserved for this other object. In this case, an identification step determines whether said already reserved bin can accommodate the object to be delivered in addition to said other object according to the data relating to the size and nature of the objects, the compatibility between the objects, etc. : - if yes, the already reserved bin is selected for the delivery of this object, possibly after confirmation with the user;

- If no, another locker is identified as described above to deliver this object.

In the case where said other object is not yet being delivered, it means that no record is yet reserved for this other object. In this case, an identification step of an available locker is performed for all objects:

- If a bin, which can accommodate all objects, is detected, then this bin is reserved for all objects, possibly after confirmation with the user or users. Then, the identifier of the locker is communicated to the operator (s) responsible for delivering this object and the other object;

- if no, another locker is identified to deliver this item.

Thus, the method according to the invention makes it possible to share the same locker for the delivery of several objects coming from several different sources and delivered by several different operators to the same person or to different persons. In this way, the availability of the bins is optimized.

Other advantages and characteristics will appear on examining the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, and the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a nonlimiting example of a master module of a system according to the invention;

- FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of a master record of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a nonlimiting example of a slave module of a system according to the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of a slave locker of a system according to the invention; and FIGURES 5a and 5b are diagrammatic representations of two nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment of an installation according to the invention; and

- FIGURE 7 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting embodiment of a method according to the invention.

It is understood that the embodiments which will be described in the following are in no way limiting. It will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described below, isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one feature preferably functional without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if it is this part that is only sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described are combinable with each other if nothing stands in the way of this combination on a technical level.

In the figures and in the following description, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of a master module of a system according to the invention.

The master module 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a technical locker 102, called master locker, for carrying out the technical management of the system, and several lockers 104, called slave lockers, designed to receive one or more objects to be delivered.

The slave bins 104 have different heights so that they can accommodate objects of different sizes. Thus, the master module 100 comprises three slave bins of a height, for example, of 200mm, two slave lockers of a height, for example, of 100mm and a slave locker of a height, for example, of 400mm.

Each rack, master 102 and slave 104, is provided with an electric lock, remotely controllable to allow the opening or closing of the locker door.

The master bin 102 has a height, for example, of 442mm. It comprises electrical / electronic control means (not shown) for unlocking a slave locker by controlling the electric lock. The master register further comprises means of communication (not shown) with a remote server for exchanging data relating to the state of a slave locker 104 and / or to a delivery object associated with a slave locker 104 and / or to a person authorized to access a slave locker 104 and / or to a verification code relating to an object associated with a locker.

The master box 102 comprises, integrated in its door, a contactless reader 106, of RFID or NFC type, and an infrared reader 108, provided for reading an identification data item from a person identification card, such as an operator or a user, authorized to access a locker and / or a piece of data of an object that will be deposited in a (or removed from) a slave locker 104.

The master box 102 comprises, integrated with its door, a touch screen 110 forming a user interface and making it possible to perform various functions, namely:

- select, by its number, a slave locker; and / or - manually enter identification data of an object that does not have a contactless identification medium; and or

- manually enter an identification data of a person who does not have contactless identification support; and or

- enter a verification code, for example a verification code generated on the fly;

- etc. FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of master bin 102 of master module 100 of FIGURE 1.

In FIGURE 2, the master bin 102 is shown with its gate 202 open. This door 202 is locked or unlocked by an electric lock 204 fitted to the master locker 102.

The master box 102 comprises a support 206 slidably mounted in the master box 102, with the aid of two slides, and designed to accommodate the technical management means of the system (not shown), namely:

the means for controlling the locking / unlocking of each rack of the system,

the means of communication with a remote server through a communication network,

the means of supply of each rack of the system and

- Data processing means.

These management means may be in the form of a computer incorporating the means listed above.

The support 206, slidably mounted to extract the technical management means in case of intervention on these means.

The door 202 of the master locker is mounted on two hinges 90 ° 208 allowing maximum opening of said door 202.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a nonlimiting example of a slave module of a system according to the invention.

The slave module 300 shown in FIG. 3 is in the form of a one-piece assembly 302, independent of the master module 100 of the

FIGURES 1 and 2, or another slave module.

The slave module 300 comprises in all, for example, eight slave bins 304 provided in the one-piece assembly 302, and in particular two slave bins 304 of a height, for example, 100 mm, five slave bins 304 of a height, for example, 200mm and a slave locker

304 from a height, for example, of 400mm. As shown in FIGURE 3, slave module 300 does not have any master slots. The set of bins 304 of the slave module 300 is:

fed through the master box 102 of the master module 100 shown in FIG. 2, and

- Controlled by locking / unlocking by the control means arranged in the master box 102 of the master module 100 shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of a slave locker which may be either a slave locker 104 of the master module 100 or a slave locker 304 of the slave module 300.

The slave locker is shown in FIGURE 4 as viewed from inside the locker. The slave locker has a door 402, in the open-to-open position. This door 402 is locked or unlocked by an electric lock 404 equipping the slave locker.

The slave rack further comprises a technical conduit 406, leaned against a side wall of the slave rack, and allowing the passage of said rack to an adjacent rack of a wired electrical connection comprising:

an electrical cable for supplying the adjacent rack, in particular the electrical lock of the adjacent rack and / or means for displaying a code in the adjacent rack;

a communication cable with the master locker enabling said master locker to control the components of the slave locker, in particular the electric lock of the adjacent locker and / or of a means for displaying a code in the adjacent locker. The door 402 of the slave locker is mounted on two hinges at 90 ° (not visible), similar to those of the master locker 102, allowing maximum opening of said door 402.

The electric lock of each locker, master or slave, comprises a manual unlocking lever of the electric lock, referenced 408 FIGURE 4. Each rack, master or slave, has an access opening to an adjacent rack allowing access to the manual unlocking lever of the lock of the adjacent rack.

In addition, each slave locker includes presence detection means (not shown) with or without verification of data relating to an object in the locker, such as those described above.

Each slave locker may further comprise means for displaying a visual code, such as one or more LEDs arranged in the locker and controlled by the technical management means of the master locker 102. The master locker 102, in particular the technical management means, may include means for generating on the fly, or receiving from a remote server, such a code based on data relating to an object contained in the bin, in particular a datum d identification of the object.

FIGURE 5a is a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention.

The system shown in FIGU RE 5a comprises a master module 100 and three slave modules 300i-3003 integrated into a shelter 502 which can be a bus shelter, a shelter of an automated rental station for electric vehicles, etc.

The master module 100 is fixed on the ground in the shelter 502. The first slave module 300i is fixed to the master module 100 by one of its side walls and the second slave module 300 ₂ is fixed to the first slave module 300ipar one of its walls lateral as well. Fixing a module to the other is removable and is made by screws for example. The third slave module 303 is offset from the assembly formed by the master module 100 and the first two slave modules 300 ₁ and 300 ₂ .

FIGURE 5b is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a system according to the invention. The system shown in FIG. 5b comprises a master module 100 and a slave module 300 and is leaned to a terminal 504 such as an automated rental terminal for electric vehicles, a terminal for the purchase of train tickets, a terminal of purchase of tram tickets, etc.

The master module 100 is fixed on the ground. The slave module 300 is inserted between the master module 100 and the terminal 504.

FIGURE 6 is a representation of an example of an object removal / deposit facility according to the invention, particularly in the context of the automated delivery of objects or parcels.

In the following, the system according to the invention may also be called instructions.

The installation 600 shown in FIG. 6 comprises, at a central management site 602, a central server 604, at least one bin database 606 in which are stored, for each bin in association with a datum d identification of the bin, a bin state data and possibly:

an address datum of the bin,

an identification data of an object associated with the rack,

an identification data of a user concerned by an object to be delivered in this locker,

- data relating to a delivery address or return of the object,

- a locker access code,

an identification data of a user or an operator authorized to access the locker,

- etc.

The installation 600 further comprises one or more data processing modules 608, arranged for example to identify an available locker, to process an identification data, to generate authorization data or not to unlock a locker, to generate a verification code on the fly according to an identification data of an object, etc. The system 600 further comprises at the central site 602 a communication module 610 through a wireless or wired 612 communication network.

The system 600 further includes one or more portable communication modules 614i-614 _m, so-called operators carried by 616i-616 _m operators, and can communicate with the central site 602 through the communication network 612 to transmit and receive data or messages.

The system 600 also includes one or more portable communication modules 618i-618 _n, called user carried by the 620i-620 _n users, and can communicate with the central site 602 through the communication network 612 to transmit and receive data or messages.

Furthermore, the system 600 also comprises one or more systems 622i-622k, said instructions, each arranged on a delivery site. Each setpoint may for example be the system described with reference to FIGU RE 5a or 5b.

At the level of each system or setpoint 622, a master module realizes the local management of one or more slave modules and comprises means (not represented) for:

communicating with the central site 602 through the communication network 612 to transmit and receive data or messages;

- lock / unlock each locker independently;

read identification data from an identification means such as an optical reader, a magnetic reader, a biometric reader;

- enter an access code or identification number of a deposit, such as a keypad;

to memorize at least one datum;

- make an automated payment;

- make a display such as a screen;

- make an audible signal; - etc.

FIGURE 7 is a representation in the form of a diagram of a non-limiting example of a method according to the invention that can be implemented in the system and / or the installation according to the invention.

The method 700 shown in FIGURE 7 includes a step 702 of identifying a person wishing to deposit an object in a locker, previously reserved or associated, on the fly, to an object or a person. During this identification step, identification data is entered at the master module, either by reading an identification medium or by manually entering the identification data.

When the identification data entered is correct and corresponds to a person authorized to access a locker, during a step 704, the locker is unlocked and the object is deposited in the locker. Then, the bin containing the object is locked possibly after entering an identification data of the object. An additional verification can be performed during this step 704, before locking the rack, by means of presence detection and possibly verification of a data relating to the object, as described above, namely:

- A reading and verification of an identification data of the object placed in the bin by reading means disposed in the bin;

a measurement and verification of a weight or a dimension of the object placed in the bin.

These steps 702 and 704 form a phase of depositing the object in a bin.

Then, when a person wishes to remove the object deposited in the bin, a withdrawal phase is triggered. This phase of withdrawal includes the following steps.

A step 706 identifies a person wishing to remove the object. During this identification step, identification data associated with the person wishing to remove the object is entered at the master module, either by reading an identification medium or by manually entering the identification data.

When the identification data entered is correct and corresponds to a person authorized to remove the object, a step 708 unlocks the corresponding locker.

According to an object identification data item, previously stored, a step 710 performs on-the-fly generation of a verification code associated with this object, such as a visual code. This visual code is displayed in the bin or system user interface and the person is prompted to enter this code.

During a step 712, the visual code generated on the fly is entered. If the visual code entered is correct, the object concerned is removed from the rack during this step 712. If the visual code entered is wrong, at least one other input possibility is offered.

If the code entered is still erroneous then an alarm signaling can be carried out by an audible alarm means and / or visual alarm means equipping the depositing system and / or withdrawal according to the invention.

Alternatively or additionally, the triggering of such an alarm can be signaled to a remote management server.

Following removal and before locking the locker, an optional step

714 may carry out additional verifications, namely:

- a determination and confirmation of a weight or dimension of the removed object;

a reading of the identification data or data of the remaining objects in the locker to confirm that the object removed is the one associated with this person,

- etc.

Then during a step 716, the locker is closed and locked. Each of the following operations can be performed either locally at the facility level or at the drop / drop system, or at a remote server at the delivery site:

the verification of the identification data during the steps 702 and 706, the generation of the verification code on the fly during step 710,

checking the code generated on the fly during step 710, and / or

at least one of the additional verifications carried out during step 714.

The method, system and installation according to the invention can be implemented for the automated delivery of objects, in particular parcels, so that each locker can be used to deposit objects associated with the same user or with different users. , from the same transmitter or from different transmitters, carried by the same operator or by different operators.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

Claims

Automated deposit and / or withdrawal system (s) of objects comprising:

a module (100), called a master module, comprising at least one rack (104) designed to receive at least one object,

at least one module (300), said slave module, physically distinct and independent of said master module (100), comprising at least one rack (304) designed to receive at least one object;

at least one connection connecting said master module (100) to said at least one slave module (300);

each rack (104, 304) comprising at least one means (402) for automatically locking / unlocking said rack (104, 304) independently of other lockers (104, 304);

said master module (100) comprising so-called control means for controlling the locking means (402) of each rack (104, 304) independently of the other lockers (104, 304).

2. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the master module (100) further comprises at least one means (106, 108) for input of an identification data.

3. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one means (106, 108) of input of an identification data is arranged on / in a door (202) of a rack (102). of the master module (100).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means comprise computer / electronic processing means for processing at least one input data and for controlling the unlocking of a rack (104, 304 ).

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means are mounted on a support (206) sliding in a rack (102) of the master module (100).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, in particular each, bin (104, 304) comprises means for displaying a verification code, in particular a code visual verification, determined on the fly during use of said rack (104, 304), in particular according to an identification data of the previously read object, said system further comprising input means ( 110) of said verification code and means for verifying said entered verification code.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, in particular each, locker (104, 304) comprises at least one means for detecting / checking the presence of an object in said locker. (104, 304), such as:

presence detection means alone;

presence detection means by checking a datum relating to the object.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one slave module (300i, 300 ₂ ) is fixed to the master module (100) and / or at least one slave module (303) is deported by report to the master module (100).

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one module (100, 300) comprises at least one rack equipped with dedicated means to provide a specific conservation condition such as a temperature condition, humidity, safety, sealing.

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rack (104, 304) is equipped with: - a door (402) mounted on 90 ° rotating hinges;

- A sealing means; and

- A mechanism (408) for manually opening a door (402) of said rack (104, 304).

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one sound and / or visual alarm means.

12. Installation (600) of automated deposition and / or removal of objects comprising:

- At least one system (622) according to any one of the preceding claims on at least one delivery site; and

- At least one central server (604) disposed at a central site (602), remote from said delivery site and in communication with said at least one system (622) through a communication network (612).