WO2019205929A1

WO2019205929A1 - An electronically-controlled locker system

Info

Publication number: WO2019205929A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/081909
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sheldon Sui Lun LI; Bing Cai; Christian SECCI; Shu Ki Matthew NG
Original assignee: Pakpobox Hong Kong Limited
Priority date: 2018-04-23
Filing date: 2019-04-09
Publication date: 2019-10-31
Also published as: HK1247039A2; HK1249831A2; HK1249830A2

Abstract

An electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of users (101, 102, 103), said system including: a plurality of lockers (200) wherein each locker (200) comprises: a plurality of walls (203) defining a compartment (202) of the locker (200), and, an opening via which the compartment (202) is able to be accessed, and a door (201) that is mounted to the locker (200) and is movable relative to the locker (200) between at least one of an opened position wherein the door (201) does not restrict access to the compartment (202) via the opening, and, a closed position wherein the door (201) restricts access to the chamber via the opening; and an electronically-activated lock configured for operation between at least one of a locked state in which it locks the door (201) in the closed position and an unlocked state in which it does not lock the door (201) in the closed position; at least one input module configured for receiving in to the system at least one code information from at least one of the plurality of users (101, 102, 103); a verification module communicably-connected with the at least one input module and configured for verifying that the code information received in to the system via the at least one input module satisfies a predetermined verification criteria of the verification module; and a locker control module (230) communicably-connected with said verification module, wherein said locker control module (230) is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the verification module verifying that the received code information satisfies the predefined verification criteria; wherein positions and/or configurations of said doors (201) and walls (203) of the plurality of lockers (200) are adjustable whereby the sizes of the compartments of the plurality of lockers (200) are able to be varied to accommodate articles of different shapes and sizes, and wherein said input module is screenless.

Description

AN ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED LOCKER SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to electronically-controlled locker systems and methods.

Background of the Invention

Certain existing electronically-controlled locker systems are used as a convenient means of providing temporary storage during performance of a service. For instance, if a user requires his clothing to be dry cleaned, he may arrange to drop the clothing off in an allocated locker which is then collected from the allocated locker by the dry cleaner, taken away and cleaned, dropped off again in the allocated locker by the dry cleaner after dry cleaning is completed, and then collected from the allocated locker by the user. Clearly, this provides a convenient arrangement for both the user and service provider during performance of the service. Unfortunately, there are perceived disadvantages associated with certain existing platforms in that in order for users or service providers to access a locker allocated for use as temporary storage in the course of performing the requested service, the user or service provider must enter multiple verification informations via multiple input devices for processing by a verification system before access to the allocated locker is authorised. This is inefficient and inconvenient for users. Additionally, existing electronically-controlled locker systems tend to provide lockers without the flexibility to store article of varying shapes and sizes.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to alleviate at least one of the above-described problems.

The present invention may involve several broad forms. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described.

In one broad form the present invention provides an electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of users, said system including: a plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises: a plurality of walls defining a compartment of the locker, and, an opening via which the compartment is able to be accessed, and a door that is mounted to the locker and is movable relative to the locker between at least one of an opened position wherein the door does not restrict access to the compartment via the opening, and, a closed position wherein the door restricts access to the chamber via the opening; and an electronically-activated lock configured for operation between at least one of a locked state in which it locks the door in the closed position and an unlocked state in which it does not lock the door in the closed position; an input module configured for receiving in to the system a code information from at least one of the plurality of users; a verification module communicably-connected with the at least one input module and configured for verifying that the code information received in to the system via the at least one input module satisfies a predetermined verification criteria of the verification module; and a locker control module communicably-connected with said verification module, wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the verification module verifying that the received code information satisfies the predefined verification criteria; wherein positions and/or configurations of said doors and walls of the plurality of lockers are adjustable whereby the sizes of the compartments of the plurality of lockers are able to be varied to accommodate articles of different shapes and sizes, and, wherein said input module is screenless

Preferably, the input module may include a scanner configured for scanning the code information into the system, said code information including at least one of a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional matrix bar code, and, an alpha-numerical code.

Preferably, the scanner may be configured for scanning in to the system the code information including a quick response code (QR Code) .

Preferably, the locker control module may be configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the code information received into the system via the input module satisfying the predefined verification criteria, and wherein, said activation is able to be effected without requiring additional information to be received in to the system via another input device to verify that the predefined verification criteria is satisfied.

Preferably, the at least one of said walls defining a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers may include a first shaped portion that is configured for releasable engagement with a second shaped portion disposed on a securement element mounted on the locker so as to secure the wall in place relative to the locker.

Preferably, the first and second shaped portions may be configured for at least one of slidable engagement together and interference fitting engagement together.

Preferably, the securement element may be configured for mounting at a plurality of different positions on the locker whereby when the first shaped portion of the at least one wall is releasably engaged with the second shaped portion of the securement element mounted in the different positions, the at least one of said walls is able to be adjustably positioned relative to the locker and the shape and size of the compartment is able to be varied.

Preferably, the at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers may be configured for releasable engagement together to form a composite door for use in closing a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers.

Preferably, the at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers may be configured for at least one of slidable engagement together and interference fitting engagement together to form the composite door.

Preferably, an intermediate connector element may be configured for releasable engagement with each of said two adjacent doors to form the composite door.

Preferably, the present invention may include at least one computer server module communicably-connected with a plurality of end-user terminals operable by the plurality of users, said at least one computer server module being configured for:

(a) providing an interactive user-interface accessible via the plurality of end-user terminals;

(b) displaying, via the interactive user-interface, a plurality of different services that are selectable by the plurality of users; and

(c) receiving, via the interactive user-interface, a service request from a first user amongst the plurality of users, said service request being indicative of at least one service selected by the first user from the displayed plurality of different services that is to be performed by a second user amongst the plurality of users;

(d) communicating details of the service request to the second user that will perform the service requested by the first user;

(e) allocating at least one of the plurality of lockers for use in providing temporary storage in performance of the service requested; and

(f) generating and communicating a code information to at least one of the first and second users which is configured to satisfy the predefined verification criteria of the verification module so that the locker control module is able to controllably activate the electronically-controlled lock of the allocated locker in a suitable manner enabling use of the allocated locker as a temporary storage location in performance of the service requested.

Preferably, the at least one computer server module may be communicably-connected with the plurality of end-user terminals via a communication network including at least one of the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network.

Preferably, the at least one computer server module may include a Web server module configured for providing the user-interactive interface accessible for display via a Web browser software application running on at least one of the end-user terminals.

Preferably, the end-user terminals may include at least one of a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and a tablet-type computing device.

Preferably, the plurality of different services may include at least one of:

(a) a laundry service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for an article to be laundered in performance of the laundry service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(b) a dry-cleaning service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for an article to be dry-cleaned in performance of the dry-cleaning service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(c) a parcel delivery service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a parcel to be shipped from or delivered to the first user in performance of the parcel delivery service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(d) a product purchase service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a product to be purchased in performance of the product purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(e) a product return service for returning a product purchased from a vendor including via an online e-commerce platform, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for the purchased product during performance of the product return service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(f) a mobile telephone charging service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a mobile telephone during performance of the mobile telephone charging service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(g) a groceries purchase service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for purchased groceries during performance of the groceries purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(h) a food purchase service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for purchased food during performance of the food purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(i) a product rental service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a rented product during performance of the product rental service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface; and

(j) a product repair service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a product to be repaired during performance of the product repair service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface.

In another broad form, the present invention provides an electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of users, said system including: a plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises: a plurality of walls defining a compartment of the locker, and, an opening via which the compartment is able to be accessed, and a door that is mounted to the locker and is movable relative to the locker between at least one of an opened position wherein the door does not restrict access to the compartment via the opening, and, a closed position wherein the door restricts access to the chamber via the opening; and an electronically-activated lock configured for operation between at least one of a locked state in which it locks the door in the closed position and an unlocked state in which it does not lock the door in the closed position; at scanner module configured for scanning into the system a code information including a one-dimensional bar code or two-dimensional matrix bar code, from at least one of the users; a verification module communicably-connected with the scanner module and configured for verifying that the code information received in to the system via the scanner module satisfies a predetermined verification criteria of the verification module; and a locker control module communicably-connected with said verification module, wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the verification module verifying that the received code information satisfies the predefined verification criteria, and, wherein said input module is screenless

Preferably, the scanner is configured for scanning into the system the code information including a quick response code (QR Code) .

Preferably, the locker control module may be configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the code information received into the system via the at least one input module satisfying the predefined verification criteria, and wherein, said activation is able to be effected without requiring additional information to be received in to the system via another input device to verify that the predefined verification criteria is satisfied.

Preferably, positions and/or configurations of said doors and walls of the plurality of lockers may be adjustable whereby the sizes of the compartments of the plurality of lockers are able to be varied to accommodate articles of different shapes and sizes.

Preferably, at least one of said walls defining a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers may include a first shaped portion that is configured for releasable engagement with a second shaped portion disposed on a securement element mounted on the locker so as to secure the wall in place relative to the locker.

Preferably, the present invention may include an intermediate connector element configured for releasable engagement with each of said two adjacent doors to form the composite door.

Preferably, the plurality of different services may include at least one of:

(i) a product rental service, wherein said allocated locker s configured for use as a temporary storage location for a rented product during performance of the product rental service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface; and

In another broad form, the present invention provides an electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of users, said system including: a plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises: a plurality of walls defining a compartment of the locker, and, an opening via which the compartment is able to be accessed, and a door that is mounted to the locker and is movable relative to the locker between at least one of an opened position wherein the door does not restrict access to the compartment via the opening, and, a closed position wherein the door restricts access to the chamber via the opening; and an electronically-activated lock configured for operation between at least one of a locked state in which it locks the door in the closed position and an unlocked state in which it does not lock the door in the closed position; at least one input module configured for receiving in to the system at least one code information from at least one of the plurality of users; a verification module communicably-connected with the at least one input module and configured for verifying that the code information received in to the system via the at least one input module satisfies a predetermined verification criteria of the verification module; and a locker control module communicably-connected with said verification module, wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the verification module verifying that the received code information satisfies the predefined verification criteria; and at least one computer server module communicably-connected with a plurality of end-user terminals operable by the plurality of users, said at least one computer server module being configured for:

(f) generating and communicating a code information to at least one of the first and second users which is configured to satisfy the predefined verification criteria of the verification module so that the locker control module is able to controllably activate the electronically-controlled lock of the allocated locker in a suitable manner enabling use of the allocated locker as a temporary storage location in performance of the service requested, and, wherein said input module is screenless

Preferably, the plurality of different services may include at least one of:

Preferably, the at least one input module may include a scanner configured for scanning into the system an input including at least one of a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional matrix bar code, and, an alpha-numerical code.

Preferably, the scanner may be configured for scanning into the system a code information including a quick response code (QR Code) .

Preferably, the locker control module may be configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the code information received into the system via the at least one input module meeting the predefined verification criteria, and wherein, said activation is able to be effected without requiring additional information to be received in to the system via another input device to determine if the predefined verification criteria is satisfied.

Preferably, at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers may be configured for releasable engagement together to form a composite door for use in closing a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiments thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a system diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a functional block diagram of an end-user terminal for use by the plurality of users in interacting with the system in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a plurality of lockers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein doors of the said plurality of lockers are arranged in opened positions relative to respective lockers;

Figure 3B shows a front view of a plurality of lockers in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention wherein doors of the plurality of lockers are arranged in closed positions relative to respective lockers and a QR code reader is shown disposed on an outer surface of the plurality of lockers;

Figure 3C shows a front view of a plurality of lockers in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention wherein positions and configurations of the doors and walls of the plurality of lockers have been adjusted to vary the sizes of the compartments of the plurality of lockers; and

Figure 3D shows a magnified view of a plurality of lockers in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention in which a wall defining a compartment of at least one of the lockers is shown being slidably engaged with a securement track mounted on an inner wall of the plurality of lockers.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings Figs. 1 to 3D. Referring firstly to Fig. 1 an electronically-controlled locker system is shown comprising a plurality of electronically-controlled lockers (200) which may be allocated by the system for use by a plurality of users as a temporary secured storage facility during the performance of a range of different services. Such services are requested via the system by the plurality of users (101, 102, 103) and may include for instance a laundry service, a dry- cleaning service, a parcel delivery service, a product purchase service, a product return service, a mobile telephone charging service, a grocery purchase service, a food purchase service, a product rental service, and, a product repair service. For ease of understanding, embodiments described herein will only make reference to a single group of lockers although in real-world implementation, multiple groups of electronically-controlled lockers will generally be provided at geographically distributed locations (e.g. at shopping malls, train stations, colleges, or any other private or public space) and will be communicably connected together via a communication network with the system hardware and software modules.

Referring to Figs. 3A-3D, each of the lockers (200) in the group comprise a set of walls (203) which define compartments (202) of the lockers (200) , openings via which the compartments are able to be accessed for temporary storage of articles, and doors (201) that are mounted to the lockers (200) and which are hingedly movable relative to the lockers (200) between opened and closed positions respectively. Each locker (200) also includes an electronically-activated lock that is configured for operation between a locked state in which it locks the door in the closed position and an unlocked state in which it does not lock the door in the closed position. In these embodiments, the electronically-controlled locks may be operated by at least some locking control hardware/software modules communicably-connected together via at least one wireless signaling link, however the locks will typically include a wired system within cavities in the locker walls connecting each of the electronically-controlled locks to a locking control module located in a compartment at the top of the locker which is in turn, connected to other components of the system including the end-user terminals user interfaces via a wired and/or wireless communication network. Any suitable electronically-controlled lock may be utilised including for instance a two-part assembly comprising a door strike mounted on the door and a door strike interlock mounted adjacent the opening of the locker (200) for interlocking engagement with each other when the door is arranged in the closed position. In these embodiments, the lock assembly is at least partially housed within the walls of the lockers. The positions and/or configurations of the doors (201) and walls (203) of each locker (200) are modular in nature and may be adjustably positioned to form compartment configurations of varying shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of stored articles. The lockers may further include sensor modules disposed on or within each locker which may be configured for communication with system hardware and software modules to provide intelligent information regarding whether any given locker is in use or not as well as information pertaining to the nature and characteristics of any articles stored in a locker at any given time (e.g. weight, size, shape, of the article etc) . By way of example, at least one wall (203) defining a compartment of a locker may include a first shaped portion that is configured for releasable engagement with a second shaped portion disposed on a securement element (203A) mounted on the locker (200) so as to secure the wall (203) in place relative to the locker (200) . The securement element (203A) may include a pair of sliding tracks mounted within the locker (200) and configured for slidable receiving edges of the wall so as to securely hold the wall in place. The sliding tracks may be re-positioned by releasable attachment means to different locations on the lockers (200) so that the position of the wall slidably engaged thereto can be varied to selectably change the size and shape of the locker compartment for different applications. Adjacent doors (201) of the group of lockers (200) are configured for releasable engagement together to form a composite doors of varying sizes in order for a suitably sized composite door to be formed which may suitably close an opening of a locker that has been variably re-sized by a user. The doors (201) may include shaped portions that are configured for releasable engagement with each other (for instance by way of interference fitting engagement or slidable engagement) . Alternatively, an intermediate connector element (201A) may be configured for releasable engagement with each of said two adjacent doors to securely hold the two or more doors together to form the composite door. Figs. 3A and 3B depict embodiments in which the compartments of the plurality of lockers are of uniform size and dimensions whilst Fig. 3C depicts an embodiment in which compartments of the plurality of lockers have been adjusted to different sizes and dimensions. This modular and flexible locker size configuration adjustment methodology assists in maximizing absolute locker compartment space available by the group of lockers and alleviates wastage of space and inefficient utilisation of locker compartment spaces.

The system includes a database module (270) containing a database of records comprising general information relating to each user of the system and each electronically-controlled locker (200) . Information pertaining to users of the system may be gathered from the users during an online interactive on-boarding procedure before users are authorised to use the system. For instance, a user manager module (260) may be configured to provide a user interface for prompting users to enter basic user information and for processing and storing such user information appropriately in the database module for future reference by the system hardware and software modules.

With regard to embodiments of the present invention described herein, the term “users” should be understood to include both users in the form of customers who may request services to be performed which utilise the lockers for temporary storage, as well users in the form of service providers that are requested to perform the services (e.g. product vendors, rental service providers, laundry service providers, parcel delivery service providers etc) . All such users are provided by the system with controlled access to lockers allocated by the system as temporary secured storage for use during performance of a service.

The system includes at least one computer server module that is communicably-connected with a plurality of end-user terminals (101, 102, 103) operable by the users. The end-user terminals (101, 102, 103) may include for instance a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a tablet-type computing device. The computer server module includes a Web server module (280) configured for providing displaying a Web-based interactive user-interface accessible via Web browser software applications downloaded and running on each of the plurality of end-user terminals (101, 102, 103) . Referring to Fig. 2, the user-interactive interface is run on a touch-sensitive display (101D) of each end-user terminal and which displays a menu of different services which may be requested by users to be performed. By way of example, a user may submit via the user-interactive interface a request for a service to be performed by touch-activating a menu entry displayed on the user-interface (if the display screen is a touch-sensitive display screen) . The user-interactive interface may additionally prompt the user to submit additional information pertinent for performing the service. For instance, if the service requested by the user involved dry-cleaning a suit owned by the user, the user-interactive interface would prompt the user to enter information identifying the nature of the clothes to be dry-cleaned, the number of clothing items to be dry-cleaned, the time and date at which completion of the dry-cleaning is required, and the user’s location. Some of this information (e.g. the location of the user) may already be ascertainable by the computer server module by accessing the database records associated with the relevant user and may obviate the need for the user to re-enter such personal information. Upon receiving the service request and personal details of the user requesting the service, this information is used by the computer server module to generate a service order which is stored in the database of the database module (270) . Based on the information contained in the service order, the logistics module (250) may thereafter be configured to present the user with a listing of available lockers matching the user’s requirements and the user may thereafter select a suitably located locker within the listing for use in performance of the requested service. The logistics module (250) may thereafter allocate the selected locker to the user for duration of performance of the user’s service order. Alternately, in certain embodiments, the logistics module (250) may be configured to automatically allocate a suitably located locker matching the user’s requirements and for instance suitable size and shape for storing the articles. In either case, the logistics module (250) generates and communicate a code information to both the user requesting the service and the dry cleaner performing the service so that both parties may be able to access the allocated locker at appropriate times during performance of the service. For instance, the user may use the code information to open the allocated locker at a given time so as to deposit the items of clothing that will be dry-cleaned. Similarly, the dry cleaner is also able to utilise the code information to access the allocated locker when collecting the user’s clothing for dry-cleaning at a remote location, as well as when dropping off the clothes again in the locker once the clothes have been dry-cleaned. Thereafter, the user may use the code information to access the allocated locker to collect the dry-cleaned clothes that have been dropped-off by the dry cleaner. The logistics module (250) also monitors each instance at which the user and the dry-cleaner in this example accesses the allocated locker, maintains and updates a status record of the process flow of the dry cleaning service as it is being performed, and communicates via a communications module (240) , appropriate notifications (e.g. email, SMS, social network messaging) to each of the user and dry-cleaner at appropriate times instructing the parties to attend the allocated locker to drop-off or collect the item of clothing. In this way, the system ensures that both the user and the dry cleaner are made aware of when they may attend the allocated locker and access the locker to drop off or collect articles therefrom during the service process flow. In this example embodiment, the dry cleaner that is assigned to perform the dry-cleaning service may be either selected by the user from a listing of service providers presented via the user-interface, or, in alternate embodiments, may be automatically assigned to perform the service based upon compatibility with the service request information entered by the user. In this embodiment, service providers are also required to pre-register an account with the system via the Web browser interface whereby details of each registered service provider are stored in the database module (270) and are added to a searchable directory of service providers accessible to users via the Web browser interface. Alternately, the logistics module (250) may rely upon execution of computer-implemented matching algorithms to automatically allocate a suitable dry cleaning service provider to perform the service requested by the user in the above example, where the automatically allocated dry cleaning service provider best matches the requirements of the user (i.e. in terms of geographic proximity, operating hours, service capabilities, service completion time, costs etc) .

Whenever the user or dry cleaner seeks to access the allocated locker, the user and dry-cleaner are required to enter the code information into the system via an input module 210) . The code information could include for instance a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional matrix bar code, and, an alpha-numerical code. In this particular embodiment, the input module comprises a QR code scanner for scanning in to the system coded information in the form of QR codes. One centralised QR code scanner could be utilised to receive QR codes in to the system for use in verifying access to all of the lockers, or, each locker may have its own QR code scanner disposed thereon (for instance on a door of each of the plurality of lockers) . Referring for instance to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3B, the QR code scanner is disposed on an outer surface of the middle locker. The compartment of the middle locker upon which the QR code scanner is disposed in this embodiment shown in Fig, 3B is not configured for storage of parcels, laundry or other goods and is instead used to house operation hardware of the locker system.

A code verification module (220) is communicably-connected with the QR code scanner and is configured for processing the scanned QR code to verify if the QR code information received in to the system meets a predetermined verification criteria of the code verification module (220) . The verification process may be implemented using any suitable existing software/hardware platform or algorithm. A locker control module (230) is communicably-connected with the code verification module (220) and with each of the electronically-activated locks is configured for controlling the activation of by use of suitable pulse signaling each of the electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the verification module verifying that the received code information satisfies the predefined verification criteria. Conveniently, activation of the electronically-controlled locks is effected in a one-step process by scanning the QR code in to the system without requiring any additional information to be received in to the system via secondary input devices such as touch-sensitive display screens, keypads or the like in order to determine if the predefined verification criteria is satisfied. The use of this one-step QR code scanner verification process provides for a more time-efficient verification process and incurs lower hardware manufacturing, assembly and implementation costs compared to existing technologies whereby multiple input devices are required enter information used for verifying access rights to an allocated locker. The input interface via which users may submit a code to access the locker is also simplified and less time-intensive compared to other systems in which the additional use of a touch-screen input may also be required for instance.

Any one of the features of the embodiments described herein referred to as a “module” may be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organised as an object, procedure, function, or algorithm. The identified blocks of computer instructions need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. A module may also be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. A module of executable code may comprise a single instruction, multiple instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several discrete memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organised within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

The computer server module is configured for providing an interactive user-interface accessible via the plurality of end-user terminals via which a plurality of different services are displayed to the plurality of users and which are selectable by the users via the user-interaction interface. A software application is downloadable into the data store module of the end user terminals from an online computer server and is executable by the processor module of the end user terminals to provide an interactive graphical user-interface operable on the interactive touch-sensitive display screen via which the users may interact with the system. The user-interaction interface may display the different services in an interactive menu from which users may select a service to be performed. Depending upon the type of service selected by the user for performance, additional information may be entered by the user. For instance if the service requested is a parcel delivery service, the additional information may include the destination address of the parcel, the nature of the parcel (e.g. type of article contained in the parcel, size and dimensions) , delivery deadline and the like. Upon selecting the service to be performed and entering relevant information in to the system via the user-interface, the computer server module is configured for generating a service order which is communicated to another user of the system capable of performing the requested service. The computer server module will also schedule allocation of one of the plurality of lockers for use as a temporary secured storage location for storing the parcel during performance of the parcel delivery service. For instance, in this instance, the user requesting the service may deposit the parcel in the allocated locker for pickup therefrom by the parcel delivery service provider, and from there, for further shipment to its intended delivery destination. Alternatively, the allocated locker may be used as a parcel drop-off point by the parcel delivery service provider from the where the user is able to conveniently pick-up the parcel being delivered to the user.

In alternate embodiments, it should be understood that user access to electronically-controlled lockers such as those described above, and, the provision of services utilising electronically-controlled lockers such as those described above may not necessarily be provided via the above-described locker terminal user interface, mobile application or Web interface, but instead, may be provided for selection by users via an integrated third-party e-commerce platform such as is operated by TaobaoTM, CarousellTM and the like. Similarly, the user-interface described above as used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may comprise a user-interface of a third-party e-commerce platform that is integrated for use with electronically-controlled lockers such as those described herein.

It would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may provide at least one advantage over the existing state of the art including for instance:

(i) an efficient single-step process utilising a QR code scanner for scanning a QR code to verify if a users has authorization to access an allocated locker at any given time.

(ii) the single-step process alleviates the need for multiple verification information to be input in to the system for verification processing as is the case with certain existing platforms, some of which require users to enter additional information in to the system via a touch-sensitive display screen. Conveniently, embodiments of the present invention utilise only a QR code scanner and do not utilise any touch-sensitive display screen which assists greatly in reducing overall manufacturing and production costs for lockers used in accordance with these embodiment systems compared to existing technologies;

(iii) lockers used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be conveniently modified into different shapes and sizes to accommodate articles of varying shapes and sizes. This is particularly convenient as it allows the lockers to be utilised throughout the entire year as such lockers may now be flexibly and easily customised to provide compartments of varying shapes and sizes which may matches seasonal requirements of users. For instance, in Winter, lockers sizes may be required to be of larger size to accommodate bulkier cold-weather clothing than in Summer. This modular and flexible locker size configuration adjustment methodology assists in maximizing absolute space available by the group of lockers and alleviates wastage of space and inefficient utilization of lockers spaces. This advantage is particularly amplified in cities with high rental where real-estate is a premium as the ability to maximise space utilisation and accommodate a maximum number of users at any given time increases overall profitability for administrators of the system; and

(iv) embodiments of the present invention described herein provide a convenient centralised platform via which users may request services to be performed by service providers utilising at least one of the plurality of electronically-controlled lockers as a temporary storage location.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

An electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of users, said system including:

a plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises:

a plurality of walls defining a compartment of the locker, and, an opening via which the compartment is able to be accessed, and a door that is mounted to the locker and is movable relative to the locker between at least one of an opened position wherein the door does not restrict access to the compartment via the opening, and, a closed position wherein the door restricts access to the chamber via the opening; and

an electronically-activated lock configured for operation between at least one of a locked state in which it locks the door in the closed position and an unlocked state in which it does not lock the door in the closed position;

an input module configured for receiving in to the system a code information from at least one of the plurality of users;

a verification module communicably-connected with the at least one input module and configured for verifying that the code information received in to the system via the at least one input module satisfies a predetermined verification criteria of the verification module; and

a locker control module communicably-connected with said verification module, wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the verification module verifying that the received code information satisfies the predefined verification criteria;

wherein positions and/or configurations of said doors and walls of the plurality of lockers are adjustable whereby the sizes of the compartments of the plurality of lockers are able to be varied to accommodate articles of different shapes and sizes and wherein said input module is screenless
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the input module includes a scanner configured for scanning the code information into the system, said code information including at least one of a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional matrix bar code, and, an alpha-numerical code.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the scanner is configured for scanning in to the system the code information including a quick response code (QR Code) .
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the code information received into the system via the input module satisfying the predefined verification criteria, and wherein, said activation is able to be effected without requiring additional information to be received in to the system via another input device to verify that the predefined verification criteria is satisfied.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of said walls defining a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers includes a first shaped portion that is configured for releasable engagement with a second shaped portion disposed on a securement element mounted on the locker so as to secure the wall in place relative to the locker.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first and second shaped portions are configured for at least one of slidable engagement together and interference fitting engagement together.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claims 5 or 6 wherein the securement element is configured for mounting at a plurality of different positions on the locker whereby when the first shaped portion of the at least one wall is releasably engaged with the second shaped portion of the securement element mounted in the different positions, the at least one of said walls is able to be adjustably positioned relative to the locker and the shape and size of the compartment is able to be varied.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers are configured for releasable engagement together to form a composite door for use in closing a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers are configured for at least one of slidable engagement together and interference fitting engagement together to form the composite door.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 9 including an intermediate connector element configured for releasable engagement with each of said two adjacent doors to form the composite door.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including at least one computer server module communicably-connected with a plurality of end-user terminals operable by the plurality of users, said at least one computer server module being configured for:

(a) providing an interactive user-interface accessible via the plurality of end-user terminals;

(b) displaying, via the interactive user-interface, a plurality of different services that are selectable by the plurality of users; and

(c) receiving, via the interactive user-interface, a service request from a first user amongst the plurality of users, said service request being indicative of at least one service selected by the first user from the displayed plurality of different services that is to be performed by a second user amongst the plurality of users;

(d) communicating details of the service request to the second user that will perform the service requested by the first user;

(e) allocating at least one of the plurality of lockers for use in providing temporary storage in performance of the service requested; and

(f) generating and communicating a code information to at least one of the first and second users which is configured to satisfy the predefined verification criteria of the verification module so that the locker control module is able to controllably activate the electronically-controlled lock of the allocated locker in a suitable manner enabling use of the allocated locker as a temporary storage location in performance of the service requested.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the at least one computer server module is communicably-connected with the plurality of end-user terminals via a communication network including at least one of the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 11 or 12 wherein the at least one computer server module includes a Web server module configured for providing the user-interactive interface accessible for display via a Web browser software application running on at least one of the end-user terminals.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the end-user terminals include at least one of a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and a tablet-type computing device.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein said plurality of different services includes at least one of:

(a) a laundry service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for an article to be laundered in performance of the laundry service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(b) a dry-cleaning service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for an article to be dry-cleaned in performance of the dry-cleaning service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(c) a parcel delivery service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a parcel to be shipped from or delivered to the first user in performance of the parcel delivery service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(d) a product purchase service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a product to be purchased in performance of the product purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(e) a product return service for returning a product purchased from a vendor including via an online e-commerce platform, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for the purchased product during performance of the product return service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(f) a mobile telephone charging service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a mobile telephone during performance of the mobile telephone charging service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(g) a groceries purchase service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for purchased groceries during performance of the groceries purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(h) a food purchase service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for purchased food during performance of the food purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(i) a product rental service, wherein said allocated locker s configured for use as a temporary storage location for a rented product during performance of the product rental service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface; and

(j) a product repair service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a product to be repaired during performance of the product repair service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface.
An electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of users, said system including:

a plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises:

a plurality of walls defining a compartment of the locker, and, an opening via which the compartment is able to be accessed, and a door that is mounted to the locker and is movable relative to the locker between at least one of an opened position wherein the door does not restrict access to the compartment via the opening, and, a closed position wherein the door restricts access to the chamber via the opening; and

an electronically-activated lock configured for operation between at least one of a locked state in which it locks the door in the closed position and an unlocked state in which it does not lock the door in the closed position;

at scanner module configured for scanning into the system a code information including at least one of a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional matrix bar code, and, an alpha-numerical code, from at least one of the users;

a verification module communicably-connected with the scanner module and configured for verifying that the code information received in to the system via the scanner module satisfies a predetermined verification criteria of the verification module; and

a locker control module communicably-connected with said verification module, wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the verification module verifying that the received code information satisfies the predefined verification criteria, and, wherein said input module is screenless.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the scanner is configured for scanning into the system the code information including a quick response code (QR Code) .
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claims 16 or 17 wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the code information received into the system via the at least one input module satisfying the predefined verification criteria, and wherein, said activation is able to be effected without requiring additional information to be received in to the system via another input device to verify that the predefined verification criteria is satisfied.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein positions and/or configurations of said doors and walls of the plurality of lockers are adjustable whereby the sizes of the compartments of the plurality of lockers are able to be varied to accommodate articles of different shapes and sizes.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 19 wherein at least one of said walls defining a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers includes a first shaped portion that is configured for releasable engagement with a second shaped portion disposed on a securement element mounted on the locker so as to secure the wall in place relative to the locker.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the first and second shaped portions are configured for at least one of slidable engagement together and interference fitting engagement together.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claims 20 or 21 wherein the securement element is configured for mounting at a plurality of different positions on the locker whereby when the first shaped portion of the at least one wall is releasably engaged with the second shaped portion of the securement element mounted in the different positions, the at least one of said walls is able to be adjustably positioned relative to the locker and the shape and size of the compartment is able to be varied.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 22 wherein at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers are configured for releasable engagement together to form a composite door for use in closing a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers are configured for at least one of slidable engagement together and interference fitting engagement together to form the composite door.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 24 including an intermediate connector element configured for releasable engagement with each of said two adjacent doors to form the composite door.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 25 including at least one computer server module communicably-connected with a plurality of end-user terminals operable by the plurality of users, said at least one computer server module being configured for:

(a) providing an interactive user-interface accessible via the plurality of end-user terminals;

(b) displaying, via the interactive user-interface, a plurality of different services that are selectable by the plurality of users; and

(c) receiving, via the interactive user-interface, a service request from a first user amongst the plurality of users, said service request being indicative of at least one service selected by the first user from the displayed plurality of different services that is to be performed by a second user amongst the plurality of users;

(d) communicating details of the service request to the second user that will perform the service requested by the first user;

(e) allocating at least one of the plurality of lockers for use in providing temporary storage in performance of the service requested; and

(f) generating and communicating a code information to at least one of the first and second users which is configured to satisfy the predefined verification criteria of the verification module so that the locker control module is able to controllably activate the electronically-controlled lock of the allocated locker in a suitable manner enabling use of the allocated locker as a temporary storage location in performance of the service requested.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the at least one computer server module is communicably-connected with the plurality of end-user terminals via a communication network including at least one of the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 26 or 27 wherein the at least one computer server module includes a Web server module configured for providing the user-interactive interface accessible for display via a Web browser software application running on at least one of the end-user terminals.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the end-user terminals include at least one of a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and a tablet-type computing device.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein said plurality of different services includes at least one of:

(a) a laundry service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for an article to be laundered in performance of the laundry service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(b) a dry-cleaning service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for an article to be dry-cleaned in performance of the dry-cleaning service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(c) a parcel delivery service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a parcel to be shipped from or delivered to the first user in performance of the parcel delivery service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(d) a product purchase service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a product to be purchased in performance of the product purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(e) a product return service for returning a product purchased from a vendor including via an online e-commerce platform, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for the purchased product during performance of the product return service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(f) a mobile telephone charging service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a mobile telephone during performance of the mobile telephone charging service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(g) a groceries purchase service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for purchased groceries during performance of the groceries purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(h) a food purchase service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for purchased food during performance of the food purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(i) a product rental service, wherein said allocated locker s configured for use as a temporary storage location for a rented product during performance of the product rental service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface; and

(j) a product repair service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a product to be repaired during performance of the product repair service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface.
An electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of users, said system including:

a plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises:

a plurality of walls defining a compartment of the locker, and, an opening via which the compartment is able to be accessed, and a door that is mounted to the locker and is movable relative to the locker between at least one of an opened position wherein the door does not restrict access to the compartment via the opening, and, a closed position wherein the door restricts access to the chamber via the opening; and

an electronically-activated lock configured for operation between at least one of a locked state in which it locks the door in the closed position and an unlocked state in which it does not lock the door in the closed position;

at least one input module configured for receiving in to the system at least one code information from at least one of the plurality of users;

a verification module communicably-connected with the at least one input module and configured for verifying that the code information received in to the system via the at least one input module satisfies a predetermined verification criteria of the verification module; and

a locker control module communicably-connected with said verification module, wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the verification module verifying that the received code information satisfies the predefined verification criteria; and

at least one computer server module communicably-connected with a plurality of end-user terminals operable by the plurality of users, said at least one computer server module being configured for:

(a) providing an interactive user-interface accessible via the plurality of end-user terminals;

(b) displaying, via the interactive user-interface, a plurality of different services that are selectable by the plurality of users; and

(c) receiving, via the interactive user-interface, a service request from a first user amongst the plurality of users, said service request being indicative of at least one service selected by the first user from the displayed plurality of different services that is to be performed by a second user amongst the plurality of users;

(d) communicating details of the service request to the second user that will perform the service requested by the first user;

(e) allocating at least one of the plurality of lockers for use in providing temporary storage in performance of the service requested; and

(f) generating and communicating a code information to at least one of the first and second users which is configured to satisfy the predefined verification criteria of the verification module so that the locker control module is able to controllably activate the electronically-controlled lock of the allocated locker in a suitable manner enabling use of the allocated locker as a temporary storage location in performance of the service requested, and wherein said input module is screenless.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 31 wherein the at least one computer server module is communicably-connected with the plurality of end-user terminals via a communication network including at least one of the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claims 31 or 32 wherein the at least one computer server module includes a Web server module configured for providing the user-interactive interface accessible for display via a Web browser software application running on at least one of the end-user terminals.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33 wherein the end-user terminals include at least one of a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and a tablet-type computing device.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34 wherein said plurality of different services includes at least one of:

(a) a laundry service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for an article to be laundered in performance of the laundry service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(b) a dry-cleaning service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for an article to be dry-cleaned in performance of the dry-cleaning service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(c) a parcel delivery service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a parcel to be shipped from or delivered to the first user in performance of the parcel delivery service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(d) a product purchase service wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a product to be purchased in performance of the product purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(e) a product return service for returning a product purchased from a vendor including via an online e-commerce platform, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for the purchased product during performance of the product return service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(f) a mobile telephone charging service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a mobile telephone during performance of the mobile telephone charging service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(g) a groceries purchase service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for purchased groceries during performance of the groceries purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(h) a food purchase service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for purchased food during performance of the food purchase service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface;

(i) a product rental service, wherein said allocated locker s configured for use as a temporary storage location for a rented product during performance of the product rental service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface; and

(j) a product repair service, wherein said allocated locker is configured for use as a temporary storage location for a product to be repaired during performance of the product repair service selected by the first user via the user-interactive interface.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 35 wherein the at least one input module includes a scanner configured for scanning into the system an input including at least one of a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional matrix bar code, and, an alpha-numerical code.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 36 wherein the scanner is configured for scanning into the system a code information including a quick response code (QR Code) .
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 37 wherein said locker control module is configured for controlling the activation of at least one of the plurality of electronically-activated locks between locked and unlocked states in response to the code information received into the system via the at least one input module satisfying the predefined verification criteria, and wherein, said activation is able to be effected without requiring additional information to be received in to the system via another input device to verify that the predefined verification criteria is satisfied.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 38 wherein positions and/or configurations of said doors and walls of the plurality of lockers are adjustable whereby the sizes of the compartments of the plurality of lockers are able to be varied to accommodate articles of different shapes and sizes.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 39 wherein at least one of said walls defining a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers includes a first shaped portion that is configured for releasable engagement with a second shaped portion disposed on a securement element mounted on the locker so as to secure the wall in place relative to the locker.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 40 wherein the first and second shaped portions are configured for at least one of slidable engagement together and interference fitting engagement together.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claims 40 or 41 wherein the securement element is configured for mounting at a plurality of different positions on the locker whereby when the first shaped portion of the at least one wall is releasably engaged with the second shaped portion of the securement element mounted in the different positions, the at least one of said walls is able to be adjustably positioned relative to the locker and the shape and size of the compartment is able to be varied.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 42 wherein at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers are configured for releasable engagement together to form a composite door for use in closing a compartment of one of the plurality of lockers.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 43 wherein the at least two adjacent doors of the plurality of lockers are configured for at least one of slidable engagement together and interference fitting engagement together to form the composite door.
An electronically-controlled locker system as claimed in claim 44 including an intermediate connector element configured for releasable engagement with each of said two adjacent doors to form the composite door.