WO2022159995A1

WO2022159995A1 - Transfer system for transferring objects in a temporally decoupled manner

Info

Publication number: WO2022159995A1
Application number: PCT/AT2022/060021
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claus Peham; Martin DEGELSEGGER; Franz Scheba
Original assignee: Keba Handover Automation Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-01-27
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2022-08-04
Also published as: EP4285346A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a transfer system (1) for transferring objects, in particular goods or packages, between users, in particular between deliverers and collectors, in a temporally decoupled manner. The system comprises a compartment unit (2) having a number of compartments (3) at a predetermined location, which compartments (3) are grouped or arranged within an audible or visual perception range of a user who is located at the location. A first and at least one second user interface (12, 21, 21') are coupled for data exchange, or can simultaneously be coupled for data exchange, with an electronic access control system (7, 7'). First and second input means (15, 22, 22') of the first and second user interface (12, 21, 21') are structurally separated and can be used by a first and a second user simultaneously and independently of one another at the location of the compartment unit (2). The access control system (7, 7') is designed in such a way that the first and the second user can access the compartments in an at least partially temporally overlapping and error-free manner.

Description

DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR TRANSFER OF OBJECTS AT INDEPENDENT TIMES

The invention relates to a transfer system for the temporally decoupled transfer of objects, in particular goods or packages, between users, in particular between deliverers or persons handing over objects and those collecting or taking over these objects.

Transfer systems, in particular compartment systems or parcel machines, with a plurality of compartments for the time-decoupled transfer of objects or shipments between people or between deliverers and collectors are known. These parcel machines have an electronic access control and a user interface, by means of which a user can transmit a request to open a compartment to the access control. Such a request typically includes the input of identification or authorization information, which is checked by the access controller with regard to the permissibility of the access and, if the check is positive, unlocks the compartment door of a compartment that corresponds to the request and is assigned. As a rule, a number of such parcel machines are operated at a number of publicly accessible and well-frequented locations and are managed via a common backend control system which is at least temporarily linked to all of the parcel machines in terms of data technology. In particular, handover transactions are planned, prepared and recorded, the actors involved are notified and managed and reservations are made.

Such transfer systems are known from the publications WÖ2005111954A1, WÖ2006032067A1, WÖ2012034153A1, WÖ2015039155A1 and WÖ2018204962A1, each of which goes back to the applicant. In these transfer systems or automatic parcel machines according to the prior art, a group of compartments is always assigned exactly one user interface, i.e. exactly one transaction can always be carried out by exactly one user for this group of compartments.

US20050179349A1 describes a widely distributed locker system, for example for schools, universities or sports facilities, which consists of several locally distributed ten compartments, each with several compartments. Each compartment system has a user interface, which is coupled in terms of data technology to a common central control device. This central control device is provided for the administration of user accounts and for controlling the user's access rights to the respective compartments. The possibility is described here of opening a compartment in another compartment system via the user interface of a compartment system. This option is created with the aim of increasing the system's reliability in the event of a defect in a user interface.

Due to increasing online trade and the resulting increase in the volume of parcels, there is a desire for larger parcel machines or compartment systems with more compartment capacities for handing over these parcels to the recipient. This is especially true at locations with good accessibility and the associated high user frequency. Usually, to increase the number of transactions that can be carried out per unit of time, a number of automatic parcel machines, each with a number of compartments and a respectively assigned user interface, are set up and operated directly next to one another at one location.

However, such an enlargement or multiplication of parcel machines at the respective locations is only partially satisfactory.

The present invention is based on the object of overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art and of creating an improved transfer system for the time-decoupled transfer of objects, in particular goods or packages, between a plurality of users.

The object of the invention is achieved by a transfer system with the following features:

- A compartment system with a number of compartments at a predetermined location, which compartments are grouped or arranged within a visual or acoustic perception range of a user located at the location, and which compartments each have a compartment door and a controlled unlockable locking device, which locking devices are controlled by an electronic Access control can be unlocked independently of one another, in particular selectively or specifically, and the compartments can thus be made accessible independently of one another,

- a first user interface that can be operated or is formed at this location and has first input means in the access control, which first input means for the input or are provided for the submission of a first access request to at least one of the subjects by a first user,

- at least one second user interface that can be operated or configured at this location and has second input means in the access controller, which second input means are provided for the input or for the submission of a second access request to at least one second compartment by a second user,

- Which first and second input means are structurally separate and can be used by the first and second user at the location of the compartment system simultaneously and independently of one another,

- which first and second user interfaces are coupled to the electronic access control in terms of data technology or can be put into data technology coupling at the same time,

- which access controller is set up to check the access requests of the first and second user for an intended access to at least one of the subjects from the number of subjects for grantability,

- which access controller is set up to cause the unlocking of the compartment door of the at least one first compartment corresponding to the first access request in the event of a positive conclusion of the verification of the first access request,

- And which access controller is further set up to unlock or open the compartment door of the at least one second compartment corresponding to the second access request in the event of a positive conclusion of the verification of the second access request and in connection with a processing or evaluation of first parameters to cause

- which first parameter is one or more pieces of information selected from the group consisting of

- Time of the triggering of the first access request or the arrival of the first access request at the access control for unlocking or opening the at least one first compartment, in particular with regard to a chronological sequence of the first and/or second input means and/or at the access control incoming access requests;

- Time of unlocking or opening of the at least one first compartment, in particular in relation to a minimum time interval between the unlocking or opening of the at least one first and the at least one second compartment; - Event and time of the closing process of the at least one first compartment, in particular with regard to a clear temporal separation of the accesses to the at least one first and to the at least one second compartment;

- Position of the at least one first compartment in relation to the arrangement of the compartments of the compartment system, in particular with a focus on avoiding access conflicts or tight spaces;

- Position of the first user interface in relation to the at least one first compartment, in particular prioritized in such a way that comparatively distant compartments are only opened when access to other compartments of the compartment system has ended;

— Role of the first user, in particular with regard to individual customer, individual deliverer, bulk deliverer, user-specific priorities, or different skill levels;

— Type of the first user interface, in particular in relation to a user interface permanently integrated into the compartment system or in relation to a user’s personal smartphone;

— personal needs of the first user, in particular with regard to space requirements, time requirements, hearing or visual impairments, or accessibility of existing subjects due to a physical impairment;

- wherein one or more of these items of information are processed or utilized by the access controller in such a way that the compartment accesses of the first and the second user can be carried out at least partially in parallel and error-free. In particular, the access control is set up to control the technical accesses of the first and the second user by means of data processing or prioritization of one or more of the information or data listed above in such a way that they can be carried out at least partially in parallel and error-free or as error-free as possible .

The measure of unlocking compartment doors by the access control can take place directly, but typically takes place indirectly via an electronic machine or lock controller assigned to the compartment system, which is to be regarded as covered by the access control. The measure relating to the unlocking or opening of compartment doors by the access control can also include the selection of compartments and the assignment of compartments and/or relate to the time of unlocking or opening of the respective compartments.

With the measures according to the invention, a higher number of transactions or compartment accesses per unit of time can be achieved with a specific number of compartments in the compartment system be, whereby it is also ensured by the access control that these transactions or compartment accesses are carried out as error-free as possible. In particular, the access control advantageously ensures that if two or more accesses are requested at the same time or in quick succession via two or more user interfaces or if two or more users are accessing one of the compartments of the system at the same time, in particular when using personally assigned mobile devices or terminals such as smartphones, these accesses can take place in parallel as far as possible and are carried out in such a way that the delays and waiting times for the users are minimized overall and access to the compartments is free of conflicts and errors. As a result, the number of possible transactions per unit of time at the respective location can be maximized without complex changes to the structural or structural properties of the compartment system, in particular without a significant increase in the number of compartments, and at the same time the risk of incorrect access can be kept as low as possible.

In particular, one or more of the previously listed items of information about a first compartment access that is already taking place or at least has already been initiated at the same location are taken into account by the electronic access control for the control of a second compartment access that is requested almost simultaneously or promptly. This processing of the information by the access control takes place in such a way that the second compartment access is regulated in relation to the point in time and/or in relation to the control-technical compartment selection in such a way that both compartment accesses are error-free, if possible without mutual interference for the respective users, and if possible can be carried out in a timely manner.

The present invention thus enables a more efficient and nevertheless error-avoiding operation of large, but also of smaller specialist systems for the temporally decoupled transfer of shipments or goods between people, in particular deliverers and collectors, senders and recipients, sellers and buyers, with a high volume of transactions . For this purpose, a simultaneous processing of several access requests from several users via several user interfaces for access to an assigned subject is provided, with information from the simultaneous access requests or the respectively assigned subjects being checked by the access control with regard to possible difficulties or risks of confusion in the case of temporally overlapping accesses and the respective user guidance and access are controlled in such a way that parallelization is achieved as far as possible while at the same time minimizing the risk of confusion and minimizing mutual interference.

It should be noted that requests for several sequential accesses to several different subjects by the same user can also be entered as a block and only then, after comparison with all other currently available access requests, can the accesses be made in an optimized order or in an area optimized with regard to the free subjects of the specialist system can be started. Likewise, the expression “second user” or “second user interface” can be understood as “at least one second user” or “at least one second user interface”. Accordingly, a number of second users can participate in the transfer system or a number of second user interfaces or input means can be provided, from which a number of second access requests emanate and are transmitted to the access controller. In particular, the transfer system is set up to handle two or more temporally overlapping accesses by users to the compartments arranged at a common location while avoiding misunderstandings or incorrect accesses.

According to an advantageous development of the transfer system, it can be provided that the access controller is set up to cause the unlocking of the at least one second compartment by processing or evaluating second parameters, which second parameter is one piece of information or a plurality of pieces of information, selected from the Group consisting of a) the time at which the second access request is triggered or the second access request arrives at the access controller for unlocking or opening the at least one second compartment; b) time of unlocking or opening of the at least one first compartment; c) event and time of the closing process of the at least one first compartment; d) position of the at least one second compartment in relation to the arrangement of the compartments of the compartment system; e) total number of accesses to the respective compartment of the compartment arrangement, in particular with regard to an even use or wear and tear of the compartments of the compartment arrangement; f) position of the second user interface in relation to the at least one second compartment; g) role of the second user; h) type of second user interface; i) personal needs of the second user; j) notified total number and/or number of remaining setting processes by the second user and/or notified data of the second compartments required for this; k) notified pick-up processes and the associated compartments and their data; l) compartment size required for an adjustment process.

A number of successive setting processes for a deliverer can be optimized by control-related processing or evaluation of the information j) by the access controller by assigning him subjects in an area of the system in which there are many free subjects, or by the required subjects positioned as close as possible to each other so that the deliverer can insert as many items as possible with only short distances.

By means of a technical control processing or evaluation of the information k) by the access control, the output sequence can be optimized when collecting several shipments so that the paths for the collector are kept short, or the granted compartment access can be ranked so that the paths with one do not collide with other access processes taking place at the same time.

By taking into account the parameters both for the first access request and for the second access request, prioritization can take place in the flow control of the accesses. In addition, the requirements and options from two accesses requested at the same time are automatically evaluated to determine the extent to which they can be carried out at the same time or interleaved and whether, for example, an intelligent automated selection of a specific subject that has not yet been assigned increases the degree of parallelism or interleaving and also the risk an incorrect assignment or an irritation of a user can be reduced. Accordingly, an error-free process control and an ordered parallelization of accesses is created, with the access frequencies and the number of transactions per unit of time also being increased.

According to an expedient embodiment, it can also be provided that the access control is set up to, in connection with an intended storage of at least one object, the selection of the at least one second compartment from the To cause number of subjects taking into account the first and / or second parameters. As a result, a delivery process into a previously empty second compartment can be carried out in such a way that the second compartment is far enough away from the first compartment and the two operators do not impede one another or there can be confusion or even an error on the part of the operators. Choosing a compartment in close proximity to the first or second, stationary or mobile user interface can also speed up the delivery process.

In addition, the access controller can be set up to prompt the selection of the second compartment from the number of compartments depending on third parameters, which third parameters are assigned to a third access request or to a third compartment unlocked according to the third access request, which third access request is the second User has made in time before the second access request via the second user interface. As a result, the sequence of a plurality of setting processes can be accelerated by the same user by automatically assigning him subjects that are spatially close to one another. This is advantageous in particular when using mobile operating devices, such as a handheld computer or a smartphone, for a deliverer or customer, because this saves walking distances and the loading of the respective compartments can be carried out more quickly.

According to a development, the access controller can be set up to determine the time of unlocking or the time of the earliest possible unlocking of the compartment door of the second compartment as a function of the first and/or second parameters. This ensures that, in the event that an error or mutual obstruction between the operators cannot be ruled out in the case of simultaneous access, the accesses take place in an orderly manner one after the other. It is also ensured that two compartment doors do not unlock or open at the same time, but at a certain minimum time interval, so that the unlocking or opening of a compartment door for a user is clearly associated with a corresponding output or input at the respective user interface can.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the transfer system, it can be provided that the access controller is set up to initiate the unlocking of the at least one second compartment only when the compartment of the previously executed compartment access again is closed and preferably locked again. In particular, to completely avoid irritation of the second user, it is expedient if the unlocking of the respective compartment only takes place, or a compartment can only be opened, when a compartment of a previously executed access is closed again and preferably locked again.

Furthermore, the access controller can be set up to limit the condition of re-closing the previously unlocked compartment in terms of time. Disadvantageous delays or blockages in transactions or compartment access can thus be effectively avoided.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the second user interface can have a display for the output of textual information and/or graphic representations, preferably in color. The term display is to be understood here as any comparable display for the output of text or graphics. In this way, the user's access to the subject assigned to his request can be improved. In particular, the user can be instructed and supported via the display in a comprehensible manner, thus further reducing the risk of error or confusion and speeding up the access process overall.

Furthermore, it can be expedient if the second user is signaled by the display as soon as the second access request has been transmitted to the access controller and/or the second access request has been checked positively and the compartment door of the at least one second compartment will be unlocked and/or that unlocking is made possible by an operator action by the second user and/or that unlocking has already taken place. This signaling at the second user interface takes place with the integration of the access control or by utilizing its data. This makes it clear to the user, for example, that although his request has been checked positively, he still has to wait a moment until the compartment assigned to the request is actually unlocked, for example because another access process conflicts with this access.

Furthermore, the access control can be set up so that the second user continuously requests by means of the display after positive verification of the second access the remaining time until unlocking caused by the control system and/or the remaining time until unlocking of the second compartment made possible by an operator action by the second user is signaled.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is possible for the second user interface to include an acoustic output device or a vibration generator, and for the imminent unlocking of the second compartment to be signaled acoustically or tactilely to the second user. This means that a user can be given acoustic and/or tactile advance notice of the unlocking of the compartment intended for him or her in such a way that he can estimate the exact time and, for example, can clearly detect a compartment door that is opening at the same time as being assigned to him and distinguish it from other unlocking and opening processes that take place at a later time can. The acoustic output means or the vibration generator are preferably integrated components of a second user's smartphone.

According to an advantageous development of the handover system, provision can be made for the second user to be shown the location of the second compartment using a schematic overview or a photographic image of the spatial arrangement of the number of compartments at the location after the second access request has been positively checked by the access controller a mark or highlight is signaled. This helps the user to find a compartment assigned to his access request quickly and without confusion.

In particular, it can be advantageous if the second user interface is designed as a mobile device, in particular in the form of a smartphone with an integrated camera, and that the second user sees the location of the second compartment in a photographic image of the spatial arrangement of the number of compartments by a Marking or highlighting is signaled which image is recorded by the camera and, if necessary, continuously updated. This is an advantageous use of augmented reality. As a result, the average time required for the transactions by the users can be further reduced and irritations when accessing the subject can be prevented even more.

Furthermore, it can be provided by means of the access control that the unlocking of the second compartment only after the output of information, by means of which the second user can determine the position of the second compartment before it is opened, and a subsequent input of the second user via the second user interface to confirm that the second user has found the second compartment. Thus, before opening, the user is given information which enables him to find his compartment before it is actually unlocked or opened. The actual unlocking or opening then only takes place after the user has confirmed that he has found or localized his compartment. This can reduce the risk of incorrect or unauthorized access.

Provision can also be made for the first and/or second user interface to be in the form of a mobile device, in particular in the form of a smartphone or a handheld device, and for the physical proximity of the first and/or second user interface to the location of the compartment system to be checked using control technology and the access request for opening a compartment by means of the first and/or second user interface is only made possible after a positive check. In terms of control technology, this prevents a compartment from being opened by mistake or intentionally via a user interface such as a smartphone, even though the respective user is not at the respective location. This is particularly useful when the user interface, at least when requesting compartment access, does not communicate directly - for example via Bluetooth - with the vending machine or compartment system at the location, but via a mobile data connection with a central management control system that is far away from the location, in particular a so-called backend controller. The technical control check of the spatial proximity of the first and/or second user interface to the location of the compartment system can preferably be carried out by integrating a position determination system implemented in the smartphone.

According to a practicable embodiment, it can be provided that the first and/or second user interface is designed as a mobile device, in particular in the form of a smartphone or a handheld device, and that the position of the first and/or second user interface in relation to the compartment system is at least approximately determined at the location using control technology and is used as part of the first or second parameter. The position determination of the first and/or second user interface for the location of the compartment system can preferably be carried out by integrating a position determination system implemented in the smartphone. This means that when a subject is assigned to an access request, the respective location of a mobile User interface and thus also the user are taken into account and a subject is assigned, which is located near the user, which allows for quick and at the same time confusion-free access.

It can also be expedient if the access controller is set up to allocate free or unoccupied compartments of the compartment arrangement, which compartments are positioned within a close range to one another, depending on the role of the user, in particular if there is a delivery person role. This achieves a mode of operation of the transfer system in which users with different roles can carry out their transactions as undisturbed and in parallel as possible. In particular, the routes of the deliverer are kept short when storing several shipments and at the same time the probability is lower that the shipment for a customer who only picks up a single package can be removed from this area used by the deliverer. As a result, these transactions are more likely to run in parallel without errors, and overall latency is reduced. This can be particularly effective in large specialist or vending machine systems.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They each show in a highly simplified, exemplary representation:

1 shows a transfer system for the time-decoupled transfer of objects between a plurality of users;

2 shows an embodiment of a transfer system which enables parallel access by a number of users.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained throughout the description to be applied to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component designations. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., is related to the directly described and illustrated figure and these position information are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change in position. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a transfer system 1 for the secure and time-decoupled transfer of objects, in particular goods or parcels or postal items, between a number of people. These persons or users can use the transfer system 1 for a transfer of objects without personal or direct contact between the deliverer and the recipient or collector of the respective object being necessary. The respective users can be registered in terms of data in the transfer system 1, but unregistered users can also use the transfer system 1 in connection with corresponding activation means, for example a code that applies once. This is primarily in connection with picking up an object previously deposited in a compartment 2 by a deliverer.

The transfer system 1 comprises at least one compartment system 2, which is preferably designed in the form of a locker arrangement organized like a matrix. Such specialist systems 2 are positioned at predetermined locations with good accessibility for potential users. A compartment system 2 has a number of compartments 3, in each of which objects can be placed, deposited securely against unauthorized access, and can then be picked up or removed again.

A compartment system 2 set up at a predetermined location usually has more than five compartments. At some locations, such a compartment system 2 can comprise more than 10 compartments, in particular 20 to 100 individual compartments 3 of different sizes. The individual compartments 3 can, as shown in Fig. 1, be lined up directly next to each other and form a common compartment body, or be organized as structurally independent compartment group blocks or as compartment modules and be spaced a few meters apart from one another (not shown).

The subjects 3 of the subject system 2 lie within a visual or acoustic perception range of a potential user of the subject system 2 when the potential user is present at the location of the subject system 2 . A typical detection range is up to about 20 m, in particular up to about 10 m around the user. This area of perception of a user of the compartment system 2 can depend on the size of the compartments 3 or compartment doors 4, the average ambient noise level, the average number of people at the location and other factors. The location of the compartment 2 can be defined by a radius of 10 to 30 m. In particular, the location of the compartment system 2 can cover an area of 10 to 200 m ² , in which case the course of the circumference or the outline of the location area can depend on the local conditions. In the area of perception, a user who visits the location of the compartment system 2 can recognize the individual compartments 3 as the compartments associated with the location and can reach the individual compartments 3 in a few steps and in a few seconds.

Several rows of modules, L-shaped or U-shaped compartment systems 2, or rows of modules placed next to each other with their backs could also be provided, so that not all compartments 3 are in a common viewing area of a user.

A location is a common designation for an arrangement of several compartments 3, which arrangement is linked to geographical location information that a user can understand, so that after searching for the respective location, all compartments 3 of the relevant compartment system 2 can be perceived or recognized by the user and without one further extensive changes of location are immediately accessible, i.e. can be reached with a few steps and in a few seconds.

The individual compartments 3 each have a compartment door 4 through which an interior space 5 of the respective compartments 3 can be blocked or released from access. Electromechanical locking devices 6 that can be unlocked in a controlled manner enable the respective compartment doors 4 to be locked and unlocked as required. The locking devices 6 can be at least unlocked independently of one another by an electronic access control 7, 7', so that the compartments 3 can be made accessible independently of one another. The unlocking can include an at least partial opening of the respective compartment door 3 . The closing and locking process of the compartment doors 3 is preferably carried out manually by a user simply pressing shut an unlocked or opened compartment door 4 . However, the closing and/or locking process can also be partially or fully automated.

The electronic access control 7, 7' is preferably formed by a distributed or decentralized control system. The access controller 7, 7′ comprises at least one local operating controller 8 in the compartment system 2 or close to the compartment system 2 and a central administration controller 9 that is a long way away from the operating controller 8 or compartment system 2, which can also be used as a backend controller or as a backend -Server can be designated. The local operating control 8, which can also be referred to as a lock controller or as a vending machine control, and the central management control 9 are at least temporarily coupled with one another in terms of data technology, so that they can implement or control the planned operating sequences of the transfer system 1 in cooperation. They thus define at least the access control 7, 7' in relation to the compartments 3 of the at least one compartment arrangement 2. The data link between the operating control 8 and the administrative control 9 comprises long-distance communication means 10, in particular an Internet connection 11.

The transfer system 1 or the compartment system 2 comprises at least one stationary and/or mobile first user interface 12. This at least one first user interface 12 can be designed as a stationary control panel 13 and/or as a mobile device 14. Mobile device 14 can be a smartphone or some other handheld device. A stationary control panel 13 is preferably a structurally integrated component of the compartment system 2.

A user can use this at least one first user interface 12 to interact with the transfer system 1 , in particular to initiate and execute collection and delivery processes with respect to the compartment system 2 . For this purpose, the first user interface 12 comprises at least one data-technical, first input means 15 in the access controller 7, 7'. The at least one first input means 15 can be a touch screen 16 with at least one input field, an optoelectronic scanner 17, a short-range radio interface 18, for example a Bluetooth or WLAN interface, a keypad 19, a payment terminal 20, or other data or include control-technical input means. The at least one first input means 15 can also be implemented on a mobile device 14, in particular by means of a smartphone and by means of a software program that can be executed by this smartphone.

The at least one first input means 15 in the access controller 7, 7' is provided at least for the purpose that a single user can submit an access request to the access controller 7, 7' in order to indicate or request access to at least one of the compartments 3 at the location of the compartment system 2 . to get. At a certain point in time, only a single user can interact with the specialist system 2 configured at the location or with its operating control 8 and request or carry out specialist access. A further embodiment of the transfer system 1 is shown as an example in FIG. 2, the same reference numbers or component designations as in FIG. 1 being used for the same parts. In order to avoid repetition, previous parts of the description can be transferred to the same parts with the same reference numbers.

This transfer system 1 is set up so that at least two users interact simultaneously or at least partially in parallel with the compartment system 2 configured at one location or with the access controller 7, 7', for example with the operating controller 8 of the compartment system 2, and the respective Request specialist access and, if necessary, execute it. In particular, this transfer system 1 makes it possible for at least two users to access the respective compartments 3 in a compartment system 2 arranged at a common location in a manner that overlaps in time and is nevertheless error-free.

The compartment system 2, in particular in the form of a so-called parcel machine, comprises a first user interface 12 and at least one second user interface 21, 21'. The first user interface 12 and the at least one second user interface 21, 21' can be formed permanently at the location of the compartment system 2, for example formed by at least one control panel on the compartment system 2. Alternatively or in combination with this, the first user interface 12 and/or the at least a second user interface 21, 21' be mobile and operable at the location of the compartment system 2, such as a user interface 21' in the form of a smartphone with a software access application to the transfer system 1 or to the compartment system 2.

The at least one second user interface 21, 21' has second input means 22, 22', which are provided for the input or transmission of at least one second access request to at least one second compartment by a second user. The first and second input means 22, 22' are structurally separate and can be used simultaneously and independently by a first and second user at the location of the compartment system 2.

The first and second user interfaces 15, 21, 21' can at the same time be coupled to the electronic access control 7, 7' in terms of data technology or are coupled in terms of data technology to the electronic access control 7, 7' at the same time. A continuous signal connection between the access controller 7, 7' and the at least one user interface 15, 21, 21' or the at least one input means 22, 22' is not mandatory necessary. The exchange of data or control information between the user interfaces 15, 21, 21' and the access controller 7, 7' - and vice versa - can be message-oriented. In particular, the data-technical coupling of at least two user interfaces 15, 21, 21' to the access controller 7, 7' can also exist alternately and only briefly for the purpose of transmitting a message or data. A data-technical coupling means the fulfillment of the requirements for a transmission of information or data telegrams - in particular for a specific transaction - within the maximum permissible delay times for the satisfactory functioning of the transfer system 1 . Simultaneity means that this requirement is met in relation to data-technical communication for two or more transaction processes that overlap in time. A temporal overlap of at least two access requests of different duration can be understood as simultaneous.

The access controller 7, 7' is set up to check the access requests of the first and second user for an intended access to at least one of the compartments 3 from the number of compartments in the compartment system 2 to see whether they can be granted. In the case of a positive conclusion of the verification of the first access request, the unlocking and/or opening of the compartment door 4 of the at least one first compartment 3 corresponding to the first access request is initiated by the access controller 7, 7'.

The access controller 7, 7' is also set up to unlock the compartment door 4 from the at least one second access request corresponding to the second access request in the event of a positive conclusion of the verification of the second access request and in connection with processing or taking into account first parameters compartment 3.

These first parameters are one piece of information or a plurality of pieces of information relevant to operation, which are managed by the access control 7, 7', in particular detected by sensors or entered into them in some other way.

These operational parameters include information such as

(i) Time at which the first access request was triggered or the first access request arrived at the access controller 7, 7' for unlocking or opening the at least one first compartment 3;

(ii) time of unlocking or opening of the at least one first compartment 3; (iii) event and time of the closing process of the at least one first compartment 3;

(iv) position of the at least one first compartment 3 in relation to the arrangement of the compartments of the compartment system 2;

(v) position of the first user interface 12 in relation to the at least one first compartment 3;

(vi) role of the first user;

(vii) nature of the first user interface 12;

(viii) personal needs of the first user.

One or more of this information is processed by the access controller 7, 7' in such a way that the first and the second user can access the subject at least partially in parallel and without error. This transfer system 1 thus includes an electronic access control 7, 7', which is set up to parallelize access by several users to different compartments 3 of a compartment system 2 set up at one location as far as possible without causing errors or confusion at least in phases at the same time to avoid acting users.

The electronic access control is 7, 7' is also set up to implement the technical measures defined in the claims or to support these implementations. For this purpose, the access controller 7, 7' includes - as is known per se - software engineering means or program sequences implemented therein, which are executed during the operation of the access controller 7, 7' and, in addition to the hardware engineering features, contribute to the implementation of the functional features described in each case.

At least one of the second user interfaces 21, 21' can have a display 23, which is provided for the output of textual information and/or graphic representations, as defined according to the claim. The display 23 can advantageously be part of the mobile device 14, in particular a smartphone or handheld device (handheld computer). An acoustic output means and/or a vibration generator of this mobile device 14 can also be advantageously used for the mutual interaction between the access controller 7, 7' and the user.

The access controller 7, 7' is data-coupled directly or indirectly, continuously or intermittently, to all user interfaces 12, 21, 21' operated or designed at a location. The access controller 7, 7' receives interfaces 12, 21, 21' via the user the access requirements of the users and evaluates or optimizes them for a smooth and possibly parallel subject access of the users.

At least some of the user interfaces 12, 21, 21', in particular the mobile device 14 in the form of a smartphone or handheld device, can be a component of the electronic access control 7, 7'. In particular, the mobile device 14 or its computing unit with the software program that can be executed on it can be at least temporarily integrated into the access controller 7, 7', so that processes in the handover system 1 are co-determined by the mobile device 14. Such mobile devices 14, in particular in the form of a smartphone assigned to a user, also enable identification and access authorization information to be entered and the access request to be transmitted to the access controller 7, 7' of the compartment system 2.

The data-technical coupling of the mobile device 14 with the specialist system 2 or with its operating control 8 can take place wirelessly via a short-range radio interface 18, for example via a Bluetooth connection, directly with the operating control 8 of the specialist system 2. Alternatively or in combination, the mobile device 14 via a long-range communication means 10, for example via a WiFi network or a mobile network, indirectly via the central management control 9 or via the backend control, with the specialist system 2 or with its operating control 8 be coupled in terms of data technology. Constellations are also possible in which the mobile device 14 simultaneously establishes both a data connection with the local operating control 8 of the specialist system 2 and a further data connection with the central management control 9 or the backend server, with the mobile device 14 issuing a command for compartment unlocking or compartment opening, or status information about the occupancy status, reservation requirements, or access keys, as it were, tunnels. Such a mobile device 14 can also be the sole type of user interface 21' of the compartment system 2, or an alternative interface, for example to a conventional user interface 12, 21 permanently arranged in the compartment system 2 with input and output means such as a touch screen, keyboard, scanner, display or printer.

The transfer system described enables simultaneous or temporally overlapping access by a number of users without any significant risk of confusion or irritation for the users. This solution to the problem is primarily in transfer systems 1 with optional or changing subject assignment of increased importance because a user does not know the position of the subject assigned to him, in which an object was previously deposited, when picking up an object, because it is not permanently assigned to him.

The transfer system 1 described enables an increase in the number of transactions that can be carried out per unit of time with a predetermined compartment capacity. In this way, queues and unacceptable delays can be avoided, particularly at peak times. Processes such as the posting of a plurality of mail items by a postal deliverer also do not necessarily block the compartment system 2 for all other users. In particular, the delivery process does not have to be interrupted in the specified transfer system 1, which is of increased importance in particular for postal deliverers who are concerned about time optimization. In addition, the specified transfer system 1 avoids user confusion in terms of control technology. Even if there are several users who use smartphones as a user interface, misunderstandings and the risk of incorrect specialist access can be avoided. The waiting times for the users can be kept relatively short, especially in the case of relatively large specialist systems 2 with high user frequencies.

A practicable transfer system 1 can include a structurally coherent compartment system 2 operated at one location with multiple user interfaces 12, 21, or structurally independent compartment modules that are merely arranged adjacent to each other. One, several or all of the specialist modules can be equipped with one or more user interfaces 12, 21. The compartment system 2 or the compartment modules can also be designed without an actual user interface and instead only have a data-technical connection to the central administration control 9 arranged remotely from the site, in which case the user interfaces 21 'are formed exclusively by mobile devices 14, such as smartphones . The access requests of the users are sent directly to the central administration control 9 via these mobile devices 14 and the central administration control 9 sends a command to unlock or open a compartment 3 to the operating control 8 of the compartment system 2 or the respective compartment module. The exemplary embodiments show possible variants, it being noted at this point that the invention is not restricted to the specifically illustrated variant embodiments of the same, rather diverse combinations of the individual variant variants are also possible.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that some elements are shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size for a better understanding of the structure.

list of reference numbers

1 transfer system

2 compartment system

3 compartments

4 compartment door

5 interior

6 locking device, 7' electronic access control

8 local operational control

9 central management control

10 long-range means of communication

11 Internet connection

12 first user interface

13 stationary control panel

14 mobile device

15 first input means

16 touch screen

17 scanners

18 short-range radio interface

19 keypad

20 payment terminal, 21' second user interface, 22' second input means

23 displays

Claims

- 23 -Claims

1. Transfer system (1) for the temporally decoupled transfer of objects, in particular goods or packages, between users, in particular between deliverers and collectors, comprising a compartment system (2) with a number of compartments (3) at a predetermined location, which compartments ( 3) are grouped or arranged within an acoustic or visual perception range of a user located at the location, and which compartments (3) each have a compartment door (4) and a locking device (6) that can be unlocked in a controlled manner, which locking devices (6) are activated by a electronic access controls (7, 7') can be unlocked independently of one another and the compartments (3) can thus be made accessible independently of one another, a first user interface (12) which can be operated or is designed at this location and has first input means (15) in the access control (7, 7 '), which first input means (15) for entering a first access request order for at least a first compartment (3) are provided by a first user, characterized by at least one second user interface (21, 21') that can be operated or configured at this location and has second input means (22, 22') in the access control (7, 7'), which second input means (22, 22') are provided for the input of a second access request to at least one second compartment (3) by a second user, which first and second input means (15, 22, 22') are structurally separate are executed and can be used by the first and second user at the location of the compartment system (2) simultaneously and independently of one another, which first and second user interfaces (12, 21, 21') are linked to the electronic access control (7, 7') in terms of data technology or can be placed in data-technical coupling, which access controller (7, 7') is set up to check the access requests of the first and second user for an intended access to at least one of the compartments (3) from the number of compartments for grantability, which access controller (7, 7' ) is set up to cause the unlocking of the compartment door (4) of the at least one first compartment (3) corresponding to the first access request in the event of a positive conclusion of the verification of the first access request, and which access controller (7, 7') is also set up to cause the unlocking of the compartment door (4) of the at least one second compartment (3) corresponding to the second access request in the event of a positive conclusion of the verification of the second access request and in connection with a processing of first parameters, which first parameter is one or more pieces of information selected from the group consisting and off

- Time at which the first access request is triggered or the first access request arrives at the access controller (7, 7') for unlocking or opening the at least one first compartment (3);

- Time of unlocking or opening of the at least one first compartment (3);

- Event and time of the closing process of the at least one first compartment (3);

- Position of the at least one first compartment (3) in relation to the arrangement of the compartments of the compartment system (2);

- Position of the first user interface (12) in relation to the at least one first compartment (3);

- Role of the first user;

- type of first user interface (12);

- personal needs of the first user; wherein the access controller (7, 7') is set up to process one or more of this information in such a way that the compartment accesses of the first and the second user can be carried out at least partially in parallel and error-free.

2. Transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the access controller (7, 7') is set up to cause the unlocking of the at least one second compartment (3) by processing second parameters, which second parameter is one piece of information or a plurality of pieces of information are selected from the group consisting of

- Time at which the second access request is triggered or the second access request arrives at the access controller (7, 7') for unlocking or opening the at least one second compartment (3);

- Time of unlocking or opening of the at least one first compartment (3);

- Position of the at least one second compartment (3) in relation to the arrangement of the compartments of the compartment system (2);

- Total number of accesses to the respective compartment (3) of the compartment arrangement (2);

- position of the second user interface (21, 21') in relation to the at least one second compartment (3);

- Role of the second user;

- type of second user interface (21, 21');

- personal needs of the second user;

- Notified total number and/or number of remaining setting processes by the second user and/or notified data of the second compartments (3) required for this;

- notified pick-up processes and the associated compartments (3) and their data;

- Required compartment size for a setting process.

3. Transfer system according to claim 2, characterized in that the access controller (7, 7') is set up to take into account the selection of the at least one second compartment (3) from the number of compartments in connection with an intended storage of at least one object of the first and/or second parameters.

4. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the access controller (7, 7') is set up to initiate the selection of the at least one second compartment (3) from the number of compartments depending on third parameters Which third parameters of a third access request or according to the - 26 - third access request unlocked third compartment (3) are assigned, which third access request the second user has made in time before the second access request via the second user interface (21, 21 ').

5. Transfer system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the access controller (7, 7') is set up to record the time of unlocking or the time of the earliest possible unlocking of the compartment door (4) of the at least one second compartment ( 3) to be determined as a function of the first and/or second parameters.

6. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the access controller (7, 7 ') is set up to cause the unlocking of the at least one second compartment (3) only when the compartment of the previously executed compartment access is closed again.

7. Transfer system according to Claim 6, characterized in that the access controller (7, 7') is set up to limit the time required for the re-closing of the previously unlocked compartment (3).

8. Transfer system according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second user interface (21, 21') has a display (23) for the output of textual information and/or graphic representations.

9. Transfer system according to claim 8, characterized in that the second user is signaled by the display (23) as soon as the second access request has been transmitted to the access controller (7, 7') and/or the second access request has been checked positively and the the compartment door (4) of the at least one second compartment (3) will be unlocked and/or that unlocking is enabled by an operator action by the second user and/or that unlocking has already taken place.

10. Transfer system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the second user using the display (23) after positive verification of the second access request by the access controller (7, 7 ') continuously the remaining time up to - 27 - unlocking caused by control technology and/or the time remaining until unlocking of the at least one second compartment (3) made possible by an operator action by the second user is signaled.

11. Transfer system according to claim 10, characterized in that the second user interface (21, 21') comprises an acoustic output device or a vibration generator and that the impending unlocking of the at least one second compartment (3) is signaled acoustically or tactilely to the second user.

12. Transfer system according to one of Claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the second user is informed of the position of the at least one second compartment (3) using the display (23) after the second access request has been positively checked by the access controller (7, 7'). a schematic overview representation or a photographic image of the spatial arrangement of the number of compartments at the location is signaled by a marking or highlighting.

13. Handover system according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the at least one second user interface (21') is designed as a mobile device, in particular in the form of a smartphone with an integrated camera, and in that the second user is informed of the position of the at least a second compartment (3) is signaled in a photographic image of the spatial arrangement of the number of compartments by a marking or highlighting, which image is recorded by the camera and optionally continuously updated.

14. Transfer system according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the unlocking of the at least one second compartment (3) only takes place after information has been output, by means of which the second user can determine the position of the at least one second compartment before it is opened, and a subsequent input by the second user via the second user interface (21, 21') to confirm that the at least one second compartment (3) has been found by the second user. - 28 -

15. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the first and/or second user interface (12, 21, 21') is designed as a mobile device (14), in particular in the form of a smartphone or a handheld device , and that the physical proximity of the first and/or second user interface (12, 21, 21') to the location of the compartment system (2) is checked by control technology and the access request for opening a compartment is answered by means of the first and/or second user interface (12, 21, 21 ') is only made possible after a positive review.

16. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first and/or second user interface (12, 21, 21') is designed as a mobile device (14), in particular in the form of a smartphone or a handheld device , and that the position of the first and/or second user interface (12, 21, 21') in relation to the compartment (2) at the location is at least approximately determined by control technology and is used as part of the first or second parameter.

17. Transfer system according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the access controller (7, 7') is set up to allocate free compartments (3) depending on the role of the user, in particular if there is a delivery person role. of the compartment arrangement (2) to determine which compartments (3) are positioned within a close range of one another.