EP1959406A1 - Locker facility, logistics system and method for operating the locker facility - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (10) has a microphone for receiving audio data from an audio playback unit (50), and a data processing unit for processing the audio data played back by the audio playback unit. The processing unit is designed to identify an article e.g. postal mail (51), based on information obtained from the audio data. The data processing unit determines a compartment (20) in which the article is not provided, and compares measurement of the determined free compartment with measurement of the article received by the audio-playback unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for placing and/or collecting articles in/from a safe deposit box system.

Description

The invention relates to a locker system in which an object can be adjusted, stored and from which it can be collected.

The invention further relates to a lock system containing the logistics system and a method for operating the locker system.

Electronic locker systems and methods for their operation are known and exemplified in the following patents of Deutsche Post AG: EP 1 408 801 . EP 1 408 802 . EP 1 409 160 . EP 1 421 537 and EP 1 438 641 ,

The present invention has for its object to provide a locker system that further simplifies a collection of delivered items.

Advantageous developments of the locker system emerge from the dependent claims 2 to 8.

The object is further achieved by a logistics system according to claim 9.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for operating the locker system according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the method emerge from the subclaims 11 to 14.

It is particularly advantageous that the locker system comprises means for receiving data from an audio playback means, and that the locker system comprises means for processing the reproduced from the audio playback means data, which means is designed so that it is based on the The information determined by the audio data identified at least one object contained in the locker system.

As a result, the locker system is designed so that it can be integrated in a particularly preferred manner in a logistics system.

When a delivery of at least one object into the locker system, an identification code is detected.

The identification code is associated with the item or objects intended for delivery to a user.

It includes both assigning to each individual item an identification code which can be uniquely identified by it, as well as assigning a common identification number to a plurality of items intended for delivery to the user.
The article or items may be, for example, a mail item or a delivery of goods intended for the user.

The locker system according to the invention is designed in a particularly preferred embodiment as an electronic parcel compartment system.

However, it is also possible to use the locker system according to the invention as a vending machine, which allows a collection of goods delivered to a user.

A preferred embodiment of the locker system is characterized in that it has a control unit, wherein the control unit has a means for generating a control signal.

An advantageous further development of the invention provides that the control unit has a means for generating and / or transmitting a control signal to a closure means for opening a door associated with the object on the basis of a transmitted compartment identification information.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that in at least one compartment of the locker system a tray detection device is arranged, having means for detecting an in-tray audio playback means and for acquiring data from the audio playback means, and that the Tray detection means comprises means for transmitting the data read from the audio reproducing means to the data processing unit, the data processing unit comprising storage means for storing the data for tray identification of the subject in question.

A further development of the invention is characterized in that additional information is assigned to the audio data.

It is particularly advantageous that the audio data contain an audio barcode.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention envisages informing a registered or unregistered user of the locker system about an intended, imminent or completed setting of the article, in particular a mailpiece.

The information of the user can be done in many ways. It is expedient that the notification itself comprises audio data or that audio data are transmitted, possibly in addition to a notification made in another way.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides to transmit the audio data in such a way that they are conducted into a voice box of the user.

An immediate forwarding of the audio data in a mailbox can be done for example by a suitable tax code.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the audio data is transmitted from a device of the user (user device) to the locker system.

Appropriately, the transmission takes place as an immediate acoustic signal, for example via a built-in speaker of the user device.

The user device is, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant, a preferably portable computer or other medium suitable for storing and / or reproducing information, for example an audio player such as an MP3 player.

It is possible that the audio data contains information about the assignment of the object immediately.

However, it is particularly advantageous to provide an audio barcode.

The audio barcode is, for example, a non-audible high-frequency component of the audio signal which contains information such as an identification for identification of the object, optionally control information and in individual embodiments also information for identification of the user within the scope of the invention mobile terminal the audio barcode can be played back by means of the built-in speaker.

Conveniently, the locker system includes at least one microphone for receiving the audio data.

The previously received audio data is then evaluated in the locker system.

The information recovered during the evaluation is then displayed on the display of the terminal. In this way, the user of the terminal receives while listening to information about him interesting audio data. Further, the information contained in the audio barcode may also include information for controlling the locker system.

A development of the invention provides that the audio data are embedded as audio watermark in an audio signal.

It is advantageous that the additional information is encrypted in such a way that it can be decrypted with a key present in the receiving device, and that the audio watermark comprises the encrypted additional information.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a data signal is introduced into an audio signal (sound signal). Preferably, the audio signal is introduced in the form of an audio watermark as a non-audible signal.

An audio watermark is a data signal within an audio signal that is essentially inaudible due to the physioacoustic characteristics of the human ear. Audio watermarks are generated by modifications of the audio signal that are substantially imperceptible to human hearing, and can be electronically detected and evaluated. By means of the watermarking technique, additional information can be embedded in an audio signal which, for example, extracts identification information and / or control information from the signal, which authorizes, for example, the removal of a transmission.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention include generating an audio signal that is not audible to humans. The non-audibility of the audio signal is achieved, for example, by selecting the frequency range or by embedding in another signal, for example a spoken message, preferably in the form of an audio watermark.

The audio data are expediently reproduced by a loudspeaker of a user device in the form of an audio signal and can be received by a suitable receiving device-in particular a microphone or a sensor-of the locker system.

The audio data and thus preferably also the audio signals generated on its basis, preferably in a mobile user unit, for example a mobile telephone or a mobile digital assistant, may contain different information according to the invention.

In particular, it is expedient for the audio data to contain identification information.

The identification information is used, for example, to identify the user, the item to be picked up or the items to be picked up. Furthermore, it is possible to use the identification information for an assignment of users to user groups. For example, different user groups may be granted different rights for actions on the locker system.

To facilitate the operability of the locker system, it is particularly advantageous that the audio data control information is assigned.

This is done in a particularly expedient form in that the control information is contained in the audio data or, if appropriate, can be removed by decryption or other processing.

The control information makes it possible to further automate operations of the locker system.

This happens, for example, by routing audio data to a voicemail box.

This can be done, for example, by producing the audio data during a processing operation of the object, for example during a processing operation in a mail or parcel center or during a delivery in the locker system.

The generated audio data is preferably directed to a voicemail box.

The voice box is storage for voice or other acoustic signals, including the audio data according to the invention. The voicebox offers access via the telephone network. This is, for example, analog or digital, equipped, for example, ISDN, GSM, UMTS or Voice over IP.
The voicebox can also be an answering machine or another recording device. However, it is equally advantageous that the voice box function is provided by a network operator or service provider. A voice box makes it possible for a user to leave an acoustic message, preferably with the audio data according to the invention.

When the voice box is made available by the network operator or service provider, the messages are stored centrally by the provider of this service. They can then be retrieved from any telephone line by dialing a specific number and entering a code to protect against unauthorized listening to the messages.

Preferably, digital compressed audio data, such as audio files in MP3 format, are used as sources for reproducing the audio data, since they can be easily obtained by electronic means due to their reduced data volume.

When using an audio watermark, it is desirable for the audio watermark to be robust to compression of the audio data. For this purpose, the person skilled in the art can fall back on technologies known from other technical fields, in particular the music industry.

A development of the invention includes a method for delivery of a shipment to an electronic locker system to facilitate pickup by unregistered users.

• Deponierung der Sendung in einem Fach der elektronischen Schließfachanlage;
• Übermittlung der Audiodaten an den Nutzer und/oder an eine von ihm nutzbare mobile Benutzereinheit - beispielsweise ein Mobiltelefon oder eine sonstige zur Wiedergabe von Audiodaten geeignete Vorrichtung.
• Abholung der Sendung an der Schließfachanlage durch einen Abholer, wobei
  • wenigstens das dem Empfänger der Sendung zugeordnete Identifikationsmittel erfasst wird,
  • ein Vergleich des dem Empfänger der Sendung zugeordneten Identifikationsmittels mit den für belegte Fächer gespeicherten Identifikationsmitteln erfolgt, und
  • die Ausgabe der deponierten Sendung aus einem Fach erfolgt, falls das Ergebnis des Vergleiches ergibt, dass das dem Empfänger zugeordnete Identifikationsmittel mit einem zu dem betreffenden Fach gespeicherten Identifikationsmittel übereinstimmt.

This process is characterized by the following steps:

• Depositing the consignment in a compartment of the electronic locker system;
• Transmission of the audio data to the user and / or to a usable mobile user unit - for example, a mobile phone or other suitable for playback of audio device.
• Pick up the consignment at the locker by a collector, where
  • at least the identification means associated with the consignee of the consignment is detected,
  • a comparison of the identification means associated with the recipient of the program with the identification means stored for occupied compartments takes place, and
  • the output of the deposited shipment from a bin is made, if the result of the comparison shows that the identification means associated with the recipient coincide with an identification means stored for the relevant compartment.

If an ordered shipment is set in the packing station, then in addition to an SMS and e-mail notification, audio data, for example in the form of an audio message, can be sent to the recipient's mobile mailbox. This individual message contains a one-time code in the form of a tone sequence, which authorizes the opening of the packing station. The user goes with his mobile phone to the packing station, dials his mailbox and plays the audio message again. The packing station recognizes the tone sequence and releases the tray with the program

The locker system according to the invention can be used both for registered and for non-registered users.

• Der Nutzer hinterlegt seine Handynummer oder Email-Adresse bereits bei der Bestellung beim Versender. Diesen Daten fügt der Versender einen eindeutigen Identifizierer einer Sendung (in der Regel den Barcode auf dem Adressaufkleber) zu und übermittelt sie an das IT-System der Schließfachanlagen/des Logistikers.
• Der Nutzer teilt den eindeutigen Identifizierer (z.B. den Barcode auf der Prepaid-Marke) sowie die Handynummer oder Email-Adresse des Empfängers auf der Internetseite des Logistikers/der Schließfachanlagen mit. Denkbar ist ebenfalls eine Mitteilung per Telefon, Email oder SMS.

In order to facilitate use by non-registered users, it is advantageous to use one or both of the following variants:

• The user deposits his mobile number or e-mail address already when ordering with the sender. The sender attaches a unique identifier to a shipment (usually the barcode on the address sticker) to this data and transmits it to the IT system of the locker / logistics provider.
• The user communicates the unique identifier (eg the barcode on the prepaid mark) as well as the mobile phone number or e-mail address of the recipient on the website of the logistics provider / locker system. Also conceivable is a message by phone, email or SMS.

The locker according to the invention is used for setting in and picking up items from compartments of the locker system, each compartment having a closable by a closure means door. The closure means is connected to a control unit which has means for controlling the closure means via control signals. The control unit in turn is connected to a data processing unit, wherein each compartment is assigned a unique compartment identification. Furthermore, it can be called up by the data processing unit in which compartments an object is located.

The invention includes a logistics system for transporting a mail piece on a transport path within a postal distribution network.

The term logistics system is to be understood in the context of the invention in a broad meaning. In particular, it has systems which contain the necessary means and devices to carry out the transport of mailpieces from a point of departure to a delivery point on a transport path within a postal distribution network. Furthermore, the locker systems according to the invention are part of the logistics system.

The point of departure is, for example, a storage location or place of delivery of, for example, an item to be sold or sold.

According to the locker system has a central system detection device which is connected to the data processing unit. The central system detection device has means for recognizing at least one audio reproduction device located in a defined environment of this detection device and means for acquiring data from the audio reproduction device. In this case, the data read from the audio reproduction means contain at least the dimensions of the object to which the respective audio reproduction means is assigned.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the central system detection device has means for the simultaneous detection of a plurality of audio playback devices in a defined environment of this system detection device. The control unit in this case also comprises means for the simultaneous generation and / or transmission of a plurality of control signals to the closure means for opening the doors of the respective free compartments with the transmitted compartment identifications.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit has means for successively generating and / or transmitting a plurality of control signals to the closure means for opening the doors of the respective free compartments with the transmitted compartment identifications.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in at least one compartment of the locker system is further arranged a compartment detection device having means for detecting an audio reproduction means located in the compartment and for acquiring data from the audio reproduction means. The compartment detection device has means for transmitting the data read from the audio reproduction means to the data processing unit, the data processing unit having storage means for storing the data for the compartment identification of the compartment concerned.

The invention further comprises a method for operating a locker system in which objects are set in compartments of the locker system, wherein a control unit for opening the door of a compartment transmits a control signal to a closure means of the compartment. In a data processing unit, the dimensions of the respective compartment are also stored for compartment identifications of the compartments.

According to the invention, at least one audio reproduction device is detected in a defined environment of a system detection device, and data is read from the audio reproduction device.

The invention also recognizes that the audio reproduction means outputs an audio signal containing the audio data and this audio signal is detected by the locker system.

The skilled person can thus use both push and pull functions.

The data received by the audio playback means include, for example, the dimensions of an item to be delivered to the locker system.

The audio data acquired by the audio playback means is transmitted to the data processing unit. The data processing unit then determines the compartments of the locker system in which there is no object and performs a comparison of the dimensions of the determined free compartments of the locker system with the received of the audio reproducing means dimensions of the object. From this a free compartment of the locker system is determined with dimensions that are larger than the dimensions of the object.

In a method step, the compartment identification of the determined free compartment is determined, and this is transmitted to the control unit. The control unit receives the shelf identification and then generates a control signal. The control signal is transmitted to the closure means of the compartment with the received compartment identification, wherein the control signal triggers the opening of the compartment door.

In a preferred embodiment, the central system detection device simultaneously detects a plurality of audio playback means in a defined environment of this detection device and reads them out. The control unit also preferably simultaneously generates a plurality of control signals and / or simultaneously transmits these to the closure means for opening the doors of the respective free compartments with the transmitted compartment identifications.

If the comparison of the dimensions of the article with the dimensions of the free compartments shows that no free compartment has dimensions larger than the dimensions of the object, the data processing unit preferably generates a signal which is transmitted by the data processing unit to a control unit of the locker system. The signal can be converted, for example, by the operating unit on a display means into an optical and / or acoustic message.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit preferably generates successively a plurality of control signals and / or transmits them successively to the closure means for opening the doors of the relevant free compartments with the transmitted compartment identifications. The order of the transmitted control signals is preferably dependent on the dimensions of the compartments. For example, a control signal is communicated to a compartment of smaller dimensions before a control signal is transmitted to a compartment having proportionally larger dimensions.

In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention further provides that a compartment detection device recognizes in at least one compartment of the locker system an audio reproduction device located in the compartment and reads out data from the audio reproduction device. The tray detection device transmits the data read from the audio playback device to the data processing unit, wherein the data processing unit stores the data in a memory means for compartment identification of the relevant compartment.

This embodiment has the advantage that items of information belonging to a locker system can be detected quickly and without error. In particular, the dimensions of an object to be set in a locker system stored in an audio playback device can be used to determine free compartments into which the respective object fits. If the transponders of the objects are detected at the same time, all the compartments required for the setting can be opened to a user of the system within a short time.

If an embodiment of a locker system is selected in which there is a further detection device for reading in audio data in each compartment, this has the advantage that the document status of the subjects can be called up at any time. Furthermore, data can be selectively read out from audio reproduction means of objects which have already been assigned to a compartment and set in it via the compartment detection devices.

Another advantage of the invention is that business customers can insert multiple shipments in a tray, this being recognized by the system and the input is omitted by the deliverer. Thus, one also ensures that upon delivery by the customer a proof of delivery can be generated on all shipments from a compartment.
Furthermore, related programs (so-called Kolli broadcasts) can be set by the automatic detection in the tray together, and output together on pickup.

Further advantages, features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Schließfachanlage zum Einstellen und Abholen von Gegenständen;

Fig. 2

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Bedieneinheit einer erfindungsgemäßen Schließfachanlage;

From the pictures shows:

Fig. 1

an embodiment of a locker system according to the invention for setting and picking up objects;

Fig. 2

an embodiment of an operating unit of a locker system according to the invention;

In the Fig. 1 illustrated locker system represents a preferred embodiment of the locker system according to the invention, on which the essential features of the invention and other possible embodiments are explained.

The locker system 10 has a plurality of compartments 20, which are each closed by a door 22. The doors may be, for example, conventional flaps that can be manually swiveled by an operator. Furthermore, it can be doors in which a usually electronic control of a mechanism causes the automatic opening and closing of the compartment door, without an operator has to operate manually.

A compartment door 22 usually has a closure means 21 with which the compartment can be closed against unauthorized access. In Fig. 1 these closure means 21 are arranged on the doors for ease of illustration. However, the essential part of the closure means may also be located on the compartment body itself, so that a door, for example, only engages in a closure means of the compartment or is released from this again. The closure means may, for example, have springs which allow a compartment door to swing open automatically as soon as the closure means receives the signal for opening a compartment from a control unit. The compartment door can then be pressed against the spring force again, for example by an operator.

The locker system 10 preferably has several compartments of different sizes. In Fig. 1 By way of example, three different compartment sizes are shown, but it is also possible to provide further size variants. The dimensions of the compartments can vary as desired, so that not only the width or height, but also the depth of a compartment can be designed differently.

The locker system also has an operating unit 60, are handled with the delivery and pickup operations on the system. The operating unit preferably has a display means such as a screen and means for acquiring information on the locker system. The screen is used to communicate with users of the locker system. For example, keyboards, touch screens, bar code scanners or other readers may be used to collect information. Further, an operator can be displayed on the screen, for example, document states of individual subjects and / or messages.

If an ordered shipment is set in the packing station, an audio notification can be sent to the recipient's mobile phone mailbox, in addition to SMS and e-mail notifications. This individual message contains a one-time code in the form of a tone sequence, which authorizes the opening of the packing station. The user goes with his mobile phone to the packing station, dials his mailbox and plays the audio message again. The packing station recognizes the tone sequence and releases the tray with the program.

The operating unit is in communication with a data processing unit 31, as shown schematically in FIG Fig. 2 is shown. The data processing unit processes the information received from the operating unit and also provides information that is to be forwarded via the operating unit to a user of the locker system. By way of example, the access rights of users who enter an access code on the operating unit or insert an ID card are checked via the data processing unit.

Preferably in the region of the operating unit 60, a central system detection device 40 is arranged, which has means for detecting and detecting audio playback means in a defined environment of the system detection device 40. The system detection device has for this purpose at least one antenna and a circuit for transmitting and receiving data. If the locker system is used, for example, as a locker system for setting and picking up parcels, audio reproduction means 50 are located on the parcel consignments 51, which are delivered via the locker system.

The use of audio playback means for characterizing parcel broadcasts has the advantage that the parcel broadcast can be assigned to different data and stored in the audio playback means without having to appear in plain text or, for example, as a barcode on the broadcast. The information can be read out at various stations on the transport and distribution path of a parcel shipment, wherein data can also be deleted and / or supplemented. In the field of labeling of parcels, preferably passive transponders are used without their own power supply.

The audio playback means may be integrated into the package of the package broadcast or in a label which is applied to the mailpiece. A label with audio playback means can also be purchased at the locker system and printed out. The data of the registered customer are automatically taken over as sender data. Data may be deposited in the transponder by the sender of the parcel shipment itself or by a transport and delivery company which delivers the parcel shipment to a locker system.

In an audio reproduction means of a parcel, for example, the sender and the recipient of a parcel can be deposited. Furthermore, the deposit of an identification with which the consignment can be uniquely identified in the package transport and parcel distribution system is expedient. The identification results in particular possibilities for tracking the parcel shipment from the sender to the recipient.

Preferably, the approximate dimensions of the program are also stored in the audio playback device 50. The dimensions of parcels vary widely depending on the type of packaging the consignor chooses. However, in order to be able to assign the shipment to a shipping fee, the dimensions can usually be classified into certain size ranges, according to which the shipping fee is based. In addition to the dimensions, the weight of the item is also included in the calculation, so that the weight can also be stored in the audio reproduction means. However, the weight is usually not crucial for the selection of a suitable compartment of a locker system.

The system detection device 40 is arranged such that a plurality of transponders of a plurality of parcel shipments, which are positioned by a deliverer in the vicinity of a locker system 10, can be detected and read out at the same time preferably by a pulse detection. The system detection device 40 thus does not have to be located directly on or in the operating unit 60, if it is arranged such that it has disadvantages in the transponder detection. The system detection device 40 should expediently be positioned so that reliable detection of transponders is ensured.

If a deliverer usually drives a locker system with a handcart on which all the consignments intended for the locker system are located, the system detection device is expediently arranged such that all parcel consignments can be detected at the height of the loading area of the handcart. In another embodiment of the invention, the items can be parked by the deliverer on a specially designated area, to which the system detection device is aligned. For example, a kind of drawer or tray can be pulled out of the operating unit 60, on which the items can be placed.

The essential steps of the method according to the invention are in the flowchart in Fig. 1 shown. Before commissioning the locker system, the dimensions of the individual compartments must be assigned to the compartment identifications of the compartments. Advantageously, the width, height and depth of a compartment are taken into account and stored in the data processing unit 31.

If a delivery person brings parcel shipments near a locker system, the system detection device 40 recognizes one or more audio playback devices in a defined environment of the detection device and reads out the data stored in the audio playback devices. The data read out include at least the dimensions of the individual parcel consignments. For a further acquisition and processing of audio playback device data, for example, the identification of the respective audio playback device or the object can be detected. The installation detection device transmits this data to a data processing unit 31, as shown schematically in FIG Fig. 2 is shown. The data processing unit then determines the free compartments of the locker system, in which fits each individual parcel shipment due to their dimensions.

The free compartments of the locker system 10 can be determined by the data processing unit 31 in various ways.

For example, the current document states of all subjects can be stored in the data processing unit. If a package is set in a tray, the tray is noted as busy. When the shipment is removed, the tray status changes accordingly and the tray is considered free. The document states of the individual compartments can be stored in the data processing unit 31 of the locker system 10 or in a remote central processing unit and queried there.

In another embodiment of the invention is in each compartment of the locker system each have a further compartment detection device 23, which consists of at least one antenna. Each antenna is connected to a reader. Another reader is located for example in a control cabinet of the locker system. Between the antennas of the compartments and the central reader in the control cabinet, a selection switching network is connected, which can also be referred to as a multiplexer. The switching arrangement can be used to determine which compartment signals from audio playback devices come from. The switching network makes it possible to read several compartments with a central reader.

The bin detectors 23 can be used to actively determine the current document states of the locker system compartments at any time by sending radio waves from the antenna of a bin. Thus, information can be read on command when there is a parcel in a compartment with a corresponding audio playback means. The audio playback means receives the signal and in turn sends the information stored in the audio playback means to the antenna of the compartment and thus to the central reader.

As soon as the dimensions of a plurality of parcels to be set in a locker system have been determined by the data processing unit 31, it is thus possible to actively query the document states of the compartments via the individual compartment detectors.

There is also the possibility that the document status of a subject is detected when changes in the subject state arise. This occurs, for example, when a tray is opened and closed again. Preferably, when closing a tray, the antenna of the tray sends out a signal, and if an audio playback means can be detected and read in the tray, the tray is noted as busy. If no audio player can be detected, the tray is considered free. The document status can be stored in the data processing unit and queried there.

Furthermore, cyclical queries of the document statuses are possible. There are thus various possibilities for determining the document states of the subjects of a locker system. In any case, the document statuses can be used by the data processing unit 31 to determine free bins of a size into which the parcels to be adjusted fit in due to their dimensions.

Each compartment preferably has a unique compartment identification and the identification is associated with the dimensions of the compartment concerned. The assignments of the compartment identification to the dimensions are stored in the data processing unit 31. By means of a comparison of the dimensions of the parcels with the dimensions of the free compartments, the data processing unit determines the compartments required to set the parcels. In this case, an algorithm stored in the data processing unit preferably always determines the smallest possible compartment into which a transmission can be set. If there is no empty compartment with suitable dimensions for a parcel shipment, this will be indicated on the screen to the deliverer.

The compartment identifications of the free compartments, in which parcels can be set, are transmitted from the data processing unit 31 to a control unit 30, as shown schematically in FIG Fig. 2 is shown. Together with the identifications, a command for opening compartments is expediently transmitted to the control unit. The control unit is designed such that it controls the closure means of the compartments by control signals and thus activates the opening and closing of locks.

As soon as the control unit has received from the data processing unit one or more compartment identifications and the command to open these compartments, it generates and sends the necessary control signals to the compartments with these compartment identifications. The generation or transmission of the control signals can take place simultaneously or sequentially.

With a simultaneous transmission of the control signals, all controlled subjects open at the same time and the deliverer can sequentially stop all programs. In a successive transmission of control signals to the closure means of the compartment doors, the subjects open one after the other and the deliverer can also set all programs one after the other. The deliverer must recognize which subjects are sufficiently large and stops the programs according to his assessment. It may also be provided that the consignments have already been assigned to specific subjects by the data processing unit and the delivery person is shown this assignment so that he can set the consignments in a targeted manner. For this purpose, however, it is necessary that the delivery person an identification of each shipment is displayed, which he can take the shipment.

For example, provision may be made for an unambiguous identification to be affixed to an audio reproduction means label which identifies the shipment for the deliverer. These can be numbers or letters that can be read by the deliverer. The tag is also stored in the audio playback means of the item and is read out by the tag detector. If the data processing unit 31 has determined a free tray of sufficient size for a shipment, the label is assigned to the tray and can be displayed to the deliverer.

For example, the label may be displayed to the deliverer on the selected tray on a display. It is also possible to display on the screen of the control unit 60 is a graphical representation of all compartments of the locker system and to display each tray, the label of the package that fits into the subject and thus can be adjusted there.

In the successive opening of compartments, it may further be provided that the compartments open in the order of their size, so that the deliverer can also select and set the parcels in the order of their size. For example, expediently, first the smallest compartments can be opened, so that the deliverer sets the smallest parcel shipments in order. Thereafter, each of the compartments of the next size are opened. This order of opening is particularly useful when parcels are already transported stacked by a deliverer to a locker system and the stack usually provides that smaller parcels are stacked on larger parcels.

In a further embodiment of the invention, although a simultaneous detection of the audio playback means of several parcels, the deliverer must identify identifications or identifications of the individual broadcasts thereafter again. For example, the identifications of the transmissions are assigned by the data processing unit 31 free compartments, in which the broadcasts fit in due to their dimensions. However, the subjects are not opened immediately. The deliverer must re-record the parcels, for example, via the audio player or a complementary barcode, and only then will the tray associated with the parcel be opened.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the system detection device 40 detects only one audio playback device of a parcel program, and the mailer then opens the appropriate mailbox for the parcel. The data read from the audio playback means can be stored directly to the tray, and the deliverer only has to stop the program.

In order to ensure that only really set programs are noted as discontinued, it has proved expedient that the setting is confirmed. This can be done for example by the re-detection of the transponder of the shipment by a tray detection device 23 or by pressing a confirmation key by the deliverer.

In one embodiment of the invention not only items with an audio playback means can be set at a locker system, but the setting of broadcasts with other markings is also possible. For example, if a locker facility is used by several transport and delivery companies, different companies may provide different identifiers for their shipments. In order to be able to set any type of shipment, the locker system can be provided, for example, with a barcode scanner, via which data from shipments can be detected if a program has a barcode but no audio playback device.

Additional barcode scanners can also be used to record and set shipments in case of a technical defect of a transponder or a reader.

The audio playback means which can be integrated into the objects are, for example, music chips, as are used, for example, in packages for transmitting pieces of music or text messages to users.

The invention also includes transmitting the audio data from a user's mobile user unit.

The transmission of the audio data from a mobile user unit to the locker system can be carried out independently of whether in addition the objects are also equipped with audio playback means.

Expediently, the audio data is reproduced by a loudspeaker of the user device in the form of an audio signal and can be received by a suitable receiving device-in particular a microphone or a sensor-of the locker system.

The audio data and thus preferably also the audio signals generated on its basis, preferably in a mobile user unit, for example a mobile telephone or a mobile digital assistant, may contain different information according to the invention.

In particular, it is expedient for the audio data to contain identification information.

The identification information is used, for example, to identify the user, the item to be picked up or the items to be picked up. Furthermore, it is possible to use the identification information for an assignment of users to user groups. For example, different user groups may be granted different rights for actions on the locker system.

To facilitate the operability of the locker system, it is particularly advantageous that the audio data control information is assigned.

This is done in a particularly expedient form in that the control information is contained in the audio data or, if appropriate, can be removed by decryption or other processing.

The control information makes it possible to further automate operations of the locker system.

A development of the invention includes a method for delivering a shipment to an electronic locker system. This method is particularly suitable for facilitating pickup by unregistered users

• Deponierung der Sendung in einem Fach der elektronischen Schließfachanlage;
• Übermittlung der Audiodaten an den Nutzer und/oder an eine von ihm nutzbare mobile Benutzereinheit - beispielsweise ein Mobiltelefon oder eine sonstige zur Wiedergabe von Audiodaten geeignete Vorrichtung.
• Abholung der Sendung an der Schließfachanlage durch einen Abholer, wobei
  • wenigstens das dem Empfänger der Sendung zugeordnete Identifikationsmittel erfasst wird,
  • ein Vergleich des dem Empfänger der Sendung zugeordneten Identifikationsmittels mit den für belegte Fächer gespeicherten Identifikationsmitteln erfolgt, und
  • die Ausgabe der deponierten Sendung aus einem Fach erfolgt, falls das Ergebnis des Vergleiches ergibt, dass das dem Empfänger zugeordnete Identifikationsmittel mit einem zu dem betreffenden Fach gespeicherten Identifikationsmittel übereinstimmt.

This process is characterized by the following steps:

• Depositing the consignment in a compartment of the electronic locker system;
• Transmission of the audio data to the user and / or to a usable mobile user unit - for example, a mobile phone or other suitable for playback of audio device.
• Pick up the consignment at the locker by a collector, where
  • at least the identification means associated with the consignee of the consignment is detected,
  • a comparison of the identification means associated with the recipient of the program with the identification means stored for occupied compartments takes place, and
  • the output of the deposited shipment from a bin is made, if the result of the comparison shows that the identification means associated with the recipient coincide with an identification means stored for the relevant compartment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Locker system, parcel compartment system

20

subject

21

Locking means, lock

22

compartment door

23

Fold detector

30

control unit

31

Data processing unit

32

Storage means, storage

40

Plants detector

50

Audio playback means

51

Object, mailing, package

60

operating unit

Claims (14)

Locker system for setting and / or picking up objects in / from the locker system,
characterized,
in that the locker system (10) has means for receiving audio data from an audio reproduction means (50), and in that the locker system comprises means for processing the audio data reproduced from the audio reproduction means (50), this means being designed such that it identifies at least one object contained in the locker system on the basis of the information obtained from the audio data. Locker system according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that it comprises a control unit (30), wherein the control unit (30) contains a means for generating a control signal. Locker system according to claim 2,
characterized,
in that the control unit (30) has a means for generating and / or transmitting a control signal to a closure means for opening a door associated with the object on the basis of a transmitted compartment identification information. Locker system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that in at least one compartment (20) of the locker system (10) a compartment detection device (23) is arranged, which has means for recognizing an audio reproduction device located in the compartment (20) and for acquiring data from the audio reproduction device, and in that the compartment detection device (23) has means for transmitting the data read from the audio reproduction device to the data processing unit (31), the data processing unit (31) having storage means (32) for storing the data for the compartment identification of the compartment concerned ( 20). Locker system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the audio data additional information is assigned. Locker system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the audio data contains an audio barcode. Locker system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the audio data is embedded as an audio watermark in an audio signal. Locker system according to one of claims 5 to 7
characterized,
in that the additional information is encrypted in such a way that it can be decrypted with a key present in the receiving device, and in that the audio watermark comprises the encrypted additional information. logistics system
characterized,
that it contains at least one locker system according to one of claims 1 to 8. Method for setting and / or picking up objects in / from a locker system,
characterized,
in that an audio reproduction means (50) transmits audio data received from the locker system (10), that the locker system processes the audio data reproduced by the audio reproduction means (50) and based on the information obtained from the audio data at least one object contained in the locker system is identified. Method according to claim 10,
characterized,
that the audio data contain control information for controlling means of the locker system. Method according to claim 11,
characterized,
that the control signals cause an opening of a locker door. Method according to claim 12,
characterized,
in that the locker system links the control information to an identification of the object contained in the audio data in such a way that a door associated with the object is opened. Method according to claim 12,
characterized,
in that the locker system links the control information to an identification of the object in the audio data in such a way that a transport of the object to a compartment suitable for removal is controlled.

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