Packaging comprising an image sensor for an object inside the packaging and an external display screen for the image taken by the sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a package (1) for containing at least one object, comprising: - a box (10); - a lid (11) which can adopt a closed package configuration or an open package configuration with the box (10); - means (12) for detecting the closed or open package configuration; - at least one image sensor (13) associated with the object; - at least one electronic display device (14) accessible from the outside of the package; - a computing unit (15) for receiving images from the image sensor (13) and sending instructions to the electronic display device (14) to display said images; - means (140) for triggering the image sensor (13), characterized in that the triggering means (140) are provided on the outer facade (100) of the package and the computing unit (15) is connected to the detection means (12) and parameterized to authorize the display by the display device (14) of images from the image sensor (13) in the closed package configuration and, conversely, to prohibit the display in the open package (1) configuration.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the field of design and manufacture of logistics-specific equipment.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to the transportation of objects, and more particularly to the transportation of objects generally originating from e-commerce platforms or transferred from one individual to another.

[0003] In the field of this invention, the transport of objects via e-commerce platforms is often carried out by arranging the objects (one or more) to be transported in a package labeled for transport purposes, the label having at least one visual code, in particular in the form of a printed barcode, which allows the package to be identified by each actor involved in the transport of the package.

[0004] Typically, in order to transport one or more objects, an operator shapes the packaging. The objects (one or more) are then placed in the shaped packaging, which is then sealed and marked for shipment.

[0005] Of course, the packaging is usually set aside and thus stored in a warehouse before being shipped. Here, as is customary, the storage of the packaging (which can be in large quantities) is achieved by stacking the packaging, for the obvious reason of saving space.

[0006] Currently, one of the operations that operators must perform in the logistics chain involves checking the contents of the package (if necessary) in order to initiate its shipment before picking it from the inventory of prepared packages.

[0007] Therefore, the operator must open the packaging to visually inspect its contents when there are no other possibilities. Of course, due to the stacking of packaging as mentioned above, it may be necessary to manipulate several packages to remove the one to be inspected in order to continue opening the packaging (it is, of course, impossible to open the packaging when it is covered by one or more other packages).

[0008] Understandably, this operation could be repeated multiple times on the same day, which is a waste of time and resources and is not economically profitable.

[0009] In addition to the time lost, the repetitive handling and processing of packaging involves more or less physical exertion (some packages may be heavier than others), which is a source of musculoskeletal disorders.

[0010] Regarding the inspection of packaging by individuals wishing to transport goods, the person transporting the packaging may have doubts about the contents before shipment and wish to inspect the contents while the packaging is closed and held shut by various means (tape, string, glue, etc.). In the presence of such a device for maintaining closure, one must remove the setup already in place to inspect the contents, which is certainly limiting and time-consuming.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is, in particular, to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0012] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a type of packaging that allows for visual inspection and monitoring of its contents in a simpler and faster manner than that permitted by prior art packaging.

[0013] In this sense, the object of the present invention is particularly to provide a package that facilitates monitoring of its contents when it is covered by one or more other packages.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a package that allows for rapid monitoring of its contents, including rapid monitoring when the package is provided with means for maintaining its closure.

[0015] These objectives, and others that will appear later, are achieved by a package for containing at least one article, the package comprising:

[0016] -box,

[0017] - A lid, which can be used with the box in either a closed package configuration or an open package configuration.

[0018] - A device for detecting the closed or open packaging configuration.

[0019] - At least one image sensor associated with the object(s),

[0020] - At least one electronic display device accessible from the outside of the package,

[0021] A computing unit is configured to receive images from the image sensor and send instructions to the electronic display device to display the images.

[0022] - A means for triggering the image sensor,

[0023] The triggering device is disposed on the outer facade of the packaging, and the computing unit is connected to the detection device and parameterized to authorize the display device to display the image from the image sensor in the closed packaging configuration, and conversely to disable the display in the open packaging configuration.

[0024] Therefore, it should be understood that, due to the present invention, it is no longer necessary to open the packaging to inspect its contents or obtain a simple visual overview.

[0025] In fact, it is clear from the features of the present invention that for a human, an order to capture an image of the contents is sufficient, which is achieved by activating a device for triggering an image sensor accessible from outside the packaging, resulting in an image that is also visible on an electronic display device from outside the packaging.

[0026] Assuming the package is stored within the transport platform and exists in a stack of packages, the operator who must pick up the package can verify the contents without having to manipulate the package to remove it from the stack. Command image capture and the display of the acquired image on a display device allow the operator to know that he is in the presence of the correct package to be picked up, and thus can efficiently remove the package from the stack. Conversely, if he finds that the contents are not those of the package he is looking for, he avoids manipulating that package, thus avoiding the corresponding physical exertion and saving time.

[0027] Even with the packaging still in the warehouse or store, operators can easily and quickly take inventory of their stock through the process described above.

[0028] In cases of private use, that is, when the packaging is available to an individual, the individual can easily inspect the contents of the packaging without having to reopen it.

[0029] Upon receiving a package, the individual can monitor its contents and verify that it is indeed for them, always without needing to open the package. In the event of an error in the contents, the package can be returned to the sender even without being opened.

[0030] According to an advantageous solution, the display device includes means for maintaining the displayed image in an uninterrupted closed configuration.

[0031] In this way, not only can people see the contents of the package without opening it by displaying the contents on the display device, but they can also view the contents displayed on the display device afterward without having to command the triggering of image capture again.

[0032] Thus, in the context of stacked packaging according to the invention, once image capture has been commanded for all stacked packages, one can easily and quickly see the contents of each package at a glance. It then provides an image wall.

[0033] In this case, the display device is preferably of the electronic paper type.

[0034] This display device allows the display to be maintained in a known manner without requiring any specific action on the packaging, and its advantage is that it requires very low or even no energy consumption.

[0035] According to a preferred solution, the computing unit is parameterized to send a reset command to the display device in an open packaging configuration detected after a closed packaging configuration.

[0036] Based on this feature, images provided by the image sensor are only allowed to be displayed in a closed-package configuration. In other words, it is impossible for a person to tamper with the display of the contents, for example, by commanding the display of the contents and then replacing it with other contents.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the computing unit is parameterized to disable the triggering device in an open package configuration.

[0038] Therefore, it is not only impossible to display images when the packaging is opened, but it is also impossible to activate and thus trigger the image sensor. Thus, people do not need to worry that the packaging might take and store images of them without their knowledge when they open it.

[0039] According to an advantageous solution, the package includes a device for illuminating one or more objects, the computing unit being parameterized to activate the illumination device during image capture by the image sensor.

[0040] Therefore, the clarity and quality of images captured by image sensors can be improved.

[0041] Advantageously, the electronic display device is disposed on a surface of the packaging, which is called the display surface, and the triggering device is also disposed on the display surface.

[0042] Therefore, the device for triggering image capture and the display device are disposed on the same outer surface of the packaging. Thus, it should be understood that, according to this feature, when a number of packages are stored in a stacked manner, it is sufficient to arrange the packages by setting the display surfaces of all packages together on the same side, and then triggering of image capture can be performed without moving and / or manipulating each package.

[0043] According to an advantageous solution, the package includes a communication device, and the computing unit is parameterized to transmit first data containing one or more images captured by an image sensor to a remote unit via the communication device.

[0044] In this way, in addition to images on the exterior facade of each package, information about the contents, especially images of the contents, can be obtained from a location far away from the package.

[0045] In this scenario, the computing unit is parameterized to send second data to the remote unit, the data including:

[0046] - The temperature within the packaging;

[0047] - The weight of the (one or more) objects;

[0048] - The humidity in the packaging;

[0049] - The pressure within the packaging;

[0050] - Impact on the packaging;

[0051] -A signal for opening the traveling package;

[0052] -CO2 concentration.

[0053] Therefore, certain types of visual objects can be inspected to preserve their physical integrity. This is the case, for example, if the objects contained in the packaging involve food or medicine that must meet certain storage and / or transportation conditions.

[0054] In this case, according to a possible variation, the package includes at least one sensor regarding the second data.

[0055] According to another possible variation, the package includes means for inputting and recording second data by the computing unit.

[0056] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description and accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the embodiment is given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, as shown in the drawings:

[0057] - Figure 1 The package according to the invention is shown in an open configuration;

[0058] - Figure 2 This is a partial view of the inner wall of the packaging;

[0059] - Figure 3 The packaging according to the invention is shown in a front view;

[0060] - Figure 4 A package in a closed configuration according to the present invention is shown.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the package 1 according to the present invention for containing at least one object O is of the type comprising the following components:

[0062] - Box 10, which defines the receiving volume for accommodating one or more objects O;

[0063] - Cover 1, which may or may not be connected to the box 10, and which may be configured in a closed packaging configuration together with the box. Figure 4 ) or open the package configuration ( Figure 1 );

[0064] - Device 12 for detecting whether a package configuration is closed or open;

[0065] - At least one image sensor 13 associated with the object(s);

[0066] - At least one electronic display device 14 accessible from outside the packaging;

[0067] - Computing unit 15, which is used to receive images from image sensors and send instructions to display images to electronic display devices;

[0068] - Device 140 for triggering the image sensor.

[0069] The device 12 for detecting whether the packaging is closed or open can be obtained using a sensor (switch or Hall effect sensor) placed in the locking handle (located on the upper part of the facade) and connected to the processing unit.

[0070] A portion of the image sensor may consist of a digital camera mounted in a corner of the internal volume of the packaging to provide an overview of the contents present in the packaging.

[0071] According to the principles of the present invention, the triggering device 140 is disposed on the outer facade 100 of the packaging such that when the image sensor is disposed in the internal volume defined in the box 10, a portion of the means for triggering image capture of the image sensor is disposed outside the packaging.

[0072] Furthermore, the computing unit 15 is connected to the detection device 12 and is parameterized to authorize the display device 14 to display the image of the image sensor 13 in a closed-package configuration.

[0073] In other words, using the packaging according to the invention, image capture is unauthorized and even impossible as long as the packaging is not completely sealed. Therefore, any violation of privacy is avoided: people might fear that their photos could be taken unknowingly or unintentionally or undesirably by the packaging, a situation that is ensured will not be condemned.

[0074] According to the above embodiment, the electronic unit 15 is therefore electrically connected to a device for detecting the closed or open configuration, which allows it to transmit an electrical signal for opening the package to the electronic unit, or conversely, to transmit a signal for closing the package.

[0075] The electronic unit 15 is also electrically connected to the triggering device 140, which allows the triggering device to send a signal to the electronic unit to trigger image capture.

[0076] The electronic unit 15 is also electrically connected to the image sensor 13, so as to:

[0077] -When the electronic unit has received a signal from the triggering device 140 to trigger image capture, it sends an image capture command;

[0078] - Instead, it receives data related to images captured by the image sensor.

[0079] The electronic unit 15 is also electrically connected to an electronic display device to send instructions to display images associated with data related to the captured images(s). The electronic unit is programmed to send these instructions to the display device only if it has already received a shutdown signal from the detection device. Therefore, conversely, if the electronic unit has already received an open packaging configuration signal from the detection device, it does not send any display instructions to the display device, except for a possible "unauthorized display" message.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the display device is of the electronic paper type, which constitutes a means for maintaining the displayed image in an uninterrupted closed packaging configuration.

[0081] Furthermore, the computing unit 15 has one or two of the following features:

[0082] - It is parameterized to send a reset command to the display device once an open packaging configuration is detected after the packaging configuration is closed;

[0083] It is parameterized so that the triggering device is disabled in the open package configuration.

[0084] Therefore, when the display device is of the electronic paper type, as long as the packaging is not reopened, the image taken after the packaging is closed will be saved on the electronic paper, and once the packaging is opened, the image on the electronic paper will be erased.

[0085] Furthermore, the lighting devices 16 are mounted on at least one inner wall of the packaging. These lighting devices are activated by a computing unit, which is parameterized to trigger the lighting devices during image capture by the image sensor. Thus, the lighting devices are triggered like a flash.

[0086] like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the electronic display device 14 is located on the outer surface of the packaging (referred to as the "display surface" 100), and the triggering device 140 is also located on the display surface 100.

[0087] The triggering device 140 can be made of any possible device, such as a mechanical button or a predetermined area on a touch screen.

[0088] According to another possible feature of the invention, the package includes a communication device 17. Furthermore, the computing unit is parameterized to transmit first data, comprising one or more images captured by an image sensor, to a remote unit UD via the communication device 17.

[0089] By using the communication device, the computing unit can also be parameterized to send second data to a remote unit, the second data including the temperature in the packaging, the weight of the contents in the packaging, the humidity in the packaging, the pressure in the packaging, the impact on the packaging, the signal for opening the packaging, and the CO2 concentration.

[0090] These second data can be measured via one or more sensors 18. These second data can also be manually entered, and the package includes a device 141 for inputting and recording the second data by the computing unit 15. However, for security and fraud prevention reasons, manual input of sensor data contained in the package is preferably not possible.

[0091] Advanced usage modes can be achieved as long as the packaging according to the invention has a communication device. In fact, in the context of implementing the invention, in a logistics platform or in a store, or more generally in a storage area for multiple packages according to the invention, the computing unit can be parameterized to issue an image capture request to each package and collect images corresponding to each package, as well as supplementary data such as those listed above, which constitutes inventory counting, or more simply, allows for remote visual monitoring of the contents of the packages.

Claims

1. A package (1) for containing at least one object, comprising: - box (10); - Lid (11), the lid being capable of being used together with the box (10) in a closed packaging configuration or an open packaging configuration. - Detection device (12) for detecting the closed or open packaging configuration, -At least one image sensor (13) associated with the object, - At least one electronic display device (14) that can be accessed from outside the packaging, - A computing unit (15) is configured to receive an image from the image sensor (13) and send an instruction to the electronic display device (14) to display the image. -A triggering device (140) for triggering the image sensor (13), The triggering device (140) is disposed on the outer facade (100) of the packaging, and the computing unit (15) is connected to the detection device (12) and parameterized to authorize the display device (14) to display an image from the image sensor (13) in the closed packaging configuration, and conversely, to disable the display in the open packaging configuration (1).

2. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device (14) includes means for maintaining the displayed image in an uninterrupted closed configuration.

3. The packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display device (14) is an electronic paper type.

4. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The computing unit (15) is parameterized to send a reset command to the display device (14) in an open packaging configuration detected after a closed packaging configuration.

5. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The computing unit (15) is parameterized to disable the triggering device (140) in the open package configuration.

6. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The package includes an illumination device (16) for illuminating the object, and the computing unit (15) is parameterized to activate the illumination device (16) during image capture by the image sensor (13).

7. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic display device (14) is disposed on a surface of the packaging, referred to as the display surface, and the triggering device (140) is also disposed on the display surface.

8. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The package includes a communication device (17), and the computing unit (15) is parameterized to transmit first data containing the image captured by the image sensor to a remote unit via the communication device (17).

9. The packaging according to claim 8, characterized in that, The computing unit (15) is parameterized to send second data to the remote unit, the data including: Temperature within the packaging during transit; The weight of the object; The humidity in the traveling packaging; The pressure within the traveling package; The impact applied to the traveling package; Signals for opening the traveling package; CO2 concentration.

10. The packaging according to claim 9, characterized in that, The package includes at least one sensor (18) for the second data.

11. The packaging according to claim 9, characterized in that, The package includes means (141) for inputting and recording the second data by the computing unit (15).

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