Shipping system

Abstract

A fulfillment center (34) for fulfilling orders of one or more items, comprising: i) a series of storage containers (50), each storage container of the series of storage containers (50) for storing one or more items, ii) a grid framework structure for storing one or more storage containers (50) in stacks, the grid framework structure comprising a number of tracks arranged in a grid pattern to form a grid structure for one or more load handling devices to move on, and a number of vertical storage columns (48) configured to support the grid structure, iii) a dispatch system (10) comprising a number of lockers (12) mounted on at least one outer wall (14) of the fulfillment center (34), each locker of the number of lockers comprising an interior space (28) for storing one or more items, the interior space (28) being accessible through a first opening outside the fulfillment center and a second opening inside the fulfillment center; iv) a door mechanism operable to selectively close the first opening of one or more lockers of the number of lockers from outside the fulfillment center (34) and to selectively close the second opening of one or more lockers of the number of lockers from inside the fulfillment center; and iv) a locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the door mechanism; a) preventing access to the interior space (28) of one or more lockers of the number of lockers through the respective first opening, but allowing access to the interior space (28) of one or more lockers of the number of lockers through the respective second opening; and b) preventing access to the interior space (28) of one or more lockers of the number of lockers through the respective second opening, but allowing access to the interior space (28) of one or more lockers of the number of lockers through the respective first opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery system, and more particularly to a secure locker system for the delivery of goods or cargo. BACKGROUND

[0002] In traditional, bricks and mortar based commerce, goods are typically distributed in an order from manufacturer to wholesaler, retailer, and finally to customer. The retail store acts as the end point of the sales chain involving the delivery carrier. The customer is typically required to take responsibility for the "last mile" transportation of the goods, i.e. from the point of physical purchase to delivery at home; the end point of the sales chain can extend to the customer's home.

[0003] However, this is not the case with e-commerce, where products purchased online are delivered from a distribution centre to a collection point accessible to the customer or directly to the customer's home in a timely manner. The development of online shopping has therefore given rise to a number of different online shopping e-commerce models. These range from click and collect models, where goods purchased or selected by a customer online can be collected from a selected store or centralised collection point, or a home delivery service where goods are delivered directly to the customer's premises. Examples of click and collect models are discussed in UK patents GB240712B (Bearbox Limited), EP1366442B1 and EP2375386A2 (ByBox Holdings Limited), the latter of which relates to a secure access system for delivering goods ordered online by a customer to an automated collection point (ACP) which can be accessed by the customer. The automated collection point typically takes the form of a row of electronically operated lockers controlled by a locker management system to control the allocation and access to one or more of the lockers upon receipt of a goods order. Access to the locker is provided by sending a collection code to the customer's device upon receipt of the goods order, such that when the order unique collection code is entered into a local user interface coupled to the row of electronically operated lockers, access is allowed to the goods stored in the one or more lockers allocated to the customer.

[0004] In GB 2407128B, a secure access system comprises a secure unit and a logistics centre, the logistics centre being provided with access details for the secure unit. The logistics centre is in communication with a central management system to confirm the access details and allow access to the secure unit, wherein the secure unit can allow access thereto in response to an access code used at a user interface. ACPs are conveniently located at locations such as transport hubs and office block clusters so that consumers can collect online shopping goods on the way home. In EP 2375386 (ByBox Holdings Ltd), the ACPs are controlled by a remote computing system which generates a package ID when an order is received (e.g. from an online retailer), the order optionally including a consignment number. When at least one of the package ID, consignment number and optionally a courier ID is received at an interface, a locker in a selected one of the ACPs is opened to receive the delivery. A collection code can be generated and communicated to the customer, and when at least the collection code and optionally a customer PIN is received at the interface, the locker is opened to allow collection of the package. While the use of ACPs dispersed at different locations can facilitate the collection of pre-packaged online shopping goods by customers, there remains the disadvantage that customers need to travel to the destination to retrieve the online shopping goods, in some cases by car. Furthermore, ACPs are geographically limited and can not be in the vicinity of any given online consumer.

[0005] As picking up from an ACP becomes more popular, queuing can also occur, with customers being forced to wait to access the locker or lockers assigned to them for their order, so one of the original disadvantages of physical retail now becomes a disadvantage for this form of online shopping. This can be due to the number of user interfaces required to enter a collection code or customer unique ID to gain access to their assigned locker. This problem is exacerbated if the order is a grocery delivery, where goods are stored at different temperatures, and the customer is assigned more than one locker to satisfy the different storage temperatures (e.g. frozen and chilled temperatures). To alleviate this problem, EP2950283 (Norpe Oy) teaches a delivery box system for delivering grocery products to a user, the system comprising a plurality of delivery boxes arranged as a box module and comprising a lockable door. In addition to this, the system comprises a control unit for controlling the operation of the lockable doors of the delivery boxes. The control unit is provided with door identification information of the door in relation to a product of a certain user and user identification information of the user to whom the product is to be delivered. The control unit is configured to be able to actually open the lock or access the box in question, and thus to actually open the door lock, when said user identification information is entered into the control unit. To serve multiple customers at the same time, the door locks are configured to be released in a certain order, so that the first door lock is configured to be released first and the second door lock is configured to be released only after said first door has been opened and closed. In this way, customers can be guided to a certain route, e.g. the shortest route on the logistics. To guide the customers to the correct door, the system comprises a signal device, e.g. an LED, providing a lock open interface and a corresponding signal device for each user’s door, which indicates the correct door for each user by different signals. The signal device can also be used to guide an operator of the fulfilment centre to the correct locker in which the goods to be shipped are placed. While releasing the doors in a certain order can help to reduce the queuing of customers to pick up goods from the locker assigned to them, this is not enough to prevent queuing at an ACP where the number of customers far exceeds the number of user interfaces at the ACP, and at an ACP where the processor is able to handle customer orders simultaneously. While click and collect has the benefit of buying goods online, there is still the problem of customers to control the “last mile” transportation of the goods.

[0006] Another category of e-commerce models is to provide a logistics system that delivers goods to a customer's premises upon receiving an order for the goods, e.g. to the door. Thus, the goods are delivered to the customer's premises, which is usually the customer's residence, instead of the customer picking up the goods at a selected store or at an automated collection point (ACP) for collection at a central location. Delivery information including the delivery address is used by online retailers such as Amazon and Ocado in the UK to deliver the goods to the customer's delivery address. Upon receiving an order for goods that identifies the target customer's delivery address, in order to minimise the risk of the goods being picked up by an unauthorised person, online retailers such as Amazon and Ocado have their own dedicated vehicles and drivers to deliver the goods to the customer's premises. However, this prevents online retailers from utilising alternative courier to make the delivery in a safe and secure manner. US 2013 / 0073477 (Greg Grinberg) teaches a logistics and / or operating method for conducting a direct-to-consumer e-commerce retail business. Orders are prepared or fulfilled at a fulfilment or distribution centre. The fulfilled orders are then shipped to a product delivery location along with several other fulfilled orders and the orders are stored in a product pick-up device, e.g. inside or secured within a space, compartment or drawer, which the customer can control access to. The orders can be shipped from the product pick-up device to the customer's residence, home or work location by a local courier service. The product pick-up device comprises several compartments which are secured by doors that can be locked by an electronic device. However, the sales chain still requires a separate logistics service provider to ship the fulfilled orders from the distribution centre to the product pick-up device or automated collection point for collection by the customer or a courier.

[0007] US 10482420 (Amazon Technologies, Inc.) teaches a demand-based locker assembly having lockers in which packages are placed for customers to retrieve. A customer enters a locker by entering an access code into an input device. The locker and the input device form part of a partition wall having a front side and a back side. The front side of the partition wall is accessible by the customer to enter the access code and retrieve the package. The back side of the partition wall is not accessible to the customer and is configured to place packages into the lockers. A door latch solenoid is used to selectively open the front door in response to the access code entered by the customer, enabling the customer to access to retrieve one or more packages from the locker assembly. In the illustrated embodiment of US 10482420 (Amazon Technologies, Inc.), the front door and the back door include a retractable back door curtain coupled to a rotatable shaft. The front door and the back door include front door latch mechanisms and back door latch mechanisms that engage with each other to close their respective doors. While the demand-based locker assembly is suitable for non-perishable goods, such locker assembly is not suitable for delivering perishable food and grocery items.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a pick-up device or delivery system that enables a distribution centre to:

[0009] i) provide a home delivery service in a secure and reliable manner using different couriers, and

[0010] ii) no longer require a separate logistics service provider to transport fulfilled orders to a pick-up device or delivery station, thereby simplifying the sales chain,

[0011] iii) enable perishable food and grocery items to be stored for collection under strict storage temperature requirements (e.g. refrigerated or frozen).

[0012] This application claims priority from UK patent application number GB2004400.4 filed on 26th March 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. SUMMARY

[0013] The applicant has alleviated the above problems by integrating an automated collection point (ACP) into a distribution or fulfilment centre. This allows a distribution centre to directly fulfil orders for one or more items from a fulfilment centre for collection by a home delivery service provider such as a courier or end customer. By integrating the ACP of the present invention into a distribution centre provides an e-commerce platform that allows home delivery retailers such as Ocado in the UK to use alternative couriers in a secure and reliable manner. For the purposes of the present invention an automated collection point is interpreted to include an electronically controllable locker or pick-up point. To prevent unauthorised collection of ordered goods from a distribution or fulfilment centre the present invention provides a fulfilment or distribution centre (34) for fulfilling orders for one or more items, comprising:

[0014] i) a series of storage containers (50), each storage container of the series of storage containers (50) for storing one or more items,

[0015] ii) a grid framework structure for storing one or more storage containers (50) in a stack, the grid framework structure comprising a plurality of tracks arranged in a grid pattern to form a grid structure for movement of one or more load handling devices over the grid structure and a plurality of vertical storage columns (48) configured to support the grid structure,

[0016] iii) a delivery system (10) comprising a group of lockers (12) mounted on at least one external wall (14) of the fulfilment centre (34), each locker of the plurality of lockers comprising an internal space (28) for storing one or more items, the internal space (28) being accessible through a first opening from outside the fulfilment centre and a second opening from inside the fulfilment centre;

[0017] iv) a door mechanism operable to selectively close a first opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from outside the fulfilment centre (34) and to selectively close a second opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from inside the fulfilment centre; and

[0018] iv) a locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the door mechanism;

[0019] a) prevent access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the respective first opening, but allow access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the respective second opening; and

[0020] b) prevent access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the respective second opening, but allow access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the respective first opening.

[0021] The goods can be any goods or grocery items. The goods or items are bundled together in a package or bag for delivery to a customer. The terms "goods", "items" and "packages" can be used interchangeably. The present invention provides a plurality of lockers, wherein the interior space of each of the plurality of lockers is accessible at opposite ends of the locker, and a door mechanism that only allows access to one end of the locker at any time. The plurality of lockers can be a row of lockers.

[0022] The plurality of lockers of the present invention forms part of an external wall of a fulfilment centre or distribution centre, such that the interior space of each of the plurality of lockers is accessible through a first opening outside the fulfilment centre and a second opening inside the fulfilment centre. Optionally, the first and second openings are located at opposite ends of the interior space of each of the plurality of lockers.

[0023] The plurality of lockers comprises a door mechanism operable to selectively close or cover a first opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from outside the fulfilment centre (34) and to selectively close or cover a second opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from inside the fulfilment centre. A locking mechanism is configured to lock and unlock the door mechanism;

[0024] a) prevent access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the respective first opening, but allow access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the respective second opening; and

[0025] b) preventing access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the respective second opening, but allowing access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the respective first opening.

[0026] The door mechanism needs to selectively allow one or more of the plurality of lockers to be closed from outside the fulfilment centre or from inside the fulfilment centre or both. The one or more of the plurality of lockers can be any number of lockers. This allows a plurality of lockers to be collated together into a sub-group of two or more lockers for fulfilment of a single order and allows multiple items to be separated by placing them in the sub-group of lockers from inside the fulfilment centre without the need to laboriously open the door of each locker. For example, a single customer order can include one or more items stored at different temperatures (e.g. refrigerated and frozen). To separate the items from each other, the sub-group of lockers includes a first locker and a second locker, the first locker and the second locker being configured for storing the one or more items at different temperatures. The door mechanism can be configured to allow an operator inside the fulfilment centre to simultaneously gain access to the sub-group of lockers, but also to be able to prevent access to the interior space of each locker from outside the fulfilment centre.

[0027] Many embodiments according to the present application provide a door mechanism that can be configured to selectively allow access to each of a plurality of lockers from outside the fulfilment centre and from inside the fulfilment centre.

[0028] In a first embodiment, the door mechanism comprises an outer door for closing a first opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from outside the fulfilment centre; and an inner door for closing a second opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from inside the fulfilment centre; and wherein a locking mechanism selectively locks the outer door or the inner door such that when the inner door is unlocked the outer door is locked and when the outer door is unlocked the inner door is locked.

[0029] In a first embodiment of the application, the door mechanism comprises an outer door for closing the first opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers outside the fulfilment centre and an inner door for closing the second opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from inside the fulfilment centre. Preferably, the one or more of the plurality of lockers comprises two or more lockers such that the outer door and / or the inner door is a single door shared by a subset of the two or more lockers. For example, the single inner door can be sized to close the second opening of two or more of the plurality of lockers from inside the fulfilment centre, but the outer door can be sized to close only the first opening of each of the two or more lockers. This not only allows two or more lockers to be in an open configuration for separating multiple items of a single order, for example frozen and refrigerated items, but also allows multiple items stored at different temperatures to be shipped to two or more lockers at the same time.

[0030] In another embodiment, the door mechanism comprises a bi-directional shutter (30) which is selectively positionable between:

[0031] i) a first position to prevent access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the first opening (24) and to allow access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the second opening; and

[0032] ii) a second position to prevent access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the second opening and to allow access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the first opening (24); and

[0033] wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the bi-directional door in the first position or the second position.

[0034] The bi-directional roll-up door is movable or positionable between a first position that prevents access to the interior space of the locker through the first opening and a second position that allows access to the interior space of the locker through the first opening, and a locking mechanism for locking and / or unlocking the bi-directional roll-up door in the first position to prevent unauthorized personnel from gaining access to the interior space of the locker through the first opening. Preferably, the first opening and the second opening are at opposite ends of the interior space of the locker such that the bi-directional roll-up door is selectively positionable between the first position and the second position at any time. Preferably, the bi-directional roll-up door is guided by a guide rail or track that extends from the first opening to the second opening such that the bi-directional roll-up door is guided along the guide rail or track to be selectively positioned between the first position and the second position. The guide rail or track allows the bi-directional roll-up door to selectively open the first opening and / or the second opening in a single operation. For the purposes of the present invention, a single operation includes an operation by a single movement, in this case, lifting or pulling the bi-directional roll-up door. The use of the bi-directional roll-up door eliminates the need to have separate front and rear doors to selectively open and close the front and rear of each locker in order to collect and ship ordered items to and from the locker.

[0035] To allow the fulfillment center or distribution center to prepare or fulfill an order for one or more items, the interior space of each locker of the plurality of lockers is accessible through the second opening such that in the first position of the bi-directional roll-up door of at least one locker of the plurality of lockers (when the first opening is closed), the interior space of the at least one locker of the plurality of lockers is accessible through the second opening, and in the second position of the bi-directional roll-up door of the at least one locker of the plurality of lockers, the interior space of the at least one locker of the plurality of lockers is prevented from being accessible through the second opening (when the first opening is open). Fulfilled orders are stored in the lockers through the second opening. For the purposes of the present invention, to fulfill an order, the items specified in each order are retrieved or "picked" from inventory.

[0036] The locking mechanism can include at least one solenoid operated deadbolt that is movable to a locking position to prevent access to the interior space of the locker through the first opening when the bi-directional roll-up door is moved to the first position. The locking mechanism can be automatically moved to the locking position when one or more sensors installed on the locker sense that the bi-directional roll-up door is in the first position.

[0037] In embodiments, the door mechanism includes a separate outer door for gaining access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of storage cabinets through the first opening and an inner door for gaining access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of storage cabinets through the second opening, a signal from one or more sensors can be used to automatically lock the outer door when the inner door is opened and vice versa. The one or more sensors can be, but are not limited to, a contact sensor, a light sensor, or a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, or a combination thereof.

[0038] Having a door mechanism that allows access to the interior space of each of the plurality of storage cabinets not only allows one or more items retrieved from the fulfillment center to be efficiently placed in the storage cabinet for shipment, but also benefits from the temperature controlled environment within at least a portion of the interior of the fulfillment center. Preferably, the interior temperature of at least a portion of the fulfillment center (34) is controllable to provide a refrigerated temperature or a frozen temperature.

[0039] More preferably, the door mechanism is placed such that the second opening of one or more of the plurality of storage cabinets (12) is exposed to the interior of the fulfillment center until one or more items in one or more of the plurality of storage cabinets are collected. This allows cold air from the interior of at least a portion of the fulfillment center that is maintained at a refrigerated temperature or a frozen temperature to be able to cool the interior of one or more of the plurality of storage cabinets without the need for a separate cooling system for one or more of the plurality of storage cabinets. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of storage cabinets includes one or more fans for circulating the cold air from the interior of at least a portion of the fulfillment center to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of storage cabinets.

[0040] One or more of the plurality of lockers can include a weight sensor for determining the weight of one or more items stored in the one or more lockers. The one or more weight sensors can be used to detect the collection of one or more items from the one or more lockers. Signals from the weight sensor can be used to indicate when an item is collected from a locker and / or when an item is attempted to be retrieved from the one or more lockers without authorization. Preferably, the door mechanism can be configured to close or open the first opening and / or the second opening of the one or more of the plurality of lockers when an order of one or more items has been shipped or collected from the one or more of the plurality of lockers. For example, the outer door or the inner door can be configured to be biased into an open configuration and the locking mechanism can be actuated to open the outer door or the inner door depending on whether one or more items are collected from the one or more of the plurality of lockers or whether one or more items are shipped into the one or more of the plurality of lockers. Optionally, signals from the one or more sensors can also be used to actuate the locking mechanism to the locked position after a preset period of time when an item or one or more packages are collected from a locker.

[0041] Optionally, the bi-directional roll-up gate can be motorized to automatically move to the first position to prevent access to the interior space of the locker after an order item is removed from the locker. More preferably, the bi-directional roll-up gate can automatically move to the first position after a preset period of time in response to signals from the one or more sensors or the weight sensor detecting the retrieval of an item from the one or more lockers.

[0042] Preferably, the plurality of lockers form part of a partition wall to form a plurality of bays having a front side and a back side, the front side defining a collection side and the back side defining a shipping side. By forming the plurality of lockers as part of a partition wall, a customer or a courier cannot access the back or the back side or the shipping side of the lockers. Having a door mechanism (e.g. bi-directional roll-up gate) that is movable to selectively open and close opposite ends of the interior space of the locker at any time, allows the plurality of lockers to be installed to at least one exterior wall of a fulfillment center to define a plurality of bays such that the first opening is located on the exterior of the fulfillment center and the second opening is exposed to the interior of the fulfillment center.

[0043] Preferably, the first opening defines a collection side for collecting one or more packages from at least one of the plurality of lockers and the second opening defines a shipping side for shipping one or more fulfilled or prepared orders (bundles of ordered items into packages) into at least one of the plurality of lockers, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured for locking and / or unlocking the door mechanism at the collection side. For the purposes of the present invention, the collection side can be a customer side for customer self-pickup or a courier side for courier self-pickup.

[0044] When an order for one or more items is prepared or fulfilled at the fulfilment center and packed into one or more packages, the second opening on the dispatch side of the locker is opened for depositing the fulfilled order into the assigned locker. The second opening is accessible from the interior of the fulfilment center for depositing the goods into its assigned locker. As the first opening is on the collection side and the second opening is on the dispatch side, the bidirectional movement through the first opening on the collection side to the first position prevents access to the interior space of the locker through the collection side and thereby from unauthorised access to the interior space of the locker, but allows access to the second opening to allow an operator or a dispatcher to deposit the fulfilled order into the locker, i.e. from unauthorised access to the interior space of the locker on one side while keeping the other side open for depositing the fulfilled order. Likewise, the outer door of one or more of the lockers covers the first opening, preventing access to the interior space of one or more of the lockers through the collection side and thereby from unauthorised access to the interior space of one or more of the lockers. Opening the inner door of one or more of the lockers allows an operator or a dispatcher to deposit the fulfilled order into one or more of the lockers via the second opening.

[0045] If the order for one or more items involves the delivery of perishable food and grocery items, the storage of the goods must comply with strict temperature and environmental requirements, such as refrigerated or frozen temperatures. Traditionally, the interior space of a row or group of lockers is cooled by a separate dedicated cooling system to store perishable goods. For example, US2198239, GB615167, EP3071076 relate to refrigerated locker systems, wherein a dedicated refrigeration unit circulates cold air around or through the lockers via suitable ducts to cool the contents of the lockers. Other temperature-controlled lockers taught in the art, such as WO2015114331 (Illinois Tool Works Inc.), relate to temperature-controlled lockable storage devices, wherein the temperature of a row of lockable compartments is cooled by a separate compression refrigeration unit comprising a compressor, a condenser, one or more expansion valves to control the delivery of refrigerant to each locker and an evaporator.

[0046] The locker of the present application is configured as a hatch, eliminating the need for having a separate cooling system, as the locker of the present application can utilize the temperature controlled atmosphere in the fulfillment center. As the temperature of the fulfillment center or distribution center is carefully controlled to store perishable goods, by integrating the locker of the present application into the fulfillment center, the shipping system of the present application is able to utilize the cold air in the fulfillment center to cool the interior space of the locker. As the shipping side (second opening) of each locker is open when the collection side (first opening) is closed, the cold air circulating in the fulfillment can be used to cool the interior space of each locker, sufficient to store perishable goods in the shipping side (second opening) until the goods are collected by the courier or the customer, or the like, recipient of the collection side. Typically, a fulfillment center or distribution center for storing inventory of perishable goods to be delivered includes one or more refrigerators that circulate cold air within the fulfillment center to maintain the temperature inside the fulfillment center at a desired storage temperature (e.g. refrigerated or frozen). Typically, the fulfillment center is divided to provide a refrigerated zone and / or a frozen zone for storing perishable goods (e.g. grocery items). The use of the door mechanism (e.g. separate outer door / inner door or bi-directional shutter) according to the present application allows the second opening to remain open (or exposed) at the shipping side of at least one locker when the first opening of the collection side is closed, such that the temperature inside the at least one locker reaches an equilibrium state with the temperature inside the fulfillment center. By positioning a number of lockers in the refrigerated zone or frozen zone of the fulfillment center, the temperature inside the lockers reaches a refrigerated or frozen temperature, depending on whether the number of lockers or rows of lockers are located in the fulfillment center. As the interior space of each locker is relatively small compared to the interior space of the fulfillment center, the temperature of the interior space of the locker cools rapidly to reach an equilibrium state with the surrounding temperature of the fulfillment center.

[0047] While the bi-directional shutter provides a degree of insulation for the interior space of the locker when the bi-directional shutter is placed in the first position to prevent the perishable goods stored in the locker from being exposed to the external environmental conditions, preferably, the door mechanism of at least one locker of each of the number of lockers includes an outer door mounted at the first opening outside the bi-directional shutter. More preferably, the outer door is lined with an insulating material, such that the outer door can be closed to insulate the interior space of at least one locker of each of the number of lockers. The outer door mounted outside the bi-directional shutter also provides additional security to prevent unauthorized personnel from attempting to pry open the bi-directional shutter and gain access to the interior of the locker. Similar to the bi-directional shutter, a locking mechanism can be arranged to lock the outer door when closed against the first opening.

[0048] To prevent unauthorized access to the interior space of the locker, the shipping system further includes:

[0049] i) an access control module for controlling locking and / or unlocking of the locking mechanism to grant or deny access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of lockers;

[0050] ii) a local user interface cooperating with the access control module.

[0051] iii) a control module comprising a collection code generation device and a collection code communication device for generating and communicating a collection code unique to an order for one or more items to the access control module;

[0052] iv) a data communication device cooperating with the control module; the data communication device is adapted to receive the unique collection code from the control module such that when the unique collection code is subsequently entered into the local user interface, the locking mechanism is actuated to allow access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of lockers.

[0053] Optionally, the control module is operatively coupled to a network comprising one or more processors and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to generate a collection code unique to an order for one or more items and communicate the collection code to the access control module.

[0054] The locking mechanism is arranged to lock the bi-directional roller shutter when the bi-directional roller shutter is in the first position to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing the interior space of the locker through the first opening. As the first opening is located at the collection side of the locker, actuating the locking mechanism when the bi-directional roller shutter is in the first position prevents unauthorised access and thereby prevents the goods stored in the locker from being stolen. Similarly, the locking mechanism is arranged to lock the outer door to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing the interior space of the locker through the first opening.

[0055] Preferably, the delivery system of the present application comprises an access control module for controlling locking and / or unlocking of the locking mechanism to grant or deny access to the interior space of each of the plurality or row of lockers, and a local user interface cooperating with the access control module for entering a collection code or access code unique to an order to actuate the locking mechanism. Preferably, the control module is configured to communicate with the access control module over a network. The network can comprise a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) or any other type of network. The access control module can be coupled to the network wired or wirelessly.

[0056] Preferably, the delivery system comprises a control module comprising a collection code generation device and a collection code communication device for generating and communicating a collection code unique to an order for one or more items to the access control module. The collection code uniquely identifies the order for one or more items and is generated upon receipt of the order for one or more items.

[0057] Upon receipt of the order, the control module generates a collection code that uniquely identifies the order. A data communication device, in cooperation with the control system, is adapted to receive the unique collection code from the control module such that when the collection code is subsequently entered into the local user interface, the locking mechanism unlocks at least one of the plurality of lockers in which one or more packages containing the ordered goods are stored.

[0058] Instead of the solenoid operated bolt described above, the locking mechanism can alternatively comprise a self-locking mechanical locking mechanism configured to automatically lock when the bi-directional shutter is moved to the first position on the collection side of the locker, or when the outer door is closed on the first opening. The locking mechanism further comprises an electromagnetic locking release mechanism configured to release the self-locking mechanical locking mechanism in response to when the collection code unique to the particular order is entered into the access control module via the local user interface.

[0059] Preferably, the data communication device is a wireless transmitter / receiver device. Alternatively, the data communication device is a mobile device or a personal computer. The control module can optionally send the collection code to the addressee in any convenient manner, for example, via an email or an SMS message to the addressee's mobile device. For the purposes of the present invention, the "addressee" can include the customer and / or the courier.

[0060] To improve security, preferably, the local user interface comprises a first input device and a second input device such that the access control module is configured to grant access to at least one of the plurality of lockers by entering the collection code into the first input device and the second input device. Alternatively, the first input device is shared among or cooperates with the group of lockers such that the first input device is shared among the group of lockers, and the second input device cooperates with a sub-group of one or more of the plurality of lockers such that the second input device is shared among the sub-group of one or more lockers. For example, access to the one or more assigned lockers depends on the customer or courier entering the unique collection code into the first input device for the entire plurality of lockers, and a special second input device specific to the assigned locker. Alternatively, the order unique collection code is entered into the first input device, and a verification code is entered into the second input device, the second input device being located at the assigned locker. When the control module and / or the access control module verifies the collection code provided to the first input device and the verification code provided to the second input device, access to the interior space of the one or more lockers assigned to the addressee's order is permitted. Alternatively, the collection code can be shared between the first input device and the second input device, for example, a portion of the collection code is entered into the first input device, and the collection code is completed by entering the remaining portion of the collection code into the second input device.

[0061] In addition to improving security, the two-step entry of the collection code into the first input device and the second input device provides a brief delay between the two entry steps, which is sufficient to allow an order to be fulfilled, and in the case of frozen goods, the fulfilled order to be transferred from the freezer room to the assigned locker. More specifically, the first input device can provide a notification to a shipper or operator to prepare or fulfill an order for one or more items from inventory in the fulfillment center and / or to transport the fulfilled order to the identified locker. For example, regulations require that frozen food can only be stored at room temperature for a preset period of time before being considered unfit for human consumption. To ensure that items that need to be stored at frozen temperatures are not left at an elevated temperature (e.g., room temperature or refrigerated temperature) for too long before being considered unfit for human consumption, items that need to be stored at frozen temperatures can be stored separately in a freezer room, such as a standalone freezer, before being shipped into a locker. Once a recipient, such as a courier, enters the collection code into the first input device, a notification is provided to an operator to transport the ordered frozen items from the freezer room to the selected locker. When the recipient subsequently enters the collection code or a separate verification code into the second input device, the recipient is subsequently allowed to retrieve the frozen items from the identified locker.

[0062] Preferably, the local user interface includes at least one of a keyboard, a Bluetooth receiver, an image scanner, a microphone, a pointing device, a biometric input device, a facial recognition device, an iris recognition device, a retinal recognition device, a near field communication reader, a radio frequency identification reader, a linear and / or matrix barcode reader, a payment card reader, a smart card reader, an infrared reader. More preferably, each of the first input device and the second input device includes any of a keyboard, a Bluetooth receiver, an image scanner, a microphone, a pointing device, a biometric input device, a facial recognition device, an iris recognition device, a retinal recognition device, a near field communication reader, a radio frequency identification reader, a linear and / or matrix barcode reader, a payment card reader, a smart card reader, an infrared reader.

[0063] Preferably, the access control system includes a guidance device to guide a user to one or more of a number of lockers assigned to the user (e.g., a courier or a customer) in response to the user entering a collection code into the local user interface.

[0064] The present invention utilises a guidance device to guide a recipient to their assigned locker in order to minimise the time taken to collect their order from their assigned locker. More preferably, the guidance device comprises an output device for communicating the location of one or more of the number of lockers assigned to the recipient. The output device is at least one of: a display screen, a loudspeaker, a headset, a printer, a voice output communication aid, a navigation system, a scanner station, a personal communication device, an access control console, a path projection system, a customer information display panel, a light based system (e.g. LED). Optionally, the local user interface comprises the output device to guide the recipient to their assigned locker. When the recipient of an order enters the collection code unique to the order, the output device guides the recipient to their assigned locker. This can be in the form of a locker identification, for example a number or letter. Alternatively or in combination, each locker comprises a signalling device to guide a user to their assigned locker. Optionally, the signalling device can comprise a light that illuminates to guide the recipient to their assigned locker.

[0065] The guidance device can also allow two or more recipients to collect their orders from the lockers simultaneously in order to allow a number of users to access their assigned locker at the same time, thereby negating the need for users (recipients) to queue at the lockers. Likewise, the guidance device can allow two or more operators to submit orders in their assigned lockers simultaneously.

[0066] In order to identify each locker in a row or number of lockers, preferably each locker in the number of lockers comprises a label (e.g. an electronic label) readable by the user interface for establishing an identity of each locker in the number of lockers. Optionally, the label can comprise a barcode, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode or a QR code or an RFID tag. Preferably, the control module in communication with the local user interface is configured to:

[0067] i) retrieve from the memory device an identity of one or more packages unique to an order and an identity of one or more lockers assigned to store the one or more packages,

[0068] ii) associate the identity of the one or more assigned lockers with a corresponding collection code unique to the order,

[0069] iii) communicate the identity of the one or more assigned lockers to the access control module such that when the corresponding collection code is provided to the access control module via the local user interface, access to the one or more assigned lockers is permitted.

[0070] For example, the control module is configured to assign the identity of the one or more lockers unique to the order to the corresponding collection code; the collection code is a master code of the one or more assigned lockers. Optionally, the one or more packages comprise a label readable by a package user interface for establishing the identity of each package in the one or more packages. Here, the one or more fulfilled orders are placed in the one or more packages. Optionally, the label of the one or more packages can be a barcode, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode (2-D barcode) or a QR code or an RFID tag. A handheld scanner can be used to identify the identity of the one or more packages and the identity of the one or more assigned lockers in which the ordered one or more packages are stored. Optionally, the control module is configured to associate the identity of the one or more packages unique to the order with the corresponding collection code. Thus, the identity of the one or more assigned lockers and the identity of the one or more packages stored in the assigned lockers are associated with the corresponding collection code. Thereby, the collection code unique to the order can be used to track the status of the order.

[0071] In another aspect of the application, a method of collecting one or more packages from a delivery system according to the application upon receipt of an order for the one or more packages, comprising the steps of:

[0072] i) generating, by a control module, a collection code upon receipt of an order for one or more packages,

[0073] ii) establishing communication between the control module and an access control module and communicating the collection code to the access control module;

[0074] iii) actuating, by the access control module, a locking mechanism upon receipt of the collection code to allow collection of the one or more packages from one or more of a plurality of lockers.

[0075] Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0076] v) entering the collection code into the access control module via a local user interface,

[0077] vi) comparing the collection code to at least one collection code stored in the access control module,

[0078] vii) in the event that the collection code corresponds to the at least one collection code stored in the access control module, actuating the locking mechanism to allow access to the interior space of the locker assigned to the order.

[0079] In another aspect of the application, a method of delivering one or more packages to a delivery system according to the application upon receipt of an order for the one or more packages, comprising the steps of:

[0080] i) identifying one or more lockers allocated for storing one or more packages unique to an order,

[0081] ii) communicating the identity of the allocated locker to the control module,

[0082] iii) associating, by the control module, the identity of the allocated locker with a collection code unique to the order.

[0083] Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0084] iv) identifying one or more packages unique to an order,

[0085] vii) communicating the identity of the one or more packages to the control module,

[0086] viii) associating, by the control module, the identity of the one or more packages with a corresponding collection code unique to the order.

[0087] Optionally, the identity of the one or more packages is determined by scanning a label placed on the one or more packages. Optionally, the label comprises a barcode, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode (2-D barcode) or a QR code or an RFID tag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0088] The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, that like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views. Other features and aspects of the present application will become apparent from a reading of the detailed description.

[0089] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a row of lockers forming part of a structural wall of a fulfilment centre for collecting purchased goods, in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0090] Figure 2 is a schematic rear view of a row of lockers showing the interior of a fulfilment centre for dispatching fulfilled orders into a number of lockers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] Figure 3 is a schematic bird's eye view of the interior of a fulfilment centre showing orders being prepared or fulfilled for dispatch into a number of lockers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0092] Figure 4 (a) and 4(b) are schematic side views of a single locker showing (a) the bi- directional shutter in a first position and (b) in a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0093] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the environment showing various components of the dispatch system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0094] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of components of a shipment system according to embodiments of the application.

[0095] Figure 7 A schematic diagram in the form of a flow chart is provided showing the stages of notifying and collecting one or more packages from a shipment system according to embodiments of the application.

[0096] Figure 8 A schematic diagram in the form of a flow chart is provided showing the stages of fulfilling and shipping one or more packages to a locker according to embodiments of the application.

[0097] Figure 9 A schematic diagram in the form of a flow chart is provided showing the stages of fulfilling and shipping one or more packages from a freezer room to a locker according to embodiments of the application.

[0098] Figure 10 A schematic diagram in the form of a flow chart is provided showing the stages of assigning a locker to one or more packages according to embodiments of the application.

[0099] Figure 11 A schematic diagram in the form of a flow chart is provided showing the stages of assigning a locker to one or more packages according to embodiments of the application.

[0100] Figure 12 A schematic diagram in the form of a flow chart is provided showing the stages of assigning a locker to one or more packages according to embodiments of the application.

[0101] Figure 13 (a), 13(b) and 13(c) show different arrangements of fans to circulate cold air from a fulfilment centre into the interior space of a locker according to embodiments of the application.

[0102] Figure 14 (a), 14(b) and 14(c) provide schematic front, rear and side views of a number of lockers according to embodiments of the application.

[0103] Figure 15 (a), 15(b) and 15(c) provide schematic equidistant rear and side views of a row of lockers according to embodiments of the application.

[0104] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a transfer system within a fulfilment centre. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] Order fulfillment or warehouse facilities typically include a receiving operation for receiving shipments of inventory from various suppliers and storing the received inventory in stock. The stock can include, but is not limited to, perishable food and grocery items that need to be stored at strict storage temperatures. For the purposes of this invention, different storage temperatures include ambient controlled temperatures, refrigerated temperatures, and frozen temperatures. Frozen temperatures cover a range of approximately -25°C to approximately 0°C, more preferably, a range of approximately -21°C to approximately -18°C; refrigerated temperatures cover a range of approximately 0°C to approximately 5°C, and ambient controlled temperatures cover a range of approximately 4°C to approximately 21°C, preferably, approximately 18°C.

[0106] The delivery of food and grocery items primarily involves the delivery of packages of goods / items from a fulfillment facility consisting of one or more bags, boxes, or containers that are filled with a number of items or goods unique to an order. The goods or items include, but are not limited to, food and grocery items, and can include ordered items for delivery to a customer. Recently, e-commerce has covered the area of home delivery of food and grocery items without traditional retail stores. The efficiency and time saving of this approach can be valuable to customers, but the level of customer service involved can also make it expensive. This expense includes a limitation on the number of customers that can be serviced during any given delivery period, considering various limitations including delivery truck or vehicle space.

[0107] The present invention alleviates this limitation by increasing flexibility by allowing the home delivery of orders for food and grocery items to customers by retrieving the fulfilled orders directly from the fulfillment center and delivering them to the customers. Particular embodiments of the present invention allow pure online retailers without traditional retail stores to deliver food and grocery items in a safe and reliable manner. The present invention allows pure online retailers to use a variety of reputable courier services, thereby increasing the number of customers that can be serviced during any given delivery period. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the use of a single courier typically associated with online retailers, but rather allows a number of different delivery men or couriers to deliver food or grocery items to customers, thereby maintaining the home delivery service over a given time period.

[0108] The present invention provides a shipping system 10 that allows the shipment of fulfilled orders for direct delivery to customers from a fulfillment center, and thus provides a more streamlined logistics system. Reference is now made to the drawings. Figure 1A delivery system 10 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a plurality of lockers 12. The plurality of lockers 12 form at least a portion of a fulfillment center having a front side 16 and a rear side 18. The front side 16 of the barrier can be accessed by a user (e.g., a courier) to collect goods. For the purposes of explaining the invention, the front side will be referred to as the collection side 16. The rear side 18 of the barrier is configured to deliver fulfilled orders to the lockers. For the purposes of the invention, the rear side or rear portion will be referred to as the delivery side 18 for delivering fulfilled orders to the lockers. An order is fulfilled when the goods or items specified in each order are retrieved or picked from inventory (also referred to as stock storage) in the order fulfillment facility.

[0109] The barrier 14 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is a structural wall of a building, facility, or center. For example... Figure 1 As shown, several lockers 12 are formed in at least one structural wall 14 of the performance facility or center to form several hatches or shipping hatches. Figure 4 (a) and (b) show schematic diagrams of a single locker 22 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown in (a) and 4(b), each of the several hatches or lockers has a first opening 24 on the collection side 16, a second opening 26 on the shipping side 18, and an internal space 28 between the first opening 24 and the second opening 26 for storing goods or packaged goods.

[0110] As can be seen, the lockers 12 are placed in the outer wall of the performance center, such that they are substantially flush with the surface of the outer wall 14 of the performance center. A door mechanism is provided, operable to selectively close a first opening of one or more lockers from the outside of the performance center, and to selectively close a second opening of one or more lockers from the inside of the performance center.

[0111] exist Figure 1 In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, each of the plurality of lockers 12 includes at least one bidirectional roller shutter 30, which is movable through a first opening 24 or a second opening 26 to prevent or allow access to the interior space 28 of the locker in a single operation (e.g., a single movement) through the first opening 24 or the second opening 26. The single operation may be lifting one side of the roller shutter or pulling one side of the roller shutter. The bidirectional roller shutter (roller shutter) as defined herein is arranged along a guide or track extending through the first opening to through the second opening, such that movement of the roller shutter in a single operation (e.g., by lifting or pulling the edge of the roller shutter) can move the roller shutter through the first opening or the second opening. Door mechanisms are not limited to bidirectional roller shutters; other embodiments of door mechanisms operable to selectively close the first and second openings of each of the plurality of lockers will be discussed below.

[0112] The bi-directional roll shutter 30 prevents theft of the contents of the locker by an unauthorized user of the locker. Figure 4 The arrows shown in (a) and (b) indicate the direction of movement of the bi-directional roll shutter 30 through the first opening 24 of the collection side 16 and through the second opening 26 of the dispatch side 18. Access to the interior space 28 of the locker 12 is controlled by a locking mechanism (not shown) which in turn is controlled by an access control module 32 which includes an access control processor and a machine readable medium such as a bar code or QR code scanner. The access control processor can be any processing device known in the art. Typical embodiments include, but are not limited to, microprocessors. The processor can be communicatively coupled to a computer readable medium such as a memory device.

[0113] Placing the number of lockers 12 in the at least one exterior wall 14 of the fulfillment center allows the refrigerated or frozen environment in the fulfillment center to cool the interior space of each of the number of lockers exposed at the second opening 26. Typically, the fulfillment center includes one or more zones for storing inventory including food and grocery items. Each of the one or more zones can represent a refrigerated zone, a frozen zone, or an environmentally controlled zone. Food and grocery items are stored in any one of the zones according to their temperature storage requirements. A typical layout of the interior of the fulfillment center 34 according to embodiments of the present application is shown in Figure 3

[0114] Because food and grocery items are perishable, the one or more zones of the fulfillment center 34 are maintained at strict refrigerated or frozen temperatures. For example, coolers are used to maintain the temperature within the one or more zones of the fulfillment center 34 at the desired storage temperature prior to dispatch to customers. The number of lockers 12 formed in the at least one wall 14 of the fulfillment center 34 are configured to maintain the temperature of the inventory within the fulfillment center prior to collection. As shown in Figure 2

[0115] ​​For storing groceries at refrigerated temperatures, the exposure of the interior space of the locker to refrigerated conditions can cause the interior space 28 of each of the plurality of lockers 12 to reach refrigerated temperatures, as the temperature within the locker will equilibrate with the temperature within the fulfillment center. Similarly, if the plurality of lockers 12 are formed in the exterior wall 14 representing a portion of the fulfillment center that stores food and grocery items at frozen temperatures, the exposure of the second opening 26 of the plurality of lockers 12 at the shipping side 18 to frozen conditions will cause the interior space 28 of each of the plurality of lockers to reach the temperature within the fulfillment center, i.e., frozen temperatures. The same principle applies if the plurality of lockers are formed in the exterior wall representing a portion of the fulfillment center that stores food and grocery items at ambient controlled temperatures.

[0116] Optionally, the door mechanism of at least one of the plurality of lockers 12 includes an outer door 36 that is externally mounted at the first opening 24 at the collection side 16 of the locker. As shown in Figure 1 the outer door 36 provides an additional barrier to access the interior space 28 of the locker 12. The outer door 36 prevents unauthorized personnel from gaining access to the less secure bi-directional roll shutter 30, i.e., provides two stages of entry into the locker. Thus, entry into the locker 12 at the collection side 16 requires the user, which can include a courier, to open the outer door 36 and then move the bi-directional roll shutter 30 to a position where the first opening 24 can be exposed. The outer door 36 also helps to insulate the interior space 28 of the locker from the external environment at the collection side 16, thereby maintaining the temperature within the locker at refrigerated or frozen temperatures prior to collection. Preferably, the outer door 36 is lined with an insulating material as is known in the art. The outer door 36 can be pivotably mounted to the exterior wall 14 or at least one panel of the locker adjacent the first opening 24 by one or more hinges and configured to open and close against the first opening 24 of the locker to cover the bi-directional roll shutter 30. The one or more hinges can be fitted with a spring that biases the outer door 36 in the closed configuration to prevent the escape of cold air from the fulfillment center.

[0117] Reference is now made to Figure 4 (a) and 4(b), which illustrate the operation of the bi-directional roll shutter of at least one of the plurality of lockers. As shown in Figure 4 (a) and 4(b), the first opening 24 at the collection side 16 and the second opening 26 at the shipping side 18 are located at opposite ends of the interior space 28 of the locker 22. The bi-directional roll shutter 30 (referred to herein as the roll shutter) is movable from a first position as shown in Figure 4 (a) to expose the first opening 24 from the collection side 16, i.e., to a second position as shown in Figure 4(b) the second position shown closes the access to the interior space 28 of the locker from the dispatch side 18 (i.e. the second opening 26) to close the access to the interior space 28 of the locker from the dispatch side 18 (i.e. the second opening 26). The roller shutter 30 comprises a louvered blind guided along a track or rail (not shown) that extends from the first opening 24 on the collection side to the second opening 26 on the dispatch side; preferably along a window frame (not shown) through the first opening, along a window frame (not shown) through the second opening 26 and through the interior space 28 between them. This allows the roller shutter 30 to be movable to close the first opening at the collection side 16 through the first opening 24 in a single operation or movement, and to close the second opening 26 at the dispatch side through the second opening in a single operation. By extending the track or rail through the interior space 28 of the locker, more particularly through the top wall of the interior space of the locker, allows the roller shutter to be selectively positionable to close the first and second openings at any time, in a single operation, i.e. to access the locker from only one side of the locker at a time. Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 The arrows shown in (b) show the direction of the roller shutter 30 when closing the first opening 24 and the second opening 26. Thus, in a single operation, the roller shutter 30 is moved to the first position to close the first opening 24 and to expose the second opening 26. When a number of lockers are formed in a structural wall of a fulfilment centre, closing the first opening 24 of at least one locker exposes the second opening 26 to the interior of the fulfilment centre. Likewise, moving the roller shutter 30 to the second position in a single operation opens the first opening 24 but closes the second opening 26.

[0118] The movement of the roller shutter 30 can optionally be motorised so as to automatically move the roller shutter between the first and second positions, and vice versa. For example, one or more motors retrofitted to the roller shutter can comprise one or more wheels (not shown) that are rotatably engaged with the surface of the louvered blind to automatically move the roller shutter through the first and second openings upon rotation of the motor. Rotation of the motor in one direction moves the roller shutter through the first opening 24, and rotation of the motor in the opposite direction moves the roller shutter through the second opening 26. The wheels of the motor can be frictionally engaged with the surface of the louvered blind, or alternatively or in combination, the wheels of the motor comprise teeth that engage with the surface of the roller shutter such that rotation of the wheels selectively moves the louvered blind through the first or second opening depending on the direction of rotation of the motor.

[0119] As mentioned above, the location of the lockers 12 forming the exterior wall 14 of the fulfillment center 34 can be advantageous in controlling the temperature within the lockers. If the exterior wall 14 represents a portion of the fulfillment center 34 that houses products stored at refrigerated or frozen temperatures, the second openings 26 of the lockers 12 on the shipping side 18 are exposed to the air within the fulfillment center, which causes the interior space 28 of each of the lockers 12 to reach the temperature of the interior of the fulfillment center, i.e. the interior space 28 of the locker 22 is sufficiently cooled to store refrigerated or frozen goods.

[0120] Optionally, one or more fans 23 can be used to direct cool air from the interior of the fulfillment center 34 into the interior space 28 of the locker. Unlike conventional active cooling systems that use refrigeration units, the fans 23 help cool the locker by utilizing the already cooled air within the fulfillment center 34.

[0121] The fans 23 can be arranged horizontally or vertically, providing horizontal or vertical movement of the air in this manner. Vertical air distribution can be more preferable, taking into account the vertical variation of air temperature and air density.

[0122] To facilitate air flow between adjacent lockers and between the interior space 28 of the locker and the fulfillment center, the locker can be provided with perforations in one or more of the locker's top, bottom, front, back, or sides.

[0123] One or more distribution channels or manifolds 27 can be provided to direct air flow into and / or out of the locker.

[0124] Figure 13 Figures 13(a), 13(b), and 13(c) illustrate some embodiments of fan and perforation arrangements. These embodiments are not intended to be limiting; those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements of fans are possible, and that any suitable arrangement can be used as part of the present invention.

[0125] In Figure 13 In (a), a single fan 23 is placed on top of a row of lockers. The fan acts as an exhaust fan, drawing air out of the interior space 28 of each locker 22. Each locker is provided with perforations 25 at the top and bottom of each locker 22 to enable air flow. The perforations 25 at the top of each locker 22 act as air outlets, and the perforations 25 at the bottom of each locker act as air inlets. As shown by the arrows in (a), the direction of air flow is substantially upward. As the fan 23 draws air out of the interior space 28, cool air from the fulfillment center 34 is drawn upward through the perforations at the bottom of each locker 22. Figure 13

[0126] In Figure 13 ​In (b), the row of lockers is equipped with two fans 23, one at the top and one at the bottom. The first fan 23 at the top of the row of lockers pushes cool air downwards from the fulfillment center 34 into the interior space 28 of the locker. The second fan 23 at the bottom of the row of lockers acts as an exhaust fan, drawing air downwards from the interior space 28 of the locker and into the fulfillment center 34. Similarly, each individual locker 22 is provided with perforations 25 to allow airflow. The perforations 25 at the top of each locker 22 serve as air inlets, and the perforations 25 at the bottom of each locker serve as air outlets. Figure 13 The arrow in (b) indicates that the airflow is basically downward.

[0127] exist Figure 13 In (c), the row of lockers includes two vertically stacked lockers with a fan 23 at the top. The fan 23 directs cool air into a shared distribution system arranged to accommodate the internal space of the row of lockers. The distribution system includes a manifold for distributing cool air between the row of lockers. Cool air from the fulfillment center 34 is directed downwards by the fan 23 into the manifold 27 between the two stacks of lockers. Each individual locker has perforations 28 on opposite sides of the locker 22. The perforation on the side of the locker adjacent to the manifold 27 serves as an air inlet, allowing cool air from the manifold to enter the locker's internal space 28. The perforation 25 on the side of the locker opposite the manifold serves as an air outlet, allowing air from the locker's internal space 28 to flow into the fulfillment center. Figure 13 (c) indicates the direction of airflow: air is pushed substantially downward into manifold 27 by fan 23, then flows substantially horizontally from the manifold into the locker, and flows out of the locker into the fulfillment center.

[0128] Stale air from each locker in a row of lockers can be exhausted to the outside of the fulfillment center. For example, stale air can be exhausted from the interior space of each locker in a row of lockers via one or more exhaust fans and / or each time the exterior doors are opened to expose the lockers to the outside of the fulfillment center.

[0129] Figure 14 (a), 14(b), 14(c), 15(a), 15(b) and 15(c) provide schematic diagrams of exemplary embodiments of a door mechanism according to the invention for selectively closing the first and second openings of one or more of a plurality of lockers 12.

[0130] In one embodiment of the application, the door mechanism includes an outer door 17 for closing the first opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers outside the fulfillment center 34 and an inner door 15 for closing the second opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from inside the fulfillment center 34. Similar to the function of the bi-directional roll-up shutter described above, the locking mechanism selectively locks the outer door 17 and the inner door 15 such that the inner door 15 is unlocked when the outer door 17 is locked and the outer door 17 is unlocked when the inner door 15 is locked.

[0131] Each of the plurality of lockers can include a single inner door 15 and a single outer door 17. That is, each individual locker of the plurality of lockers can have its own individual inner door and its own individual outer door, and each inner door or outer door provides access to one locker. The inner door 15 provides access to the back or shipment side 18 of the locker from inside the fulfillment center 34, and the outer door 17 provides access to the front or collection side 16 of the locker from outside the fulfillment center 34.

[0132] Alternatively, two or more of the plurality of lockers can be grouped into a locker sub-group. The locker sub-group can include two or more lockers such that an outer door and / or an inner door is a single door shared by the sub-group of two or more lockers.

[0133] The locker sub-group can have a single outer door 17 shared by the locker sub-group and a separate inner door 15 for each locker. In this case, the shared outer door 17 provides access to all of the lockers in the locker sub-group from outside the fulfillment center 34, and each inner door 15 of each individual locker in the locker sub-group provides access to one individual locker from inside the fulfillment center 34.

[0134] One advantage of the locker sub-group having a shared outer door 17 is that when a courier or customer collects a single order or multiple orders that do not fit into a single locker, they do not need to individually access each locker to collect the items from multiple lockers. This is more convenient and faster than collecting the same items from lockers having separate outer doors.

[0135] Another embodiment in which the shared outer door is convenient is when an order includes items to be stored at different temperatures. For example, consider two locker sub-groups having separate inner doors 15 and shared outer doors 17. If an order includes frozen items and items to be stored at ambient temperature, the ambient temperature items can be stored in the first locker and the frozen items can be stored in the second locker. An operator of the fulfillment center can place the ambient temperature items into the first locker.

[0136] The locker sub-group can have a single interior door 15 shared by the locker sub-group and a separate exterior door 17 for each locker. In this case, the shared interior door 15 provides access from inside the fulfillment center 34 to all of the lockers in the locker sub-group, and each exterior door 17 of each individual locker in the locker sub-group provides access from outside the fulfillment center 34 to one individual locker. This arrangement is convenient for large orders that require multiple lockers; an operator inside the fulfillment center 34 need only open the single interior door 15 after an order is placed to access the lockers to place the order's items into each of the lockers in the locker sub-group, without having to open the interior door of each individual locker separately. This is more convenient and faster than placing the same items into lockers with separate interior doors.

[0137] The locker sub-group can have a single exterior door 17 shared by the locker sub-group and a single interior door 15. In this case, the shared exterior door 17 provides access from outside the fulfillment center 34 to all of the lockers in the locker sub-group, and the shared interior door 15 provides access from inside the fulfillment center 34 to all of the lockers in the locker sub-group. This is more convenient and faster for both operators inside the fulfillment center 34 and delivery personnel or customers outside the fulfillment center 34.

[0138] Figure 14 (a) is a schematic view of a number of lockers 12 from outside the fulfillment center 34 according to embodiments of the present invention. Each individual locker in the number of lockers has a separate exterior door 17. Each exterior door 17 opens and closes a first opening of one locker and provides access to the interior space 28 of that locker. Figure 14 (b) is a schematic view of the same number of lockers 12 from inside the fulfillment center. Each interior door 15 is shared between a sub-group of three lockers, such that the interior door 15 opens and closes a second opening of the three lockers and provides access to the interior spaces 28 of the three lockers in the sub-group of lockers.

[0139] Figure 14 (c) is a schematic view of a row of six lockers, including two sub-groups of three lockers each. The row of lockers is Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) show a portion of the number of lockers. The row of lockers has two interior doors 15, each shared between a sub-group of three lockers in the row of six lockers; and six separate exterior doors 17, each for each of the six lockers in the row of lockers.

[0140] Figure 15(a) shows a row of six lockers from the inside of the fulfilment centre, the inside door 15 is not drawn so the interior space 28 of the six lockers in the row can be seen. Figure 15 (b) shows a row of lockers with two inside doors 15, each providing access to a sub-group of three lockers. Figure 15 (c) shows the same row of lockers from a different angle so the second opening and outside door 17 of each locker can be seen. The inside and / or outside door linings are lined with thermal insulation to prevent heat loss from the inside of the fulfilment centre.

[0141] Figure 2 The rear or back 18 of a number of lockers 12 at the dispatch side is shown. The rear lockers 12 extend out into the area of the fulfilment centre to present a number of receiving bins or wall-embedded compartments for an operator to dispatch fulfilled orders into, i.e. the interior space 28 of the lockers 12 extends back into the fulfilment centre. In Figure 2 In the particular embodiment shown, the two-way shutter of each locker is placed in the first position to expose the second opening 26 to the interior space of the fulfilment centre. The fulfilment centre typically includes a picking operation or picking station 37 where items or goods are retrieved or picked from inventory (see Figure 3 ). In the particular embodiment shown, the picking station 37 is located at the front of the fulfilment centre, i.e. at the front of the row of lockers 12. The picking station 37 is located in the interior space of the fulfilment centre, i.e. the interior space 28 of the lockers 12. Figure 3In the particular embodiment of the application shown, the fulfillment center includes a grid framework structure 40 that includes a number of upright members or upright columns 42 that support horizontal members 44 that support rails 46. The number of upright members 42 are arranged in a number of storage columns or grid columns 48 for storing one or more containers in stacks. Each container 50 typically holds a number of product items (not shown), which can be the same or different product types depending on its application. The bins or containers 50 are accessed by remotely operated load handling devices (not shown) operating on rails located at the top of the grid framework structure 40. To fulfill an order for a given customer, the items or groceries that enter the picking operation are placed in a bag 52. Depending on the shipping of the order, a customer order can include one or more bags 52. Each package or bag 52 is identified by a characteristic associated with the given order. To identify each package for a given order, a label 54 is printed with the identification associated with the order. The identification of the package 52 to the order can be encoded as a bar code, or a QR code, or an RFID tag, or some other encoding means that identifies the package as being for a given order. In use, an operator of the fulfillment center scans the label 54 that includes the identification on one or more packages for collection by a courier or customer. The identification code uniquely identifies the package 52 to the given order. The identification code is scanned at an interface directly, or via a portable scanner with a Bluetooth or other short-range wireless connection to the interface. The interface can be communicatively coupled to a control module via a network for processing and / or storage, such that data regarding the package identification is transmitted over the network. For example, the network can be a local area network, a wide area network, a virtual private network, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a public switched telephone network, an infrared network, a wireless network, and any combination thereof. The communication over the network uses any communication protocol known in the art, including but not limited to Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol ("TCP / IP"), Open Systems Interconnection ("OSI"), File Transfer Protocol ("FTP"), Universal Plug and Play ("UpnP"), Network File System ("NFS"), Common Internet File System ("CIFS"), and Routable Protocol Suite (AppleTalk). The identification of the package is recorded and stored in a suitable storage device of the control module. The control module associates the identification of the package with a corresponding collection code used by the courier to gain access to the locker assigned to the order. The actions or stages of the control module processing the order are discussed in further detail below.

[0142] Once the order is fulfilled, the packaged goods or even individual items representing the fulfilled order are transported to the back of the locker where the delivery person or operator transfers the packaged order to the locker 12 assigned to the given courier or customer. If the same courier or customer needs to collect two or more orders, then two or more orders can be placed in adjacent lockers. Grouping adjacent lockers together at the same courier or customer can simplify collection of the packages in one area of the lockers. As with the identification of the packages, each locker is identified by a label 56 (see Figure 2 ). The label 56 can be a physical label including an identification code such as a bar code, QR code or RFID tag or simply an alpha-numeric code. The label 56 allows the operator to identify the locker 22 assigned to a given fulfilled order. For example, the operator scans the label 54 to identify the package or packages and scans the label 56 on the assigned locker 22 to identify the assigned locker for storage of the package or packages 52. The identification of the package and the identification of the assigned locker are stored in a memory storage device and communicated to the control module or control system. As with the identification of the package or packages, the identification code on the assigned locker is scanned directly at the interface or via a portable scanner with a Bluetooth or other short-range wireless connection to the interface. The interface can be communicatively coupled to the control module via a network for processing and / or storage such that the data regarding the package and locker identification is sent over the network. The control module or control system associates the identification of the package or packages and the identification of the assigned locker with a corresponding collection code representing the given order. For example, by assigning the identification of the assigned locker and / or the identification of the package or packages to the corresponding collection code, the identification of the assigned locker and / or the identification of the package or packages that is unique to the order is associated, i.e. the collection code represents the master code for the order and everything related to the order is assigned to the collection code. The advantage of this mechanism is that the collection code does not need to be changed and is unique to the order. Everything related to the order is assigned to the unique collection code.

[0143] The control module is communicatively coupled to the access control module 32. The data related to the identification of the locker and / or the identification of the package or packages that is unique to the given order is communicated over the network to the access control module 32 where it is stored in a suitable memory of the access control module for retrieval during later collection. The memory can be any storage device known in the art including but not limited to RAM, computer readable media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media or other electronic storage media that can be used to store data and accessed by a processor. The processing steps of associating the identification of the package and the identification of the locker assigned for storage of the package with a corresponding collection code will be discussed in further detail below. For the purpose of explaining the present invention, the physical aspects of the present invention will be discussed first.

[0144] The bi-directional shutter 30 and / or the outer door 36 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the shutter 30 in the first position at the collection side 16 and optionally in the second position 18 at the dispatch side each time the shutter is moved across the first opening 24 or the second opening 26. The locking mechanism can be a solenoid operated deadbolt that is actuated by the access control module 32 each time a collection code is entered into the access control module. The deadbolt is movable between a locked position that locks the shutter 30 in the first position and an unlocked position that allows the shutter to be movable. Since theft of the contents of the locker primarily occurs at the collection side 16 of the locker 12, the locking mechanism is configured to lock the shutter 30 in the first position at the collection side 16. Therein, the locking mechanism includes a solenoid operated deadbolt that is located at the collection side in front of the locker. Since fulfilled orders are dispatched into the second opening at the dispatch side, there is no need to provide a locking mechanism that separately locks the shutter in the second position at the dispatch side. More importantly, it is necessary to maintain the interior space 28 of the locker 12 exposed at the dispatch side 18 to the interior area of the fulfillment center 34 to ensure that the temperature within the interior space 28 of the locker is the same as the temperature within the fulfillment center, e.g., refrigerated or frozen or ambient controlled temperature. As mentioned above, the interior area of the fulfillment center is kept at a low temperature (e.g., refrigerated or frozen temperature) by one or more chillers for storing goods and grocery items. The cold air that circulates within the fulfillment center can be used to maintain the storage temperature of the interior space 28 within the locker 12. When the locking mechanism is actuated to lock the shutter 30 in the first position at the collection side (front side), it thereby prevents an operator or a dispatcher within the fulfillment center from moving the shutter 30 to the second position, i.e., closing the second opening 26 at the dispatch side 18, thereby eliminating the ability of the cold air within the fulfillment center to circulate within the interior space 28 of the locker 22. Because the first opening 24 is exposed to the outside environment, this can cause the temperature within the interior space 28 of the locker to rise above the temperature within the fulfillment center. In the worst case scenario, the temperature rise within the locker can cause perishable goods stored within the locker to spoil before being collected at the collection side 16. Furthermore, having a locking mechanism that separately locks the shutter 30 in the first position and the second position complicates the locking mechanism because it requires a latching mechanism that is coupled between the locking mechanisms at the front and back of the locker to simultaneously actuate both locking mechanisms in order to gain access to the interior space of the locker each time a customer or a courier needs to collect goods at the collection side.

[0145] Optionally, the locking mechanism can be a self-locking mechanical locking mechanism configured to automatically lock upon movement of the shutter 30 to the first position at the collection side 16 without a command signal. Then, an electromagnetic locking release mechanism can be used to actuate the release of the shutter 30, i.e. the release of the self-locking mechanical locking mechanism, in response to a command signal. This has the advantage that only one command signal is required to actuate the locking mechanism, i.e. to release the self-locking mechanical locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can also be used to actuate the release of the outer door 36 at the first opening 24 described above. The outer door 36 provides additional thermal insulation of the locker interior from the outside environment.

[0146] Each locker 12 comprises one or more sensors (not shown) configured to sense whether a parcel is placed in or collected from the locker. The one or more sensors provide a signal to indicate whether a parcel has been placed in or collected from a given locker. This signal can be used to actuate movement of the bi-directional shutter and / or the locking mechanism. For example, the shutter can be motorized to automatically move to the first position at the collection side 16 or the second position at the dispatch side 18 and can be actuated to automatically move across the first opening 24 after a pre-set period of time, in response to the one or more sensors detecting the collection of one or more parcels from the locker. Likewise, the signal from the one or more sensors can be used to automatically lock or unlock the locking mechanism. For example, in response to sensing that one or more parcels have been collected from an assigned locker, the locking mechanism can be instructed to lock the shutter after a pre-set period of time. Any sensor known in the art for sensing the presence or absence of one or more parcels in a locker is suitable for use in the present application, including but not limited to a weight sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor or a light sensor. The signal from the one or more sensors can be sent to the access control module, which can use the signal to control movement of the bi-directional shutter and / or actuate the locking mechanism.

[0147] As mentioned above, in order to gain access to a locker, an access code or collection code is entered into the input device via a local user interface communicatively coupled to the access control module 32. The collection code or access code is an order unique code and is communicated to the customer or courier when requesting the collection of a fulfilled order from a number of lockers at the fulfilment centre. In the particular embodiment of the present application, the input device of the dispatch system 10 of the present application comprises first and second input devices 33 which are with the number of lockers 12 as they are in close proximity to the number of lockers. The access control module 32 is instructed to process the collection code or access code and retrieve the corresponding identification of the one or more parcels to be collected and the identification of the one or more lockers assigned to store the one or more parcels for dispatch to the courier or customer.

[0148] The first input device can be incorporated into the access control module 32 in the form of a local user interface. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the first input device is located alongside and shared among several lockers 12, i.e., it is used in conjunction with several lockers. The first input device allows a user (e.g., a customer or courier) to register with the delivery system 10, which activates the processor in the access control module 32, preparing the customer or courier to retrieve their package from the locker assigned to them. The first input device can be any device used to enter a unique collection code or access code for an order, including but not limited to barcode scanners, QR code scanners, RFID scanners, keyboards, or keypads for entering alphanumeric codes.

[0149] After a collection code or access code is entered into the first input device, one or more processors of the access control module 32 compare the collection code with at least one collection code stored in memory. If the collection code corresponds to at least one collection code stored in memory, the user is directed to one or more lockers assigned to the order. The first input device can also be used to notify the fulfillment center operator that a customer or courier is ready to collect their order. For example, after entering the order's unique collection code into the first input device, instructions can be communicated to the fulfillment center operator to prepare and / or ship one or more packages assigned to the order to the lockers, and to provide the access control module 32 with the identifier of the assigned locker. Some food or grocery items require special handling that is not provided in the location of several lockers or adjacent to several lockers. For example, several lockers 12 may be located in the refrigerated temperature zone or area of ​​the fulfillment center; therefore, to fulfill orders for goods that require storage at freezer temperatures, a dedicated refrigerator within the refrigerated temperature zone is needed to store frozen goods, hereinafter referred to as a frozen order. Once the collection code or access code is entered into the first input device, it can notify the operator in the fulfillment center to transfer the freezer order to the shipping side 18 of several lockers. The courier or customer can then use the second input device to access the locker assigned to the freezer order. The first and second input devices, along with the several lockers, significantly reduce the time spent moving freezer orders from the freezer to the shipping side of the lockers, thus reducing the time freezer orders are stored at high temperatures in the lockers, meeting the stringent regulations for storing frozen groceries at high temperatures. This allows for the mixed storage of refrigerated and frozen goods and groceries together in the same locker.

[0150] The access control module 32 can also include a guidance device operable by the access control module 32 to communicate the location of one or more of the identified lockers to the customer or courier after entry of the collection code into the first input device. The guidance device can include an output device to display visual / graphical guidance showing the one or more identified lockers assigned to the customer or courier, or textual guidance of their assigned locker. This can be achieved visually through an output display 58 in combination with the access control module 32 or aurally through one or more speakers. For example, the guidance device can simply display alphanumeric characters identifying the particular locker, or each of the plurality of lockers can include a signal device in the form of a light that can be illuminated to guide the customer or courier to their assigned locker. Alternatively or in addition to the access control module 32, the location of the assigned locker can be communicated to the customer or courier via their personal communication device (e.g. mobile or smart phone). The communication with the personal communication device can be through at least one of a long-range or short-range wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee and / or the like or a Wi-Fi transmitter. The access control module 32 can also include a virtual assistant, such as a chatbot system, to indicate the location of the locker assigned to the order. The chatbot system can include a downloadable personal communication device application to allow the user to converse with the chatbot through audio or text. The chatbot can indicate to the user the location of the locker assigned to the order. Optionally, each of the plurality of lockers includes a lighting device (e.g. LED) and the guidance device is electrically coupled to the lighting device such that the guidance device causes one or more of the lighting devices to illuminate to guide the user to the one or more lockers assigned to the user. For example, a light source or LED is mounted proximate the first opening of each of the plurality of lockers. When a user, such as a courier, enters the collection code into the access control module, the access control module causes one or more of the lockers to illuminate to guide the user to their assigned locker.

[0151] After entry of the collection code or access code into the first input device, the access control module 32 retrieves the identification of the locker and / or the identification of the one or more parcels stored in memory that are unique to the collection code and processes the guidance device to guide the courier or customer to the one or more lockers assigned to the order. At the assigned locker, the user is requested to again enter the collection code or access code into a second input device 33 that is in combination with the locker assigned to store the one or more parcels unique to the order. For example, the second input device 33 can be mounted proximate each of the plurality of lockers (see Figure 1). The dual input device provides additional security for accessing the locker to retrieve one or more packages assigned to an order. The access control module 32 can compare the collection code entered at the first input device and the second input device to determine if they correspond. In the event that they correspond, the access control module 32 allows access to the locker by controlling actuation of the locking mechanism. In the event that they do not correspond, access to the locker is denied.

[0152] A timer can be used to determine the time elapsed between the collection code being entered into the first input device and subsequently entered into the second input device. This can be set as a pre-set time to prevent goods requiring special handling (e.g. frozen goods) from remaining in the locker for too long at high temperatures, but sufficient to allow an operator of the fulfilment centre to prepare and / or move one or more frozen room packages from the frozen room to the locker assigned to the frozen room order. If the pre-set time has elapsed after the collection code is entered into the first input device, the access control module 32 sends a notification to an operator of the fulfilment centre to remove the one or more packages (in particular, the package requiring special handling) from the locker and place into an appropriate storage area, e.g. the frozen room. The chatbot system described above can be used to interact with the user to determine the cause of the delay in entering the collection code in the second input device. As with the first input device, the second input device for entering the collection code or access code unique to the order can include, but is not limited to, a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID scanner, a keyboard or keypad for entering alphanumeric codes, and the like.

[0153] In another aspect of the application, the collection code can be shared between the first input device and the second input device such that the entry of the collection code is completed when a portion of the collection code is entered into the first input device and the other portion of the collection code is completed entered into the second input device.

[0154] A plurality of first input devices and a plurality of second input devices can be provided to allow a plurality of couriers to collect goods at the same time.

[0155] Figure 5 and Figure 6A component diagram of a fulfillment system 60 in accordance with embodiments of the present application is shown. A control module 62 controls the operation of the fulfillment system and includes one or more processors 64, memory 66 (e.g., read only memory and random access memory), and a communication bus 68. The control module 62 is communicatively coupled to the access control module 32, one or more scanning devices 70, and one or more personal communication devices 72 (e.g., smart phones, tablets, smart watches, laptops, etc.) of users via a communication network 74 of wired or wireless transmitters / receivers (not shown). For example, the communication network 74 can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or any other type of network. The one or more processors 64 of the control module 62 can execute instructions stored in the ROM and / or RAM to at least partially provide the functionality of the fulfillment system described herein. The one or more processors 64 of the control module 62 are communicatively coupled to the wireless / wired transmitters / receivers via the communication bus 68. The cloud (not shown) can form a part of the control module 62 so that processing and storage of data can be performed in the cloud. The control module 62 is instructed to execute instructions operable to receive an order for delivery or shipment of one or more items or goods, which can include food and grocery items, and generate a collection code unique to the order, which is communicated to the personal communication device of the user over the wired / wireless network 74. The control module 62 is also instructed to associate the identification of the one or more bins and / or one or more packages unique to the order with the corresponding collection code. For example, when the collection code is generated, it is communicated to the system of the fulfillment center along with the order, which fulfills the order. Each time an order is fulfilled and the identification of the bin and the one or more packages of the order fulfilled is assigned, the identification of the bin and the one or more packages of the order to the collection code. The association step is performed in the control module. Also applicable to the present application is that once the order is fulfilled and the identification of the one or more bins assigned to the order and / or the identification of the one or more packages of the order has been communicated to the control module, the collection code is generated so that the one or more processors of the control module are instructed to associate the identification of the one or more bins assigned to the order and / or the identification of the one or more packages of the order with the collection code for accessing the order. The collection code is communicated to the access control module.

[0156] The access control module 32, along with the plurality of lockers, includes one or more processors 76, memory 78, and a local user interface 80. The one or more processors 76 of the access control module 32, communicatively coupled to the control module 62, are instructed to receive data, such as a collection code, an identification of one or more assigned lockers, and / or an identification of one or more packages unique to an order, and are instructed to store the data in memory 78, such as read only memory (ROM) and / or random access memory (RAM), to provide the functionality of the plurality of lockers. The one or more processors 76 of the access control module 32 are instructed to execute instructions to operatively control the operation of the locking mechanism of the bi-directional roll gate and / or the outer door in response to inputting a collection code into the local user interface 80. The collection code can be in the form of a barcode (e.g., two-dimensional barcode, QR code, RFID tag), and can be input into the access module by scanning a personal user device with the collection code on the local user interface.

[0157] When the collection code is entered into the local user interface 80, the one or more processors 76 of the access control module 32 are instructed to compare the collection code to the collection codes stored in the memory 78. In the event the collection code corresponds to a collection code stored in the memory 78, the one or more processors 76 are instructed to retrieve the identification of the locker and / or the identification of the one or more packages corresponding to the order stored in the memory 78 and are instructed to execute the guidance device to guide the user to their assigned locker. In response to the first input of the collection code into the first input device of the local user interface 80, the one or more processors 76 of the access control module 32 are instructed to execute instructions to notify an operator of the fulfillment center that the order has been fulfilled for collection. This will enable the operator to prepare or fulfill the order and / or transfer the order to the locker. For example, food and grocery items requiring special handling (e.g. frozen goods) can be transferred from their stored freezer to the assigned locker. The identification of the locker and the package is communicated to the access control module 32 directly and / or via the control module 62. The one or more processors 76 of the access control module 32 are instructed to receive the collection code from the second input device of the local user interface 80 and in response to the second input of the collection code matching the first input of the collection code, actuate the locking mechanism to the unlocked position. Also applicable to the present invention and for security purposes, the collection code comprises a two-factor authentication method as is well known in the art whereby the user provides a combination of two factors to access the locker via the local user interface. The two-factor authentication can be shared between the first input device and the second input device whereby the first step of verification is provided in the first input device and the second step of verification is provided to the second input device. Both of these proofs can then be used to actuate the locking mechanism. For example, a portion of the collection code is entered into the first input device. Thus, to complete the entry of the collection code to verify the identity of the user, the remaining portion of the collection code is entered into the second input device. The collection code can be an alpha-numeric template requiring two entries to complete the collection code. Also applicable in the present invention is that the verification of the user via the two-step verification steps can be provided to the first input device and / or the second input device separately or together.

[0158] Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1, the access control module is communicatively coupled to receive signals from one or more sensors in one or more of the plurality of lockers to sense whether one or more packages have been collected and / or stored in the locker. The one or more sensors provide verification to the access control module that an order has been collected or stored in the assigned locker. As described above, the signals from the one or more sensors can be used by the access control module to control the operation of the locking mechanism and / or the bi-directional shutter. For example, once an order is collected from the locker, the signals sent from the one or more sensors to the access control module can be used to instruct the bi-directional shutter to close after a preset period of time. The movement of the bi-directional shutter door can be motorized to selectively move across the first opening 24 in response to sensing that a package has been collected from the locker. This helps to insulate the interior of the fulfillment center and thereby prevent cold air from escaping the fulfillment center. It is also applicable in the present disclosure that once the sensor senses that an order has been collected from the locker, the outer door is instructed to close the first opening of the locker after a preset period of time to provide additional insulation.

[0159] The one or more sensors can also be used to detect whether one or more packages have been abandoned in the locker. For example, if an order for one or more packages has not been collected from the locker after a preset period of time, the access control module is instructed to send a notification to an operator of the fulfillment center to remove the one or more packages from the locker and return the items to inventory so that the locker is freed up for other orders.

[0160] In addition to the one or more sensors, the one or more lockers can include a camera to record the collection or storage of one or more packages from the locker. The camera can provide a still image or video capture of the interior space 28 of the locker, and the camera can be actuated to record or take a photograph of the interior of the assigned locker when the collection code is entered into the first input device or the second input device. The image or video can be used as evidence if there is a dispute as to whether one or more packages were collected or stored in a given locker (e.g., a dispute that one or more packages are missing from an order).

[0161] Figure 5 and 6The handheld scanning device 70 is also shown for scanning a tag to identify one or more packages of an order and scanning a tag to identify a locker assigned for storing the packages of the order. Data corresponding to the identification of the one or more packages of the order and the identification of the locker assigned to the order can be transmitted to the control module 62 and / or the access control module 32 via the communication network 74. The identification of the packages of the order and the assigned locker are stored in a memory device 66 (e.g., RAM) in the control module 62. The one or more processors 64 of the control module 62 are instructed to associate the identification of the locker and / or the identification of the packages of the order with a corresponding collection code associated with the order. For example, the data regarding the identification of the locker and / or the identification of the one or more packages of the order are matched with the corresponding collection code associated with the order in the control module. Because the identification of the locker and the identification of the packages are associated with the collection code, the collection code can be used to track the status of the order. For example, when an order for one or more items has been placed, the control module 62 generates a collection code that is communicated to the access control module 32. The control module 32 is also instructed to communicate the order to a system of the fulfillment center, which can be the access control module 32, for fulfillment of the order. Then, by designating the identification of the one or more lockers assigned to the order and / or the identification of the one or more packages of the order to the collection code, the identification of the one or more lockers assigned to the order and / or the identification of the one or more packages of the order are associated with the collection code, i.e., the collection code is unique to the order. It is also applicable in the present invention that the collection code is generated once the identification of the one or more lockers assigned to the order and / or the identification of the one or more packages of the order have been established and communicated to the control module 62. Then, the one or more processors 64 of the control module 62 are instructed to associate the identification of the one or more lockers assigned to the order and / or the identification of the one or more packages of the order with the generated collection code that is communicated to the access control module 32. Once the order has been fulfilled and the packages of the order are assigned to the lockers, the courier can use the collection code to access the assigned lockers and retrieve the order for delivery to the customer.

[0162] Figure 7 The steps of collecting the order from the assigned locker in response to receiving the order from the customer are described, and Figure 8 The steps of fulfilling the order and assigning the locker for collection according to the embodiments of the present invention are described. Figure 9 Special cases of the processing steps are provided where there are goods that require special storage handling that is different from the handling of the areas where the number of lockers are located. Some or all of the steps can be performed under the control of one or more processors in the control module and / or the access control module configured with executable instructions.

[0163] Reference is now made to Figure 7The process begins with the receipt of an order 81 for one or more items or goods for delivery to a customer's premises, for example, a door-to-door delivery. The control module 62 registers the order and generates a collection code 82 unique to the order. A request for a door-to-door delivery is issued to a courier and the collection code is communicated to the courier's personal device (transmitter / receiver device) 84. The courier receives delivery information including the customer's home address. Because the identity of the locker and the identity of the fulfilled order are associated with the collection code unique to the order, the courier can track the status of the order. Once the order is fulfilled (see Figure 8 ) and when the collection order for delivery, the courier registers by entering the collection code unique to the order into a first input device 86 at a terminal shared between the lockers. While Figure 7 it is shown that the collection code is initially generated as soon as the order is received, the collection code can be generated after the order has been fulfilled and a request is made to collect the fulfilled order from the assigned locker.

[0164] Upon entry of the collection code, the access control module 32 is triggered to execute a guidance device to guide the courier to the locker assigned to the order 88. At the assigned locker, the courier is instructed to enter the collection code or at least a portion of the collection code to complete the entry of the collection code into a second input device 90. In the event that the collection code matches or completes the template, the access control module is instructed to unlock the locking mechanism so that the courier is able to move the bi-directional shutter to the second position and collect the package from the assigned locker 92. When the bi-directional shutter is moved through the first opening to the first position to close the access to the locker at the collection side, the order is confirmed as collected 94 and, as a result, the second opening 26 is exposed for the shipment of another order. The closure of the bi-directional shutter can be done manually by the courier or automatically by the motorized system described above. This makes way for the locker to be used for another delivery.

[0165] The process of order fulfillment and assignment of a locker for collection is described below with reference to Figure 8 The order is fulfilled and the locker assigned for collection. At or before or even after the collection code is communicated to the courier, the order is prepared or fulfilled at the fulfillment center, more specifically, at a pick area or a shipment area of the fulfillment center, i.e., the goods or items specified in the order are retrieved or "picked" from inventory and transported to the shipment area 100. The goods or items specified in the order are packed into one or more bags, which are referred to herein as a package 52 (see Figure 3 ). An operator of the fulfillment center registers the one or more packages unique to the order by printing a label with an identification code and placing the printed label on the one or more packages 102. As described above, the identification code can be a barcode, such as a two-dimensional barcode, a QR code, or an RFID tag, that has been encoded with the goods or items specified in the order.

[0166] The operator uses, for example, the handheld scanner 104 to scan the identification code on the label to register one or more packages unique to the order. Once registered (e.g. scanned), the fulfilled order is transported to the plurality of lockers, where the operator allocates a locker to receive the order 106. If the order is to be collected by the same courier, the orders can be grouped into adjacent or proximate lockers for easier collection of the orders. Likewise, if the order is for a person with a disability (e.g. a person in a wheelchair), the operator will allocate one or more lockers on a level that is easily accessible to the person. The operator of the fulfilment centre places the identified packages into the allocated locker 108 through the second opening 26 and registers the allocated locker 110 by scanning the identification of the allocated locker (e.g. the label identifying the locker). Like the identification of the packages, each locker of the plurality of lockers is provided with an identification code in the form of a barcode, QR code or RFID tag. The order of steps 108 and 110 can be reversed, depending on whether the operator places the packages into the locker 108 first and then scans the label on the locker allocated with the packages 110, or scans the label on the locker 110 first and then places the packages into the locker 108.

[0167] The data relating to the identification of the one or more packages and the identification of the allocated locker is communicated to the control module via a communication network, in which the data is associated with its corresponding collection code, or used to generate a collection code to be communicated to the courier. In both cases, the identification of the one or more packages and the identification of the allocated locker are associated with the collection code.

[0168] The process is repeated 112 for each package in a given order and / or packages of different orders. Once all available orders have been shipped to their allocated locker, the next stage will be to collect the fulfilled orders, in which the courier enters the collection code corresponding to the fulfilled order into the local user interface, with reference to Figure 7 Said (see point A). In the context of the present invention, the term "ship" is interpreted to mean that the locker is filled or loaded with the one or more packages associated with the order.

[0169] For goods or items in the order that specify special handling (e.g. freezing) that is not provided in the area where the plurality of lockers is located, the shipping system includes a container that is controlled for storing the one or more packages at a different temperature than the temperature in which the plurality of lockers is located in the fulfilment centre, e.g. a freezer room. The shipping system according to the specific embodiment of the present invention provides an additional facility that instructs the operator to move the goods or items that require special handling to the one or more lockers once the courier registers at the plurality of lockers to collect the one or more packages (i.e. via the first input device). The goods or items that require special handling are grouped together so that they are treated the same way in the fulfilment centre, e.g. placed in the freezer room.Figure 9 The steps of order fulfillment and stocking of one or more lockers with frozen room orders are shown. The same principles apply to goods that need to be kept at ambient controlled temperature or refrigerated temperature subject to the location of the locker(s). For example, in the case where the locker(s) are located in a refrigerated area of the fulfillment center, the goods that need special handling will therefore be the goods that need to be stored at frozen temperature and / or the goods that need to be stored at ambient controlled temperature. For goods comprising food and grocery items, the goods that need special handling will depend on the location of the locker(s) used for shipping and whether the item will perish in the environment in which the locker(s) are located.

[0170] For the particular case of orders comprising frozen goods, the process of order fulfillment and assignment of a locker for collection is described below with reference to Figure 9 The process of order fulfillment and assignment of a locker for collection is described. The same steps 114 of packing and identifying the package by scanning the label with the identification code described above still apply. Once the frozen room order is fulfilled, the identified package (defined herein as a frozen room package) is placed in the freezer. The frozen room is typically located in close proximity to the location of the locker(s) such that when the courier registers the location of the locker(s) by providing the collection code at the local user interface (first input device) 116, this registration triggers a notification to be sent to an operator at the fulfillment center to move the order's one or more packages from the freezer in which it is stored to the locker 118. The operator scans the label on the one or more frozen room packages 120 and places the frozen room package in the locker 122. The process of identifying the locker assigned to the frozen room order and placing the frozen room package in the assigned locker to store the frozen room package prior to collection is the same as described above with reference to Figure 8 The process steps 112 shown in Figure 9 are repeated 126 for more frozen room packages until all the frozen room packages ready for collection have been placed in the locker(s).

[0171] Figure 8 and 9The steps shown can be combined such that the allocated lockers may include mixed packages containing goods requiring refrigeration and / or freezing temperatures and / or goods at ambient temperatures. Depending on the location of the lockers in the fulfillment center, one or more lockers may initially be filled with one or more packages that can be stored in the locker at the ambient temperature. Subsequently, upon notification to transfer packages to the allocated lockers as described above, packages containing goods requiring different handling (e.g., temperatures different from the locker ambient temperature) may be added individually to the lockers. Because the local user interface is integrated with the lockers, the short time span between providing notifications between the first and second input devices and filling lockers with goods requiring special handling (e.g., frozen goods) allows the goods to remain fresh before being collected from the lockers.

[0172] The process of distributing packages to lockers where operators can place them ( Figure 8 Step 106 in the process can be manual or automatic. If the locker is assigned manually, the operator selects an available locker to assign to the package. If the locker is assigned automatically, the control module 62 assigns a locker and instructs the operator to place the package into the locker.

[0173] Figure 10 The process of manually assigning a locker is illustrated. In step 100, a package arrives at the shipping area, ready to be placed in a locker. In step 128, control module 62 determines whether the package is the first package in an order, or whether the package belongs to a partially fulfilled order and one or more other packages belonging to the same order have already been placed in a locker. If the latter, in step 130, the control module determines whether the locker assigned to the order has sufficient space to accommodate packages next to one or more other packages in the same order, i.e., whether one or more packages in the same order can be grouped together. If the locker does have sufficient space, in step 132, control module 62 assigns the same locker so that packages share the same locker. Control module 62 instructs the operator to place the package in the assigned locker. This instruction can be transmitted to the operator via a handheld communication device 72.

[0174] However, if the locker does not have enough space to accommodate one or more other packages from the same order, the operator can manually assign a locker in step 134. Once the operator has selected a locker, the operator can communicate the locker selection to the control module 62 via a handheld communication device 72.

[0175] If the control module 62 determines that the package is the first package of the order in step 128, the operator can manually assign a locker again in step 134. Again, once the operator selects a locker, the operator can communicate the selection of the assigned locker to the control module 62 via the handheld communication device 72.

[0176] Figure 11 The process of automatically assigning a locker is shown. Steps 100, 128, 130, and 132 are substantially the same as the manual process described above with reference to Figure 10 Steps 134 and 136 are different.

[0177] In the case where the package belongs to an order that has been partially fulfilled and one or more other packages belonging to the same order have already been placed in a locker, if the locker does not have enough space to accommodate the package next to the one or more other packages belonging to the same order, the control module 62 assigns a locker in step 136. This is in contrast to the manual assignment process described above with reference to Figure 10 Steps 134 and 136 are different. Figure 10 In the process of automatically assigning a locker, it is the control module 62 that decides which locker to assign, not the operator (as in step 134 of the manual process described above). Based on the information about the location of the one or more other packages belonging to the same order, the control module can assign a locker. For example, if there is a nearby locker or a locker adjacent to one or more lockers that contain one or more other packages belonging to the same order, the control module can assign that locker to the package. If an adjacent or nearby locker is not available, the control module can assign another locker based on its proximity to the one or more lockers that contain one or more other packages belonging to the same order. Once the control module assigns a locker, the control module instructs the operator to place the package in the locker. The control module 62 can communicate the instructions to the operator via the handheld communication device 72.

[0178] If the control module 62 determines in step 128 that the package is the first package of the order, the control module 62 determines whether the order is a subsequent order of the consignment, i.e. whether the order is part of a larger consignment and whether one or more orders belonging to the consignment have already been placed in one or more lockers. For example, a consignment can comprise multiple orders having a common final destination, or multiple orders picked up by the same courier. It is advantageous for different orders forming the same consignment to be placed close together. If the order is part of a consignment, in step 136 the control module can allocate a locker based on information about the location of one or more other orders belonging to the same consignment. As described above, for different packages belonging to the same order, if there is a locker available in the vicinity of one or more lockers containing one or more other orders belonging to the same consignment, the control module can allocate the locker to the package. If an adjacent locker is not available, the control module can allocate another locker based on its proximity to the one or more lockers containing one or more other orders belonging to the same consignment.

[0179] If the control module determines in step 138 that the order is not part of a consignment, in step 140 the control module can allocate a locker based on a predefined order. For example, the order can be based on the location of the locker. The lockers can be numbered sequentially from 1. A simple sequential allocation order can be used, i.e. the next available locker in the sequence: if locker number 1 is not available, the package can be allocated to locker number 2, if available (or if locker number 2 is not available), the package can be allocated to locker number 3, and so on. Thus, the smallest numbered available locker will be allocated.

[0180] Alternatively, to keep lockers adjacent to an occupied locker available for further packages belonging to the same order or for further orders belonging to the same consignment, a multiple-based sequential allocation can be used. For example, the order can be based on multiples of ten. If locker number 10 is not available, the package can be allocated to locker number 20 (if available), or if locker number 20 is not available, the package can be allocated to locker number 30, and so on. Thus, the smallest numbered available locker that is a multiple of ten will be allocated. This sequential allocation has the advantage that lockers close to an occupied locker can be kept available for further packages that are part of the same order as the package in the occupied locker. Or, if the order forms part of a larger consignment, lockers adjacent to an occupied locker containing one or more packages for orders belonging to the consignment can be kept available. The choice of multiple will depend on the typical size of orders and consignments, and other multiples can be used, for example multiples of two or multiples of five.

[0181] Another option is to separately assign the lockers for different couriers. For example, if several lockers comprise 100 lockers and provide approximately equal amounts of shipments for two couriers, then lockers numbered 1-50 can be assigned to the first courier and lockers numbered 51-100 can be assigned to the second courier. If the first courier is shipping individual orders for delivery to different addresses, then a simple sequential assignment order can be used for the 1-50 lockers. If the second courier is shipping orders for pieces to different spokes for subsequent delivery, then a multiple order sequence can be used for the 51-100 lockers in multiples of 5.

[0182] The predefined sequence for assigning lockers can also take into account factors such as the size of the lockers and different temperature requirements (e.g., refrigerated / ambient / frozen).

[0183] It should be understood that the above embodiments are non-limiting examples of possible sequential assignments that can be used, and combinations of the above and other sequential assignment methods are also within the scope of the present application.

[0184] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the process of automatically assigning lockers is shown. Steps 100, 128, 130, 132, and 138 are substantially the same as the process described above with reference to Figure 10 and 11 In this process, the lockers are divided into portions or subsets of lockers, each portion having a number of lockers. The portions of lockers can be the same as the above-described locker subsets that group lockers together to hold individual orders, or the locker subsets that share an inner or outer door, or the portions can be different groups of lockers. The portions can be determined by the physical arrangement of the lockers (e.g., a portion can be a row or rows or column or columns of lockers, or a portion of a row or column of lockers, or a number of adjacent lockers). All of the portions can include the same number of lockers, or different portions can include different numbers of lockers. The purpose of defining the portions of lockers is to facilitate grouping orders together during the locker assignment process. For example, an individual order can include multiple packages that do not fit in a single locker, and it would be advantageous to have the lockers containing different packages of the same order close together in the same portion. Pieces of different orders can be collected by the same courier or shipped to the same destination, in which case it would be advantageous to have the lockers containing different orders of pieces close together in the same portion.

[0185] In the event that the package belongs to a partially fulfilled order and one or more other packages belonging to the same order have already been placed in the locker, if the locker does not have enough space to accommodate the package next to the one or more other packages belonging to the same order, in step 142 the control module 62 determines whether there is enough space in the portion assigned to the order to accommodate the package.

[0186] If in step 128 the control module 62 determines that the package is the first package for an order, in step 138 the control module 62 determines whether the order is part of a larger shipment. If the order is part of a shipment, in step 142 the control module 62 again determines whether there is enough space in the portion assigned to the shipment to accommodate the package.

[0187] In step 142, if there is indeed enough space for the package in the portion, in step 144 the control module 62 assigns the nearest locker in the same sub-portion containing other packages belonging to the same order. In step 142, if there is not enough space for the package in the portion, in step 148 the control module 62 identifies the nearest portion with available lockers and assigns the first available locker in that portion of lockers. This can ensure that packages belonging to the same order and orders belonging to the same shipment are as close as possible.

[0188] If in step 138 the control module determines that the order is not part of a shipment, in step 146 the control module 62 identifies the locker portion with the most available lockers and assigns the first locker in that portion.

[0189] Once the control module assigns a locker, the control module instructs the operator to place the package in the locker. The control module 62 can communicate the instructions to the operator via the handheld communication device 72.

[0190] As part of the process of assigning lockers as described above with respect to Figure 10 , 11 and 12, the control module 62 can need to be able to implement a range of control functions. For example, the control module can need to determine the availability of space within lockers, track which lockers are occupied, determine whether a package belongs to an order or a larger shipment, and determine which lockers are adjacent or nearby. Some embodiments of how these goals can be achieved are described below.

[0191] A database can be provided containing information about the lockers. Information about each individual locker can include a unique identification code, whether the locker is occupied, which packages are currently located within the locker, how much space is available in a partially occupied locker, the size / dimensions / volume of the locker, the location of the locker (e.g. row and column number, or distance of the locker from an origin or reference point), and other relevant information. The unique identification code identifying each locker can be included on a label affixed to the locker, so that the locker can be identified by scanning the label.

[0192] The database can also contain information about the packages located within the lockers, such as a unique identification code for each package, dimensions, weight, contents, and storage temperature requirements, as well as an identification number for the order or shipment to which the package belongs. The unique identification code identifying each package can be included on a label affixed to the package, so that the package can be identified by scanning the label. The database can store associations between packages, e.g. which packages belong to the same order or to the same shipment. An entry in the database for a package can store the identification numbers of other packages in the same order or in the same shipment.

[0193] The database can also store associations between lockers and packages, i.e. which packages are located within which lockers: a database entry for each individual locker in the database can include a list of the unique identification codes of all packages currently located within that locker, and a database entry for each individual package in the database can store the unique identification code of the locker in which the package is located. When an operator places a package into a locker, the operator can scan the identification labels of the locker and the package, so that the control module 62 associates the package identification code with the locker identification code and stores the association in the database. Similarly, when a customer or courier collects a package from a locker, the customer or courier can scan the locker identification when accessing the locker to retrieve the package, and the control module 62 can disassociate the package identification code from the locker identification code in the database. Whenever a package is placed into or removed from a locker, the association between the package and the locker is updated in the database. The database can be stored in the memory 66 of the shipping system and accessed by the control module 62.

[0194] The database can also store information related to orders or shipments. Each order and each shipment can have an entry in the database. The database entry for an order can store information such as a unique order identification code for that order, a destination address for the order, a name or identification of a customer or courier who will collect the order, a projected collection date and time, a list of package identification codes for packages that belong to the order, an identification code for the shipment to which the order belongs, and other relevant information. The order identification code for an order can be the same as the collection code described above. The database entry for a shipment can store information such as a unique shipment identification code for that shipment, a destination address for the shipment, a name or identification of a customer or courier who will collect the shipment, a projected collection date and time, a list of order identification codes for orders that belong to the shipment, and other relevant information.

[0195] By associating order identification codes with package identification codes, the control module 62 can organize packages that belong to the same order. By associating shipment identification codes with order identification codes for one or more orders that belong to the shipment, the control module 62 can organize all orders that belong to the same shipment. In a similar manner to the association of packages with lockers described above, the control module 62 can associate orders and shipments with lockers that contain packages that belong to the order or shipment. When a package that belongs to an order or shipment is placed in a locker or collected from a locker, the association between the locker and the order and shipment in the database will be updated, as described above with respect to the association between packages and lockers. The database entry for each package in the database can store an order identification code and a shipment identification code to associate the package with the order and the shipment to which the package belongs.

[0196] In the case where one or more packages that belong to an order have already been placed in a locker and an additional package that belongs to the same order arrives at the shipping area and is ready to be assigned to a locker, the control module 62 can need to determine the availability of space within the locker. For example, an operator can scan a label or identification code that is unique to the locker, and the control module 62 can retrieve information about the size of the locker, the packages that are currently placed in the locker, and the sizes of those packages. From this information, the control module 62 can infer the range of available space remaining in the locker and, given information about the size of the additional package, determine whether the locker has sufficient available space to accommodate the additional package that is waiting to be shipped. If the locker does have sufficient space to accommodate the additional package that is waiting to be shipped, the control module 62 can then send a signal to the operator via the handheld device instructing the operator to place the additional package in the same locker. If the locker does not have sufficient space for the additional package that is waiting to be shipped, the control module 62 can then assign another locker.

[0197] Alternatively, in a more manual process, an operator can determine whether a locker has sufficient space to accommodate an additional package waiting for shipment, or place a package in a locker and send a communication signal to the control module 62 via a handheld device to confirm that the package is now located in the locker, or to assign another locker.

[0198] If an additional package waiting for shipment cannot be accommodated in the same locker as the other packages belonging to the same order, the control module 62 can need to determine whether an adjacent locker or a nearby locker is available. The control module can determine whether two lockers are adjacent, for example, by retrieving the row and / or column numbers of the two lockers from the database, the control module 62 can determine whether a first locker containing one or more packages of an order is adjacent to a candidate locker for assigning an additional package belonging to the same order or consignment. By comparing the row and column numbers, the control module 62 can determine whether two lockers are adjacent - for example, if two lockers have the same row number and column number differing by one, or the same column number and row number differing by one, the two lockers can be adjacent. Alternatively, the database entry for each locker can store the identification code of adjacent lockers.

[0199] If an additional package waiting for shipment cannot be accommodated in the first locker containing one or more packages belonging to the same order or consignment, or in an adjacent locker, the control module 62 can need to identify a non-adjacent locker that is available nearby. By retrieving the locations or location information of two lockers from the database and comparing them, the control module 62 can determine whether a candidate locker is located near the first locker. For example, the control module 62 can compare the row and column numbers of two lockers, for example, if the row numbers differ by one and the column numbers differ by one, the two lockers are adjacent on a diagonal and will therefore be close together. This information can be combined with information about the size of the lockers to calculate the distance between them. Alternatively, the control module 62 can compare the locations of the lockers measured from an origin or reference point in order to calculate the distance between the two lockers.

[0200] The control module 62 can need to determine whether a package waiting for shipment is the first package of an order or consignment, or whether the package is an additional package belonging to an order or consignment that includes one or more packages already placed in one or more lockers. This can be done by the control module 62 associating a package waiting for shipment with any packages previously assigned to a locker. The database entry for each package includes an identification code of the order or consignment to which the package belongs, so the control module can compare these codes and, in the event that one or more packages have been assigned to a locker, determine whether the package waiting for shipment is associated with the same order or consignment identification code. If not, the package waiting for shipment is the first package in its order or consignment.

[0201] The process of assigning a locker as described above with respect to Figure 10 , 11 and 12 is part of an order fulfillment process. Other steps can be part of the process, but for ease of illustration are not included in Figure 10-12 . For example, after a package arrives at the shipping area, an identification label is generated and attached to the package (step 102 of Figure 8 ), and an operator scans the label to identify the package (step 106 of Figure 8 ). After the process of assigning a locker is complete, the operator places the package in the assigned locker (step 108 of Figure 8 ) and scans the identification of the assigned locker (step 110 of Figure 8 ).

[0202] As part of the process of assigning a locker (any particular implementation of the process, including the above-described embodiments), packages that are part of the same order or orders that are part of the same shipment can be grouped together in adjacent or nearby subgroups of lockers. This can be a single order containing multiple packages that do not fit in a single locker, or shipments of different orders that are collected by the same courier or destined for the same destination.

[0203] It is advantageous to have multiple lockers containing different packages of the same order or different orders of the same shipment close together, because this saves time for the courier collecting the orders. This need not be collected from multiple lockers in different locations, all of the lockers are in the same location.

[0204] Another advantage of organizing orders in subgroups of lockers is that different temperature goods can be included in the same order. For example, an order can include frozen goods, refrigerated goods, and goods at ambient temperature. The subgroup of lockers can include three lockers, the first containing frozen goods, the second containing refrigerated goods, and the third containing goods at ambient temperature. Each locker can be maintained at the appropriate temperature to store the goods. A single interior door within the fulfillment center can be shared between the subgroup of three lockers. The single interior door can be used to open and close the second opening of the subgroup of lockers, allowing access to the interior space.

[0205] Furthermore, lockers that are part of the same subgroup as the occupied locker can be kept available for additional packages that are part of the same order as the packages in the occupied locker. Alternatively, if the orders form part of a larger shipment, lockers that are part of the same subgroup as the occupied locker containing one or more packages for orders that are part of the shipment can be kept available. This provides space for the orders that are grouped together as described above.

[0206] In the process of selecting a locker to be assigned to a parcel, it is of course necessary that the selected locker be available. If the selection is a manual process (as Figure 10 described), the selection of an available locker must be done by an operator. This requires the operator to be able to determine whether a locker is available. Alternatively, each individual locker can be provided with a status display located at or near the locker. The status display reports one or more indications of the status of the locker to the operator.

[0207] The status display can be visible from the dispatch side (visible to operators within the fulfilment centre) or the collection side (visible to couriers and customers outside the fulfilment centre), or visible from both the collection side and the dispatch side. The same status display can be visible from both the collection side and the dispatch side, or separate status displays can be provided on each side.

[0208] The status display can inform the operator and / or courier which locker to use, and / or indicate whether the locker is available, and / or include further information about the status of the locker.

[0209] As described above with reference to the above-described guidance device, each of the number of lockers includes a lighting device (e.g. an LED), and the guidance device is electrically coupled to the lighting device such that the guidance device causes one or more lighting devices to emit light to guide a user to one or more lockers assigned to the user. The status display indicating which locker to use can be the same as the lighting device used to guide the user to the assigned locker, or can be a separate device. The guidance device can be located on the collection side to guide a customer or courier to one or more lockers containing one or more collection orders, and / or the guidance device can be located on the dispatch side to guide an operator to one or more lockers. A single guidance device can be provided that is visible from both the collection side of the locker (outside the fulfilment centre) and the dispatch side of the locker (inside the fulfilment centre).

[0210] For example, in a simple implementation, the status display can indicate whether the locker is available for use. The status display can

[0211] display text on a screen indicating whether the locker is available, or a symbol (e.g. a tick for available, a cross for not available), or an LED (e.g. green for available, red for not available), or any other suitable indication of the availability status of the locker can be communicated to the operator.

[0212] The status display can indicate whether the locker contains a parcel or is empty. The status display can indicate whether the locker has been assigned to an order. For example, if there are multiple operators simultaneously placing parcels to be dispatched in the locker, the locker can be assigned to an order but not yet contain a parcel.

[0213] The status display can indicate whether the package contained therein is at ambient temperature or refrigerated or frozen temperature.

[0214] The status display can indicate the temperature within the bin. This can be a numerical or graphical display of the temperature. The status display can indicate whether the temperature within the bin is within the allowed range. For example, the display can include an LED whose color indicates whether the temperature is within the allowed range (e.g., green for within the allowed range, red for outside the allowed range). Thus, if a bin is not within the allowed range (e.g., if a bin for frozen goods is at ambient temperature), the operator will know that the bin is not suitable for storing frozen goods, and the control module will not assign a package containing frozen goods to that bin.

[0215] A temperature sensor can be located in each individual bin, and the bin can only be available for use if the temperature sensor measures that the temperature within the bin is within the allowed range.

[0216] The status display can indicate whether the inner door of the bin is open or closed, or locked or unlocked. The status display can indicate whether the outer door is open or closed, or locked or unlocked.

[0217] The status display can indicate whether the bin has a problem. For example, the display can include an LED whose color indicates whether there is a problem (e.g., a red LED indicates a problem). For example, the LED can indicate a problem if there is a mechanical problem with the locking mechanism, or if an overflow has occurred and the bin needs to be cleaned before it can be used again.

[0218] Instead of or in addition to individual status displays for individual bins, a status display for all bins or a subset of bins can be displayed on one screen. This can be the same as the user's hand-held device, or on a separate display.

[0219] The status information about the bin displayed on the status display can also be stored in a database. For example, the database can also store information about whether the bin is available, whether the bin is assigned to the next package waiting to be shipped, whether the bin contains a package or is empty, whether the package stored in the bin is at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperature, the actual temperature of the bin, whether the inner and / or outer door is open or closed or locked or unlocked, and whether the bin has a problem that needs to be addressed before it can be used. The control module 62 can retrieve the status information about the bin from the database and communicate that information to the status display of the bin, so that the status display always has accurate and up-to-date information about the status of the bin.

[0220] The fulfilment centre 34 can also include a transfer system to transfer goods from the grid framework structure to a dispatch area. The transfer system can include a conveyance 35 configured to transport the storage containers 50 from the grid framework structure to the one or more picking stations 37, to transport the storage containers 50 from the one or more picking stations 37 back to the grid framework structure, and to transport the picked orders from the one or more picking stations 37 to the dispatch area. The conveyance can include one or more conveyor belts, forklifts or other vehicles, or any other suitable device. The transfer system can include separate conveyances to transport the storage containers 50 from the grid framework structure to the one or more picking stations 37, to transport the storage containers 50 from the one or more picking stations 37 back to the grid framework structure, and to transport the picked orders from the one or more picking stations 37 to the dispatch area, or can use the same conveyance.

[0221] Figure 16 is a schematic view of a transfer system within the fulfilment centre 34. The grid framework structure 40 includes storage columns or grid columns 48 in which stacks of storage containers 50 are stored. One or more load handling devices (not shown) can be configured to move on tracks 46 supported by horizontal grid members 44 at the top of the grid framework structure. The horizontal grid members 44 are supported by upright members or upright columns 42. The load handling devices retrieve storage containers 50 from the grid framework structure 40 and transport them to an access chute (not shown). The storage containers 50 can then be transported by the conveyance 35 to the one or more picking stations 37.

[0222] A picking station 37 is shown by the figure, which shows a storage container 50 including items, packages or bags 52 to be picked for an order to be picked. The picking can be performed by human and / or machine pickers. A label 54 can be affixed to the package at the picking station (as shown) or at the dispatch area. Figure 16

[0223] The fulfilment centre 34 can include a separate area for storing refrigerated and / or frozen goods. The transfer system can include a conveyance 35 for transporting the refrigerated and / or frozen goods to the picking stations 37 or to the dispatch area.

[0224] While the particular embodiments of the present invention relate to the delivery of ordered goods by a courier or courier company to a customer for collection, the dispatch system of the present invention can also be adapted for direct collection by the customer upon receipt of an access code or collection code to access a locker.

[0225] ​An advantage of the present invention is to allow pure online retailers to use various courier companies or delivery drivers to deliver ordered goods provided by the online retailer. It also does not require a dedicated service provider to pack the locker in front of the locker, thus simplifying the sales chain from the retailer to the customer. Also importantly, the shipping system of the present invention can utilize the storage conditions used to store inventory at a fulfillment center or distribution center warehouse to regulate the storage temperature in the locker without the need for separate operations to keep ordered goods or items fresh before collection. For example, the shipping system of the present invention can utilize the refrigerated or frozen or environmental control conditions of the distribution center to maintain the temperature within the locker before collection. Suitable insulation (e.g. outer doors) can be provided to prevent the escape of cold air and / or outside conditions from entering the interior space of the fulfillment center and locker.

[0226] Different combinations of the above shipping system are within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A fulfillment center (34) for fulfilling orders for one or more goods, comprising: i) A series of storage containers (50), each of the series of storage containers (50) being used to store one or more goods, ii) A grid frame structure for storing the one or more storage containers (50) in a stack, the grid frame structure comprising a plurality of tracks arranged in a grid pattern to form a grid structure for moving one or more loading processing devices on the grid structure, and a plurality of vertical storage columns (48) configured to support the grid structure. iii) A delivery system (10) comprising a plurality of lockers (12) installed on at least one exterior wall (14) of the fulfillment center (34), each of the plurality of lockers comprising an interior space (28) for storing one or more goods, the interior space (28) being accessible through a first opening outside the fulfillment center and a second opening inside the fulfillment center, the fulfillment center (34) being divided to provide refrigerated and / or frozen areas; iv) A door mechanism operable to selectively close the first opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from outside the fulfillment center (34) and selectively close the second opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers from inside the fulfillment center, the door mechanism being positioned such that the second opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers is exposed to the refrigerated and / or frozen areas inside the fulfillment center until one or more items in one or more of the plurality of lockers are collected; and v) A locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the door mechanism; a) Preventing access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the corresponding first opening, but allowing access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the corresponding second opening; and b) Prevent access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the lockers through the corresponding second opening, but allow access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the lockers through the corresponding first opening.

2. The fulfillment center according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of lockers includes a first locker and a second locker, which are configured to store one or more goods at different temperatures.

3. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 1, wherein, The first opening (24) and the second opening (26) are located at opposite ends of the interior space (28) of each of the plurality of lockers.

4. The fulfillment center according to claim 1, wherein, The door mechanism includes an outer door for closing the first opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers outside the fulfillment center; and an inner door for closing the second opening of one or more of the plurality of lockers inside the fulfillment center; and wherein the locking mechanism selectively locks the outer door and the inner door such that the outer door is locked when the inner door is unlocked, and the inner door is locked when the outer door is unlocked.

5. The fulfillment center according to claim 4, wherein, The outer department is configured to close the first opening of two or more of the lockers outside the fulfillment center, and / or the inner department is configured to close the second opening of two or more of the lockers from inside the fulfillment center.

6. The fulfillment center (34) according to any one of claims 1, wherein, The door mechanism includes a bidirectional roller shutter (30), which can be selectively positioned between the following locations: i) A first position to prevent access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the first opening (24), and to allow access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of lockers through the second opening; and ii) A second position to prevent access to the interior space of one or more of the lockers through a second opening, and to allow access to the interior space of one or more of the lockers through a first opening (24); and The locking mechanism is configured to lock the bidirectional roller shutter in the first position or the second position.

7. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 6, wherein, The bidirectional roller shutter (30) is guided along a guide rail or track extending from the first opening (24) to the second opening (26), such that the bidirectional roller shutter (30) is positioned between the first position and the second position to selectively open the first opening (24) or the second opening (26) in a single operation.

8. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 6, wherein, The door mechanism includes an outer door (36) installed outside the bidirectional roller shutter.

9. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 8, wherein, The outer door (36) is lined with insulating material so that the outer door (36) can be closed to insulate the interior space (28) of one or more of the lockers (12).

10. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the lockers include one or more fans (23) for circulating cool air from at least a portion of the interior space of the fulfillment center (34) to the interior space (28) of one or more of the lockers (12).

11. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the fulfillment center (34) further includes a freestanding container that can be controlled to store one or more goods at a temperature different from the temperature of the interior space of at least a portion of the fulfillment center (34).

12. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 11, wherein, The container can be controlled to store one or more goods at a freezing temperature.

13. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 1; further comprising: i) Access control module (32) for controlling the locking and / or unlocking of the locking mechanism to grant or deny access to the interior space (28) of one or more of the plurality of lockers (12); ii) A local user interface (80) that works in conjunction with the access control module (32); iii) A control module (62) operatively coupled to a network including one or more processors (64) and a memory (66) storing instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors (64), cause the one or more processors (64) to generate a collection code unique to an order for one or more goods and communicate the collection code to the access control module (32). iv) A data communication device that works in conjunction with the control module (62); the data communication device is adapted to receive the collection code from the control module such that when the collection code is subsequently entered into the local user interface (80), the locking mechanism is actuated to allow access to the interior space of one or more of the plurality of lockers (12).

14. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 13, wherein, The data communication device is a wireless transmitter / receiver device.

15. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 14, wherein, The data communication device is a mobile device or a personal computer.

16. The performance center (34) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The local user interface (80) includes a first input device (86) and a second input device (90) such that the access control module is configured to grant access to one or more of the plurality of lockers (12) by inputting the collection code into the first input device (86) and the second input device (90).

17. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 16, wherein, The first input device is associated with a subgroup of one or more lockers, and the second input device (90) is associated with one or more lockers of the plurality of lockers (12), such that the second input device (90) is shared among one or more lockers of the plurality of lockers (12).

18. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 13, wherein, The local user interface (80) includes at least one of a keyboard, a Bluetooth receiver, an image scanner, a microphone, a pointing device, a biometric input device, a face recognition device, an iris recognition device, a retinal recognition device, a near-field communication reader, a radio frequency identification reader, a linear and / or matrix barcode reader, a payment card reader, a smart card reader, and an infrared reader.

19. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 13, wherein, The access control module (32) includes a guidance device to guide a user to one or more of the plurality of lockers (12) assigned to the user in response to the user entering the collection code into the local user interface (80).

20. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 19, wherein, The guiding device includes an output device for communicating the location of one or more of the plurality of lockers assigned to the user.

21. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 13, wherein, The control module (62), which communicates with the local user interface (80), is configured to: i) Retrieve from the memory device the identifier of one or more items unique to the order, and the identifier of one or more lockers among the plurality of lockers assigned to store the one or more items. ii) Associate the identifier of one or more of the allocated lockers with the unique corresponding collection code for the order. iii) Communicate the identifier of one or more of the several allocated lockers to the access control module (32) such that when a corresponding collection code is provided to the access control module (32) via the local user interface (80), the locking mechanism is actuated to allow access to one or more of the several allocated lockers.

22. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 21, wherein, Each of the plurality of lockers (12) includes a tag (56) that includes a user interface readable identification code for establishing an identifier for each of the plurality of lockers (12).

23. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 22, wherein, The identification code is a barcode, one-dimensional barcode, two-dimensional barcode, QR code, or RFID tag.

24. The fulfillment center (34) according to claim 21, wherein, The one or more items include a label that includes a package identification code readable by the package user interface, used to establish an identification for each of the one or more items.

25. A method for collecting one or more goods from one or more lockers (12) of a fulfillment center (34) as claimed in claim 13 upon receipt of an order for one or more goods, comprising the steps of: i) The control module (62) generates a collection code upon receiving an order for one or more of the goods. ii) Establish communication between the control module (62) and the access control module (32), and communicate the collection code to the access control module (32). iii) The access control module (32) actuates the locking mechanism upon receiving the collection code to allow the collection of the one or more items from the one or more lockers (12).

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the following steps: iv) The collection code is communicated to the data communication device by the control module (62).

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the following steps: v) Input the collection code into the access control module (32) via the local user interface (80). vi) Compare the collection code with at least one collection code stored in the access control module (32). vii) If the collection code corresponds to at least one collection code stored in the access control module (32), the locking mechanism is actuated to allow access to the interior space (28) of the one or more lockers containing one or more items of the storage order.

28. A method for shipping one or more goods to one or more lockers (12) of a fulfillment center (34) as described in claim 13 upon receipt of an order for one or more goods, comprising the steps of: i) Identify and assign one or more lockers for storing the one or more items unique to the order. ii) Communicate the identifier of the allocated locker to the control module (62). iii) The control module (62) associates the identifier of the allocated locker with the unique collection code of the order.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the following steps: iv) Identify one or more goods, vii) communicate the identification of the one or more goods to the control module (62). viii) The control module (62) associates the identifier of the one or more goods with the collection code unique to the order.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein, At least one item is stored in a freezer compartment, and the method further includes the following steps: ix) In response to the notification, transport the at least one item from the freezer to the one or more lockers (12).

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