DEVICE FOR STORING OBJECTS AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING SUCH A DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an object storage device, the device typically comprising one or more lockers that can be locked or unlocked by authorized users, as well as a method implementing such a storage device.

[0002] The growth of online sales, exchanges, and loans has led to an increase in the number of parcels to be delivered and delivery trucks. These parcels are either delivered to recipients' homes or stored in carriers' warehouses.

[0003] The increase in these deliveries has a significant impact on road traffic (congestion of roads by trucks) and, consequently, on air pollution. It also leads to wasted time when delivery cannot be made due to absence and the package must be collected from another location.

[0004] In this regard, a change in consumer behavior can be noted globally, and there is a general desire for a better quality of life (less pollution), to buy or borrow and use more locally sourced goods and products (typically locally produced food without overly extensive means, or everyday objects).

[0005] The share of the collaborative and / or peer-to-peer economy is also constantly growing, according to a new model based on the sharing or exchange between individuals of goods (car, housing, parking, equipment such as drill or others, etc.), services (carpooling, DIY, etc.), or knowledge (computer courses, learning communities, etc.), with monetary exchange (sale, rental, provision of service) or without monetary exchange (donations, barter, volunteering), through the use of intermediaries (digital platform).

[0006] For example, there are now many types of vending machines offering drinks, fruits and vegetables (eggs, cheese, bread, etc.), and even ice cream or oysters. These vending machines are installed along roadsides or in convenient locations as producers and consumers embrace direct sales and these local services associated with this new collaborative economy.

[0007] One technical problem with these vending machines is that they usually only have a single function: selling consumables or equipment specific to that type of machine. In fact, each machine has its own specific purpose.

[0008] The prior art includes the following documents: French patent application FR 2 851 360 A1, which describes a deposit device for depositing and retrieving an object, comprising at least one box and a weight sensor subjected to the weight of said box; US patent application US 2015 / 186840 A1, which describes an intelligent system for depositing and retrieving packages; US patent US 5,369,221, which describes a system for receiving and storing objects before collection by a delivery person, the system comprising a unit for weighing the objects and a unit for accepting payments; US patent US 6,879,255 B1, which describes a system for filming the inside of a mailbox and displaying its contents to a user; US patent application US 2016 / 0300187 A1, for objects storage devices; US patent US 5,842,597, which describes a dispenser for objects with a controlled humidity level for the sale of moisture-sensitive objects;US patent application US 2013 / 0134178 A1, which describes an object dispenser comprising an optical recognition module for identifying dividers delimiting zones on shelves within the dispenser, with the objects to be sold by the dispenser being placed in delimited zones.

[0009] The present invention improves the situation.

[0010] To this end, it proposes a method, implemented by computer means, for managing the storage of objects, the method comprising, in a storage device having at least one locker including a locking / unlocking mechanism for the locker and a plurality of sensors, capable of measuring respective physical quantities, arranged to deliver data specific to the objects deposited in the locker: receive a request to store an object in a locker of the storage device; determine an object type corresponding to the object to be stored on the basis of object data received by the storage device; select, according to the determined object type, a set of sensors from the plurality of sensors of the locker, to be activated at least during one use of the locker, one sensor of said set of sensors to be activated being capable of monitoring a freshness state of the object to be stored if it is determined to be of the perishable type; on detection of use of the locker, activate the selected sensors.

[0011] Such an implementation makes it possible, in particular by selecting sensors appropriate to the type of object to be stored, to offer a locker a plurality of possible uses for different applications (delivery of parcels, donation of objects, delivery of food, or others).

[0012] In a given implementation, the process also includes: Upon detection of locker use, process the data delivered by the set of activated sensors to verify if the object deposited in the locker corresponds to the type of object determined according to at least one chosen criterion, and control the locker locking / unlocking mechanism according to a respectively positive / negative verification of the deposited object.

[0013] Such an implementation allows, in a specific application, verification that the object placed in the locker corresponds to a description previously provided by an entity responsible for placing the object in the locker. In such an application, the locker's sensors are selected and activated to enable this verification.

[0014] In particular, it may be provided that at least some of the sensors of said selected sensor set are activated before the locker is locked, to check if the object placed in the locker conforms to data among the data received relating to the object.

[0015] However, all or some of the locker's sensors can subsequently be used to monitor the object during storage. Thus, at least some of the sensors in the selected sensor set can be activated after the locker is locked to monitor the object placed in the locker during the locking period. For example, the locker might include at least one gas analysis sensor activated for an object type corresponding to a perishable food product.

[0016] In an application variant where the object has not been specifically described beforehand, the process may also include: determine the type of object based on data generated by at least one of the sensors in the selected sensor set.

[0017] For example, determining the type of object can use one or more sensors on the locker, such as a camera that takes a digital photograph to compare it to an object database, and / or a pressure sensor to compare the weight with data in the database. This allows for automatic detection of the object placed in the locker.

[0018] In one embodiment, the storage device comprises a plurality of compartments, and at least one compartment is chosen, from said plurality of compartments, for storing objects according to the type of object to be stored, and the method further comprises: identify a locker that includes the selected set of sensors and is suitable for storing the object.

[0019] Thus, even though a locker can contain a large number of sensors and be used for a wide variety of purposes within the meaning of the present invention, for the specific storage of an object requiring a given type of sensor, this implementation makes it possible to select a particular locker from a set of lockers if it contains the appropriate sensor for storing a specific object. It will therefore be understood that the set of lockers can be part of a system comprising a processing circuit capable of determining one or more lockers suitable for a given storage purpose.

[0020] In a design, the set of sensors activated for a given locker is modifiable at least from one unlocking of the locker to a subsequent unlocking, in particular depending on the type of object to be stored.

[0021] Thus, in this implementation, a locker used for storing a given object can be used again for storing another object, possibly of a different type.

[0022] In the embodiment where data relating to the object is obtained, this data may include at least image data of the object, and the set of activated sensors includes a camera capable, in cooperation with a shape recognition module, of acquiring at least one image of the object after the object has been placed in the bin and of recognizing at least one type of object placed there, the method then further comprising: determine if the object's image data corresponds to the recognized object type.

[0023] Alternatively or in combination, the object data may include at least object weight data, and the activated sensor set includes a pressure sensor on a lower internal wall of the bin to weigh the object after it has been placed in the bin, the method then further comprising: determine if the weight measured by the pressure sensor corresponds to the weight of the object according to the data received.

[0024] In a general design, it is possible to provide for the aforementioned compartment to have one or more openings in at least one wall of the compartment. Thus, the process may include: After selecting the set of sensors to activate, route at least one sensor from the selected set to the opening in the locker wall to introduce at least partially this sensor into the locker.

[0025] In such a design, it is possible, for example, to share sensors between several compartments within the storage system. Thus, if a sensor required by the type of object being stored is not available in the compartment intended to hold that object, a compatible sensor can be routed to the compartment opening.

[0026] Thus, in an embodiment where the storage device also includes at least one housing for a plurality of sensors, the process may include: After selecting the sensor set to activate, check for availability in the sensor compartment of the selected set, and, if at least one of the sensors of the set is unavailable in the compartment, route, from the sensor housing to the opening of the compartment, a sensor similar to the unavailable sensor.

[0027] As mentioned above, a sensor can be shared between several lockers and depending on the respective needs of monitoring storage in the different respective lockers, a specific sensor can be chosen for the needs of a given locker and it can then be planned to transport this sensor from the aforementioned housing to the opening of this given locker.

[0028] In such a project: The storage device comprises a plurality of compartments, each having at least one wall with at least one opening; the housing comprises a plurality of distinct types of sensors at predetermined locations in the housing; the storage device further comprises a conveying device for a sensor from a location of that sensor in the housing to a compartment opening.

[0029] Thus, the process may include: after selecting the set of sensors to activate in a current locker, check the availability in the current locker of the sensors of the selected set, and, in the event of unavailability of at least one of the sensors of the set in the current locker, address the routing element to control the routing of a sensor similar to the unavailable sensor, from the location of the similar sensor in the sensor housing to the opening of the current locker.

[0030] Of course, before routing any sensor to a current locker, it is necessary to check if all the sensors of the selected game are not already present in that current locker.

[0031] The aforementioned conveying device may include a gripping element (for example, an articulated mechanical gripper or a magnetic head to attract the metallic parts of the sensor). The conveying device may thus take the form of an articulated arm, for example, or may include rails and / or cables for conveying the sensors.

[0032] Such a design is particularly advantageous in itself. It can also be used to route actuators to the aforementioned opening of a locker. Such an actuator could be, for example, a light device (LED or other) to illuminate the inside of the locker, or something similar.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a storage device comprising at least one locker equipped with a plurality of sensors capable of measuring respective physical quantities and a locking / unlocking device for said locker, as well as a processing circuit configured for the implementation of the above process.

[0034] An example of such a processing circuit is illustrated on the figure 5 commented on below.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a system comprising: a server and a storage device comprising: at least one locker including a plurality of sensors capable of measuring respective physical quantities, an actuator for locking / unlocking the locker, and a communication module with the server, the server including a processing circuit for: receive a request to store an object in a locker, determine an object type corresponding to the object to be stored on the basis of object data received by the storage device; select, according to the determined object type, a set of sensors from the plurality of sensors in the locker, to be activated at least during one use of the locker, one sensor from said set of sensors to be activated being capable of monitoring the freshness of the object to be stored if it is determined to be of the perishable type; on detection of use of the locker, activate the selected sensors.

[0036] An example of such a system is illustrated on the figure 3 commented on below.

[0037] The server of the aforementioned system is an important element and the present invention may also relate to the storage management server of an object in a storage device, of a system within the meaning of the present invention.

[0038] An example of such a server and its processing circuit is illustrated on the figure 6 discussed further below.

[0039] The present invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the above process, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0040] There figure 4 The commentary below illustrates an example of a general algorithm for such a computer program.

[0041] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: There figure 1 illustrates a locker of a storage device proposed according to one or more embodiments; The figure 2 illustrates a set of compartments in a storage system proposed according to one or more embodiments; The figure 3 illustrates a system comprising a storage device and a server according to one or more embodiments, cooperating via a wide area network in the example shown; The figure 4 presents an example of a proposed process according to one or more embodiments; The figure 5 schematically illustrates a processing circuit for a storage device proposed according to one or more embodiments; The figure 6 schematically illustrates a server processing circuit proposed according to one or more embodiments; The figure 7 illustrates an example of a possible implementation of a shared sensor, here between two lockers, according to a cross-sectional view of a partition common to the two lockers CAS1 and CAS2, this partition comprising two parallel walls PAR1 and PAR2; The figure 8 illustrates a method of sharing a plurality of sensors between several compartments, each having at least one wall with at least one opening; The figure 9 illustrates another way in which a plurality of sensors can be shared between several lockers.

[0042] The invention makes it possible to offer communicating lockers, allowing the storage / distribution of objects, grouped or not in storage devices such as vending machines, and whose function and services associated with each of the lockers (and the device itself) can vary over time according to the needs and uses of the users and operators.

[0043] The features of this new generation of storage / distribution devices may include, but are not limited to: The sale of fruits, vegetables (bulk or otherwise), newspapers, or any other consumer goods; the deposit system: the deposit and collection of items by the same person; the sending and collection of items: parcels, letters, etc.; the loan of items belonging to others, with or without charge: equipment such as a drill, a crepe maker, etc.; the donation of items: for example, a book shelter, a CD storage unit, or other items; use for rescue or emergency situations: storage of items related to first aid or emergencies (defibrillator, fire extinguisher, or other) allowing their use in case of emergency (fire, medical emergency).

[0044] The services of this type of storage according to the invention can be, through the use of one or more sensors (camera, gas sensor to recognize foodstuffs, or others), for example (non-exhaustive list): Precise object recognition within a storage locker; measurement of the object's weight and volume; analysis of the air inside and around the storage device; and measurement of the temperature inside and around the storage device.

[0045] This new connected deposit / distribution system, in which the functionality of each "deposit zone" or "connected locker" can be reconfigured at any time according to the needs of each user or operator, makes it possible to address issues such as: Reduce travel by allowing users to utilize new features linked to these vending machines (generally located in high-traffic areas such as urban public transport stations, which are central or have many connections and are therefore very busy), Consume better and more responsibly by having access to varied and / or local (short supply chain) products in one place, Limit packaging by allowing the sale of bulk products in self-service, Allow everyone to rent / donate their own items safely and securely, Be able to sell directly what one has produced, and optimize the use of available space in dense areas by dynamically reconfiguring the functions and uses of each locker independently.

[0046] These communicating lockers can be offered individually, or grouped in different forms (such as in the form of vending machines), or in the form of a succession of larger storage lockers, or other.

[0047] They can themselves reconfigure to offer variable storage volumes (by opening and / or retracting partitions between several contiguous lockers to create a larger volume locker).

[0048] These connected lockers can be installed statically (like current vending machines or lockers), or mounted in mobile equipment (vehicles, robots, drones, etc.).

[0049] Some connected lockers may have a single function, while others may have multiple functions that can be dynamically reconfigured, according to the wishes of the locker / storage device manufacturer or operator. Any enclosed space controlled by a programmable lock can potentially become a connected locker.

[0050] This multifunctional storage / distribution feature can also help understand user habits by automatically analyzing usage patterns, particularly by analyzing successive content. It can even be used to analyze and monitor the local ecosystem (typically observing customer interactions with different stored items, according to different zones or zone types).

[0051] The physical structure of a locker-based device, its interconnections with remote applications, and examples of use are described in more detail below.

[0052] In what follows, "storage device" means a connected device comprising: one or more "locker" type compartments, one or more communication modules for example in each locker, and one or more sensors for example in each locker, capable of measuring respective physical quantities, and delivering respective signals that can be transmitted by the communication module of the locker to a remote entity.

[0053] Furthermore, the term "user" refers indiscriminately to a natural or legal person (the operator, for example), a software application or component, a software or hardware system or subsystem, a connected or digital / dematerialized object (book, document, or other), or any other entity, depending on the context of use of the invention, that places or has the object placed in the locker or storage device. The term "customer" refers to the person who subsequently opens the locker or storage device to retrieve the object.

[0054] Thus, a physical storage device groups together one or more connected lockers, and allows one or more objects to be deposited and / or removed by associating each or set of lockers containing an object with a set of specific functionalities at a given time.

[0055] This storage device can, for example, be constructed in the form of an automatic dispenser of objects, or of any other shape / size.

[0056] The storage device can be paired with a number of sensors / actuators, enabling it to offer functionalities specific to the storage device.

[0057] The locker, a physical storage area, is a closed zone secured by a door, confining the object within an enclosed space. The door is controlled by a processing circuit that includes the locker's communication module. This module controls the opening or closing of the door, preferably remotely, when predefined conditions are met, depending on the desired function or group of functions for the locker within the storage system.

[0058] The locker is equipped with a door locking / unlocking mechanism that ensures strict access control to the contents of the locker, or group of lockers. The implementation of necessary access authorizations, such as identification and authentication of the party present, can rely on sensors and actuators associated with the locker. These sensors and actuators can be physically located on the locker, or group of lockers, or placed within a proximity zone compatible with the constraints of implementing access authorization to the locker's contents.

[0059] The locker is equipped with sensors / actuators to provide functionalities specific to each locker, for example to measure the storage conditions of the deposited product, the shape of the product, its weight, its state (advanced food product for example), to recognize the functionalities or potential use of the deposited product, its non-conformity, its danger, etc.

[0060] The sensors can measure physical quantities such as temperature, humidity, pressure (weight of the deposited object), gas detectors (all types), cameras, and vibration sensors. The actuators can include, in addition to an electronic latch for locking / unlocking the door, a refrigeration unit serving one or more lockers, a fire suppression system, an alarm, or other devices.

[0061] Each locker can be equipped with a set of these sensors / actuators in the same way, or in a different way, according to the wishes of the user or the manufacturer / supplier of the storage device.

[0062] A locker is illustrated on the figure 1 . These sensors / actuators can be positioned on any face of the locker, from A to F, as illustrated in the figure 1 , on which the reference F represents the door having the controllable lock (and which can be opened from the right, left, top, bottom, or in any other way).

[0063] The locker does not necessarily have a cubic shape as shown in the figure 1 but can take any form necessary or desired for the performance of its functions.

[0064] Implementing a function, or group of functions, associated with a locker, or group of lockers, may require the resources necessary to execute instructions from a computer program (for example, a processor, storage memory, a communication module, etc.). These resources may be allocated exclusively to a locker, or group of lockers, or shared within a group of lockers, or even belong to another system or subsystem (remote or not) than the locker or group of lockers in question.

[0065] A storage system comprising several lockers is illustrated on the figure 2 , with, in the example shown, a human / machine interface (top right of the storage device) to control the opening or closing of each door of a locker of the device.

[0066] There figure 3 illustrates a practical implementation purely for illustrative purposes, in which: The DIS storage system comprises one or more compartments (which are not necessarily the same size, as shown at the bottom of the figure 3 on the left), each locker can include a plurality of sensors C1,..., Cn, for example positioned on one or more faces of the locker as needed, as well as one or more actuators ACT for locking / unlocking the locker door, these different equipment C1, ..., Cn, ACT are connected to a communication module COM integrated or not into the DIS storage device.

[0067] More specifically, the COM communication module is connected, for example, via a wide area network (WAN) to a locker manager's SER (management server). Furthermore, this SER can, for example, store data in MEM2 memory ( figure 6 ) a LUT lookup table that it can consult to determine, for a storage type requested by a sending user, the locker sensors to activate (or to bring to the locker as presented later with reference to the figure 8 in particular) among the sensors C1, ..., Cn. Such an implementation makes it possible to monitor that the object deposited by the sending user corresponds to an object expected for this locker and / or to raise alarms in case of a problem related to storage (double arrow DF to control the activation of sensors via the COM module and to send the sensor measurements to the SER server).For example, in one or more embodiments, the user who places the object may be equipped with a SEXP terminal (e.g., smartphone, tablet, personal computer, laptop, or any electronic device arranged to run a software application (e.g., dedicated software application or web application run from a browser) on a processor, configured to perform the functions described below for the SEXP terminal in one or more embodiments) to define the characteristics of the object to be stored and communicate the object data to the SER server (arrow F1 to the server). Alternatively, of course, the user can directly enter this data via a human-machine interface (HMI). figure 5 ) of the DIS storage device, on site, before placing the item in the locker.

[0068] In this document, "server" means any service point, virtualized or not, or any device that performs data processing, one or more databases, and / or data communication functions. For example, and without limitation, the term "server" may refer to a physical processor that is operationally coupled with associated communication, database, and data storage functions, or to a network, group, set, or complex of processors and associated data storage and networking equipment, as well as an operating system and one or more database systems and application software supporting the services and functions provided by the server.A computing device can be configured to send and receive signals via wireless and / or wired transmission networks, or it can be configured for data or signal processing and / or storage, and thus function as a server. Equipment configured to operate as a management platform can include, but is not limited to, rack-mounted dedicated servers, desktop computers, laptops, service gateways (sometimes called "boxes" or "home gateways"), set-top boxes, and integrated equipment combining various functionalities, such as two or more of the functionalities mentioned above. Servers or management platforms can vary greatly in their configuration or capabilities, but a management server will typically include one or more central processing units (CPUs) and memory.A management server may also include one or more mass storage devices, one or more power supplies, one or more wireless and / or wired network interfaces, one or more input / output interfaces, one or more operating systems, such as Windows Server, Mac OS X, Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, or an equivalent.

[0069] The terms "network" and "communication network" as used herein refer to one or more data links that can couple or connect equipment, possibly virtualized, to enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices or equipment, such as between a management server and a communication module of a storage device as proposed herein or other types of devices, including wireless terminals coupled or connected by a wireless network, for example. A network may also include mass storage for storing data, such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a SAN (Storage Area Network), or any other form of computer-readable media, for example.A network can include, in whole or in part, the Internet, one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide area networks (WANs), wired connections, wireless connections, cellular connections, or any combination of these different networks. Similarly, subnets can use different architectures or be compliant or compatible with different protocols, and interoperate with larger networks. Different types of equipment can be used to make different architectures or protocols interoperable. For example, a router can be used to provide a communication or data link between two LANs that would otherwise be separate and independent.

[0070] Once the item is deposited, the SER management server can be configured to notify the recipient's SREC terminal of the package's availability (arrow F2). After the item is retrieved (by a recipient (known or unknown to the depositor) or by the depositor themselves), the COM communication module can be configured to signal the retrieval to the SER server, which can then notify the SEXP terminal that the item has been successfully retrieved (arrow F1 to the SEXP terminal), as explained in the comments below. figure 4 .

[0071] The proposed method, in one or more embodiments, involves a storage device comprising at least one compartment including a compartment locking / unlocking mechanism (ACT) and a plurality of sensors (C1, ..., Cn) arranged to deliver data specific to the objects deposited in the compartment, receiving a request to store an object in a compartment of the storage device. This storage request can, for example, be received from a terminal carried by a user. The terminal can be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a laptop, or any electronic device configured to run a software application on a processor (for example, a dedicated software application or a web application run from a browser).The software application can then be configured to perform the functions described below for the SEXP terminal in one or more embodiments, following a command from the user on their terminal via the application. Depending on the embodiment, the storage request may or may not include data relating to the object. Embodiments in which the depositing user communicates data relating to the object to the data storage device, such as characteristics of the object that the depositing user wishes to deposit in a locker of the storage device, are described below, in particular with reference to the [reference to relevant document]. figure 4 .

[0072] The proposed method further provides for determining an object type corresponding to the object to be stored. This determination can be carried out in one or more embodiments, in whole or in part, using data relating to the object provided by the depositing user, as described below in the context of embodiments illustrated by the figure 4 .

[0073] In other embodiments, this determination can be carried out, in whole or in part, by the storage device, in particular by using one or more sensors on the storage device's locker into which the object has been deposited by the depositing user. It can be triggered manually (for example, upon indication by the user that the object has been deposited in the locker) or automatically upon detection that an object has been placed in a locker of the device (for example, upon detection by a pressure sensor of the object's weight after it has been placed in the locker).

[0074] For example, when the locker in which the object was placed is equipped with a pressure sensor to measure the weight of the object (or any other sensor capable of measuring the weight of the object or generating data relating to the weight of the object), the determination of the type of object can use weight data generated by the sensor.

[0075] In another example, when the locker in which the object was placed is equipped with a camera to acquire visual data (an image, a video, etc.) concerning the object (or any other sensor capable of acquiring visual data concerning the object), the determination of the type of object can use visual data generated by the sensor.

[0076] In embodiments where the determination of an object type corresponding to the object to be stored is performed, at least in part, by the storage device, this determination may use one or more object and / or object type databases, based on one or more data acquisitions performed by one or more sensors of the bin in which the object was placed. For example, this data may be transmitted to one (or more) server(s) hosting these databases, which in turn transmits object type data as determined using the database(s). The acquired data, to be compared with that in the database, may be, for example, image data, and an object recognition module may be implemented that evaluates, for example, a similarity score between the object whose image is acquired and images in the database.

[0077] In embodiments where the determination of an object type corresponding to the object to be stored is carried out jointly on the basis of object data generated by the storage device on the one hand, and on the basis of object data received by the storage device on the other hand, the object type data from the determination by the storage device and the object type data from the determination carried out on the basis of the received data can be combined to refine the determination of the type of object deposited in the bin.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, the proposed method then provides for selecting, based on the determined object type, a set of sensors from among the plurality of sensors on the locker, to be activated at least during one use of the locker. As described below, the determination of the set of sensors to be activated for a locker use may take into account an object type determination that led to the determination that the object is a perishable food item, in order to allow the depositing user to manage the storage durations of perishable goods placed in lockers based on images of these goods, taken at intervals, for example, regular intervals by an image sensor on the locker, and transmitted to the depositing user, and / or based on data generated by a gas analysis sensor.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the proposed method further provides for activating the sensors selected for monitoring storage upon detection of locker use.

[0080] The detection of locker use may vary depending on the embodiment, and for example correspond to the detection that the locker has been locked, by the user or by the device on command of the depositing user, or correspond to the receipt of a user command, particularly in cases where the locker in which the object has been placed is not locked.

[0081] Storage monitoring can, depending on the embodiment, correspond to more or less sophisticated storage management, for example, to determine whether an item is still in the locker or has been removed. Monitoring can also, in one or more embodiments, include continuous monitoring of the item, for example, in the case of a perishable item, as indicated above. Thus, depending on the embodiment, monitoring can be carried out to varying degrees, depending on the use made of the locker and / or the item, or the type of item for which the storage system is used.

[0082] Now referring to the figure 4 ,The SEXP depositing user's terminal (or alternatively directly the storage device's HMI interface) can, in one or more embodiments, contact (S1) the SER server to communicate characteristics of the object that the depositing user wishes to deposit, as well as possibly the contact details of the recipient user if known, for example an identifier associated with their SREC terminal.

[0083] The object's characteristics are then analyzed (S2) to determine which sensors, from C1 to Cn, are relevant to the type of storage required by the object. For example, if it is a basket of vegetables, a gas release sensor, capable of detecting the beginning of decomposition of these perishable goods, can be selected (S4) from among the sensors to be activated during the object's storage. Furthermore, in this example, a pressure sensor can be activated (S4) to weigh the object when it is placed in the locker and determine whether the weight thus measured conforms to the characteristics previously analyzed (S2). In another example, a photograph, for example, a front view, of the object to be stored can be taken, in the case where it is not a perishable item; the data from this photograph then becomes part of the object's characteristics previously analyzed (S2).For example, a camera (S4) will be activated as a sensor to take a front-facing photograph of the object and determine if the object placed in the locker matches the photograph. Furthermore, the object's weight, or other characteristics, can be recorded (S2) to verify that it corresponds, for example, to the weight measured by a suitable sensor (such as a pressure sensor for weight) previously activated (S4) at the time the object was placed inside.

[0084] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the proposed storage process and device can be arranged so that the depositing user can enter (S3) authentication data of the recipient customer of the object for this locker, insofar as the depositing user has such data concerning one or more recipients of the object (for example biometric data which the recipient will have previously communicated to the depositing user, or an identifier and password agreed with the recipient, or others).

[0085] Next, the SER server determines (S4) which set of sensors to activate when the object is placed in the locker, specifically to verify that the object matches the previously entered characteristics (S2). In one or more embodiments, this verification can rely on a LUT lookup table, which can list the appropriate sensor sets for different types of objects, as well as, optionally, the lockers equipped with these appropriate sensors that are actually available among the lockers. Thus, the server can also verify the availability of such a locker.

[0086] In particular: The recipient's authentication details have been correctly entered, the type of item deposited is authorized, and the locker that can accommodate this type of item is indeed available. then the transaction can be validated (S5).

[0087] In this case, the SER server can store (S8) the recipient's authentication data, if known. This data can be used when the recipient, if known, wishes to retrieve (S9) the object.

[0088] Once the transaction is validated (S5), the depositing user can place the item in the locker pre-reserved by the SER server. The locker's sensors, selected for activation (e.g., C1 ... Cn), can then determine (S6) whether the item matches the one that was the subject of the validated transaction (S5). This could involve, for example, a camera, acting as a sensor, which takes a photograph of the item deposited in the locker and, using a shape recognition software module, determines if the item matches the transaction item. It could also involve a weight sensor to verify the weight of the deposited item, or any other existing or future sensor, depending on the current needs and the depositor's intended use.

[0089] To this end, when the ACT actuator is to lock the locker door, the COM communication module transmits data from the sensor(s) involved to the server. This data is then analyzed by the server to determine the object's conformity. The ACT actuator only locks the door if the data returned by the sensors matches that of the object being processed. If so, the actuator locks the locker door, and the COM communication module sends confirmation of the object's deposit to the server. Otherwise, the SER server can notify the depositor, via the user interface or on their SEXP terminal, of the locker identifier (a number or other identifier) ​​to be used from among the storage unit's lockers. This locker is the one that was pre-reserved (S4).

[0090] It should also be noted that the camera, combined with the shape recognition module, can, depending on the embodiment, detect the presence of an unauthorized object (weapon, bomb, drug, live animal, or other) and trigger, for example, an alarm to the server.

[0091] Once the item has been placed in the appropriate locker, and it has been determined, if applicable, that the item corresponds to the one in the validated transaction (S5), the server can notify (S7) the recipient of the item, if known, for example by sending a message to the recipient's SREC terminal, or notify any user interested in this type of item who has previously registered with the system, so that a recipient can retrieve the item. The locker can then be opened and the item retrieved (S9) in the usual way, by authenticating the potential recipient using data previously stored (S8) by the server. For example, the storage device's user interface can retrieve a username and password, or even the recipient's biometric data, and then send this data to the SER server via the COM communication module for comparison.If the data matches, the server can then control the ACT actuator via the COM module, to open the locker door.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, at least some of the sensors C1...Cn may remain active until the locker is opened (S9), in particular to report a storage-related problem to the server, such as the beginning of decomposition of perishable goods (illustrated by the dashed arrow between references S6 and S9 on the figure 4 ).

[0093] After the object is retrieved (S9), the COM communication module can notify the SER server of this event, and the server can then notify (S10) the terminal of the user who submitted SEXP, which terminates (S11) the example embodiment of the proposed process illustrated by the diagram of the figure 4 .

[0094] There figure 5 illustrates a possible structure of a CT1 processing circuit equipping a storage device comprising a locker or a set of lockers.

[0095] Specifically, each C1...Cn sensor of a locker is connected to one (or more) INT input interfaces of the CT1 processing circuit. Furthermore, the actuator for locking / unlocking the locker door is connected to a PIL control module of the ACT actuator. In particular, each of these INT and PIL devices is connected to one (or more) PROC processors capable of reading instruction data from a computer program to implement one or more embodiments of the proposed device. This instruction data is stored in a MEM memory connected to the PROC processor and included in the CT1 processing circuit. The CT1 processing circuit may also include a human-machine interface (HMI) for user identification (by entering biometric fingerprints or a password, as previously mentioned, for example, by the recipient of the item, if known). This HMI interface is also connected to the PROC processor.Finally, the CT1 processing circuit can typically include the COM communication module at least with the SER server, via a wide area network for example.

[0096] With reference to the figure 6 , The SER server itself includes a CT2 processing circuit also equipped with a PROC2 processor and a MEM2 memory storing at least instruction data from a computer program for the implementation of one or more embodiments of the proposed systems and processes (and in particular actions S4, S8, S3, S6, S9, in cooperation with the CT1 processing circuit of the storage device presented with reference to the figure 5 ), when this data is read by the PROC2 processor. Of course, the CT2 processing circuit also includes a COM2 communication interface, with the COM communication modules of the remote storage devices.

[0097] Of course, the representations of figures 3 à 6 are illustrative, and given here as examples of possible implementations, which can be adapted differently according to the applications and the different uses envisaged, described below.

[0098] It should be noted, however, that the function of a locker in the proposed system can be advantageously modified when desired, for example, by a locker user or the locker / storage device administrator, which allows the user to be offered different possible functionalities, depending on the object(s) he / she deposits there, and the variety of uses he / she may wish to make of a locker.

[0099] This change of function is carried out, for example, via an application on mobile phone / tablet / computer, or a local human-machine interface (touch, voice, etc.) available on the locker itself or on the encompassing system, managing one or more lockers, such as the aforementioned storage device.

[0100] The function can also be modified through one or more programming interfaces (or "API" for Application Programming Interface).

[0101] Depending on the implementation method, a request to modify a function, or group of functions, associated with a locker or group of lockers may trigger one or more of the following actions: Identification of the sensor and actuator requirements for implementing the requested function for the group of lockers; Identification of the computer processing and communication functions required for implementing the function; Analysis of the presence and status of the sensors and actuators available to perform the function; Analysis of the presence and status of the computer processing unit and communication resources available to perform the function; Calculation of the difference between expressed requirements and existing resources to define a target system configuration expressing the requirements for processing and communication resources; Analysis of the availability of processing and communication resources accessible by a locker or group of lockers to define a distributed or centralized system with the resources necessary to implement the function, or group of functions.Resource allocation for the proper execution of the function or group of functions; calculation of the target system reconfiguration, which includes operations such as: deployment of appropriate software components to execution resources, configuration of deployed software components, configuration of communication links, etc.; implementation of reconfiguration operations on the target system; activation of the function or group of functions.

[0102] The proposed storage system can therefore be arranged so that, in one or more embodiments, a user can place one or more objects in a locker, and a function associated with this locker can then be determined, for example via a local human / machine interface, or via a dedicated software application (on mobile phone, tablet, PC, or any other equipment).

[0103] Depending on the specific design, the lockers' functionalities can vary in sophistication, particularly with regard to the sensors present in each locker. Typically, a locker may contain a camera that films any object placed inside. It may then offer automatic detection of the type of object placed in the locker, for example, through a computer module that recognizes the shape of the images captured by the camera. This module can send an alert via a communication module within the locker to warn of the introduction of an unexpectedly shaped or even suspiciously shaped object.

[0104] For example, in the case of parcel delivery, a delivery management server can take a front-facing image of the parcel and transmit it to a locker management server following a transaction between the delivery management server and the locker management server. Thus, when the parcel is placed in the locker assigned to it during the transaction, the camera can take an image of the parcel (by being positioned on the top wall of the locker, for example), and the pattern recognition module can determine if the image acquired by the locker camera matches the image acquired during the transaction.For example, the shape recognition module can control the locker opening / closing actuator to prevent the locker from closing until these two images match, or condition the locker closure on an additional verification by the user (notification and waiting for a response on their mobile terminal for example) or condition the locker closure on an additional verification for example of the weight of the package compared to an expected weight (this time using a pressure sensor on the lower wall of the locker).

[0105] In another embodiment, the locker may have a gas detector and offer a functionality allowing the user (fruit producer for example) who has deposited his fruit in the locker to be informed that one of his baskets of fruit is beginning to decompose so that he can come and replace it.

[0106] In another embodiment, a locker may have a pressure sensor to determine the weight of a deposited item (a drill, for example). Again, the pressure sensor can determine the item's weight to identify a match with a presumed weight of the item at the time of a previous transaction, or with a previously determined weight. For example, if a user rents an item and returns it to a locker, the locker's pressure sensor can be used to verify that the weight of the returned item corresponds to the weight of the rented item (known to the renter), thus providing a means of verifying that the returned item is indeed the same as the rented one.

[0107] The sensors mentioned above are only examples and many other sensors can be used in these lockers depending on the embodiment.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, a single locker can be equipped with different sensors, advantageously offering the possibility of dynamically reconfiguring the use, functionalities, and behavior of a locker, or group of lockers, through the implementation of different sensors and actuators operated by computer functions that respect a target use. For example, at a given time, a locker might be used to sell a basket of fruits and vegetables, then serve as a parcel drop-off point for shipping, then allow the rental of an item, and finally offer a free book or sleeping bag to someone in need.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the sensors / actuators equipping each locker, as well as all the hardware equipment (computer card, storage, type of user interfaces) can be activated fully or partially at any time, in particular when the user identifies themselves to the locker or storage device for storage planned in advance during a transaction describing the nature of the package to be stored.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the storage device is arranged so that users can initially register in a user database, for example, via an application (dedicated application or web application) and / or via the local human-machine interface. A user registered in the database can be assigned rights to use the storage device, allowing them to reserve an available locker remotely via the application, or, if they go to the location of the connected lockers, to identify an available locker and reserve it for use. This user can then assign a function to this locker via the application or the local human-machine interface. Depending on the sensors / actuators installed within the locker, the latter can offer more or fewer value-added services or functionalities.The functionalities related to the function assigned by the user are configured, from configuration data for example stored at the management server level and communicated to the storage device for locker configuration, and / or via the application or the local human / machine interface, so that the latter can place the object in the locker and that when the user closes the locker or commands the closing of the locker door, the locker is configured to act as requested by its new function.

[0111] Thus, in one or more embodiments, each communicating locker can be configured with any type of sensors / actuators, from the simplest to the most complicated, allowing all types of services and functionalities to be offered depending on the hardware possibilities available.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, the storage device, which groups the communicating lockers, can itself be paired with any type of sensors / actuators, in order to also have its own functionalities accessible locally or remotely, for example for administration, (self)diagnosis of the proper functioning of the lockers it contains, detection of the number of passages in front of the storage device, detection of an attempt to open an unauthorized locker with taking a photograph of the unauthorized user, statistics on the use of each locker, on the habits of the people using them, etc.

[0113] For storage device maintenance, one or more embodiments may provide for the possibility of physically removing a sensor, actuator, or other connected part of the locker equipment, and / or adding one or more pieces of equipment not originally included (sensors, actuators, etc.). The addition of sensors and actuators, as well as execution or communication resources, can occur within the locker, or group of lockers, but also more broadly within the definition of target systems linked to the function, or group of functions, to be implemented. Any configuration change can be made visible, for example, through a peer-to-peer notification mechanism such as that offered by the UPnP protocol, or within a registry such as that offered by broker-based systems.

[0114] This additional equipment can be used by a service deployed for the locker itself, or by a service of the system encompassing the locker (the storage device), or by any other equipment, local or remote (locker, and / or storage device included) that might require the use of the capabilities of this new equipment.

[0115] Thus, for example, in one or more embodiments, via an application on a mobile terminal (smartphone or other, connected to a server of the storage device manager) or a local interface included in the storage device, a user can choose, for example and not limited to, one of the functionalities developed below, if the hardware configuration (sensors / actuators) linked to the selected locker allows it.

[0116] The locker system, first of all, allows the same person to deposit and retrieve items. A user deposits an item and closes the locker. Only that same user can retrieve the item later.

[0117] The sale of fruits, vegetables, and other goods, or even newspapers or any other merchandise, can be carried out as follows. A farmer can decide to deposit a basket of fruit, a kilogram of carrots, or a bag of potatoes, and then indicate to a locker interface that they wish to sell this product at a specific price. This feature only allows the locker door to open if a buyer pays the indicated amount to retrieve the product. It should be understood that the locker's actuator, which unlocks the door, is connected to a payment verification module (credit card payment terminal, cash payment, or other).

[0118] The storage unit can be configured to maintain a database of items for sale, accessible through the application, so that all application users are notified if they are interested in purchasing a particular item. Furthermore, any user interested in an item can reserve it for a limited time (with or without prepayment), allowing them time to travel to the storage unit, identify themselves, and, after payment is completed, retrieve the desired item. The owner / depositor of the item for sale, once properly identified, can retrieve it at any time without paying the required amount.

[0119] The collection of parcels, letters, and other items can be carried out, for example, as follows. A delivery person drops off a parcel in a locker (for example, near the destination address). The delivery person indicates, via a mobile application or the local interface, that the parcel has been left in this locker and is addressed to a customer registered in the application. The customer is then notified by the mobile application that a parcel is waiting for them in this locker. They can then come and collect it whenever they wish (within a reasonable / legal timeframe, otherwise, for example, the parcel may be returned to the sender or they may have to pay a fee related to the storage duration). Upon arrival, the customer identifies themselves (using a username and password, for example, or biometric fingerprint recognition, or another method), and the locker opens its door to release the parcel.It will be understood here that the locker actuator, to unlock the door, can be connected to a customer identity verification module (for example via an interface for entering the customer's username / password or biometric fingerprint, or by recognition of a customer terminal by near field reading or other means, or by any other means).

[0120] Parcel and letter delivery can be carried out as follows. A user places a parcel in a locker. The user configures the locker for "parcel delivery" via the mobile app or the local human-machine interface. The delivery manager is notified that a parcel needs to be retrieved from that specific locker. When the delivery person arrives to collect the parcel, they identify themselves on-site, and the locker(s) containing the parcel(s) to be retrieved open. Depending on the locker's or storage device's features, the sender can be notified at that time via the mobile app that their parcel has been successfully retrieved.

[0121] Furthermore, the storage device or application can be configured to notify a delivery company, based on information provided by the sender, to collect the package initially placed in the first locker. The delivery company then transports the item from the first locker to a second locker for collection. Depending on the features of the connected locker, it may be possible to provide the sender with a delivery receipt when the package is collected by the delivery company, or offer other functionalities.

[0122] The lending or rental of items can be done as follows. A user who owns an item they no longer use or rarely use (for example, a drill, a crepe maker, a baby monitor, etc.) may wish to make it available to anyone who needs it occasionally. The user brings such an item and places it in an available locker. The user informs the storage system, via the application or a local human-machine interface, that they have placed the item in this locker and that they wish to rent it at a rate they set themselves (per hour, per day, per week, etc.). The system closes the locker and updates its function so that it only opens if a third party identifies themselves and agrees to pay the indicated rate.The rental period continues until the third party returns the item to a similar available locker (the same one or any other locker offering identical or equivalent features, located in the same place or elsewhere). If the owner wishes to retrieve their item, they log in to the storage unit where their item is located (using the mobile app), and the locker opens to allow them to retrieve it.

[0123] In this implementation, a user can consult the mobile application to search for a specific item. The application can geolocate the user and provide the location of the nearest storage device containing that item. The user can reserve the item, if desired, through the application and then travel to the indicated location. They identify themselves upon arrival and retrieve the desired item.

[0124] Once the user has finished using the item, they must return it to an available storage unit. They identify themselves to the storage unit, indicate that they are returning a rented item, place it in the unit, and close the door so that the unit can validate the return. If the storage unit has a camera or a weight sensor, it is possible, for example, to offer a function allowing visual verification that the returned item is identical to the one borrowed, or that its weight is the same.

[0125] A first aid application for emergency situations can operate as follows. Based on the principle of a loan service, the same process can be used to store first aid or emergency equipment (defibrillator, fire extinguisher, first aid supplies, etc.), allowing for their rapid retrieval and use in an emergency. The user goes to the storage unit, identifies themselves, indicates the type of emergency (fire, medical emergency, or other), and / or the first aid item they wish to retrieve. The storage unit then opens the door to a locker containing equipment appropriate for the situation, allowing the user to retrieve the first aid item. A mechanism for verifying the user's identity, either by taking a photograph or by scanning an identity document, can be implemented to prevent misuse or fraudulent use of the system.

[0126] It is possible to consider the use of such a service by people who have not previously registered in a user database, for example by dialing an emergency number on the local human / machine interface, or via the application which allows the location and opening of these communicating lockers without prior registration or recording.

[0127] A donation app can operate on a similar model to book exchanges. A user might want to donate an item rather than rent it. They place the item they wish to donate in a locker, notify the user via the mobile app or local human-machine interface that the item can be retrieved for free, and the system then modifies its function to open the locker when a third party requests it.

[0128] Typically, the app can geolocate the user and tell them which nearest storage unit contains a specific item, available for free if applicable. The user goes to the storage unit, logs in, indicates which item they want to retrieve, and if the item has been marked as a donation by the previous owner, the storage unit opens the door for them to collect it for free. Once the door closes, the storage unit updates the app's database to indicate that the item is no longer available / that the locker is empty.

[0129] A user can also delegate rights to another user. Typically, in cases of package collection, this feature can be useful, for example, for an elderly person delegating the right to collect their packages to their caregiver in situations where they don't feel able to pick up the package themselves (due to fatigue, poor health, bad weather, the weight of the package, etc.). The delegation of rights can be temporary or permanent.

[0130] We now refer to the figure 7 to describe an implementation in which, here, a single CAP sensor can be shared between two compartments, CAS1 and CAS2. The two compartments have a common partition delimited by two walls, referenced PAR1 for compartment CAS1 and PAR2 for compartment CAS2. A portion of each wall, PAR1 and PAR2, is retractable to create an opening through which the CAP sensor can pass into one of the compartments (compartment CAS1 into the figure 7 To this end, a flap CLA1, pivoting on a hinge CHA1, can be provided in the first wall PAR1 to open the first compartment CAS1 and thus allow the CAP sensor to pass into the first compartment CAS1. Similarly, a flap CLA2, pivoting on a hinge CHA2, is provided in the second wall PAR2 to open the second compartment CAS2 and potentially allow the CAP sensor to pass into the second compartment CAS2. Thus, the CAP sensor (for example, a camera or other device) can pivot from a first position in the first compartment CAS1 to a second position in the second compartment CAS2, thanks to a pivoting element with a ball joint ROT, to which the CAP sensor is connected. It should be noted that the CAP sensor can also be stored in an intermediate position between the two walls PAR1 and PAR2.A DC connection is planned for the CAP sensor, for example, for its power supply and / or the communication of the data it (CAP) captures.

[0131] We now refer to the figure 8 to describe a general implementation, which may optionally include the implementation illustrated on the figure 7 , and in which all the sensors are initially housed in one or more sensor slots LC1, LC2, LC3, etc. In the illustrated example, each slot CAS1, CAS2, CAS3, etc., also has at least one opening CLA1, CLA2, CLA3, respectively. Each slot may have other openings for the insertion of sensors CLA11, CLA12, in the same or different numbers. The openings may optionally be covered with a retractable flap as illustrated in the figure 7 In particular, a transport device ACH is configured to transport each sensor from a slot LC1 to a locker opening CLA1, CLA2, CLA3. The transport device ACH may include a mechanical gripper, articulated and guided on rails (or by cables), to grasp a sensor from a slot LC1, LC2, etc., and transport it to a locker opening CLA1, CLA2, etc. Alternatively, the transport device ACH may include a magnetic head to attract metallic parts of each sensor and then move the grasped sensor.

[0132] For example, a set of sensors of different types can be installed in housing LC2 between the two adjacent lockers CAS1 and CAS2, and these sensors can be routed to the openings CLA1 and CLA2 of these lockers CAS1 and CAS2. Thus, the set of sensors housed in housing LC2 can be shared between locker CAS1 and locker CAS2. The same applies to the sensors in housing LC3, which are shared between locker CAS2 and locker CAS3, and so on.

[0133] Typically, several sensors of the same type (a camera for example) can be provided in an LC2 housing when a particular type of sensor is frequently used for all CAS1, CAS2 lockers, or so that in the event of a failure of a sensor of this type, a replacement sensor can be brought into the housing.

[0134] Alternatively, housings may be provided for respective types of sensors, and a routing for one sensor of each type, selected in step S4 of the figure 4 , towards a standard locker to be equipped for imminent storage.

[0135] Of course, in reference to the figure 9 , A single LC housing can also be provided for all types of sensors, for example parallel to the RAI rail which serves a whole set of compartments as illustrated in the example of the figure 9 .

[0136] It should also be noted that, in any one of the embodiments of the figures 8 et 9Specifically, the sensor / actuator transport system can move in three dimensions (horizontally, vertically, forward / backward, and any combination thereof). Furthermore, it allows for the transport of not only one, but potentially several sensors / actuators at a time to the enclosure to be equipped (typically a block of sensors selected for a given type of monitoring).

[0137] Of course, these features are just examples of possible services offered by such smart lockers. Other features are also possible, depending on the uses and needs of the users.

[0138] Depending on the chosen embodiment, certain acts, actions, events, or functions of each of the methods described in this document may be performed or occur in a different order than described, or may be added, merged, or omitted, as appropriate. Furthermore, in some embodiments, certain acts, actions, or events are performed or occur concurrently rather than sequentially.

[0139] Although described through a number of detailed embodiments, the proposed systems, storage devices, platform(s), servers, user equipment, and methods include various variants, modifications, and improvements that will be obvious to those skilled in the art, it being understood that these various variants, modifications, and improvements form part of the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. Furthermore, it is possible that some of the systems and equipment described above may not incorporate all of the modules and functions described for the preferred embodiments.

Claims

1. Method, implemented by computer means, for managing the storage of objects, the method comprising, in a storage device comprising at least one locker including a locking / unlocking member for locking / unlocking the locker (ACT) and a plurality of sensors (C1, Cn) able to measure respective physical quantities, designed to deliver data specific to the objects deposited in the locker: - receiving a request to store an object in a locker of the storage device; - determining a type of object corresponding to the object to be stored on the basis of data relating to the object and received by the storage device; - selecting, depending on the determined type of object, a set of sensors from among the plurality of sensors to be activated at least during use of the locker, a sensor of said set of sensors to be activated being a gas sensor if the object to be stored is determined as being a perishable commodity; - upon detecting use of the locker, activating the selected sensors.

2. Method according to Claim 1, furthermore comprising: - upon detecting use of the locker, processing the data delivered by the set of activated sensors in order to check whether the object deposited in the locker corresponds to the determined type of object according to at least one chosen criterion, and - controlling the locking / unlocking member for locking / unlocking the locker (ACT) according to a respectively positive / negative check on the deposited object.

3. Method according to Claim 1, wherein the data relating to the object comprise at least image data of the object, and the set of activated sensors comprises a camera able, in cooperation with a shape recognition module, to acquire at least one image of the object following the deposition of the object in the locker, the method furthermore comprising: - determining whether the captured image data of the deposited object correspond to the image data relating to the object.

4. Method according to either of Claims 2 and 3, wherein the data relating to the object comprise at least data about the weight of the object, and the set of activated sensors comprises a pressure sensor on a lower internal wall of the locker for weighing the object following the deposition of the object in the locker, the method furthermore comprising: - determining whether the weight measured by the pressure sensor corresponds to the weight of the object according to the received data.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage device comprises a plurality of lockers, and at least one locker is chosen, from among said plurality of lockers, to store objects on the basis of the type of object to be stored, the method furthermore comprising: - identifying a locker including the selected set of sensors and able to store the object.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of sensors that are activated for a given locker is able to be modified at least from one unlocking of the locker to a next unlocking, in particular on the basis of the type of object to be stored.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one locker comprises at least one wall in which at least one opening is formed and wherein the storage device furthermore comprises at least one housing for a plurality of sensors and a routing member for routing a sensor from a location of this sensor in the housing to a locker opening, the method comprising: - after selecting the set of sensors to be activated, routing at least one sensor of the selected set to said opening in order to at least partially insert this sensor into the locker.

8. Method according to Claim 7, the method comprising: - after selecting the set of sensors to be activated, checking availability of the sensors of the selected set in the locker, - and, if at least one of the sensors of the set of sensors to be activated is unavailable in the locker, routing a sensor homologous to the unavailable sensor from the sensor housing to the opening of the locker.

9. Method according to Claim 8, wherein: - the storage device comprises a plurality of lockers each comprising at least one wall comprising at least one opening, - the housing comprises a plurality of distinct types of sensors at predetermined locations in the housing, the method comprising: - after selecting the set of sensors to be activated in a current locker, checking availability of the sensors of the selected set in the current locker, - and, if at least one of the sensors of the set is unavailable in the current locker, directing the routing member to control the routing of a sensor homologous to the unavailable sensor from the location of the homologous sensor in the sensor housing to the opening of the current locker.

10. Storage device comprising at least one locker equipped with a plurality of sensors able to measure respective physical quantities and with a locking / unlocking member for locking / unlocking the locker, the device also comprising a processing circuit (CT1) configured to implement the method according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Device according to Claim 10, wherein the locker comprises at least one wall in which at least one opening is formed, and the storage device furthermore comprises a routing member for routing at least one sensor of the selected set to said opening in order to at least partially insert this sensor into the locker.

12. Device according to Claim 11, wherein the storage device furthermore comprises at least one housing for a plurality of sensors, the routing member being designed to route a sensor of the selected set from the sensor housing to the opening of the locker.

13. Object storage management system, comprising: - a server (SER) and - a storage device comprising: - at least one locker including a plurality of sensors able to measure respective physical quantities, - an actuator for locking / unlocking the locker, - and a communication module (COM) for communicating with the server (SER), the server comprising a processing circuit (CT2) for: - receiving a request to store an object in a locker, - determining a type of object corresponding to the object to be stored on the basis of data relating to the object and received by the storage device; - selecting, depending on the determined type of object, a set of sensors from among the plurality of sensors of the locker to be activated at least during use of the locker, a sensor of said set of sensors to be activated being a gas sensor if the object to be stored is determined as being a perishable commodity; - upon detecting use of the locker, activating the selected sensors.

14. Computer program containing instructions for implementing the method according to one of Claims 1 to 9 when said instructions are executed by a processor.