PACKAGING WITH AN IMAGE SENSOR FOR CAPTURING IMAGES OF AN OBJECT INSIDE THE PACKAGING AND AN OUTER SCREEN FOR DISPLAYING THE IMAGES CAPTURED BY THE SENSOR

Description

[0001] The field of invention is that of the design and manufacture of equipment dedicated to logistics.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to the delivery of objects, and in particular that of objects generally originating from e-commerce platforms or transferred from one individual to another.

[0003] In the field of the invention, the delivery of objects by e-commerce platforms is very often carried out by placing the object(s) to be delivered in a package provided, for the purposes of delivery, with a label presenting at least one visual code, in particular taking the form of a printed barcode, which makes it possible to identify the package by each of the actors involved in the delivery of the package.

[0004] Traditionally, for the delivery of one or more items, the package is shaped by an operator. The item(s) are then placed in the shaped package, then the latter is closed and labeled for delivery.

[0005] Of course, before being transported, it is usual for packages to be put on hold, and therefore stored in a storage warehouse. Here again, traditionally, the storage of packages, which can be numerous, is carried out by stacking them, this for obvious reasons of saving space.

[0006] Currently, among the operations that an operator must carry out in a logistics chain, one of them consists of checking, if necessary, the contents of a package before it is taken from the stock of prepared packages, with a view to initiating its routing.

[0007] To do this, the operator is therefore required, without any other possibility, to open the package to visually check its contents. Of course, due to the stacking of packages as mentioned previously, handling several packages may be necessary to free the package to be checked, in order to be able to open it (this opening is of course not possible when the package is covered by one or more other packages).

[0008] It is understandable that such an operation, which may be repeated many times during the same day, is a source of waste of time and economically unprofitable.

[0009] In addition to the loss of time caused, the repeated handling and manipulation of packages involves more or less significant physical effort (some packages may be heavier than others), which is a source of musculoskeletal disorders.

[0010] Regarding the verification of the package by an individual who wishes to ship an object, the person who sends the package may have a doubt about the contents before shipping and wish to check the contents while the package is already closed and kept closed by various means (adhesive tape, string, glue, etc.). In the presence of such means of maintaining the closure, the person is then obliged to undo what he has put in place to check the contents, which is of course restrictive and wastes time. A known device of the prior art is described in patent US 2017 / 286905 A1 (RICHARDSON CURTIS R [US] ET AL).

[0011] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a package which allows visual verification and control of its contents in a simpler and faster manner than what is permitted with the packages of the prior art.

[0013] In this sense, the invention aims in particular to provide such a package which facilitates the control of its contents when the package is covered by one or more other packages.

[0014] The invention also aims to provide such a package which allows rapid checking of its contents, including when the package is provided with means for maintaining its closure.

[0015] These objectives, as well as others that will appear later, are achieved through a package intended to contain at least one object, including: a box, a lid which can adopt, with the box, a configuration for closing the package or a configuration for opening the package, a device for detecting the configurations for closing or opening the package, at least one image sensor relating to said object(s), at least one electronic display device which can be viewed from outside the package, a computer unit, intended to receive images from the image sensor and to transmit to the electronic display device instructions for displaying said images, means for triggering the image sensor, characterized in that the triggering means are presented on an external facade of the package and in that the computer unit is connected to the detection device and is configured to authorize a display, by the display device, of the images from the image sensor in the closed configuration of the package and, conversely, to prohibit the display in the open configuration of the package.

[0016] Thus, it is understood that, thanks to the invention, it is no longer necessary to open a package to check its contents or to obtain a simple visual overview.

[0017] Indeed, it is clear from the characteristics of the invention that it is sufficient for a person to order an image to be taken of the contents, by activating the triggering means of the image sensor accessible from outside the package, leading to obtaining an image also visible from outside the package on the electronic display device.

[0018] In the event that the package is stored inside a routing platform, and present in a stack of packages, an operator who must pick the package can check the contents without having to handle the package to disengage it from the stack in which the package is present. The control of the image capture and the display of the image obtained on the display device allows the operator to know that he is in the presence of the correct package to pick and can therefore usefully remove it from the stack of packages. Conversely, if he finds that the contents are not those of the package he is looking for, he avoids handling the package and, consequently, the corresponding physical effort as well as saving time.

[0019] Still in the case of packages present in a warehouse or in a store, the operator, by proceeding as described above, can also carry out an easy and rapid inventory of its stock.

[0020] In the context of private use, that is to say in the case where the package is at the disposal of an individual, the latter can easily check the contents of the package without having to re-open it.

[0021] Upon receipt of the package, the individual can check the contents of the package and verify that it is indeed intended for them, always without opening the package. In the event of an error regarding the contents, a return to the sender can be initiated without even opening the package.

[0022] According to an advantageous solution, the display device comprises means for maintaining the displayed images in an uninterrupted closing configuration.

[0023] In this way, not only can a person view the contents of the package without opening it, by displaying the contents on the display device, but he can also subsequently view the contents displayed on the display device without having to trigger the image capture again.

[0024] As a result, in the context of a stack of parcels according to the invention, once the image capture has been ordered on all the parcels in the stack, a person can easily and quickly view the contents of each parcel at a glance. He then has a sort of image wall.

[0025] In this case, the display device is preferably of the electronic paper type.

[0026] Such a display means makes it possible, in a known manner, to maintain a display without having to exert a specific action on the package, with the advantage of requiring only very low, or even zero, energy consumption.

[0027] According to a preferred solution, the computer unit is configured to transmit a reset instruction to the display device, in a package opening configuration detected following a package closing configuration.

[0028] According to this feature, the display of an image provided by the image sensor is only permitted in a closed configuration of the package. In other words, it is not possible for a person to falsify the display of the content, for example by controlling the display of the content and then replacing the content with other content.

[0029] According to the invention, the computer unit is configured to neutralize the triggering means in the package opening configuration.

[0030] So, not only is the display not possible when the package is open, but it is also not even possible to activate, and therefore trigger, the image sensor. People who fear that the package could take and store images of them without their knowledge when the package is open can therefore be reassured.

[0031] According to an advantageous solution, the package includes means for illuminating the object(s), the computer unit being configured to activate the lighting means when an image is taken by the image sensor.

[0032] This way, it is possible to increase the sharpness and quality of the image taken by the image sensor.

[0033] Advantageously, the electronic display device is presented on one side of the package called the display side, the triggering means also being presented on the display side.

[0034] Thus, the means for triggering the image capture and the display device are presented on the same external face of the package. It is therefore understood that, according to this characteristic, when a certain number of packages are stored in a stacked manner, it is sufficient to arrange the packages by presenting them all with the display face on the same side, the triggering of the image capture can then be carried out without having to move and / or handle each package.

[0035] According to an advantageous solution, the package comprises means of communication, the computer unit being configured to transmit, via the means of communication, to a remote unit, first data containing the image(s) taken by the image sensor.

[0036] In this way, in addition to having an image on the external front of each package, it is also possible to have information on the contents of the packages remotely, in particular an image of the contents.

[0037] In this case, the computer unit is configured to transmit second data to a remote unit, including: a temperature in the package; a weight of the object(s); a degree of humidity in the package; a pressure in the package; a shock suffered by the package; a signal of opening of the passenger package; a CO2 concentration.

[0038] Thus, it is possible to verify for certain types of objects viewed that their physical integrity is preserved. This is the case, for example, if the object(s) contained in the package concern foodstuffs or pharmaceutical products for which certain storage and / or transport conditions must be respected.

[0039] In this case, according to a possible variant, the package includes at least one sensor of the second data.

[0040] According to another possible variant, the package includes means for capturing and recording the second data by the computer unit.

[0041] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which: there figure 1 illustrates a package according to the invention, in an open configuration; the figure 2 is a partial view of an internal wall of the package; the figure 3 illustrates a package according to the invention in a front view; the figure 4 illustrates a package according to the invention, in a closed configuration.

[0042] As illustrated by the figures 1 à 4 , a package 1 according to the invention, intended to contain at least one object O, is of the type comprising: a box 10 delimiting a reception volume intended to accommodate one or more objects O; a cover 1, connected or not to the box 10, and able to adopt, with the box, a closing configuration ( figure 4 ) of the package or a package opening configuration ( figure 1 ); a device 12 for detecting the closing or opening configurations of the package; at least one image sensor 13, relating to said object(s); at least one electronic display device 14 which can be viewed from outside the package; a computer unit 15, intended to receive images from the image sensor and to transmit to the electronic display device instructions for displaying the images; means 140 for triggering the image sensor.

[0043] The device 12 for detecting the closing or opening configurations of the package can be obtained using sensors (switch or hall) placed in the locking handles (located in the upper part of the front) and connected to the processing unit.

[0044] The image sensor may consist of a digital camera, mounted in a corner of the internal volume of the package, in order to provide an overall view of the contents of the package.

[0045] According to the principle of the invention, the triggering means 140 are presented on an external facade 100 of the package, such that, while the image sensor is presented in the internal volume delimited in the box 10, the means for triggering the taking of images by the image sensor is present outside the package.

[0046] In addition, the computer unit 15 is connected to the detection device 12 and is configured to allow a display, by the display device 14, of the images from the image sensor 13, in the package closing configuration.

[0047] In other words, with a package according to the invention, taking pictures is not permitted, and even made impossible, as long as the package is not perfectly closed. Thus, any invasion of privacy is avoided: people who might fear that a photo will be taken of them by the package without their knowledge, or in an involuntary or unwanted manner, are guaranteed that such a situation may be deplored.

[0048] According to the embodiment described above, the electronic unit 15 is therefore electrically connected to the device for detecting the closing or opening configurations, which allows the latter to transmit to the electronic unit an electrical signal for opening the package or, on the contrary, a signal for closing the package.

[0049] The electronic unit 15 is also electrically connected to the triggering means 140, which allows the latter to transmit an image capture trigger signal to the electronic unit.

[0050] The electronic unit 15 is also electrically connected to the image sensor 13, for: transmitting an image capture instruction to it when the electronic unit has received an image capture trigger signal from the triggering means 140; receiving in return data relating to the image (or images) taken by the image sensor.

[0051] The electronic unit 15 is also electrically connected to the electronic display device, to transmit to it image display instructions, associated with the data relating to the image (or images) taken, the electronic unit being programmed to transmit these instructions to the display device if, at the same time, the electronic unit has received a closing signal from the detection device. Therefore, conversely, if the electronic unit has received a package opening configuration signal from the detection device, it does not transmit any display instructions to the display device, with the possible exception of a “display not authorized” message.

[0052] According to the present embodiment, the display device is of the electronic paper type, such a display device constituting means for maintaining displayed images in a configuration of uninterrupted closure of the package.

[0053] In addition, the computer unit 15 has one or more of the following characteristics: it is configured to transmit a reset instruction to the display device as soon as a package opening configuration is detected, following a package closing configuration; it is configured to neutralize the triggering means in the package opening configuration.

[0054] Thus, when the display device is of the electronic paper type, the image taken after closing the package is kept on the electronic paper until the package is reopened, while the image present on the electronic paper is erased as soon as the package is opened.

[0055] Furthermore, lighting means 16 are mounted on at least one internal wall of the package. These lighting means are activated by the computer unit, the latter being configured to trigger the lighting means when an image is taken by the image sensor. Thus, the lighting means are triggered in the manner of a flash.

[0056] As it appears on the figures 1 And 3 , the electronic display device 14 is presented on an external face of the package (designated by “display face” 100), and the triggering means 140 are also present on the display face 100.

[0057] The triggering means 140 can be constituted by any conceivable means, such as a mechanical button or a predefined zone on a touch screen.

[0058] According to another conceivable characteristic of the invention, the package comprises communication means 17. In addition, the computer unit is configured to transmit, via the communication means 17, to a remote unit UD, first data containing one or more of the images taken by the image sensor.

[0059] Using the means of communication, the computer unit can also be configured to transmit, to a remote unit, second data including the temperature in the package, the weight of the contents of the package, a degree of humidity in the package, a pressure in the package, a shock suffered by the package, a signal to open the package, a CO2 concentration.

[0060] These second data can be measured by means of one or more sensors 18 of the second data. It is also possible for these second data to be entered manually, the package then comprising means 141 for entering and recording the second data by the computer unit 15. However, for reasons of security and protection against fraud, manual entry of the sensor data contained in the package will preferably be made impossible.

[0061] To the extent that the package according to the invention is provided with means of communication, an advanced mode of use can be implemented. Indeed, in the context of an implementation of the invention in a logistics platform or in a store, or more generally in a storage area of ​​a plurality of packages according to the invention, a computer unit can be configured to issue image capture requests to each package and to collect the images corresponding to each package, as well as additional data such as those listed previously, this to constitute an inventory or, more simply, to allow remote visual control of the contents of the packages.

Claims

1. A package (1) for shipping objects, intended to contain at least one object and intended to be shipped from a sender to a recipient, comprising: - a box (10); - a lid (11) which can adopt, with the box (10), a closed package configuration or an open package configuration, - a device (12) for detecting the closed or open package configurations, - at least one image sensor (13) relating to said object (s), - at least one electronic display device (14) accessible from the exterior of the package, - a computing unit (15), intended to receive images from the image sensor (13) and to transmit to the electronic display device (14) instructions to display said images, - means (140) for triggering the image sensor (13), the trigger means (140) are presented on an external facade (100) of the package and the computing unit (15) is connected to the detection device (12) and is parameterized to: - authorize a display, by the display device (14), of the images from the image sensor (13) in the closed package configuration and, the computing unit is parameterized to conversely: - prohibit the display in the open package configuration (1), and - neutralize the trigger means (140) in the open package configuration.

2. The object shipment package according to claim 1, characterized in that the display device (14) comprises means for maintaining displayed images in an uninterrupted closed configuration.

3. The object shipment package according to claim 2, characterized in that the display device (14) is of the electronic paper type.

4. The object shipment package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the computing unit (15) is parameterized to transmit to the display device (14) a reset instruction, in an open package configuration detected following a closed package configuration.

5. The object shipment package according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises means (16) for illuminating the object(s), and in that the computing unit (15) is parameterized to activate the illumination means (16) during an image capture by the image sensor (13).

6. The object shipment package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electronic display device (14) is presented on one face of the package called the display face, the trigger means (140) also being presented on the display face.

7. The object shipment package according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises communication means (17), the computing unit (15) being parameterized to emit, to a remote unit via the communication means (17), first data containing the image(s) taken by the image sensor.

8. The object shipment package according to claim 7, characterized in that the computing unit (15) is parameterized to emit second data to a remote unit, including: - a temperature in the traveling package; - a weight of the object(s); - a degree of humidity in the traveling package; - a pressure in the traveling package; - a shock applied to the traveling package; - a signal for opening the traveling package; - a CO2 concentration.

9. The object shipment package according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (18) of the second data.

10. The object shipment package according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises means (141) for entering and recording the second data by the computing unit (15).