Method for localizing appropriate parcel locker bank having suitable parcel locker available to store parcel, and associated computerized locker banks

Abstract

To provide a method for determining whether a specific type of a parcel locker of a parcel locker bank is available for storing a parcel on a future day, and a parcel locker bank management system.SOLUTION: A parcel locker bank allows storage of a parcel in one of multiple parcel lockers of the parcel locker bank over a maximum number of days. The parcel is stored in a parcel locker from a storage day, such as a chosen desired future day j, and can be stored, at the longest, up to a day corresponding to day j+N-1, where day j+N-1 represents the latest possible storage day.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a luggage locker bank, which is also known as a luggage collection point. Specifically, the present invention relates to predicting the availability of a specific type of luggage locker in a luggage locker bank, that is, identifying a suitable luggage locker bank with a suitable luggage locker available for storing luggage, within a limited location.

Background Art

[0002] One of the main peculiarities of delivery to locations outside the home, namely luggage locker banks, is the fact that it is completely uncertain when the luggage will be picked up from the luggage locker where it is stored. Therefore, it is impossible to know whether the luggage locker containing the luggage to be picked up is available or whether it can be used for other deliveries. This uncertainty is, firstly, a problem for the carrier agent when the carrier agent needs to plan the delivery of luggage to the luggage locker bank. This is because it is inefficient to take the luggage to the luggage locker bank and then possibly not be able to store the luggage in that luggage locker bank, and moreover, it is time-consuming and also inefficient to wait to obtain information that the pick-up has ended and the luggage locker is available. This uncertainty is, secondly, a problem when the customer places an order for the luggage. This is because it is difficult, and in some cases almost impossible, to inform the customer of a specific location and pick-up time.

[0003] Furthermore, due to the above-mentioned uncertainty about when the pick-up will be, a time lag occurs between the time when the luggage is stored in the luggage locker and the time when the luggage is finally picked up by the recipient. This time lag results in a filled state (a stock). Each piece of luggage is stored for a finite period of unknown length.

[0004] While the reservation system is the safest solution, it's not optimal. Carriers are unable to offer any other well-thought-out solutions besides the reservation system.

[0005] Document US2018 / 190062 describes a computerized locker network comprising multiple locker banks, multiple portable computing devices, and at least one logistics server, wherein each locker bank comprises a locker bank computer and a locker compartment that is individually secure and has a door and locking mechanism. This comprehensive system is configured to identify a locker compartment in a locker bank that is available to hold a package after an attempt to deliver it to the customer's home address was unsuccessful.

[0006] Therefore, improved systems and methods are needed to maximize the efficiency of the parcel locker bank by minimizing the risk of non-delivery. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a computerized implementation method and a computerized system that helps maximize the efficiency of a package locker bank by predicting the daily available capacity of the package locker bank and minimizing the risk of undelivered packages.

[0008] The first subject of the present invention is a computer implementation method for determining whether a particular type of luggage locker in a luggage locker bank is available for luggage storage on a future day, wherein the luggage locker bank comprises a plurality of individually (selectively) secureable luggage lockers, and allows luggage to be stored in one of the plurality of luggage lockers in the luggage locker bank for a maximum number of days equal to a first integer, hereafter denoted as N, wherein the luggage locker bank comprises a second integer number of luggage lockers of the particular type described above.

[0009] The above method comprises the following multiple prediction steps: -Receive the number of packages delivered or scheduled to be delivered to the above-mentioned specific type of package locker in the package locker bank for each day between the above-mentioned future date and a number of days equal to N-1 before the above-mentioned future date, and receive the number of packages that have already been notified as scheduled to be delivered to the above-mentioned specific type of package locker in the package locker bank for each day between the above-mentioned future date and a number of days equal to N-1 after the above-mentioned future date, -Estimate a third number for each day corresponding to the number of available parcel lockers of the above-mentioned specific type in the above-mentioned parcel locker bank on the day for which the calculation is made, where each estimate is based on the number of parcels already delivered or to be delivered to the parcel lockers up until the day before the day for which the estimation is made, and the pick-up rates of parcels from the parcel lockers, the pick-up rates of which depend on the number of days a parcel which is still in a parcel locker has been stored for. -For each day from the above future date to the last day the package can be stored, calculate a fourth number corresponding to the number of available package lockers of the above specific type in the above package locker bank for each day of this period, where the above fourth number is based on the above corresponding third number and the number of parcels received that have already been announced to be delivered to parcel lockers of said specific type of the parcel locker bank on the day for which the calculation is made. -For each day from the above future date to the last day the luggage can be stored, compare the above fourth number to the threshold, and, - If each of the fourth numbers compared is greater than the threshold above, it indicates that the luggage locker is available for the above luggage.

[0010] The methods described above can be applied to the flow of packages arriving of any type. For example, they can be applied to a second delivery of a package when the destination of the package is changed to a package locker bank after an initial attempt at delivery to a home. For example, they can be applied to direct parcels when two parties conducting e-commerce use package lockers to exchange packages. They can also be applied to package delivery when, for example, a merchant places a package in a locker for a delivery person to pick up.

[0011] The retrieval rate may be based on a training group of data regarding retrieval rates previously observed in other luggage locker banks. The above retrieval rate derived from the training data group may be used to initiate the luggage locker bank's methods and systems.

[0012] When the luggage locker bank is in use, the retrieval rate may be updated daily using daily data, which includes data on luggage retrieved on that day and luggage lockers where luggage is still available, as described in the following paragraphs.

[0013] In the first aspect of the computer implementation method, each pickup rate is estimated daily by regression during closing hours of the luggage locker bank. The regression takes into account the real pickup rates for a number of previous days for which the pickup rate is known, and whether some of those days are holidays.

[0014] The primary advantage of using rates is their aggregate nature. When considering two lockers, we can calculate the retrieval rate for each machine, but we can also calculate the retrieval rate for both lockers. This aggregate nature avoids the need to calculate separate retrieval rates for every locker and every pair of items.

[0015] Individual models are applied to large-capacity storage banks, while aggregated models are sufficient for others, and no overflow problems arise.

[0016] Furthermore, in daily regressions, in order to make the take-up rate as close as possible to the actual current take-up rate, the most recent data obtained regarding take-up may be given greater weight during the regression than older data.

[0017] In a second aspect of the computer implementation method, the method may further include, before the receiving step, verification of the current availability of a particular type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank, the luggage locker bank may have a number of luggage lockers greater than one that can be individually secured, and the verification is - Assign a digital address to each luggage locker in the above luggage locker bank between the number 1 and a number equal to the integer number of luggage lockers. -Formation of an availability mask, wherein a first binary number is assigned to each digital address if the luggage locker is empty and therefore available, and a second binary number different from the first binary number is assigned to each digital address if the luggage locker is occupied and therefore unavailable, wherein the above availability mask is updated each time luggage is deposited into and retrieved from the luggage locker. -Formation of at least one specific accessibility mask relating to specific characteristics of luggage lockers in a luggage locker bank, wherein the mask is formed by assigning a first binary number to each digital address if the luggage locker has the above-mentioned specific characteristics, and a second binary number if the luggage locker does not have the above-mentioned specific characteristics, and - Identifying the number of available luggage lockers having at least one specific characteristic, by combining the availability mask with at least one accessibility mask relating to the above one or more specific characteristics using a binary AND operation, upon request. It may also be equipped with.

[0018] By using masks, the amount of data that needs to be processed can be reduced, thereby increasing the speed of data processing.

[0019] In the third aspect of the computer implementation method, the specific characteristics of the luggage lockers in the above luggage locker bank are, - Different sizes of luggage lockers, - Assigned to a specific user, such as a specific delivery person, etc. - Assigned for storing a specific type of item, such as an item contained in a package that needs to be at a specific temperature when stored, etc. It may include.

[0020] In a fourth aspect of the computer-implemented method, when the size of the luggage locker is considered as a specific feature to be dealt with, the number of luggage lockers considered for checking the availability of a specific luggage locker to store a specific piece of luggage corresponds to the number of luggage lockers having a size larger than the size of the specific piece of luggage.

[0021] When the luggage to be stored in the luggage lockers of the luggage locker bank is small, not only small luggage lockers but also all luggage lockers having larger dimensions are considered.

[0022] A second subject of the present invention is a computer-implemented method for localising a suitable luggage locker bank having suitable luggage lockers available for storing luggage, wherein the above-mentioned luggage locker bank comprises a first integer number of luggage lockers greater than 1 that can be individually secured, and each luggage locker permits the storage of luggage for a maximum number of days equal to a second integer, and the method comprises: - Receiving a request from a user, such as a delivery person, etc., to store luggage in a luggage locker of a luggage locker bank, where the above-mentioned request comprises the location of the ultimate recipient of the luggage, a desired delivery date corresponding to a future date on which the luggage should be stored in the luggage locker, and at least one specific feature regarding the luggage. - Identifying a luggage locker bank located within an area around the location indicated in the request, where the above-mentioned area has a predefined fixed radius. - Identifying all the luggage lockers having all the specific features indicated by the request from the luggage locker banks within the above-mentioned area (in accordance with). - Executing the above-described method to identify, for each of the previously identified luggage locker banks over a specific number of days starting from the above-mentioned desired delivery date, whether a specific type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank will be available for depositing luggage on a future day, and - Proposing a computer-implemented method comprising making a selection of a luggage locker bank having a suitable available luggage locker with the best compromise regarding the delivery date and localising the location of the luggage locker bank (localisation).

[0023] A third subject of the present invention is a luggage locker bank management system comprising at least one computerised luggage locker bank, wherein the at least one computerised luggage locker bank comprises a plurality of individually securable luggage lockers, permits depositing luggage in one of the plurality of luggage lockers of the at least one computerised luggage locker bank over a maximum number of days equal to a first integer, the at least one computerised luggage locker bank further comprises at least one locker bank computer, the at least one locker bank computer comprises at least one processor and a memory, is configured to obtain data related to the at least one computerised luggage locker bank and transmit the data outside the at least one computerised luggage locker bank, the number of luggage lockers is equal to a second integer, each of the plurality of individually securable luggage lockers comprises at least one door and at least one locking mechanism, and the luggage locker bank management system comprises a prediction unit communicating with the locker bank computer of the at least one computerised luggage locker bank, the prediction unit being:[ - A receiving module configured to receive the number of packages delivered to the above-mentioned specific type of package locker in the package locker bank for each day between a desired future date and a number of days equal to N-1 before that future date, and to receive the number of packages that have been notified to be delivered to the above-mentioned specific type of package locker in the package locker bank for each day between the above-mentioned future date and a number of days equal to N-1 after that future date, - A first calculation module configured to estimate for each day a third number corresponding to the number of remaining available parcel lockers of the above-mentioned specific type in the above-mentioned parcel locker bank on the day subject to calculation, wherein each estimate is based on the above-mentioned number of parcels already delivered or to be delivered to the parcel lockers on said desired future day, and the parcel retrieval rate from the parcel lockers, the above-mentioned retrieval rate depending on the number of days that parcels still in the parcel lockers have been in there up to that point. - A second calculation module configured to calculate a fourth number corresponding to the number of available parcel lockers of the aforementioned specific type in the aforementioned parcel locker bank for each day from the aforementioned future date to the last day on which parcels can be stored, where the above fourth number is based on the above corresponding third number and the number of parcels already announced to be delivered to parcel lockers of said specific type of the parcel locker bank for each day in the time interval. - For each day from the above future date to the last day the luggage can be stored, a comparator configured to compare the above fourth number with a threshold, and - An output module configured to indicate that a luggage locker is available for the above luggage if each of the fourth numbers compared is greater than the above threshold, We propose a luggage locker bank management system equipped with the following features.

[0024] In the first aspect of the luggage locker bank management system, the first calculation module described above comprises a regression module. The regression module is configured to estimate each retrieval rate by regression every day, outside of the luggage locker bank's operating hours. The regression considers the actual retrieval rates for several past days that are known from information obtained from actual retrieval dates for luggage deposited in the past, and takes into account whether or not holidays are included in those several days.

[0025] In a second aspect of the luggage locker management system, the luggage locker management system may further include a verification module, which includes: - Assign a digital address to each luggage locker in the above luggage locker bank between the number 1 and a number equal to the integer number of luggage lockers. -Formation of an availability mask, in which a first binary number is assigned to each digital address if the luggage locker is empty and therefore available, and a second binary number different from the first binary number is assigned to each digital address if the luggage locker is occupied and therefore unavailable, wherein the above availability mask is updated each time luggage is deposited into and retrieved from the luggage locker. -Formation of at least one specific accessibility mask relating to specific characteristics of luggage lockers in a luggage locker bank, the formation being performed by assigning a first binary number to each digital address if the luggage locker has the above-mentioned specific characteristics, and a second binary number if the luggage locker does not have the above-mentioned specific characteristics, and - Identification of the number of available luggage lockers having at least one specific characteristic, which is done upon request by combining the availability mask with at least one accessibility mask relating to the above one or more specific characteristics using a binary AND operation. It may be configured in this way.

[0026] In a third aspect of the luggage locker bank management system, the luggage locker bank management system may further include a decision unit configured to determine the destination of one or more pieces of luggage to the appropriate luggage locker bank, the decision unit being: - A request module configured to receive requests from users, such as delivery drivers, to deposit packages into package lockers in a package locker bank, wherein the request comprises: a location relating to the final recipient of the package; a desired delivery date corresponding to a future date from which the package will be deposited into the package locker; and at least one specific characteristic relating to the package. - A selection module configured to operate for each previously identified luggage locker bank, firstly, to identify luggage locker banks located within an area near the location indicated in the request, where the area has a predetermined fixed radius; secondly, to identify all luggage lockers from the luggage locker banks within the area that have all the specific characteristics indicated in the request; and thirdly, to operate the prediction unit for each previously identified luggage locker bank over a specific number of days starting from the desired delivery date. -The system may include a transmission module configured to transmit, with the best compromise between the delivery date and specifying the location of the luggage locker bank, indicating a luggage locker bank with a suitable available luggage locker.

[0027] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following specification, which is illustrative and not restrictive, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a luggage locker bank. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a computer implementation method according to an embodiment of the present invention for determining whether a particular type of luggage locker is available in the luggage locker bank shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a computer implementation method according to an embodiment for location-restricted identification of a suitable luggage locker bank in Figure 1 that has a suitable luggage locker available for storing luggage. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the verification process for verifying the current availability of a particular type of luggage locker in a luggage locker bank, which is performed before or during the method shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a luggage locker bank management system, which includes at least one computerized luggage locker bank as shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings with respect to specific embodiments, but will not be limited thereto, and will be limited only by the claims. The drawings provided are schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of elements may be exaggerated or not drawn to their actual dimensions for illustrative purposes. Where the term “equipped with” is used in this specification and claims, other elements or processes are not excluded. Where an indefinite article such as “a” or “an” is used when referring to a singular noun, or a definite article such as “the,” this includes the plural noun unless the opposite is specifically stated.

[0030] The term “equipped with” as used in a claim should not be interpreted as being limited to the means listed thereafter. The term “equipped with” as used in a claim does not exclude other elements or processes. Therefore, the expression “the device is equipped with means A and B” should not be limited to a device consisting solely of elements A and B. With respect to the present invention, this expression merely means that the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0031] Furthermore, in this specification and its claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or chronological sequence. It should be noted that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that embodiments of the inventions described herein may operate in an order other than that described or explained herein.

[0032] Figure 1 schematically shows a luggage locker bank 50. The luggage locker bank 50 comprises a number of individually secure luggage lockers. Each luggage locker is indicated in the drawing by a number between 1 and 20. Each luggage locker has one of three sizes. Each size is indicated in Figure 2 by the following reference numerals: S, which refers to the smallest size of the luggage locker; L, which refers to the largest size of the luggage locker; and M, which refers to an intermediate or medium size between S and L.

[0033] The luggage locker bank is configured to allow luggage to be stored in one of its multiple luggage lockers for a maximum number of days equal to a first integer. This first integer is denoted as N below, for example, 4 days (N=4). If a luggage is still in the luggage locker after the above maximum number of days, it will be removed by the delivery person the following day. In this way, luggage lockers will not get stuck due to unclaimed luggage.

[0034] The luggage locker bank 50 is equipped with a locker bank computer 51, which includes a processor and memory and is configured to obtain data related to the luggage locker bank 50 and transmit the data to the luggage locker bank management system 30. Each of the individually secure luggage lockers 1 to 20 is equipped with a door and a locking mechanism.

[0035] In the embodiment of the luggage locker bank shown in Figure 1, the luggage locker bank 50 includes a first group of luggage lockers, indicated in light gray and assigned only to the first user; a second group of luggage lockers, indicated with diagonal lines and assigned only to the second user; and a third group of luggage lockers, indicated in white and shared by the first and second users.

[0036] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a computer implementation method according to an embodiment of the present invention for determining whether a particular type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank of Figure 1 is available for luggage storage on a future day.

[0037] In this embodiment, the luggage locker bank comprises a number P of luggage lockers of a specific type desired to be subjected to the method.

[0038] The method is performed for a desired date that will arrive in the future. The desired date will be denoted as j below. Each piece of luggage deposited in the luggage locker bank 50 above is permitted to be deposited for a maximum number of days equal to N from the date it was deposited in the luggage locker. Thus, luggage can be deposited in the luggage locker from a deposit date such as the selected future date j above, and can be deposited for a maximum of the date corresponding to day j+N-1, where j+N-1 is the latest permitted deposit date.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the above method comprises the following steps: In the first step 100, for each day between the desired future day j and a number of days equal to N-1 before that future day, and for each day between the desired future day j and a number of days equal to N-1 after that future day, the number of packages delivered or scheduled to be delivered to the above-mentioned specific type of package locker in the package locker bank 50 is received. The above-mentioned specific type of package locker in the package locker bank 50 are, for example, package lockers 2 to 5 corresponding to small package lockers assigned to a particular delivery person. A number of days equal to N-1 before the above future day means going back to day j-N+1. A number of days equal to N-1 after the above future day means going forward to day j+N-1.

[0040] In the second step 110, a third number Dj* is estimated for each day. The third number Dj* corresponds to the remaining available specific parcel lockers on the day j for which the calculation is made and before the deliveries due on that particular day j. In other words, the third number for day j corresponds to the number of available parcel lockers of said specific type for day j considering only the parcels currently stored or announced to be delivered to a parcel locker of said specific type before day j, at a specific time such as 6 a.m. Each estimate is based on the number of packages received in the first step 100 that correspond to the number of packages delivered or scheduled to be delivered to the package locker by the day before the day of the estimate, and the package retrieval rate from the package locker. The above retrieval rate depends on the number of days that packages still stored in the package locker had been stored up to that point.

[0041] The third number Dj* is given by the following formula:

number

[0042] Here, P corresponds to the maximum number of a particular type of luggage locker assumed to be comprised in luggage locker bank 50. x This corresponds to the number of packages delivered to the package locker bank on day x. PckRate y,z This corresponds to the pickup rate on day y for packages delivered on day z. Day y is later than day z. x This corresponds to deliveries that have already been made or scheduled for delivery and have been notified by the delivery person for day x.

[0043] When a luggage locker bank is about to enter production with respect to its predictive function, i.e., a method for determining whether a particular type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank (as shown in Figure 1) will be available for luggage storage on a future day, the retrieval rate applied to the luggage locker bank is based on a training data set of retrieval rates previously observed in the same or similar luggage locker banks. When the luggage locker bank enters production with respect to its “predictive function,” the retrieval rate derived from the training data set is used to initiate the method. Once the luggage locker bank is in operation, the retrieval rate is updated daily using daily data on the flow of luggage associated with the luggage locker bank, as described in the following paragraphs.

[0044] To train the system regarding the retrieval rate, multiple parcel lockers are classified into pairs (locker, item), i.e., the type of item stored in a given parcel locker, and the following two variables, namely the total number of deliveries and the seniority, can be used for classification. Therefore, the applicable model will differ depending on the number of parcels delivered to the locker and the seniority of the parcel locker.

[0045] For example, if a pair (locker, item) has a total number of deliveries that is strictly greater than 365, a separate model applies. Otherwise, since adjacent lockers with the same partner are considered nearly identical, a different model applies to treat the nearest individual items as a single unit.

[0046] Two pairs (lockers, items) with identical models (not separate models) have the same training dataset. Therefore, they have the same retrieval rate.

[0047] Each pickup rate is estimated daily by regression outside of the luggage locker bank's operating hours. The regression considers known actual pickup rates for several past days, taking into account whether or not those days include holidays.

[0048] In step 3, 120, a fourth number is calculated for each day between day j and day j+N-1. The fourth number corresponds to the number of available parcel lockers of the specific type described above for each day of this period. The fourth number is based on the corresponding third number and the number of parcels that have been delivered or announced to be delivered by carriers to parcel lockers of said specific type of the parcel locker bank on the day for which the calculation is made. Thus, the fourth number corresponds to the number of available parcel lockers of the specific type described above for each day of the N days during which a parcel can be stored if it is stored on day j, taking into account all parcels already stored and all parcels scheduled to be stored.

[0049] The fourth number Dj is given by the following formula: Regarding the above desired date,

number

number

[0050] Here, k is a computation parameter, and it is an integer because the computation applies to each day.

[0051] In the fourth step 130, for each day from the desired day j to day j+N-1, which is the last day the luggage can be deposited, the fourth number mentioned above is compared with the threshold τ.

[0052] In step 5, 140, if each of the compared fourth numbers is greater than the threshold above, a signal is given indicating that a luggage locker is available for the luggage in the corresponding luggage locker bank 50. In other words,

number

[0053] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a computer implementation method for location-restricted identification of a suitable luggage locker bank, such as the luggage locker bank in Figure 1, which has suitable luggage lockers available for storing luggage.

[0054] In the first step 310 of the method, a request to deposit a package in a package locker of the package locker bank 50 is received from a user, such as a delivery person. The request comprises a location relating to the final recipient of the package, a desired delivery date j corresponding to a future date from which the package will be deposited in the package locker, and at least one specific characteristic relating to the package. The at least one specific characteristic relating to the package is, for example, a specific size of the package, a specific user such as a specific delivery person, a specific type of item requiring specific storage conditions, etc.

[0055] In step 2, 320, a luggage locker bank located within an area near the location indicated in the request is identified. This area has a predetermined fixed radius.

[0056] In step 330, luggage lockers possessing all the specific characteristics indicated in the request are identified from the luggage locker bank within the above-mentioned area.

[0057] In step 4, 340, the method shown in Figure 2 is performed to determine whether a particular type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank is available for luggage storage on a future date. This method is performed for each previously identified luggage locker bank over a specific number of days starting from the desired delivery date mentioned above.

[0058] When dealing with luggage size, a luggage locker is considered suitable if its size is large enough to accommodate the luggage. In this sense, priorities are set between sizes. First, for small luggage, the availability check is performed on small-sized luggage lockers. Next, if no small luggage lockers are available, the availability check is performed on medium-sized luggage lockers. Finally, if no medium-sized luggage lockers are available, the availability check is performed on large-sized luggage lockers.

[0059] Other priorities may be set between different features. For example, accessible areas may be classified first by the size of the luggage locker, then by the allocated area (luggage lockers assigned to a user first, then luggage lockers shared among different users), and then by comfort zones.

[0060] In step 5, step 350, a luggage locker bank is selected that is closest to the destination and has suitable luggage lockers available on the desired date.

[0061] In the methods shown in Figures 2 and 3, estimations and calculations are performed on a daily basis. That is, all pickup rates are given for each day, and all figures related to delivery or pickup are given for each day.

[0062] It appears that during the delivery phase, which begins at the start of the day and typically occurs between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, new package lockers are not (or are only available in limited quantities). Package lockers from which packages were delivered on that day or a previous day are not available until 5:00 PM. Therefore, daily modeling can be performed before the delivery phase, for example, at 6:00 AM.

[0063] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the verification process for the current availability of a specific type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank. The verification process described above is performed before or during the method shown in Figure 1.

[0064] The verification process includes a first sub-process 410. In the first sub-process 410, each luggage locker in the luggage locker bank is assigned a digital address between the number 1 and a number equal to the integer number of luggage lockers.

[0065] The verification process includes a second sub-step 420. The second sub-step 420 involves the formation of an availability mask, which is created by assigning a first binary number to each digital address if the luggage locker is empty and therefore available, and a second binary number different from the first binary number if the luggage locker is occupied and therefore unavailable. The availability mask is updated each time luggage is deposited into and retrieved from the luggage locker.

[0066] In the third sub-step 430, a specific accessibility mask is formed for each specific characteristic that a luggage locker may have, by assigning a first binary number to each digital address if the luggage locker has the above-mentioned specific characteristic, and a second binary number if the luggage locker does not have the above-mentioned specific characteristic.

[0067] For example, a first group of accessibility masks may be formed regarding the size of the luggage lockers. Each accessibility mask in the first group is formed for a specific size of luggage locker, such as small, medium, and large. For example, a group of accessibility masks may be formed for luggage lockers assigned to a specific user, such as a specific delivery person. The first mask of this second group is formed for luggage lockers assigned only to the first user. The second mask of this second group is formed for luggage lockers assigned only to the second user. And the third mask of this second group is formed for luggage lockers assigned to both the first and second users, allowing both users to use these luggage lockers. Other groups of accessibility masks may be formed depending on the required features. Other groups of accessibility masks may relate to comfort zones, for example.

[0068] Each mask forms a string of binary numbers. Each character in the string represents a luggage locker in the luggage locker bank. Thus, each mask defines segments of the luggage locker bank, and by combining it with other masks using AND gates, a specific segment of luggage lockers in the luggage locker bank is defined. These luggage lockers correspond to a desired specific type of luggage locker.

[0069] In the fourth sub-step 440, the number of available luggage lockers having at least one specific feature is identified, upon request, by AND-GATE-ing the availability mask to at least one accessibility mask relating to the one or more specific features.

[0070] The availability of the above-mentioned specific type of luggage locker can be easily configured by combining multiple different accessibility masks and availability masks, which define the desired specific type of luggage locker, using AND gates.

[0071] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the luggage locker bank management system 30. The luggage locker bank management system 30 comprises at least one computerized luggage locker bank 50 as defined in Figure 1. The luggage locker bank management system comprises a central unit 40. The central unit 40 comprises a prediction unit 60, a decision unit 70, and a data storage unit 80. The central unit 40 and its units 60, 70, and 80 communicate with the locker bank computer of the luggage locker bank 50.

[0072] The data storage unit 80 is configured to receive and store all information transmitted by at least one computerized luggage locker bank 50.

[0073] The prediction unit 60 is configured to perform a computer implementation method for assigning one or more packages to appropriate luggage locker banks 50 in the luggage locker bank network shown in Figure 3. For this purpose, the prediction unit 60 comprises a receiving module 61, a first calculation module 62, a second calculation module 63, a regression module 64, a comparator 65, and an output module 66.

[0074] The receiving module 61 is configured to receive from the data storage unit 80 the number of packages delivered to the above-mentioned specific type of package locker in the package locker bank for each day between a desired future day j and a number of days equal to N-1 before that future day j, and to receive the number of packages that have been notified to be delivered to the above-mentioned specific type of package locker in the package locker bank 50 for each day between the above-mentioned future day j and a number of days equal to N-1 after that future day j.

[0075] The first computation module 62 is configured to estimate the third number Dj*. The second computation module 63 is configured to compute the fourth number Dj.

[0076] The first calculation module 62 comprises a regression module 64. The regression module 64 is configured to estimate each retrieval rate by regression every day, outside of the operating hours of the luggage locker bank. The regression considers the actual retrieval rates for several past days that are known from information obtained from actual retrieval dates for luggage deposited in the past, and takes into account whether or not holidays are included in the above several days.

[0077] Comparator 65 is configured to compare the above fourth number with a threshold for each day from the above future day j to the last day j+N-1 on which luggage can be stored. Output unit 66 is configured to indicate that the luggage locker is available on day j and is planned to remain available for the above luggage if each of the compared fourth numbers is greater than the above threshold.

[0078] The decision unit 70 is configured to determine the destination of each requested package to the appropriate package locker bank 50. The decision unit 70 comprises a request module 71, a selection module 72, and a transmission module 73.

[0079] The request module 71 is configured to receive requests from users, such as delivery drivers, to deposit packages into package lockers in the package locker bank. The request comprises a location relating to the final recipient of the package, a desired delivery date j corresponding to a future date from which the package will be deposited into the package locker, and at least one specific characteristic relating to the package.

[0080] The selection module 72 is configured to first identify a package locker bank located within an area near the location indicated in the request, where the area has a predetermined fixed radius; second identify all package lockers from the package locker banks within the area that have all the specific characteristics indicated in the request; and third operate the prediction unit for each previously identified package locker bank 50 over a specific number of days starting from the desired delivery date j.

[0081] The transmitting module 73 is configured to transmit information indicating the luggage locker bank that is closest to the destination address and has a suitable available luggage locker on the desired date j.

[0082] The luggage locker bank management system 30 further comprises a verification module 90. The verification module 90 is configured to assign a digital address to each luggage locker in the luggage locker bank 50. In this embodiment, the digital address is between 1 and 20. The verification module 90 is configured to form an availability mask by assigning a first binary number to each digital address if the luggage locker is empty and therefore available, and a second binary number different from the first binary number if the luggage locker has luggage and therefore is unavailable. The availability mask is updated each time luggage is deposited into a luggage locker and each time luggage is retrieved from a luggage locker. The verification module 90 is configured to form at least one specific accessibility mask relating to specific characteristics of luggage lockers in the luggage locker bank 50 by assigning a first binary number to each digital address if the luggage locker has the above-mentioned specific characteristics, and a second binary number if the luggage locker does not have the above-mentioned specific characteristics. The verification module 90 is configured to identify the number of available luggage lockers having at least one specific feature, by combining the availability mask with at least one accessibility mask relating to the one or more specific features using a binary AND operation, upon request.

[0083] The present invention provides a computerized implementation method and system that helps maximize the efficiency of a package locker bank by predicting the daily available capacity of the package locker bank and minimizing the risk of undelivered packages.

Claims

Claim 1 A computer-implemented method for determining whether a particular type of luggage locker in a luggage locker bank (50) will be available for storing luggage on a future day (j), wherein the luggage locker bank (50) comprises a plurality of individually securable luggage lockers (1-20), and permits storing luggage in one of the plurality of luggage lockers (1-20) of the luggage locker bank (50) for a maximum number of days equal to a first integer, hereinafter denoted as N, and the luggage locker bank (50) comprises a second integer number (P) of luggage lockers of the particular type, The method comprises the following plurality of prediction steps: - receiving (100) for each day between the future day (j) and the day equal to N-1 days before the future day (j), the number of pieces of luggage that have been delivered or are scheduled for delivery to the particular type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank, and for each day between the future day (j) and the day equal to N-1 days after the future day (j), the number of pieces of luggage that are scheduled for delivery and have already been notified to the particular type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank (50), - estimating (110) for each day a third number (Dj*) corresponding to the remaining available luggage lockers of the particular type in the luggage locker bank (50) on the day for which the calculation is being made, where each estimate is based on the received number of pieces of luggage that have been delivered or are scheduled for delivery to the luggage locker by the day before the day for which the estimate is being made, and the rate of luggage retrieval from the luggage locker, and the retrieval rate depends on the number of days for which the luggage has been stored in the luggage locker, - calculating (120) for each day from the future day (j) to the last day (j+N-1) on which luggage can be stored, a fourth number (Dj) corresponding to the number of available luggage lockers of the particular type in the luggage locker bank (50) for each day of this period, where the fourth number (Dj) is based on the corresponding third number and the received number of pieces of luggage that are scheduled for delivery and have already been notified to the particular type of luggage locker in the luggage locker bank on the day for which the calculation is being made, - comparing the fourth number with a threshold for each day from the future day (j) to the last day (j+N-1) on which luggage can be stored, and - A computer-implemented method indicating that a luggage locker is available for luggage when each of the compared fourth numbers is greater than the threshold value.

2. Each pick-up rate is estimated by regression outside the business hours of the luggage locker bank every day. In the regression, known actual pick-up rates for a plurality of past days are considered, and whether or not the plurality of days include holidays is considered. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1.

3. Before the receiving step, the computer-implemented method further includes verifying the current availability of a specific type of luggage locker in a luggage locker bank (50), the luggage locker bank (50) comprising an integer number of luggage lockers (1-20) greater than 1 that can be individually secured, and the verification includes: - Assigning a digital address between the number 1 and a number equal to the second integer number (P) of the luggage lockers (1-20) to each luggage locker (1-20) of the luggage locker bank (50). - Forming an availability mask by assigning a first binary number when the luggage locker is empty and thus available, and a second binary number different from the first binary number when the luggage locker has luggage and is thus unavailable, to each digital address, where the availability mask is updated each time luggage is deposited in a luggage locker (1-20) and each time luggage is picked up from a luggage locker (1-20). - Forming at least one specific accessibility mask regarding a specific feature of the luggage lockers (1-20) of the luggage locker bank (50) by assigning a first binary number when the luggage locker has the specific feature and a second binary number when the luggage locker does not have the specific feature to each digital address, and - Identifying the number of available luggage lockers having at least one specific feature by combining the availability mask with the at least one accessibility mask regarding the one or more specific features by a binary AND operation, in response to a request. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the above.

4. The specific feature of the luggage lockers of the luggage locker bank is: - Different sizes of the luggage lockers - assigned to a specific user, such as a specific delivery person etc., - for storing a specific type of item, which is an item contained in the package and requires a specific temperature, for example, when stored, etc., The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising.

5. When the size of the package locker is considered as a specific feature to be considered, the number of package lockers considered for checking the availability of a specific package to be stored in the package locker corresponds to the number of package lockers having a size larger than the size of the specific package. The computer-implemented method according to claim 4.

6. A computer-implemented method for restricting and specifying an appropriate package locker bank (50) having appropriate package lockers available for storing packages, wherein the package locker bank (50) comprises a first integer number (M) of package lockers (1-20) greater than 1 that can be individually secured, and each package locker permits the storage of packages for a maximum number of days equal to a second integer (N). The method comprises: - receiving (300) a request from a user, such as a delivery person etc., to store a package in a package locker of the package locker bank, where the request comprises a location regarding the ultimate recipient of the package, a desired delivery date (j) corresponding to a future date on which the package will be stored in the package locker starting from the future date, and at least one specific feature regarding the package. - specifying the package locker bank located within a region near the location indicated in the request, where the region has a predefined fixed radius. - specifying all package lockers having all the specific features indicated in the request from the package locker banks within the region. - for each package locker bank (50) specified previously, over a specific number of days starting from the desired delivery date (j), executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to determine whether a specific type of package locker in the package locker bank (50) is available for storing packages on the future date (j), and - Selecting the appropriate available luggage locker from the luggage locker bank, with the best compromise regarding the delivery date and specifying the location of the luggage locker bank (50). A method comprising this.

7. A luggage locker bank management system (30) comprising at least one computerized luggage locker bank (50), wherein the at least one computerized luggage locker bank (50) comprises a plurality of individually securable luggage lockers (1 - 20), and allows luggage to be deposited in one of the plurality of luggage lockers of the at least one computerized luggage locker bank (50) for a maximum number of days equal to a first integer (N). The at least one computerized luggage locker bank (50) further comprises at least one locker bank computer (51), the at least one locker bank computer (51) comprises at least one processor and memory, and is configured to obtain data related to the at least one computerized luggage locker bank (50) and transmit the data outside the at least one computerized luggage locker bank (50). The number of luggage lockers is equal to a second integer (P). Each of the plurality of individually securable luggage lockers comprises at least one door and at least one locking mechanism. The luggage locker bank management system (30) comprises a prediction unit (60) that communicates with the locker bank computer (51) of the at least one computerized luggage locker bank (50), and the prediction unit (60): - A receiving module (61) configured to receive the number of pieces of luggage already delivered to the specific type of luggage locker of the luggage locker bank for each day between the desired future day (j) and the day equal to N - 1 days before the future day (j), and to receive the number of pieces of luggage scheduled for delivery and already notified to the specific type of luggage locker of the luggage locker bank (50) for each day between the future day (j) and the day equal to N - 1 days after the future day (j). - A first calculation module (62) configured to estimate, for each day, a third number (Dj*) corresponding to the number of available luggage lockers of the specific type remaining in the luggage locker bank (50) on the day for which the calculation is to be made, where each estimate is based on the received number which is the number of pieces of luggage already delivered or scheduled for delivery to the luggage lockers on the desired future day, and the withdrawal rate of the luggage from the luggage lockers, and the withdrawal rate depends on the number of days for which the luggage has been deposited in the luggage lockers so far. - A second calculation module (63) configured to calculate, for each day from the future day (j) to the last day (j + N - 1) on which luggage can be deposited, a fourth number (Dj) corresponding to the number of available luggage lockers of the specific type in the luggage locker bank (50), where the fourth number (Dj) is based on the corresponding third number (Dj*) and the received number which is the number of pieces of luggage scheduled for delivery and already notified for each day of this period to the luggage lockers of the specific type in the luggage locker bank. - A comparator configured to compare the fourth number with a threshold value for each day from the future day (j) to the last day (j + N - 1) on which luggage can be deposited, and - An output module configured to indicate that a luggage locker is available for use for the luggage when each of the compared fourth numbers is greater than the threshold value. A luggage locker bank management system (30) comprising the above.

8. The first calculation module (62) comprises a regression module (64), and the regression module (64) is configured to estimate, by regression, each withdrawal rate outside the business hours of the luggage locker bank every day. In the regression, the actual withdrawal rates for a plurality of past days known from information obtained from the actual withdrawal dates of the luggage deposited in the past are considered, and whether the plurality of days include holidays is considered. The luggage locker bank management system (30) according to claim 7.

9. The luggage locker bank management system (30) comprises a verification module (90), and the verification module (90) is: - Assign a digital address to each luggage locker (1 - 20) of the luggage locker bank (50) between the number 1 and a number (P) equal to the integer number of luggage lockers (1 - 20), - Formation of an availability mask, where a first binary number is assigned to each digital address if the luggage locker is empty and thus available, and a second binary number different from the first binary number is assigned if the luggage locker contains luggage and is thus unavailable. Here, the availability mask is updated each time luggage is deposited in a luggage locker (1 - 20) and each time luggage is retrieved from a luggage locker (1 - 20). - Formation of at least one specific accessibility mask regarding a specific feature of the luggage lockers (1 - 20) of the luggage locker bank (50), where a first binary number is assigned to each digital address if the luggage locker has the specific feature, and a second binary number is assigned if the luggage locker does not have the specific feature, and - Identification of the number of available luggage lockers having at least one specific feature, where the identification is performed in response to a request by combining the availability mask with at least one accessibility mask regarding the one or more specific features by a binary AND operation. The luggage locker bank management system (30) according to claim 7 or 8, configured as described above.

10. The luggage locker bank management system (30) further comprises a determination unit (70) configured to determine the destination of one or more pieces of luggage to an appropriate luggage locker bank (50), and the determination unit (70) is: - A request module (71) configured to receive a request from a user, such as a delivery person, to deposit luggage in a luggage locker of a luggage locker bank. Here, the request includes the location regarding the ultimate recipient of the luggage, a desired delivery date (j) corresponding to a future date on which the luggage will be deposited in the luggage locker, and at least one specific feature regarding the luggage. - First, to identify the baggage locker bank located within a region near the location indicated in the request, where the region has a predetermined fixed radius; second, to identify all baggage lockers having all the specific features indicated in the request from the baggage locker banks within the region; third, a selection module (72) configured to operate the prediction unit for each of the previously identified baggage locker banks (50) over a specific number of days starting from the desired delivery date (j), and - A transmission module (73) configured to transmit, with the best compromise regarding indicating the baggage locker bank having suitable available baggage lockers, the delivery date, and specifying the location of the baggage locker bank (50) with restrictions, the baggage locker bank management system (30) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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