A package comprising an image sensor for objects within the package and an external display screen for images captured by the sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package (1) intended to contain at least one object, the package (1) comprising: -Box (10) and a lid (11) which, together with the box (10), can be in a closed or open packaging configuration; a device (12) for detecting the closed or open packaging configuration; at least one image sensor (13) of said one or more objects; - at least one electronic display device (14) accessible from the outside of the package; a computing unit (15) intended to receive images from the image sensor (13) and to send instructions to an electronic display device (14) to display said images; - means (140) for triggering the image sensor (13), The trigger means (140) is provided on the exterior front face (100) of the package, and the computing unit (15) is connected to the detection device (12) and is configured to allow the display device (14) to display an image from the image sensor (13) in the closed package configuration, and conversely, to prohibit display in the open package configuration.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to the delivery of objects, especially objects that typically come from e-commerce platforms or are transported from one individual to another. [Background technology]

[0003] In the field of the present invention, the sending of objects by electronic commerce platforms is very often carried out by placing one or more objects to be sent in a package that is provided for the sending with a label that has at least one visual code, in particular in the form of a printed barcode, that allows the package to be identified by each of the actors involved in the sending of the package.

[0004] Conventionally, a package is formed by an operator for shipping one or more objects, the object or objects are then placed into the formed package, and the package is then closed and labeled for shipping.

[0005] Of course, it is common for packages to be held and therefore stored in a warehouse before being sent, and here again, traditionally, storage of the potentially large number of packages is done by stacking the packages, for the obvious reason of saving space.

[0006] Currently, one of the tasks that workers have to perform in the logistics chain consists of examining the contents of a package, if necessary, with the aim of initializing its delivery, before it is selected from a stock of prepared packages.

[0007] For this purpose, the worker must therefore, without any other possibility, open the package and visually check its contents. Of course, due to the aforementioned pile of packages, it may be necessary to handle several packages in order to remove the package to be checked so as to be able to proceed with opening it (which is of course not possible if the package is covered by one or several other packages).

[0008] Such work, which will likely be repeated many times on the same day, is understood to be a time-consuming and economical waste.

[0009] In addition to the lost time caused, the repeated handling and processing of packages involves more or less physical effort (some packages may be heavier than others), which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

[0010] With regard to the inspection of a package by an individual wishing to ship an object, the person shipping the package may be suspicious of the contents and may wish to inspect the contents before shipping if the package is already closed and maintained closed by various means (sticky tape, string, glue, etc.) And if such means of maintaining closure are present, the person must undo the provision to inspect the contents, which is, of course, restrictive and time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is, inter alia, to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] More specifically, the object of the invention is to propose a package that allows visual confirmation and monitoring of the contents in a way that is easier and faster than is possible with prior art packages.

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

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a package which allows for rapid inspection of the contents, including when the package is provided with means to maintain its closure.

[0015] These and other objects that will appear later are achieved thanks to a package intended to contain at least one object, the package comprising: -Box and a lid which, together with the box, can be in a closed or open packaging form; a device for detecting a closed or open packaging configuration; at least one image sensor of said one or more objects; at least one electronic display device accessible from the outside of the package; a computing unit intended to receive images from an image sensor and to send instructions to an electronic display device to display said images; means for triggering the image sensor.

[0016] The package is characterized in that the trigger means is provided on the exterior front side of the package, and the computing unit is connected to the detection device and is configured to allow the display device to display an image from the image sensor in a closed package configuration, and conversely, to prohibit display in an open package configuration.

[0017] It can thus be seen that thanks to the present invention it is no longer necessary to open the package to check its contents or to get a quick visual overview thereof.

[0018] Indeed, it becomes clear from the features of the present invention that it is sufficient for a person to command the capture of an image of the contents, which in turn activates a means for triggering an image sensor accessible from outside the package, thereby obtaining an image that is also visible on an electronic display device from outside the package.

[0019] Assuming that the package is stored within the sending platform and resides among a pile of packages, a worker who must pick the package can verify the contents without having to handle the package and free it from the pile of packages. The command to capture an image and the display of the resulting image on the display device let the worker know that he is in front of the correct package to pick and can therefore profitably begin removing it from the pile of packages. Conversely, if the worker realizes that the contents are not from the package he is looking for, he will avoid handling the package. As a result, the corresponding physical effort is avoided and time is saved.

[0020] If the packages are still in the warehouse or store, workers can perform an easy and fast inventory of their stock by beginning as described above.

[0021] In the case of private use, i.e., when the package is available to an individual, the individual can easily verify the contents of the package without having to reopen the package.

[0022] When receiving a package, an individual can always inspect the contents of the package to verify that it is truly intended for them without opening the package, and if the contents are incorrect, they can initiate a return to the sender without even opening the package.

[0023] According to one advantageous solution, the display device comprises means for maintaining the displayed image in an uninterrupted closed configuration.

[0024] In this way, a person can not only view the contents of the package by displaying the contents on a display device without opening the package, but can also view the contents displayed on the display device at a later time without having to trigger image capture again.

[0025] In the case of a stack of packages according to the present invention, if image capture is commanded for every package in the stack, one can easily and quickly see the contents of each package at a glance, and one gets something like a wall of images.

[0026] In this case, the display device is preferably of the electronic paper type.

[0027] Such an indicator means has the advantage that it makes it possible to maintain the indicator without any particular action on the package, in a known manner, and requires only a very low or even zero energy consumption.

[0028] According to one preferred solution, the computing unit is adapted to send a reset command to the display device in an open package configuration detected subsequent to a closed package configuration.

[0029] According to this feature, the display of the image provided by the image sensor is only permitted in closed package form, in other words it is not possible for a person to tamper with the display of the contents, for example by commanding the display of the contents and then replacing the contents with other contents.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the computing unit is configured to disable the triggering means in the open package configuration.

[0031] Therefore, not only is it not possible to indicate when the package is open, but it is also not possible to activate, and therefore even trigger, the image sensor, so people who fear that the package may take and store an image of them without their knowledge when it is opened can rest easy.

[0032] According to one advantageous solution, the package comprises means for illuminating the object or objects, the computing unit being adapted to activate the illumination means during image acquisition by the image sensor.

[0033] Thus, the clarity and quality of the images captured by the image sensor can be improved.

[0034] Advantageously, the electronic display device is provided on one side of the package, referred to as the display face, and the trigger means is also provided on the display face.

[0035] The means for triggering image capture and the display device are therefore provided on the same external face of the package. It will therefore be appreciated that, according to this feature, when a certain number of packages are stored in a stack, it is sufficient to align the packages by orienting them all so that the display surface is on the same side, and therefore image capture can be triggered without having to move and / or handle each package.

[0036] According to one advantageous solution, the package comprises communication means, and the computing unit is configured to emit, via the communication means to the remote unit, first data comprising one or more images taken by the image sensor.

[0037] In this way, in addition to having an image on the exterior front of each package, it is also possible to have information about the contents remote from the package, particularly including an image of the contents.

[0038] In this case, the computing unit may send to the remote unit: -The temperature inside the package and the weight of one or more objects; -Humidity inside the package and - the pressure inside the package; - Impact on the package and -Signals to open the moving package and and a CO2 concentration.

[0039] It is therefore possible to ensure that the physical integrity of some types of visualized objects is maintained, for example when the object or objects contained in the package relate to food or medicines for which certain storage and / or transportation conditions must be met.

[0040] In this case, according to one possible variant, the package comprises at least one sensor of second data.

[0041] According to another possible variant, the package comprises means for inputting and recording second data by the computing unit.

[0042] Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given as a brief illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 shows a package according to the invention in an open configuration; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the inner wall of the package. [Figure 3] 1 shows a package according to the invention in front view. [Figure 4] 1 shows a package according to the invention in a closed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a package 1 according to the invention, intended to contain at least one object O, comprises: a box 10 delimiting a storage space intended to contain one or several objects O; a lid 1 connected or not connected to the box 10 and which together with the box can be in a closed packaging configuration (FIG. 4) or in an open packaging configuration (FIG. 1); a device 12 for detecting the closed or open packaging configuration; at least one image sensor 13 of said object or objects; at least one electronic display device 14 accessible from the outside of the package; a computing unit 15 intended to receive images from the image sensor and to send instructions to an electronic display device to display the images; means 140 for triggering the image sensor.

[0045] The device 12 for detecting the closed or open packaging configuration is obtained by means of a sensor (switch or hole) located in the lock handle (located at the top of the front) and connected to a processing unit.

[0046] The image sensor, for its part, may consist of a digital camera mounted in a corner of the interior space of the package so as to provide an overview of the contents present within the package.

[0047] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, triggering means 140 are provided on the exterior front face 100 of the package, so that although the image sensor is provided within an interior space delimited within the box 10, the means for triggering the acquisition of images by the image sensor are, for that matter, outside the package.

[0048] Additionally, a computing unit 15 is connected to the detection device 12 and configured to allow the display of the image of the image sensor 13 by the display device 14 in a closed package configuration.

[0049] In other words, with a package according to the invention, image capture is not permitted, or even possible, unless the package is fully closed. Any invasion of privacy is therefore avoided. People who may fear that their picture will be taken by the package without their knowledge or in an unwilling or unwanted way are assured that they will not regret such a situation.

[0050] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the electronic unit 15 is electrically connected to a device for detecting the closed or open configuration, which can send to the electronic unit an electrical signal to open the package or, conversely, a signal to close the package.

[0051] The electronic unit 15 is also electrically connected to trigger means 140, which are able to send signals to the electronic unit to trigger image acquisition.

[0052] The electronic unit 15 is electrically connected to the image sensor 13, - sending an image acquisition command when the electronic unit receives a signal from the triggering means 140 to trigger an image acquisition; - receiving in return data relating to one or more images taken by the image sensor;

[0053] The electronic unit 15 is also electrically connected to an electronic display device and is programmed to send a command to display an image associated with data relating to the captured image or images, and to send this command to the display device only if the electronic unit simultaneously receives a closed signal from the detection device, and conversely, the electronic unit will not send a display command to the display device, with the possible exception of a "display not permitted" message, if it receives an open package configuration signal from the detection device.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the display device is of the electronic paper type, and such a display device constitutes a means for maintaining the displayed image in a continuous, closed package form.

[0055] Additionally, the computing unit 15 - configured to send a reset command to the display device as soon as an open package configuration is detected following a closed package configuration; - configured to disable the trigger means in the open package configuration.

[0056] Thus, if the display device is of the electronic paper type, images taken after the package is closed will be stored on the electronic paper as long as the package is not opened again, but images present on the electronic paper will be erased as soon as the package is opened.

[0057] Furthermore, lighting means 16 are attached to at least one inner wall of the package, the lighting means being operated by a computing unit, the computing unit being configured to trigger the lighting means during image capture by the image sensor, so that the lighting means is triggered like a flash unit.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the electronic display device 14 is provided on an exterior surface of the package (referred to as the "display surface" 100), and the trigger means 140 is also present on the display surface 100.

[0059] The trigger means 140 may consist of any possible means, such as a mechanical button or a predetermined area on a touch screen.

[0060] According to another possible feature of the invention, the package comprises communication means 17. Additionally, the computing unit is configured to emit, via the communication means 17, to the remote unit UD first data comprising one or several of the images taken by the image sensor.

[0061] Also, using the communication means, the computing unit may be configured to emit second data to the remote unit, the second data including the temperature inside the package, the weight of the contents of the package, the humidity inside the package, the pressure inside the package, an impact to the package, a signal to open the package, and the CO2 concentration.

[0062] This second data may be measured via one or several sensors 18. It is also possible for this second data to be entered manually, and the package comprises means 141 for entering and recording the second data by the computing unit 15. However, for reasons of defense and protection against fraudulent means, manual entry of sensor data contained in the package is preferably made impossible.

[0063] Insofar as the packages according to the invention are provided with communication means, advanced methods of use can be implemented: indeed, in the context of the implementation of the invention in a logistics platform or a store, or more generally in a storage area for a plurality of packages according to the invention, the computing unit can be configured to issue an image acquisition request to each package and to collect images corresponding to each package and supplementary data such as those listed above, in order to construct an inventory or to allow easier remote visual monitoring of the package contents.

Claims

1. A package (1) intended to contain at least one object, Box (10) and a lid (11) which can be arranged together with said box (10) in a closed or open package configuration; a device (12) for detecting said closed or open package configuration; at least one image sensor (13) relative to said object; at least one electronic display (14) accessible from the outside of said package; a computing unit (15) intended to receive images from said image sensor (13) and to send instructions to said electronic display device (14) to display said images; and means (140) for triggering said image sensor (13), the trigger means (140) is provided on the exterior front face (100) of the package, and the computing unit (15) is connected to the detection device (12) and is configured to allow and maintain the display of the image from the image sensor (13) by the display device (14) in the closed package configuration, and conversely, to inhibit said display in the open package configuration; The package (1), characterized in that the computing unit (15) is configured to disable the trigger means (140) in the open package configuration.

2. 2. A package according to claim 1, characterized in that the display device (14) comprises means for maintaining the displayed image while the lid (11) continues to assume the closed package configuration together with the box (10).

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

4. 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the computing unit (15) is configured to send a reset command to the display device (14) in an open package configuration detected subsequent to a closed package configuration.

5. 2. The package of claim 1, further comprising means (16) for illuminating the object, wherein the computing unit (15) is configured to activate the illumination means (16) during image acquisition by the image sensor (13).

6. 2. A package according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic display (14) is provided on one side of said package, called the display face, and said trigger means (140) is also provided on said display face.

7. 2. The package according to claim 1, further comprising communication means (17), wherein the computing unit (15) is configured to emit first data comprising the image taken by the image sensor to a remote unit via the communication means (17).

8. The computing unit (15) provides the remote unit with: the temperature within the package; and a weight of the object; and humidity within the package; pressure within the package; and an impact applied to the package; and a signal to open the package; CO ２ 8. The package of claim 7, configured to emit second data including:

9. 9. A package according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (18) of said second data.

10. 9. A package according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises means (141) for inputting and recording said second data by said computing unit (15).

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