Method and device for delivery of an article object

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the delivery of a plurality of item objects to a plurality of recipients, the item objects being stored and / or transported in a parcel, transferred in the parcel to a warehouse facility and then stored in the warehouse facility. According to the invention, the method is characterized in that for at least a plurality of the parcels, in each case at least one item object contained in the parcel is made available to the recipient for removal, a delivery of the item object is performed as a first delivery operation, but the delivery of the parcel is prevented, the parcels not delivered to the recipient of the item objects remain in the warehouse facility, and the parcels are filled with at least one further item object after the first delivery operation and used for a further delivery operation to a further recipient of the further item object. The invention also relates to a transport device and a logistics system suitable for carrying out the method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a delivery device for the delivery of an article object. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems are known in the prior art that allow multiple parcels to be delivered to multiple recipients or to receive parcels from multiple senders.

[0003] There is a strong need to reduce the resulting ecological footprint.

[0004] Known solutions aim to improve transport and delivery logistics, for example through the use of electronic parcel lockers used for parcel delivery.

[0005] Other known solutions aim to use reusable containers for the dispatch of parcels. So far, these solutions have failed because it has not been possible to establish a closed cycle of the reusable container from sender to recipient. This is where the present invention, described below, comes in. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention is based on the task of providing a method and a delivery device for the delivery of a material object, such that the material object can be delivered with the smallest possible ecological footprint.

[0007] According to the invention, this task is solved by a method and a delivery device for parcel delivery.

[0008] Advantageous further embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for delivering a plurality of item objects to a plurality of recipients, where the item objects are stored and / or transported in a parcel, transferred to a warehousing facility, and then stored at the warehousing facility.

[0010] The invention is characterized in that for at least some of the parcels, in each case at least one item object contained in the parcel becomes available to the recipient for removal, and delivery of the item object is performed as a delivery operation, but delivery of the parcel is prevented so that parcels that have not been delivered to the recipient of the item object remain in the warehouse facility, and after the delivery operation the parcel is filled with at least one further item object and used for a further delivery operation of the further item object to a further recipient.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that after the item object has been removed, at least each parcel is reloaded with at least one further item object within the warehouse facility. In a particularly preferred further embodiment, the parcel loaded with the further item object is used in the warehouse facility for further parcel transport processing.

[0012] It may also be advantageous to forward at least a further portion of the parcel without immediate replenishment within the warehouse facility, in which case the parcel is transported to a storehouse and / or picking device for further item objects. Conveniently, after the parcel arrives at the shipper or order picking facility, it is again filled with item objects and delivered to the logistics system as a new parcel.

[0013] An item object is a physical object that is physically acted upon by a logistics system or a component of a logistics system and then physically accessed by another entity. The other entity may be the recipient of the item object or may be a physical device designed to exert a physical influence on behalf of the recipient. In various embodiments of the present invention, for example, in an embodiment of a warehouse facility, referred to herein as a sales facility, it is appropriate that the transfer of the physical effectiveness of the item object occurs when the recipient previously acquired the item object. Not only everyday objects such as consumables and foodstuffs can be considered item objects, but also technical objects and equipment.

[0014] In this application, unless the parcel is explicitly referred to as a data parcel or a virtual parcel, the parcels referred to in this application are physical parcels. A parcel within the meaning of the present invention is an object in which product objects are stored and / or transported. The product objects contained in each parcel may be everyday items such as consumables and food, as well as technical items and equipment. Preferably, some of the product objects are unpackaged items, packaged items, and repackaged items. In the case of packaged and repackaged items, the parcel comprises a package or outer packaging and the item packaged therein. In at least some of the product objects illustrated in this application, the product object is not the parcel itself, but an object placed within the parcel; in a particularly preferred embodiment, some of the parcels are designed as reusable containers.

[0015] Thus, at least some of these parcels are designed so that the parcels are not themselves the product objects, but rather constitute outer packaging for the product objects, which can be removed from the parcels. These outer packaging, referred to as reusable containers, are parcels within the meaning of their intended purpose, whether or not they contain contents.

[0016] According to the present invention, the problem underlying the invention is further solved in that a delivery device for delivering the product objects contained in a parcel is designed in such a way that, in the case of at least a part of the parcel, at least one product object contained in the parcel can be made available to the recipient for retrieval, and the delivery of the product object can be carried out as a delivery process, and the delivery device includes means for preventing the delivery of the parcel.

[0017] In particular, the transfer device can be a transfer gate or a transfer unit. It is particularly preferred to arrange the transport device within the area of ​​the warehouse facility.

[0018] The warehouse facility exemplified in this application is preferably configured as a mobile warehouse facility. However, the present invention is not limited to mobile warehouse facilities. A warehouse facility within the meaning of the present invention is any device that includes a means for storing parcels, in particular within the intended delivery period, and at least one means for delivering the parcels. These are preferably lockbox-type warehouse facilities that combine a secure and reliable storage of parcels protected from external influences with a reliable automated delivery device for delivering the parcels, in particular in response to a delivery request from the recipient, during the intended delivery period. The storage of parcels protected from external influences preferably includes preventing personnel from accessing the parcels. Therefore, the warehouse facility includes a storage area where parcels can preferably be accessed via an object lock during normal operation. In particular, the warehouse facility includes a means for protecting parcels from unauthorized removal. A delivery gate within the meaning of this application may also be the storage compartment itself, as long as it is equipped with a door that can only be opened after a release procedure has been performed.

[0019] The present invention further provides a method for delivering a plurality of item objects to a plurality of recipients, the item objects being stored and / or transported in parcels, at least one item object contained in the parcel being made available to the recipient for retrieval in at least a portion of the parcels, the delivery of the item objects being performed as a first delivery process, at least each parcel being designed as a reusable container provided with an individual identifier, and the reusable container being assigned a parcel identification code in response to further information.

[0020] This particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that a first parcel identification code is assigned to a return box marked with an individual identifier until a first delivery of the product object contained in the return box to a first recipient, and in particular that a new parcel identification code is assigned to a return box provided with an individual identifier after it has been filled with at least one further product object so that the return box can be processed by the logistics system as a further parcel without the return box having to be re-marked for further processing operations within the logistics system.

[0021] A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for the reusable container to be provided with an individual identifier and, depending on the further information, a package identification code is assigned to the reusable container.

[0022] This means, for example, that a first package identification code is assigned to a return box having an individual identifier until a first delivery of the product object therein to a first recipient, and that after the return box provided with an individual identifier is filled with at least one further product object, a new package identification code is assigned.

[0023] This preferred embodiment allows the reusable container to be used as a parcel for further processing operations within the logistics system without the need to relabel the reusable container.

[0024] The use of identifiers is advantageous in all embodiments of the present invention, particularly in all embodiments of the method, logistics system, and warehousing facility.

[0025] There are various ways of linking a reusable container with a unique identifier to a package identification code. It is particularly advantageous that the reusable container provided with the identifier is provided with a first parcel identification code until the first transfer operation, and the processing operation of the reusable container as a parcel is first carried out taking into account the first parcel identification code.

[0026] Preferably, the identifier is transmitted to a control component of the logistics system as information about the parcel identification characteristics or directly as the parcel identification characteristics. Preferably, the control component receives, in particular from the ordering system, both information about the parcel identification characteristics and information about the recipient of each parcel.

[0027] After delivery of at least one item object contained in the return box, the previously created link between the return box with the identifier and the package identification code is preferably deleted by a control component of the logistics system.

[0028] By deleting the assignment between the return box provided with the identifier and the package identification code, it is possible to link the return box with a second package identification code.

[0029] As soon as the return box is linked to the new parcel identification code, further processing operations of the return box are carried out as a new parcel, without taking into account the first parcel identification code in particular, but taking into account the second parcel identification code.

[0030] According to the present invention, the problem underlying the present invention is further solved in a logistics system for the delivery of multiple parcels, the logistics system being configured to be able to deliver parcels of multiple senders to multiple recipients, and further being configured to be able to perform at least one processing operation of the parcels using parcel identification codes respectively assigned to the parcels, and in each case where at least one item object contained in the parcel is made available to the recipient for collection in the case of at least a portion of the parcel, the delivery of the item object contained in the parcel is performed as a delivery operation, but the delivery of this part of the parcel is prevented during the delivery operation, and this part of the parcel is designed so that it is not delivered to the recipient of the item object.

[0031] A suitable further development of the invention is characterized in that the parcel is handled up to the transfer process taking into account first recipient attributes, and that further handling of the parcel takes place after the first transfer process taking into account second recipient attributes and / or after the parcel load has been updated with further item objects.

[0032] In the present application, the expression "first transfer operation" is used, which in particular means the delivery of a first item object to a recipient.

[0033] Following the first transfer operation, the parcel, preferably designed as a reusable container, is used for transfer operations of other product objects, these transfer operations being referred to as further transfer operations.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that a first transfer operation is performed taking into account first recipient attributes, and that after the first transfer operation and / or after loading further item objects into the parcel, further handling of the parcel is performed taking into account second recipient attributes.

[0035] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that in at least one of the delivery operations, at least one item object contained in the parcel is made available to the recipient for collection, but delivery of the parcel is prevented and a decision is made as to whether the parcel belongs to a part of a plurality of parcels from which the parcel is not delivered to the recipient, or whether the parcel belongs to a further part of a plurality of parcels that are delivered to the respective recipient in the delivery operation.

[0036] Parcels delivered to a recipient during one of the delivery processes are preferably delivered together with the items contained therein, in the same manner as conventional parcel delivery, e.g., preferably such that the parcel is delivered unopened.

[0037] A suitable further development of the invention is characterized in that the decision process as to whether the parcel belongs to a part of a plurality of parcels from which at least one item object contained in the parcel is made available to the recipient for removal but delivery of the parcel is prevented and the parcel is not delivered to the recipient, or whether the parcel belongs to a further part of a plurality of parcels that are delivered to the respective recipient in a delivery operation, is performed depending on at least one characteristic of the parcel.

[0038] The decision process preferably takes into account at least one of the following characteristics of the parcel: - reusability of the parcel; - the parcel is open, in particular in the form of an open-topped container, - possibility of opening the parcel, - resealability of the parcel, - Parcel labeling.

[0039] A suitable further development of the invention is characterized by the fact that the decision-making process is performed depending on instructions from the sender and / or depending on instructions from the recipient of the parcel.

[0040] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the decision-making process depends on the payment of a possible fee for the delivery of the parcel to the recipient.

[0041] The warehousing facilities according to the invention are preferably provided at a jointly optimized delivery point at least within the delivery period. In the present application, the term "jointly optimized delivery point" is chosen for a location that can be more precisely defined geographically and is particularly suited to the fact that multiple parcels can be delivered there. Due to the possibility of multiple parcel deliveries, this delivery point is called a joint delivery point. An additional feature of an optimized delivery point is that the location is particularly suitable for the delivery of parcels. In particular, this is a delivery point that has been optimized using one of the selection procedures described in the present application. In particular, a jointly optimized delivery point is a location that is suitable for the delivery of as many parcels as possible with as little effort as possible for each recipient of the parcels.

[0042] Preferably, at least a portion of the parcels are transferred at the collaboratively optimized delivery points disclosed herein, however, the advantageous parcel processing operations and parcel processing systems disclosed herein are not limited to parcel processing embodiments in which delivery of the parcels occurs at the collaboratively optimized delivery points.

[0043] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the selection of the jointly optimized delivery point is performed not only taking into account the effort parameters of the respective recipient and / or custodian, but also taking into account the effort parameters of further recipients and / or custodians.

[0044] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for taking into account the respective effort parameters of as many recipients as possible, possibly even all recipients and / or depositors, during each transfer period, for example on each day.

[0045] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the delivery unit is able to carry out the transport of parcels between the warehouse facility and individual delivery points to individual recipients of the parcels and / or individual custodians of the parcels.

[0046] A suitable further development of the invention provides that the delivery unit can carry out the delivery of parcels to recipients and / or the collection of parcels from the depositor at the respective delivery points.

[0047] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the transport unit, as a delivery unit, is able to autonomously carry out transport from the location of the warehouse facility to individual delivery points for individual recipients and / or individual storers, and is also able to deliver parcels to the recipients and / or receive parcels from the storers at the individual delivery points.

[0048] Further advantages and preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following examples of preferred embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] 1 is a flow chart of an advantageous process according to the present invention to illustrate a series of processes performed using a warehouse facility. [Figure 2] 10A-10C show an embodiment of a base plate of a holding device that can be used in a transfer device. [Figure 3] 10A-10C show a further embodiment of a base plate of a holding device that can be used in a transfer device. [Figure 4] 10A-10C show a further embodiment of a base plate of a holding device that can be used in a transfer device. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a logistics system according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a top view of a horizontal section of a warehouse facility according to the invention with at least two shelves; [Figure 7a] 1 illustrates an advantageous compartment configuration of a shelf according to the present invention; [Figure 7b] 1 illustrates an advantageous compartment configuration of a shelf according to the present invention; [Figure 7c] 1 illustrates an advantageous compartment configuration of a shelf according to the present invention; [Figure 7d]1 illustrates an advantageous compartment configuration of a shelf according to the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a top view of a transport unit according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows an example of a storage unit according to the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows an example of a storage unit according to the present invention. [Figure 12] 12a and 12b show a transport unit according to the invention which can also be used as a delivery unit, and FIGS. 12c and 12d are schematic illustrations of the delivery of a parcel 1698 in the area of ​​a delivery gate. [Figure 13] 1 shows a particularly preferred parcel from the prior art for delivery. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of a particularly preferred use of parcel identification characteristics and recipient attributes in a method for delivery of multiple parcels from multiple shippers to multiple recipients by a logistics system, with advantageous processing steps. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic diagram of a particularly preferred use of parcel identification characteristics and recipient attributes in a method for delivery of multiple parcels from multiple shippers to multiple recipients by a logistics system, with advantageous processing steps. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] introduction This application relates to various inventions united by the common concept of delivering multiple physical objects to multiple recipients with the smallest possible ecological footprint.

[0051] Explanation Figures 1 to 4 FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to the present invention for explaining a series of processes performed using a warehouse facility. The illustrated series of process steps and queries is not intended to limit the method according to the present invention and is merely one of many possible versions of the method. The warehouse facility is initially in an idle state, or IDLE state 001. A recipient wishing to receive their item object and / or parcel makes a request 014, for example via an APP, which is sent to the warehouse facility. The warehouse facility then obtains information about the parcel using the parcel identification characteristics. This information includes whether the parcel is a returnable item. If the response to this query 003 is positive, a subsequent query 004 checks whether a fee has been paid for the returnable item. The fee is paid by the recipient or by the sender, for example via the APP. If the fee has not been paid, the delivery device is instructed to hold the parcel, preferably designed as a returnable item, after transport 015 to the delivery device during delivery of the item object 005 and, if necessary, to transport the parcel to a storage unit of the warehouse facility.

[0052] Delivery of the parcel to the recipient of the item object may occur after one or more inspection processes.

[0053] The verification process may include, for example, verifying whether and, if so, what instructions exist from the sender and / or recipient regarding the delivery of the parcel itself. In particular, it may be verified whether the recipient of the item object has paid or is willing to pay a fee for the transfer of the parcel as well as the item object.

[0054] The inspection process may take place at different times, whereby advantageous embodiments provide that the inspection process takes place only during the presentation of the item object for retrieval. A confirmation process that takes place during the presentation of the item object for retrieval is, for example, that the recipient of the item object pays a fee for the transfer of the parcel during the presentation of the item object or transmits information that they are ready to pay the fee.

[0055] In one embodiment, even after the item object has been viewed, the recipient can subsequently pay a fee, after which the parcel will no longer be held. It is possible that the lid of the parcel, designed as a reusable container, has already been removed from the warehouse facility, and the item object within the parcel is available to the recipient in the transport device. It is also conceivable that the lid of the reusable container is designed as a kind of disposable lid, and the recipient removes this lid in the transport device to access their item object. During the presentation of the item, the recipient is given the opportunity to determine the intact status of their item object and to offer the option to return the parcel immediately, for example, via the APP (inquiry 006). Unless the return option is selected or this option is not implemented, the warehouse facility waits until the item object is removed (008). It may be advantageous for the recipient to be asked via the APP whether or not they agree to the parcel now being stored at the warehouse facility (inquiry 007). If the recipient does not respond within a predefined period after retrieving the item object, or if the recipient agrees via the APP that the parcel can be stored, the warehouse facility retrieves and stores the parcel (009). The warehouse facility then returns to its initial state, IDLE state 001.

[0056] If the parcel is not a reusable container but a disposable cardboard box or other outer packaging, the parcel is not held for delivery (010). Before the delivery process, it may be advantageous to ask the recipient, for example via the APP, whether they want to take the outer packaging home or whether it needs to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, for example for a fee of 30 cents. The system checks at regular intervals whether the parcel or item has been removed (inquiry 011) or automatically assumes that the parcel or item has been removed after a defined time frame (for example, 15 seconds). Once the parcel has been removed, the warehouse facility returns to the initial state 001 and waits for instructions. If the recipient has left the outer packaging on the transport device without having previously selected an option and does not intend to reuse it, the recipient is asked via the APP whether they want to dispose of the outer packaging (inquiry 012) or whether they want to take the outer packaging with them, for a fee of, for example, 30 cents. If the recipient refuses this request, they wait a certain period of time (013), during which they can remove the parcel. If the recipient does not then retrieve the parcel within the time period, the recipient is charged 30 cents, the parcel is stored (018), and the warehouse facility returns to the initial state 001.

[0057] It is particularly preferred that the proportion of parcels that are returnable parcels is particularly high. Holding or pawning returnable parcels ends the cycle of returnable parcels being sent back from sender to recipient, ensuring that the proportion of returnable parcels used for further transport processing is as high as possible (e.g., >90%), establishing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly cycle.

[0058] 2 to 4 illustrate a holding device that can be used in a transfer device. FIG. 2 illustrates a base plate 023 of the transfer device, onto which parcels are placed using a transport unit of a warehouse facility. The base plate 023 has holes 016 into which, for example, the bellows-shaped suction pads or flat suction pads shown here are inserted. When a valve 022 leading to a vacuum pump 021 is opened by a control unit 019 of the warehouse facility, the suction pads use vacuum to firmly contact the bottom of the parcels placed thereon. To release these suction pads, the suction pads are pressurized, for example, to prevent damage to the reusable containers when they are released from the suction pads. The connection of the lines 020 shown here is only one possible approach in designing this holding device. Alternative connections, such as a parallel connection, between the suction pads and the vacuum pump 021 are also conceivable.

[0059] 3 shows an example of an alternative holding device, in which the tapered opening of the transport device 027 facing the recipient prevents the parcel 026 from being removed by sliding two walls 025 that act as doors to close depending on the size of the parcel. The remaining opening is selected to allow the recipient to remove the item object but not the parcel 026 itself. Due to its simplicity, this type of holding device is particularly useful for parcels 026 designed as returnable boxes and above a certain minimum size.

[0060] A further holding device, shown in Figure 4, uses lugs 029, possibly provided on the parcel 026, which can be engaged by hooks 028, for example, integrated into the base plate 023. The hooks 028 are embedded in the base plate 023 in a horizontal position and, depending on the size of the parcel, are inserted into the tabs 029 at the appropriate position upon activation of the holding device. This prevents removal of the parcel 026, but not the contents therein. In this holding device, the hooks 028 do not necessarily have to be housed in the base plate 023, but could be attached to other areas of the transfer device 027 not shown here.

[0061] Overview of logistics systems and logistics processes Parcel identification characteristics In this application, the same parcel identification characteristic, in particular the same parcel identification characteristic and / or a parcel identification characteristic that is different from other parcel identification characteristics, can be used to identify a parcel.

[0062] In this application, unless a parcel is explicitly referred to as a data parcel or a virtual parcel, a parcel within the meaning of the present invention is always a physical object and has certain physical properties, in particular weight and dimensions. Therefore, while a parcel is staying in the logistics system according to the present invention, it is possible to guarantee in each case that it is a specific parcel. Different parcels usually differ in at least one physical property and can be distinguished from one another by measuring this physical property. These physical properties can therefore be used as parcel identification properties in an advantageous further development of the present invention.

[0063] The parcel identification characteristic can be, for example, a parcel identification code that uniquely identifies the parcel. Such a parcel identification code can be applied to the parcel, for example, before the parcel is transferred to a logistics system or to a unit of the logistics system, such as, for example, one of the receiving units shown herein, such as, for example, a warehouse facility shown, or the parcel identification code can be applied to the parcel when it is delivered to the logistics system or during one of the processing operations within the logistics system.

[0064] The present invention also includes preferred embodiments in which at least each parcel, or as many as possible, are designed as reusable containers. It is particularly advantageous if each, a plurality, as many as possible, and preferably all reusable containers are provided with an individual, preferably permanently identical identifier, and if a package identification code is assigned to the reusable container depending on further information.

[0065] Embodiments of the invention include those in which the parcel identification code is a physical code applied, for example, to the parcel, the outer packaging of the parcel, or the storage unit of the parcel and / or the transport unit of the parcel, and / or those in which the parcel identification code is a digital code assigned to the parcel and / or the digital twin of the parcel.

[0066] The digital code can be used as a package identification code, particularly in embodiments where the parcels have unique identifiers, preferably in embodiments where individual, multiple, many, or even all parcels are designed as reusable containers labeled with individual identifiers.

[0067] The use of a digital code as a package identification code is advantageous in all embodiments of the present invention, and the use of a digital code in conjunction with a digital twin is particularly advantageous.

[0068] It is advantageous if the digital twin of a parcel, preferably of multiple parcels, and even more preferably of as many parcels as possible, comprises at least one parcel identification characteristic. In advantageous embodiments where a parcel is associated with a parcel identification code, the digital twin of the parcel advantageously comprises the parcel identification code.

[0069] It is appropriate to integrate at least one, advantageously several and even more advantageously as many pieces of information as possible into the digital twin of the parcel.

[0070] It is particularly advantageous to use parcel identification characteristics that are particularly easy to determine, which allows the identity of the parcel to be determined more quickly and / or with less effort.

[0071] A preferred embodiment of the parcel handling process according to the present invention provides for a parcel identification code to be assigned and / or recorded as a primary parcel identification characteristic and thereafter stored. Conveniently, at least one further, more easily and / or more quickly identifiable characteristic of the parcel is used as a secondary parcel identification characteristic, in particular to verify the correctness of the primary parcel identification characteristic and / or to control further processing operations. Examples of parcel identification characteristics that can be determined more quickly and / or with less effort are the weight and / or dimensions of the parcel.

[0072] Both primary and secondary parcel identification characteristics can be parcel identification characteristics within the meaning of the present invention, and it is particularly advantageous to perform processing operations, in particular parcel processing operations, based on either of these parcel identification characteristics.

[0073] Subsequent processing operations of the parcel can then be carried out based on the determination of other parcel identification characteristics, for which purpose it is advantageous, for example, to equip the conveyor belt of the transport unit with a camera and / or with a scale for recording the dimensions of the parcel and / or to equip the transport unit with a scale.

[0074] For example, a parcel having a primary parcel identification characteristic in the form of parcel identification code 123456789 may be determined to have a weight of 5015.6 g. A measured weight of 5015.6 g + / - 0.2 g may then be used as a secondary parcel identification characteristic. The weight measurement thus represents, for example, a more easily and / or more quickly identifiable secondary parcel identification characteristic determination, which confirms accuracy that this is a parcel having parcel identification code 123456789 and / or can be used in place of the parcel identification code for further processing. By confirming accuracy and linking it to a digital image of the parcel, particularly a digital twin, the parcel is reliably identified.

[0075] The parcel having the parcel identification code 123456789 may already be assigned to a recipient and / or delivery point, particularly a jointly optimized delivery point for delivery of multiple parcels to multiple recipients and / or from multiple custodians, when delivered to a logistics system. However, it may also be advantageous to change the assignment of a recipient and / or delivery point for at least one of the parcels between mailing and delivery of the parcel to the recipient.

[0076] According to the invention, this general principle can be implemented in various processing operations, for example in one of the distribution centers according to the invention, in particular in a sorting center, and / or for storing parcels in a warehouse facility according to the invention. For example, first the parcel identification code of the parcel is determined, after which one or more processing operations are performed. It may be advantageous to take into account parcel identification characteristics for individual, several, or all processing operations.

[0077] For example, it is possible to first determine a parcel identification code for the parcel, thereby reliably identifying the parcel. Preferably, the parcel identification code is linked as a parcel identification characteristic with at least one other parcel identification characteristic, for example, the weight and / or dimensions of the parcel. An image of the parcel can also be used as a parcel identification characteristic. This is particularly advantageous when the material object is to be processed as a parcel.

[0078] An advantageous further development of the invention provides that machine-readable data are assigned to the parcels, this data comprising at least one identifier by which the respective parcel can be identified, in particular uniquely identified. For convenience, at least one of the parcel identification characteristics presented in this application is used as the identifier of the respective parcel.

[0079] It is particularly advantageous to set the parcel identification code, for example digitally and / or by providing the parcel with a barcode or matrix code containing the parcel identification code or an RFID chip containing the parcel identification code, or to determine an already set parcel identification code, for example using a six-sided scanner or an RFID reader.

[0080] Once the parcel identification code has been defined and / or determined, controlled and / or measured transport and / or sorting routes for the parcel can be planned and / or tracked, for example by including a digital twin of the parcel, and subsequent processing operations for the parcel, in particular parcel sorting and / or parcel transportation, can be performed just as accurately as if the parcel identification code itself were determined using a combination of the previously determined parcel identification code and the determination of another parcel identification characteristic, which is preferably easier and / or faster to measure. As a result, the parcel can be reliably identified even if the parcel identification characteristic can be determined more quickly and / or with less effort.

[0081] A preferred further development of the invention advantageously envisages providing processing protocols including individual processing protocols for the individual parcels and / or supplementing the processing operations by using the provided processing protocols for controlling the processing operations. The use of individual processing protocols for the individual parcels has the advantage that real-time applications can be implemented and / or a link between the individual parcels and their respective digital twins can be facilitated.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the preferred implementation of the allocation of parcels to senders and / or recipients is done by providing the links shown in the present application and / or processing protocols which advantageously include individual processing protocols for individual parcels as also shown, facilitating in particular the link between individual parcels and their respective digital twins.

[0083] Information regarding the parcel identification characteristics is transmitted to control component 5012. In the case shown, control component 5012 receives both information regarding the parcel identification characteristics and information regarding the recipient of each parcel from order system 5010.

[0084] Shipment prioritization The present invention encompasses different approaches to handling different parcels, in particular the fact that, as indicated above, some parcels are already allocated to recipients when the respective orders are placed, but also the fact that allocation between parcels and recipients is made at a later point in time.

[0085] This allows for the execution of selected parcels and / or accelerated delivery of parcels for selected recipients.

[0086] Parcels can be flexibly allocated to recipients and / or user classes, which is relevant, for example, in emergency situations, including medical and / or technical emergencies, where parcels required for emergency operations should be given priority.

[0087] This includes procedures for parcel delivery that, in addition to emergency use, increase the value to potential parcel recipients. For example, a parcel that is only required to be delivered at a later date, especially during a later delivery window, can already be transported in such a way that it can also be delivered during an earlier delivery window. In this case, for example, the recipient can be notified that they can pick up the parcel earlier if they wish, or another recipient authorized by the original recipient can issue a parcel pickup request so that the parcel is delivered in place of the originally intended recipient. Alternatively, the parcel can be delivered to a new recipient, especially one who has placed an urgent order, while simultaneously making a "substitute delivery" to the original recipient.

[0088] Figure 5 introduction FIG. 5 shows a logistics system 5020 with an associated ordering system 5010 .

[0089] The operator of the logistics system according to the invention can be both the provider of the ordering system, in particular the retailer, and the logistics system, or conversely, the retailer can provide logistics services in addition to its ordering system.

[0090] The invention described herein can be integrated into e-procurement and e-commerce applications.

[0091] The central task of the operator of the logistics system according to the present invention is to deliver the correct parcel to the correct authorized recipient. To perform this task, it is necessary to guarantee the unique identification of the parcel and the associated unique recipient.

[0092] Each parcel / item object preferably has a reliable identifier as a parcel identification characteristic, for example an EAN code for item objects, an ISBN number for books, or a parcel identification number for overpacked parcels.

[0093] To accurately identify a recipient, unique characteristics such as an email address or mobile phone number are preferred in addition to name and home address.

[0094] Preferably, the logistics system 5020 shown in FIG. 5 includes parcel processing operations in a line labeled 5100, suitable processing units for handling parcels in a line labeled 5200, and a preferred embodiment of the processing unit shown in line 5200 in a line labeled 5300.

[0095] The processing operations and processing units used can be combined with one another, whereby as comprehensive a combination as possible is particularly advantageous.In particular, the invention is not limited to a specific combination of processing operations and processing units.

[0096] When combining individual processing operations with processing units, it is particularly appropriate to provide and use processing units that are indicated only when it is advantageous for further processing of the parcel. For example, measures to separate parcels are not required if the parcels have already been transported separately. Similarly, it is not necessary to record parcel identification characteristics if the identity of the parcel is already known from one or more previous processing operations on the parcel.

[0097] For example, if the parcel identification code for a parcel has already been determined, there is no need to determine the parcel identification code again, but instead it is equally possible, and in many embodiments more advantageous, to perform subsequent identification of the parcel using a different parcel identification characteristic that can be determined more quickly and / or with less effort.

[0098] Subsequent processing actions for the parcel may be performed based on the determination of other parcel signature characteristics.

[0099] In addition to the usual components used in the environment of an operator of a logistics system according to the invention, it is advantageous to use individually, several, as many as possible, or particularly preferably all, of the further components listed in line 5300.

[0100] Ordering System 5010 In particular, the ordering system 5010 is understood to be a system for instructing the mailing and / or collection of parcels.

[0101] For example, an ordering system is a computer network with link interfaces for interacting with multiple users.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the ordering system is a system that provides a means for electronically purchasing goods using a network, such as the Internet and other information and communication systems, and can be a purchasing system for businesses and organizations as well as individuals.

[0103] For placing orders, secure access to an extranet or intranet is recommended, especially a specially protected VPN (Virtual Private Network) that is not accessible to third parties.

[0104] Logistics System 5020 The logistics system advantageously relates to both "forward logistics" (from a mail order company or private shipper to a recipient) and "reverse forward logistics" (from a recipient or private shipper back to a mail order company or another recipient).

[0105] A logistics system 5020 according to the present invention is preferably designed to be able to interact with one or more ordering systems 5010. These can be links where an ordering system is integrated into the logistics system, but also links where the logistics system 5020 receives parcel handling orders from the ordering system 5010.

[0106] A preferred variant is that the ordering system 5010 and the logistics system 5020 are linked in real time.

[0107] In particular in this case, a preferred embodiment of the ordering system 5010 provides that the ordering system comprises input means for inputting one or more desired delivery points for delivery of the parcel to the parcel recipient. By using this information and the information necessary to identify the parcel and the recipient, control of the parcel to the authorized recipient is ensured by the logistics system 5020.

[0108] Thus, the illustrated logistics system 5020 can operate independently of the ordering system 5010. Information regarding the parcel identification characteristics is then transmitted from the separate ordering system, the third-party ordering system, to the logistics system 5020. In the illustrated case, the logistics system 5020 receives both the parcel identification characteristic information and a unique identifier for each parcel recipient, such as an email address or mobile phone number.

[0109] In the absence of a separate ordering system, information for facilitating the selection of the delivery point for the parcel to and / or from the recipient, in particular the recipient's preferred delivery point, is recorded in the user's app component 5021 and stored in the backend systems 5021, 5022 of the logistics system operator's logistics system 5020 in accordance with the present invention and in an advantageous further development supplemented by data containing as much of this information as possible depending on the recorded information regarding the recipient's behavior, in particular the distance traveled and the choice of means of transport.

[0110] It is also possible to label parcels being delivered to a warehouse facility. It is not necessary to add "PAKETMOBIL DELIVERY" or similar to the label for delivery to a warehouse facility, but it can be done.

[0111] Link Interface 5015 As shown, the present invention operates with multiple ordering systems and / or ordering components, and the ordering system 5010 shown is merely an example.

[0112] In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, a logistics system 5020 known per se and an ordering system 5010 known per se are first linked together by a link interface 5015 .

[0113] The link is realized by at least one link interface 5015 .

[0114] The link interface 5015 is preferably configured to transmit instructions for handling the parcel and / or for allocating the parcel to a recipient.

[0115] In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the link interface 5015 is further configured to allow the allocation of parcels to delivery points and / or recipients to be changed.

[0116] By using the link interface 5015, it is possible to assign a parcel to a sender and / or recipient even if the sender and / or recipient identifying features are omitted.

[0117] Logistics system control components5012 The control component 5012 of the logistics system 5020 can be designed to control as many or even all of the processing operations of the parcels as possible, however, it is also possible for the control component 5012 to control only the individual processing steps described herein.

[0118] The control component 5012 of the logistics system 5020 can perform one or more, or even all, of the methods described herein, wherein performance of the methods is characterized in that a jointly optimized delivery point is determined for a plurality of parcels from a plurality of possible spatially separated delivery points for delivery to each recipient within a specific delivery period, taking into account at least one effort parameter, and control by the control component 5012 of delivery to the recipient at the assigned joint delivery point within the intended delivery period is particularly advantageous.

[0119] Details of a preferred embodiment of the control component according to the present invention and its interaction with the components of the logistics system are given below.

[0120] As already indicated above, the control component 5012 of the logistics system 5020 can be designed so that the control component 5012 controls as many, or even all, of the processing operations of the parcels as possible. However, it is also possible for the control component 5012 to control only the individual processing steps indicated herein. Preferably, information from the same number, and particularly preferably even all, of the components indicated below is used. - 5022: User APP for communication interfaces and control elements of the warehouse facility as well as for recording and managing user data; - 5023: User database of user APP, 5024: A network configuration module, in particular with a database of potential locations for mobile storage facilities; - 5025: Network configuration tool for mobile storage facilities, - 5026: Control Module Transport Mobile Warehouse Facility, - 5027: Notification component, - Location information to determine the location and / or storage position of the parcel.

[0121] The following description refers both to the control component 5012 shown above with reference to Figure 5 and to other control components that may be separate from the control component 5012 shown therein. However, the control components shown below may also operate independently of the control component 5012 and do not depend on control by the control component 5012 shown in Figure 5.

[0122] However, it may also be particularly advantageous to use the embodiments illustrated further herein in the control component 5012 illustrated with reference to FIG. 5 and / or in further control components controlled by the control component 5012.

[0123] For focused delivery of parcels within the area of ​​the transport units 5130, 5336 to warehouse facilities, the parcel communication protocols and circuit switching are adapted to be used and capable of handling parcel delivery.

[0124] It is particularly advantageous to use telecommunications protocols, in particular packet-switched and circuit-switched telecommunications protocols, for control and / or protocol operations and mechanisms for controlling parcel delivery, logistics and workflow management systems.

[0125] In particular, the idea is implemented that the use and / or modification of protocols for handling data packets can also be used for the physical parcel processing operations presented in this application, provided that they already provide the necessary functions, respectively. Various additions can be implemented to achieve efficient handling of physical objects, in particular parcels.

[0126] While in the prior art parcels must be provided with a label that must be produced separately and laboriously, the present invention makes it possible to handle any physical object, in particular by one or more of the following processing operations, provided that the dimensions and / or weight taken into account for the respective processing operation comply with the following: - Shipping, - Order picking, - Sorting, - transportation, - Delivery.

[0127] Prior art parcels and prior art item objects such as the exemplary parcel shown in FIG. 13 can also be treated as parcels according to the present invention in view of the processing operations shown.

[0128] An advantageous further development of the invention provides that further information is assigned to the parcel as machine-readable data, in particular by using a digital twin. Examples of further information include dimensions, in particular the spatial dimensions of the parcel and / or the weight of the parcel, due date / time, fines for late delivery, delivery costs, store and recipient information, material, vulnerability, and required transport parameters of the parcel, e.g. a refrigerated truck for goods that require refrigeration.

[0129] It is appropriate to add protocol functionality to the control component.

[0130] The protocol functions can be used for a variety of applications, examples of which include managing workflow, obtaining statistics, tracking packages, controlling package forwarding, handling alarms, and handling errors.

[0131] Each parcel at each physical transport level can preferably be achieved by a digital twin as a logical parcel at the logical transport level, although this is not required.

[0132] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the logical transport level and the physical transport level are separate. The logical transport layer can be, for example, a local area network or the Internet. This allows companies to reuse backbone networks that are used for voice and data transmission, for example, as IP backbones.

[0133] A routing protocol is preferably used to support the determination of optimal transportation routes between components of the logistics system according to the present invention.

[0134] Examples of these routing protocols are metric-based routing and rerouting on congestion, such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).

[0135] The creation of virtual routes will increase the flexibility of the transport system.

[0136] To facilitate identification of the parcel, at least a portion of the parcel may be associated with an IP protocol header, which may be one of the parcel identification characteristics according to the present invention.

[0137] The different parcels being processed, especially those being sorted, transported, and stored in warehouse facilities, have different dimensions and masses and therefore need to meet different needs. The different needs are best reflected in special Quality of Service (QOS) mechanisms, e.g., fast or secured delivery. QOS specifications are best categorized, e.g., according to special categories representing commodity objects that must be consumed immediately, or according to different security levels.

[0138] In an advantageous further development, in accordance with the invention, the fulfillment of QOS specifications can be taken into account when determining the respective score value.

[0139] Each of the described routing protocols can be used to minimize distance, cost, travel time, etc., and to use bandwidth as efficiently as possible.

[0140] Addressing is performed, for example, by a Domain Name Server (DNS).

[0141] Special protocols for alarm handling or congestion control allow the system to react flexibly to unexpected situations.

[0142] It is also advantageous to implement a multicast function.

[0143] A scheduling mechanism further improves efficiency.

[0144] To increase the reliability of communication and transport, it is advantageous to use the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).

[0145] For some parts of parcel processing, particularly sorting, storage, and delivery, real-time processing is required. To enable the system to react in real time, the use of the Real-Time Protocol (RTP) is appropriate. An example of a process based on RTP is parcel reordering, which would be advantageous if the parcels were routed in a different way.

[0146] It is also preferable to monitor the quality of service using an appropriate protocol such as the Real Time Protocol (RTCP).

[0147] Packet sorting can be based on a packet-by-packet routing mechanism, for example, where there are no dependencies between individual packets, but can also be based on virtual connections, especially if all packets follow the same path through the network.

[0148] One reason for packet-by-packet routing may be that different routes are chosen due to congestion in parts of the network or the fact that parcels have different parameters (dimensions, due dates, etc.).

[0149] In the logistics system according to the invention, parcels can be transported between different locations using any means of transport. The locations and / or respective destinations can be addressed using IP addresses. Intermediate storage can be performed using ICMP, flow control, or mechanisms that forward the digital twin and physical parcel only after confirmation by a machine or human interface, e.g., one of the operators can use a web-based interface to control the forwarding of parcels or perform alarm handling.

[0150] An appropriate control message protocol is implemented to allow, for example, monitoring of congestion control, etc. One example of such a protocol is the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).

[0151] Further routing protocols are preferably used to select the optimal transport path from one physical distribution node to another physical distribution node or to a receiving point. Examples of these routing protocols are metric routing, cost-based routing.

[0152] The parcels according to the present invention are physical parcels. It is advantageous to use an IP-based communication network for control, logging, and / or notification. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this is preferably achieved by parcels with logical packets in a packet-switched communication network. Preferably, each time a physical parcel is received at a delivery node, the delivery node notifies the respective processing unit / processing component which processing action should be performed and waits for confirmation that the action has been performed.

[0153] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each logical parcel shown is treated as a digital twin of the corresponding parcel.

[0154] The two above-mentioned embodiments can be combined with each other or with any of the previously described embodiments.

[0155] According to the invention, it is advantageous to assign at least one IP address to each warehouse facility.

[0156] In addition to the usual components used in the environment of an operator of a logistics system according to the invention, it is advantageous to use one or several, as many as possible, or particularly preferably all, of the following further components:

[0157] User APP5021, 5022 Reference numerals 5021, 5022 indicate in particular the communication interfaces and operating elements of the warehouse facility as well as a user APP for recording and managing user data.

[0158] In particular, before carrying out the steps described, it is advantageous to provide users of the logistics system, in particular the parcel storer or recipient, with apps, in particular user apps 5021, 5022 for recording and managing user data, as well as communication interfaces and control elements of the warehouse facility, which advantageously enable the method described herein to select a jointly optimized delivery point, which is optimized by transmitting location information of the recipient and / or storer to the control component 5012.

[0159] This allows each user to take into account their data protection requirements when selecting a suitable delivery point for them in their respective delivery period and to take into account the location information shared with the user apps 5021, 5022 as a component of the logistics system 5020, preferably the control component 5012. Such integration is performed for as many users as possible, so that a joint delivery point can be determined for the joint delivery of parcels to multiple recipients.

[0160] Preferably, the user apps 5021, 5022 may be designed such that a user of the app as a recipient and / or custodian of a parcel can use the user apps 5021, 5022 to verify which dimensions of which parcels are suitable for delivery or storage at a storage location of the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, essentially within the maximum and / or minimum allowed parcel dimensions up to the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0161] The corresponding information in the user database 5023 should then be compared daily as soon as possible with the cargo database, the digital twin, and / or the logistics system information, preferably information for controlling processing operations, so that the corresponding selection of parcels to be transported through the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 can be made by the logistics system 5020, depending on the extent to which the data systems are networked.

[0162] It is also possible to label parcels that are to be delivered to a warehouse facility. An addition such as "PAKETMOBIL DELIVERY" for delivery to a warehouse facility is not required to the label, but can be added.

[0163] Example: A user stores his email address and delivery preferences in the user apps 5021, 5022 and the user database 5023. The system has a user with a unique email address, for example bernd.einstein@gmail.com. As soon as a sender sends individual parcel information, including also the recipient's email address (bernd.einstein@gmail.com), to the operator of the logistics system according to the invention, the system matches / combines both parts of the information (e.g. email address and parcel identification code). All information related to this parcel is automatically sent to Bernd Einstein via the user apps 5021, 5022, or the user's transport preferences are taken into account. If Bernd Einstein generally wants to deliver to a warehouse facility, this delivery preference is taken into account, even if the parcel does not contain the addition "delivery to parcel mobile".

[0164] User APP user database 5023 The user database 5023 functions as a back-end system for the user APP.

[0165] Network Configuration Module 5024 and Network Configuration Tool 5025 In particular, reference numeral 5024 designates a network configuration module that preferably includes a database of potential locations for mobile storage facilities.

[0166] The network configuration module 5024 is preferably designed to be able to determine jointly optimized delivery points for the delivery of multiple parcels, and, if necessary, additional individual delivery points for the individual delivery of parcels, taking into account, among other things, the proposed effort parameters and / or score values.

[0167] As explained above, the ordering process can also be performed in part in that the person ordering the parcel selects one of a number of stored delivery points, and then the parcel transport process is controlled so that the transport is performed to the selected delivery point. However, it is particularly advantageous to control the logistics system and perform at least part of the transport of the parcel in such a way that the transport is performed to the delivery point.

[0168] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention provide for jointly optimized delivery point selection not only taking into account the effort parameters of each recipient, but also taking into account effort parameters of additional recipients.

[0169] The present invention provides for the consideration of the respective effort parameters of as many recipients as possible, possibly even all recipients, for each transfer period, for example each day.

[0170] An advantageous further development of the invention is characterized in that the logistics system with the network configuration module 5024 has means for detecting a plurality of possible storage locations of the mobile storage facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and for assigning the mobile storage facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 to delivery points.

[0171] The network configuration module 5024 and / or the control component 5012 may perform one or more of the methods described herein, the performance of which may include, for multiple parcels from multiple possible spatially separated delivery points: - directly or indirectly by a score value that takes into account effort parameters, - for each recipient within a particular recipient, spatially separated delivery points, taking into account at least one labor parameter in each case of jointly optimized delivery points, - directly or indirectly by a score value that takes into account effort parameters, - In each case, a jointly optimized delivery point is determined for delivery to the respective recipient within a specific delivery period, taking into account at least one effort parameter, which is characterized by the fact that the network configuration module 5024 provides for delivery to the recipient to be carried out at the assigned jointly optimized delivery point within the intended delivery period.

[0172] The score values ​​are values ​​of different dimensions, such as quantifying expenses, and can be converted into key figures using a scoring tool.

[0173] However, additional characteristics regarding the delivery of each parcel to each recipient and / or shipper may also be considered in determining the score value, such as parcel dimensions and weight, as they affect the effort required for collection and customer satisfaction.

[0174] Reference numeral 5025 denotes a network configuration tool, in particular for selecting jointly optimized delivery points and / or individual delivery points as preferably installation locations (sites) for mobile warehousing facilities.

[0175] Preferably, at least one component of the logistics system 5020, in particular the control component 5012 or the link interface 5015 of the logistics system, includes a network configuration tool 5025 for selecting at least some of the delivery points as locations of the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0176] The control component 5012 may be designed to control as many or all of the processing operations of a parcel as possible.

[0177] The control component 5012 of the logistics system, or the logistics system 5020, controls the method according to the invention for delivering parcels to recipients so that the parcels are provided to the recipients within a (specific) delivery period at a delivery point, in particular a jointly optimized delivery point, which is determined in such a way that the recipient's effort parameters are optimized as much as possible.

[0178] The effort parameter can be used directly, for example, to take into account the time spent by the parcel recipient or parcel keeper from the location visited independently of the parcel delivery - eh-da location - as well as the route travelled to the parcel delivery point, in particular the jointly optimised delivery point or the individual delivery point - eh-da distance - independently of the parcel delivery.

[0179] Furthermore, it is possible to use score values ​​in which the reduction of the recipient's effort improves the respective score value for the choice of delivery point according to the optimization of the effort parameters. Of course, it is not only possible to define the score values ​​so that the highest possible score value is the best score value, but also to use score values ​​in which the lowest value is the best value. However, for practical reasons, a decimal system using values ​​from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 10 or from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 100 is recommended, for example.

[0180] It is particularly advantageous to design the network configuration tool 5025 in a manner that controls the method for delivering a plurality of parcels such that at least one score value is determined for each of a plurality of recipients at many possible, spatially separated delivery points, or, in the case of optimization of individual delivery points, which is performed with less computational effort, the optimization process according to the invention is performed so that a jointly optimized delivery point is determined for a plurality of parcels for delivery in a planned delivery period. However, it is also possible for the control component 5012 to control only the individual processing steps described herein. It is particularly advantageous to design the control component 5012 to control the method for delivering a plurality of parcels such that at least one score value or, in the case of optimization of individual delivery points, which is performed with less computational effort, the selection method (optimization method) according to the invention is performed for a plurality of possible, spatially separated delivery points, thereby determining, for a plurality of parcels, a jointly optimized delivery point for delivery in a planned delivery period.

[0181] The score value is a value that allows for a quantification of the cost to the recipient of the parcel.

[0182] In particular, the score value is a value that reflects the time required for each recipient to receive each parcel.

[0183] Preferably, the score value is a number within a predetermined range of numbers.

[0184] In a first embodiment of the method, for example, an effort parameter for each of the recipients to receive the parcel is taken into account, where, for example, if the number range is 1 to 10, delivery of the parcel at a warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 that takes the respective parcel recipient 10 minutes to reach is given a score value of 1, and delivery in the immediate vicinity of the recipient's location or on a route already traveled by the recipient with no more than 1 minute of additional effort by the recipient is given a score value of 10.

[0185] The delivery points are therefore selected so that the corresponding score value is as high as possible for as many parcel recipients as possible, however it is also possible to provide a minimum score value to be achieved for each recipient or each parcel, so that the recipient needs no more than 5 minutes of additional time, for example.

[0186] However, additional characteristics of the delivery of each parcel to each recipient may also be considered when determining the score value.

[0187] This is done, for example, by assigning a score value for the selection of a desired delivery period, in particular for the shortest possible time until the earliest possible delivery of the parcel and / or for the shortest possible time required to receive the parcel, using a correspondingly large numerical range for the score values.

[0188] The allocation of corresponding combinations of these factors can be handled flexibly: one embodiment of the present invention provides, for example, that a point is awarded for both the time from ordering a parcel to the associated delivery period and the time it takes for the recipient to arrive at the delivery point.

[0189] For example, in the case of delivery on the same day as the order is placed, or even within a short period of time, which may be less than an hour, a corresponding contribution can be assigned to the score value, for example, up to 50. Furthermore, a contribution to the score value is also given for the time taken to receive the parcel, for example, if it takes 10 minutes, it will contribute to the score value of 10, if it takes 5 minutes or less, it will contribute to the score value of 20, if it takes 3 minutes or less, it will contribute to the score value of 30, if it takes 2 minutes or less, it will contribute to the score value of 40, and if it takes 1 minute or less, it will contribute to the score value of 50.

[0190] For example, if a parcel is delivered within one week of the order with a delivery time of 10 minutes, the score value will be 10+10=20, and delivery of a parcel on the same day of the order with an additional time for the recipient of less than one minute will receive a score value of 50+50=100.

[0191] However, it is also possible to define a maximum time for the parcel to be provided at the respective delivery point, as well as a maximum effort for receiving the parcel, which can be taken into account accordingly in the corresponding optimization process, for example, recipients of a privileged user class are delivered in such a way that a score value of at least 70 is achieved, whereby this value, like other values, in particular the score value, can be flexibly adjusted.

[0192] Preferably, the control is implemented such that multiple parcels are delivered together at jointly optimized delivery points to multiple recipients within a delivery period.

[0193] In this regard, it is suitable that the provision of at least some of the parcels is performed by a warehousing facility. The present invention can be implemented using a plurality of warehousing facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, which may differ from one another, including mobile or fixed warehousing facilities.

[0194] Advantageously, the delivery points are determined by a selection of spatially separated delivery points.

[0195] Furthermore, the selection from the spatially separated delivery points is suitably performed by a selection process having multiple selection steps.

[0196] When a mobile storage facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is provided for delivery at a delivery point, the delivery point is preferably the location of the storage facility.

[0197] Transport Control Module 5026 for Mobile Warehouse Facilities The control module 5026 controls the transportation of the mobile storage facility, including one or more of the transportation operations listed below, which preferably include locations determined by an optimization process according to the present invention. - between different nodes of the logistics system, for example between distribution centers, - between the transport units 5130, 5336 and the jointly optimized delivery points for the delivery of parcels; - Various joint optimization delivery points, - to a location for the delivery of individual parcels, - Use of transport.

[0198] The delivery means are in particular the warehouse facilities and / or delivery units cooperating with the warehouse facilities as described herein.

[0199] Notification Component 5027 The notification component 5027 can be used in a similar manner to existing logistics systems, but it is advantageous to further consider flexibility of delivery points, particularly when the control component 5012 performs the selection of a delivery point, particularly a jointly optimized delivery point, so that each offered delivery point is preferably notified to the recipient of the parcel.

[0200] Furthermore, as soon as the parcel is handed over to the logistics network, the recipient of the parcel may be informed by suitable electronic communication channels such as email and / or SMS or an app about the expected delivery period and location information, which may initially include several possible delivery points, and this location information may be specified after the intended delivery point has been determined and / or reached by notifying the delivery point.

[0201] In a preferred embodiment of the notification component 5027, particularly when the notification functionality is integrated into the user APP 5021, it is possible to communicate location specific information of the warehouse facility at each delivery point of the parcel, and preferably also at each delivery point.

[0202] When integrating the notification function into the app, a link to a navigation system and / or map service on the recipient's terminal device is particularly advantageous, whereby location information and / or delivery time are transferred to the navigation system and / or map service of the recipient.

[0203] Parcel Processing 5100 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processing operations shown on line 5100 follow one another. It is particularly advantageous to perform more than one, and particularly many, of the processing operations shown on line 5100, although it is not necessary to perform all of the processing operations shown on line 5100.

[0204] Parcel handling according to the present invention may include one, more than one, or all of the following parcel processing operations: - Receipt of parcels, for example by mail, in particular through warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322; - transport of parcels between the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and the parcel storer and / or recipient, in particular by delivery units; - transporting parcels within the warehouse facility, in particular between the delivery gate and the storage location of the storage unit of the warehouse facility; - Transporting parcels from a warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 to another warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322; - transporting parcels between the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and the transfer units 5130, 5336; - Transporting parcels in transport units 5130, 5336; - Sorting parcels in transport units 5130, 5336; - transporting parcels between the parcel transfer units 5130, 5336 and the distribution center 5301; - sorting of parcels in parcel sorting centers (parcel sorting centers), - Transporting parcels between two distribution centers.

[0205] It is also advantageous to calculate the parcel handling process in advance by simulation calculation before the parcel handling process is performed. Here, it is particularly appropriate to provide each parcel with a digital twin and use the respective parcel identification characteristics to compare the processing operations performed on the parcel with the processing process calculated in advance according to the simulation calculation. If the parcel identification characteristics determined in each case match the respectively associated digital twin, the respective parcel is identified accordingly. Such advantageous identification of parcels is also possible if the parcel identification characteristics are compared with other parcel identification characteristics determined in a previous processing operation.

[0206] Parcel handling in distribution centers 5110 In particular, column 5110 includes not only processing units but also processing operations with means for sorting parcels, in particular in the area of ​​a distribution center.

[0207] A preferred embodiment of the main execution and sortation process 5110 is described below. The control component 5012 of the logistics system 5020 passes information about the parcel identification characteristics that allow identification of the parcel as well as information about the intended delivery point to a network node of the logistics system.

[0208] The control component 5012 of the logistics system, or the logistics system 5020, receives information, preferably from multiple sources, about parcel identification characteristics that enable identification of the parcel, for example, in the area of ​​the transport unit 5130, 5336 when the parcel is delivered by detection means, by an identification device such as a scanner or RFID reader in the area of ​​the distribution center.

[0209] The control component 5012 of the logistics system or logistics system 5020 preferably passes information regarding the parcel identification characteristics that allow identification of the parcel as well as information regarding the intended delivery point to the transport unit 5130, 5336 and / or to the warehouse facility. Transferring information regarding the parcel identification characteristics to both the transport unit 5130, 5336 and the warehouse facility has the advantage that storage of the parcel in a storage location of a storage unit in the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is fast and reliable. A further advantage of this suitable embodiment is that storage in a storage location of a storage unit in the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 can be performed without the use of sensor devices or other detection means in the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0210] Network nodes of a logistics system are components of the logistics system where decisions are made, particularly regarding processing operations to be performed on parcels. These are, for example, the sortation process 5110, which preferably takes place in the parcel distribution center 5301. Examples of network nodes of a logistics system are preferably the transfer units 5130, 5336 and transport units 5236 and the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0211] Here, the parcel identification characteristics are transmitted to the respective network node to bring the parcel for further transport processing, taking into account the delivery point selected in each case.

[0212] Distribution Center 5301 and Distribution Warehouse 5302 In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the distribution warehouse is designed as a distribution center. It is advantageous to use a two-stage or multi-stage logistics system, in which parcels are preferably first transported to a distribution center, then transported from one distribution center to another distribution center, and then transported from the other distribution center to the distribution warehouse. For example, the following processing operations are performed: - selection of a distribution center 5301 that is particularly suitable for further distribution of parcels by loading into warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322; - Initiation of transportation to the distribution center 5301 and / or distribution warehouse 5302; - Initiation of transportation to the warehouse facility, The parcel is discharged in the area of ​​the distribution center 5301 or distribution warehouse 5302.

[0213] Select delivery point5120 Preferably, the processing operations and processing units shown in column 5120 include means for selecting a delivery point, in particular a jointly optimized delivery point for parcels, using in particular warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0214] Warehouse facilities 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 Warehouse facilities 5242, 5243, 5321, and 5322 may be warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, and 5322 as shown in FIG. 6, however, the logistics system is not limited to applications using warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, and 5322, and even when warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, and 5322 are used, the logistics system may be designed differently from the examples shown in these figures.

[0215] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the warehouse facility 5242 includes flexible accommodation of at least one storage unit 1410.

[0216] Also according to a preferred embodiment, the warehouse facility 5243 has a paternoster system.

[0217] Parcels stored in the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 are preferably transported within the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 to a delivery point, particularly a jointly optimized delivery point.

[0218] The warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 preferably includes a delivery gate for parcels as part of the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322. The delivery gate preferably also serves as a receiving device for parcels being transported to the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 in the area of ​​the delivery point.

[0219] Warehouse facility loading preparation 5130 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processing operations and processing units shown in column 5130 include means and method steps 5233, 5331 to 5336 for loading preparation of a warehouse facility, particularly in the area of ​​the transfer units 5130, 5336.

[0220] Processing operations 5130 include individual, multiple, or all of the processing operations of a parcel, as described below. - Transporting parcels from distribution centers; - Parcel classification, - Transporting parcels from distribution centers to warehouse facilities; - transporting parcels from one or more first warehousing facilities to one or more second warehousing facilities; - Provision for storage of parcels in warehouse facilities 5242, 5243, 5321 and 5322 as shown in column 5140.

[0221] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one, several, or all of these processing operations for a parcel are performed by transport unit 5336.

[0222] The processing operations and processing units shown in column 5130 facilitate the transfer of parcels to warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322. In particular, these are processing operations where multiple parcels are transported, preferably one after the other, directly to warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and then preferably stored at warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322. Storage of the parcels at warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is preferably performed by placing the parcels in storage locations in storage units of warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0223] In order to carry out the storage of parcels in the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 as quickly as possible and / or to carry out the removal of parcels from the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 as quickly and reliably as possible, it is appropriate to use transport units, examples of which are shown in Figures 6, 8 and 12. The transport unit shown in Figures 6, 8 and 12 is an advantageous embodiment of a transport unit 5336 according to the invention.

[0224] The transport unit 5336 may also include warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 that serve as intermediate storage locations for the parcels. In such cases, the parcels are preferably first transported to a first warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, and then removed again from this warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and transported to a new warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0225] Transport Unit 5336 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, further processing modules controlled by the control component 5012 of the logistics system or logistics system 5020 are sortation modules 5130, 5336 within the distribution center, which sortation modules 5130, 5336 preferably also function to divert parcels to warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0226] Preferably, the processing operations in the area of ​​the transport units 5130, 5336 include autonomous separation 5231, optimized alignment 5232 of parcels, and optimized bay assignment 5233 for storage locations in the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322. By way of example, the following processing operations are performed: - delivery of the parcels in the transfer unit 5130, 5336 to the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, preferably using the transport unit 1241, 1641, 5341; - Transporting parcels from transport units 5130, 5336 to warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0227] Warehouse facility loading 5140 In an equally advantageous embodiment of the invention, the processing operations and processing units shown in column 5140 include means for loading into a warehouse facility, in particular means for loading into a warehouse facility individual parcels, which advantageously also include parcel identification characteristics for the individual parcels.

[0228] Immediately after the storage of the parcel in the warehouse facility at the distribution center 5301 is completed, a data set is transmitted to the warehouse facility, preferably controlled by the control component 5012, while the warehouse facility is still in the territory of the distribution center, for example in the territory of the transport unit 5130, 5336. The preferred content of the data set is all relevant data required by the warehouse facility for the delivery of a parcel currently in the warehouse facility or for the receipt of an already notified parcel. Preferably, these are for each parcel stored in the warehouse facility in the territory of the distribution center or transport unit 5130, 5336. - storage locations within warehouse facilities, - parcel identification characteristics, - contact details of the intended recipient of the parcel; - Parcel recipient authentication features.

[0229] Preferably, these are for each parcel that is stored at a location during its stay at the warehouse facility, such as a jointly optimized drop-off point to the warehouse facility. - the size of the parcel, - parcel identification characteristics, - Contact details of the shipper, - Shipper authentication features, - the parcel recipient's contact details, - Parcel recipient authentication features.

[0230] This means that the warehouse facility can operate autonomously at its location without permanent communication with the logistics system or control component 5012, i.e., it can issue all parcels at the warehouse facility to their respective recipients at its location, receive and reissue deliveries already notified by the shipper, etc.

[0231] Storage and Retrieval 5241 Similarly, the method for supporting storage of parcels at storage locations in the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 can be supported by transport units 1241, 1641 as well as other devices, for example, pushers 1430.

[0232] Storage Unit 5342 An advantageous embodiment of this method is characterized in that parcels are assigned a predetermined storage location based on the parcel identification characteristics, parcels are transported from the shipping stream to a warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 using transport units 1241, 1641 so that at least one transport unit 1241, 1641 can remove parcels from the parcel stream based on the parcel identification characteristics, and transport of transport units 1041, 1241, 1641 within the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is controlled taking into account the storage location assigned to each parcel based on the parcel identification characteristics.

[0233] A particularly preferred processing operation for parcels is as follows. - Storage of parcels by transport units 1241, 1641, 5341 at storage locations in storage units, 5342 of warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0234] Transportation and installation of warehouse facilities at the site 5150 According to a suitable further development of the invention, the processing operations and processing units shown in column 5150 comprise means for transporting the warehouse facilities and placing them at predetermined locations. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, this includes parking the warehouse facilities at their respective locations, as automated as possible.

[0235] According to a suitable embodiment of the present invention, the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 are transported from one location to another, in particular the different locations being the distribution center 5301 and locations within the collection area of ​​the parcel recipient and / or parcel custodian as jointly optimized delivery points for multiple parcels and / or as a sequential approach of multiple jointly optimized delivery points.

[0236] As soon as the warehouse facility arrives at its output location, in particular at the jointly optimized delivery point, it sends this information to the control component 5012. The control component 5012 then sends, for example using the user APPs 5021, 5022 and / or the notification to recipient user components, the following information to as many recipients as possible, preferably all recipients, whose parcels are stored at the warehouse facility: - the specific location of the warehouse facility; - information about the validity period of the warehouse facility on site (e.g. with countdown function / clock), i.e. the delivery period for parcel delivery at the warehouse facility location; - a link to route instructions from the recipient's current location to the warehouse facility location (with an indication of the travel time); - In some cases, additional information regarding weather, traffic conditions, and coupons from retailers near the warehouse facility location; Notify.

[0237] Transport to further locations in the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 may be controlled by the controller 5150 or the request unit 5180, 5281.

[0238] Previously, preferred further developments of the processing operations and processing units shown in column 5190 have already been disclosed, in which means for transporting the warehouse facility to the transfer unit 5130, 5336 and / or from the first installation location to the further installation location are used as a further location for installing the warehouse facility. However, it is equally possible for at least part of the warehouse facility to be located or fixed in place for a period longer than the intended transport period, where fixation also includes partial fixation, for example by reversible connection of the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 to another warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and / or to another fixed reference point.

[0239] Control device for autonomous or semi-autonomous transport 5251 Preferably, the logistics system 5020 also includes controllers 5150, 5151 for controlling the transport of the parcels to their respective delivery points, which ensure that the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 containing each parcel are transported to their respective delivery points.

[0240] The controllers 5150, 5151 may be part of and / or may interact with the control component 5012.

[0241] Advantageously, the transport operation of the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is also controlled by the control component 5012 and / or the control component 5012 sends control commands to other control units, in particular the vehicle control units 5150, 5151, to control the transport of the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322. The corresponding control is performed taking into account the degree of autonomy of the transport means for transporting the warehouse facilities. It is advantageous to use vehicles, mobile robots, and, if necessary, unmanned transport systems with the highest possible level of autonomy that can be reliably achieved, hereinafter collectively referred to as vehicles. The respective environment of the vehicles is controlled, in particular at autonomy levels 3, 4, and 5. However, it is also possible to use remotely controlled vehicles. The use of remote control has the advantage that, at a relatively low level of autonomy, the driver can control the vehicle based on control commands from the control device 5150 throughout the entire route or during driving sections that cannot be driven autonomously.

[0242] From autonomy level 3 onwards, permanent driver control is not required, with only an interface that allows the human driver to react appropriately within short timescales to the demands of the vehicle system. At autonomy levels 4 or 5, remote driver intervention is typically not required. Notably, at autonomy level 4, the driving modes of the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 are controlled such that all aspects of the dynamic driving task can be performed by the automated driving system itself.

[0243] This is advantageously supported by a development scenario in which the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 are transported outside rush hours, preferably before the morning rush hour or after the evening rush hour, and typically the transport of the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is typically transported from the transport units 5130, 5336 to the delivery point before the morning rush hour, and the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 are returned to the transport units 5130, 5336 after the evening rush hour. This ensures that when many recipients are close to the warehouse facility or within a short travel distance to the delivery point, they can reach each warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 during normal hours and with as little effort as possible.

[0244] According to a suitable further development of the invention, the processing operations and processing units shown in column 5190 comprise means for transporting the warehouse facility to the transport units 5130, 5336 and / or from the first installation location to a further installation location as a further location for installing the warehouse facility.

[0245] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transportation, which is as automated as possible, including parking in the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, takes place in the area of ​​the transport units 5130, 5336 or at jointly optimized delivery points.

[0246] User Component 5351 It is advantageous to design the logistics system, or one or more components of the logistics system, to be able to interact with a user component 5351 via a user interface, particularly to respond to parcel delivery requests. The user component 5351 may be, for example, a smartphone, a smartwatch, or smart glasses. In particular, the user interface is designed to be able to transmit information that initiates and / or improves parcel delivery. Examples of information that can be transmitted include parcel identification characteristics, user identification characteristics, authentication data, and notification information.

[0247] The interaction between the logistics system component and the user component 5351 can be realized in a variety of ways.

[0248] In principle, it is possible to design more than one of the illustrated components of the logistics system to be able to interact with the user component 5351, but it is particularly appropriate if at least one of the components is a warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0249] Another component of the logistics system with which the user interface integration takes place is preferably a mobile warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 adapted to distribute and / or receive parcels.

[0250] Delivery of parcel to recipient5160 In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the processing operations and processing units shown in column 5160 comprise means for delivery of the parcel to the recipient.

[0251] As explained above, the notification component 5027 sends the following information to, for example, the recipient of the parcel, requesting collection of the parcel: -------- "Mr. Muller, You can collect your parcel from the parcel mover arranged for you at PhilipsstraBe 8,52068 Aachen until 9pm today. Find out the fastest route to your parcel here. Your Parcel Moving Team"

[0252] The delivery of parcels located in the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 to the recipient, also referred to herein as delivery, can be controlled directly by the user APP 5021, 5022. Furthermore, the authentication of the recipient is preferably performed by an authentication module.

[0253] This is possible, for example, if the recipient, who is a user of the app, has already set up the delivery process to begin by approaching the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0254] To facilitate authentication of the user, it is appropriate to provide an authentication module 5262 for exchanging authentication information with the recipient's user components 5351 and / or apps, in particular user apps 5021, 5022.

[0255] Alternatively or additionally, the user may be identified using biometric information.

[0256] The authentication module 5262 preferably interacts with the control component 5012 and / or the local control units 5170, 5171.

[0257] The recipient's proximity to the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 can be determined by various positioning systems, including satellite-based positioning systems, and location via mobile networks, WLAN, and / or NFC, with such location methods allowing for location accuracy in the centimeter range.

[0258] As soon as the recipient approaches the corresponding warehouse facility, for example within a short-range radius of 5 m to 50 m, preferably 10 m to 20 m, the warehouse facility registers it independently, for example via short-range wireless communication, and / or the control component 5012 of the logistics system registers it based on location information received from the recipient, the location information being determined, for example, using GPS data or positioning in a mobile communication network.

[0259] After the proximity of the recipient to the warehouse facility is detected, its user app 5021, 5022 and / or user component receives a notification. After receiving this notification, the user app 5021, 5022 and / or user component switches to a different, specifically activated, operating state. This can also be done standalone by the warehouse facility or via the logistics system, preferably the control component 5012 of the logistics system.

[0260] Preferably, the recipient receives a prompt from the user app 5021, 5022 and / or user component asking whether they wish to immediately retrieve the parcel from the warehouse facility. If the recipient confirms the parcel retrieval request, they are asked to authenticate themselves via the app (e.g., via Touch ID or password entry, etc.). Authentication can also be performed standalone by the warehouse facility and / or the control component 5012 of the logistics system. If authentication is positive, the recipient is also located directly at the warehouse facility (e.g., within a distance of 2 meters) and is available to hand over the parcel, and the warehouse facility begins handing over the parcel.

[0261] The delivery of the aforementioned parcel is possible in particular if one or more of the aforementioned characteristics are met. - there are no other recipients of the parcel before the recipient of the parcel; - no parallel processing of parcels takes place in the warehouse facility; - Delivery units are available to deliver parcels at individual delivery points.

[0262] (Local) control unit 5170 for parcel delivery Particularly advantageous embodiments of processing operations and processing units, possibly in the area of ​​the local control unit, to enable delivery of the parcel are shown in column 5170 .

[0263] The control units 5170, 5171 control a plurality, preferably a large number, and even more advantageously all processing operations in the area of ​​a warehouse facility, especially if a warehouse facility is installed in the area of ​​the installation site.

[0264] Examples of processing operations controlled by the control units 5170, 5171 are as follows. - Use of warehouse facilities to store parcels; - Use of warehouse facilities for sorting parcels; - Use of warehouse facilities for picking parcels, - Use of warehouse facilities as sales facilities; - Control of transport processes in the warehouse facility area.

[0265] As an alternative to control by the user APP 5021, 5022, the delivery of parcels can also be controlled by local control units 5170, 5171 in the warehouse facility, which receive allocation information between parcels and recipients from the database 5023, as needed, and carry out the delivery taking into account the allocation information or authorization sent by the database 5023.

[0266] It is particularly advantageous to use the control units 5170, 5171 as local control units 5170, 5171 in the area of ​​the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, and in particular to design the local control units 5170, 5171 to control the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 so that parcel delivery is also possible independently of the control component 5012. This design of the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, each with a local control unit 5170, 5171, has the advantage that operation of the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, including parcel delivery and parcel handover, is preferably possible even if there is no data connection between the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and the control component 5012, for example.

[0267] Notification to the payee of the possibility of recovery by the payee may be given, in particular, when one of the following steps is reached: - Delivery of parcels to storage facilities, especially in the case of fixed storage facilities; - Launch of mobile storage facility transportation, including parcels; - Arrival at the designated location for the delivery of the mobile storage facility containing the parcel; - Information that parcels stored in warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 can be assigned to recipients.

[0268] Delivery of parcels at individual delivery points5175 Advantageous embodiments of processing operations for implementing and improving parcel delivery at individual delivery points are shown in column 5175.

[0269] There are several advantageous variations for delivering parcels to individual recipients at individual delivery points.

[0270] An advantageous variant is delivery to individual recipients at individual delivery points by the warehousing facility itself. Thus, after leaving the jointly optimized delivery point for delivery of multiple parcels to multiple recipients and / or from multiple storers, the warehousing facility can travel to different individual addresses in turn and perform delivery of one or more parcels there.

[0271] For the delivery of one or more parcels, it is possible to determine an individual delivery period and / or an individual delivery point by one of the selection methods disclosed in this application, in particular the method described for optimizing the delivery point.

[0272] It is advantageous to first determine the individual delivery periods and / or individual delivery points with a confidence interval that can be selected as needed, the confidence interval preferably relating to the individual delivery periods and / or individual delivery points that are agreed upon and / or communicated to the recipient.

[0273] A suitable embodiment of the present invention provides that, as soon as an individual delivery period and / or an individual delivery point can be agreed with the recipient with a minimum probability of, for example, at least 95%, preferably very close to 100%, the control component controls the processing operations so that delivery of the parcel at the individual delivery period and / or at the individual delivery point is carried out with a minimum probability. An equally advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that delivery of the parcel to the recipient can be carried out with a minimum probability of, for example, at least 95%, preferably very close to 100%, at the individual delivery period and / or at the individual delivery point. The recipient is then notified of the possibility of delivery. Preferably, the control component notifies the recipient by sending a notification of the possibility of delivery via the recipient's user component 5351 and / or APP, in particular the user APP 5021, 5022.

[0274] As an alternative or in addition to the notification indicated in the previous paragraph, it is advantageous for the user component 5351 and / or the app, in particular the user app 5021, 5022, to send a notification to each recipient at each delivery point immediately after arrival at the warehouse facility, informing the recipient of the possibility of immediate delivery. The delivery process is preferably similar to the process at the jointly optimized delivery point.

[0275] Another advantageous variant of delivery to individual recipients at individual delivery points is delivery by an autonomous delivery unit. It is also possible to use a transport unit as a delivery unit that can transport parcels between the warehouse facility and the individual delivery points in order to deliver the parcels to individual recipients.

[0276] Each recipient is notified of the immediate delivery option via the APP as soon as the delivery unit arrives at the respective delivery point. As soon as the recipient is authenticated in person in front of the delivery unit, the delivery unit releases the parcel for the recipient.

[0277] Request unit 5180 for delivery at individual delivery points According to a suitable further development of the invention, the processing operations and processing units shown in column 5180 comprise means for determining individual delivery points for individual recipients of the parcels and / or delivery of the parcel to the recipient and / or receipt of the parcel from the storehouse. This is carried out by request units 5180, 5281 for delivery of the parcel at the individual delivery points, in particular at the warehouse facility itself and / or within the territory of the warehouse facility by a delivery unit. This is particularly suitable for jointly optimized delivery points and / or delivery of parcels at individual delivery points for individual recipients and / or storehouses of the parcels. Delivery of parcels at individual delivery points can include both "doorway delivery" and delivery of parcels for a definable group of recipients and / or storehouses, in particular at individual delivery points.

[0278] In particular, the requesting units 5180, 5281 are preferably configured to interact with a user component 5351 and / or an APP, in particular a user APP 5021, 5022, via a user interface, in particular a request for parcel delivery. The user component 5351 is, for example, a smartphone, a smartwatch, or smart glasses. In particular, the user interface is designed to be able to transmit information that initiates parcel delivery and / or improves parcel delivery. Examples of information that can be transmitted include parcel identification characteristics, user identification characteristics, authentication data, and notification information.

[0279] In particular, it is advantageous to implement the request units 5180, 5281 as components of the logistics system 5020.

[0280] An example of the use of individual delivery points is a location in a warehouse facility that is set up so that parcels are delivered only to a definable group of recipients and / or consignees.

[0281] Preferably, the request units 5180, 5281 initiate packet delivery at the respective delivery points.

[0282] Parcel Delivery5190 Advantageous embodiments of processing operations and processing units by the local control unit in the storage area of ​​parcels, article objects and returns, preferably enabling delivery of parcels, are shown in column 5190 .

[0283] These are several advantageous embodiments of processing operations, preferably processing units in the storage area of ​​parcels, article objects and returns by a local control unit to enable delivery of the parcels, as shown in column 5190.

[0284] It is also suitable to design a logistics system configured to perform a method for receiving a plurality of parcels from a plurality of storers, the method being characterized in that a jointly optimized delivery point for receiving from the storers within a specified delivery period is determined for the plurality of parcels from a plurality of spatially separated possible delivery points taking into account at least one effort parameter, and the receiving from the storers occurs at the designated joint delivery point within the intended delivery period.

[0285] Preferably, receiving the parcel represents delivery of the parcel to a warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and / or delivery to a delivery unit represents delivery to a logistics system.

[0286] It is particularly advantageous to design a logistics system to be configured to execute a method for delivery of a plurality of parcels to a plurality of recipients and receipt of a plurality of parcels from a plurality of storers, characterized in that for each delivery to a recipient and receipt from the storer within a specific delivery period, a jointly optimized delivery point is determined for the plurality of parcels from a plurality of possible spatially separated delivery points taking into account at least one effort parameter, and the delivery to the recipient and receipt from the storer take place at the assigned joint delivery point within the intended delivery period.

[0287] In the area of ​​the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 it is advantageous to carry out one or more of the following processing operations: - 5291, individual storage of goods objects from the sender; - 5292, specifically the "true" first mile as delivery of a parcel to a logistics system for performing one or more of the processing operations disclosed herein; - 5293, return transportation of parcels stored in warehouse facilities but not delivered at the jointly optimized delivery point within the delivery period.

[0288] It is advantageous to determine the extent to which storage locations in warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 are not filled by packages assigned by the control component 5012 for delivery at the respective delivery points of warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, and use these empty storage locations for storage and delivery of item objects, also referred to in the context of this application as parcels, including storage of returns or "genuine first mile shipments" by / at warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0289] The warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 may also be configured such that storage locations not provided for local delivery to the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 in the area of ​​the delivery point are communicated to the local control units 5170, 5171 and / or control component 5012 for storing parcels at the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0290] Warehouse facility returns and parcel pick-up 5195 It is particularly advantageous to minimize the number of parcels not transferred to recipients and instead transfer processing operations, particularly processing operations in the areas of warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, to as many parcels in warehouse facilities as possible, including the areas of warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, as possible, to recipients, including alternate recipients for parcels that would not otherwise be transferred.

[0291] It is particularly advantageous to include a recipient to whom the respective parcel is assigned only after one or more processing operations. In particular, it is appropriate to determine an alternative recipient for at least some of the parcels, in particular for parcels to which no recipient is assigned, so that delivery of the parcel to an alternative recipient takes place, in particular as a material object.

[0292] After the delivery period ends, in process step 5195 the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is transferred to a further delivery point or transfer unit 5130, 5336.

[0293] In processing step 5195, parcels not intended for delivery by the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 in a subsequent delivery period, particularly parcels not collected within the intended delivery period, or parcels intended for further transportation to a delivery gate, are removed from the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0294] Removal of parcels not intended for delivery by the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 in a subsequent delivery period is preferably performed by automated handling processes 5296, 5396.

[0295] Delivery of material objects Embodiments of the present invention include instances where parcels containing items of goods, referred to herein as parcels, are held in warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and are simply transferred to the parcel recipient immediately upon purchase of the respective parcel.

[0296] The present invention also encompasses different approaches to handling different parcels, in particular the fact that, as indicated above, when each order is placed, some of the parcels are already assigned to recipients, and parcels are assigned to recipients at a later point in time.

[0297] This allows for an accelerated ordering procedure for the parcel and / or the recipient, in the sense that the parcel is already on the transport route before it is actually ordered.

[0298] However, the present invention also includes advantageous embodiments in which the link between the parcel and the recipient is made independently of the order processing, or a parcel whose transportation has already begun or which is on the transportation route to the recipient or delivery point or which is located at a warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is linked to delivery information for controlling delivery to another recipient. This recipient may not only be the recipient entered into the ordering system via an interface, but also a subsequent purchaser, including, for example, the person who first executes at least one component of a purchase transaction or a direct, spontaneous purchase at a warehouse facility within the collection area of ​​the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0299] It is possible to maintain any items ready for delivery as parcels to recipients at the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, both for recipients to whom the respective items are already assigned during or before storage at the respective storage facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, and also for items that are kept in a ready state, assigned to recipients after storage at the warehouse facilities and, in some cases, only immediately prior to delivery.

[0300] The present invention is suitable for use both with personalized parcels, in which parcels with predefined contents are sent to a predefined recipient, and for use in the delivery of goods, particularly bulk goods containing such goods, whereby there is no defined recipient before or during storage, and possibly even during delivery, but rather a person not previously identified can also be the recipient, for example in embodiments of warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 as sales facilities.

[0301] To enable the delivery of goods, it is advantageous to transport the goods as goods objects, preferably using a warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 according to the present invention. During the delivery of the goods objects, multiple parcels can be provided in one storage location depending on the respective dimensions of the goods objects. In such applications, it is appropriate to use as parcel identification characteristics product codes already applied to a large number of goods objects or codes already used and applied by the sender.

[0302] Furthermore, parcels containing interchangeable items, especially items that are produced multiple times with the same characteristics, can be assigned to a recipient, preferably a preferred recipient, e.g., a purchaser, during the transportation process to the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 or only within the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0303] The warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 may be a component of an ordering system and may include input means for identifying one or more item objects. This or these item objects are combined into parcels, each of which typically contains one or more item objects. Providing one or more item objects as a parcel also includes the case where the item objects themselves are the respective shippers of the parcels. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide near-contactless or completely contactless parcel handling during sorting at the distribution center in the recipient's destination area and during the last mile to the recipient, thereby eliminating the need for repackaging of the item objects in many cases.

[0304] Mobile Warehouse Facility Figure 6 6 shows a top view of a horizontal section of a logistics vehicle with at least two shelves. According to the present invention, the loading space of the warehouse facility 830 has the following internal configuration: On each of the two long sides, storage units (shelving units) 1048 for storing parcels are arranged. Exemplary designs of storage units are shown in Figures 7a to 7d. Storage units (shelving units) that can be reconfigured at any time are particularly advantageous, and automatically configurable storage units (shelving units) are even more advantageous. Pusher units 1045, 1046 for moving parcels from the storage units (shelving units) 1048 to transport units 1041 are arranged between the respective storage units (shelving units) 1048 and the outer surface of the loading space of the warehouse facility 830. The transport units 1041 transport the parcels 1044 along guide rails 1047 to a delivery gate 1049.

[0305] In the case of delivery of the package by the sender via delivery gate 1049, transport unit 1041 transports package 1044 to a storage location in storage unit 1041.

[0306] Figures 7a to 7d 7a to 7d each show advantageous compartment configurations of a shelving unit according to the present invention. The storage unit (shelving unit) is preferably located in a warehouse facility for storing parcels, for example, but may also serve as a storage unit installed in a distribution center for storing parcels, or as a storage unit for storing article objects in general, for example, FIG. 7a shows a layout with 63 small (30cm x 10cm x 50cm) compartments, 24 medium (35cm x 20cm x 50cm) compartments, and 12 large (35cm x 40cm x 50cm) compartments for a total of 99 compartments; FIG. 7b shows a layout with 55 small (30cm x 10cm x 50cm) compartments, 24 medium (20cm x 40cm x 50cm) compartments, and 12 large (40cm x 50cm) compartments for a total of 99 compartments; 7a-7d, the layout may have fixed compartment configurations such as those in FIG. 7b, which has a total of 91 compartments in the division, with 31 small (30cm x 10cm x 50cm) compartments, 32 medium (20cm x 40cm x 50cm) compartments, and 12 large (40cm x 40cm x 50cm) compartments; FIG. 7c, which has a total of 75 compartments in the layout, with 31 small (30cm x 10cm x 50cm) compartments, 32 medium (20cm x 40cm x 50cm) compartments, and 12 large (40cm x 40cm x 50cm) compartments; and FIG. 7d, which has a total of 69 compartments in the layout, with 31 small (30cm x 10cm x 50cm) compartments, 20 medium (20cm x 40cm x 50cm) compartments, and 18 large (40cm x 40cm x 50cm) compartments.

[0307] Figures 10 and 11 10 and 11 show an example embodiment of a storage unit 1410 according to the present invention, including a shelf unit and a pusher unit 1420 for moving parcels 1401 from shelves 1412, 1512. FIG.

[0308] The guide rail 1420 or 1520 guides another guide rail along a predetermined path, particularly in the horizontal (y-direction) and / or vertical (z-direction) directions, so that the slider 1430 is attached and can move along the entire side of the shelving unit.

[0309] The plunger 1435 is telescopically arranged on the pusher 1430 and is displaceable in the X direction so that the pusher 1430 can transport the parcel 1401 from the rack 1412, 1512, in particular onto a transport unit.

[0310] Alternatively and / or additionally, it may be suitable to equip the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 with one or more gripper arms, which are not shown for simplicity.

[0311] The gripper arm is preferably positioned inside the logistics vehicle and preferably has a length sufficient to carry out transport of parcels between storage locations at the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 and the delivery gates 1601 at the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, preferably including retrieval from the delivery gates 1601 and retrieval from storage locations at the warehouse facilities.

[0312] It is also advantageous to equip the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 with at least one gripper arm, preferably a gripper arm similar to that of a robot, in the area of ​​the chute.

[0313] In the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322, gripper arms may be used to perform and / or facilitate one or more or all of the following processing operations: - transporting parcels between the delivery gate 1601 and a storage location in the warehouse facility; - Carrying out and / or facilitating the storage of parcels in storage areas of warehouse facilities; - Performing and / or facilitating the retrieval of parcels from storage locations at warehouse facilities; - Transporting parcels between storage locations in the warehouse facility and the delivery gate 1601.

[0314] Preferably, the robot tool, preferably a gripper system, is attached to a gripper arm, in particular one or more suction grippers, also known as vacuum grippers. For example, a gripper system, in particular a vacuum gripper system, known from DE 19817426 A1 is adapted for this purpose. In particular, it is advantageous to use the measures described in this publication to monitor the gripping process using force sensors. This allows forces outside of the permissible range to be measured and used to change the control of the gripping process, so that corrections can be made if the parcel is gripped incorrectly.

[0315] Furthermore, it is expedient to equip the gripper arm with one or more sensor modules, in particular at least one force sensor, for measuring the force acting on the parcel being lifted, in particular on parcels 026, 1044, 1667, 1698 which are preferably designed as returnable boxes. Furthermore, it is advantageous to use a position sensor suitable for measuring the relative position or distance between the parcel and the gripper or for determining the start and end points of the movement.

[0316] Preferably, a flexible gripping device is used to pick up the parcels, as shown for example in DE 202007013673. This gripping device has a gripper with a multi-link frame, which is adapted according to the invention to allow better adaptation to the variable dimensions (shapes) of the parcels.

[0317] Transport Unit Figure 8 8 shows a perspective view of a transport unit according to the present invention. The transport unit supports the storage and retrieval of parcels to and from storage locations in a storage unit of a warehouse facility and transport to and from a delivery gate of the warehouse facility. The transport unit 1241 according to the present invention is guided on rails 1291 by wheels 1292 and is useful for use within a warehouse facility and / or within the confines of a transfer unit, for example.

[0318] The transport unit 1241 has a height-adjustable device 1293, exemplarily designed in the form of a hinge. The height-adjustable device 1293 is used for height-adjustable mounting of a transport platform 1294. The transport platform 1294 preferably has a conveyor belt for transporting the parcels. A light barrier sensor 1295 is used during the transfer of a parcel to and / or from the transport platform 1294 to verify whether the parcel is completely on the transfer platform 1294 and ready for transport or whether it has been completely transferred from the transfer platform 1294 to the unit being transferred.

[0319] Figure 9 9 shows a top view of a transport unit according to the present invention, where a transfer platform 1394 preferably has a conveyor belt for transporting parcels. The conveyor belt can be used to transport parcels, for example, to and / or from the transfer platform to a storage location in a warehouse facility. A light barrier sensor 1395 is used during parcel delivery to and / or from the transfer platform 1394 to verify that the parcel is complete and ready for transport on the transfer platform 1394 or has been fully transferred from the transfer platform 1394 to the unit where the delivery is being made.

[0320] Figure 12a, Figure 12b In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least each of the warehouse facilities 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322 is configured to allow transport units to move therein and / or be controlled therein to perform and / or facilitate each of several or all of the subsequent processing operations. - transporting parcels between the delivery gate 1601 and a storage location in the warehouse facility; - Carrying out and / or facilitating the storage of parcels at storage locations in warehouse facilities; - Performing and / or facilitating the retrieval of parcels from storage locations at warehouse facilities; - Transporting parcels between storage locations in the warehouse facility and the delivery gate 1601.

[0321] The transport unit 1641 according to the invention shown in Figures 12a and 12b is guided on rails and is useful for use, for example, in warehouse facilities and / or in the area of ​​transfer units.

[0322] The transport unit 1641 has a height-adjustable device 1693, exemplarily designed in the form of a hinge. The height-adjustable device 1693 is used for height-adjustable mounting of a transfer platform 1694. The transfer platform 1694 preferably has a conveyor belt for transporting parcels, for example, parcel 1667 shown by way of example in FIG. 12a. The conveyor belt can support the transport of the parcels 1667, for example, to the transfer platform and / or from the transfer platform to a storage location in the warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322.

[0323] The transfer platform 1694 is preferably rotatably mounted, which makes it easier, for example, for the transfer platform 1694 to pick up parcels from the conveyor belt of the transfer unit 5336 and / or, preferably after rotation of the transfer unit 5336, to transfer the parcels to storage locations in storage units at the warehouse facility.

[0324] Transport unit 1641 represents a preferred embodiment of transport units 1041, 1241, 1641 shown in this application.

[0325] The transport unit 1641 may also be used as a delivery unit, which may transport parcels between the warehouse facility and individual delivery points for delivery of the parcels to individual recipients and / or from individual storers.

[0326] delivery overview For delivery of the item object to a recipient, the parcel containing the item object is first removed from a storage location at the warehouse facility and transported to the transfer platform 1694 of the transport unit 1641 and then transported to the delivery gate 1601. Alternatively and / or additionally, removal of the parcel from a storage location at the warehouse facility can be facilitated by use of a pusher unit 1420 shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0327] Preferably, delivery of the at least one item object contained in the parcel is performed by the recipient of the item object retrieving and making it available to them. Alternatively, the item object may be transferred to an item lock as a transfer lock.

[0328] Figure 12(c and d) 12c and 12d show a principle diagram of the delivery of the goods objects contained in the parcel 1698 in the area of ​​the delivery gate during delivery to the recipient 5160 and during local delivery 5190.

[0329] Delivery gate 1601 is used for delivery of parcels, which may include the transfer of a parcel from a storage unit at a warehouse facility to a recipient and / or receipt of a parcel from a sender and subsequent storage of the parcel in a storage unit within the warehouse facility.

[0330] After the recipient removes the parcel, the delivery gate 1601 closes again. The transport unit 1641 approaches the delivery gate 1601 and uses the light barrier to check whether there is a parcel at the delivery gate 1601. In the operational state of the delivery gate 1601 shown in FIG. 12c, the light barrier 1696 reports that there is no longer a parcel in the delivery gate. In this way, the delivery is successfully completed. Preferably, the parcel custodian, in particular the parcel sender, receives a delivery notification of the successful delivery, in particular of the successful delivery of the parcel to the recipient. If the parcel is not assigned to an individual recipient, which is the case, for example, when the parcel is a material object, the custodian preferably receives a notification of the fact that the parcel has been successfully delivered.

[0331] When a parcel or other item is within the release gate 1601, the warehouse facility and / or system checks whether the parcel recipient is still in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse facility. If the parcel recipient is still in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse facility, the recipient is immediately contacted via the app and asked whether they would like to retrieve the parcel. If the recipient does not respond or says no, the parcel is returned by the transport unit and / or gripper arm to one of the storage locations at the warehouse facility, preferably the storage location from which the parcel was retrieved.

[0332] Returning the parcel to one of the storage locations at the warehouse facility is advantageous even if the recipient is not in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse facility.

[0333] In a preferred embodiment, the system preferably notifies the shipper in parallel so that the shipper can contact the recipient and / or assign the parcel to another recipient.

[0334] If the recipient is still in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse facility and requests a new delivery, the delivery unit will open after the recipient has been authenticated accordingly.

[0335] reusable containers Figure 13 Figure 13 shows a particularly preferred parcel from the prior art for delivery. It shows an exemplary reusable container from patent application EP 3865417. Such or similar reusable containers are treated as parcels for the purposes of this application and are particularly suitable for carrying out the method in Figure 1.

[0336] Assigning parcels to recipients based on recipient attributes In a conventional parcel processing system, a parcel processing operation provides transportation of parcels from a fixed sender to one or more predetermined recipients. This is also possible with the processing operations presented in this application, The processing operations presented as advantageous in the present application allow for flexible allocation of parcels to recipients and / or delivery points, whereby it is particularly advantageous to flexibly allocate final recipients and / or final delivery points which can be selected in particular from the jointly optimized delivery points to the final recipients and as individual delivery points for the individual recipients presented in the present application.

[0337] Figure 14 FIG. 14 shows a conceptual diagram of a particularly preferred use of parcel identification characteristics and recipient attributes in a method for delivery of multiple parcels from multiple shippers to multiple recipients by a logistics system, in particular where the logistics system performs at least one processing action on the parcels using a parcel identification code assigned to each of the parcels.

[0338] Preferably, the recipient attributes disclosed herein serve to identify the intended recipient of each parcel, so that in this embodiment of the invention it is advantageous to vary the ratio of fixed recipient attributes assigned to each parcel and variable recipient attributes assigned in each case, thereby allowing individual, multiple or all pieces of information that can identify the recipient to be used as recipient attributes, thus allowing various allocations of parcels to recipients, as shown by way of example below, in particular with reference to Figure 14. - A fixed recipient when the parcel is mailed, - the recipient selected after the parcel has been sent; - a definable final recipient during the parcel's stay in the warehouse facility, in particular: Members of certain user groups, especially priority user groups; · A recipient willing to pay the specified fee for the parcel; A definable purchaser, and · Any purchaser, especially in the case of direct sales.

[0339] In the prior art, a shipper must select a parcel identification code for each parcel from a non-public number range specified by the logistics service provider, fully specify the parcel's destination address, and apply both the parcel identification code and information about the destination address in one or more codes specified by the logistics service provider (e.g., barcodes, data matrix codes, or 2D codes) on a label designed according to the logistics service provider's specifications. Other information, such as priority handling or special services such as collection at the time of pick-up or delivery, must also be applied to the label according to fixed rules. Logistics systems that can be used for this purpose can be designed with more flexibility. - Original parcel identification characteristics freely selected by the sender, such as customer number, purchase order number or invoice number, can be used as parcel identification codes or components of parcel identification codes, either individually or in combination of at least two characteristics, and do not have to be applied to the label in the form of a special code; for example, any characteristic, in particular an alphanumeric characteristic permanently linked to the parcel and communicated in the pre-shipment data, would suffice for an individual parcel after standard instructions for multiple parcels have been sent to the logistics system. - Destination addresses (especially addresses of recipients, logistics nodes, jointly optimized delivery points, or individual delivery points) do not need to be fully specified, including postal code, city, street, and house number, in the data or parcel before transmission. Preferably, the shipper either specifies the final recipient on the data record and / or parcel by providing appropriate information (e.g., email address or mobile phone number), or the shipper first specifies only individual recipient address attributes that enable the parcel to be transferred to a specific processing unit and then specifies the final recipient. - Other information, for example information about special services such as priority handling or collection at the time of delivery or distribution, can be specified in the pre-shipment data and / or in any form of parcel that can be processed by the logistics system.

[0340] Preferably, the pre-transmission data of the parcel is a component of the digital twin of the parcel and enables the creation of the digital twin of the parcel.

[0341] It is advantageous for a parcel shipper to define rule instructions for multiple parcels, particularly for all of the shipper's parcels delivered to the logistics system within a processing period, or for all of the shipper's parcels delivered to the logistics system, and transmit these rule instructions to the logistics system in method step 4602. The rule instructions determine which original parcel identification characteristics physically attached to the parcel and readable, or which original parcel identification characteristics physically attached to the parcel and readable of each individual parcel delivered by the shipper, should be considered to form the parcel identification code assigned to each individual parcel.

[0342] The original package identification characteristics of each package delivered by the shipper are associated with the individual package, can be retrieved, and preferably transmitted by the shipper to the logistics system as data transmitted in advance of shipping in method step 4605. The data transmitted in step 4605 preferably includes information from the shipper regarding whether, and if so, by when, the shipper will authorize payment of a fee for temporary storage of the package during transit.

[0343] In method step 4610, a package identification code for an individual parcel is generated. The packet identification code for the parcel is generated taking into account at least one original parcel identification characteristic of the parcel, and in particular at least two original parcel identification characteristics of the parcel.

[0344] After method steps 4602 and 4605, it is advantageous to perform method step 4610. In method step 4602, a control component of the logistics system, particularly control component 5012 described with reference to FIG. 5, receives rule instructions from the shippers via an interface for receiving rule instructions from the shippers, the rule instructions from each shipper determining which original parcel identification characteristics physically connected to the parcel and readable, or which original parcel identification characteristics physically connected to the parcel and readable of each parcel delivered by the shipper, should be taken into account to form each parcel identification code assigned to each parcel. In subsequent method step 4605, the control component of the logistics system further receives information from the shipper regarding the parcels to be delivered, the information regarding the individual parcels including at least one original parcel identification characteristic of the parcel that corresponds to the rule instructions, thereby forming a parcel identification code in method step 4610 taking into account the original parcel identification characteristic. In at least one processing operation of the parcel, the presence of the original parcel identification characteristic is determined, whereby identification of the parcel is performed, and at least one subsequent processing operation of the parcel is performed taking into account the parcel identification code.

[0345] Prior art parcels and prior art item objects, such as the parcel shown as an example in FIG. 13, which can be used as reusable containers, can also be treated as parcels according to the present invention, taking into account the processing operations shown.

[0346] Suitably, the parcel identification code of the parcel is stored as a primary parcel identification characteristic, at least one secondary parcel identification characteristic different from the primary parcel identification characteristic is assigned to the parcel, and at least one processing operation of the parcel is performed using the secondary parcel identification characteristic, which in a particularly preferred embodiment includes one, several, or all of method steps 4615ff.

[0347] An advantageous further development of the invention provides that further information is assigned to the parcel as machine-readable data, in particular by using a digital twin. The assignment of machine-readable data, in particular a digital twin, is performed in particular in method step 4610. Examples of further information include dimensions, in particular the spatial dimensions of the parcel and / or the weight of the parcel, due date / time, penalties for late delivery, delivery costs, store and recipient information, material, fragility, and parameters of the required transportation of the parcel, e.g. a refrigerated truck for goods requiring refrigeration.

[0348] One particularly important piece of information is whether the parcel is a returnable box or not.

[0349] The present invention includes not only embodiments in which parcels are delivered to recipients, particularly by local logistics at or near the delivery location, but also embodiments in which at least some of the parcels are transported and / or processed within the logistics system by controlled transport and / or sorting routes after the parcel identification code has been determined and / or verified.

[0350] The processing of the parcel in processing step 4620ff is controlled taking into account the verification step 4615.

[0351] In verification step 4615, it is determined whether the sender of the parcel has determined the final recipient of the parcel. The transmission of the potential final recipient of the parcel is performed, for example, as part of the pre-transmission data in method step 4605. It is appropriate to specify the final recipient by at least one of the following information: - email address, - mobile number, - your complete mailing address, - Tax Identification Number, - Pension Insurance Number, - ID number, - Credit Card Number, - IBAN.

[0352] It is particularly advantageous to determine the ultimate recipient of the parcel at a later time so that verification step 4615 can be repeated if necessary. By using the process steps illustrated herein, and in particular the process steps illustrated with reference to Figure 14, it is possible to select, and if necessary change, the ultimate recipient of the parcel up until just before delivery of the parcel to the ultimate recipient.

[0353] The processing steps described herein may in particular be processing steps or verification steps.

[0354] If verification step 4615 determines that the final recipient of the parcel has been determined by the shipper, verification step 4620 verifies whether the final recipient is stored in the logistics system's recipient database 5032 to appropriately take into account the recipient's delivery preferences and / or location.

[0355] In an advantageous embodiment, considering a recipient as the final recipient for final delivery of the parcel is performed by using at least one warehouse facility 830, 5242, 5243, 5321, 5322. In particular, if the warehouse facility has sufficient information to authorize the final recipient, then in method step 4690, final delivery to the final recipient can be enabled.

[0356] If verification step 4620 determines that the recipient of the parcel is stored in the logistics system and / or a processing unit of the logistics system, in particular in recipient database 5032, with at least one delivery preference, verification step 4621 may first check whether there are any instructions from the sender of the parcel regarding limiting the recipient's delivery preferences. If there are no instructions from the sender limiting the recipient's delivery preference selection, the parcel is processed in method step 4625, which may consist of multiple individual processing steps, according to the sent and / or stored recipient's delivery preferences.

[0357] In method step 4630, a check is made to determine whether an instruction to change the final recipient has been received from the sender. If there is an instruction to change the final recipient from the sender, further control of the processing of the parcel is performed taking into account the verification and / or processing operations indicated from verification step 4615. If there is no instruction, the parcel is provided by a final processing unit, e.g., a warehouse facility or a delivery unit, for delivery to the recipient in processing step 4690. In particular, after successful authentication, e.g., by user app 5021, 5022 or user component 5351, the user is authorized as the final recipient to retrieve the parcel from the warehouse facility, among other things.

[0358] At periodic intervals, e.g., at the end of each day, verification step 4690a follows, in which it is determined whether the parcel is still at the warehousing facility by virtue of not having been released to the ultimate recipient. If the parcel is still at the warehousing facility, verification step 4690b follows, in which the shipper or recipient is asked whether they have authorized payment of a fee for further storage at the warehousing facility. If payment of the fee is authorized, the parcel remains at the warehousing facility until release occurs, in accordance with processing step 4690. If such authorization is not granted, the parcel is returned to the shipper, in accordance with processing step 4690c.

[0359] If in verification step 4620 it is determined that the final recipient previously communicated in method step 4615 is not stored in the logistics system's recipient database 5032, a further verification step 4626 verifies whether the parcel itself, in particular in the form of information physically connected to the parcel (in particular a "printed" RFID transponder) or in the form of supplementary information about the parcel, for example as part of the parcel's digital twin, has a complete address or whether the complete address can be determined using the supplementary information.

[0360] If verification step 4626 determines that a complete recipient address can be determined, the package is processed in processing step 4628 according to the sender's address information.

[0361] If the complete recipient address cannot be determined in verification step 4626, intermediate storage of the parcel is performed in method step 4629. The recipient is then queried regarding the recipient's delivery preferences using recipient attributes that allow the recipient to be contacted, such as an email address or a mobile phone number.

[0362] In verification step 4629a, the logistics system verifies whether the recipient has submitted corresponding delivery settings. If the recipient has submitted corresponding delivery settings, the parcel is processed according to the recipient's delivery settings in processing step 4625. If the recipient has not submitted delivery settings, the shipper is contacted in processing step 4629b and the shipment is temporarily held in a processing unit in accordance with processing step 4648.

[0363] A verification step 4648a may suitably ascertain whether the sender has authorized payment of the fee due for temporary storage of the parcel within the processing unit.

[0364] If the sender does not provide this authorization, or if the period authorized by the sender for temporary storage of the package has expired, the package is returned to the sender in processing step 4690c.

[0365] If the shipper grants this authorization and the authorized period for temporary storage of the package has not been exceeded, a confirmation step 4649 determines whether the shipper has submitted additional and / or new recipient address attributes.

[0366] If the sender has not sent additional recipient address attributes that were not previously available when verification step 4649 is performed, the parcel continues to be temporarily stored in the processing unit in processing operation 4648 until the sender sends additional recipient address attributes or the period of time announced by the sender for temporary storage of the parcel has elapsed.

[0367] For verification step 4648a, it is appropriate to check whether the sender has authorized the payment of the fee due for temporary storage of the parcel at the processing unit.

[0368] If the shipper has sent additional recipient address attributes, a validation step 4650 checks whether the additional recipient address attributes sent allow for the identification of the ultimate recipient.

[0369] If the other recipient address attributes transmitted allow identification of the ultimate recipient, the system branches to verification step 4620 .

[0370] If the additional recipient address attributes transmitted do not allow for sufficient identification of the ultimate recipient, the system branches to process step 4640 for transport to a processing unit determined by the supplemented recipient address attributes.

[0371] Following processing step 4640, a verification step 4645 is performed in which a check is performed to determine if the sender has authorized the direct sale of the package. If the sender has authorized the direct sale of the package, processing step 4690 involves the release of the package to the purchaser of the package as the ultimate recipient.

[0372] Preferably, the identification of the final recipient includes not only uniquely identifiable authorized final recipients, as in verification step 4620, but also the identification of final recipients who fulfill at least one prerequisite for delivery of the parcel. For example, a prerequisite or further prerequisite for delivery of the parcel is payment of money. Thus, in processing step 4690, it is also possible to consider recipients who may pay money immediately prior to final delivery of the parcel, or parcel recipients who prove to belong to a user group and are otherwise unidentifiable, as final recipients for final delivery of the parcel recipient.

[0373] At regular intervals, such as the end of each day, verification steps 4690a and 4690b follow, which determine whether the parcel is still at the warehousing facility because delivery to the ultimate recipient has not yet occurred, and, if the parcel is still at the warehousing facility, whether the shipper or recipient has authorized payment of a fee. If authorization for payment of the fee has been granted, the parcel remains at the warehousing facility until delivery occurs in accordance with processing step 4690. If such authorization is not granted, the parcel is returned to the shipper in accordance with processing step 4690c.

[0374] If verification step 4645 determines that the sender does not authorize direct sale of the parcel, a further verification step 4648a is performed in which it is determined whether the sender has authorized payment of the fee payable for temporary storage of the parcel in the processing unit.

[0375] If the sender does not approve, the package is returned to the sender in process step 4690c.

[0376] If the shipper grants this approval, a verification step 4649 follows, which determines whether the shipper has sent any other recipient address attributes that were not previously available.

[0377] If verification step 4649 is performed, and the sender has not sent additional recipient address attributes that were not previously available, the parcel is temporarily stored in the processing unit in processing operation 4648 until the sender sends additional recipient address attributes or the time period approved by the sender for temporary storage of the parcel has elapsed. Again, verification step 4648a verifies whether the sender has approved the fee for further temporary storage. If approval has not been given, the parcel is returned according to processing step 4690c.

[0378] If the shipper has sent additional recipient address attributes, a validation step 4650 verifies whether the additional recipient address attributes sent can identify the ultimate recipient.

[0379] If the final recipient can be identified by the other recipient address attributes sent, the system branches to verification step 4620 .

[0380] If the transmitted further recipient address attributes do not allow the identification of the final recipient, processing step 4640 is performed again, which may consist of several individual processing steps, i.e., further transportation and / or other processing of the parcel, until the parcel arrives at a node of the logistics system, in particular at a processing unit determined by the further recipient address attributes. The parcel is then processed according to the method steps 4645 to 4690 already described.

[0381] Verification step 4615 branches to a further verification step 4635 as an alternative to processing step 4620 if the shipper has not specified an ultimate recipient, particularly if this occurs after processing step 4610 .

[0382] A validation step 4635 determines whether the shipper has assigned a recipient address attribute to the package, but has not assigned an ultimate recipient.

[0383] If the sender has assigned a recipient address attribute to the parcel, further transportation and / or other processing of the parcel occurs in processing step 4640, which may consist of multiple individual processing steps, until the parcel arrives at a node in the logistics system, in particular a processing unit determined by the recipient address attribute. Processing step 4640 is followed by the further processing steps described above.

[0384] If verification step 4635 determines that the sender has not assigned recipient address attributes to the parcel, the parcel continues to be temporarily stored in the processing unit in processing operation 4648 until the sender submits additional recipient address attributes or until the period announced by the sender for temporary storage of the parcel has elapsed.

[0385] Following processing step 4648, further processing steps as described above are performed.

[0386] Figure 15 Figure 15 illustrates a procedure for delivery of a parcel to a customer, the ultimate recipient. In particular, Figure 15 illustrates processing steps for local mailing and delivery of a parcel within the location of a warehouse facility or the area affected by a warehouse facility. In particular, this is a local logistics implementation in which at least a portion of the parcel is delivered to the recipient at or near the mailing location. The recipient is in particular a purchaser of goods and / or services. The service includes in particular the processing of the parcel or the contents of the parcel, for example by cleaning or repairing items, including the parcel, that can be used as a reusable container.

[0387] The store owner may deliver to a delivery unit rather than a warehouse facility, or delivery to the recipient may occur via the delivery unit.

[0388] The various exemplary allocations of parcels to recipients shown in Figure 15 also illustrate, in particular, the advantageous use of recipient attributes disclosed in the present application to identify each intended recipient of a parcel; in this embodiment, it is also appropriate to vary the proportion of fixed and variable recipient attributes assigned to each parcel in each case, and it is possible to use individual, multiple, or all information that can identify a recipient as a recipient attribute, which allows, in particular, various allocations of parcels to recipients such as: - A fixed recipient when the parcel is posted, - the recipient selected after the parcel has been posted, - the final recipient, determinable during the parcel's stay in the warehouse facility, in particular Members of certain user groups, especially priority user groups; · A recipient willing to pay the specified fee for the parcel; A definable purchaser; and · Any purchaser, especially in the case of direct sales.

[0389] In method step 4701, one or more parcels are prepared for delivery and executed. In particular, the parcels are stored either directly at a warehousing facility or via a delivery unit, for example, within an affected area of ​​the warehousing facility.

[0390] In process step 4701, the parcel is prepared for delivery to the logistics system, and in particular to a warehouse facility of the logistics system. Preparation for delivery includes, in particular, recording the following information: - identification of the shipper, - recording the dimensions of the parcel, and - Indication of the maximum storage period, which may vary depending on the approval of payment of fees for storing parcels in particular warehouse facilities.

[0391] In particular, the storage period refers to the period of storage of the parcel, and therefore the storage period is the period disclosed in the present application, in particular the period as shown in FIG.

[0392] A preferred preparation for storing a parcel is characterized in that the storer, in particular a local storer, opens a user app 4701a, 5021, 5022, preferably having the characteristics described in paragraphs 5021, 5022, and enters the shipment data or obtains a code that may contain, for example, the shipment data and / or information for paying a fee for storage. For example, the storer may enter: A) at least one parcel identification characteristic for identifying the parcel, in particular the original parcel identification characteristic; or B) At least two original parcel identification characteristics to identify the parcel; or C) non-specific data about each parcel; D) Parcel recipient / collector; E) commission paid.

[0393] It is particularly advantageous if the user apps 4701a, 5021, 5022 support the detection of dimensions of the parcel. In particular, if the user apps 4701a, 5021, 5022 are installed on a mobile user unit, such as a smartphone, a smartwatch or smart glasses, it is advantageous for the mobile user unit to record at least one dimension of the parcel and transmit these recorded dimensions to a processing unit of the logistics system, in particular a delivery unit located within a warehouse facility or an area affected by the warehouse facility.

[0394] Determining parcel identification characteristics and / or determining parcel identification codes is possible but not necessary, especially in local logistics embodiments where parcels are not transported between different processing units but in particular remain within a warehouse facility.

[0395] In particular, if a parcel identification code is recorded and / or created to enable the option of transporting the parcel to a further processing unit, it is advantageous if the shipper's user app 4701a, 5021, 5022 or the processing unit of the logistics system is configured to be able to create a parcel identification code that identifies the parcel.

[0396] In particular, when parcels are stored directly in a warehouse facility or in an area affected by a warehouse facility, it is particularly advantageous if the storer scans each parcel in variants A), B) and C) and records a parcel identification characteristic, in particular a parcel identification code. Preferably, at least one parcel identification characteristic, in particular at least one dimension of the parcel, is recorded by scanning the parcel.

[0397] Parcels can be scanned, for example, using the store's user app 4701a, 5021, 5022 or via a scanning device at the warehouse facility.

[0398] It is also possible to set a purchase price for a parcel or define rules for calculating the purchase price.

[0399] A further development of the present invention to deter tampering, which is optionally possible but not required, is that once the parcel is no longer physically removable from the warehouse facility (in particular by closing the flap of the delivery gate), the parcel is photographed or scanned by one or more suitable devices at the warehouse facility to document the transfer of risk. Alternatively, the storer receives confirmation of delivery and / or storage after the parcel "contacts" the transport unit or is deposited at a storage location at the warehouse facility.

[0400] Following processing step 4701, a verification step 4705 determines whether the storer has designated an ultimate recipient, in particular an ultimate purchaser. If the storer has designated an ultimate recipient for the parcel, a verification step 4770 verifies whether the ultimate recipient, in particular the purchaser, has already paid for the goods. If not, the parcel is processed according to processing step 4750 and subsequent processing steps described below. If verification step 4770 indicates that the ultimate recipient, in particular the purchaser, has paid for the goods, the logistics system control component 5012 then verifies in a subsequent verification step 4710 whether the designated ultimate recipient, in particular the purchaser of the goods, is in the recipient database.

[0401] If the designated ultimate recipient, particularly the purchaser of the goods, is in the recipient database, the parcel is temporarily stored in processing step 4715 and made available for delivery to the designated ultimate recipient, particularly the purchaser of the goods.

[0402] The parcel is delivered in method step 4715, inter alia, by temporarily storing and delivering the parcel in a warehouse facility, which in a suitable embodiment is the same warehouse facility to which the storer previously delivered the parcel.

[0403] Alternatively, the stored parcels may be transported by the logistics service provider (manually or by a delivery unit) from the warehouse facility where the storer stored the parcel to another warehouse facility, and then delivered by this warehouse facility to the ultimate recipient.

[0404] Processing step 4715 is followed by verification step 4715a, which includes, among other things, verifying whether the ultimate recipient will initiate delivery of the parcel during the maximum storage period for the parcel at or within the affected area of ​​the warehousing facility.

[0405] If the ultimate recipient initiates delivery of the parcel during the maximum parcel storage period, processing step 4753 is performed. Delivery to the ultimate recipient is authorized and carried out.

[0406] If verification step 4715a determines that the ultimate recipient of the parcel has not initiated delivery of the parcel or has not visited the warehouse facility during the maximum storage period, verification step 4715b verifies whether the storer or ultimate recipient is willing to pay a fee for further storage or has paid a fee for further storage of the parcel in the meantime.

[0407] If verification step 4715b determines that no one, in particular the parcel keeper or the parcel's ultimate recipient, is willing to pay the fee for further storage or has not paid the fee for further storage of the parcel in the meantime, then the parcel keeper is requested to retrieve the parcel, in particular to remove it from the warehouse facility, in accordance with processing step 4715c, or the parcel is returned to the keeper, possibly for an additional fee.

[0408] If verification step 4710 determines that an entry corresponding to the ultimate recipient does not exist in the logistics system's recipient database, a further verification step 4720 verifies whether the custodian has provided contact details for the ultimate recipient.

[0409] If the custodian has provided the ultimate recipient's contact details (e.g., mobile phone number, email address), it is appropriate for the logistics system to send the authentication code and / or authorization code directly to the ultimate recipient in processing step 4725.

[0410] Following processing step 4725, it may be appropriate for the logistics system to temporarily store the parcel in a storage unit, in particular a warehouse facility, in processing step 4715. Further processing of the parcel then occurs according to processing steps 4715a, 4715b, 4715c, 4753 described above.

[0411] If it is determined in verification step 4720 that the custodian has not provided contact data for the ultimate recipient or is not able to send the authentication code and / or authorization code to the ultimate recipient via the provided contact data of the ultimate recipient, e.g., due to inaccuracy of the ultimate recipient's contact data, the authentication code and / or authorization code is sent to the custodian in processing step 4730, who can send it, e.g., to the ultimate purchaser as the ultimate recipient or to another ultimate recipient. The ultimate recipient can use the authentication code and / or authorization code in processing step 4753 to release the parcel at the warehouse facility.

[0412] If verification step 4705 determines that the custodian has not designated an ultimate recipient, then verification step 4740 determines whether the parcel can be sold to any purchaser as a direct sale at the price specified by the custodian.

[0413] Direct sale means, inter alia, that the stored goods or parcels have not yet been assigned to a final recipient and can be purchased and removed by anyone upon payment of a determinable sales price (fee).

[0414] If the parcel is eligible for direct sale, then in process step 4745 the previously stored parcel is temporarily stored in a storage unit, particularly a warehouse facility.

[0415] A verification step 4745a then verifies whether the potential purchaser as ultimate recipient is willing to arrive at the location of the warehouse facility or within the area affected by the warehouse facility and purchase the parcel during the maximum storage period.

[0416] In processing step 4750, the potential purchaser is provided with at least one payment option, for example, by entering a code or financial information via PayPal®, Apple Pay®.

[0417] The monetary value information is obtained, for example, from the loading point. In a simple and equally suitable embodiment, a random number and a payment identification number are formed at the loading point. The merchant receives the string as the monetary amount for payment and then issues the string to the electronic commerce center to verify its validity and initiate the payment. The payment process described herein is performed, for example, by near-field communication (NFC), particularly in combination with a wallet and / or an app or browser designed for this purpose, for payment purposes. For example, a randomly generated pseudo-credit card number stored in the security module can be used for the payment transaction. It is appropriate for the device identification number of the device on which the user app 5021, 5022 is installed, or the user component 5351 of the user, particularly the parcel recipient, to be transmitted to the merchant during the payment transaction. In the collection area of ​​a warehouse facility, this is preferably done by near-field communication. However, the device identification number and / or monetary information can also be transmitted via an intranet or the Internet. The merchant transmits financial information, e.g., this number, to the payment service provider, which uses this information to verify whether the payment can be authorized and transmits the authorization to the merchant and / or the logistics system. Once authorization to pay is received, delivery of the parcel for which payment was to be made is announced and authorized in the presence of the recipient.

[0418] Following processing step 4750, a verification step 4752 verifies whether payment has been made. If verification step 4752 determines that payment has been made, then in action step 4753 delivery of the parcel to the purchaser as the final recipient is authorized either directly at the warehouse facility or, for example, via a delivery unit in the affected area of ​​the warehouse facility, and in processing step 4755 the storehouse is notified, and the storehouse receives the consideration (sales price), for example, by bank transfer or by credit note in a credit note system.

[0419] If verification step 4752 determines that payment has not been made, processing step 4745 and subsequent processing steps are performed again.

[0420] If verification step 4745a determines that the maximum storage period has expired without a potential purchaser / ultimate recipient purchasing the parcel, verification step 4761 is performed to determine whether the shipper or store owner has authorized payment of a fee for the extended storage period, after which further processing of the parcel is based on processing steps 4760, 4760a, 4760b, 4760c, as described below.

[0421] If verification step 4740 determines that the parcel is not available for direct sale because the store owner has not entered the amount for which the parcel can be sold, then the parcel is temporarily stored in processing step 4759, specifically by storing the parcel in a warehouse facility.

[0422] In a verification step 4760, the system periodically checks during the maximum storage period whether the storer has submitted any new information relevant for further processing of the parcel.

[0423] If verification step 4760 determines that the storer has not sent any new information relevant to the logistics system and / or warehouse facility for further processing of the parcel during the maximum storage period, verification step 4761 is performed.

[0424] A verification step 4761 verifies whether the custodian has authorized payment of a fee to extend the parcel storage period.

[0425] If the custodian approves payment of the fee to extend the storage period for the parcel, the parcel will be stored further according to processing step 4759 .

[0426] If the custodian is not willing to pay the fee for further storage, the custodian is asked to retrieve the parcel in processing step 4715c, or the parcel is returned as appropriate. Preferably, an additional fee is charged to return the parcel to the custodian.

[0427] If verification step 4760 determines that during the maximum storage period, the store owner has sent new information relevant for further processing of the parcel to the logistics system and / or warehouse facility, verification step 4760a is immediately performed. The system checks whether the new information from the shipper allows for direct sale. If so, further processing of the parcel is based on processing steps 4745, 4745a, 4750, 4752, 4753, 4755 described above.

[0428] If verification step 4760a determines that the new information from the shipper does not allow for a direct sale, verification step 4760b is performed immediately, which verifies whether the store owner has designated an ultimate recipient. If the store owner has designated an ultimate recipient, the parcel is further processed according to processing step 4770 and subsequent processing steps described above.

[0429] If verification step 4760b determines that the custodian has not indicated an ultimate recipient, the relevant new information for further processing of the parcel preferably includes information regarding the extended storage period. After receipt of this information in processing step 4760c, further processing of the parcel is carried out in accordance with processing step 4760 already described, and any further processing steps thereafter.

[0430] The embodiments shown herein are merely examples of the present invention and therefore should not be understood as limiting. Alternative embodiments conceived by those skilled in the art are equally encompassed by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A method for delivery of a plurality of item objects to a plurality of recipients, wherein said item objects are stored and / or transported in parcels, transferred in parcels to a warehousing facility, and then stored at said warehousing facility; the delivery device comprises storage units and at least one transport unit for supporting storage and retrieval of said parcels into and from storage locations of said storage units and for transport to and from the delivery device, said storage units being potentially flexibly adaptable storage units; at least some of said parcels are designed as reusable containers provided with individual identifiers, said reusable containers constituting outer packaging for said product objects, said product objects being removable from said parcels; the delivery device is adapted to make at least one product object contained in the parcel available to a first recipient for removal in each case for at least some of the parcels, the delivery of the product object being performed as a first delivery operation, the delivery device comprising means capable of preventing the delivery of the parcel; the means comprises a controllable holding or securing device for releasably securing parcels and preventing removal of the parcels, the parcels not delivered to the recipient of the item object remain within the warehouse facility, the parcels are filled with at least one further item object after the first delivery operation and used for a further delivery operation of the further item object to a further recipient, and the reusable container has a unique identifier linked to a parcel identification code; the reusable container provided with an identifier is provided with the first parcel identification code until a first delivery operation, and a processing operation of the reusable container as a parcel is initially performed taking into account the first parcel identification code; the identifier is transmitted to a control component of a logistics system as information regarding parcel identification characteristics; The control component further receives information regarding the recipient of each of the parcels; after delivery of the at least one item object contained in the reusable container, the previously established link between the reusable container with the identifier and the parcel identification code is retrieved by the control component of the logistics system; The reusable container provided with the identifier is linked to a second parcel identification code, and the further processing operations of the reusable container are carried out as a new parcel, taking into account the second parcel identification code.

2. A method as described in claim 1, wherein before or during at least one of the delivery operations, a parcel is made available to the recipient for retrieval, but delivery of the parcel is prevented, and a decision process is performed as to whether the parcel belongs to a part of the plurality of parcels that will not be delivered to the recipient, or whether the parcel belongs to a further part of the plurality of parcels that will be delivered to the respective recipient in the delivery operation.

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