Personal Storage Container Access Control for Multi-User ASRS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems lack secure methods to differentiate between different interaction areas and the persons accessing them, particularly in multi-user environments like apartment buildings, where personal storage containers need to be accessible only to the intended user.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program that uses a user identification system, inventory database, and interaction modules to control and secure the transfer of storage containers to specific interaction areas, ensuring only authorized users can access their personal items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an automated storage and retrieval system comprises a plurality of different interaction areas with access stations where storage containers can be accessed from the outside, then the system provides enhanced accessibility and user convenience, but it creates security vulnerabilities where unauthorized users may access storage containers not intended for them
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage facility into multiple segregated interaction areas, each associated with specific storage containers and accessible only to authorized users. The robot fleet is also segmented into multiple units, each responsible for specific zones, preventing unauthorized cross-access while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot acts as an intermediary between users and storage containers. Instead of direct user access to storage containers, users interact with the system through access stations that communicate requests to robots, which then physically retrieve and deliver containers to authorized interaction areas only.
2Productivity
If the system allows multiple users to access different interaction areas, then the system serves more users simultaneously, but it increases the complexity of controlling and securing access to specific storage containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated robot operation and intelligent routing. Users simply place orders through access stations, and the system automatically assigns robots, plans routes, and delivers containers without requiring manual intervention or complex user-side access control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple robot units share a common control system and database infrastructure, allowing the system to serve multiple users simultaneously through standardized protocols. The control system universally manages authentication, routing, and container tracking across all interaction areas without requiring separate control systems for each zone.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computer program product controls the transferring of a storage container for storing items by transferring the storage container via access station at an interaction area among a plurality of interaction areas of an automated storage and retrieval system. The storage container is linked to a user and items stored. The method performed by the computer program product includes specific modules performing different steps of the method. The modules include a user identification module processing user identification data and giving access to the system, a registration module registering items to be stored in an inventory database, a search module for searching for stored items in the inventory database, a presentation module presenting search results and items stored, and an execution module generating instructions that via a communication module is instructing a system controller of the automated storage and retrieval system to retrieve or store a specific storage container.