Dynamic Parcel Locker Allocation With Local Lock ID Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compartment systems for mail delivery and collection are not efficiently scalable to accommodate larger groups of recipients, such as those in apartment buildings, without requiring each individual to purchase a parcel box, and lack dynamic allocation of compartments based on usage.
Innovation Solution
A compartment system with a control unit and lock control units that dynamically assign compartments to users by storing identifiers locally in lock control units, allowing for decentralized storage and dynamic allocation of compartments based on usage, enabling efficient delivery and collection for both small and large groups of recipients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a parcel box is assigned to each individual recipient, then each recipient can conveniently receive and collect shipments, but the system becomes expensive and impractical for large groups such as apartment building residents
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large group of recipients into smaller subgroups (e.g., apartment units or floors), each assigned a shared parcel box. This segmentation allows multiple recipients to utilize a single box through time-multiplexed access controlled by the control unit, reducing the total number of boxes needed while maintaining individual access convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
Each parcel box is designed to serve multiple recipients within its subgroup through the control unit's ability to grant access to multiple identifiers. The box transitions between serving different users at different times, making a single box universal for its subgroup rather than dedicated to one recipient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compartments are statically assigned to recipients, then each recipient has a dedicated space, but the system cannot efficiently adapt to varying usage patterns and compartment utilization becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic compartment allocation where the control unit can assign different compartments to different recipients based on real-time needs. When a recipient deposits an item, the control unit identifies an appropriate compartment (considering size, availability, and recipient preferences) and grants access temporarily. This dynamic approach allows compartments to be reused across different users and times, optimizing utilization while maintaining adaptability to varying usage patterns.
3Device complexity
If identifiers are stored centrally in the control unit, then management is simplified, but the system lacks decentralization and becomes a single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a hybrid architecture where the control unit maintains central management of identifier-compartment mappings, but each parcel box contains local storage for its assigned identifiers. This allows the system to benefit from both centralized coordination (for allocation and conflict resolution) and local redundancy (so individual boxes can still be accessed even if the control unit fails). The local storage in each box provides fault tolerance while the central control unit maintains management simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is, inter alia, a method comprising: obtaining a first identifier (LockID), which is associated with at least one person (93), on a control unit (7) of a compartment system which has, in addition to the control unit, a plurality of compartments provided with respective locks and has lock control units (8), each associated with a compartment, which lock control units are configured to communicate with the control unit (7); obtaining information, that a compartment of the plurality of compartments has been closed or that at least one package from the or for the person (93) has been placed in a compartment of the plurality of compartments and the compartment has been closed; and causing the first identifier (LockID) to be stored in the lock control unit associated with the compartment. Also disclosed is a method comprising: detecting, on a lock control unit that is associated with a compartment of a compartment system (1) which comprises a control unit (7), a plurality of compartments provided with respective locks, and lock control units (8) associated with the compartments, which lock control units are configured to communicate with the control unit (7), that the compartment has been closed or that at least one package from a or for a person (93) has been placed in the compartment and the compartment has been closed; transmitting at least one piece of information that identifies the lock control unit (8) to the control unit (7) if it has been detected that the compartment has been closed or that at least one package from a or for a person (93) has been placed in the compartment and the compartment has been closed; obtaining a first identifier (LockID), which is associated with at least one person (93), from the control unit (7); and storing the first identifier (LockID) in the lock control unit. Also disclosed are: a corresponding computer programme; corresponding devices, in particular a control unit (7) and a lock control unit (8); a compartment system (1) comprising such devices; and the use of such a compartment system (1).